Hello friends, Fall has always been my favorite time of year. Midwest born and bred, I can’t resist the crunch of leaves underfoot, that soft golden light, and those cool mornings that call for a Pumpkin Spice Latte instead of a second cup of coffee. It’s also my birthday month — which feels like the perfect excuse to celebrate with a few thoughtful treats for you. Before we dive in, a quick note: you might see my emails coming from a new address → hello@francessimonedesign.com. Please add it...
6 months ago • 3 min read
Hey Friends! There’s something about September that feels like a gentle reset. January may get all the attention for fresh starts, but I’ve always thought this month has its own kind of magic — cooler mornings, new rhythms, and the quiet reminder that we can begin again anytime. Wildflower Mornings Notecards As routines settle back in, I find myself reaching for simple tools that keep me grounded. The Wildflower Meadow Notecards & Journal are one of my favorites this time of year — whether...
7 months ago • 1 min read
Hey Friends! Last month, we talked about the quiet power of connection. This month, I want to offer you a way to hold that light The new Faith & Light collection is here—and it’s not your typical holiday launch Earlier this year—on one of those rainy spring mornings when the world felt especially heavy—I sat down not to design something trendy, but to create something true. The headlines were loud. Life felt cluttered. Even small joys had been dulled by the noise. And somewhere deep inside, I...
8 months ago • 1 min read
Hey Friends! Hey Friends! This month, we’re celebrating the quiet things. The handwritten notes. The little check-ins. The gentle way we say, “I’m thinking of you.” In a world that feels extra noisy lately, I’ve been craving simplicity and depth. I want to notice the small stuff again. To send a note. To smile at the neighbor I don’t always agree with. To reconnect—with others and myself. That’s what July is about here at Frances Simone Design: Quiet Acts of Connection. A Few Ideas for...
9 months ago • 2 min read
Hey Friends! Back in 1979 — the “dark ages,” as I lovingly call them — there was no internet. No cell phones. And long-distance phone calls? Those were for emergencies. So we wrote letters. I went off to college that year and wrote to everyone—friends, family, grandparents. They wrote back, and I’d check the mailbox every afternoon like it was a treasure hunt. Not for bills or flyers, but for something real. A little folded-up reminder that I mattered to someone. I miss that. This past April,...
10 months ago • 2 min read
Hey Friends! The sunshine is peeking in, the school year’s winding down, and my dog is tracking garden dirt through the house like it’s his full-time job. Spring is definitely here—and with it, all those little reminders to pause and say thank you to the people who show up for us. Before I became the artist and stationery-maker behind Frances Simone Design, I taught middle school English and worked in special education. And this time of year? Whew. It was joyful, chaotic, and often...
11 months ago • 1 min read
Hey Friends! April is officially Card & Letter Writing Month—and honestly, it’s kind of our moment to shine. Whether you’re a long-time snail mail lover or just dipping your toes in, I’m so happy you’re here. This month is all about celebrating the joy of thoughtful, handwritten connection—and I’ve got some sweet things to share: ✨ Free Easter cards printable (because spring should be shared) 📬 A peek at something new I’m working on 🛍️ A few favorite cards from the shop to brighten your mail...
about 1 year ago • 2 min read
Hey Friends! February is all about love, but this year, I’m focusing on a different kind of love—the love that comes from living intentionally. It’s easy to get caught up in the chaos of daily life, but small, thoughtful choices can make a big difference. That’s why my word of the year is Intentional, and I want to help you bring more of that into your life, too. Do you pick a word of the year? I do—it helps me focus on one thing each day to make life a little more meaningful. This year, my...
about 1 year ago • 2 min read
Happy New Year, friends! Can you believe it’s already 2025? After the holiday hustle, January feels like a big, cozy exhale—a time for fresh starts and dreaming big. As we pack away the tinsel and settle into the calm of winter, it’s the perfect moment to reflect and reconnect. Speaking of reconnecting, I have something delightful to help you make 2025 your most thoughtful year yet. This month’s freebie is a PDF mini book: Goal Setting Made Easy! It walks you through using S.M.A.R.T. goals to...
over 1 year ago • 1 min read