Blue Mountain Blog

APRIL 15: TAX DAY!

Posted on April 15, 2013 by bluemountainecards

It’s That Day, Again!

Every April 15^th (barring weekends), America’s tax season comes to a close. As millions postmark their paperwork, file their taxes online, and make big plans for their refunds, let’s take a moment to explore the history of the day Uncle Sam comes calling and how it evolved over time.

Lincoln, the Civil War, and the Revenue Act

Signed into law by President Lincoln on August 5, 1861, as a means to finance the Civil War, the Revenue Act was the United States’ first federal income tax. Levying the earnings of anyone making at least $800 a year, the measure operated on a graduated scale, imposing the tax on gains from employment, property, imported goods, and vocation.

Over the decades, income taxes would be repealed, then later revived and collected on whatever industries were thriving, such as tobacco and alcohol in 1868. In 1895, the U.S. Supreme Court even deemed income taxes unconstitutional because they weren’t proportionate to the states’ populations. It wasn’t until the Corporate Tax Act was introduced by Congress in 1909, later modified into the 16^th Amendment and ratified in 1913, that the U.S. tax system we know today was put in place.

Tax Date Shuffle

Originally scheduled on March 1, 1914, approximately one year after the amendment was adopted, Tax Day shifted to March 15^th in 1918, then to April 15^th in 1955. Although speculation as to why this happened is widespread, it’s believed that the date was moved to accommodate for the intense IRS employee workload. Some have wondered, however, if a possible reason is the increased interest the government can earn when certain taxes are withheld longer and refunds issued later.

Dreaming Big

As you make your way to the post office, tax preparer, or if you file online, no doubt you’ll be dreaming of what to do with your refund. Here are a few tips on how you can make the most of it:

Invest for retirement
Save for a rainy day
Pay down debt
Donate to charity
Broaden your career skills
Take that dream vacation
Weekend shopping spree
Cup of coffee

A THANK YOU NOTE: How to Write

Posted on April 12, 2013 by bluemountainecards

“THANK YOU.” Most everyone says this daily and it feels perfectly natural to say it.
But for special situations, when we want to put our gratitude in print, it’s different and, sometimes, even difficult. So once you’ve got a great card or some nice stationery, what comes next in thanking someone for a gift, an interview, a thoughtful gesture? Perhaps
the tips below can help you write a thank you note that’s not only sincere, but appropriate as well.

Handwritten Thank You Note

First, know that a handwritten thank you note is always appreciated. With email being such a common form of communication, personal notes are more valued than ever. And taking the time to acknowledge someone’s kindness or time will mean the world to them. Simply the fact that you’re writing a note sets you up for success.

Be Timely

Next, try to be timely. A thank you note is best sent within a week. For a large event, like
a shower or wedding, up to three months is acceptable, but “sooner” is preferred than “later.” If time gets away from you, just offer a humble apology, but don’t dwell on your delay. The note shouldn’t sound like it was a burden to write.

For more formal or business thank yous, such as after an interview, a thank you email can be sent immediately if there is a sense of urgency (say in placing an order or filling a position,) but it should still be followed up with a thank you note or letter sent shortly after the event–within 2 to 3 days. (See links below for more information.)

A few ideas for business thank yous…

I’m so happy you recommended our company to one of your friends…many thanks for your thoughtfulness.
Or: We were so happy with your____________, we just wanted you to know we’ll recommend you to all our friends.
Thank you for the time you spent showing me…
Thank you for showing us what “above and beyond” really means…
I know your time is valuable, so I just wanted to thank you for making room in your schedule for me.

Be Yourself and Be Specific

Now, just be yourself…but be specific. Address the recipient in the way that’s comfortable for both of you, and then focus on your reason for writing. There’s no need for a long lead-in as you might do in a letter. Let the recipient know right away what you’re thanking them for, and describe it thoughtfully. Saying the gift is incredibly useful, the dinner was delicious, or their act of kindness was enormously helpful are personal touches that mean
a lot.

Add Some Details

Don’t hesitate to add more details to genuinely express your gratitude. For example, if you’ll think of the gift giver whenever you use their present, tell them so. If you felt the dinner guests were a great group of people, let the host know it. If thinking about what someone did still makes you smile, that’s something they’d like to know. Elaborating on the reasons for your gratitude helps people see themselves positively from your point of view—and doubles the joy of the gesture.

End With a Compliment

Finally, finish the note with a sincere compliment that will leave a lasting effect. Whether they’re a one-of-a-kind wonderful friend, an amazing cook, a prospective employer, or you appreciate the time they took out of their busy schedule, now is the time to tell them you noticed—and it will make them feel extra special.

Remember, the thank you note itself, although expected, can often be a pleasant surprise. And everyone wants to feel appreciated. So, the few minutes you take to tell someone you’re thankful could brighten their whole day…and yours!

A few ideas for social thank yous…

You always know the perfect thing to (do, say, give, etc.)
Your kindess during a difficult time was sincerely appreciated.
I feel doubly blessed…first for what you did, but mostly, for what
you mean to me.

More Ideas on What to Write

To see many more ideas for things you can write in thank you notes or for other occasions, please see our various “What to Write…” blogs:

http://www.bluemountain.com/blog/2012/12/what-to-write-in-a-thank-you-note/

http://www.bluemountain.com/blog/2013/02/what-to-write-offering-words-of-encouragment/

http://www.bluemountain.com/blog/2013/01/what-to-write-in-a-valentine/

Also, browse bluemountain.com for a wonderful assortment of thank you ecards, postcards and stationery you can easily personalize.

Business Thank You links:

http://www.career.vt.edu/Interviewing/AfterThanksFollowUp.html

http://jobsearch.about.com/od/thankyouletters/a/thankyouemail.htm

NATIONAL SIBLINGS DAY: April 10, 2013

Posted on April 10, 2013 by bluemountainecards

SPOT THE DIFFERENCES Birthday Game

Posted on April 9, 2013 by bluemountainecards

SPOT THE DIFFERENCES Birthday Game

Can you find the ten differences in the two images from “Celebrating You,” one the newest interactive and personalized birthday ecards from bluemountain.com?

Answers:

THINKING OF YOU JUST BECAUSE: Mood Board

Posted on April 8, 2013 by bluemountainecards

Because it’s a sunny day…
Because something I saw reminded me of you…
Because you’re special to me…
Because you make me smile just thinking of you…
Because…well, just because!

It doesn’t take a special day or special reason to think about those we care about. It’s just something we do naturally because it feels so good. But what makes it feel even better is letting that someone special know that they’re in our thoughts. Think about it…doesn’t it bring a smile to your face and a warm feeling to your heart when you get an unexpected “hello” from someone you know…it can change your day and your mood in the twinkling
of any eye.

So go ahead and write that letter, make that phone call, send that email or simply send or share a bluemountain ecard or postcard to make it a sunny day for someone you know!

WORLD HEALTH DAY

Posted on April 7, 2013 by bluemountainecards

Celebrate World Health Day!

Founding and 2013 Theme

When the United Nations was established in 1945, founders felt it necessary to create an internal organization that would continue the important health services offered during both World Wars. On April 7, 1948, the World Health Organization began that mission. During the First World Health Assembly that same year, many felt a day commemorating the founding of the organization and bringing greater awareness of health concerns to the world would be appropriate. On April 7, 1950, World Health Day was born. Known as a day of global observance rather than a public holiday, this year’s theme is hypertension.

Monitoring Your Blood Pressure

In keeping with 2013’s theme, here is some information about hypertension and ways you can control your blood pressure:

Information:

Nearly 1 billion people have hypertension worldwide; two-thirds of whom live in developing nations.
Men run a higher risk than women of developing hypertension; a family history of high blood pressure can further increase the likelihood.
Age plays a role, with those in their 50s having five times the risk compared to those in their 20s and 30s.
Known as the “silent killer” due to the lack of warning signs and symptoms, high blood pressure is the leading, but preventable, cause of cardiovascular disease worldwide.
Hypertension is known to complicate other types of diseases such as diabetes.
Other risk factors for hypertension include: obesity, kidney disease, and consuming large quantities of alcohol.

Ways to Control It:

Exercise, exercise, exercise!
Eat healthy and avoid sodium
Limit your alcohol consumption
Say “no” to tobacco products
Reduce your caffeine intake
Find ways to relax and avoid stress
Get regular blood pressure check-ups with your doctor

Here’s To Your Health—Activities You Can Enjoy!

Here is a list of activities to consider on World Health Day in helping to promote a healthy lifestyle:

Attend a local health conference or fair.
Start a health workshop in your area.
Set up a variety of contests surrounding health for kids with prizes for all participants.
Create healthy games and exercise activities
Make fliers and pamphlets with fun trivia and health information to hand out in your neighborhood.
Coordinate blood pressure screenings with health professionals in your area.
Help promote a healthy diet by organizing a buffet of fruits, vegetables, and other nutritious delicacies, and distribute easy and delicious recipes that reflect healthy eating habits.
If your city has a website, ask if you can advertise any local World Health Day events.

In keeping with the spirit of good health, remember to pass long these helpful tips and encourage others to do the same. Your heart will thank you, and so will others!

NATIONAL POETRY MONTH

Posted on April 5, 2013 by bluemountainecards

The Academy of American Poets created National Poetry Month in 1996 to build awareness of the rich heritage of classic and contemporary poets and poems and their impact on our culture. Celebrated by bookstores, libraries, schools, and bloggers, the hope is that more of us will become aware of the joys of poetry. Celebrated Poet, Billy Collins, wrote this somewhat humorous piece about our desires to understand poetry.

“Introduction to Poetry”

I ask them to take a poem
and hold it up to the light
like a color slide

or press an ear against its hive

I say drop a mouse into a poem
and watch him probe his way out,

or walk inside the poem’s room
and feel the walls for a light switch.

I want them to waterski
across the surface of a poem
waving at the author’s name on the shore.

But all they want to do
is tie the poem to a chair with a rope
and torture a confession out of it.

They begin beating it with a hose
to find out what it really means.

~Billy Collins, Poet Laureate of the United States 2001-2003

Billy Collins writes, teaches, and inspires all of us with his gifts of poetry. From Shakespeare to Milton to Dr. Seuss, we have a long and diverse heritage in the art form
of poetry.

So, what can you do to honor and participate in National Poetry Month? How about carrying a poem in your pocket? You could either write a piece yourself and share it with others, or you can find a poem from one of your favorite classics and sit with it, enjoy its mood and intention, and write it in a card to give a friend.

Look for poems on themes that make you happy. Poems exist on every subject imaginable. Find a good poem on love, or marriage or raising children and then write it down in your journal or on a note card and post it on the refrigerator.

Look for poetry books at local bookstores or visit websites. Encourage people in your family to try their hand at writing a poem, perhaps about a favorite pet or cooking dinner together. Any topic that brings a new light on the everyday moments can be fun to share.

Be more intentional about reading poetry newsletters, writing reviews, or letting publishers know that you appreciate the genre of poetry and want to see more books on the subject. Let a poem walk through your mind, do a little dance, and give you some new insights today.

SPRINGTIME WORD SEARCH

Posted on April 3, 2013 by bluemountainecards

Our list of words:

bees birds buds bugs bulbs bunny crocus daisy flowers garden grasshoppers kite lemonade mow pansy rainbows robins springtime tulip windy

Answers:

YOUR APRIL BIRTHDAY!

Posted on April 3, 2013 by bluemountainecards

Happy April Birthday—You Wonderfully Witty, Sensual Spirits!

Loyal, dedicated, and with a childlike sense of wonder, those born during the month of April possess a fiery energy eager to discover the world around them. With an ability to uncover all that the world has to offer, you waste no time in seeking out all of life’s treasures.

Aries

Always the trailblazer, Aries energy is marked by spontaneity, speed, and a satirical sense of humor that guarantees laughs from all within earshot. Those born under the sign of the ram jump headfirst into everything! You strike while the iron is hot, and we mean hot! Uniqueness is your mantra, and truth be told, there’s no one quite like you. You live for the moment, and when one doesn’t present itself, you’re able to create one in a heartbeat.

Taurus

If born under the sign of Taurus, you find value in anything that brings sensual pleasure—large and small. In fact, when it comes to worth, you prize everything from outright luxury to the very precious resources of Mother Earth, not to mention your own personal values and beliefs. You’re not one to covet just anything, for everything you possess must either have meaning or be something you’re able to give meaning to. If by chance your search for significance doesn’t pan out right away, you persist until it does, for perseverance is your calling card.

April Flower

Although the origin of your birth flower, the Sweet Pea, is somewhat unclear, what’s indisputable is its association with blissful pleasure: Blossoming in many varieties and colors (sometimes two-tone), many of the richly fragrant flowers have an aroma reminiscent of orange blossoms and honey.
A centerpiece of corsages, boutonnières, and other types of bouquets and flower arrangements, this delicate bloom was first believed to be seen in Sicily by the monk, Francisco Cupani, a member of the Order of St. Francis, in 1695. Considered easy to grow and care for, they are consistently sought out by those with a green thumb.

April Birthstone

Your birth stone, the diamond, derives its name from the Greek word, adamas, meaning “unconquerable,” and has as much history and legend surrounding its origin as it has facets to shine. Born beneath the earth’s surface in volcanic heat and massive pressure, this jewel of kings is also associated with romance, as Cupid’s arrow was believed to be tipped by this precious gem. Often seen on engagement rings, ancient Egyptians believed that the vena amoris, or “vein of love,” ran straight from one’s heart to the top of the third finger on the left hand. When Archduke Maximilian of Austria bestowed a diamond engagement ring to Mary of Burgundy in 1477, a tradition was born. Nowadays, it is often extracted from the renowned Kimberley diamond mines near Kimberley, South Africa, among many other places around the world.

Famous People Born in April

Famous faces who share your birthday month: Marlon Brando, Carol Burnett, Charlie Chaplin, Beverly Cleary, Thomas Jefferson, Coretta Scott King, Anthony Quinn, Debbie Reynolds, Jerry Seinfeld, Barbra Streisand

Important April 2013 Dates

April Fool’s Day 4/1
World Health Day 4/7
National Siblings Day 4/10
Tax Day 4/15
Earth Day 4/22
Administrative Professionals Day 4/24
Arbor Day 4/26

HAPPY APRIL FOOL’S DAY!

Posted on April 1, 2013 by bluemountainecards

Vaseline on the door knob. Mustard in the toothpaste tube. Tape over the light switch.
Let the April Fool’s Day pranks begin! Whether the joke is on you, or you’re planning
some pranks yourself, April Fool’s Day is all about having fun. And we’re here to help.

But first things first. How did April 1 become the biggest prank-pulling day of the year? Nobody knows for sure. But the most popular theory dates back to the 1500s when the adoption of the Gregorian calendar changed New Year from being observed on April 1
to January 1. It was a popular joke to trick people into thinking April 1 was still the New Year, and those who believed it were dubbed “April Fools.” Other theories range from Mother Nature “fooling” us with her fickle weather to Roman ruler Constantine letting
a court jester be king for a day because the “fool” thought he could do a better job.

Now April Fool’s Day is celebrated worldwide—with some of the most elaborate hoaxes pulled by the media. Taco Bell once took out a full page ad announcing their purchase of
the Liberty Bell. Expedia has touted flights to Mars. And Google plays a new prank every year. But one of the most popular hoaxes of all time was the 1957 BBC report of Switzerland’s “exceptionally heavy spaghetti crop” with video footage so convincing that callers jammed the switchboard seeking their own Spaghetti Tree. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=27ugSKW4-QQ

Fortunately, you don’t have to go that far to get a laugh. In fact, you probably have plenty of joke supplies right in your own junk drawer!

Here are some quick and easy popular pranks:

Rubber band the kitchen sink sprayer to soak an innocent victim’s face.
Put food coloring in the toothbrush (the same color as the bristles).
Insert frozen coins inside your family’s shoes.
Ben Gay the toilet seat.
Block the remote signal with a piece of electrical tape.
Put hair gel in the liquid soap bottle.
Unplug your co-worker’s mouse.
Tell them they’re getting brownies for desert. Then give them “E”s cut out of brown paper.
And the lazy-fool’s approach: Say you’ve planned a prank just to watch people squirm.

For more joke ideas and hilarious media hoaxes, check out the following links:

http://www.aprilfools.com/

http://amomwithalessonplan.com/april-fools-not-me-i-am-no-fool/

http://www.brandchannel.com/home/post/2011/04/01/Brands-April-Fools-Pranks.aspx

And, of course, don’t forget BlueMountain.com for plenty of April Fool fun!

Blue Mountain Blog

APRIL 15: TAX DAY!

Share this:

A THANK YOU NOTE: How to Write

Handwritten Thank You Note

Be Timely

Be Yourself and Be Specific

Add Some Details

End With a Compliment

More Ideas on What to Write

Share this:

NATIONAL SIBLINGS DAY: April 10, 2013

Share this:

SPOT THE DIFFERENCES Birthday Game

Share this:

THINKING OF YOU JUST BECAUSE: Mood Board

Share this:

WORLD HEALTH DAY

Share this:

NATIONAL POETRY MONTH

Share this:

SPRINGTIME WORD SEARCH

Share this:

YOUR APRIL BIRTHDAY!

Happy April Birthday—You Wonderfully Witty, Sensual Spirits!

Aries

Taurus

April Flower

April Birthstone

Famous People Born in April

Important April 2013 Dates

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HAPPY APRIL FOOL’S DAY!

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