How to Turn a Polaroid into a Postcard

The Polaroid photo is one of the most classic photography icons of its time. We have a small obsession with them, if you couldn’t already tell. In fact, you may remember us showing you how to turn a Polaroid into a scratch-off card, a pop-up card, and even a piece of chocolate. And today, we’re bringing along a whole new PolaroiDIY (har-har) for you: the Polaroid Postcard.

This idea was brought to us by one of my dearest and most creative friends, Jessica Sittig. She has been creating Polaroid postcards as thank you notes for years now. It’s such a simple, brilliant idea for anyone that owns a camera like this. And if you don’t own one, I’d suggest picking up the Fuji Instax, a vintage Polaroid (tons are available on eBay), or the newest Polaroid Instant Digital Camera. Here’s some really awesome film if you need a replacement cartridge.

Okay, let’s get this party started. First thing to know: Polaroids can be mailed without an envelope! So can a lot of other stuff… like a water bottle… but I digress. This project is perfect for those of you hoping to send a more personalized and creative note to someone. All you need is a camera, a pen, a blank notebook and a stamp!

As you see below, all you need to do is have someone take a photo of you holding open a blank notebook. It’s your call whether or not your face shows, but I kind of dig the way that Jessica keeps most of her photos framed from waist to chin. It takes the focus off of her face and onto the message, which is really what this is all about.

Once your photos are snapped, use a fine point pen or Sharpie to write a message onto the blank pages of the notebook. You can see that Jessica has made a collection of “Thank You” notes, but you could also say things like “Happy Birthday,” “Miss You,” “Merry Christmas,” etc. You can also include more than one person in the photo if the message is from a couple or a family (um, hello, perfect wedding thank you cards!).

Once you’re done writing your message, add a stamp to the bottom right, address the bottom left, and include your longer message on the back.

Sending a digital greeting? No pen required! Use Photoshop or any other image editor to add text to the photo, or group multiple photos together to create a longer message. Then, just email away!

Did you know there are 7 types of rest that can help you relax better over time? Ever since I've started focusing on them, I've been craving the nights I'm able to get 8 hours of sleep. I'm not always successful, so I decided to ask mindfulness and meditation teacher Dora Kamu of Headspace and therapist and clinical social work Kiana Shelton, LCSW of Mindpath Health for their expert opinions.

Scroll to see the 8 key habits people who sleep 8 hours a night keep:

Vlada Karpovich

1. Meditate daily

Meditation is more than saying "ohm" while sitting with your legs crossed. While deep breathing does help to reset our nervous system, meditating is a way to help quiet our minds. Shelton says, "By working on reducing stress and anxiety, people can mitigate many issues that disrupt sleep" because "high stress levels can lead to overthinking and worrying," according to Kamu.

Vega DuPont

2. Bask In The Sun

Kamu says, "Morning sunlight helps regulate your circadian rhythm, which signals to your body when to wake and sleep. Aim for at least 10 minutes of sunlight early in the day to reset your internal clock." You can sit on your porch or balcony while drinking a nice cup of coffee or tea before starting your work day.

In the words of Sheryl Crowe, "I'm gonna soak up the sun. I'm gonna tell everyone to lighten up."

Ruxanda Photography

3. Go for daily walks

There's a reason why you see so many people talking about their love for hikes and daily walks. Not only can it help you reset during a busy day, it's generally a great way to connect to nature. Feeling the sun and breeze on your skin is a welcomed reprieve if you're otherwise glued to your computer screen during work.

Kamu says, "Exercise can promote a good night’s sleep. You don’t need to overdo it either. A brisk 30-minute walk or gentle yoga can significantly improve sleep quality." I use the Headspace app sometimes and have even listened to mindful meditations if I'm alone.

KATRIN BOLOVTSOVA

4. Start journaling your thoughts

Kamu says aside from "mindfulness practices like meditation" or "deep breathing", journaling is a great way to "keep your mind calm and clear." Don't overthink whether you're supposed to be formal or informal either. All that's required are your unfiltered thoughts or how you feel in any moment.

Photo by Mike Jones: https://www.pexels.com/photo/a-woman-sitting-at-the-table-9052312/

5. Limit your caffeine intake

You and I love coffee, right? Kudos if it's a yummy cold brew that energizes us! But, Shelton and Kamu believe being mindful of what we're drinking throughout the day can help us get 8 hours of sleep. Why? "Your food and beverage choices can impact your sleep," Kamu warns. Her advice is to "avoid heavy meals, caffeine, and sugary drinks...to set yourself up for better rest."

Concerning caffeine, Shelton knows some of us have bad habits. "...while many of us may stop drinking coffee after the morning, caffeine is often present in favorite sodas and other beverages. Caffeine can wake the body up, making it harder to fall asleep." You know the beloved soda you just have to drink as a late 'pick-me-up?' It's likely confusing your body.

cottonbro studio

6. Skip Heavy Meals Before Bed

Kamu mentioned this earlier, but she says "what we consume can have a big impact on how we sleep." She highly suggests you skip "caffeine and heavy meals close to bedtime" because they can "work against your nighttime wind-down." If you're craving something to drink or munch on, she recommends "a soothing herbal tea or light snack."

Ivan Samkov

7. Keep screen time to a minimum before bed

If experts have said it once, they'll say it again: people who get 8 hours of sleep are limiting their screen time before bed. Shelton says, "...they avoid cell phones and TV, stopping the use of electronic devices 30–60 minutes before bed." Although it doesn't seem 'blue' to us, Kamu says "the blue light from screens can trick your brain into thinking it's still daytime" which disrupts "your natural rhythm, making it harder to fall asleep."

She adds, "Give your devices a bedtime, too — try putting them away 2-3 hours before you turn in. If that feels like a stretch, dim your phone’s light or switch to dark mode to ease the strain on your eyes."

KATRIN BOLOVTSOVA

8. Have A Consistent Bedtime

I've always heard the importance of kids having a routine they follow, but did you know we need to have them too? Kamu says, "As creatures of habit, our bodies thrive on consistency. A steady bedtime routine helps regulate the body’s sleep-wake cycle, preparing your mind and body for rest." She says you can "think of it as a nightly ritual to signal, 'It’s time to unwind.'"

Her tips are to:

  • Practice yoga nidra to relax and reset
  • Read a calming book to settle your thoughts
  • Take a warm shower or soak in a hot bath to soothe your muscles and invite restfulness (my favorite recommendation!)
Shelton also says, "Even on weekends, people who get the proper amount of sleep tend to go to bed around the same time regardless of the day of the week."

Shelton says, "One of the most impactful changes is to stop sacrificing sleep. Many people feel that nighttime is the only time they have to themselves, a phenomenon called Revenge Bedtime Procrastination (RBP). This mindset not only reduces the time available for sleep but also disrupts the body’s ability to regulate sleep hormones, such as melatonin."

In other words, prioritize your health so you can get the rest you need!

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Thin Mints are undeniably the best Girl Scout cookie flavor, which is why I’m so pumped to hear that Wendy’s is giving their regular Frosty roster a tasty upgrade in lieu of Girl Scout cookie season. That’s right – there’s a Thin Mints Frosty on the way, and I can already tell it’s going to be ahh-mazing!

Read on for everything we know about the Wendy’s Thin Mints Frosty.


Wendy's

Announced on January 27, 2025, Wendy’s is officially teaming up with Girl Scouts of the USA for the all-new Thin Mints Frosty, which will hit restaurants in February!

Wendy's

Per People, the Thin Mints Frosty will be concocted with a mint chocolate swirl that leverages the actual Thin Mints cookies to create a “crumbly, cookie butter-esque texture.” As far as the Frosty base goes, you’ll be able to order it in either of Wendy’s classic Frosty flavors: vanilla or chocolate.

Girl Scouts of the USA

I anticipate that the Thin Mints Frosty will simply be a 10/10 treat – or perhaps even a solid 11 or 12/10! It’s widely known that the crispy chocolate cookies are always better straight from the freezer (at least in my family), so knowing they're going to be incorporated into a frozen treat is truly so exciting.

Wendy's + Girl Scouts of the USA

The Thin Mints Frosty will be available nationwide – but only for a limited-time – starting Friday, February 21.

Girl Scouts of the USA

The 2025 Girl Scout cookie season began on January 7, with 12 flavors available for purchase. Girl Scouts of the USA did sadly announce two flavors, Girl Scout S’mores and Toast-Yay!, will not return for the 2026 cookie season. I luckily don’t see Thin Mints going anywhere – they’re a cult favorite!

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If you've been on the internet at all since August 6, 2024 (during the promotion of It Ends With Us), you know that the Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni feud is ever-evolving — and that it doesn't look like it's slowing down anytime soon. After Blake Lively alleged Justin orchestrated a smear campaign against her with an article in the New York Times, and Justin's subsequent lawsuit against the publication (which mentioned Taylor Swift), someone I totally didn't expect just spoke out: Justin's mom.

Here's what Justin Baldoni's mom had to say about the It Ends With Us director amid his feud with Blake Lively.

Justin Baldoni's mom praises his "integrity."

In honor of Justin Baldoni's birthday on January 24, when he turned 41, his mom took to Instagram to celebrate another trip around the sun.

"Happy Birthday Justin ~ remembering a wonderful moment after the final ending of 'Jane The Virgin' - a moment where joy and love permeated the set, where friendships and family were born and kindness and integrity permeated the hearts of all the actors and crew, where sadness only entered because it was the final scene of a wonderful journey ~ and the beginning of the rest of our lives," she says in the post. "A happy loving and generous memory with hearts exploding with possibilities. Life has its moments and also its surprises - as you keep your integrity through it all Justice and truth will shine today and into eternity. I love you more than you will ever know! Happy Birthday my beautiful boy! May God continue to bless you in truth."

And Blake Lively's family has also praised her character throughout all the 'It Ends With Us' drama.

Justin's mom isn't the only family member who's spoken out since It Ends With Us released. After internet users started turning on Blake Lively for promoting the movie as a rom-com instead of talking about its domestic violence themes, and an Instagram user called Blake's behavior "disappointing," her brother-in-law Bart Johnson stepped in (via People).

"I’m really sorry you feel that way," he said. "I’m sure you have a huge heart and want the best. I can promise you the truth has not come out yet. Blake worked harder on this film than anything I’ve seen her do my entire life. Because it meant so much to her."

And in an open letter on Instagram, Blake's Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants co-stars (and sisters-by-choice) supported her. "As Blake's friends and sisters for over twenty years, we stand with her in solidarity as she fights back against the reported campaign waged to destroy her reputation," Alexis Bledel, Amber Tamblyn, and America Ferrera say in the post. "Throughout the filming of It Ends With Us, we saw her summon the courage to ask for a safe workplace for herself and colleagues on set, and we are appalled to read the evidence of a premeditated and vindictive effort that ensued to discredit her voice."

"Most upsetting is the unabashed exploitation of domestic violence survivors' stories to silence a woman who asked for safety," they continue. "The hypocrisy is astounding. We are struck by the reality that even if a woman is as strong, celebrated, and resourced as our friend Blake, she can still face forceful retaliation for daring to ask for a safe work environment. We are inspired by our sister's courage to stand up for herself and others."

Read up on the 10 Weird Moments You Missed From Viral Justin Baldoni & Blake Lively Set Video for more, and stay tuned for more information on how Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni's legal battle unfolds.