Hello! R. Nichols here. I thought I would jot down a few details about my product and services - as well as a few tidbits regarding upcoming projects, things I like and a few whatnots.

Mrs. Dater

I (R.) began this business a decade ago - in the dark windowless basement of my parents' home. I wasn't padlocked down there or anything - I was allowed to come out. Finding myself searching for a career and purpose - I drew on my 6th grade skills - cutting and pasting - and created some tiny collages - which in turn became a small line of greeting cards. Mrs. Dater, my 6th grade teacher(at the Sidwell Friends School, Washington DC), was paramount in my artistic development (and discipline). Not only did she make us type (6th grade, remember) a 40 page paper on Simon Bolivar (I am a solid typist today), demand that we wrote only with cartridge pens (which I still prefer), require us to do monumental artwork in cut paper (which consumed my weekends and is the reason R. Nichols exists today) - but she gave us a secret handshake each day when we left. What a teacher. I wish every student had a Mrs. Dater in their experience. Anyway, I took my little knapsack - and went right to the "big guys" - Barneys, Gump's San Francisco, Neiman Marcus and others. I am not sure if they bought out of pity - or because they saw potential (or a combo of both) - but buy they did. And it sold. And sold. And sold. Now my challenge is to continue producing designs that are unexpected, witty and fun - to keep it fresh and new.

SHIPPING! We charge a shipping rate of $6.95 for orders $50 and under, $8.95 for orders $51 - $100 and $10.95 for orders over $100. Orders shipped outside the USA are $15.00 for shipping to Canada, and $25.00 for all other international orders. We ship UPS Ground and US Postal Service within the USA, and US Airmail for international orders (international orders can take awhile to get to you and I cannot guarantee a time frame). We do offer expedited shipping (within the USA only) - via UPS next day and second day air. There is a flat fee of $55.00 for next day air and a flat fee of $35.00 for second day air. Orders must be received by 2pm eastern time to be shipped out that same day - otherwise they will ship the next business day. Don't hesitate to call us with questions. Our number is (407)628-4899 and there is always a cheerful person ready to assist.

PERSONALIZATION! We offer personalization. We can print your invitations, your envelopes, and even just your name if you want to have a signature card. Personalized cards make excellent gifts.

NEW DESIGNS! I introduce new designs throughout the year. I also retire designs throughout the year. Everything is limited edition - so you might see it on the web site one day - and the next day - boom - it's gone. Case in point: "Boots", "Moths", "Tennis Gal" - all suddenly sold out.

BOOK NEWS! If you haven't heard about the bestseller, FRENCH WOMEN DON'T GET FAT by Mireille Guiliano you may be living under a rock. The book became a global phenomenon. Having designed the cover of the first book, I was lucky enough to be asked by Mireille to design the cover of her brand new book, FRENCH WOMEN FOR ALL SEASONS - as well as illustrations inside. She continues her explanation of just how it is that French women find so much enjoyment in life - and how you can do it too. Plus, the books are just so darn cute. You can find more information at www.mireilleguiliano.com

WRITE ME! One of the best parts about having an internet store is hearing from YOU. Your feedback is so important - and always welcome. I built this business on personal relationships - and never want to lose sight of the customer (that's you). nick@r-nichols.com

LASTLY - I thought I would share a few products that I love right now. In fact - I am enamored with them.

1) MY SHOP. I have to say, my favorite thing in the whole wide world right now is my new shop which just opened in Orlando, Florida. The R. Nichols Shop is my baby. It's my laboratory. There is no place I would rather be. In fact, you'll most likely find me sitting at my desk working on designs every Saturday. If you are in Orlando you must stop by and say hello and enter my little world.

2) ONE KINGS LANE. Every day at 11am I get an email. It's pretty much the most exciting moment of the day. One Kings Lane is quickly becoming a phenomenon. Each day, they send out an email highlighting some great company along with a handful of their wonderful products for purchase - at just amazing prices. One day it might be pillows, one day coffee tables, one day stationery - you never know. I'm actually a little bit afraid of it because I keep buying things unexpectedly. If you love home products as much as I do, you should definitely sign up for the daily blast. Their emails are as beautifully presented as they are packed with treasures. www.onekingslane.com/join

3) SUGAR. Several years ago I picked up a striking colorful box of rustic, natural sugar cubes - really for the packaging. I thought it would look great on my counter. My friend, Margo, happened to be over at my place that day - and we are both lovers of earl grey decaf tea. So we brewed some up and plopped a couple "La Perruche" sugar cubes into our cups - and discovered that our tea was elevated to a new level of smoothness and deliciousness. I now MUST always have "La Perruche" sugar cubes in stock. They come in both natural (brown) and white. You should really have both, I do. You can buy them at www.igourmet.com.

4) TOOTH CARE (following sugar). I have been collecting international toothpastes for a number of years now. I just love the packaging - and they are always so exotic and colorful. So that led me to discover MARVIS toothpaste - it's from Italy - has fluoride - and is the creamiest, tastiest and most beautifully packaged toothpaste in the world. I cannot live without it. It's so delicious - I am tempted to spread it on toast. I purchase mine at www.beautyhabit.com . While you are there - you might grab one of the Elgydium Creation toothbrushes. They are from Switzerland - and they have little plastic helmets that sit like hats over the bristles - irresistable. They are the best toothbrushes I have found.

5) FRESH. Where do I begin with this company? Years ago someone gave me a little bar of soap that revolutionized my soap-life. This led to a revolution in my shampoo-life, my candle-life, my cologne-life - well, it goes on and on. Fresh has extraordinary products - you can't go wrong. A new product from Fresh is - to me - much like Christmas morning as an 8-year old. They never fail to amaze me with the quality, packaging and scents. The owners, Alina and Lev, have become good friends of mine over the years and I am constantly badgering them to divulge secrets about their upcoming products. Treat yourself. www.fresh.com  Warning - this could lead to a serious addiction.

6) FLIP FLOPS. I've said it before and I'll say it again. I am a flip-flop-aholic. One of the best things about living in Florida is all the money you save on shoes. There are basically no closed-toe shoes down here. I have discovered the COOLEST flip-flops that have ever been on feet (walking by a little store in NYC - coincidentally). You can buy them on-line - I have almost every color combination. www.parkeandronen.com  Sorry ladies - they are only for men...

7)Need a laugh? www.menwholooklikekennyrogers.com

ENJOY! - R. Nichols