TBT: Not that long ago...

*Merry Momma Cindy is taking "blogger's privilege" today!

Y'all...not that long ago (well, two years to be exact) Millicent Claire entered our world. Josh and I left our house around 5:30 am and less than three hours later we were holding our Millie. It was an exciting day; we did not find out Millicent's gender before hand so the anticipation levels were high. When our doctor said, "It's a girl!" Josh and I looked into each others' eyes and teared up, big puppy dog tears. And while I am absolutely certain we would have done the exact same thing if the doctor has said "It's a boy!", it was a {MAGICAL MOMENT}.  Josh then had the awesome opportunity to take Millicent out of the delivery room and introduce her to our family.  {MAGICAL MOMENT} The next few days were blissful.  We lovingly held Millicent for hours and the big girls came in and out of the hospital room so excited about their new baby. {MAGICAL MOMENTS} Over the next two years we celebrated birthdays, holidays, births and even deaths and they were all {MAGICAL MOMENTS}.  

These {MAGICAL MOMENTS} are etched into our brains.  They help us remember the fun and the joy this wonderful thing called LIFE brings to us.

And during this time, we had lots of pictures take - both professionally and by us.  And while we never want to be the parents that stop during a magical moment to get the pic, we do want to be the parents that have photo albums for our kids to look through when they come home from college and say things like, "Mom, why did you make me wear that HUGE bow?"

And really, that's a huge part of why we started this blog.  We want to help people capture those {MAGICAL MOMENTS}.  To have something tangible for the kids and grandkids to look at and smile, laugh and remember.  To take pause in this busy world and reflect on the things that matter - your family and friends and pets!

When you receive a Christmas card you do look at the design and the picture of the sender and, of course, you LOVE that part, but where does your heart go...it goes to the {MAGICAL MOMENT} you had with the person/people in the picture.

Don't forget to enjoy the {MAGICAL MOMENTS} in your life today!

We'll see y'all tomorrow,

we're off to have our {MAGICAL MOMENT}

with our precious Mills! 

Photo Credit - Sarah Burns of Butterfly Chaser Photography  

Don't forget to enter to win a {MAGICAL MOMENT}

from Whimsy & Style and Your Merry Mailbox!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

What We Love Wednesday: Balloons

 Nobody can be un-cheered with a balloon.

~ Winnie the Pooh

It's true. Balloons just evoke happiness. They are one of those quintessential pieces of childhood - they just make people happy. You can't help but smile when you see them. They represent such a freedom and they are simply just fun. So, today we bring you the balloon. In every shape, size and color!

Katy: Our first photoshoot with Sarah was way back in April 2010. I was the Momma of 1.5 and had only taken pics of Radley at... gasp... Sears. (I know, I know). So, I knew I wanted to do a few pics with something "extra" but to be honest, I had not honed my picture taking obsession skills much at this point. Then I thought about using red balloons. I just pictured him in jeans, a white button down and cute boat shoes holding a bunch of red balloons on a railroad track.

(Because clearly that is where all of those things would be grouped together.)

And I still love this image today!

In keeping with tradition, I also wanted to use balloons for Emmy's 2 year photoshoot. I had seen this balloon wall on pinterest and fell in love with the idea of making a wall out of balloons as a backdrop for her. I also found this adorable rainbow colored chevron dress that was so playful and would work so well with the look I was going for. 

And then picture day arrived. And a monsoon happened just as we were about to do this last series. And the monsoon brought thunder. And the two-year old did not like thunder. So we had tears. Lots of tears. (Should I remind you of tip #4 of our recap) We brought out the sucker and things got better.

And then we got "THE shot". And the time and energy spent on setting up those 50+ balloons was worth it! (Thanks, Sarah!)

Cindy: As I looked through our photo shoots, I have to admit that I was a little shocked that I have only done ONE photo shoot with balloons, but it is a great one!  These pictures are from Annaliese's 2 year photo shoot.  I love the whimsical feel the first picture gives.  While we all know that most children don't run through the woods wearing a fancy dress and carrying balloons that match said dress, it's fun to pretend and get caught up in the emotions the picture evokes - childhood, carefree, fun.  The second picture is great because the balloons add a fun (but not distracting) pop of color - and y'all...that face! Love it, and her!

 {Top 5 Reasons Why We LOVE Balloons!} 

1. Inexpensive - Seriously, you can't find props much cheaper than this! And while we are aware of the great helium shortage in America (yes, that's a real thing), you can use balloons in lots of different ways and not have to pay for the helium.
2.  Colorful - What a great way to add a pop of ANY color to a photo. 
3. Fun - Yes. Balloons are fun. {F} {U} {N} {!}
4. Unexpected - I don't think most of us think, yep, I should totally take pictures with balloons...unless of course you are on Pinterest all day every day.  They add an unexpected surprise to photos.  Use them!
5. Celebration - Balloons represent celebrations and we love celebrations. In fact, we pretty much believe that everyday is a celebration and try to live that way.  

 And for your viewing pleasure, we want to highlight some of our

~FAVORITE~ photographers and their work with balloons!  Enjoy!

These beautiful images are from Butterfly Chaser Photography.

(We think you all know of our love of the monochromatic look!!)

  These darling images are from Whimsy & Style Photography.

(Cute girl, precious shoes and a fun dress - the Merry Mommas are in!)

This collage is from Munchkins and Mohawks Photography!

(Again with the monochromatic look - LOVE!)

We adore the celebration this cutie is having with her balloons!

Images by Chubby Cheek Photography.

Y'all.  TO DIE FOR. We love love love this image from Peekaboo Photography.

(And yes, this might not be an inexpensive prop...but WHO CARES!)

Get PINspired:

1.  Oversized balloons are F-A-B-U-L-O-U-S!  Check this, this and this out!
2.  Bright colored balloons make every picture fun!  This family knows how to have fun!
3. You know we love a carnival...add balloons = SWOON! 
4.  Balloons can also have a vintage feel!  We love this and this!
5. And if you want to put your darling baby girl in a hot air balloon, check this out!

We would {LOVE} to hear how you would

use balloons - Comment below!

And don't forget to enter our ULTIMATE CHRISTMAS CARD GIVEAWAY!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The cutest snowgirl ever

It may not snow in Texas, but this sweet family managed to show off the cutest Snowgirl we know!

Who: Bradley, Ashley, and Emmarie

Location: A park in Bryan, TX

Props: Snowman (snow-woman?) costume.  I saw the idea on Pinterest, but I decided to make it myself.  It was really quite easy.

Clothes: Carters, American Eagle, Old Navy, TOMS, JC Penney 

Comments: We love to send out and receive Christmas Cards at our house.  We try to incorporate a holiday song in all of our cards, and I play Bing Crosby's version of "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" on repeat after Thanksgiving.  I was so excited when I found this design online.  We bought Emmarie's dress first, and then we planned our outfits around her.  This tactic works out nicely for us since people really only want to see her picture on our card anyway. :)

Designer: Minted

Photographer: Sarah Burns of Butterfly Chaser Photography

Favorite Thing: My favorite thing about our card was the chevron accents on the back.  I was OBSESSED with chevron at the time, so it made my Christmas very merry.

Blog:  Bradley and Ashley

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Katy's Thoughts: Ummmm. My thoughts are that this card is ADORABLE! Seriously, that tiny little snowgirl and all of her expressions? How could you not be happy when you open this envelope?!?

Cindy's Thoughts: Y'all.  This really might be one of my favorite cards. I can't even stand how stinking cute it is! I am a *tad* nuts about tutus and this little darling in a snowman tutu...swoon. I just love her cute little smile, the crooked hat, the fluffy tutu...I just LOVE it! DARLING!


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How can you recreate this card? We love that this card showcases the family but also gives the spotlight to their darling little girl. Sometimes it's hard to decide which pictures to put on a card or on display, but we don't think you can ever go wrong when you are showing off your sweet kids!

Get PINspired:

1. Let us remind you about our whole board dedicated to snow. 
2. Love the idea of a snowman card... here is one adorable baby snowman! And here is one adorably cuddly baby snowman.
3. And click here, here and here if you have the "man" but are without the snow. (ie, all us southern folk)
4. And check out this cute little reindeer duo. 

AND...don't forget that we right now we are hosting the ...

(Details here)

1. As long as you are willing to drive/boat/fly/skip/crawl/levitate to Bryan-College Station...then you are eligible to win! So, if you are from out-of-town then go for it! This is worth it!

2. Contest ends Friday, October 18th at 11:59pm

3. You can enter SEVERAL ways...check out our new giveaway function!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

ULTIMATE Christmas Card Giveaway

If you remember last week, we kept leaving some non-descript "pses" at the end of each post, please allow us to introduce Chantal Bergeron of Whimsy and Style Photography to make the official announcement regarding our

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Hi guys...it's Chantal - 

Okay...so this blog is all about those Christmas cards that are about to swamp everyone's mailbox in just a few short months—from the wardbrobe, to the photographer, to the printing, to the props, everything plays a roll in creating great Christmas card-y images to greet your family and friends during the holiday season.

But what if we went beyond just the standard smiling family Christmas card issue to create the best, most awesome, most unique Christmas card image ever?  Not an average image but one that will stun and wow your family and friends when they receive it?

Well the Merry Mommas and Whimsy & Style are teaming up to do just that! One lucky family will win an Ultimate Christmas card session designed just for you by Whimsy & Style and Your Merry Maibox...we'll help you with every aspect of creating a great Christmas card session—from your wardbrobe, to the props, to the concept, to the production and delivery of the card...we'll brainstorm and come up with something totally unique and special just for YOU.  It may include levitating children, smoke, lights, quirky concepts, crazy children, or things falling from the sky....we'll dream up something totally unique just for you (trust me, we've already brainstormed some totally amazing ideas!)  No matter what it will be something that will surprise and delight when it's pulled out of that envelope!

{Check out this fun photo she did last year!}

The winner of the Ultimate Christmas card session will receive the following:

·      A custom photo session designed and styled by Whimsy & Style and Your Merry Mailbox. We'll work with your wardrobe, pull items from our own bursting closets, and/or work within a budget you give us for clothing and accessories.

·      The Ultimate Christmas card session will produce 5-8 images including one extra special image to grace the front of your Christmas card and a handful of images for the back of your card.

·      The winner will receive 5-8 high resolution images from their session on a USB as well as a set of 50 Christmas cards that the Merry Mommas and Whimsy & Style will work together to design.

·      We'll use your family holiday traditions and memories as the basis for developing the themes and concepts for your card ... so it will 100% be a reflection of you!

·      The session will be held sometime in the month of November depending on the winner's schedule and the concept developed.

Whimsy & Style is booked, booked, booked solid  through the end of November so this your LAST chance to get your Christmas cards Whimsy & Style-ified! 

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Y'all. Isn't this amazing?!

Go ahead and pull your jaw off the floor.

We know!!!! ...and we are so excited that Chantal asked us to partner with her on this extra special giveaway!

Now for all the answers to the questions you have...

1. As long as you are willing to drive/boat/fly/skip/crawl/levitate to Bryan-College Station...then you are eligible to win! So, if you are from out-of-town then go for it! This is worth it!

2. Contest ends Friday, October 18th at 11:59pm

3. You can enter SEVERAL ways...check out our new giveaway function!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Card Prep Week - A recap

By now you should have the perfect card ready to mail out for the holidays. But just in case you are still unsure, here are our top tips for getting it just right...

1. Be you. Pick a style of clothing that is comfortable for you. Real smiles aren't going to happen if you are worried about something fitting, a color being flattering, or your kids melting down because Johnny hates ties and Jane doesn't want to wear a headband. You know what you/your family/your pets like - so just be you. Because we think you are pretty great.

(source)

Merry Momma Cindy here... Okay, friends...confession time. I don't really love a horse. I actually got bucked off of one at a birthday party. (Last year, like when I was in my thirties. A child's birthday party. Horses don't really love me either. Clearly.) Anyway...so the Merry Munsons would never have a horse in our photos and that's okay. Just like it is okay for the Fords to have a horse in their photo! BE YOU!

2. Do what you can afford. It would be lovely if everyone that took family pictures purchased their clothes from Persnickety/JCrew/Nordstrom with Tori Burch shoes for Mom and Joyfolie on the feet of our littles. But. That ain't gonna happen. AND THAT'S OK. Do what makes sense for you and your family. That includes picking a photographer, gathering props, using a designer, and printing. Don't go all crazy.

{This entire outfit is from Old Navy and is less than $100 and the Merry Mommas LOVE IT and know it would be DARLING in a Christmas card photo!}

(source)

3. Get organized. Don't wait to the last minute - this really just creates more stress than you may already be feeling. If you need a couple of hours to go shopping, gather props, make accessories, etc... then take the time - even if you need to get a babysitter - take the time! And give yourself EXTRA time if you are ordering clothes online because you may need to send something back if it doesn't fit.

4. Be prepared. For anything! Be flexible with the weather - be ready to change things up a bit if needed. Have an alternate plan just in case "the PERFECT field" is mowed down. (And work with your photog on the front end). But, also be prepared with hair brushes, bobby pins, snacks, and bribes (yes, bribes. Y'all - it's one 2-hour period. Give the kid a coke for smiling. They will survive) because you want a great finished product.

See! Kids love cookies!

5. Be reasonable. Photographers are AMAZING. They can do so much these days with photoshop. BUT, that doesn't mean that they should HAVE to. Be reasonable in your requests. Remember that you aren't their only client, so don't go asking them to put highlights in your hair simply because you didn't have time. (You think we are joking...)

6.  Use Props (or Not). We love a prop. We think they add some dimension and interest to a picture, but that doesn't mean that you HAVE to have them. If you choose to use a prop, make sure that it fits well with your look. And again, be prepared that it may not work out. If picture day ends up being windy and you want to hold a banner, then be ready to either not use it or figure out a way to keep it from blowing up in your sweet faces!

A tent! A beautiful quilt! Fun trinkets! These props are good!
(source)

7. Use layers and textures. We really can't stress this enough. We mentioned it on our Wednesday post, but this may be our biggest "fashion" tip. Shake things up - don't be matchy matchy - use classic colors and styles to create a timeless photo. Add a scarf, or a vest, or a fun pair of leggings under those boots. If you are worried about making sure all the color combos mesh well, then order clothes from one retailer. Their fabric dye colors generally match, so it takes the stress away from making sure everything looks good together.  Limited budget - we love Old Navy for the family, a little more to play with - check out Next Direct and if you are the kind of people that make us jealous, then we love JCrew!

This family NAILED the layered look!
(source)

8. Treat this as a treat. Seriously - take the time to pamper yourself and your family. Use this as a time to be thankful for the blessings in your life. To lift each other up. To preserve your memories. Hubbies may roll their eyes, but in the end they will be just as happy and thankful that you are taking the time as a family to make this happen as you are that all the kids looked at the camera and smiled!

9. Have fun! Y'all. This IS fun!! Be goofy, act silly, jump up and down to make your kids smile. Just ENJOY it. And then when it's all done, go out for ice cream!

10. SHARE THE MERRY! Seriously, we expect our inbox to be FLOODED with submissions post holidays. We can't wait to see what is in store!

And because we love and appreciate our readers and want this time to be as stress-free as possible - here is the {ultimate} recap of the week...

PS - And maybe we can even help you share YOUR MERRY!  Stay tuned...MONDAY is going to be HUGE!

CPW - Designing & Printing Your Card

Let's recap, shall we? You've picked a photographer, found the most darling clothes for everyone to wear, bought and/or made cute props to add some fun to your pictures...then you take the pictures...now what?

Now you need to design and print your card!

There are TONS and TONS of people and places that can help you design and print your card...here is just a few of our favorites!


{Photographer}
Yes, some photographers also design cards.  So if the idea of a one stop shop is appealing to you, make sure you ask this question when talking with potential photographers. 

{Online Retailers}
Tiny Prints is an online retailer that has a large collection of designs, shapes, colors, prices and formats (they do a great tri-fold) for you to choose from. 

Minted is another online retailer. Their selection is awesome and they have a MINI BOOK CARD!  What?! Yes, mini book cards! They are precious! 

Mpix is an online retailer that opened originally as a photography lab and has since ventured into stationary land. Most photographers we know and use recommend getting your pictures printed at Mpix; we feel like that speaks for itself.  Mpix has "modern pop cards" -- this is a card that turns into an ornament!  How cute is that!!

{ETSY}
You need a great hair flair? Or a darling new dress/suit? Or an awesome braclet?  Or a fantastic CHRISTMAS CARD?  Well, Etsy can help you with all of that!  If you haven't visited Etsy, I am sure your wallet thanks you...but GO NOW! It's awesome! According to their own website, Etsy is a marketplace where people around the world connect to by and sell unique goods. We typed "Christmas Cards" into the search function and 81,787 items popped up.  If you can't find a card you like out of that...well, you are too picky! ;) Etsy vendors work two ways, 1) you just buy the design and then have it printed on your own or 2) they design and print for you.  Both of the Merry Mommas have used Etsy LOTS for LOTS for cards and a *few* other things.  We give Etsy a big MERRY!

{Graphic Designer}
If possible, the Merry Mommas love to use local talent.  Ask your friends and co-workers if they know any graphic designers that design cards and then give them a try.  One of our local go to designers is Nichole Quick of Quick Designs. We have featured two of her darling cards - Oh My Merry Myers and A Royal Christmas.

We also love the work of Becca from Jumping Jax Designs. Need proof of her work, well - she is our blog designer! But she also designs Christmas cards (and pretty much anything else you can imagine). Isn't her family adorable?

{National Retailers}
All of the large national retailers like Walmart, CVS (and right now they are offering 20% off!), Walgreens, etc. have photo labs that print all Holiday Cards. We can only tell you what we have heard - and lots of our friends and co-workers have used these services with great results! Their prices are competitive and the variety is amazing!

{YOU}
Yes. YOU can be your own designer! Just get on Pinterest and search "free Christmas Card template". We LOVE these options (Merry Momma K actually used one of these for a friend).

Source

{Print Centers}
Momma Cindy has used OvernightPrints.com the past few years and she loves them. You upload your design and a few days later your Christmas cards arrive on a very nice card stock with envelopes.

Like we said before, we like to use local businesses when we can and our local print shop - Copy Corner - does excellent work and their customer service is top notch. Both Merry Mommas use them lots - we have lots of kids that have birthdays and need invitations, thank yous and fun cards! :)

Our biggest, best advice is this... you've spent time, talent and treasure on taking these photos. The same should be done when selecting the final product! And you should do whatever works for you! Don't get caught up in the trendiest design, the flashiest product, the "what is everyone going to think?"... because all that matters is you are sharing YOUR merry with those that you love. You are bringing joy to everyone on your list. And that is what the season is all about. :)


ps. The season is also about receiving lots of fun surprises.... so stay tuned...

Card Prep Week - PROPs {or not}

Today we are talking PROPS!  And if you have been around for a while (you know, since July 31st) you know the Merry Mommas do love a PROP.  We have a WWLW post dedicated just to our love of using tricycles as a prop.  We think props can add so much greatness to a picture, but remember they are there to add interest to the people in the picture, not take away from the people.  So, if props aren't your thing don't fret!  But...if they are...ENJOY!

PS - Our definition of prop is going to exclude hair flair and most accessories.  You know we love that stuff and it deserves its own post! :)

{WORDS}
Chalkboards, banners and over sized letters are great ways to use {WORDS} as props.

{BASKETS, BUCKETS and BEDS}
Baskets, buckets and beds serve as a place to put your bum, but also a cute prop!

{TRANSPORTATION}

Tricycles, trucks, really all modes of transportation make great props!

{COUCHES, CHAIRS}
Everyone can't always be standing in every picture, so why not PROP it up with cute couches and chairs!

{BALLOONS & BUBBLES}
Quick, name two things you look at and always smile ... did you say balloons and bubbles?  Of course you did and that's what makes them such fun props!

WHEW...that's a lot of pictures and props.  We tried our best to pin all of the photographs from their original source.  Please look at our PINTEREST PAGE for more info on each pictures.

There are many many many more things that can be used as props.

You maybe thinking...wow, that's awesome and I love the use of props in pictures...but, how does that help ME plan my Christmas card?

1.  Many of these props, especially the ones you sit on, in or around are really just that...things to sit on to add height and dimension for your pictures.  Proceed as you normally would, order a cute card from Minted, Tiny Prints, your favorite designer and send the MERRY.

2.  Some of the more unique props lend themselves to fun tag lines:

- Airplanes: May the joy of the season send you soaring!
- Bed: May you find rest in the season and joy in your heart
- Christmas Tree: Sending you the gifts of faith, hope and love to be stacked under your tree
- Words: JOY, JOYFUL, MERRY, MERRY CHRISTMAS, HAPPY HOLIDAYS, HAPPY WISHES, BLESSINGS, GOOD TIDINGS, ...

3.  Here's some CHRISTMAS PROPS for you!

Don't live near a Christmas tree farm? Make your own!

If only it snowed in Texas! How fun is this sled?

And do we need to remind you about our love for ornaments?

And y'all - this is just the tip of the iceberg. Wait, an ICEBERG...wouldn't that be an amazing picture? Ok, ok, you're right. I mean, where would we find a cute pair of snow shoes? 

PS - Want to see the ULTIMATE prop?  Stay tuned!