Works For Me Wednesday- Holiday Cards (GIVEAWAY)

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.

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.

Tweet This Post

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 wishes 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.

86 Comments »

1. Julie From Inmates says:

   Man, I’m first… hopefully I’ll win these babies…. we just got a new address so those classy, snazzy address labels would be so handy. =)

   [Reply]

   November 4th, 2009 at 12:53 am

2. Carol Smith says:

   Love the Hanging Ornament photo card! Plus, I love the thought of someone actually addressing my cards and getting them in the mail!

   [Reply]

   November 4th, 2009 at 1:08 am

3. Ann Marie says:

   These look adorable! Great tips on how to take a good holiday photos!

   We used black and white pictures last year – I uploaded them to shutterfly.com, entered the addresses, and CLICK they were all mailed for me! (no licking stamps, no trip to the post office!)
   Ann Marie´s last blog ..right shoe, left shoe

   [Reply]

   November 4th, 2009 at 7:44 am

4. nicolerenae says:

   I like the funky circle photo card, I love all the designs though!

   [Reply]

   November 4th, 2009 at 8:16 am

5. nicolerenae says:

   I am a fan of Diaper Diaries on facebook!

   [Reply]

   November 4th, 2009 at 8:17 am

6. nicolerenae says:

   I subscribe to Diaper Diaries by email!

   [Reply]

   November 4th, 2009 at 8:20 am

7. SHEILA says:

   I love the Prints Charming ones, especially the one with the green lattice
   Sheila
   whitjsss@aol.com
   SHEILA´s last blog ..Trick-or-Treating Cowboy

   [Reply]

   November 4th, 2009 at 8:24 am

8. SHEILA says:

   I am a follower of Diaper Diaries
   Sheila
   SHEILA´s last blog ..Trick-or-Treating Cowboy

   [Reply]

   November 4th, 2009 at 8:24 am

9. nicolerenae says:

   I signed up for Avondale Paperie’s loyalty program

   [Reply]

   November 4th, 2009 at 8:25 am

10. SHEILA says:

    I am now a fan of Avondale on Facebook
    SHEILA´s last blog ..Trick-or-Treating Cowboy

    [Reply]

    November 4th, 2009 at 8:25 am

11. nicolerenae says:

    I am a fan of Avondale Paperie on facebook

    [Reply]

    November 4th, 2009 at 8:26 am

12. SHEILA says:

    I am a fen of Diaper Diaries on Facebook
    SHEILA´s last blog ..Trick-or-Treating Cowboy

    [Reply]

    November 4th, 2009 at 8:26 am

13. Kristen says:

    What beautiful cards! I like the red wreath photo cards. I also love the kids thank you notes.

    [Reply]

    November 4th, 2009 at 8:57 am

14. Shannon says:

    I am already a fan of you on facebook!
    Shannon

    [Reply]

    November 4th, 2009 at 8:59 am

15. Shannon says:

    I already subscribe by email. =)
    Shannon´s last blog ..Happy Halloween 2009

    [Reply]

    November 4th, 2009 at 9:02 am

16. Shannon says:

    I am LOVING the large stripe card under the Prints Charming selections. SUPER CUTE!
    Shannon´s last blog ..Happy Halloween 2009

    [Reply]

    November 4th, 2009 at 9:16 am

17. Kristy says:

    I like the Got Dot Note cards. Very cute.
    Kristy´s last blog ..Kate-isms

    [Reply]

    November 4th, 2009 at 9:44 am

18. Kelly says:

    I like the Reece holiday card. So cute!
    Kelly´s last blog ..Saturday…

    [Reply]

    November 4th, 2009 at 9:46 am

19. Kelly says:

    I am a fan of DD on FB
    Kelly´s last blog ..Saturday…

    [Reply]

    November 4th, 2009 at 9:46 am

20. Pooh! says:

    What a cool giveaway. WOuld love the Bristol Round Label and the Blue Damask Holiday Notecard
    Pooh!´s last blog ..Caught my eye – Crochet

    [Reply]

    November 4th, 2009 at 9:52 am

21. Pooh! says:

    I subscribe to your feed
    Pooh!´s last blog ..Caught my eye – Crochet

    [Reply]

    November 4th, 2009 at 9:53 am

22. Abbey says:

    Love these cards!

    [Reply]

    November 4th, 2009 at 10:08 am

23. Abbey says:

    I’m a fan of your’s on FB.

    [Reply]

    November 4th, 2009 at 10:08 am

24. Abbey says:

    I’m now a fan of Avondale on FB.

    [Reply]

    November 4th, 2009 at 10:09 am

25. Brandi says:

    Christmas Floral Band is charming and really any of the ones with brown!!

    [Reply]

    November 4th, 2009 at 10:25 am

26. Rona says:

    Those are beautiful cards!

    [Reply]

    November 4th, 2009 at 10:52 am

27. Jen-After the Alter says:

    What a great site! Last year was the first year my husband and I did a joint card (being just married) and we put us and our little dog Tinkerbell on it. Now sure if we’ll do a picture card this year…but we’ll see. I’m waiting till I have a little baby to show off! I love Christmas cards too. It’s nice to see who remembers you at Christmas!
    Jen-After the Alter´s last blog ..UTI Medicine Related to Birth Defects; WHAT???

    [Reply]

    November 4th, 2009 at 11:16 am

28. Erin says:

    I love the Blue Cross photo card for christening invites!

    [Reply]

    November 4th, 2009 at 11:40 am

29. Erin says:

    I’m a fan of Avondale on FB
    Erin´s last blog ..Iron Maiden

    [Reply]

    November 4th, 2009 at 11:40 am

30. Erin says:

    I’m a fan of DD on FB
    Erin´s last blog ..Iron Maiden

    [Reply]

    November 4th, 2009 at 11:40 am

31. Raine says:

    Ooooo! So many great styles to choose from. I think my favorite is the Chain Link Band-V Photo Card.

    Great giveaway! Thanks so much
    Raine´s last blog ..Rice Cereal

    [Reply]

    November 4th, 2009 at 11:45 am

32. Raine says:

    I am a fan of Diaper Diaries on Facebook
    Raine´s last blog ..Rice Cereal

    [Reply]

    November 4th, 2009 at 11:45 am

33. Raine says:

    I subscribe to your feed via Google Reader
    Raine´s last blog ..Rice Cereal

    [Reply]

    November 4th, 2009 at 11:46 am

34. angi says:

    love the squirrel thanksgiving photo card
    shopannies@Yahoo.com
    angi´s last blog ..Two Proud Papas

    [Reply]

    November 4th, 2009 at 12:07 pm

35. Erin G says:

    yay! I want to win some!
    Erin G´s last blog ..All I Want for My Birthday…

    [Reply]

    November 4th, 2009 at 12:45 pm

36. Erin G says:

    and I subscribe to you in google reader. oh! and I forgot to say in my last comment that if I win I might actually go with the “cheers” new years card, since that saves me from having to actually get cards out in early december.
    Erin G´s last blog ..All I Want for My Birthday…

    [Reply]

    November 4th, 2009 at 12:47 pm

37. Erin G says:

    aaaaand I am a DD fan on facebook too, of course.
    Erin G´s last blog ..All I Want for My Birthday…

    [Reply]

    November 4th, 2009 at 12:49 pm

38. Jeni says:

    I would use it to get 50 of the Sylvan card!
    Jeni´s last blog ..Top Ten Tuesday: Kids’ Craft Supplies

    [Reply]

    November 4th, 2009 at 1:37 pm

39. Jeni says:

    I’m a subscriber!
    Jeni´s last blog ..Top Ten Tuesday: Kids’ Craft Supplies

    [Reply]

    November 4th, 2009 at 1:37 pm

40. Jeni says:

    I’m a fan of Diaper Diaries on Facebook!
    Jeni´s last blog ..Top Ten Tuesday: Kids’ Craft Supplies

    [Reply]

    November 4th, 2009 at 1:37 pm

41. Jenny Maddox says:

    I love the hanging ornaments photo card.

    [Reply]

    November 4th, 2009 at 1:56 pm

42. Jenny Maddox says:

    signed up for loyalty program
    Jenny Maddox´s last blog ..Hoover WindTunnel Rewind Giveaway

    [Reply]

    November 4th, 2009 at 2:00 pm

43. Jenny Maddox says:

    fb fan
    Jenny Maddox´s last blog ..Hoover WindTunnel Rewind Giveaway

    [Reply]

    November 4th, 2009 at 2:01 pm

44. Courtney W says:

    I want those green lattice cards. I already subscribe and I did not know I could become a fan on facebook! will do that now!!

    [Reply]

    November 4th, 2009 at 2:06 pm

45. Jenny Maddox says:

    blogged giveaway – http://jennymaddox99.blogspot.com/2009/11/avondale-paperie-giveaway.html
    Jenny Maddox´s last blog ..Hoover WindTunnel Rewind Giveaway

    [Reply]

    November 4th, 2009 at 2:13 pm

46. Jenny Maddox says:

    subscribed to diaper diaries via reader
    Jenny Maddox´s last blog ..Hoover WindTunnel Rewind Giveaway

    [Reply]

    November 4th, 2009 at 2:14 pm

47. Courtney W says:

    I am a subscriber!!

    [Reply]

    November 4th, 2009 at 2:14 pm

48. Jenny Maddox says:

    FB fan of diaper diaries
    Jenny Maddox´s last blog ..Hoover WindTunnel Rewind Giveaway

    [Reply]

    November 4th, 2009 at 2:15 pm

49. Courtney W says:

    I am now an official fan! Thanks for looking out for me, bookie!

    [Reply]

    November 4th, 2009 at 2:15 pm

50. Diann @ The Thrifty Groove says:

    wow, lots of choices. I really like the Big Red Stripe Holiday cards.

    [Reply]

    November 4th, 2009 at 2:27 pm

51. Donielle @ Naturally Knocked Up says:

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

    [Reply]

    November 4th, 2009 at 2:55 pm

52. Donielle @ Naturally Knocked Up says:

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

    [Reply]

    November 4th, 2009 at 2:56 pm

53. Kim Russell says:

    I like the Red Christmas Box cards.

    [Reply]

    November 4th, 2009 at 3:02 pm

54. Kim Russell says:

    I am a fan on Facebook

    [Reply]

    November 4th, 2009 at 3:03 pm

55. Miriam says:

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

    [Reply]

    November 4th, 2009 at 3:16 pm

56. Emory says:

    I really like the Evergreen Photo card

    [Reply]

    November 4th, 2009 at 3:20 pm

57. Jeanine says:

    The red wreath photo cards are nice.

    [Reply]

    November 4th, 2009 at 3:51 pm

58. Annalisa 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]

    November 4th, 2009 at 5:03 pm

59. Annalisa says:

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

    [Reply]

    November 4th, 2009 at 5:04 pm

60. Annalisa says:

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

    [Reply]

    November 4th, 2009 at 5:04 pm

61. Annalisa says:

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

    [Reply]

    November 4th, 2009 at 5:05 pm

62. Annalisa says:

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

    [Reply]

    November 4th, 2009 at 5:06 pm

63. Olivia 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]

    November 4th, 2009 at 5:34 pm

64. Olivia says:

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

    [Reply]

    November 4th, 2009 at 5:37 pm

65. Olivia says:

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

    [Reply]

    November 4th, 2009 at 5:39 pm

66. Olivia says:

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

    [Reply]

    November 4th, 2009 at 5:40 pm

67. Sherry says:

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

    [Reply]

    November 4th, 2009 at 6:42 pm

68. Laura Asher says:

    I would use the gift card for Christmas cards!

    [Reply]

    November 4th, 2009 at 7:16 pm

69. Laura Asher says:

    I became a fan of Avondale Paperie on face book.

    [Reply]

    November 4th, 2009 at 7:18 pm

70. Tina 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]

    November 4th, 2009 at 7:27 pm

71. niki 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]

    November 4th, 2009 at 9:43 pm

72. Brandi says:

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

    [Reply]

    November 5th, 2009 at 12:20 pm

73. Emory says:

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

    [Reply]

    November 5th, 2009 at 3:38 pm

74. Strong Rhetoric says:

    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]

    November 5th, 2009 at 9:48 pm

75. Strong Rhetoric says:

    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]

    November 5th, 2009 at 9:52 pm

76. Strong Rhetoric says:

    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]

    November 5th, 2009 at 9:53 pm

77. Lori S says:

    I like the kid thank you cards.

    Thanks!

    [Reply]

    November 6th, 2009 at 12:04 am

78. Lori S says:

    Email subscriber.

    Thanks!

    [Reply]

    November 6th, 2009 at 12:04 am

79. Kerry says:

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

    [Reply]

    November 6th, 2009 at 2:49 pm

80. Jenny 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]

    November 7th, 2009 at 12:23 pm

81. Lisa says:

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

    [Reply]

    November 9th, 2009 at 3:04 pm

82. Lisa says:

    I’m an email subscriber

    [Reply]

    November 9th, 2009 at 3:05 pm

83. trixx says:

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

    [Reply]

    November 9th, 2009 at 10:42 pm

84. trixx says:

    I subscribe via email.

    [Reply]

    November 9th, 2009 at 10:43 pm

85. Katie says:

    I am a facebook fan

    [Reply]

    November 13th, 2009 at 2:12 am

86. Katie says:

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

    [Reply]

    November 13th, 2009 at 2:13 am

Leave a comment

Name (required)

Mail (will not be published) (required)

Website

You can add a link to follow you on twitter if you put your username in this box.
Only needs to be added once (unless you change your username). No http or @ Twitter

Click to cancel reply