Congratulations to the Indianapolis Colts and the New Orleans Saints! Super Bowl XLIV is Sunday, February 7 in Miami, although the tv keeps saying it’s in South Florida. I know Miami is in South Florida but have to wonder why they don’t just say Miami?

Anyway, kick off is 6:28 PM est on CBS. Gathering a group to watch the game or maybe just the commercials? Ask them in style with these football themed party invitations. You can turn this design into the perfect invite for your super party quickly and easily online at CardsDirect.com.

Enjoy the snacks, friends, fun, and, of course, the game! May the best team win!

Oh, the holidays! Fancy foods, family feasts, holiday parties; eat, drink and be merry! But beware, holiday party pounds can creep up on you rather quickly. There are, however, ways to avoid this added poundage by planning ahead and considering these simple tips when accepting holiday party invitations.

1. Eat a little something nutritious before you head out to party. If you are not starving when you arrive, you are far less likely to chow down at the buffet table of tempting holiday treats.

2. Sit or stand as far away from the food as possible. Put as many people and as much space as you can between you and the goodies.

3. Keep your hands otherwise occupied. A diet drink in one hand and your purse in the other will make it more difficult to juggle a plate of Christmas cookies.

4. Talk, talk, talk! Keep your mouth moving by meeting people and enjoying conversation and you won’t have time to stuff it with food!

5. Avoid the over consumption of alcohol. This one isn’t just about weight gain, although alcohol is loaded with calories, it is a wise idea everyone should consider! Have one drink then switch to something less caloric. You’ll enjoy the party and the day after as well!

It is the holidays though so do allow yourself one special treat. You won’t find those holiday bourbon balls at any other time of the year so indulge within reason by popping one or two and you can ignore all those weight loss commercials that pop up in January!

I admit I sincerely enjoyed receiving Christmas cards each year as I was growing up. I knew Santa was coming soon by the sudden influx of colorful holiday cards brought by the mailman. I remember fondly my mother allowing me to go ahead and open the cards that included the words “and family” or “and girls” (I had a sister) or “Dear Occupant” as part of the address. And, of course, I got to also open those that actually included my very own name too. An even bigger thrill was receiving a card addressed just to me!

So don’t forget to remember the entire family when addressing those envelopes and remember these pointers:

If you know the individuals by name on an informal basis, go ahead and list them all. For example:
Bob and Mary Jones
Bobby, Barbara and Ben

The more formal treatment would be:
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Jones
and family

For something in between you could use:
Mr. and Mrs. Bob Jones
and family (or) and children

Another source of mystery to me was wondering why my last name seemed to change from card to card. My maiden name was Cress and I remember receiving holiday cards addressed to The Cresses, The Cress’s, The Cress Family, and so on. We even got them addressed to The Crest Family but that is an entirely different story.

Rules of thumb:
If the family name ends in O or Y, add an S—The Romanos , The Sandys
If the family name ends in S, X, Z, CH or ES, add an ES—The Joneses, The Foxes, The Cortezes, The Bunches, The Marshes
If in doubt, just add the word “Family” as in—The Jones Family
The use of an apostrophe indicates possession or ownership like The Jones’s House so doesn’t really apply for holiday cards. Of course, if you are sending holiday party invitations you may want to indicate that the party is at the Jones’s House.

Party, did someone mention a party?! Count me “and Family” in!

The holiday season offers unique opportunities to position and grow your business, not to mention thanking those who have been loyal customers you have depended on throughout the year. Consider these tips for taking advantage of opportunities presented during the holiday season.

1. Offer special discounts and promotions. Everyone is looking for ways to save this year and you may be able to capitalize on volume sales by offering a promo code or gift with purchase that will actually generate profits.

2. Send Holiday Cards. Keep your company name in front of your customers and business associates by sending personalized and custom imprinted holiday cards. Front imprint cards are great for a unique visual presentation and staying connected with current and past customers is vital. Maybe you would even like to consider including a promo code or special offer printed right on the card itself as a special added bonus.

3. Relate to your customers. Not everyone celebrates Christmas during this time of year. Be sensitive to your customers by relating to their differences. Perhaps Kwanzaa or Hanukkah Cards are more appropriate. For business it may be better to send Season’s Greetings Cards or Happy Holiday Cards instead of Merry Christmas Cards just in case your customer doesn’t celebrate Christmas.

4. Appreciate your employees. Take this opportunity to let your employees know how much they mean to your business. A holiday office party doesn’t have to be an expensive extravaganza. A potluck can be just as fun. And don’t forget to add each employee to your holiday cards list.


5. Network. Take advantage of all the holiday party invitations you will be receiving by attending as many events as possible. You never know when you might meet your next major customer!

Enjoy the holiday season while remaining thankful and positive. The holidays can be stressful for some but if approached with a positive attitude and viewed as an opportunity for personal improvement and business growth, you are certain to reap rewards for your efforts throughout the coming New Year!

By now you’ve all heard the story about the 6 year old in Colorado whose parents thought he had taken a joy ride in the family’s experimental helium balloon. No less than the Norad and the US Air Force were strategizing ways to bring him down safely. Turns out he was hiding from his parents at home and not even in the balloon, thank goodness. Sure made for some interesting live news though!

Anyway, it brought these uplifting images to mind! Don’t wait until its too late to let someone know you care. Opportunities like these can float away unexpectedly! Rise to the occasion by sending one of these:

If you’re planning an uplifting event soon, we have more balloon themed greeting cards you should see!