Saturday, November 30, 2013

4 Ideas for Your Family Christmas Card Photos

Since we’re officially past Thanksgiving and into the holiday season, it’s time to start thinking about Christmas cards.  Can you believe it?  Here are some great tips, in case you plan on taking your own family photos.

Stay away from the traditional family-photo-in-front-of-the-mantel-shot by using one of these fun ideas for a more creative Christmas card:

 

1. Photo-Booth Props

Photobooth props are all the rage at weddings and events.  Why not pep up your own family shoot and get in on the action with Holiday-themed photobooth props? To get you started, here’s a great link to some fun freebies.

 

 

 

 

 

 

2. Snowy Confetti

Snowy sessions can gorgeous this time of year!  Don't live in a winter wonderland or don't want to brave the cold?  Try snowy faux confetti (Party City is a great source) or Flora Craft artificial snow (can be found online at Oriental Trading.)  A handful with a blow can be just as beautiful.  And, speaking of snow. . .









3. Family Snowflake

Why not create the perfect family snow flake?  Inspired by a Gap winter ad campaign, playing around with angles and shapes can add creativity, fun and interest to your photo.  Plus who doesn't want to lay down during pictures?!





4. Big Letters

If you’re feeling extra joyful, spell it out!  Home Depot sells the perfect 23" oversized wood letters from A-Z. My advice? Grab a can of gold spray paint and make them sparkle even more.


Friday, November 29, 2013

Decorating Trends For Christmas

I have had this post SOOOOO close to being ready to be done for so long.  I care way more about the photos than I do whatever witty words I may or may not be able to come up with.  So, it sits, waiting for me to be witty.  Which I am not.  So, you get it anyways.
 
Christmas Decorating.  Some like it trendy, some like it classic, some like to change it every year, and some keep it the same.  I fall in the middle, every year doing basically the same.  While searching for ideas to change up my own holiday decor this year, I found a few common themes.
 

Pretty Plaid Patterns


The plaid trend is moving from fashion and is starting to move its way over into homes.  While it is a bit too traditional for every day in MY home, for a temporary addition it totally works.  I love plaid on dishes, table cloths, ribbon, and in blankets.

 

Fantastic Front Doors

Breaking from tradition, I like the idea of adding a garland on your front step!  I like mittens as stockings, on the front door??  Its different, and it works.  The third wreath is a different in that its horizontal instead of round or square.  Interesting, but I like it.

Marvelous Mantels

 
Just pretty.  Thats all I got.
What do you like to see in your holiday decor?

Thursday, November 28, 2013

FolkArt Blocks in Red Cream Photo Christmas Card

A beautiful card perfect for wishing your friends and family Merry Christmas. The background is a folk art block pattern in cream and red. In the blocks are hearts, Christmas trees, and stars. To the left side is a place for your own photo and to the right side is a place for a custom greeting. The template is set up to read Merry Christmas, from 'the family name', and to the bottom is the year. Inside is a lovely greeting and your customizable text.
FolkArt Blocks in Red Cream Photo Christmas Card
FolkArt Blocks in Red Cream Photo Christmas Card by NoteableExpressions

 

Product Details

Note Card
Stay in touch with Zazzle custom note cards. Customize all parts of this folded card – front and back, inside and out – for free!
  • 4" x 5.6" (portrait) or 5.6" x 4" (landscape).
  • Printed on ultra-heavyweight (120 lb.) card stock with a gloss finish.
  • Each card comes with a white envelope.
  • No minimum order.
  • May be available on Greeting Card size
  • Postage rate for this size card (up to 1 oz) is $0.45

Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Christmas & Holiday Photo Cards for 2013 Season

If you’re like me, you enjoy looking at all the photo cards you receive at the holidays, not just from families with kids, but from couples as well. In fact, I’d say at least three-quarters, if not more, of the cards my husband and I receive at Christmas are of the photo card variety, not standard, store-bought cards. It’s fun to see how creative people get with their photos and designs, too.

Speaking of designs, I’m seeing some really cool stuff this year, so I wanted to share with you the latest trends for the season.

 Card Sizes

You can get cards in a range of sizes and styles. The most popular are flat cards, which are usually offered in 5×7 and 5×5 for those printed on card stock, and 4×8 for those printed on photo paper.  Folded cards are most often in 5×7 format but can be set to 4x5.6" or 8.5x11". Not surprisingly, flat cards are less expensive than folded cards, and photo paper cards are the least expensive of all. You  can often order photo paper cards online for local in-store pick-up, sometimes with 1-hour or next-day printing. Zazzle has already offered sales from 20%-75% off this year - so check back frequently for sales!




Rounded Corners


Rounded corners add a pretty look.

People who do card stamping know that rounding the corners on cards adds a nice finishing touch. I just tried this myself last week with some friends at a card-making party and it does make them look special. Last year I began seeing this trend with the online photo card services and it has grown in popularity this year. Now Zazzle has a rounded corner option for flat cards that measure 5x7". You can choose this as an extra option during the card customization process.

Personalizing the Back

Zazzle is now offering 5×7 photo cards and you can add text and photos to the back.

It used to be that you could only put photos and text on the front and insides of photo cards, now most companies allow you to personalize the back side as well, which is great when you have so much you want to share. I am also seeing colorful designs on the back vs plain white.

Tips For Creating Your Card

  • It helps to peruse card styles early so you have in mind the layouts, colors and styles you like. That will help you plan your photo shoot if you are taking new photos for your card, or help you pick out images with the right orientation and colors.

  • You can find lots of beautiful cards that don’t say “Christmas” if you prefer. You can find Hanukkah and “Seasons Greetings” style cards and many that simply say “joy.” I have friends who don’t celebrate Christmas but they like to send a family photo card in December, so they send Happy New Year cards, which you will also find aplenty online.

  • If you don’t want to pay extra for address printing and you’re short on time, do what I do. I use all those free return address labels I get in the mail (the simple ones printed in gold or silver look nice) and print the recipient addresses on a sheet of clear labels in a pretty font and stick them on the envelopes. I save my list to use year-after-year and make updates to it as needed.

  • Square cards can be beautiful but they do cost extra postage, so be aware before you order.

Tuesday, November 26, 2013

Red Holly Jolly Photo Holiday Greeting Card

A beautiful card perfect for wishing your friends and family Merry Christmas. The background is a bright red. It says "Oh by gosh by golly have a holly jolly Christmas this year." The O in Oh is actually a bordered frame for a photo that you upload - it can be of you, your family, your kids, your pets or anything else you like. Above the O there is a white Santa and Reindeer flying over. The temp;ate is set up to read, "warmest holiday wishes - Your Family Name - Individual names" You can personalize it any way you like. Inside is a lovely greeting and your customizable text.

Red Holly Jolly Photo Holiday Greeting Card
Red Holly Jolly Photo Holiday Greeting Card by NoteableExpressions

Product Details

Greeting Card
Keep in touch with Zazzle custom greeting cards. Customize all parts of this folded card – inside and out, front and back – for free!
  • 5" x 7" (portrait) or 7" x 5" (landscape).
  • Printed on ultra-heavyweight (120 lb.) card stock with a gloss finish.
  • Each card comes with a white envelope.
  • No minimum order.
  • May be available on Note Card size
  • Postage rate for this size card (up to 1 oz) is $0.45
 

Monday, November 25, 2013

Celebrity Wedding Trends to Steal This Fall

Who says Summer is the most popular time to get married? If you notice how many celebs have gotten hitched since September, you’d think there was one every other day. We can count Kelly ClarksonJohn LegendKate Bosworth — and that’s just the beginning! All weddings have been beautiful in their own right, and we’re stealing some major inspiration for how to throw a paparazzi-worthy wedding before Winter rolls around. Ready, set, check out these five great ideas.

Cozy Outdoors

From Bosworth to Seth Meyers, a handful of celebs took a chance on the chill and got married outside on bluffs and in vineyards. With the right additions, an outdoor wedding can go from cold to cozy.


For outdoor wedding ceremony decor, look to Meyers or Rose McGowan, who both exchanged vows with their partners under an adorned chuppah. It’s a lovely way to make the wedding celebration feel more intimate.


Photo by Karen Wise via Style Me Pretty

In October, Clarkson had a small wedding ceremony when she eloped with Brandon Blackstock. For one of their photos, the pair posed in front of a wooden bridge decorated with string lights, which would make a dazzling Fall touch.
Keep reading for even more star-powered wedding ideas!

Plaid Touches

When Pharrell Williams got married recently, he and wife Helen Lasichanh celebrated on a yacht, both wearing plaid outerwear. Leave it to the music mogul to incorporate one of the season’s most popular wedding trends and totally nail it.



We love the idea of bringing in some subtle plaid elements, like appetizer plates . . .


Covered Up

Did you see how gorgeous Clarkson and Christina Ricci looked on their wedding days? Each wore showstopping wedding dresses with delicate, long lace sleeves.



 This article was written by  and you can read the rest of it and see it at POPSUGAR

Sunday, November 24, 2013

Make a Statement with these 2014 wedding invitation trends

Here is a hot topic: upcoming 2014 wedding invitation trends!

Many engaged couples are now looking to establish a distinctive look and feel across the entire wedding day so that their guests will immediately say, "That wedding was so 'them.' From the first Save the Date to the last Thank You card, think about how you can incorporate your personalities into every aspect of your wedding. This provides continuity so that each time your guests will have a 'touch point' with your wedding your guests will get to know you as a couple and share this experience with you. As you and your fiance begin thinking about inspiration ideas and the theme of your wedding, remember that the style, color, and feel of your Save the Dates and invitations will set the tone of your wedding for your guests.

Let's take a look at what will be trending in terms of wedding invites in 2014.

Lace and Damask


Bridal dress trends fr 2014 have also influenced stationery designs using classic materials and fabrics that are reminiscent of the Roaring Twenties glam style. Lace is a classic material and design that has always been synonymous with weddings. Rather than overindulging in the trend, many are electing for a more subtle homage to lace wth hints of lace surrounding the invitation. Damask is another classic look that has become increasingly popular for those who want a traditional look with a modern edge.



Floral Designs


Floral designs are timeless like lace and invitation designs are now including your favorite flower within the design. It's one of those themes that never goes out of fashion and seems to be reinvented each season. Think romantic florals, big blooms and shabby chic patterns for the coming yer. Pink a flower, pick a range and run with it. You can incorporate florals into other themes, too, like vintage, retro, rustic, to thoroughly modern. The only limit is your imagination.



Vintage Luxe


The vintage wedding trends is still going strong! It is no surprise - there is just somethng that feels so romantic and nostalgic with this theme. In stationery design, is is a mixed bag of lace, pearls, and brooches that defines vintage for the upper classs. We are talking vintage Glamour! In terms of design elements, think monochrome, gold, brooches, pearls and satin ribbons.

Saturday, November 23, 2013

10 Wedding Invitation Etiquette Mistakes To Avoid

10 Wedding Invitation Etiquette Mistakes To Avoid

1. Forgetting to print “Please RSVP by ….” on your invites. Admittedly up to thirty percent of your wedding invite list may forget to RSVP, but don’t be an enabler. Put a date on the card so that when you call them you can say that they should have known better.

2. Neglecting save the date cards if you have a good reason to send them. For instance, say that you are scheduling your wedding the week of Christmas or new years or Easter. If you don’t send your cards out WELL in advance you can plan on many of your close friends and family getting stuck caught between plans. Or if your wedding is coming up fast and you are in the time period to send invites, but you don’t have the details ready, you can send the cards out so that people at least get the date on their calendars.

3. Never list any gift registries on your invitation itself. Save that for personal correspondences and your website, or include a second, smaller card in with your invitation. It seems needy.

4. It is impolite to invite anyone to a pre-wedding event that you will not invite to the wedding. There are some exceptions, such as if a religious or school or work group decides to host a celebration for you—but even then they must invite you, not the other way around. You shouldn’t expect someone to come to your shower and give you a gift if you don’t expect to return the favor.

5. Never forget to weight and measure your wedding stationery so that you are absolutely sure about the correct postage. Getting 400 invites back in the mail can ruin your day and a lot of wedding stationery is deceptively heavy.

6. If you don’t want kids at your wedding, make sure to say so. Write the number of individuals allowed for each recipient or put a small, ‘please no children’ note. Just be consistent.

7. Don’t be late! Invitations should be sent out six to eight weeks before the wedding. The RSVP date should be four weeks before the wedding date.

8. Don’t go freestyle. Wedding invitation wording is highly formalized, with distinct rules that change depending on who is paying for the wedding, whether the location is religious or secular, if families are blended… Check with an expert and be sure.

9. Match styles across all your wedding stationery. You can get kits or simply stick with one color scheme, but consistency is good and makes your wedding seem much more formal and well-planned.

10. Don’t play it by ear! Have a master list that you can use to check off for each recipient for each piece of stationery as needed. It will make your life infinitely better—and back it up.

Friday, November 22, 2013

How to Buy Wedding Invitations Online

In the past, everyone could go to the local wedding request store and examine books of invitations until they found one they liked. Buying wedding invites online gives up a much greater selection for you to pick from and you can compare prices within the privacy of one’s home. You can also search for invitations that WOW!

Here’s a little inside info, even the local wedding store requires information from you then they go online to the invitation designers for invitations to be created. Why not do this yourself and cut out the middle-man? If you’re now considering buying your invitations online, here are some tips.

Get Samples: This really is always a good thing to do. Don’t be disappointed as soon as your expensive box of customized wedding invitations shows up and they were not what you expected.

Check it, then re-check it, then have another person check it. Ensure the time and the places are especially correct.

Pick a Style that matches your wedding style and colors. You’ll find an incredible selection of types on line. Find something which matches your tastes and see if they have matching response cards, reception cards, thank you cards, and so on.

Shop Invitations now at:
http://www.zazzle.com/noteableexpressions?rf=238936391098336092

Thursday, November 21, 2013

Light Blue Ribbon Snowflake Photo Holiday Greeting Card

I just couldn't resist sharing this 'hot off the presses' Christmas greeting card that I made yesterday. I had so much fun creating this card - it looks like a gift all wrapped up for you!


Light Blue Ribbon Snowflake Photo Holiday Greeting Greeting Card
Light Blue Ribbon Snowflake Photo Holiday Greeting Greeting Card by NoteableExpressions

  A beautiful card perfect for wishing your friends and family Merry Christmas. The background is a bright white with a light blue ribbon border that creates a frame for a photo that you upload - it can be of you, your family, your kids, your pets or anything else you like. In the upper left corner there is a bow with a silver snowflake accent. The temp;ate is set up to read, "warmest holiday wishes - Your Family Name - Individual names" You can personalize it any way you like. Inside is a lovely greeting and your customizable text.

Wedding Trends: Colored Suits

When it comes to options in wedding attire, grooms seem to get the short end of the stick with few color options available to them beyond black, grey, and navy; that is, of course, until now and the sudden advent of the brightly colored suit. While we’ll never tire of the classic black tuxedo, we love seeing grooms up their fashion game and add pops of color and personality to their wedding garb.
For guys looking to step outside the box, but not too far, a blue suit is a great place to start. Everyone loves (and looks good in) blue and it’s just bold enough to be interesting without being too in your face.
 Jewel tones are hot for weddings right now, making purples, greens, and reds, all excellent on-trend color choices.
 To see more, click here

Tuesday, November 19, 2013

Celebrate the Season Photo Holiday Greeting Card

Believe it or not-
I have already done a photoshoot with my girls, designed our Christmas cards, received them, written hand-written notes in them, addressed and stamped. Yes, you read that right - for two weeks now, I have had my cards ready to go for this year! That is a record, even for me!

I love the whole tradition of holiday cards. I love checking the mail each day and finding notes, pictures, and pretty cards from my family and friends because we (like a lot of Americans) are spread all over the U.S. It almost like getting a hug long-distance. I've passed on that love and now my girls fight to see who gets to check the mail first! I love it!

Almost as much fun as getting cards is making them for others. I love what I do!

Celebrate the Season Photo Holiday Greeting Card
Celebrate the Season Photo Holiday Greeting Card by NoteableExpressions

This is one I made yesterday and it would look great with any style of photo but I love it with this sepia toned image.  A beautiful card perfect for wishing your friends and family Merry Christmas. The background is a photo that you upload - it can be of you, your family, your kids, your pets or anything else you like. To the left side it says, "Celebrate the Season". Towards the bottoms is a faded white rectangle for a short greeting from you. The temp;ate is set up to read, "warmest holiday wishes - Your Family Name - Individual names" You can personalize it any way you like. Inside is a lovely greeting and your customizable text.

So what are your favorite traditions with Greeting cards? Do you still send them? Do you intentionally decorate with them? (I do!)

Monday, November 18, 2013

Festive Christmas Wedding Ideas

Christmas brings out my wildest wedding fantasies. I'm drawn to its technicolor lights, grand sense of tradition and elaborate ornamentation. Above all, the holiday spirit of togetherness magnifies what's already supposed to be one of the happiest days of your life.

These amazing photos from real weddings submissions really speak for themselves. Enjoy—consider them a gift from us to you. Good luck to all of our holiday brides!

Bridal Looks

Dramatic lashes, scarlet lips, and a high neckline with just the right amount of skin (keyhole backs are on-trend for 2013): This bride pulls it all off effortlessly.



 Float down the aisle in a gown with textured tiers that are light as snow.

 A gilded gown with intricate embroidery is a regal choice for Christmastime brides.

 It's hard to say what caught our attention first—the ruched bodice-embellished skirt combo or those unexpected pine cones! I call a tie.

Put the finishing touch on your gown with a ribbon belt featuring clusters of crystals.

 Or, if you prefer a more understated look, consider this chic floral sash. The silver beads give it extra flair.


According to ancient folklore, the Druids regarded holly as a sacred plant and believed it had magical powers of protection. What better plant to include in your groom's boutonniere?

To see the rest of this article, visit http://www.bridalguide.com/blogs/real-brides-speak-out/christmas-wedding-ideas

Sunday, November 17, 2013

Green and White Pine Tree Ornaments Greeting Cards

Green and White Pine Tree Ornaments Greeting Cards
Green and White Pine Tree Ornaments Greeting Cards by NoteableExpressions

A beautiful card perfect for wishing your friends and family Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays. The background has a gradient from a darker green to a light green with blue and white ribbons of color. To the left side there are pine branches in white with gold ornaments with a dusting of snow. Inside is a lovely greeting and your customizable text. 

Saturday, November 16, 2013

Vintage Santa Sketch on Black Greeting Card

Vintage Santa Sketch on Black Greeting Card
Vintage Santa Sketch on Black Greeting Card by NoteableExpressions

A beautiful card perfect for wishing your friends and family Merry Christmas. There is a black background with a vintage style white Santa sketch. Inside is a lovely greeting and your customizable text.

Friday, November 15, 2013

Luxe trends take over winter weddings

November is already here! Can you believe it? Now that the colder months are upon us, winter weddings are on the mind. Here are some of the latest winter wedding trends for the 2013-2014 season:
 {1} Luxe Venues. With the wedding industry in an off season during the winter months, luxe wedding venues are becoming a favorite for couples. Special offers are driving this trend and venues are looking to bring in business during these off months. Couples can get those wow factor venues that may be out of their budget in the summer months.


{2} Laser Cut Invitations. Whether the invitation itself has laser cut corners, or you opt for a laser cut belly band, this technique is perfect for winter weddings. The style will add a luxe look while giving a nod to a season favorite, snowflakes.



{3} Candles Galore. Add warmth to your wedding space by adorning your venue with candles. Opt for tall taper candles in candelabras or floating candles in mismatched glass containers. For dramatic effect add luxe gold table linens to enhance this glow.

{4} Vintage Glam. Think Great Gatsby or Downton Abbey. A glamourous twist on the vintage trend that is taking the wedding industry by storm. Add in embellishments, metallics, and rich fabrics to traditional vintage touches, like lace and heirloom pieces. Music is also key. Opt for a big band or have your DJ play classic 20s and 30s music.

{5} Snowy Touches. Whether it's braving the cold weather to get some beautiful snowy photos, or incorporating snow like elements into you decor, don't be afraid to embrace the season. Try using cotton in your florals, dainty hanging crystals, or an appetizer ice display. You can even bring the snow to your wedding with ecofetti, faux confetti that looks like snow. Perfect for tossing right after you say I do.



Thursday, November 14, 2013

Vintage Letter from Santa Print

Vintage Letter from Santa Print
Vintage Letter from Santa Print by NoteableExpressions

Remember how excited you got when you were little? Or how real Christmas became when you got mail from Santa? Now it's your turn to bring that same magical feeling to your kids, grand-kids, or for anyone on your Nice List. The letter is written for you - just add in your special details to personalize! (Anywhere you see the text with <> brackets around it - that is what you change). This is perfect for later framing as a great keepsake! 

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Black and White Weddings - Always in Style!



Is there anything more sophisticated than a classic black and white wedding? It’s a color scheme that never goes out of style and is both elegant and contemporary. And just because it’s usually associated with more formal affairs, don’t think you can’t have fun and be playful with it. To keep it modern and fresh, simply add in a little texture, throw in some pops of color or play with pattern–polka dots, anyone?

 Black and white wedding gowns are so hot right now

 If you’re particularly daring bride and black accents just won’t cut it for you, you could always opt for an all black ensemble. The addition of sequins and metallic accessories will keep it looking chic, glamorous, and celebration ready.

 The classic black tuxedo is the obvious choice when it comes to groom attire, but why not flip that look on its head instead with a white tuxedo jacket with black trim? Or, you could have a little fun with the accessories and by choosing a polka dot bow tie or pocket square.


Black and white decor details can be dramatic or understated depending on the feel you’re going for, but like with any color scheme, keeping things simple will provide the most impact.


Tuesday, November 12, 2013

Folk Art Snowman on Parchment Greeting Card

Folk Art Snowman on Parchment Greeting Card
Folk Art Snowman on Parchment Greeting Card by NoteableExpressions

A beautiful card perfect for wishing your friends and family Merry Christmas. The background is parchment. In the middle is a folk art style snowman holding a welcome sign. Inside is a lovely greeting and your customizable text. 

Monday, November 11, 2013

2014 Bridal Beauty Trend: Natural Makeup




It's the season of engagements! It seems like so many couples are taking the next step towards 'I do.' From Lauren Conrad, to Naya Rivera, Scarlett Johansson, Ginnifer Goodwin, Ashley Tisdale, Ciara, and Kim Kardashian, many stars are planning to become blushing brides. But based on 2014 wedding trends, they might wanna lay off the blush a bit.

Following the minimal makeup trend we've been seeing since the summer and well into the fall, the bridal trend for 2014 is natural. Professional makeup artist, Jules Cardozo-Marsh agrees. With twelve years' experience, Jules has worked with countless brides and some of the world's biggest brands, including Guess, Puma, and L'Oreal.

Jules explained the look many brides will be sporting down the aisle to Beauty4Media. "The 2014 bridal look is all about effortlessly chic, effervescent beauty: enhancing a bride's best features so she looks and feels like the most gorgeous version of herself when she walks down the aisle."