I’ve written before how I love sending out Christmas cards each year and how websites like Tiny Prints makes it easy for me.  But, I also love some coordination while I’m at it.  Tiny Prints offered address labels to match the Christmas cards I picked out a few weeks ago, but Picture It Postage helped my cards go above and beyond.

It literally took me less than a minute to create the postage.  I just found a red tree I liked using google images, saved it, and uploaded it onto to Picture It Postage’s front page, chose a coordinating green, and ordered.  You can use regular photos of your family, your dog or whatever as well, but since our cards had our photos already I just wanted something Christmasy.  I tend to use Picture It Postage for Christmas cards (we used them last year as well) but they’d be excellent for any occasion from everyday use to birthdays or weddings.

It adds a great touch, doesn’t?  I just need to make an family update letter to accompany the cards and address the envelopes!

Picture It Postage is offering you readers a discount as well:

Coupon Code: Sale
Discount: $4 off 1 pack (20 stamps), $8 off 2 packs (40 stamps),  $10 off 3 packs (60 stamps)
Expires: Dec 31, 2009

Okay, by now yall should know we love us some Veggie Tales. This is the third movie we’ve received and once again, it’s a hit.  Not just because it’s the same characters, silly songs, and wholesome godly message that we like, but also because my daughter thinks Santa Clause is one of the coolest people in the world.

Saint Nicholas: A Story of Joyful Giving is a Christmas movie that helps kids know who St. Nicholas (aka Santa Clause) really was about: “‘Tis better to give than receive!”  The story tells how gift giving came about for Christmas time and encourages kids (and parents!) to reconsider their priorities during the holidays. Is it to consume more and more stuff, or to give and help others?

Also, I was thrilled to learn that Matthew West recorded a song with Amy Grant for this DVD!  I grew up with Amy Grant always on when we decorated our Christmas tree or driving through the neighborhoods looking at lights, and Matthew West is a fantastic music artist as well. Their song is a great one that also reflects the gift giving message, even in it’s title: “Give This Christmas Away.” Love it!

And as if Veggie Tales doesn’t do enough good in people’s lives, they’ve partnered with Operational Christmas Child to spread the gift giving and meaning of Christmas to other not-as-fortunate countries.  We’ve participated several times growing up and it definitely a great cause to be apart of.

Like I said, another great movie from Veggie Tales with another great message. At two years old Savannah is filled with the “I want, I want, I wants” and this movie will help us introduce a different and truer meaning of Christmas. The Veggie Tales website also has this cool gift giving guide for parents that shows little ways (and inexpensive!) that can make a big difference in not just our kid’s lives but others around us.

A sneak peak can be see here, and right now the movie is on sale on Amazon.com right now for $9.99 if you want to give it as a gift to some one this Christmas!

“This post was written as part of a program for Family Review Network and Big Idea, Inc., who provided the product for review. I was not compensated in any way except for the complimentary product.”

Can you believe it’s already November already? The holidays are quickly approaching and like I said last year, sending out Holiday cards is one of my favorite ways to kick of the holiday season.  This year, we’re again using Tiny Prints for our cards (this was our card last year). I simply love this company, and not just because we have a business/blog relationship, but also because of the awesome customer support and the quality stylish cards for any reason throughout the year. I’ve had nothing but positive experiences with them!

They have a lot going on right now to benefit you guys and lots of new products! One being a Talent contest where the winners will be one of the faces on their sample cards, Tiny Prints products, and a $1,000! (You bet we entered that one).  They’ve added new products from photobooks (a a code for 25% off is available for that) to beautiful wall art, pop-up cards, and even cards that benefit charities. The options are endless and all gorgeous!

Don’t have time to sort through all the card options and family pictures to make your own card? Try their Personal Shopper Service (free until November 15th).  I also noticed while designing our card that now Tiny Prints has a feature that lets you upload pictures straight from Flickr, Piscasa, and Smug Mug if you have an account with them. I use Flickr and that feature made life much easier since that is where I edit most of my pictures anyway.  It took just a few minutes to create this card because I already had pictures in mind (ones that involved us not having to attempt a family picture!) and I knew I wanted two photos so that narrowed down my selection a lot:

Looking forward for them to arrive in a few weeks and sending out our greetings

What’s your favorite way to kick of the holiday season?