Works For Me Wednesday- Holiday Cards (GIVEAWAY)

wfmw

One of my favorite things about Christmas has got to be getting Christmas cards. I love the adorable pics and the occasional letter letting me know what is going on with people from far away who I love. One of my least favorite things about Christmas? Getting my own kids to pose for our own Christmas card picture. Partly because it is like wrangling wild cats and partly because I take the worst pictures ever.

So here are some tips to take a good holiday photo:

  • While busy patterns are fun to wear, try to stick to solids.
  • Black & white photos are always flattering.
  • Go for variety in pose:  kneel, sit, stand to get depth
  • Let there be LIGHT – use artificial and natural light indoors vs. flash!  If outside, have light source behind the photographer (and use flash!)
  • Capture the moment with close-ups!
  • Snap shots – set your camera on high, fine, super fine resolution so you get a clear picture when you order your cards
  • Professional Photographs – get a signed release from the photographer

And then my other tip is to find some unique, beautiful cards to send out to family and friends. I typically do Costco, but am always a little dismayed that I get several cards over the holiday season that are exactly the same as mine. Recently, I discovered a friend of mine from college has started a stationary company that produces a whole host of things, one of them being Digital Christmas cards. And I can honestly say I haven’t seen anything like them.

Avondale Paperie can provide you with wedding and baby announcements, cards for every occasion and holiday as well as a whole host of stationary needs. All the cards are on the 110# paper, matte finish, etc – not your flimsy photo cards! I have to say the matte finish looks fabulous and the picture quality is still like it was on photo paper. And my absolute favorite part, there are adorable designs on the back of some of the cards too. Oh wait, my favorite part is that they offer a service for a bit extra that is frankly worth a million bucks. They will print your envelopes for you and send them on there merry little way.

I am eyeing these babies for Christmas.

JOYcard JOYcardback

Perfect for a new family of five. Pray for me this week as I attempt to get the perfect picture of each kid.

How would you like to send out some unique cards this Christmas instead of the typical fare. My friend Stacey has generously offered one of my readers a $100 gift certificate to Avondale Paperie. To enter, head over to their site poke around and let me know what you would spend your $100 on (don’t worry, you can change your mind later).

For extra entries:

  • Sign up for Avondale Paperie’s loyalty program. It is free and will reward you for every dollar spent. You will also you will receive special deals when you order. There is a new “free gift” every month.
  • Become a fan of Avondale Paperie on Facebook.
  • Twitter, blog or post on Facebook about this contest and leave a link letting me know you did so.
  • Subscribe to The Diaper Diaries over email or reader (if you already do, you can leave a comment too)
  • Become a fan of Diaper Diaries on Facebook.

You have up to six chances to win. You MUST leave a separate comment for each entry. The winner will be drawn next Tuesday night November 10th using Random.org.

Can’t wait to order? If you order between now and Nov. 9th, you can take advantage of the following three deals on Christmas cards.

  • PRINTS CHARMING: Purchase 50 cards get an additional 25 FREE!  Which is the same as $1.49 a card or 25% off!  You will also get FREE return address printing!
  • SAN LORI: Purchase 50 cards and get 1 sheet of address labels FREE!  Again, this is a 25% discount!!!
  • If you use the code DIAPER during checkout you will receive another free gift!

Good luck with the contest and all your Christmas card endeavours. For more great holiday tips, head over to We Are That Family.

*Disclosure: I was not financially compensated in any way for this post. I was provided with Christmas cards in order to write this review. As usual, the opinions stated are all my own.


Related Posts with Thumbnails

Diaper Diaries

Jill is the author of The Diaper Diaries. She has been changing diapers for 6+ years as a stay at home mom of three children. She also has a devoted husband who graciously puts up with this little internet hobby. They all probably wish she would exercise a bit more discretion as she shares their life's ups, downs and in-betweens with anyone willing to read it. You can (almost always) find her on Twitter @DiaperDiaries.

Website - More Posts

Comments

  1. I love the Julien Photo Card! So pretty!
    .-= Donielle @ Naturally Knocked Up´s last blog ..Readers Ask: a jumble of topics =-.

    [Reply]

  2. I became a fan of theirs on facebook
    .-= Donielle @ Naturally Knocked Up´s last blog ..Readers Ask: a jumble of topics =-.

    [Reply]

  3. Kim RussellNo Gravatar says:

    I like the Red Christmas Box cards.

    [Reply]

  4. Kim RussellNo Gravatar says:

    I am a fan on Facebook

    [Reply]

  5. MiriamNo Gravatar says:

    So cute! The joy card you have here is adorable — that might be what we do for Christmas this year!

    [Reply]

  6. EmoryNo Gravatar says:

    I really like the Evergreen Photo card

    [Reply]

  7. JeanineNo Gravatar says:

    The red wreath photo cards are nice.

    [Reply]

  8. AnnalisaNo Gravatar says:

    I would spend my $100 on the Pink Chain Link V card baby announcement! I’m due to have a baby girl in 14 days so this would be perfect!!!
    .-= Annalisa´s last blog ..Associated Foods Deals (11/4 – 11/10) =-.

    [Reply]

  9. AnnalisaNo Gravatar says:

    I subscribe in google reader.
    .-= Annalisa´s last blog ..Associated Foods Deals (11/4 – 11/10) =-.

    [Reply]

  10. AnnalisaNo Gravatar says:

    I’m a facebook fan of avondale paper. (annalisaspencer)

    [Reply]

  11. AnnalisaNo Gravatar says:

    I’m a facebook fan of the diaper diaries. (annalisaspencer)

    [Reply]

  12. AnnalisaNo Gravatar says:

    I signed up for the loyalty program.
    .-= Annalisa´s last blog ..Associated Foods Deals (11/4 – 11/10) =-.

    [Reply]

  13. OliviaNo Gravatar says:

    I would choose the Big Joy Photo card. And boy, would I love to have them mail them for me! That sounds WONDERFUL!
    .-= Olivia´s last blog ..Photo Art =-.

    [Reply]

  14. OliviaNo Gravatar says:

    Just signed up for the loyalty program.
    .-= Olivia´s last blog ..Photo Art =-.

    [Reply]

  15. OliviaNo Gravatar says:

    Became a fan of Avondale Paperie on FB.
    .-= Olivia´s last blog ..Photo Art =-.

    [Reply]

  16. OliviaNo Gravatar says:

    I’m already a fan of Diaper Diaries on FB.
    .-= Olivia´s last blog ..Photo Art =-.

    [Reply]

  17. SherryNo Gravatar says:

    Great ideas for holiday picture taking! :D I ended up using a picture that my daughter took that really captured her and her brother’s eyes. :D
    .-= Sherry´s last blog ..Works For Me – Holiday Preparations and NOT stressing out! =-.

    [Reply]

  18. Laura AsherNo Gravatar says:

    I would use the gift card for Christmas cards!

    [Reply]

  19. Laura AsherNo Gravatar says:

    I became a fan of Avondale Paperie on face book.

    [Reply]

  20. TinaNo Gravatar says:

    There are several that I really like but I have narrowed it down the to Red Name Band Photo Card in the Prints Charming section. They are all adorable! Thanks for the opportunity to win a GC!

    [Reply]

  21. nikiNo Gravatar says:

    Thanks for saying it is okay to do black and white shots. I have been hesitant to use those in previous years, thinking I should do something more colorful for the holidays.

    I always buy those cards that have the window you can slip a 4×6 print into. They have them at Target, Dollar Tree, and Michael’s.

    :)

    Great post! I love the card you showed with the beach pics. Adorable.
    .-= niki´s last blog ..A Very Thrifty Tuesday! =-.

    [Reply]

  22. BrandiNo Gravatar says:

    I liked the holiday ornament card. Thanks for the great pic taking tips!
    Brandi H
    lawyer180@yahoo.com

    [Reply]

  23. EmoryNo Gravatar says:

    I blogged about this giveaway
    .-= Emory´s last blog ..Christmas Cards =-.

    [Reply]

  24. Nice giveaway Jill.

    I’d use my big win for some baby boy announcements like these cuties: http://www.avondalepaperie.com/Navy-Bubble-Photo-Card_p_981.html
    .-= Strong Rhetoric´s last blog ..Mummy’s Mommy =-.

    [Reply]

  25. I tweeted this giveaway from @strongrhetoric:

    Sweet little holiday card giveaway over @diaperdiaries: http://bit.ly/3sj89p
    .-= Strong Rhetoric´s last blog ..Mummy’s Mommy =-.

    [Reply]

  26. I’m a fan of Diaper Diaries on Facebook.

    Look at me! Triple Threat! I’m a sucker for stationary!
    .-= Strong Rhetoric´s last blog ..Mummy’s Mommy =-.

    [Reply]

  27. Lori SNo Gravatar says:

    I like the kid thank you cards.

    Thanks!

    [Reply]

  28. Lori SNo Gravatar says:

    Email subscriber.

    Thanks!

    [Reply]

  29. KerryNo Gravatar says:

    I love the Rejoice photo card – and I have the perfect picture for it! $100 gift would sure help :)

    [Reply]

  30. JennyNo Gravatar says:

    I was never a fan of getting xmas cards. I mean I get them, I read them, then I throw them out. ;) I kinda feel bad about it, but then again I have enough stuff piling on my desk and kitchen counter as it is.
    .-= Jenny´s last blog ..When I Don’t Get My Way =-.

    [Reply]

  31. LisaNo Gravatar says:

    I’d love to get the Holiday Santa Kid’s Thank You cards for my son. So cute!

    [Reply]

  32. LisaNo Gravatar says:

    I’m an email subscriber

    [Reply]

  33. trixxNo Gravatar says:

    I would love to get the Big Berries Holiday Notecards, how festive!

    [Reply]

  34. trixxNo Gravatar says:

    I subscribe via email.

    [Reply]

  35. KatieNo Gravatar says:

    I am a facebook fan

    [Reply]

  36. KatieNo Gravatar says:

    Oooh, that would be an awesome to have all my Christmas cards done!!

    [Reply]

Speak Your Mind

*

CommentLuv badge

The Diaper Diaries is using WP-Gravatar

twitterEmailFacebookRSS FeedSubscribe to The Diaper Diaries by Email