Top holiday card trends for 2011 Yes, it's already time to order holiday cards. Heed these fresh trendspotting tips from our favorite stationery know-it-alls, and we bet your card gets displayed on more than a few mantles. Neon. "Neon colors are going to be hot this year," says Cheree Berry, founder of Cheree Berry Paper. "Fluorescent pink is the new fuchsia!" Your own handwriting. "In this age of simply uploading a photo and clicking BUY, a hand-written note on the back is a welcome addition," says Chelsea Reale, co-founder of Sissy + Marley. Celebrating late. Or early. Mariam Naficy, founder of Minted notes that she's receiving many more orders for Thanksgiving and New Year's cards this year. Fun statistics. "Some people are taking a quantitative approach to the family newsletter," says Naficy, explaining that she's seeing lots of cards with key family stats from the year. "Think number of diapers changed, cupcakes baked, or sleepovers." Lots of "Merry This" And "Peace That." Merry in various forms (Merry Merry, Merry Everything, Be Merry) is a big greeting this year," Naficy says. "We also have a lot more cards with Peace on Earth or Peace or some sort of global connection on offer this year." Colorful clothes. "White shirts are out. Although I definitely have dressed my family in white in years past," Naficy says. "People are having lots of fun playing with patterns and accessories." Custom stamps. "Almost every client wants that matching stamp to go along with the family's holiday card," says Ceci Johnson, founder of Ceci New York. "It's a little detail that really completes the look." Reale adds,  "And coordinating address labels are the icing on the cake." A little something on the back. "The days of one-sided stationery are gone," Berry says. "Whether it's a pattern, a P.S., or a photo, the backside of stationery is being considered more than ever." Reale agrees: "Have you ever received a card and not flipped it over hoping for something?" So Now It's time to get o the ball and go find a style that represents your family... Take 20% off all holiday cards till November 30th!

Halloween, a look back

Happy Halloween

a look back...

Mermaid 2008

Baby Devil 2009

Olivia the Pig 2010

Butterfly 2011

Pumpkin Patch over the years

Mystery art work game!

Shame on me for even having to ask what this little treasure is! Can you guess? I'v hung up mystery paintings and framed turkeys made from hand prints but this one stumped me. I gave you a little back drop as a seasonal clue...


Drum roll please.... This is a ghost! I was thinking Pillsbury dough boy over heated. But no matter what it is a beautiful thing my daughter created and I'm sure in 20 years we will still be going "a ghost, hummm ok"

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Baby's first Carls Jr

And we are loving it! Yes I'm feeding my kid fast food. They have chicken in the shape of stars! Any protein is progress



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Randal and Teryn's Wedding

A dear old friend of mine recently got married his beautiful to his beautiful bride. I have known Randal since we rode bikes around the neighborhood as kids, then threw parities in pastors and finally as grown up's in Austin. The wedding was at The Villa Antonia just outside of Austin in Johnstown. This was the first wedding I have attended at this venue and it was truly stunning. Teryn did a wonderful job of utilizing the entire property. The ceremony was on the deck, dinner in the wine cellar and dancing and cake in the chapel. I have been to a lot of wedding and this was one of my favorites. 

Congratulations Randal and Teryn! 

The Collins. A rare pic with all three of us

Jerrod and Kelly

waiting for the "Princess"

The Beautiful Bride Teryn

 

I have not got the scoop on exactly who this older lady was but I want one! She was a dancing queen!

Campbell is a pro at the "Again! do it again" and Kelly got a good dose! 

Thanks Kelly for being a great sport.

 

This is now our official tailgating koozie! 

My Nurses

So I'm on my way to recovery, a long road must say, this have been the most steadily painful procedure over the last 6 days. Good thing I have such attentive nurses!