Right shipment

Just a quick little note: I'm getting emails from people with 'have you got my mail yet?' lately, when in fact I haven't received anything. It's not the first time something got lost in the mail so please make sure you always write your own address on the back of the envelope so it can be returned to you.
Also, please make sure you frank your mail right! If you don't, I have to pay for it to get it delivered. So weigh your mail before you frank it or just frank it at the post office.

#73 Yasmeen

From: Yasmeen, USA - July 2012

Last week I received this cute envelope from Yasmeen. It was actually nice to get a long letter again and just sit and relax with a cup of tea while reading the letter. You see how she included a tea bag in a paper cup? So cute and such a clever idea!

#72 Andreia (package swap)

From: Andreia, Portugal - July 2012

A few weeks ago, Andreia from Pens and Envelopes contacted me and asked if I wanted to do a swap. Of course I did so here we go! Last week I received an envelope filled with tags, notes, stickers and other stationery stuff. If you want to know what I sent her, check her letter blog.

Likes and dislikes

Of course I appreciate everything that comes in my mailbox, I just love mail. But I do have my favorites (and there are things I just don't really like..). I thought it might be fun (and handy) to show you my likes and dislikes if it comes to snail mail. Please let me know about your likes and dislikes in the comments!

Likes

Images via Lovely Paper

Vintage

I really like vintage themed mail, especially those little polaroid postcards but random ephermera and vintage stamps are also well loved by me.

Image via Papered Thoughts

Air Mail

I love everything air mail themed! I don't know what the thing is about air mail, but I really like it.

Images via Flickr and Papered Thoughts.

Custom mail

I really like selfmade things and well decorated envelopes. Mail that wasn't written in two seconds. A real surprise in your mail box!

These are just a few examples, I also like really colorful mail or mail filled with things typical from your country. Or long letters with sweet notes in it. Oh and maps!! I love maps! Just surprise me :-)

Dislikes

Images found via Google

Dinsey/Hello Kitty

I don't really like Disney/Hello Kitty things. I know there are a lot people (above 12 years old haha!) who still like Disney/Hello Kitty but I don't. I don't really have a reason for it, I just find it more suitable for little children.

Image via Scrapbook.com

Scrapbook

Scrapbooking seems to be very hot these days in America? I've seen mail in scrapbook style on other blogs, and I don't really like it. Just as the Disney/Hello Kitty mail, it has something 'childish'? I can't really name it but it's just not my thing.

I also don't really like letters that were written without much attention. Sometimes I really like short notes (the kind from Esther for example) but I don't like quick written letters without putting effort in it, just to get something back. Luckily I haven't received such letters yet!

So.. that wasn't bad, was it? Now I'm really curious: what are your likes and dislikes if it comes to snail mail?

Pen pall call #22 Kira

If you'd like to become pen pals with Kira, leave a comment below with your email address so Kira can contact you and you can swap addresses. Don't forget to check out other pen pal calls, to get in touch with other people who are looking for a pen pal.

If you want to place a call, contact me via my form in the menu.

#71 Jantien

From: Jantien, The Netherlands - July 2012

Last week I got this super happy and colorful mail from Jantien. I really like all the colors (pink, yellow, orange), it gives me a summer feeling (which I needed with the awful weather we have at the moment..). She included so many lovely things! Stickey notes, flower seeds, a handmade (!) key ring, pieces of washi tape (which designs I coincidentally already have, so I passed them on to someone else to make them happy with it. Hope you don't mind!).. Yep, I really liked this one!
I already sent something back, it should arrive.. today!

Instagram stationery pictures

I often take pictures with my phone when I'm busy snail mailing. Here is a collection of Instagram pictures, with letters and stationery on it. If you'd like to see more of them you can follow me on Instagram: @lastdaysofspringblog.

Sent mail #9

Summer holidays have started so finally I have the time to write back to everyone. It's always fun to see your  sent envelope on someone else's table and I'm always glad to hear that they are happy with my reply! So please don't forget to take pictures of your received mail and send them to me!

This was sent to Maureen. I love the blanket she used as a background!

This was sent to Josianne. More pictures can be found here.

This was sent to Mariza, in a handmade envelope!

This has yet to be send out!

International Giveaway: Vlinders in je Buik

And again I'm hosting a super nice snail mail giveaway on my personal blog: you can win a €10 voucher to spend at stationery webshop www.vlindersinjebuik.eu! You'll also get a set of postcards designed by Vlinders in je Buik if you win.
Although this is a Dutch webshop, everyone can join the giveaway! Head over to my personal blog to join the giveaway!

#70 Rin

From: Rin, Australia - June 2012

Rin always sents such beautiful envelopes! She included a 'mail tag', with a list of things she'd like to receive (with your own interpretation of the list). This is new for me but I really like it and I've got some ideas already!

Hema Stationery

Today I paid a quick visit to HEMA, a Dutch department store (but with stores in Belgium, Germany, Luxembourg and France this might be interesting for international readers too!). I spotted their new stationery line and I was happily surprised! I really liked it, they even had washi tape for a reasonable price.
I took a few snapshots to share with you, read more to see more pictures!

#69 Marlou

From: Marlou, The Netherlands - June 2012

Marlou was one of the first people to join my project, and she still writes letters! She included a little giftbag with presents for my birthday (I turned 20 on June 3rd). Thanks Marlou! Oh and if you'd like to see more of Marlou's letters, go and check out her brand new letter writing blog: heimarlouwrites.

#68 Esther

From: Esther, Belgium - June 2012

I spent my last couple of weeks at my Dad's, so when I came back to my mom a little pile of mail was waiting for me! Always makes me smile :-). One of the letters was from Esther, she always sends the cutest little notes in handmade envelopes. I really like the bright pink neon card with 'Hallo Marlous!' on it, written in her lovely handwriting. I think I'm going to stick it to my wall! Thank you Esther!