How to Create A Letterbox for Friends or Family

In England, letterboxing is an art more than 150 years old, but it is just now gaining popularity in the United States. The increased interest may come partly from its close relationship to geocaching or from the many recent books and movies about puzzle-themed treasure hunting. A few you might be familiar with are The DaVinci Code and National Treasure, but Michael Stadther’s A Treasure’s Trove is more closely related to what letterboxing is all about. For whatever reason, creating a letterbox is gaining a foothold here and has caught the attention of those of us spending more time indoors. With that in mind, we can to show you how to create a letterbox for friends or family.

Letterboxing involves finding clues on the Internet and following them to a hidden waterproof box containing a rubber stamp and a logbook. Letterboxers use the stamp to mark their own personal logbook and stamp the box’s logbook with their own handmade stamps. If you do not have a rubber stamp kit, simple print off a sheet of horse clipart and glue or tape them in as you find your clues.

Boxes are located in public places (usually state parks and similar outdoor recreation areas), and anyone can create and place boxes, writing their own clues for others to find them. Once you really dig into the art of letterboxing, you will be surprised to see just how many fellow adventure's boxes you find out in the wild.

Making a personal rubber stamp or using the farm clipart glue method and hiking through the woods offer the satisfactions of a job well done. A sense of accomplishment while crafting something with their own hands, solving puzzles, discovering new places, and taking in the beauty of nature. Letterboxers know how to enjoy the simple pleasures of life in the great outdoors. This is something you can even thrive in while remaining 6 feet away from other travels. Especially since most boxes are in off the beaten path locations or public ones that are vast and offer a lot of space to breathe safely. 

Another draw for letterboxing is its low cost. For the price of an eraser, a pencil, a notebook, and some carving tools, you can create a letterbox for friends or family to enjoy. A compass and map are also helpful, but even those expenses are small compared to the cost of the GPS equipment required for geocaching. 

Letterboxing can be a learning adventure too. It is a great way to teach children some principles that will help them be frugal and responsible adults. By taking children letterboxing, adults can demonstrate that adventure lies not only in expensive vacations and online gaming but also in a trip to the local park. This is a great way for children to learn that the free things in life are often the most memorable and enjoyable. 

For those how are homeschooling or outschooling, letterbox creation and use is a great tool for education. Children learn to be resourceful (by making their own stamps or finding low cost to no cost clipart online) and to share their skills with others (by making and placing letterboxes and clues). Letterboxing also teaches thinking and navigation skills and provides an opportunity for parents to talk with their children about conservation and taking care of both natural and man-made resources, an idea that helps ensure that your grandchildren will be able to go letterboxing with their children.

What ideas do you have for creating your own letterbox adventure?

Give Mom the World this Mother’s Day

This Mother’s Day, you can honor the women in your life while also supporting mothers around the world.

Because healthy, empowered moms can give their children the best start possible, UNICEF (United National Children’s Fund) works to support mothers by providing vital neonatal care and ensuring they have what they need to help their children grow up healthy and happy.

These gifts-that-give-back help support the organization’s lifesaving mission and can provide moms with a feel-good celebration.

Give Her the Globe

These Peruvian, hand-painted glass coasters by artisan Marlene Guisgueta also provide 16 packets of lifesaving nourishment to children suffering from acute malnutrition. Purchasing gifts from UNICEF Market supports the artisans’ families and local economies while funding lifesaving programs for mothers and children. Shop the curated selection of Mother’s Day gifts at unicefusa.org/mothers-gifts.

Ensure All Mothers and Children Thrive

A meaningful way to give back while honoring your mom, a UNICEF Inspired Gift, such as polio vaccines to protect 100 children, can be sent directly to those who need it most in the name of your loved one. Other essential items that can be delivered include mosquito nets, educational workbooks and more. For additional details, visit unicefusa.org/mothers-inspired.

Help Her Unwind

Wrapped in craft paper and decorated with heartfelt drawings, Solidarity Soap from L’OCCITANE can leave skin delicately cleansed and perfumed. A portion of each purchase in the United States at retail stores and online at unicefusa.org/l’occitane through Dec. 31, 2019 helps UNICEF provide vitamin A supplements to children around the world to fight preventable childhood blindness.

Fuel Her Inner Superhero

Access to safe water means rights for women and girls. For many parts of the world, females are tasked with the long journey of collecting water, exposing them to danger. With support from partners like S’well, UNICEF has helped more than 500,000 people in Madagascar gain access to safe and sustainable water sources since 2015. Learn more at swellbottle.com/unicef.

Showcase Her Promise

A token of Louis Vuitton’s promise to help children in urgent need, $100-200 of each Silver Lockit purchased will be donated to UNICEF to help children in emergencies and vulnerable situations around the world. Visit unicefusa.org/lv-lockit to learn more.

*UNICEF does not endorse any brand, company, product or service.

*No portion of the purchase price is tax-deductible. For more information visit unicefusa.org.

My True Love Gave to Me Newlyweds Gift Guide

You have decorated the house, put up the Christmas tree and planned to start new traditions, but now it is time to decide what kinds of gifts to give your new husband or wife. Never fear, we have a newlyweds gift guide to help you along the way.

If you are looking for a gift that will keep giving all year long consider one of these subscription box gifts. For something personal under the tree, here are some of our favorite gift ideas for your true love.

For Her:

Pandora Jewelry:
When it comes to gifts for your new wife, jewelry should top every man's list, because if you’re not sure what to get her, you can never go wrong with a gift from Pandora. You can get her a gorgeous set of earrings that she can wear during a night out on the town, or if you want something more personal, start a charm bracelet with charms that represent your new life together.

Personalized Jewelry Box:
Of course, you cannot have jewelry without a beautiful place to keep it. A handmade wooden jewelry box with her new initials engraved on top is an excellent gift for the woman who already has everything. Don't forget to keep it filled with ones of these subscription boxes.

Her Favorite Perfume:
Perfume can be expensive, but it can also make any woman feel great about herself. Sneak into the bathroom and find out what she wears before heading to your local department store, she will appreciate that you took the time to find out what she likes.

For Him:

Warm Flannel Pajamas:
Most single guys sleep in, well, whatever they can find. While that t-shirt and old boxers look may work for bachelors, a married man needs to look good for his wife, even at night! A set of classic plaid flannel pajamas makes a great Christmas gift, and some stores, such as Land's End, will monogram the pocket for a small fee.

DVD Gift Set:
Is your husband a movie buff? Does he love the Star Wars movies or have a special place in his heart for the Godfather trilogy? Look for special edition DVD releases with never-before-seen footage and other extras. Add a bottle of his favorite beverage and some popcorn, and not only will he love his gift, but the two of you can turn it into a family movie night.

Michael Kors Watch:
A watch is a timeless gift for any man, no matter his style, status or interests. What better way to show him you care than by giving him a designer watch from Michael Kors? Michael Kors watches come in a variety of styles, shapes, colors and even prices, so whether your new husband works in the great outdoors or wears a suit to work every day, he will look great with his new accessory.

5 Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas She’ll Love

Finding the perfect Valentine’s Day gift has been a challenge for ages. Whether your relationship is new or has withstood the test of time, it’s the perfect time to remind her that she plays an important role in your life.

It turns out all that worry may be for nothing. A survey by PANDORA Jewelry found 65 percent of women agree that they receive the gift they want when they drop hints. This year, make the gift-giving process seamless by watching for hints, reading between the lines and considering one of these sure-to-please gift ideas.

Put a sparkle in her eye. According to the survey, the majority of women consider jewelry to be the most covetable gift, yet 77 percent normally receive flowers or chocolates. Read between the lines and give her a desirable gift, like pieces from the PANDORA Jewelry Valentine’s Day collection. From stacking rings to gorgeous pendants, the Lock Your Promise and Explosion of Love collections are full of high-quality, hand-crafted, stylish pieces that nearly any woman would be thrilled to receive this year.

It’s the thought that counts – really. Most women agree that a thoughtful gift, not the most expensive one, is a winner. Something that shows you really know her can send a strong message. For example, if you decide to give flowers, instead of defaulting to the usual dozen red roses, think about her favorite bloom, or choose a flower that may have special meaning in her life.

Make time the treasure. A busy pace of life means that there’s rarely enough time to spend together without distractions. A gift doesn’t have to be a physical object, but rather an experience you can share together. Plan a date night away from home, enroll in a class to learn a new hobby together or make a point to simply enjoy each other’s company.

Simple and sentimental. Even if sappy isn’t your standard MO, Valentine’s Day is the perfect occasion to get a little sentimental. Give a copy of the movie from your first date, or revisit a restaurant that holds special meaning in your relationship. Make it meaningful and you’ll see how a simple idea can earn a big response.

When in doubt, ask. If you’re out of ideas or inspiration, ask your beloved what she’d enjoy most. That’s not to say you must forgo the element of surprise. Remember that just because she suggests jewelry doesn’t mean she knows exactly what you’ll choose.

Find more tips for Valentine’s Day gift ideas at Pandora.net.

Flowers and Liquor: An Unlikely Duo

You might buy a flower basket to give someone for a special occasion.  Some people may opt for a paper bag with a bottle of good liquor.  But very few people would think about combining the two, and sending them to a lover, or bringing them to a funeral, disguised as sympathy baskets.  However, research has shown that a little bit of alcohol might actually be a good thing for some flowers.

The question is this:  who thinks of mixing alcohol in the water-sun-fertilizer diet of their potted plants?  Whether the idea stemmed from a hilarious accident at a block party, or came out of the imagination of a scientist at a fancy dinner, the results remain, and prove that this unlikely combination of items may prove to be an excellent idea.

Avoiding the Flop

Some flowers are so good at growing that they actually overextend themselves, becoming so tall that the stems can no longer support the blossoms.  This is true especially for a flower type called Paperwhites.  Used often in flower arrangements, gardens, and other arrangements, Paperwhites are notorious for becoming top-heavy, resulting in an unattractive “flop at the top.”  To avoid this problem, many green thumbed citizens have tried staking these blossoms in an effort to keep them standing tall.  However, it seems that a diluted solution of alcohol will actually help prevent the flower from tipping over.

The Recipe

The trick to making this work, it seems, is to use the right mixture of water and alcohol, and avoid certain types of booze.  For example, beer and wine seem to only do the flower harm, due to the heavy amount of sugars that are found within them.  However, other types of liquors might actually be helpful in preventing flower-flopping, control stem growth, and stunt overgrowth of leaves.  Research showed significant effects with ethanol and other kinds of alcohol at dilutions from 1 to 25 percent.  While using a solution of greater than 10 percent alcohol proved to be more toxic than anything else, a lower solution seemed to generate desired effects.

What To Expect

When liquor is ‘properly used’ in a solution for plants such as paperwhites and other daffodils, some of the results that occur may be beneficial in many ways.  While the flowers that were produced remained large, long-lasting, and as fragrant as ever, the length of their stems was stunted from 30 to 50%.