WWLW: Envelope Flair

Yes, it's true.

The Merry Mommas LOVE envelope flair!

You may be asking yourself, 

"WHAT IN THE WORLD is envelope flair?"

Well, it's all the little things on an envelope that add that extra WOW!

Here, let us show you...

STAMPS

United States Postal Service offers some really great holiday stamps.  They can add that extra, "Why, yes, I did stand in line for an hour to get the cute gingerbread house stamps!" to any envelope. 

Zazzle allows you to create your own stamp using a photo or an image.  How cute would it be if your stamp gave a sneak peek of your Christmas card!

 

RETURN ADDRESS

Stamps - You can fancy up your address with ink stamps!  There is literally hundreds of thousands of different places you can get stamps, but we headed to Etsy to find some fun ones for you!

 (Seller - Sparkvites)

 (Seller - Primele)

(Seller - Stamp Out Online, Seller - AllisCreations)

(Seller - Brittany Lauren Design, Seller - Sparrow Footstamps)

Labels - If you order cards from some of the major online retailers, many of them will have the option to add address labels.  Again, this is a darling way to give the receiver a little sneak peek at what's inside!

OUTSIDE

 

INSIDE

 This card and the address return label are from Tiny Prints.

Embossed - If you are a little more on the formal side, you may choose to emboss your envelopes.  We love the distinguished look of an embossed envelope.  Feel free to send us your cards! (We're serious!)  Paper Source has a great selection of embossers.

See, you totally love ENVELOPE FLAIR now too, don't you! :)

Know what we LOVE? When y'all leave us comments! Seriously, we can't blog about what you LOVE unless you tell us. So share the merry and spread the love... 

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!
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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!

Card Prep Week - A Winning Wardrobe

It's day two of Card Prep Week and we could not be more excited because we are talking...CLOTHES! And before you look like this...

Source

take a deep breath. We are here to help!! This is the fun part because SHOPPING is involved! 

1. Get Organized - This is our number one tip...it will save you lots of time, tears, and stress. We are big fans of a spreadsheet and like to organize "Who, What, Where, Wear"

• Who: Who is in the picture? Everyone? Just kids? Mom and Dad only?
• What: What kind of picture? Sibling? Family? Lifestyle? Traditional?
• Where: Where is the picture being taken? Outdoors? Indoors? Will there be a busy backdrop? Lots of surrounding space? 
• Wear: This is the fun part! Once you've decided the first three, you can begin to make your style selections. We use a spreadsheet because we can send it to our friends and each other for feedback. We can link directly to outfit choices, accessories, hair flair, etc... and add on to each other's as well. (Or you can go in the opposite order and pick your clothing, or one awesome piece of clothing, and then style the shoot from there.  )

DO THIS FOR EVERY POSE/SHOT YOU ARE THINKING OF DOING! It may seem like a lot, but trust us... it's worth it!

2. Start somewhere. Anywhere. - This could be a favorite pair of shoes, a scarf, or even a head piece. For Merry Momma K in 2011, it was this jacket and you may recall the entire Munson card for 2012 was styled around a pink sweater. Find a piece that you LOVE and work around it. 

3. Coordinate, but not matchy matchy. - Some of you may need to pick your jaw off the floor when we say "don't match exactly" - especially if you see our children on any given day ending in 'y'. But it's true - you don't want your clothes to just be there - you want them to be part of you. You want them to tell your story. You want them to help capture this moment in time. 

We know, we know... this is the part that scares the beejeezus out of you... but don't let it! Plan in advance and do a little at a time. Lay all of your outfits out and group them how you think the picture will look (Dad holding baby girl, Mom next to son, little sister in front, etc...). Snap a pic on your phone and send it to the friend that you know "speaks the truth". Do that until you "get it right". Also, take a look at the pic the next day.  Is there a place your eye automatically focuses on?  If yes, it is a good thing? Or maybe a "we need to rethink mom, dad, sister, brother wearing brown neutral tones and baby  in hot pink" thing.  We seriously do this all the time... 

Get Pinspired:

1. Jewel tones photograph well, we love this picture.
2. This combination of rust, maroon, brown and cream make for one pretty picture!
3. Occasionally, one bright colored piece of clothing can add the extra pop a family needs.
4. For the more daring Merry Mailbox Fan, a BRIGHT and BOLD primary colors could work for your family.
5. The bold color doesn't always have to be on one of the kiddos, Momma can rock it too!
6. The Merry Mommas love a monochromatic look:
1. Beach pictures don't have to be in white clothing, this family NAILED the brown tones.
2. The boys with their Momma in blue. 
3. Everyone looks good in black (and gray...and white).
4. The soft muted gray tone of this picture have your eyes focused on that cute little baby!

4. Accessorize and Layer - Don't overlook the added pop of something fun. A head piece (do we need to remind you of our love for hair flair?), a scarf, a necklace, a bow tie, a blanket - you name it. The textures, colors, and layers of accessories can make a picture go from whoa... to WOW!!!

Beautiful picture provided by the wonderful Sarah Burns of Butterfly Chaser Photography, Caption by YMM

5. Don't forget your feet - Y'all. Shoes were made to be on display - what better excuse to buy this pair of Frye boots than for your Christmas card? :) Okay, so maybe you don't need to spend that much money on shoes, but please do not let your man show up in tennis shoes. :)

Clockwise from top left: Baby feet, Chucks, Socks, Cowboy boots, Rainboots

To recap...

PS - Remember how we mentioned something big is coming...well, it may involve the Merry Mommas helping YOU find a winning wardrobe...stay tuned!