Happy Thorsday, little friday, thankful thursday and more! Please don’t miss the contest on the girls’ blog, or their very quick and even easier muffin recipe!
Many of you know I’m a fan of photo cards. I love to send them and receive them. Most of my cards have come from Shutterfly. It is truly my pleasure to share my very positive experiences with you in return for 25 free photo cards.
My all-time favorite Shutterfly project/product is the photo mug I made of the girls last year. It’s a little bittersweet because that is a two-eyed Sis, but it’s PANK and Gretchen is also featured. I actually ordered a few extra earlier this year… just in case. MJ got one for Mother’s Day, and if by any odd chance you need your own fur-girl mug, say so in the comments and we’ll work something out. 
I also did special Valentines, which both of our vets still have up on their bulletin boards, thanking select people for their support during what was perhaps the most difficult period of our lives to date. Shutterfly… it isn’t just for Christmas cards!
Of course, I *HAVE* ordered holiday cards from them too. I like a matte finish for some reason… What do you prefer?
Last year... I'm dreaming of a photo for the card without brown, dead leaves in the background!
In the end, it usually comes down to what card template works best with the photos I want to use. Since I want a portrait done… hem. Yeah. Not yet!!
Grumpy girl blooper 2008
Thankful Thursday? Well, I’m thankful for businesses like Shutterfly, with quality products, fast turn-around, and honestly… those free cards. Hem. (But it works! I wouldn’t have blogged about where I do most of my online photo cards otherwise… Good marketing, Shutterfly!)
And yes… I guess I’m beginning to think about Christmas. I’ve ordered a gift or two, and I suppose I need to call and arrange for photos to be taken ASAP… I’m even doing some Christmas knitting – you know, that red mohair cardigan I want to have done to wear for the holidays?
Are you starting to think holiday thoughts? What kinds of business and/or services are you thankful for as you start planning for the holidays?
Chan Knits 
I have not done photo cards through Shutterfly – but, I loved the ease of quickly getting cards out the one year I used photo cards, maybe I’ll give them another shot. JB got a coupon for a free photo book – so I’m considering putting something together for the girls or from our next vacation. And – I love Tres Bon Babble’s idea of using them for an ‘heirloom’ cookbook. Might steal that one.
I have one holiday gift still to knit, and lots of sewing to get done – none of which is even started. ARG. g
I won some cards from Cafe Press last year and was so impressed that I’m thinking of using them again this year. We’re well into Christmas planning. We have gifts tucked away in the ‘special closet’ and I’ll be posting my holiday dog sweater collection in the next few days. I’ve even been looking thru Christmas cookie recipes for the neighbors.
One of my favorites is ProFlowers, we order holiday arrangements for out of the area family we won’t see for the holidays, we also use CoffeeCakes.com and this year we will be using Tate’s Bake Shop because they offer gluten free goodies and so many of us are gluten free now, and having received one basket for my birthday I can attest the products are heavenly. XOXOX
Thanks for the link to Shutterfly! I think I need a Macy mug and DH would love one for Christmas. I’m going to look for just the right photo.
Sissy looks very regal in the reindeer antlers and Gretchen is festive in her little Christmas dress! They are precious fur-babies!!
When it comes to Christmas, I have the feeling I am running behind. I still have so much to find, buy and knit that I’m sure I will not make it. I say that every year but this year may be the first time it is true!
Smugmug is a great site for such things, too. It’s geared towards pro photographers, and they set their own prices, so some are pricey and some are definitely aimed towards sharing a good shot. I have a pileated woodpecker picture from there, and they do the mugs etc thing too.
thanks for sharing your photos they are so cute. sigh. im hopefully going to start my photo shoot sessions with the dogs this weekend. I waited till last min last year and I was way too stressed out!
I love the mug
Gah! Christmas? I haven’t even bought Halloween candy yet, you over-achiever, you!
Ummm, I’ve planned to make turkey for Thanksgiving. Does that count as planning? I’m thinking this weekend might be the time to get pumpkins for the boys to carve. So I’m right on top of the holiday planning, right there.
I’ve been thinking about gift knitting but probably won’t be able to get everything I’d like to knit done. Running after a 21 month old hinders the knitting time. I should be home in a few more weeks and back to my regular schedule.
(I’ll get to see her trick or treat! Should be cute)
I actually managed to get a shot of Mavy and Cooley laying still together, so that, along with the ‘Hawaiian’ themed photo of John and I, will go on our card.
I’m with you – I like the matte finish. And I seriously need to sit down and order this year’s cards soon!
Good to know that Shutterfly is great. I am in the market actually.
I am sending E Halloween greetings with my own little Black Kitty Beatles on them of course. I should do a real mail card.
Good topic. I am thankful for yarn stores in my area that try to compete with online. IT is nice to FEEL the yarn and be inspired at the stores.
I am thankful for Barker and MEowsky’s great service here in Chicago.
I am thankful for my hairdresser…..she’s hung in there with me for 21 years…..my Zach was an infant when we met.
Oh I adore your mug. Not too certain I NEED a mug shot of Mr. B to drink my morning coffee…..lol Although it is a thought for his owner and I may have to ponder that one 😉
Christmas? heck I’m still behind the 8 ball on birthdays….lol. But I’m frantically scrapping gifts that will not be finished in time and instead knitting/sewing smaller projects.
I LOVE shutterfly! I made my wedding invitations there. I definitely need to do holiday cards this year!
Thank you for your visit to my blog and Hello!!! I love new friends and am looking forward to getting to know you!!
What kind of dog or dogs do you have??
xx, Fern
Happy Birthday to both the girls! And the muffin recipe looks like a winner.
Agree Shutterfly is cool!
Someone told me last night that there are trees up out at the mall. I was hoping the witches would come down first, but no such luck.
i am really thankful for companies such as shutterfly not only do they have top notch products, and make it super easy to create great products and gifts. but the costomer service is miles above any other company i have ever encountered. I just found them a few months ago and i will never try another compony again..
I need to get around to some Christmas pictures this year. I always say I’ll do it and then get too busy. I’ll have to give Shutterfly a try. I haven’t been impressed with some of the other ones, so thanks for the heads up. 🙂
Love this post and the great personalized gifts from one of my favorite sites! Photocards are the best… I can’t wait to start addressing our Christmas cards this year!