Sunday, October 23, 2011

It's That Time of Year Again....

...for holiday cards!!! 

Each year it has been my mission, with help from my amazing photographer sister, to get our Christmas cards out EARLY.  Last year mission was accomplished as everyone received their card on the day after Thanksgiving!!  Booyah!  Victory!  This leads me to this time of year....getting the picture taken and cards picked out from Shutterfly!  They have a great selection to choose from that you are sure to love!  I'm partial to their photo cards and get all giddy when the emails start to come in with their new designs!  Check out there cards here.

Here are some from year's past....



The great thing about Shutterfly too is that it isn't limited to just cards.  I find myself every year making at least 2 or more photo album to give away to grandparents or friends.  They have great designs and it is wicked easy to do!  Check it out here.   Not an album fan....well what grandparent wouldn't love a calendar....12 months of their grandchildren!  I love ours and made one for each set of grandparents.  Check them out here.

This year I am back at it again and have narrowed the card choices down to four options.  I think some of them I like because I love the pictures in them!  Here they are:




Let the voting begin!!!!

Shutterfly has given me the chance to give away 25 free cards to 3 different followers.  So here is the skinny on how to win.
1.  You need to be a follower of Living the Dream (leave a comment)
2.  Visit Shutterfly and let me know what card you would get (leave a comment)
3.  Let me know what card you would vote for (leave a comment)
4.  What is your best strategy for getting things done for the holidays so 
you can sit back and enjoy them (leave a comment)
5.  Post this on your blog, facebook, or twitter (leave a comment)
Giveaway ends on October 31st.
Are you a blogger? Want a chance to win 25 free holiday cards this season?  Register here



44 comments:

  1. My choice on shutterfly would have to be Snow Friends...I heart snowmen! That's my decor for Christmas!! :)

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  2. I think my vote for yours would be Oh Holy Night....But it's hard not knowing what your picture looks like!!!

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  3. I usually start early. I already have a shelf full of xmas presents in my closet. The only down fall to that, is uh, you forget what you've already gotten for people!! Also, we take a girls weekend in November and spend it shopping, eating, drinking, and dancing. It's a very productive weekend! :)

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  4. And I just posted your giveaway on my blog this morning....hitting publis now!! Crossing my FINGERS!! I love xmas cards

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  5. Love these, will now have to go and have a look at Shutterfly. Found you through Jane at Running to shed the fat suit

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  6. The "Oh Holy Night" card (in your top four), is at the top of my list of cards for this year. Now I need the perfect picture...

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  7. Obviously, my vote is for the Oh Holy Night card you've selected.

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  8. Best holiday strategies... 1) online shopping and shipping gifts to the grandparents' house, which is where we spend Christmas; 2) make lists & check them twice; 3) stick to our budget --- my husband and I have $25 to spend on each other (TOTAL) and the kids only receive three gifts - like those from the 3 wisemen; and 4) start playing Christmas music around the clock beginning Thanksgiving morning!

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  9. I would like the Merry Montage cards for myself!

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  10. I think you should get the Merry Christmas - 3rd one down. Too cute!

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  11. Getting things done? I'm supposed to have a strategy??? EEP!! Actually, lists are my best friend. I need to start making some for this year.... it's sneaking up on me fast!

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  12. I think I would opt for the Open Our Hearts Religious Christmas Card --- I like how it has you thinking about the gifts in our lives and I have had so many!

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  13. I love the third one with the kids on the fence. Definitely makes me smile!

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  14. strategy for the holidays ---- start early and don't procrastinate! Run more often and find the time to relax and enjoy myself. Otherwise, I get way too stressed!

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  15. I shared on my blog sidebar at lifeasarunningmom.blogspot.com

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  16. I really like the Peace Love & Joy Card

    http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/christmas-cards

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  17. I love the polka dotted frame for your vote!

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  18. I budget year round for Christmas so I can shop now and be done with it {hopefully fingers crossed} in time to get crafty and baking rather than last minute shopping stress!

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  19. New follower - I liked the Wishing you Merry card
    xoxo from Trinidad

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  20. I like to buy a case of wine or champagne and have it ready to bring or gift to all off the holiday get together's! Who doesn't want a bottle of Moet to celebrate with?!
    xoxo from Trinidad

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  21. ifollow your blog

    loriquesinberry@yahoo.com

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  22. my favorite card is the eight bright nights hanukkah card

    loriquesinberry@yahoo.com

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  23. i would choose card number 2

    loriquesinberry@yahoo.com

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  24. my secret for our holidays is to keep it simple. and get started early for everything.

    loriquesinberry@yahoo.com

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  25. posted your giveaway on my face book page. lori virginia

    loriquesinberry@yahoo.com

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  26. Of course I follow your blog!!!! I'd love to win 25 free cards :)

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  27. I like the O holy night one. The polka dot one is a 2nd choice, but wish it were red and green polka dots, not red and black and white. Doesn't seem Christmasey, but love that design better. Tough choice!!!

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  28. Best strategy to enjoy the holidays..... wine & chocolate! No just kidding, sorta. Honestly, I start now, before Thanksgiving getting all the things that I can so when December hits, I'm not overwhelmed and fighting flu ridden crowds at the stores. I make my list including everyone like the teachers at my son's school, our neighbors, trash men..... I make out the envelopes, have almost all our gifts wrapped and under the tree by the second week in December. Plus it makes the house look extra festive too. Then, Santa comes and puts the finishing touches on. Last year I fell and broke my arm iceskating in NYC 2 days before Christmas and didn't have a worry b/c Christmas was all set :) Keep it simple and enjoy the season for what it's meant for: FAMILY & FRIENDS :)

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  29. Wow! I almost missed out on this giveaway! Thanks for mentioning it again :).
    I'm a follower!

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  30. I love the Oh What Fun, Oh Holy Night, String of Snowflakes and Mod Snowflake Frame! Really, there are just too many cute ones to choose from.

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  31. I would vote for the Oh Holy Night card. I really love that one.

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  32. My strategy for the Holidays is to gather Christmas presents throughout the year. That way I am not scrambling at the last minute. Honestly, there is always SOME scrambling, but not as much!

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  33. my favorites are coastal wishes and peace cheer.

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  34. of course I am a follower-have been all your life!

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  35. getting it all done for the holidays? exchanging stocking information in October, buying presents throughout the year, limiting the outside commitments to the ones that really matter and that we want to do. Oh, and wine :)

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  36. Sometimes life gives us a glimpse of something so incredibly beautiful, that it is beyond the power of words to describe, something so wonderful and so exquisite, that all we can do is let our emotions and our hearts express what words cannot. The result is goosebumps and rivers of joyful tears. This is the voice and beauty of Jackie Evancho. In this wonderful Christmas CD Jackie gives us a little glimpse of Heaven as she sings "O Holy Night" in a voice so pure and clear it is like fine crystal. Her rendition is the best I have ever heard, and I predict that it will be broadcast and played in homes all across America this Holiday season. Just four tracks and a DVD of her previous appearances, but it is not to be missed. I highly recommend it.

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