HOLIDAY CARDS FROM MINTED

Ho, ho, ho. The Holidays are here and boy, could I used a heavily spiked beverage. While this holiday season is extra sweet because of all the wonderful things that have happened this year, like everyone else, it's hard not to feel completely overwhelmed as the year winds down. However, it was important to me to send out a holiday card this year to share my gratitude to all of our friends and family. Luckily, I've partnered with Minted.com to help make this holiday card process an easy one and will also be working with them on wedding invitations, menus, and programs.

Like I said, I needed to make the process an easy one. In short, sending out a card that has us frolicking in white, with Jonah doing leaps in the air between us, and the darling dog in tow (which we'd have to borrow), wasn't going to happen.  With a wedding 4 months away, not only are we busy and faking a smile on the beach would be tough, but we are on a budget and want to save our resources. Therefore, we needed to find a card that was either a non-photo card or wouldn't look terrible with my iPhone photos blown up.

The holiday card options were fantastic and there were actually so many options for cards that didn't require the perfect family photo or make me feel bad about the snow we never really get in California. In fact, the options were so cute and current I didn't really feel bad about anything!

I settled on these darling ones. I love that I got to select the shape and choose colors. The best part, was that since there are only 3 of us, once I ordered, I simply sent a note to the customer service department and asked that they removed one of the pairs of boots and one scarf (and which order to place them in). In less than 24 hours, they sent me a proof and we moved forward. How's that for ease?!

I also loved that I had the option of writing a little note and including as many photos as I wanted on the inside of the card. This gave me the chance to tell the story of the past 12 months both visually and in text, and wish everyone a fantastic 2014. Hurray for all-in-ones!

So now with Holiday behind me (kind of), it's time to truly dig in to THE WEDDING. Can't wait to share with you the invitations designs I'm working on in Minted.com.

**Side note, I know I'm all talk... In truth, when I do post wedding photos, there will probably be one or two photos of us frolicking in a field in wedding garb, gazing lovingly at Jonah. The only thing missing will be the dog. I'm working on that one. Give me time. ;-)**

This a sponsored post. Opinions are my own. 

TOP TIPS ON TAKING FAMILY PHOTOS

CONFESSION: You know all your darling holiday cards or those fancy family photos you post on Facebook? Yah? Well, they kind of make me want to jump off a bridge.

Okay, fine. That's sort of an exaggeration. Truly, all of you in your matching chambray work shirts, in front of that oak tree look lovely. Really. But I'm a little jealous. I want to look polished. I want to look together. I want to look (and feel) complete.

I'm certainly not trying to sound all woe is me, (as I so often like to do), because I realize there's been nothing stopping me from putting Jonah and I in matching get ups and taking photos... But I just haven't done it. So it goes without saying that when I was contacted by Michelle from Monarch Lane Photography, I was THRILLED.

She and her sister were a delight to work with and I loved the way the photos turned out. In fact, I'm thinkin' one of these puppies could very well be a holiday photo this year. (Act surprised when it comes in the mail).

Looking to take a family photo? Here are Michelle's tips for what makes a good family photo shoot:

1. Find a photographer you connect with and feel comfortable with. There are many great photographers out there, but if you don't feel a good rapport with them, it will be hard to feel comfortable in front of the camera, and your pictures may show that. Also, you want to make sure that what you have in mind for your photos is a style that that photographer does. For example, if you want natural lit pictures, make sure that you don't choose a photographer who only shoots in a studio.

2. I find that the best family pictures are the ones that are the least posed. I try to capture my clients candidly, because those always make for the most genuine pictures. It's hard to feel totally natural when you're having your picture taken, but play around with your kids, laugh and most importantly have fun, and that energy will be apparent in your photos.

3. Depending on the setting of your shoot, what you wear can really give your photos different vibes. I shoot outdoors, which is great for all kinds of different attire. You can never go wrong with black, and I find lots of bright colors, work well outdoors too, because they really "pop" against the colors in nature. For little girls, I always think some fun, textured tights can look really cute, and for boys, a collard shirt or little blazer looks cool out in the beautiful scenery and provide a neat contrast. I always tell my clients it's best to avoid white, since it can end up looking blown out, but sometimes my client will have a particular look that they are going for that will involve wearing like a white, flowy dress or something, and then, that's OK. If it's not your "vision" though, it's best to stick with other colors. Another thing I recommend staying away from is big logos. They can be distracting in a photo.

4. Make it fun for the kids.The more pressure the kids have on them, the harder it is to get a good picture. If a child is relaxed, or even acting silly, it gives us the opportunity to get some great expressions and lots of smiles. Bringing water and a few small snacks can keep their energy levels up, and a snack break can break up the session, which can feel particularly long for kid.

To see more pics from our shoot, (click HERE) or head to Facebook!

FAMILY FINDS: $59 for Portrait Shoot and 16 x 20 Canvas

92% off Portrait Shoot and 16 x 20 Canvas from Stuart Townsley ($700 value!)

If you’re like the rest of us, all your good intentions to bring your camera and mark the moments have fallen by the wayside. Sure that first kid might have 400 pictures of his first tooth, but it’s hard to keep up that pace. Relax and let a professional capture some real LA memories around town with a deal today that gets you a whopping $700 in products and services for only $59.

Enter Stuart Townsley and a sitting with this unique professional with an artist’s eye. Stuart's work has been featured in magazines and on VH1's "My Big Fat Fabulous Wedding" in addition to being a favorite of many LA families. His combination of traditional portraits with funky, fast, artsy images matches the speed of your kids - moving, playing, laughing - and manages to capture the fantastic but fleeting moments of childhood. But don't take our word for it, check out his reviews on both Google and Yelp where EVERY SINGLE REVIEWER HAS GIVEN HIM 5 STARS!

CLICK HERE TO ORDER YOUR DEAL TOAY!

Other great deals in your area expiring soon:

$7 for $15 to Spend at TravelKiddy.com

$20 for $40 to Spend at Little Rockstar Children’s Salon

$12 for $25 to Spend on Dinner Fare at Jack N’Jills Too

$25 for $50 Toward Juno Baby Merchandise and DVDs