April is National Letter Writing Month -- Let's Bring Back the Magic of the Mailbox!

Did you know April is National Letter Writing Month? It’s the perfect time to slow down, pick up a pen, and connect with someone the old-fashioned way—with a handwritten note.

I believe there’s something truly special about putting your thoughts on paper. A note in the mail is a little moment of joy, a smile tucked inside an envelope. And in a world buzzing with notifications and emojis, it’s a deeply personal gesture that stands out.

Writing to people is the amazing opposite of social media. Instead of isolating us, it connects us. Instead of being focused on appearance, it focuses on the spirit. Instead of flashy and distracting, it's slow and meaningful, and helps us re-focus and reflect on our relationships.  You can change your whole attitude and help change the mood/day of the lives of the people around you just by writing a simple and thoughtful note 💌. 

Why Letter Writing Still Matters

Think about the last time you opened your mailbox and found something that wasn’t a bill or a catalog. A real letter, addressed just to you in familiar handwriting. Remember that feeling? That little flutter of excitement? That’s the power of handwritten connection!

Whether it’s a thank you note, a birthday wish, a just-because message, or a simple “I miss you”—your words, in your own penmanship, mean more than you know.

Let’s Celebrate All Month Long

To celebrate Letter Writing Month, I’m challenging you to write at least three unexpected notes this month. Here are some ideas:

• Surprise an old friend with a “thinking of you” card

• Send a note to someone who’s helped you recently

• Leave a love note for your spouse, your child—or even your mail carrier

• Drop a few lines to someone you see often but never pause to thank

And of course, I’ve always got you covered with specially-designed note cards to make your words even more memorable. From quirky cards to heartfelt sentiments, each design is made with connection in mind.

Join the Note-Writing Movement

Need a little inspiration? Follow me on Instagram at @socialbutterflydesigns where I’ll continuing to share note writing prompts, ideas, and a peek into my own letter-writing routine.

Let’s bring back the joy of the handwritten note—one letter at a time.

Happy Letter Writing Month!

xx 💕…Jill 🦋 💌

Deciding on a Name and Designing a Logo: A Journey of Evolution

Back in 1999, when the idea for this business was just a spark between two new mom friends who met in a Mommy & Me class, we were clueless about what to call it (fun fact: I originally co-founded Social Butterfly Designs with my friend Susan Mills in 2000). We spent countless hours brainstorming and writing down potential names. We even turned to family and friends to see if any ideas stuck. It wasn’t until my former colleague at Princess Cruises, Diane Elcan, suggested “Social Butterfly” that we both immediately fell in love with the name. There was just one problem—someone had already claimed the domain name!

We knew we wanted to build a website eventually, so we had to get creative. My husband, Paul, came to the rescue with a simple suggestion—why not add “Designs” to the name? And just like that, Social Butterfly Designs was born.

We filed our DBA, opened a bank account, and started designing samples for invitations, holiday cards, and birth announcements in preparation for our November 2000 launch. But there was still one crucial element left—our logo. We needed something that would stand out and represent our brand in the best way possible.

During my time as Manager of Public Relations at Princess Cruises, I developed strong relationships with a talented design firm, Sargent and Berman, based in Santa Monica. Greg Berman and Peter Sargent, the principals of the firm, had become close friends after working together on various logo designs and brochures for Princess Cruises’ new ship launches. In fact, they had even designed my wedding invitations in 1996! They generously agreed to create a few logo comps for us, and this is where we ended up in 2000. While their design fees were beyond our budget, they were kind enough to do this for us pro bono, and I am forever grateful to them.

Fast forward to 2017, after attending Katie Hunt’s Paper Camp in Manhattan Beach, the idea of a rebrand started to make sense. I reached out to my friend Greg, who by then had rebranded his firm as Berman Design Group. Greg and his team worked their magic to refresh our logo, and I absolutely love the result! It’s clean, modern, and perfectly reflects the heart of Social Butterfly Designs.

Now, as I celebrate my 25th anniversary this year—I wanted to create something special to commemorate this milestone. This time, I decided to design it myself. I wanted to incorporate “25 years” into the design, but I didn’t want to ask another favor. After some thought, I ran my ideas past Greg, and he suggested something simple yet meaningful—use my own handwriting under the original logo. Since my handwriting has always been a personal part of my work, it felt like the perfect fit.

And so, the new look for my business cards and commemorative bookmark was born! Every purchase this year will come with a bookmark to celebrate our 25 years.

What do you think? I’d love to hear your thoughts!

A Look Back: Riding the Creative Wave -- My "Endless Summer" Collaboration

Looking back on 25 years of Social Butterfly Designs, there many moments that shaped my journey, but few compare to the thrill of 2010—when I had the incredible opportunity to collaborate with Bruce Brown Films and The Endless Summer through a licensing agreement.

For a lifelong admirer of great design and iconic imagery, working with The Endless Summer was very exciting for me. The legendary 1966 surf documentary, with its striking poster art by John Van Hamersveld, captured the spirit of adventure, freedom, and endless possibility which has stood the test of time. Through my special licensing agreement, I was able to create new designs using the original artwork, reimagining elements of that classic, sun-soaked aesthetic in a fresh way.

The process was both exciting and humbling. The enormity of working with such a beloved piece of surf culture wasn’t lost on me. I wanted to honor its legacy while incorporating my own artistic touch. Seeing those designs come to life—and knowing they resonated with fellow Endless Summer fans—was definitely a highlight for me at what was then the 10 year mark of my business.

Now, looking back, I realize how much this project reinforced what I love most about design: its ability to connect people, evoke nostalgia, and tell a story. Whether it’s a handwritten note, a thoughtfully crafted illustration, or a piece of history given a new life, creativity has the power to bring us all together.

This is a set of postcards I created for the line, which were sold at the Huntington Beach Surf Museum

This was just one wave in my creative journey, but it’s one I’ll always be grateful I got to ride.

Do you remember the first time you saw The Endless Summer? I’d love to hear your memories in the comments!

Noteworthy -- An Article on my 2024 Letter Writing Journey

It was an honor to be featured in the Winter/Spring 2025 issue of Torrance Memorial’s Pulse magazine.
Read more below;

Valentine’s Day is a Day of Cards, Flowers, Love and Chocolate!

Every February, candy, flowers, and gifts are exchanged across the country in the name of St. Valentine. But who exactly was this mysterious saint, and why do we celebrate this holiday? While the history of Valentine’s Day is shrouded in mystery, we do know it has long been considered the month of romance.

Valentine’s Day is one of the biggest card-sending holidays of the year. In the U.S., the first commercial Valentine’s cards were produced in the 1840s by Esther A. Howland, often called the “Mother of the Valentine.” She popularized elaborate cards featuring lace, ribbons, and colorful pictures, known as “scrap.”

History

1. ❤️ Saint Valentine’s Mystery: There were at least three different saints named Valentine or Valentinus, all of whom were martyred. One legend suggests he secretly married couples to avoid Roman soldiers being forced into single life.

2. ❤️ Roman Roots: Some historians believe Valentine’s Day may have originated from the ancient Roman festival Lupercalia, a fertility celebration held in mid-February.

3. ❤️ First Written Valentine: The oldest known Valentine’s message was sent in 1415 by Charles, Duke of Orléans, to his wife while he was imprisoned in the Tower of London.

4. ❤️ Cupid’s Origins: The cherubic Cupid we associate with love today comes from Eros, the Greek god of love, desire, and attraction.

5. ❤️ Esther A. Howland: Dubbed the “Mother of the American Valentine,” Howland commercialized Valentine’s Day cards in the 1840s.

Present Day

1. ❤️ Card-Sending Craze: Around 1 billion Valentine’s Day cards are sent annually, making it the second-largest card-sending holiday after Christmas.

2. ❤️ Women Send the Most Valentines.: About 85% of Valentine’s cards are purchased by women.

3. ❤️ Worldwide Celebrations: Valentine’s Day is popular in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, the U.K., France, and Australia, with growing popularity in Japan and South Korea.

4. ❤️ Sweet Tooth Holiday: Over 36 million heart-shaped boxes of chocolates are sold annually in the U.S. for Valentine’s Day. Richard Cadbury invented the first Valentines Day candy box in the late 1800s.

5. ❤️ Pet Love: Americans spend an estimated $1 billion on Valentine’s gifts for their pets.

🎊 Cue the Confetti—Social Butterfly Designs is Turning 25 in ‘25! 🦋✨

I’m feeling all the emotions ❤️‍🔥 as I write this because this milestone represents more than just a number—it’s the celebration of a journey that has been incredibly personal to me. 2025 marks the 25th year of Social Butterfly Designs—an entire quarter century of creating, designing, and delivering countless invitations and paper creations for all of you. It has been, without a doubt, one of my life’s greatest
passions 💋.

Today, as I step into this anniversary year, I find myself reflecting on the incredible journey that has brought me here, the amazing people who have supported this business, and the exciting ways I will celebrate this milestone with you.

🧐 A Look Back 🔍

What started as a small stationery business focused on designing invitations has blossomed into something far greater than I could have ever imagined. Social Butterfly Designs has never just been about invitations, greeting cards, and paper goods; it has been about fostering genuine connections, celebrating life’s special moments, and providing ways to share the simple yet powerful act of putting pen to paper. Every design, every product, every invitation, and every heartfelt note I’ve created has been from the heart, and has brought me so much joy!

I have been absolutely blown away by the love and support you’ve shown me over the years. I started this journey back in 2000 (anyone remember Y2K? 😂). My two oldest kids, George and Helen, were only 3 and 1, and my youngest, Audrey, wasn’t even born yet! Here’s a snapshot of our family back then (left) and my son’s birth announcement (right), with a special story behind it below.

This little hand-drawn, hand-painted watercolor birth announcement I created for George (now 27!) in 1997 (yes, I painstakingly hand-painted over 150 of them 🤯…and did anyone note my son’s birth weight 🫢…he ended up being born via c-section 😮‍💨) was a turning point for me. It was in that moment I made the life-changing decision to leave my 14-year corporate job in public relations at Princess Cruises to stay home and raise my family. This birth announcement played a major role in inspiring me to start my own graphic design and stationery bbusiness just three years later.

After years of designing my own holiday cards and receiving encouragement from family and friends, Social Butterfly Designs officially launched on November 1, 2000. I initially started the business with my friend Susan Mills 👯 who shared my passion and creative vision. We worked together for a few years, but for the majority of this journey, I’ve been on my own—learning, growing, and evolving every step of the way.

⤵️ Then vs. Now: The Realities of the Day 💻

Back in 2000, people were still using flip phones, and Facebook or Instagram didn’t exist yet! Designs were hand-drawn more often than digitally created, and my workspace was the back corner of my dining room table, piled with stacks of paper, ribbons, embellishments and cutting tools instead of sleek design software (and because cell phone cameras weren’t a thing yet, I don’t have photos of this scene ☹️). But one thing hasn’t changed—the joy of sending and receiving a heartfelt, handwritten note in the mail 💌.

Brad Pitt was the “Sexiest Man Alive” and flip phones and Razor scooters were all the rage in the year 2000.

🥂 A Year of Celebration 🍾

To honor this incredible milestone, I have some special things planned throughout this year! From behind-the-scenes looks into my creative process, to exclusive anniversary designs, giveaways, and maybe even a few surprises (think limited-edition designs, nostalgic throwbacks, and maybe even a special collaboration… stay tuned!), this will be a year filled with gratitude and celebration. I want to take you along for the ride 🎢 —sharing cherished memories from the past 25 years while looking ahead to all the exciting things still to come!

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for being part of this journey and for joining me to make this anniversary year one to remember!

I’d love to hear from you! Do you have a favorite Social Butterfly Designs card or invitation you’ve kept over the years? Drop a comment or share a photo—I’d love to take a trip down memory lane with you!

P.S. The best way to keep up with these 25th anniversary updates is to follow this blog and/or follow me on instagram @socialbutterflydesigns.

🎉 Introducing Our First-Ever Customer Favorites Card Set! 🎉

For the first time, I’ve curated a special collection featuring one card each from our 10 most popular card sets of 2024! 🌟 This vibrant mix includes birthday, thank you, sentiment, and picture cards—perfect for any occasion that calls for heartfelt connection.

✨ Why You’ll Love This Set

• Versatile & Ready for Anything: From birthdays to thoughtful thank-yous, this collection has you covered.

• Customer-Approved Favorites: These are the cards YOU loved most in 2024, making this set a tried-and-true winner!

• Bright & Beautiful: Each card was designed with love and thought, and is sure to bring joy to both you and your recipients.

🖊️ Stay Prepared for 2025
No more last-minute scrambles for the perfect card! With this set of 10 versatile greeting cards, you’ll have a go-to solution for all your note writing needs in the year ahead.

💌 Special Offer
As a thank-you for your support, enjoy 10% off your order with code TOP10. 🎁 Stock up now and be ready to send love, gratitude, and celebration into the world—one handwritten note at a time.

✨ Limited Edition
This exclusive collection is only available for a short time—don’t miss out!

Our 10 most popular cards from 2024 now available in one set!

👉 Click here to grab your set and keep your 2025 card stash stocked with favorites!

Wrapping Up my 2024 Note Writing Journey

Last year (I cannot believe today is January 1st), I committed to writing a note to someone every day since January 1, 2024…and yesterday marked my 366th note (accounting for Leap Year of course)!

It’s been a remarkable and incredible experience with so many unexpected surprises and connections along the way. I have no words for how meaningful it has been and how much JOY it has brought me.

I’ve put a lot of thought into who I would send my last note to, and how meaningful this note was to me.  While I’m keeping this to myself, I can share that it felt like the perfect way for me to close this chapter.

my last note!

While this isn’t really the end of my note writing journey—in many ways, it’s just the beginning! In the days ahead, I’ll be sharing more about what I’ve learned and how it’s inspired me to create something special for anyone who wants to experience similar connections through handwritten note writing.

I hope you’ll follow along and stay tuned for what’s next…I’m pretty excited about it!

Mastering Your Holiday Card List: A Stress-Free Guide

The holiday season is a time for spreading joy, and sending cards is one of the most traditional ways to connect with loved ones. But if the idea of tackling your holiday card list feels overwhelming, don’t worry—organizing your list can be simple and even enjoyable with the right approach. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you started.

1. Start with a Plan 🧠

Before diving into the details, take a moment to outline your goals:

• Who Do You Want to Include? Decide if you’ll be sending cards to just close family and friends, or if you’ll include neighbors, colleagues, and distant relatives. 🤷‍♀️

• Set a Budget: Keep costs in mind, including cards, postage, and extras like photos or embellishments. This will help you determine the size of your list. 🤑

• Buy Your Stamps Early: Avoid long lines at the Post Office by getting your stamps early. This way you will also get your first choice. Don’t wait too long…your favorite might be sold out! 🏤

2. Gather and Update Your List 👊

If you have a list from previous years, use it as a starting point. If not, now is a great time to create one!

• Review Last Year’s List: Update addresses and remove anyone who’s moved or no longer needs to receive a card. 🤔

• Add New Contacts: Think about new friends, colleagues, or neighbors you’ve connected with this year.  🎉

• Categorize Your Recipients: Divide your list into groups, such as family, friends, and professional contacts. This helps prioritize who gets cards if short on time or resources. ☑️

3. Use Tools to Stay Organized 🛠️

Streamline the process with tools that make managing your list easy:

• Go Digital: Use spreadsheet programs like Excel or Google Sheets. Create columns for names, addresses, and notes on whether you’ve sent or received a card. I personally use the Contacts app on my iMac. I have a “Christmas Cards” list I can easily update, add and a delete from.  🖥️

• Printable Planners: If you prefer pen and paper, download a holiday card checklist to track your progress. Click below for my free download  ✅📋

4. Confirm and Double-Check Details 😉

Accuracy matters, especially when sending cards to professionals or extended family.

• Verify Names and Addresses: Double-check spellings, especially for families with unique last names.💞

• Plan Personal Touches: Highlight individuals you’d like to write a longer, handwritten note for, and set aside time to make those cards extra special. 💎

5. Address and Send Cards Efficiently  📬

Once your list is finalized, it’s time to get your cards ready for mailing!

• Decide on Addressing: Handwriting addresses adds a personal touch but takes time. If you’re short on time, consider printed labels (if possible, you can try to match the font from your cards). 💌

• Mail Early: If possible, try to send cards at least two weeks before the holiday to ensure they arrive on time. For international 🌍 recipients, plan for an even earlier mailing date. ⏰

6. Keep Extras Handy  📧

It’s always a good idea to order a few more cards than you think you’ll need. You never know when a forgotten name will pop up or when you’ll receive a card from someone you might not have on your list. 🧩

7. Plan Ahead for Next Year  😇

As cards are sent and received, update your list with any changes. Make note of new addresses and cross off recipients who didn’t need a card after all. This will save you time and effort next year! 📆

8. Add a Festive Touch to the Process 🎅🏻

Organizing your holiday card list doesn’t have to feel like a chore. Turn it into an enjoyable holiday tradition:

• Play Holiday Music: Set the mood with your favorite festive playlist. 🎄🎶

• Host a Card-Writing Party: Invite friends or family to join in the fun. Share snacks, drinks, and laughter while you work through your lists together. 🍾

Organizing your holiday card list can be simple, stress-free, and even fun. Whether you’re sending out a handful of cards or dozens, a little preparation goes a long way in making your holiday greetings memorable and meaningful.

Happy card writing!

Jill

Christmas Card List

Use this handy card list to keep track of sending and receiving holiday cards year after year.

Click the link below to access.

The 5-Minute Handwritten Note Formula

In a world where digital messages often dominate, a handwritten note stands out as a personal, heartfelt gesture that can make a lasting impression. But how do you find the time or know exactly what to say? That’s where my 5-Minute Handwritten Note Formula comes in! This simple, yet powerful formula will help you write meaningful and impactful notes in just five easy steps.

Why Handwritten Notes Matter: Handwritten notes are a tangible way to show appreciation, strengthen relationships, and leave a lasting impression. In fact, research shows that handwritten notes can create a stronger emotional connection than digital messages. Plus, they make the recipient feel truly valued. Whether it’s for a birthday, thank you, congratulations, or just because, a handwritten note is always in style.

What’s in the 5-Minute Handwritten Note Formula? The 5-Minute Handwritten Note Formula is a step-by-step guide that simplifies the note-writing process, making it easy for anyone to write a heartfelt, personal note with ease and thoughtful direction. Here’s a sneak peek at the formula:

🖼️ Our Small Desk Calendars are the Perfect Gift for Any Space! 🎁

I have been creating my mini desk calendars for over a decade now and wanted to share a little more detail about what they are, how I go about creating them and how they can be used.

Each calendar has a theme and begins with an idea I create through a hand-drawn illustration designed on my iPad. Each calendar is intended to bring joy, warmth, and a personal touch to your workspace, home or dorm room.

Each drawing is crafted with intention and I pour a lot of thought into every detail, ensuring every calendar feels special and unique. These calendars aren't just functional—they're little pieces of art that can brighten up your desk or make a meaningful gift for someone you care about. If you are looking for the perfect, practical gift this holiday season…my small desk calendars are back and better than ever!

With three unique designs, there’s something for everyone:

• 🗓️ General Design: Simple, elegant, and versatile—perfect for any desk or workspace!

• 📖 Bible Verse Design: Start each month with a reassuring bible verse, providing inspiration and encouragement.

• 🌊 South Bay Design : Celebrate the beauty of the amazing South Bay with hand-drawn art showcasing local and iconic spots!

✨ Why You’ll Love These Calendars 🎨
My desk calendars are not just tools to keep track of dates—they’re small works of art that brighten your space and help you see the month at hand. Here’s how they add value to your daily life:

• 🖼️ Display Anywhere: Small enough to fit on your desk, shelf, or kitchen counter without taking up much space. Each calendar comes with your choice of a natural or black easel.

• 🎁 Thoughtful Gift Idea: Perfect for teachers, coworkers, neighbors, holiday party hosts, or anyone who appreciates a touch of beauty and practicality.

• 🌟 Motivational: Whether it’s a meaningful Bible verse or a familiar South Bay scene, each month brings a whimsical image to spark joy.

• ♻️ Eco-Friendly: Designed with sustainability in mind—each calendar is printed on quality paper that lasts all year long.

💡 How to Use Them

• Add one to your home office for a cozy, personal touch 🛋️ .

• Keep it on your kitchen counter for easy date-checking at a glance ⏲️.

• Gift it to someone special as a simple but meaningful way to show you care 🎁.

• My friend Angi often sends one as a little postcard after the month is over…I love this idea 📬.

• Hold on to your easel and order just the calendar refill pack next time 💰!

🖤 Black Friday Special 🖤
Don’t wait—grab these calendars during my Black Friday sale for an exclusive deal! Stock up for everyone on your holiday list and make their 2025 extra special. Our Black Friday Sale details will be announced soon.

👉 Shop Now and get yours before they’re gone!

Celebrating 24 Years of Social Butterfly Designs and Still Smiling ☺️!

🥳 It’s Our Birthday Today 💌 11/1/24 🦋!

cue the music 🎶, light the candles 🎂, and let’s celebrate 💃!

I cannot believe it has been 24 years since Social Butterfly Designs opened for business…and what a ride it has been! I have so much gratitude for being able to own and operate a business that is so fulfilling and has brought me so much joy over the years. The support of YOU, my loyal customers, has been instrumental in this journey, and I am honored to have been a part of many of your special moments. Thank you for choosing me and my business to bring your stationery visions to life!

My love affair with all things paper began when I was young and my dad was in the paper business. Growing up I had a small stockpile of greeting cards (most of which I would never want to part with) in my arsenal at all times and for the past 24 years, it has been my greatest pleasure to create cards and invitations that touch so many people’s lives.

I feel blessed to do something I love, while fulfilling my own creative outlet, and getting to connect with the most amazing people along the way. You are my gift and here’s to many more years of creating special memories together!

Here’s to 24 years and many more,

xx 💕…Jill 🦋 💌

The South Bay....A to Z!

As a lifetime resident of the South Bay, my love for where I live…which is where I grew up and where I have raised my family…runs deep and wide. What a special place to be able to live all these years and I feel very blessed to be part of and call home to such a caring and beautiful community. The South Bay’s magnetic charm never fails to captivate me.

I was born in Torrance and my parents moved to Palos Verdes when I was two. I grew up in Lunada Bay and attended Lunada Bay Elementary School, Margate (now PVIS) and PV High School. My parents still live in the house I grew up and I now live in Torrance on the street that runs into the street we lived in when I was born, talking about coming full circle! My roots are solidly planted here and everything I know and love is here too!

I have so much affinity and fondness for this place and all that it has to offer, for all the iconic landmarks, favorite locales, the beach, the laid back lifestyle and of course, the sunsets! It has been a magical experience to grow up and live here my whole life, minus my college years (just down the way at USC) and a year as ski bum in Sun Valley, ID, after college. After living in the mountains for a year I couldn’t wait to get back to the South Bay and the smell of the ocean air.

With all this in mind I decided to create a poster with a listing of some of my favorite things about the beautiful South Bay. It was inspired by something similar I had seen for cities like NY, Chicago and LA and was truly a passion project for me. I launched it a while ago but haven’t promoted or written about it until now. So here is a brief rundown of the letters and what each ones means to me:

A is for Appetizing Sushi Dinner at the Avenues…did someone say sushi?!? 🍣

B is for Beach Volleyball on the Strand 🌊🏐

C is for Coffee and Conversation at Hi-Fi. A favorite spot for my daughters and me when they are home. Have you tried the French Toast Latte?? ☕️ 🗣️

D is for the Dolphin Statue at Burnout in Redondo Beach. This was my first drawing in the alphabet series….and brings back lots of memories with hours spent here with my kids when they were young. 🐬

E is for Enjoying a Walk Along the Esplanade…my favorite place to walk, just walked 5.5 miles this morning!

F is for Fireworks at the Manhattan Beach Pier. 🎆

G is for Golfing at Terranea…my son had a golfing birthday party here growing up and we love Terranea Resort. ⛳️

H is for Happy Hour at Hennessey’s…a true South Bay classic! 🍻

I is for I Scream for Ice Cream at Handel’s…both of my daughters worked here and we are big fans! 🍦

J is for Junior Lifeguards on the Run…so much to say here, all 3 of my kids did JGs…they didn’t always love it but they’re glad they did it (I think, haha) 🏊‍♂️

K is for Kite Flying on a Summer Day….or any day really in the South Bay! 🪁

L is for Looking Out from the Local Lifeguard Tower…beach life at it’s best! 🛟

M is for Magical Sunsets Along the Coast…and don’t we have the best sunsets of all? 🌅

N is for Night Caps at Tony’s on the Pier….my grandparents used to go on date nights after spending a day at the beach. 🌛

O is for Ordering Pedone’s Pizza…definitely a family favorite! 🍕

P is for the Pier to Pier Swim…hats off to everyone who has competed in this race, including my sister Kristin!

Q is for Quick Surf Session at El Porto…I’ve never done it but it sounds cool! 🏄‍♀️

R is for Riviera Village Window Shopping…highlighting my my personal favorite Alandrea boutique! 🛍️

S is for Swimming in the Ocean at Rat Beach…grew up boogie boarding and body surfing here…complete with tin foil, lemon juice and baby for “optimal tanning” (oh my??) 🌊

T is for the Tide Pools at Abalone Cove….I grew up going to the tide pools at Portuguese Bend…my parents even let us bring crabs home in a bucket overnight…not too cool but the crabs made it back safely! 🦀

U is for Upbeat Vibes at the BeachLife Festival…a new South Bay classic! 🎶

V is for Vows at Wayfarer’s Chapel…my sister got married here and I love this beautiful landmark glass church along the coast, so sad to see it being dismantled due to the groundshift. I hope it finds a nice new home! 💒

W is for Whale Watching at Point Vicente…there is nothing like spotting a whale off the South Bay coastline…have you spotted one lately?? 🐳

X is for the Xmas Lights in Candy Cane Lane…aka as my neighborhood. We love the holidays around here! 🎄

Y is for Yoga Poses in the Park….not because I do them but because others do! 🧘‍♀️

Z is for Zipping Down PCH….it’s my two daughters cruising in their shared (and no longer owned) red convertible VW bug. 🚗💨

The poster measures 11” x 17” and is perfect size for framing. It is printed on 110# card stock and I hope it makes you as happy as it has made me to create it. Thank you for letting me share!

xo…Jill

Rock the Mask...Fun Facts, Tips and Tricks for Wearing a Face Mask!

Face masks are here to stay for the foreseeable future…read more about ways to make the most of wearing them and protecting others in the process!

Our nation and our community seem to be in widespread debate over the wearing of masks to help manage the spread of COVID-19. By working together, we can help fight the spread and stay healthy.

What is the risk to you and what is the risk to somebody else, you might ask? One simple combination—wearing a face covering while maintaining safe physical distancing—can protect people you encounter, some whose medical history may make them more susceptible to COVID-19. At the same time, this protects you if you come in contact with someone infected.

Click on any of the images above to go directly to the Face Mask shop on the website!

Here are some things to consider in the mask-wearing dilemma.

Facts about wearing a face mask:

• You are benefitting others.

• You are serving as a role model. The more people we see wearing masks, the more normal it soon becomes.

• You are helping reduce the spread of COVID-19 in public settings.

Positive effects of wearing a face mask:

• Positive reinforcement is a powerful thing. Give someone a thumbs-up or a shout-out for doing the right thing when you see them wearing a mask in public.

• Compliment a stylish or eye-catching design with a “nice mask” comment.

• Make them a fun accessory, like a pair of sunglasses or a hat.

Wearing a mask protects your customers and co-workers!

Mask fun facts and ideas: 

• While they are new to us, face masks have been around for a long time. In 1918, during the Spanish Flu epidemic, advanced masks such as N95s worn by health care workers today were a long way off. Surgical masks and general population flu masks were primarily made of gauze.

• Be creative with your masks. Sew them yourself or have some made of a favorite fabric or designer pattern.

• Make them a fashionable and fun way to accessorize. With a wide variety of styles and designs to choose from, in addition to being protective, masks are becoming something of a fashion statement.

• Show your team or school spirit by donning a mask with a trademark sports or college logo.

Tips and tricks for face mask wearing: 

• Mask Fit: The ideal mask is snug enough to fit close to the face (no gaps) to prevent droplets from entering or exiting around the sides, but large enough so as not to be restrictive or negatively impact your breathing.

• More Pleasant Aroma: Consider adding essential oils or Thieve’s Spray to your face coverings. Not only have they been shown useful for fighting allergies and congestion, they can help boost your mood and increase your sense of calm.

• Glasses Steaming Up: Submerge your glasses in soapy water and then let them air-dry, creating a thin antifog layer on the lenses. You can also play around with where your glasses sit—wear them a bit lower over your nose.

• Material: Different people have different levels of tolerability when it comes to mask wear. Factors like outside temperatures, whether the wearer also uses glasses and even nose size can all play a role.

• Comfort: Finding a mask you can comfortably keep on should be the ultimate goal.

The way to wear a mask: 

Wearing a mask correctly is the key to making it effective at preventing the spread of COVID-19. According to the CDC, a cloth face mask needs to have the following in order to be effective:

• Cover both your nose and mouth

• Fit snugly but comfortably against the sides of your face

• Be secured with ties or ear loops Have multiple layers of fabric

• Allow for unrestricted breathing

• Ability to be laundered and machine dried without damage or shape changes

While at times it feels as if we are going backwards, we can move forward by taking simple steps like wearing a mask in public. Let's go easy on each other as we change our habits. We can all be health leaders while wearing a face covering.

This article was written by me and originally published in the Summer issue of PULSE magazine, Torrance Memorial Medical Center’s community publication. With lots of new masks and accessories now available on our website, I wanted to share some interesting tips for how to rock them!