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!

Peace, Love & Bobby Sherman Indeed!

As I prepare for the 20th anniversary of Social Butterfly Designs this November (yes, it will actually be 20 years!!), I have been reflecting on some of the designs which have been most popular over the years and one theme comes to mind, my “Peace, Love & “_____” series of cards which have been turned into everything from birthday cards, thank you notes and holiday cards to college and sports team cards.

The idea for this design, first introduced in 2005, was inspired by the pop-culture saying ”Peace, Love and Bobby Sherman” associated with late 60s and early 70s teen heartthrob Bobby Sherman (and yes, I did have a major crush — it was the shaggy hair, big smile and starring role on Here Comes the Brides). If you are old enough to remember the saying or old enough not to, as is the case with my husband Paul, it was a trendy expression during Bobby’s heyday. My research has uncovered it was written on the back of postcards sent out to all the girls who wrote to his fan club. I don’t recall joining but do remember listening to his 45s on my bedroom record player such as “Julie Do Ya Love Me”…be still my heart…and probably really wanted the lunch box too! Needless to say, this catchy phrase stuck with me over the years….and whether you remember it or not, it seems to work for many tag lines!

My Peace/Love cards, designed with a peace sign made of flowers, hearts and butterflies, have been consistent favorites in my line up for nearly two decades. Due to their popularity, I decided to give them a fresh, modern look and offer them as a “theme pack,” which are mixed sets of four designs, two of each, for a total of eight cards. This “Peace Love” Pack includes 2 birthday, 2 thank you, 2 woo hoo and 2 stay safe cards (in keeping with protocols surrounding COVID-19).

I hope you like this set as much as I do. It’s colorful, playful and fun and each card is intended to inspire a positive vibe. I can create custom Peace, Love slogans upon request…just send your suggestion to jill@socialbutterflydesigns.com.

And back to Bobby Sherman, he is now a deputy sheriff in San Bernardino county and also worked as a paramedic and CPR trainer…he turned 77 last week!

10 Creative Tips for Connecting While "In" and "Coming Out" of Quarantine

There are many ways to “connect” with those you love during uncertain times…old-fashioned letter writing is a great way to show you care.

These few past months have been an extremely challenging time for our communities, our country and our world. To even imagine we would be spending our days in quarantine for weeks on end would have seemed unimaginable a few short months ago…but this quickly became our new reality. While many states are beginning to open back up across the country, I happen to live in California where our stay-at-home mandates have been extended until the end of July…and trust me when I say this seems like a lifetime away. During these past several weeks I have been able to reflect on the nature of my business and the way I conduct it as founder and owner of my own stationery and graphic design business, Social Butterfly Designs, which will celebrate 20 years this Fall. All of my spring boutiques, the staple of my spring business model, were cancelled due to COVID-19 and I was forced to focus more on my online business as a result. To my surprise it has been going very well and inspired me to be more innovative even hosting my first-ever virtual boutique earlier this month. I love to see all the creativity out in the world with people adapting their lives and livelihoods to new circumstances….so much ingenuity and creativity abound!

Those of you who know me already know I am a big proponent of the handwritten note. In fact, I like to refer to this old-fashioned ritual as “life’s secret weapon”…putting pen to paper is such as simple task but when you add sentiment, love, empathy or gratitude in the words you express behind it, it becomes a powerful tool of connection and can bring great joy to your intended recipient on the other end of receiving it.

As we have sheltered in place for weeks on end it has been a challenge to keep oneself busy….after all you can only watch so much Netflix!! Whether you live in a state where the economy is getting “back to business” or still living with limitations, now is the perfect time to brush up on your writing skills and perhaps even instill them on the younger generation members of your family.

Following are 10 ways you can connect with the ones you love and show them you care through good old-fashioned letter writing, especially when you can’t see them in person:

1. Write a note….Just Because
There doesn’t have to be reason…just pick up a pen, a note card (a piece of paper if that is all you have), and write a heartfelt note to someone letting them know you miss them and some of the reasons why they are special to you.

2. Create A Handmade Card
Paint or use markers, colored pencils or a pen to draw the cover of a card and write some nice sentiments on the inside…this is particularly special to receive. My very talented friend Stacey ( @goandbefancy) drew this beautiful NY scene, where we often travel together, for my birthday card this year…it was so touching to receive and I can’t wait to frame it!

A hand painted card becomes a work of art!

3. Drop a Note Off With a Little Surprise!
Write your note and gather some flowers from your garden, a small succulent…or maybe even a rolls of toilet paper and drop it off on the doorstep of friend.
4. Write a Poem
If you are creative you can even try to make it rhyme, calling out special memories or fun times the two of you have shared over time.
5. Create a Card Using an Old Photograph
Find an old photo of the two of you, a favorite place or something random from your phone or archives and attach It to the front of card (you can create this with any sort of paper you may have around the house)….maybe add a hand-drawn border and a clever caption…this alone is sure to make them smile!
6. Congratulate a 2020 Graduate!
This one is of particular sentiment to me as my youngest daughter is a senior in high school and she is feeling the great sense of loss in missing out on the significance and fanfare this particular celebration of life is supposed be bring. I chose to celebrate her with a full garage display recognizing her accomplishments….just yesterday this prompted an anonymous “Reese Road neighbor” to deliver a card with a surprise gift card enclosed….how sweet was that!

7. Deliver a Friend Her Morning Coffee…and a Note!
Popular with my daughters, this is a fun way to get your BFF’s day off to a great start. You can even be clever with your note…”just wanted to brighten you day with a little morning “pick me up!” We even have a fun set of cards, just for coffee lovers!

You can use any card, of course, but the “Coffee Lovers” pack has some fun options!

8. Curate a Box of Goodies
This can be done using items from home including trinkets, photos, crossword puzzles from the newspaper, favorite snacks, etc. If you don’t have a fresh box you can re-use a bag and decorate it with wrapping paper or artwork….Don’t forget the note!!

9. Send A Quarantine-related Card

I created this “Social Quarantine” pack for this very purpose. Each card speaks to the current situation and from an “I miss you” to an “E.G.B.O.K.” (everything’s gonna be o.k.) you will find four different sentiments for the ones you love.

Lots of theme-related notecard sets are available in our online shop!

10. Not Sure Who To Write a Note to? Here are some ideas:

• Your parents or grandparents who you haven’t been able to visit during quarantine

• Teachers and co-workers you miss seeing every day

• People who are struggling. Those who have been laid off or are sick.

• A college roommate who you didn’t get to spend enough time with this school year.

• A friend you haven’t seen in a long time.

• Your sister, brother, aunt, uncle or cousin…letting them know how much you love them.

Any way you choose to send some good vibes to those you love will be a welcome gift! Now go write some notes and wait for the magic to happen!

10 Reasons to Write Thank You Notes

It is no secret that I am huge advocate of the value of the handwritten thank you note!  Its power knows no bounds!  Above all, it is the single most impactful way to distinguish yourself in today's digital society.  How many times have you treasured a text or anticipated the arrival of an email?  When compared with all the feels you get from receiving a hand written note in the mail....well, there is really no comparison!

Nothing expresses gratitude and respect for another like a personal note.  People don't remember a text or an email but they always remember a thank you note in their mail box!  After all Jimmy Fallon does it regularly on his show, all in good fun of course....but you can too!

10 Reasons Why You SHOULD Write Thank You Notes:

1.   It is always the right thing to do.  

2.  It can make the difference in business in getting the job or the client.

3.  It sets you apart.

4.   Gratitude is good for the brain.

5.   It will make someone's day!

6.  It is an opportunity to reflect on our gratitude and appreciate the time and energy someone     put in to do something nice on our behalf.

7.  It serves as a keepsake - - no one typically saves an email or a text but a letter, definitely!

8.  It perpetuates an important part of our culture and contributes to a lost art.

9.  It shows you to be  a thoughtful and appreciative person.

I have so many stories from clients over the years about different things that have happened in life for them as a result of this simple act.  There are even books written about it.....here is one that might be of interest "The Art of the Handwritten Note" by Margaret Shepherd.

In closing, I would love to hear your stories here too (just click on comments at the top of this article).  And a good rule of thumb on the subject is to remember that the thought behind the thank you note should be equal to or greater than the thought that went into the gift!  

Happy Note Writing!

Introducing "The Butterfly Box" and "Social Butterfly Monthly" Subscription Services!

Well, I am just a little excited over here to be launching a brand new product in the Social Butterfly Designs specialty line up!  It's always been my motto to keep things fresh and innovative.  So with the launch of the new website I am going to be introducing a lot of new products in the new year!!

Because I am a big fan of subscription boxes, not only for their great value but for their fun factor too....a little unexpected surprise for something I have an affinity towards sent directly to me each quarter or month, oh my!...I have decided to create a subscription service for my stationery and other "fun stuff" for Social Butterfly Designs.

The quarterly THE BUTTERFLY BOX is especially for (but by not means limited to) stationery lovers and will be carefully curated by yours truly.  Each box will contain a set of 8 of one of our most popular note card packs along with 4-5 individual cards including a birthday, thank you and anything appropriate to the season at hand (i.e. our first box will include Valentine's), another specialty item from Social Butterfly and at least two "Fun Finds" lifestyle items....everything will tie in the with the "season" at hand and contribute to the entire letter writing experience that you love. (click above to link to product page for pricing and details)

If the quarterly version sounds like more than you want there is a "lighter" version in THE SOCIAL BUTTERFLY MONTHLY subscription which will be mailed at the start of each month in a sturdy mailing envelope and will include 4 greeting cards including at least one that pertains to events happening in that season along with three selection ranging from birthday cards, friendship, gratitude and other everyday occasion cards to keep you well stocked throughout the year.  (click above to link to product page for pricing and details).

Oh, and I forget to mention....stamps are included with each mailing...and the shipping is included in the price...so it really is a win win for all you letter writers out there!

A little of what we have been up to this holiday season

In addition to the many holiday boutiques we were part of this holiday season, we also keep busy with holiday card orders and this year was no exception.  Here is a sampling of some the cards we worked on....

It has always been tradition to share my card every year as well....so here it is...(scroll to the right for other images)...

Did you send a card this year?  We'd love to know!  Just click on the comment section just below the headline.  Thanks and look forward to lots more on our blog in the new year...this is short and sweet!  Signing off and wishing you a Happy New Year!

PS You may notice that this year's card isa recycled version of the card I drew and sent out in 1990...colorized and updated for our family card this year!

Free Shipping on Orders Over $50 Through 12/20!

There is still time to shop for the holidays....and the shipping is free when you spend at least $50!  From notecards to personalized stationery and stocking stuffers galore.....we have those little extra somethings for that added touch this holiday season.   

Our initial cards make a great stocking stuffer, our wine bags are perfect with you favorite label as a hostess gift.   The mini desk calendar with easel can be enjoyed all year long and our holiday gift bags and tags will redefine your wrapping skills!  

Free shipping is valid through 12/20!  Use code FREESHIP

A small sampling of some of our favorite holiday offerings! 

This Holiday Tradition Will Never Go Out of Style!

For me it all began when I was just a toddler and my parents propped me up on their living room settee with some foil wings, a little white gown and a homemade halo over my head.  Even though the memory is only through the photo card pictured here (my mom was pretty "holiday forward" at the time as not many people were doing picture cards in the 60s) I think this is where my connection with annual holiday cards truly began.  My grandfather was a big photographer back in the day (he always turned a household bathroom into a dark room according to my mom). She and her brothers posed for their first Christmas cards in the 40s and I believe that is where our own family photo card history and tradition truly took root.  Thankfully my mom carried this on over the years with our family growing up as you can see from the pictures here...

The photo that started it all for me (top) and my first connection to my family holiday card tradition!

Before I launched Social Butterfly Designs in 2000 I worked in Public Relations for Princess Cruises and I would make my own hand-drawn card every year and have it printed by the printer we used at Princess and it was always something my friends looked forward to receiving...at least that was the word on the street, haha. It was an important tradition that I looked forward to creating every year, just like my mom made happen for our family each year from age one to adulthood...(thanks Mom!!).  There were some years that this tradition was anything but fun (matching Lanz pajamas with my sisters, dressing up in elf costumes, cookies and milk for Santa and the dreaded "wear your favorite sports gear" years -- see above).  It was definitely not always fun...but I am forever grateful for these cards as each and every one holds a special piece of history.  I have since kept up the tradition with my only family creating a special memory each year through photos.  I made an extra one each year for each of my kids with a stamp on the envelope for added historic reference.  One day they will each receive these cards to have as their own slice of holiday tradition.

A little sampling of some of my hand drawn Christmas cards from the 90s....

Some of the Gerbracht family cards over the years....

So, as you might imagine, when I started this business it was exclusively about creating custom holiday cards and invitations and I would do tens of cards for clients each season, each one unique and special in its own right.  I would like to refer to one special client who has been doing her holiday card with me every year since 2005.  That would be Katy Laetsch, a longtime resident of Palos Verdes Estates, who is married and has three handsome sons.  She came to me in 2005 with pictures from all of her cards since her oldest and then 18 year old son was born.  I made a collage of all 18 photos in consecutive order and put them in a more modern format...the result was spectacular and from that card I gained in Katy a client for life.  We definitely collaborate on her card each year as she is very creative and always has great ideas.  The Laetsch family Christmas cards are always a lot of fun to work on and always rewarding to create.  Katy understands the connection that these cards have in touching the lives of family and friends near and far.  Here are a few samples of some of these cards from over the years:

This year’s Laetsch family card is especially fun and memorable but no spoiler alert here...you will just have to wait for the follow up blog post on that....so stay tuned!

While I still don’t know what is in store for my own family’s card this year it will never be able to top last year’s somewhat over-the-top Cubs World Series card complete with a Tri-fold timeline. It was a given when the Cubs clinched the 2016 title (and if you know my family you get this!) 

For above photo, scroll to right for full viewing...

Just this past Sunday there was an article in the Los Angeles Times all about the tradition and importance of holiday cards..."They are done specially.  They take time.  And they have the power to collapse the distance that separates far away friends and family," according to Liesl Schillinger.   You can read more by clicking the link - - this article prompted my blog post for today.

I love to work with my clients on their holiday cards.  It is so much fun to create something memorable and unique just for them. I take a lot of pride in creating these showcase treasures that connect them with friends and loved ones near and far.

In case you were wondering it is not too late for custom orders either, all you need is a photo to start the process. we also have some pre-designed options on our website. If you are interested you can comment here and/or send an email to jill@socialbutterflydesigns.com and let us create some magic for you.

Santa Letters to Write Now and Treasure Later

There is nothing much sweeter than a child's handwritten note to Santa!  Have your kids write their letter to Santa with our very own "Santa Letter Set" and let the magic begin!  They will love filling in the blanks with all their Christmas wishes and you will delight in having this as a keepsake for years to come (so be sure to date it!).  Each set comes with three Santa letters, three colorful matching envelopes addressed to the North Pole and three Santa gift tags for that special Santa gift under the tree!   My mom actually saved some of the handwritten notes that I made for Santa when I was a young girl and they were very special for me to read all these years later! 

Start the tradition in your own family and we promise you will never regret having these as treasured keepsakes in the years to come!  They are great for all ages....I even have one client who puts one on each of her daughter's pillows when they come from college over Thanksgiving weekend so she knows what they want for Christmas.  Be creative, use your imagination and get in the Christmas spirit!

Our 17th Annual Holiday Boutique is This Week!

Ever since I started this business in 2000 I have hosted an annual holiday boutique at my home every November.  This year's event will take place on Tuesday evening, November 7th and Wednesday, November 8th.  It's a great opportunity to get some early holiday shopping done and find some unique products.  We have some great featured vendors joining us as well including Rock Goddess Jewelry, Mrs. Hovie's Toffee, Kiyomi Pajamas and Gus Vintage Goods.  It's always a lot of fun and there truly is something for everyone.  PLUS....we always give away some great raffle prizes and everyone has a chance to win just by attending.  We hope to see you here and promise you won't be disappointed!

Where,oh where, did our blog disappear to?

For those who remember,  I made my very first blog post in August 2008, yikes!  The last entry recorded was in October 2014....needless to say the proverbial ball was dropped with a major thud.   "Fluttertalk," said name of said blog, was originally housed on blogspot but it was a complicated program to work with so with difficulty in execution and preparing for the teenage years with three kids at home it just took a back seat to life's other responsibilities!

But now that I have created a brand new website and am looking to create a stronger online presence, the blog is getting a bit of a rebirth here and now.  Let's just hope I can keep up with it...but my intent is to make the "new" blog a place with content and insight that is of value and interest to my customers.  Stay tuned for more in the days ahead and please subscribe here so you can stay up to date on our announcements.