This giveaway is now closed.
The first giveaway for November comes to you from one great company and from, well, yours truly. And it also happens to coincide with the next project in the 12 Weeks to Prepare for Christmas series.
Now’s the best time to start working on your holiday card plans. These days, sending digital newsletters or digital cards is the norm, but I still enjoy sending out the tried-and-true snail mail method (though yes, I detest paper clutter). For me, it’s all part of the holiday spirit to take a family photo, address and stamp envelopes, and lovingly display the ones I receive in return.
If you plan to include a family photo in your card this year, take your first shot this week while you’ve still got plenty of time, so that you’re not rushed and have time to try again. And if you’ve collated your address list, you should already know how many cards you need to order. It’ll save you money to order early with some shops, including mine.
Start addressing envelopes now, just a few at a time, and you’ll be golden by early December, when you can mail all your cards in one fell swoop. Keep your address list and envelopes in a convenient location, and write out a few at a time here and there. It’ll be painless.
If you plan on sending out photo cards this year, then I’ve got an chance for you to win some in this giveaway. One reader will win a customized high-resolution digital photo card file of their choice from Chickpea Designs, my graphic design shop. The file is yours to keep forever – you can make as many prints as you want, when you want. In addition, you will receive 10 5×7 prints of your photo card, free.
(And although I’m referring to holiday cards here, I’ve also got baby announcements, save-the-date cards, and birthday invites – any of those designs are eligible for this contest.)
The second addition to the giveaway is from PictureItPostage. You will win two sheets of personalized US postage stamps – simply upload your photo on their site, edit and align it, and voila – stamps with your children (or dog, or hamster, or neighbors) are headed your way.
PictureItPostage also has a hilarious contest going on right now – until November 19, upload your worst holiday photo, whether it be flat-out embarrassing or simply unflattering. Starting December 1, people can vote for their favorite photos – and two grand prize winners will win a new Canon Digital SLR camera and five sets of stamps. Plus, think how entertaining it will be to endlessly peruse horrible photos. Now that’s the gift that keeps on giving.
Here’s how you can win a personalized photo card design, 10 5×7 photo card prints, and 20 personalized postage stamps:
1. For a single entry, simply comment below, and answer this question – what’s your favorite holiday?
2. For a second entry, email me at simplemomblog (at) gmail (dot) com with the secret code in the email’s subject line (no need to write anything in the email’s body, as it won’t be read). To find the secret code, make sure you’ve subscribed to Simple Mom’s feed either via RSS or via email, and look in the footer of any post.
3. For a third entry, mention this giveaway on your blog, and make sure I somehow find out about it.
This giveaway will end on Friday, November 7, midnight CST. I hope you win!
Christmas is the best by far!!! Everything about it. So many opportunities for traditions, which I love!
christmas thats the only time our family gets together
Christmas is my favorite holiday.
Thanks!
My favorite holiday is Christmas, of course!
Kori’s last blog post…Triple French Braids & Piggies
The independence day is my favorite Holiday. I don’t know but it is always a great day no matter what!
Favorite holiday: Thanksgiving. No presents, no materialism, just good food and good company.
I am also unable to find the secret code! I checked two different e-mails, but no luck. Am I looking in the right place?
Kelli’s last blog post…Other Mondays
I love everything christmas, the music and decorations and the food.
Thanksgiving….I love fall colors!
Favorite holiday = Halloween! I love all the costumes and candy
I’d have to say New Year’s Eve. It’s the eve of the day for a chance to start a year with a clean slate. Plus you get to celebrate all crazy with friends & family. We like to make tamales. yum!
My favorite holiday is definitely Thanksgiving–I just love fall. But Christmas is close. Maybe even the whole month before Christmas. If only it wasn’t in wintertime it might be my favorite!
This would be lovely!
My favorite holiday is Thanksgiving, a relaxing time to just eat and visit, and remember what we are thankful for. For our family the hustle and bustle just fades into the background and we thoroughly enjoy having friends and family over.
I love the fourth of July! No gifts, no stress, just good times and usually good weather. Fireworks are also a great way to end the day!
Though I’m tempted to say St. Patrick’s Day (since it’s my birthday and all), I’m going to have to go with Christmas. It’s the only holiday where I get to spend the ENTIRE day with our relentlessly huge family. I LOVE it.
Allison’s last blog post…Crazy Growth
My favorite holiday is Christmas. You can feel the spirit of Christmas all around. It’s delightful!
Christmas!
I could say Columbus day or Boxing day, but I will unoriginal and agree with most others and say Christmas. I love the smells, sounds and tastes of Christmas. I love making gifts and baking. I just wish we had an actual change in seasons here in California.
Keilah’s last blog post…Gluten Free Pumpkin Pancakes
My favorite holiday has to be Thanksgiving….the whole family is around and it’s not about buying presents and stressing out. It’s about having fun and time with family.
My favorite holiday is Christmas. It’s a time of family and togetherness that somehow manages to be about more than the gifts.
Favorite holiday is definitely Christmas. I love the snowy weather, the tree, the egg nog and cider, the excitement of seeing my dd open something she loves. We do a morning present opening with just our immediate family, hubby and DD and I, then, my parents join us for brunch. They go home in the afternoon so we can all settle for a nap, and then they join us for a dinner later that night. It’s perfect, and I can’t wait.
My favorite holiday is Christmas. It is just so good to be with family and to make the house all warm and cozy with all the decorations.
My favorite holiday is Easter! But I love Christmas too!
My favorite holiday is Christmas Eve. It was a day to always get together with both sides of the family and really get to enjoy one another. There would be lots of food, laughs, and egg nog drinking. We all got to open one present after dessert. After the guests left my family would exchange matching pj’s to wear to bed…such memories!
My favorite holiday is Christmas. It is the time we remember the birth of our savior. It is a time to see family I havent seen all year long! It is a time to enjoy giving a little something to those who are special to me. It is the time that I think about showboxes being sent all over the world full of gifts and the Gospel. I love the decorations and the Chrismtas music… I love everything about CHRISTmas.
annette smith’s last blog post…Please Vote!
My favorite holiday is Christmas.
Kat’s last blog post…A Good Season for Missions
By far, Christmas is my favorite holiday!
My favorite holiday is Christmas. I get to celebrate it 3 times, my family, my Dad’s family, and my Husband’s family. I love the time we spend together, the Midnite Mass, the Christmas tree and decorations, the Music, and all of the wonderful food.
Christmas and more so now than ever now that I am a Mommy!
Advent! The whole season leading up to Christmas is just SUCH a wonderful way to really THINK about meanings and creating/keeping traditions…
Thanksgiving. No dressing up, no religious obligations…just family, friends and food
Easter is my favorite holiday. Good Friday reminds me to be humble; Easter Sunday reminds me to be hopeful.
My favorite holiday is Christmas. I love the smell of the Christmas tree, the cozy fireplace, and the laughter shared by family.
My favorite holiday of the entire year is definitely Christmas!
Thanks so much for your site! LOVE IT!
My favorite holiday is by far Christmas! I love the smells, the sights, the sounds. I love the hustle & bustle of it all. I love the cooking, the gathering of friends & family. I love the way the ribbons, paper, & tree all looks when put together. Mostly, I love that I am able to celebrate the birth of my Savior w/ so many people!
Amie’s last blog post…Welcome Theodore Brian!
My favorite holiday is Christmas because it is the only time my entire family is together, which is especially important this year with my brother being deployed to Iraq and my uncle returning from there (he comes home Dec.23rd, yay!). It is also a beautiful time of year when the true kindness and generosity of people is exemplified.
Thanksgiving. We have nice relaxed visits with family, without the stress of giving the “perfect” gift.
Of course, my favorite holiday is Christmas — if only for the chance to send out photos of my adorable boys (and my husband and me, too) and reconnect with friends who are far too far-flung. Love your cards; thanks for the opportunity to win some!
Christmas is my favorite–we get up early at my house and cook a big breakfast since our children are older. We wait to open presents until after we eat to increase the anticipation, much like when they were younger!
Christmas is my favorite. Nothing compares to the excitement of children on Christmas morning. I love it!
I have 2 favorite holidays, Easter & Christmas All my family gets together since we dont see each other often.
My favorite holiday is Christmas. I love to decorate my whole house.I think I love getting ready for Christmas more then the day it’s self.
I have 2 favorites,Easter & Christmas. My family gets together on these holidays since we dont get to see each other often.
I love Christmas because of the meaning of it and also because of the food, family, and friends coming together.
Absolutely THanksgiving! We love it. Thanks for the give a way!
Mom to 2 boys’s last blog post…Summer Is…(4th) and a announcement!
Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. There is no pressure. Its the preview before the bigger event. I love to sit down with my family and enjoy each other’s company with good food and good conversation.
It is Christmas for us… and I subscribe via google reader and don’t see any secret code…. for two entries….
Julie’s last blog post…Gifts…
My favorite holiday is Christmas! Thanks for the giveaway!
My favorite holiday is Christmas. This is the only holiday where I get to see my entire family. It may be one of the most stressful holidays, but it is all about family.
Christmas! There is nothing better than having a house full of family and lots of food on the table. It warms my heart just thinking about it. I cannot wait!
Amanda @ SweetSimpleLife’s last blog post…Gift Cards, A Good Purchase This Holiday Season?
My favorite holiday is Christmas. I just love it when the extended family gets together! I like it even better if it snow a whole bunch the night before. I would love the personalized stamps because I am making personalized notecards for christmas stocking stuffers.
My favorite holiday is Christmas; I love seeing my kids faces on Christmas Day!
Thanksgiving because we ALL take the day of and celebrate. The only truly American holiday. And no big expectations or let-downs.
Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday because it is a time for friends and family! There are no gifts to buy or running around- just eating, laughing and getting in a nap or two!
Toss up… I love Christmas for the ambiance and I love Easter because it means Spring is here… and all those bunnies/chicks/eggs are so freaking cute.
I love all holidays
My absolute favorite holiday is Halloween – its a fun easy holiday where playing dress up is ok at any age!
july 4th is my favorite holiday. it is a time of celebration, family, food and fireworks.
My fav holiday is Christmas, because of the feeling of joy in the air!
christmas is a biggie…great for the family
My fav is absolutely Christmas! The family, the food, and the fun – couldn’t ask for better! Seeing it through my son’s eyes brings the simplicity of life back into memory.
My favorite holiday is absolutely Thanksgiving. Why, you ask? Because its the one day of the year that you can eat ALL day long and no one cares. Although I do love my shopping the day after Thanksgiving!
Kristin’s last blog post…Sunday Ponderings
I also cannot find the secret code. I’ve found it before…
Joanna’s last blog post…Maybe I should change the name of this blog…
I would have to say Christmas (although I’m a celebrate-as-many-holidays-as-possible kind of mom) for multiple reasons:
-it’s a great way to celebrate Jesus in a tangible way with our kids
-it lasts longer than one day or one meal
-I love watching my kids enjoy it
-love the food and music associated with it
Hands down – Christmas. I love everything that goes with it. Great contest. Thanks.
my fav oriate holiday is christmas because it is a time for all my family and i get together and shres laughs smiles.it is also the time when i both feel and miss my parents the most it’s like i can hear them in every laugh,feel them with every hug and i can look into the faces of my neices and nephews and se my parents eyes, or smiles all over again
I love Easter. I work in insurance and my busiest time of year is around Christmas & Thanksgiving. There is no time to relax. Easter is the perfect time of year and celebrates such a wonderful event!
I love Easter!
I’d have to say Christmas!
Coolio prize !! Pick me Please!
Favorite holiday: Election Day 2008!
My fave is Christmas, my family never celebrated it when I was growing up and I always felt sad, now I have my own family and its so special.
Of course Christmas is my favorite. Nothing beats the reason of celebration, and to be with family in a warm house while it’s cold outside.
Ashley’s last blog post…Tired of Halloween Costume posts yet?
My favorite Holiday is Christmas!
My family and I love christmas! We enjoy all the extra love and happiness that fills the air!
Hands down, Christmas, just a wonderful feeling of joy around the tree with the fire going and the snow falling outside. With three little boys, the look in their faces as they come down the stairs to their stockins is priceless. The meaning of togetherness for our family is something I hope they will carry on to the their own families one day. Yipee, tis’ the season! Thanks!
Hands down Christmas! I love the family time and the baking and all the things that go with it!
Although, I’m not a fan of winter, I do love Christmas. I love picking out special and unique gifts for family and friends!
Jamie’s last blog post…yes we did!
I love the fourth of July (or Independence Day). We live in an area where fireworks are legal and it is better than any show I’ve been to! Lighting them, the smell, the noise, the beauty-great fun!!!
My favorite holiday is Christmas. This is the one time each year that I know my entire family will be together! Knowing that my 3 year old son will have the chance to be around his grandparents and great-grandma at Christmas means a lot to me, and one day, it’ll mean more to him.
Christmas and the 4th of July involve family and traditions. Two favorites.
My favorite holiday is Christmas. I love to decorate the house. The sights, smells and sounds are the best! Candles are always lit, and snow outside makes everything perfect. I always have my family over, and that gathering is the best part!
Christmas!
thank you for making my life a little more lighter. You have such a giving heart. Happy Thanksgiving.
Jennifer
Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. No presents to buy, no stress, just a lovely meal with people you love.
My favorite holiday would have to Christmas. It’s such a nostalgic and beautiful time of the year…everything about it–church, food, songs–vibrates with life and color!
I love thanksgiving!
I absolutely love Christmas…but it wouldn’t mean anything without Easter later!
My favorite holiday is Christmas, I just love the whole nostalgia that goes with it.
Thanks for the great giveaway!
Christmas…church, decorations, food, songs….this holiday just vibrates with color and appreciation!
My favorite holiday is 4th of July! I love the warmth, the fireworks, and the friendship that always goes along with this great summertime tradition.
Favorite holiday used to be Christmas but it’s now Mother’s Day b.c I’m a mother of two boys.
Very special day for mommy.
I ‘d have to say my favorite holiday is Christmas, with Halloween following closely second! I know…the difference is vast in many ways, but I love the traditions associated with each!
rani shah’s last blog post…Happy Birthday Jen!!!
Favorite is Christmas. Second favorite is Valentine’s Day. Third favorite is Halloween. Yeah, I know you didn’t ask that.
Jenna’s last blog post…Halloween 2008
Today, Christmas is my favorite holiday.
Definitely Christmas. Our church has a huge outdoor living Nativity that is free for the community and has blessed our family every year as we remember what God has done for us through sending his son Jesus in the most miraculous way!
My favourite holiday is definitely Christmas!!!
Hautemama’s last blog post…My first daughter…
Hands down, Christmas is my favorite holiday! Thanks!
Chrissy’s last blog post…Have you ever?
we love christmas