What's New? {7}

A series about things I've found that seem to be making life easier, more fun, and/or more efficient.


One of my favorite items to buy at Marshalls, Home Goods, and TJ Maxx are their awesome greeting cards. The selection of cards are cute and unique and so affordable that it makes you want to send some snail mail. I've found cards ranging in price from $0.99 - $3.99. Check out their clearance section for even better prices. 

There are so many categories within their card section. I've bought wedding, anniversary, birthday, graduation, sympathy, and the list goes on and on. 



I must confess that it's difficult for me to divulge this greeting card secret, but I am happy to share this super cost effective shopping tip. 


I paid for this myself. The above opinion is my own. And, I'm receiving no compensation.

Christmas Card Photo Shoot

For some reason I always seem to play a game of Christmas Card Russian Roulette this time of year. All year long I think about the photo opportunities for the next year's Christmas card. I daydream of cool backdrops and style outfits for the girls in my dreams. 

But suddenly the Christmas card pictures haven't been taken and the time is running out. The cool spots for photos fall to the wayside and the perfect outfits don't really happen. And, without fail when I do select a time to take the girls' pictures, my camera battery dies. This leaves me with a small selection of photos to chose from and a deadline that comes eerily close to Christmas Day. 

This year was worse than ever. As I speak, I am hopeful that people are finally receiving their cards. After I placed my order at Costco, I found myself picking them up a week later and sitting in the parking lot addressing them (I did manage to print out address labels that I brought with me), writing notes on some, and slapping on the stamps. 

Why, oh why do I insist on doing this to myself? Maybe 2014 will be the year of no more photo procrastination. 

Here are a few of the photoshoot out takes and rejects for this year. 

Fun!

Leaf Throwing

Sassy

Sweet

Laughter

Running Free

Sitting Pretty

Oops...pull up that zipper!!!

Photos for the Christmas Card

We went outside on a chilly December afternoon to take some pictures for our Christmas card. Here are the many outtakes (some good and some not so good). These might just capture the "real" image of the girls. Love that I have these to reflect on, as well as, the "perfect" photos.

Jumping for joy

Discussing their pose

Posing

Golf course Pose

Breezy

Heel tap

Card Selections & a Review

This year I ordered my cards from both Shutterfly and Costco.

The cards from Shutterfly were the flat note card version. I used their preset templates and added my photos to the front and the back of the card. I was super impressed with the weight of the cards, but felt the color of my photo had a slightly yellow hue. But, overall I was pleased. I ordered the cards online on Wednesday night and received the cards on Friday evening via Fed Ex. I had a terrific coupon that I won for $50 off of $50. So, I ended up spending $9 for 35 cards. 

Front

Back

My cards from Costco were created by me. I designed the card and uploaded it to their blank card template. I love the unique size of the Costco cards, but I don't love the flimsy weight of the card/photo. They did a terrific job with the colors for this card. I ordered the card online on a Wednesday night and was able to pick up the cards by noon on Thursday. The cards cost me $21 for 75 cards...can't beat the price!!!

Cards, Cards, Cards

Cards ready to mail

I love the whole idea of Christmas cards. I enjoy getting them and I love the photos that accompany so many of the cards. I must admit that over the last several years I had lost a little of my Christmas card joy. But, this year, I tried to channel that joy again and I set up the girls for a few different holiday poses. The pose that won out was the one of the girls with our new kitty. She is 7 months old and this cat is no little thing. I loved that they were all looking at the camera when I snapped the picture. Once again, I chose to have the pictures/cards done at Costco. I am always pleased with their service and quality and you can't beat the price.

2011 Christmas Card

When the cards come in to the house, I let everyone read them and then they go up on the card wall. This started a few years back when I saw this idea on Becky Higgins' blog. I loved how simple it was, yet looked so festive. We keep the cards up on the wall for awhile. Sometimes it's late January before they come down. 

Do you spy your own card????

The Outtakes

In my yearly attempt to select just the right photo for our Christmas card, I always seem to have a huge collection of bloopers. Here are just a few of the not so perfect Christmas photos:

Christmas Cards

About a week or so ago, I attempted a few photo sessions with the girls to come up with a picture for our Christmas card. It is always fun to see what happens when the shutter clicks. So, here are some of the outtakes from our little photo shoot.

























I eventually went with this pose. It was spontaneous and obviously not planned. As Lily said,"we're in our red neck snow gear". The items consisted of a little bit of this and that---complete with rain boots. But, it captured the girls and their typical expressions, as well as, the snow falling that afternoon. I like it.



And if you are looking for a great price and good quality photos, check out Costco.com. I was very impressed with their quick turn around time and the final product we received. Just wish I had ordered more. I ended up needing to go with 4x6s and a card for the last 15 I sent out this year. ***Note to self:  Proper Planning Prevents Poor Performance (a quote I stole from my friend Melina)---should have counted the number I needed BEFORE I ordered! duh!