September in Houston
Hello and hugs!
Usually we have the buzz of a new school year and excitement for Fall but this storm has been a real heartbreaker for so many of us. Even if you didn't flood, you are surely affected by the constant reminders around us. You may be trying to figure out what to say or do that can help and maybe even feeling a little survivor's guilt. This is a long road and and we are going to need some sane people around us so just keep it together!
If you did flood, I feel your pain and confusion. I feel fortunate for so many reasons but feel like I'm in a tornado of emotions, responsibility, technicalities, and decision-making. Whether you're stress-eating or self-medicating your way through this (not just me, right?!), we will all be okay. We will all be okay. We will be okay . . . If I say it enough, it'll be true.
Before the storm, I drafted an email about getting ready for holiday cards. I haven't even had a pumpkin latte yet, and we're talking holiday cards! Baaaah! It seems petty right now and the last thing I want to spend my time, money, or brain power on but I'm sending it now because I think we're all trying to get back in the groove of real life. So here you go:
Truth: I didn't send a holiday card last year!
It was low on my priority list and I didn't feel like it was worth the stress. I love holiday photo cards because I get to see one photo a year of people who mean something to me. I honestly didn't realize how much our card meant to other people until it was too late. So, here are a few tips and resources to get your card out.
The picture: It's great if a pro takes it but my favorite cards are almost always snapshots from someone's phone! I'm not joking! Also, I really try to include a picture of our whole family, even if it's small and on the back. People want to see your face too! So start asking people to take pictures of your family when you're together. You may even have a few to choose from.
Phone pic from a summer trip = Holiday card!
Printing- ORDER EARLY (in October) TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF FREE DELIVERY AND DISCOUNTS!!
- Costco has a great selection
- Vistaprint is known for cheap business cards but they have holiday cards too and always have a sale going on (look for 40% off everything!)
- Tiny Prints, Minted, or MPix, - a bit pricier but beautiful
- Consider purchasing a template from etsy then printing through vista print, moo, or costco.
- Go old school and have prints made and stick them in a card.
Sending-
- Get that list right then order 10 extras. Ask your spouse if they have anyone that needs a card. Then ask them again!
- Consider purchasing envelopes even if you don't have your card ready so you can start addressing and stamping them and emailing/texting people for their addresses. I ordered double the amount one year so now I always have a stash to start on before the cards arrive. You can always shortcut and pay Minted or Tiny Prints to do it for you too! Minted is doing it FREE right now!
Other notes:
* Order your stamps online at usps.com. They have a good selection to choose from!
* I aways order a 5x7 flat card. I put them in frames during the holidays as part of our decorations. We all love looking back at those photos. I guess I need to find a photo to fill last year's place. oops.
* Don't go crazy looking at designs. I will, but you shouldn't:) Minted is offering design. You text them your picture and they send you five designs based on a few answers you give. LOVE THIS!
Now What??
Get it done! You can do it! Let's all heal with some holiday cheer. Or, join my club and give yourself a skip year. Either way works.
Feel free to contact me to talk flood woes or holiday cards:)
One more hug,
Kim