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What I wish for this Holiday Season: Here's my list. Peace. Love. Equality. Understanding. Compassion. Empathy. Community. Comfort. Health. Laughter. When I was a little kid, I remember this 1 Coca-Cola commercial; A group of diverse people singing; "I'd Like to teach the world to sing in perfect harmony..." This New Seekers song from 1972, spoke to me then, and it speaks to me now.

As a self-taught artist, art teacher and gift shop owner, 2 of my most favorite things are imagination and creativity. In the "before time", I had the wonderful experience of visiting the National Stationery Show in New York City. This was an incredible trip, because I had the chance to meet the makers of stationery brands and many other creative people. The Javits Center was abuzz with the good vibes energy and creativity of so many people and it was fantastic. I always returned to Chamblee with a reinvigorated sense of connection and the magical joy of imagination. I am happy to report (surprisingly) that Instagram has connected me some amazing people who are stationery artists, jewelry designers and more. I had the opportunity to chat with Lucia Saisse, Maker of Lucy Loves Paper on Friday and it was fabulous. Lucia is originally from Brazil and now lives in Orange County, California with her husband and son. Talking with Lucia definitely reenergized me. Her whimsical, colorful, and upbeat stationery brand lives up to the description:"Delivering kindness, connection & inclusion in a bright bowl of cuteness!" If you, too, would like to Meet Lucia, listen in on our Instagram Live Series of Makers 2022. Send a little happiness soon with one of the delightful greeting cards and stickers by Lucy Loves Paper. Available at HGBGA.com Local Pickup and We Ship. Wishing you joy & magic! from Kim

We're excited to be part of SmileSongs' IG "Inside The Cards" Live tomorrow night at their Instagram @Smile_Songs where Sharon G, creator of Smile Songs, will be interviewing our own Kim of Hello Gorgeous Boutique to talk about Sharon's line Smile Songs that we sell here in our online shop, how Kim creates our gorgeous world of gifts, and answer your questions about greeting cards that you have! Join @Smile_Songs on Tuesday June 7th Live at 7pm Eastern/5pm Mountain for Inside the Cards with special guest Gorgeous Kim from @hellogorgeousboutiquega What you can expect for the evening: - Hear Sharon play the songs from Smile Songs cards + gifts for you, live - Discover how Kim creates her gorgeous world of gifts and how you get ‘em - Ask us questions about how to pick the perfect card or gift for your fave humans - And yes: Play pick a card with us! Tune in to Inside the Cards live with special guest Kim Fredrickson of Georgia’s Hello Gorgeous Boutique and Sharon G. of @smile_songs musical greeting cards and gifts. When Tuesday, June 7th Where: Insta Live: https://www.instagram.com/smile_songs/ When: 7pm Eastern/6 Central/5 Mountain/4 Pacific It’s gonna be fun! Hope to see you there! Shop Musical Smile Songs Greeting Cards HERE!

Written by Kim Fredrickson, Edited by Sarah-Jane May It is officially May! Happy New Month to You! This is my birthday month, so I always feel like let's get the party started! And by party, I mean I think many festive thoughts, some deep, some superficial. So, I am Grandma Kim now to a cutie pie granddaughter. So amazing. So grateful. We are officially online only now and we are officially moved into our new office and warehouse space. I even bought an office chair! I realized that I am so used to moving around a space; this is an interesting and new experience. Any tips? I enjoy spring. Yesterday it was 72' with sunny blue skies. As I am writing this it is cloudy, overcast, and 73'. It may get up to 81'. What's the weather like near you? I had an epiphany yesterday. I really like the word "bliss". "Joy, pleasure, delight, happiness, gladness." My goal for this newsletter, Gentle Readers, is to share with you the things that bring bliss to an inside space and even to our outdoor spaces. Inside Bliss: So, candles bring bliss into a space with fragrance, light and a small time for pausing. Yes, pausing, reflecting, reading, listening to music and enjoying the perfume of the room. (why not call candles room perfume? I wanna make that happen) Kiss Me in the Garden makes these lovely candles with quotes from inspiring women. Funny Candle Co. creates candles with witty packaging and delightful scents. Penn Chemists are in brightly colored votives that smell fabulous and have names like Nirvana.(smell way better than teen spirit...couldn't resist) We also have fragrance free candles from Unemployed Philosophers Guild and PC Hester for the light, art, and moments of peace and tranquility. (which I wanna make happen too) Make your space cozy, colorful, and even hear the tinkling of bells with Indika Imports selection of pillow covers, prosperity hens and bells. Cuddle with the cutest plush pig by Compendium or the adorable Pink Poodlena. Inspired Peru also offers the softest alpaca, teddy, and penguin cuties. Ivy & Sage has the "Home Sweet Home" and the pink "Peony" pillow cover too for the cozy space. Mugs: Drinking my coffee out of a different mug each day brings me bliss. So, we have mugs from: Citizen Ruth Brand Iamtra Bold & Dreamy (Previously known as Mahathey Made) Art: We have art in the form of greeting cards, magnets, wall art, and stickers. Colorful images and inspiring words always bring me bliss, and may even include laughter! Outside Bliss: Plant a garden with flower and vegetable Seeds by Sow the Magic in beautiful tarot inspired seed packets. Sunglasses by Peepers for the mystery and for blocking the sun in style. Cinnamon deodorant by Sin Min. Sure, it may be weird that I actually look forward to applying this fab deodorant before I go outside. But, I am okay with this. It smells good and it works. Flower Crowns by Mays Monsters to look festive and floral, cause it's spring & I like to imagine myself a fairy. Available in braided, regular, and light up styles! Jewelry: Cameoko Jewelry for outside is a necessity for me. I always wear a necklace, a few bracelets and earrings. Why? Because this adornment make me feel strong and solid. Socks: I don't wear flip flops. I do wear sandals eventually. However, bliss for me outside is walking in closed toe shoes with really comfy and colorful socks. We have those for babies, kids and grownups. Zkano Socks - organic cotton and made in a family owned sock mill in Fort Payne, Alabama Socksmith Outlands Collection with recycled wool or the recycled cotton crew socks. Made in the US and come in a variety of fun patterns for the walking or perhaps the hiking. A floral or colorful lightweight scarf is quite nice for the outside too. It provides a bit of glamour and if it rains or gets cold suddenly, you are ready to wrap up in the scarf. Carrying your stuff securely and efficiently is important for the outside excursions. How about a Sunavworld crossbody, or a Fly Paper Canvas tote, or a leather bag by Kiko Leathers Want something small that works for carrying the id, cc and cash? How about this Janis Joplin coin purse, Blue Q zipper pouches, or the Papaya Art zipper coin purses with key fob. There you have it, Gorgeous Friends, also known as Gentle Readers... (yes I have watched all of Bridgerton and enjoyed it.) My favorite characters are Lady Danbury and the Queen. How about you? Wishing you a wonderful week and a marvelous May! Shop HGBGA.com 24/7 Local Pickup and We Ship nationwide and then some! Thank you for supporting us throughout this small business adventure. We appreciate each of you so much. - Kim & Team Gorgeous

Written by Kim Fredrickson, Edited by Sarah-Jane May January is an inside kind of month. Weather is unpredictable. It changes from 70 degrees one day and falls to 30 the next. Every area is different of course. For the last year or 2, I am grateful to have re-discovered being outside and exploring my neighborhood. I notice the trees with their changing leaves, the flowers and shrubs changing from season to season. I notice the sunsets more and occasionally a sunrise. Along with this new awareness of nature, is a discovery of birds that visit our bird feeders. We have also had a wildflower and vegetable garden which has been home to tomatoes, jalapenos, bees, and butterflies to name a few (even a cat or 2 visits our gardens). Now that the ground is colder, it is time for winter gardens, sowing some outdoor seeds (like Purple Clover) and also for planting seeds inside. We have kale and beets outside currently. We decided to make a fun Guide to enjoying your January indoors with some of our great gifts and items: Garden indoors and out with our new Garden & Outdoors section Welcome to "Sow the Magic" an Asheville, North Carolina company that curates beautifully illustrated seed packets, crystals and even a "Gardener's Moon Calendar". The seed packets have detailed information about the type of plant, sowing instructions, and other intriguing details about the plant itself historically and symbolically. When you find yourself inside, you may want to read a good book like: Shannon Cohen's "Tough Skin, Soft Heart" for inspirational wisdom and motivation. Local Author, Park Cannon's "Universal Guide to Running for Office" "I Wonder Bookstore" by Shinsuke Yoshitake "Pocket Frida Kahlo Wisdom" "It's OK to Feel Things Deeply" by Carissa Potter "Styling the Stars" "Atlanta in Color" by Jason Davis Other fun items for enjoying your indoors: If you notice you need some reading glasses to go with your new book...we do have some great styles from Peepers. Inside time may also bring you the chance to write in a journal. We have several sizes, designs and styles from the tiniest by Unemployed Philosophers Guild to London's Kitsch Noir Journals. Cooler temps and rainy days indoors call for a nice cup of tea. Check out our new teas by The TeaBook, and of course the classic and locally owned Chai Box! Grab yourself a new mug to put that tea or coffee in! We have some great selections by hand created Bold and Dreamy, or the ever popular Citizen Ruth Brand, UPG, or Emily McDowell (seen above) Puzzles by The Found and UPG are a nice way to spend some indoor time. Perhaps this is the time that you begin to write cards and letters to friends and family. We have notecard sets by Dahlia Press and Up with Paper. We of course have individual cards just to say "Hello" ie: Pencil Joy, Driscoll Design and Erin Smith. If you are beginning to bird watch, Blackbird Letterpress has 2 beautiful cards of a bluebird and the red headed woodpecker. Stay Cozy! If you are venturing outside for a walk, and want a little cozy beanie, or balaclava we have some unique styles from Moshiki. If you are looking for a more rugged pair of socks, check out the recycled fiber Socksmith collections made in the US for hiking, and walking. Be sure to also check out the organic cotton socks by Zkano, made in Fort Payne, Alabama. January is full of changes. January is also full of a variety of journeys. We just became grandparents in December and are so gratefully over the moon about our granddaughter. Here's wishing you joyful journeys in January, whatever they may be. Thank you for choosing to shop with us. We truly do a little "happy dance" when we receive your order. All the best, Kim, Sarah- Jane, and Sophia

Written by Sarah-Jane of The Hello Gorgeous Team Check out these fantastic items we carry below that are sure to be a hit at your NYE party, or even to bring as a host gift or bit of fun with you to any party you attend this year, or just for yourself if you're staying in! These are our top 5 choices, but of course we have tons of other great items on our website in our Party Supplies section as well as the many other great items! #1: Tops Malibu Sparkle Wands Ring in the new year with one of these pretty and fun Sparklettes party sparklers! Choose between elegant gold or sparkly silver, these party sparklers are ready to be passed around and shared. Sparklettes emit a golden sprinkling of sparks and are a great way to bring life to the party. Beautiful as table top decor, party favors, or hostess gifts. #2: Em & Friends Party Dragon Napkins These cute and festive napkins are a hit for any party! And plus, dragons = breathing fire, which totally goes with the whole fireworks and sparkles in my opinion! #3: Tops Malibu Mini Surprise Balls Add a new tradition to your NYE party! Instead of party crackers, try these fun surprise balls instead. Each one comes with 3-5 fun surprise gifts inside that you reveal by unwrapping. Plus they come in lots of fun and different colors you can choose from! #4: InBooze Spiced White Sangria Cocktail Kit InBooze kits are the perfect addition for any party! Each infusion makes 8 to 10 cocktails, making it great to bring to a party or save for yourself at home! We have tons of great cocktail kits to choose from, but we think this Spiced White Sangria kit is totally NYE worthy! #5: Patchology Serve Chilled Rose Eye Gels And of course what better way to round out our NYE guide than with a little bit of self care! Patchology products are the perfect self care tools for New Years Day, when you're relaxing at home and recuperating from the fun night before. We carry a large range of their under eye patches, face masks, and so much more!

From the moment when I strike a match, candle lighting is a relaxing process for me. I always notice this, but particularly during this falling into winter season. Days growing shorter, nights longer, cooler, and darker, does take some getting used to. Once I do though, I look forward to the shift from golden hour to the dark sky. My home growing darker reminds me to light a candle. For me it is a moment of reflection; a pause, a moment to strike a match, touch it to the candle wick, wait for it to light, then see the candle light begin. As the fragrance begins to emanate through the room, the light flickering and dancing throughout the room, I feel a sense of renewed calm and purpose. During the fall and winter months, many "Festivals of Lights" are celebrated. From Diwali to Hanukkah, St. Lucia's Day, Las Posadas, and Kwanzaa. These celebrations remind us to welcome the new season. We honor, reflect, pause and celebrate while we light the candles. Outside people decorate their home with lights and decorations to honor their traditions. One common thread amidst all these celebrations of light is that we are looking for the light in the darkness and then celebrating that light. Check out our candle section here to bring some light to your home: Candles

I write this 2 days after the Atlanta Braves won the World Series 2021. A few weeks ago I read about Joc Pederson from a blog called "Alma" which led to me intensely watching the Braves play against the Giants, Dodgers and then the Astros. Why did I suddenly notice Joc Pederson? I noticed Joc Pederson after I read that he wore pearls. When asked why he wore pearls, he said, "Cause I'm a bad b-tch" Hey Alma (@heyalma on Instagram) went on to say that "Joc Pederson is Jewish, originally from Palo Alto, California and in 2013 Joc played for Team Israel in the World Baseball Championship." My parents used to take me and my siblings to see the Oakland Athletics play at the Oakland Coliseum. We sat in the cheap seats, the bleachers. I remember how happy my parents were. I remember watching the players like Rollie Fingers and Vida Blue. I remember that Colonial Donuts created a special donut in honor of Vida Blue - a blueberry donut. I also remember how wild it was when the Kansas City Royals would play the Oakland A's (ok the Athletics-but seriously they were the A's) The Royals and the A's had quite a few "skirmishes." My parents went to Spring Training in Arizona to see the A's play and also cheered on my daughters in their multi league and softball games. After my dad passed away, my mom invited college baseball players to stay in her home in the East Bay. The players were playing in summer baseball leagues and she went to all their games to cheer for them. At the time, I did not understand it. It was not until I was watching the Braves play that I realized how much my mom valued, treasured and truly loved the sport of baseball. It also made me see how much my mom enjoyed the camaraderie of the players, their individual personalities, and as she would say, "such a nice young man." which meant, "Oh, he's cute." My mom has had Alzheimers now for the last few years. Mom is almost 85. I am so grateful that she can live in her home with her dog Lady, with an amazing team of caregivers who make it possible. Mom does not recognize me, we cannot really communicate, and because of the pandemic, I have not seen her in person since January 2020. However, I know that if my mom could tell me, she would say how wonderful it was that the Braves came together and played an amazing season. I know my mom would be calling me and telling me how cute Joc, Soler, Dansby, Max Fried, and Rosario were. She would be saying "those nice young men." She would also be saying, "Those pearls!" As I watched games these last few weeks, I noticed that the majority of the players wear necklaces of gold, silver, and yes, pearls. Their "statement necklaces" if you will. What is your statement? What do you want your necklace to say? You can check out our statement necklaces and more here: Jewelry You can also find our Pearl jewelry here too: Pearls

October 8, 2021. Ever since I opened Hello Gorgeous Boutique, I have been fascinated by greeting cards. When I went to my first Stationery Show in New York it was amazing. It was the National Stationery Show held at the Javits Center. (side note: I worked at Le Pique Nique in Oakland California with Carla Javits-Senator Javits daughter) Being in a large room filled with beautiful booths imagined and put together by artists filled the room with an incredible creative energy. Meeting the Makers of the greeting card lines was so cool. For some it was easy, they were sociable and could chat with little effort. For others, it was more difficult, being their first show. For me, it was a true gift; Talking to each artist, learning about them and how they created their work. So here's the thing, I think some greeting cards are like poetry. Here's a definition of poetry from Bobby's college professor: Poetry is "an art form that gives extra meaning to words for the way they were chosen and arranged." When we were in our brick and mortar, people would come in to read cards. They would laugh, smile, emote, and pause. The words would speak to some, and to others not. Some greeting cards have words only. Some have words and artwork. Why do you choose a certain greeting card? What does it need to resonate with you? Wit, sarcasm, empathy, sweetness, colorful illustration, font, puns, or quotes? Now that we are on our website, it is more difficult to analyze each person's emotional response to cards. However I have observed through purchase information, that a lot of people are drawn to vintage-style cards with some sarcasm and wit. Like poetry, artists learn to create greeting cards that have meaning with carefully chosen words. Haiku, Limericks, and Sonnets all have particular formulas to follow. During the past 18 months, I have been reading poetry more than ever. I enjoy the simplicity and the power of the chosen words. Some of my favorites are Emily Dickinson, Nikki Giovanni, Gertrude Stein, and Sun Yun-feng. Sun Yun-feng was a native of Chekiang, the daughter of an official. "She married the scholar Ch'en and was one of the favourites of the thirteen women students of the Ch'ing Dynasty poet Yuan Mei." Starting at Dawn Under the waning moon In the dawn-- A frosty bell. My horse's hooves Tramp through the yellow leaves. As the sun rises Not a human being is visible, Only the sound of a stream Through the misty trees. Some of my favorite "poems" we offer on our website in Greeting Card and Sticker format: Greeting card by Crimson and Clover Studio: "Never let anyone treat you like regular glue. You're glitter glue." Greeting card by Erin Smith Art: "My decisions are final. My frame of mind when I made them is up for debate." Sticker by Shannon Cohen: "Speak life to the dreams of your own soul." Greeting card by I Loot Paperie: "Spooky season is upon us- Let us make merry and Shelley-Brate." Sticker by Amy Zhang: Emily Dickinson's "Prose before bros" For more poetry finds, I recommend The Penguin Book of Women Poets edited by Carol Cosman, Joan Keefe and Kathleen Weaver. I also recommend the Instagram account @theemilydickinsonmuseum Also, one of our Gorgeous Friends, Nancy Stephan, is a writer and an educator. She was kind enough to have 2 Instagram Live conversations with me. Check out her website nancystephan.com to see her wonderful poetry. I leave you with a poem by Emily Dickinson; Blossoms will run away- Cakes reign but a Day, But Memory like Melody, Is pink eternally-