Holiday cards are great for staying connected. I know I look forward to receiving them each year from some that I only keep in touch with on an annual basis. The lovely colorful cards are fun to open and display and send a message that lets me know someone is thinking about me!

One of the most fun type seasonal greetings I really enjoy receiving are photo cards. It is such fun to see families grow and change from year to year. These very unique and one of a kind holiday cards are ones I keep forever.

You should take a look at our growing selection of photo card designs. And for something that is very, very special, consider photo holder cards for your friends and families. These wonderful designs come with satin ribbons, foils, embossed details and the ability to glue or tape your own favorite photograph in place.

Have fun sorting through your favorite photographs or taking brand new ones for your very own personalized holiday photo cards!

Can you believe the holiday season is right around the corner?! Now is the perfect time to start thinking about what photographs you would like to include on your holiday photo greeting cards. Go ahead and start digging through those fun family photographs you’ve accumulated throughout the year, especially those taken on summer vacation. Or, make plans to gather everyone together for a family photo shoot before the busy holiday season kicks in.

Go ahead and pick out photo holiday card designs you like and plan your photos around it if you want. Or, consider unique holiday photo holder cards designed so that you can tape or glue your favorite photograph in place. Either makes great holiday greetings that will remain treasured keepsakes forever!

We have a winner for our $100 Shopping Spree Giveaway! Drumroll, please . . . . and the winner is . . . Tamara McDonald of Dallas, Texas! Tamara’s name was drawn from all those who participated by posting a comment about the cards they enjoyed finding on CardsDirect.com.

Tamara posted the following, “I would get holiday cards! I send out about 150 every year, so this would be a great help!”

The comments touched on just about every card category offered on the site. Many favored our new line of birth announcements with comments like, “There are so many cute birth announcements it is hard to choose! My sweet baby boy is a week old today and I’d love to send out the Centered Photo Birth Announcement PC5660.”

Others liked our Recycled Cards- “Luv the Vines Growing Recycled Thank You Card. Has the girly scrolling vines and a retro vibe.”

Photo Cards had a strong following too. “Love the Wildlife Print Photo Card to use for so many different occasions.”

And, as with Tamara, others are excited about our new line of Holiday Cards. “I love cards and I love giving fun and unique cards. I would love to send out some of those cute Christmas cards this year! ”

Go to www.hostessblog.com and type CardsDirect in the Search box to see all the entries and watch this CardsDirect.com/blog for future Surprise Giveaways! Congratulations, Tamara!

I received a We’re Moving card from a friend yesterday. I know she has been busy building her dream home just across town and it seems it is now all completed and ready for move in. I can’t wait to see what she has done as her previous mansion would be hard to improve upon!

I’ve also heard of more and more businesses are relocating. Seems office rent is a concern as businesses tighten up spending. Many are looking for less space and some are even moving their entire corporate offices to other states.

A move can be scary but if you think of it as an adventure and an opportunity for improved change it is something to celebrate. Think of it as the perfect opportunity to purge accumulated mess and start fresh. Embrace the event and explore your new surroundings. Who knows what you’ll stumble across- a new restaurant, nice little park for an out of office lunch, office supply store with real customer service. Enjoy the possibilities.

Whatever the reason for the move, everyone needs to be alerted to a change of address. You can change your post office mailing address easily by going online here and filling out the form provided. You will still want to contact everyone else so they can change their contact information for you as well. Don’t forget to notify your credit card companies, bank, doctors, phone company provider, utilities, electricity, cable and gas providers, social security office, and others.

And, of course, send a We’re Moving card to notify your business associates, friends and the family members you DO still want to keep in touch with!

Stuck indoors and running out of ways to entertain everyone? How about a model photo shoot? From newborns on up, any day is a good day to capture a moment in time by taking a fun photograph of someone special. Try your hand at this creative and free activity by engaging the entire family in the fun. Here are some tips for a great day behind the camera that is sure to result in something quite special.

1. Get Ready. Charge up your digital camera and get a memory stick that will allow for hundreds of shots so you’re ready to click away!

2. Lighting. One of the most important elements in a successful photo is the lighting so choose a location that allows for natural light. Close to a window is good.

3. Backdrop. Drape a sheet over some chairs and extend it down and across the floor. Your subject can sit or lie on top of it. A solid background allows the model to be the focus of your attention.

4. Clothing. Dress up or everyday wear, choose clothes to make the photo shoot fun and the model comfortable. Stage quick outfit changes to keep the fun going, just like a real photo shoot.

5. Perspective. Take shots straight on, from overhead, lying on your stomach and shooting up and some from every angle imaginable. You and your model will have fun and the resulting shots will be entertainment. Take some smiling, some serious and some just goofy for variety.

With so many fantastic shots to choose from, why not go ahead and have some printed as photo cards you can use all year long. Don’t wait for Christmas to come around again to share a great photo greeting card, use them throughout the year to stay connected to friends and family. Writing and sending thoughtful greeting cards can also be great indoor activities!