As the world is undoubtedly moving towards digital communication, handwritten letters are fast becoming a rare commodity. In fact, most people haven’t written a personal letter in years, as per a recent survey. Who has time for manual spell-check, stationery, and stamps nowadays? — a common justification for choosing the convenience of texts and emails. Yet, there’s a timeless allure to handwritten notes. And it’s premature to write off the importance of this kind of deliberate communication. 

What Makes Handwritten Letters So Special?

A Demonstration of Effort

Texts, social media messages, or emails are essentially costless. So, for one, handwritten letters mean more because they cost more. They show that you care – in more ways than the text inside. When you write a letter by hand, you invest time and thought, selecting words carefully, often pouring out genuine emotions onto the page. The effort put into handwriting a letter reflects the level of care and consideration beyond the simplicity of typing a message on a keyboard. It becomes a labor of love, an intentional expression.

A Personal Touch

Handwritten letters are a tangible expression of personal connection. Unlike the sterile uniformity of digital fonts, each pen stroke carries your unique personality. The slant of the letters, the pressure applied, and the choice of ink all contribute to a distinctive handwriting style as unique as a fingerprint. This personal touch is irreplaceable.

Emotional Resonance

Handwritten letters have an emotional resonance that digital messages often lack. The physicality of a letter makes it a keepsake, a tangible reminder of the sentiments shared between you and the recipient. Likewise, the tactile experience of receiving a handwritten letter and unfolding its pages can evoke a spectrum of emotions, from nostalgia and tenderness to excitement and joy.

A Reprieve from the Fast Pace

In a time that applauds swiftness, handwriting compels us to decelerate and focus on the present moment. As a call to slow down, the deliberate pace of handwriting enables more contemplative and purposeful communication. It also offers a therapeutic escape from the constant barrage of notifications and online distractions, allowing you to unplug from the digital world.

Tradition and History

Handwritten letters are not just personal artifacts. They are also pieces of living history. From love letters exchanged during wartime to correspondences between influential figures that shaped the course of nations, the art of writing letters has deep roots in human civilization. That’s why preserving this tradition is not just an exercise in nostalgia; it is a commitment to recognizing the cultural significance of handwritten communication. 

Photo by Duet Postcriptum | Bella Grace Issue 19

Tips for Writing Thoughtful Handwritten Letters

1. Choose the Right Stationery

The choice of stationery can elevate the overall experience of a handwritten letter. High-quality paper and envelopes add a touch of elegance to your correspondence. Choose paper that not only feels good to the touch but also reflects your style. Whether it’s classic parchment, textured cotton, or a modern, minimalist aesthetic, the stationery sets the tone for the entire letter. 

2. Put in the Time and Intention

Writing a handwritten letter is a deliberate act that requires time and intention. Set aside a quiet, distraction-free moment, and let your thoughts flow onto the paper. Take your time, be patient, and let the writing process be a meditative experience. The recipient will undoubtedly feel the sincerity and effort invested in every word.

3. Personalize with Details

Make your handwritten letter more meaningful by adding personal touches. Consider including a wax seal, pressed flowers, or hand-drawn doodles. These elements make each letter a one-of-a-kind creation. Also, mention specific memories, inside jokes, or shared experiences that will resonate with the recipient. Lastly, your handwriting is a personal and distinctive element that adds character to your letters, so embrace your unique handwriting style.

4. Experiment with Calligraphy

If you’re feeling adventurous, consider practicing calligraphy. Whether you opt for traditional or modern calligraphy styles, the elegant flourishes and artistic lettering can transform your handwritten letter into a work of art.

5. Embrace Imperfections

One of the beauties of handwritten letters lies in their imperfections. Embrace the occasional smudges, crossed-out words, and uneven lines as evidence of the letter’s authenticity. Perfection is not the goal. It’s the sincerity and effort that make the letter truly special.

Photo by Alvaro Serrano | Bella Grace Issue 16

Things to Tuck Inside a Letter

There is such joy in walking to the mailbox, opening it, and finding a handwritten letter from a friend or loved one inside. Imagine opening that letter and, in addition to the thoughtful note, noticing a tiny little treasure tucked inside. Have you ever considered what small, flat objects you can include in your letter?

1. Confetti 
2. Flower seeds
3. Photographs
4. Vintage postage 
5. Foreign currency with a beautiful design
6. Iron-on patches
7. Stickers
8.  Tea bags

Explore the rest of this list in Bella Grace Issue 32.

So, how long has it been since you last gave someone a handwritten letter?

Discover more ways to savor life’s simple joys, embrace mindful moments, and find inspiration in Bella Grace magazine.

The post The Beauty of Handwritten Letters first appeared on Bella Grace Magazine.

Journaling is a powerful method for fostering creativity and personal growth, not just for self-reflection. It provides a haven for expressing thoughts and emotions, setting objectives, and tracking progress. However, for many people, daily journaling can seem dull or daunting. To make daily journaling more enjoyable, here are 10 tips to help you get started and stay committed.

10 Journaling Tips for a Delightful Daily Habit 

1. Choose the Right Journal

One of the first steps to making daily journaling enjoyable is selecting the right journal. The type of journal you choose should resonate with you and suit your preferences. Consider factors like size, paper quality, binding, and design. Some prefer traditional leather-bound journals, while others may opt for digital journaling apps. Experiment with different options until you find one that feels comfortable and inspiring.

2. Set Realistic Expectations

When starting a daily journaling practice, you should set realistic expectations. Understand that you don’t need to write a lengthy entry every day. Instead, commit to a manageable goal, like spending 10-15 minutes each day on journaling. Setting achievable expectations will make it easier to maintain your journaling habit while reducing the pressure.

3. Find Your Writing Time

Pick a specific time that works best for you to journal. Morning Pages is a well-known practice of filling three pages with your stream-of-consciousness thoughts each morning. Some people likewise prefer to write first thing in the morning to set intentions for the day. But if you find it more therapeutic to reflect in the evening, do so. 

Experiment with different times and determine when you feel most inspired and relaxed. Consistency is key. So try to stick to your chosen time as much as possible.

4. Create a Relaxing Environment

Make your journaling experience more enjoyable by creating a comfortable and relaxing environment. Find a quiet, clutter-free space where you can focus without distractions. Try adding soothing elements like soft lighting, calming music, or a cup of tea.

5. Use Prompts and Templates

If you ever feel stuck or unsure about what to write, using prompts or templates can be immensely helpful. These prompts can help you explore new ideas, emotions, and perspectives. With that, your journaling sessions can be much more enjoyable and insightful. 

You can find in magazines, apps, and websites questions or themes to guide your writing. Field Guide To Everyday Magic, for instance, is filled with worksheet-style prompts alongside captivating photographs. This interactive workbook provides journaling space for readers to respond directly on its pages. Moreover, with its compact size, you can easily slip it into your bag or purse to take it anywhere. Click here to check it out.

Field Guide To Everyday Magic Issue 5

6. Mix Text and Visuals

Journaling doesn’t have to be limited to words on a page. Try adding visuals like sketches, doodles, or photographs to your journal. Visual elements can help you express yourself in various ways and make your journal more visually appealing. You can also include clippings from magazines, ticket stubs, or other mementos that hold significance to your daily experiences.

7. Embrace Imperfection

One of the biggest obstacles to enjoyable journaling is the fear of making mistakes or writing poorly. It’s essential to remember that your journal is a private space, and there are no rules or judgments. Allow yourself to make spelling errors, cross out words, or write messy entries. Your journal is for you, and it being imperfect is perfectly fine.

8. Write About Gratitude

Writing about gratitude can elevate your mood and rekindle your thoughts, especially on those weary days when self-doubt looms. It need not be complex. Begin with whatever is within your reach – whether it’s the view from your balcony or the comfort of your morning coffee. Then, delve into a detailed exploration of your emotions. 

Rather than attempting to fill pages with an exhaustive list of things you’re grateful for, consider honing in on a select few. This way, you can truly immerse yourself in the feeling of gratitude.

Photo by Helen Rushbrook

9. Reflect and Celebrate

Incorporate moments of reflection and celebration into your journaling routine. Take time to acknowledge your achievements, no matter how small they may seem. Celebrate your progress, personal growth, and the steps toward your goals. Reflecting on your accomplishments can be satisfying and motivate you to continue journaling.

10. Share Your Journey

While daily journaling is primarily a personal practice, sharing your journey with others can add another layer of enjoyment and accountability. You can share select entries or insights with a trusted friend, family member, or a supportive online community. Discussing your journaling experience with others can provide valuable perspectives, encouragement, and motivation to continue.

Daily journaling doesn’t have to be a chore. With the right mindset and techniques, it can be delightful and transformative. Remember to review your journal entries periodically and adjust your journaling practice. Consider what’s working well and what isn’t. Are there specific prompts or formats you enjoy more than others? 

If you’re seeking thought-provoking prompts to help with daily journaling, check out our Field Guide To Everyday Magic, an exciting spin-off of Bella Grace magazine. Click here.

The post 10 Practical Tips on Making Daily Journaling More Enjoyable first appeared on Bella Grace Magazine.

We’re pleased to announce the launch of Bella Grace: New Generation! This new magazine, hitting newsstands in the spring of 2018, will feature everything you know and love about Bella Grace, but made especially for girls ages 12 to 19. Want to share feedback as we develop this exciting new title? We’re also looking for teenage fans of Bella Grace and leaders of young women’s groups, mothers, grandmothers, sisters, and aunts to join our focus group.

As we prepare for this exciting new launch, we’re seeking young, female writers and photographers to contribute to the premiere issue. Whether you are a passionate writer or are an Instagram rockstar, you have the opportunity to be a part of the first issue of Bella Grace: New Generation.

“Ever since we made the decision to launch Bella Grace: New Generation, I’ve been so excited to bring the type of content we know and love from Bella Grace to a younger group of girls. When it comes to magazines for teenaged-girls, there isn’t a lot out there that deals with more than fashion and celebrity news. Our goal is to create a publication that goes right to the heart of what matters most to those ages 12 through 19. New Generation is a place for readers to find stories from girls their age, and find comfort and empowerment as they read words that will make them say, ‘Me too!’ We know that growing up can be a tough experience for many, but we want to show that it can also be a beautiful adventure.”

— Christen Hammons
Editor of Bella Grace and New Generation

How to Submit

Please send all written and photography submissions via email to

bellagrace@stampington.com

With the subject line “New Generation Submissions”

By December 20, 2017

Don’t know where to begin? Here are some suggestions for where to start:

Written Content

• Personal Narratives (no more than 500 words)
• Unique perspectives to offer on everyday life for teenagers
• Advice on how to claim your individuality in a world of sameness and “fitting in”
• Tips and techniques for balancing the demands of the everyday girl
• Stories of body acceptance and celebration
• Suggestions for creating a healthy relationship with social media
• Struggles and lessons learned from friendships

Artistic Photography

• You and your friends living your best life
• Nature
• School life
• Books
• Florals

In order to be selected for publication, photographs need to be hi-resolution images (300 dpi, at least “ x 6”)

Lists

Are you a list-maker? Creating lists can be a very effective and inspiring form of writing. They’re also incredibly fun to read! Make it funny, make it sweet … the choice is yours. Rather than to-do lists, we’re looking for your life lists. A few ideas include:

• 15 Thoughts I Secretly Want to Share with My Friends (But Don’t)
• 5 Times I Laughed Uncontrollably
• 10 Things I’d Tell My 50-Year-Old-Self

Instagram Collections

We love Instagram. It’s such a great way to beautifully share our days with others. It also serves as a diary to help us document small, yet significant moments. If you have an inspired and creative Instagram account, you could be published! For consideration, please submit 15 images that you feel capture your Instagram and a statement about what living a Bella Grace life means to you.

For even more ideas, please refer to our complete submissions page.

Questions about submitting your work? Leave a comment below and we’d be happy to help!

The post Be the Voice of a New Generation first appeared on Bella Grace Magazine.

As an editor of several magazines, I have a lot of different writing assignments.

Some have a specific topic, other times I can write whatever I feel like, but no matter what the subject matter, I have to turn something in. I’m sure many people imagine that editors can just sit down at their computers and let the words flow. The problem is, that rarely happens. A lot of times, the words sputter more than they flow. I’ll write what I think is the perfect opening sentence, or possibly the best title I’ve ever come up with, and then … nothing. With deadlines looming, I have no choice but to somehow get words down on paper. Over the years, I’ve had to come up with a few tricks to get myself inspired, and here’s what I’ve found works best for me.

Tips for Beating Writer’s Block

1. Read something that always inspires you. I have a few favorite writers whose work I love to reach for when I’m at a loss for my own words. Mary Oliver, Sarah Addison Allen, and L.M. Montgomery never fail to move me.

2. Change the mood of the room. It sounds silly, but I feel a little more “writerly” when I’m working at my computer with the lights off and only the glow of my desk lamp illuminating my office.

3. Switch up your music. I can’t work in silence. However, music lyrics easily can distract me, so I’ve started listening to instrumental music while I write. You can easily find playlists on any streaming app.

4. Start over. When I’m really struggling to write something, I will often have a file full of starts and stops. I don’t delete anything; I just hit “return” a few times and start over. Then I’ll walk away and come back and will know which direction I want to go.

These are just a few things that work for me, but I’m always looking for more ways to break through creative blocks.

Do you have any tips? Be sure to share them with our readers in the comments.

To trouncing writer’s block,

Christen Hammons is the Director of Publishing for Stampington & Company and Editor-in-Chief for:
Bella Grace Magazine
Field Guide to Everyday Magic
Somerset Studio
Artists’ Café

This photograph by Robert Zaleski originally appeared in the September issue of Bella Grace Magazine.

The post Four Ways to Beat Writer’s Block first appeared on Bella Grace Magazine.

It’s funny how life never turns out how you envisioned it would as a child.

I am at an age where I recognize this, accept it, and can laugh at how this unpredictable world likes to keep me on my toes.

Growing up, I was not always so understanding of this unruly world.

And I was no stranger to difficult moments that made me question, “Why? Why is this happening to me?” But now, as I look where I’ve ended up, I can appreciate how these difficult moments shaped who I am today.

What I wouldn’t give to go back in time and share this understanding with myself as a child. How I wish I could offer guidance on what’s to come to the girl in braided pigtails, the one riding her Little Mermaid bicycle at full speed down the corner hill with a relentless young heart and wonder in her eyes …

To the girl in braided pigtails,

In 20 years time, your views of what matter will look nothing as they do now.

Being nominated for homecoming queen or being liked by all the “right” people when you get to high school will mean nothing in the grand scheme of things.

Your parents are actually looking out for your best interests and not “trying to ruin your life.” When you’re a parent, you will understand.

Listen to me, young self.

Listen to me when I tell you to hug mom and dad often. You take this for granted now, but once you’ve grown and moved away, you will miss the moments they held you tight.

Listen to me when I say your heart will be broken many times. Don’t be scared. Take the risk. You will gain invaluable insight and strength from the moments you thought you’d never overcome.

And when times do get tough, remember you do not have to deal with them alone. Reach out for support. Those who love you will be there with open arms. I promise.

Stop comparing yourself to the girls at school and in magazines. The flaws you perceive in yourself are a deception. You will learn to love them one day.

Slow down and savor every moment of your journey. This life is not a race to the finish.

Remember your courage.

Find magic in everything you do, stay curious, and continue to let your imagination run free.

And this will be hard to believe, but …

You do not know everything.

Trust me when I say it will all work out in the end. You will experience moments of disillusionment, times when you are unsure of your purpose or which road to take. The world has a funny way of unraveling exactly how it is supposed to.

It will all work out.

To better understanding,
Future Self

What do you wish you could tell your younger self? Share with us in the comments.

The post To the Girl in Braided Pigtails first appeared on Bella Grace Magazine.

“Beware the barrenness of a busy life.” — Socrates

Preparing for a trip recently, I found myself overwhelmed with an especially long to-do list.

As I plowed through each task, diligently checking off the completed items, it suddenly occurred to me that many activities I consider essential — the kind that make my heart glad — never get jotted down the way that stop the mail or water the plants do.

So for fun, and as a break from the more mundane jobs I was tackling, I turned over the to-dos, and on the other side of the paper, created The Other List.

• Kiss my husband. [Repeat!]

• Dab some lavender oil on my wrists, pausing to rub them together and inhale the soothing scent.

• Cuddle my dog, my faithful companion who gratefully leans in when I slow down and hold her close.

• Spend five minutes stretching.

• Send an I am thinking of you text to a friend.

• Light a favorite candle….or two or three.

• Laugh with my kids. [I listed this twice.]

• Turn on some music. Sing….loudly!

I’ll admit that yes, sadly, there are days when these simple, wonderful things do not happen amongst all of the ceaseless to-dos. Regularly consulting The Other List as I tackled my ordinary docket of chores, anticipating both the action and the ticking off of each sweet entry, brought me immense satisfaction.

It also helped me to ensure that another day did not slip away where I hadn’t taken the time to …

Sing

Cuddle

Laugh

Kiss

Stretch

Love

Or appreciate the many, many small joys of our human journey.

Socrates, wise man that you were, I’m listening.

Will you join me?

Suzanne Walcher’s busy Midwest life includes her husband, two children and sweet Gracie dog.  Besides writing to-do lists, she shares her thoughts at www.privetandholly.com, capturing moments that are beautiful, ordinary and often, in between.

Tell us, what will you write on your Other List?

The post The Other List first appeared on Bella Grace Magazine.

“There’s beauty in ordinary life, pages full of stories that turn ordinary into magical moments… Bits of magic everywhere you look from page to page. When reading Bella Grace you know there are still women who live authentically… and take the time to stop and pause to wonder and dream.”

— Lisa RedWillow

If you believe that there is beauty and magic to be found everywhere in life and want to see your name in print in the pages of Bella Grace, we want you to share your stories with us! If you are a writer, blogger, photographer, or listicle extraordinaire, submit your work for publishing consideration for our Winter Issue, now accepting submissions through July 15^th, 2016.

Not sure what to submit? Here’s a quick guide for what we’re looking for and ideas to help you get started.

What We’re Looking For

Narratives
We are looking for original narratives and poetry that focus on the idea that “life is a beautiful adventure.” Submitted work can be about simple pleasures, life lessons learned, slowing down, embracing your authentic self, and more. Written submissions can include accompanying photography, but we will also pair writers up with photographers if needed.

Photography
Picture submissions should capture the spirit of Bella Grace. They should depict simple moments, bits of romance, feelings of happiness, etc. Photography can be submitted on its own and will be considered for use with narratives or as the background for some of the quotes featured throughout the book.

Lists
Calling all inspiring listicles! A few ideas to get you started include 10 Ways to Turn a Day Around, 20 Inspirational Joan Didion Quotes to Live By, and 15 Things I’d Tell My 15-Year-Old Self. Make it funny, make it sweet … the choice is yours.

Instagram Collections
Who doesn’t love Instagram? As artists and creatives, it’s such a great way to beautifully share our days with others. It also serves as a diary to help us document our days. In each issue of Bella Grace we feature a few Instagram collections. We’re now opening this up to submissions! All you need to do is send 15 images that you feel capture your Instagram and a statement about what living a Bella Grace life means to you to bellagrace@stampington.com. If selected, you will need to provide high-resolution images that can be printed at 5″ x 5″, 300 dpi.

Ideas to Get You Started

We are happy to receive general submissions, but in case you need a few ideas to get you started, we are also looking for responses (photographic or written or both) to the following prompts:

Stories of Self-Love
Most of us have our own bag of tricks we turn to when we need to show ourselves a little love and kindness. For our editor-in-chief, it’s a quiet night spent under her very favorite blanket and the first book in the Harry Potter series. It never fails to brighten her spirits. What is it you turn to? What’s your recipe for self-love? (Lists and narratives accepted.)

Small, Random Acts of Kindness
It’s been said that you never know what another person might be going through, so it’s important to be kind with everyone. A small gesture, such as a flower placed on a car windshield or an anonymous note left for someone to find, can make a huge impact. For an upcoming issue of Bella Grace, we are hoping to gather as many ideas for committing random acts of kindness as we possibly can. Furthermore, if you have a story to share about the impact an act of kindness has had on you, we’d love to hear it.

Stories of Courage
Think about the last time you did something that required courage in a moment where you weren’t sure if you had any. How did you tell yourself you could do it? Who else believed in you? How did you prep for it? As an example, consider rock climbing or entering a competition. Sometimes this challenge requires physical strength, other times it’s about the power of positive thinking. In both cases, think about the moments you tackled a project or something just for you only to be able to come out on the other side triumphant, knowing you did it.

An Ode to…

Create an extra special shout out to something simple that you truly love! Your open letter of appreciation can be for anything you like whether it’s favorite fairy tales, carnivals/amusement parks, tea, old friendships, puppies, dreaming big, and so much more.

For consideration, please send any of the above to: bellagrace@stampington.com.

Submissions should be no more than 1,000 words. Due to the volume of submissions, we cannot respond to each person individually. If your piece is chosen to be included, you will be notified by the editor.

Photographers and shutterbugs! Click here to download our guide for submitting photographs. This guide will also show you how to convert images to the correct size and resolution for this publication.

We look forward to receiving your submissions!

The post Be a Part of Bella Grace! Our Winter Issue Deadline is Approaching first appeared on Bella Grace Magazine.

He carried a floral gift bag bigger than any purse I owned into my kitchen. My birthday present. I wore a dress the colors of the ocean, my hair curled, my makeup done for our night at the philharmonic. I couldn’t wait for the night to start, but lingering excitement came over me as I suspected what might just be in that floral bag.

The tissue paper susurrated as I swept it aside and withdrew a wrapping paper-covered box. It was a carrying case, and inside was my 1948 Remington Rand typewriter. The tiny metal arms stamped with letters and numbers fanned around the green-gray shell and the black ribbon that transfers the ink to the creamy linen pages. The silver lever that moved the type to the next line gleamed. A tiny part of me suspected, but I didn’t let myself believe, that this glittering slice of magic was in that bag. It was the most romantic gift I’ve ever received.

I felt like Hemingway or Fitzgerald or even Zelda just looking at the thing, even though my typewriter is from a completely different era. As I pressed each fingertip into the key, I realized how much more effort it takes to produce even a word, to make your fingers move in tandem.

When I type, I think of the person who possessed it before me.  Did she type only at work, or did she place that typewriter into the black carrying case and write among the trees?

I think now of the similarities that must exist between my typewriter and the machine my granddad used to have, back when he could type 90 words per minute on a manual typewriter without mistake. I think of the writers who wrote every single draft on these things, replacing ribbons when they dried out or arms when they broke off, and lugged their machines to desks and park benches to write.

Typewriters weren’t always such a novelty. The backspace bar existed even in the forties, but you could never completely erase your work. It was inconvenient then, but now there’s something freeing about allowing yourself to make egregious typos over and over again. It’s a gift to hear the gears click and the keys clack as the letters walk across the thick, linen page. There’s something magical about slowing down to write, taking the time to think gently about the things that matter without worrying about how long it takes.

I’d always wanted a typewriter so I could finally escape the glowing computer screen. Now, I can’t imagine a more charming way to reengage with technology and simultaneously disconnect.

I admit that I didn’t end up using the typewriter for much beyond my first drafts. It soon became the best way for me to map my characters’ emotions onto the page before a plot took shape. My first drafts on my typewriter often start with a tail of dialogue or a shocking first line. I’ll usually throw that part out, rejecting it again and again until I find the right entry point into the story.

Most days, my typewriter spends its life on my bookshelf waiting for me. Days go by, and sometimes I don’t always get to write. The truth is, a typewriter doesn’t make writing any cleaner than it ever was. I still jot down notes in the margins and lose track of pages, but the most satisfying thing about a typewriter is that they are one of the most beautiful relics we have of an era we have no memories for.

When I write, I wonder if the person who bought this typewriter in 1948 was a writer like me. When the words are borne onto the page with a clack and the sentences punctuated with a ring at the end of the line, I know that there’s nowhere else I’d rather be. I may never know for sure who owned this typewriter first or the journeys my Remington Rand might have taken, but that piece of the past will always be the elegant alternative that lets me find a window into the past.

Kayla Dean is a Vegas-based writer who reports about arts and entertainment. She also interviews writers and blogs about living a creative life on kayladean.com. Find her on Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest @kayladeanwrites.

The post The Magic of Writing on a Typewriter first appeared on Bella Grace Magazine.