Now that our three summer birthdays and my September birthday are out of the way, we’re gearing up for holiday season. Gulp. You heard me. Holidays. I’m determined not to lose track of time this year. I’ve already been compiling ads and torn out pages of Real Simple and Uncommon Goods to file in the “gift” folder. I swear I’m not paying more for shipping than the gift cost this year. I have no intentions of waiting it out at the post office or UPS store as the bell chimes midnight. I’m not going to scour the Target One Spot on Christmas Eve looking for stocking stuffers.
I will plan ahead. I will plan ahead. I will plan ahead. If I say it enough the mantra will come true, right?
One thing at a time…For now, the raffia pumpkins are already perched on the mantle, and my petunias are dead enough to warrant a replacement of mums. The candy jar of mixed peanuts and candy corn sits atop the kitchen counter, within easy reach of two little hands and one snacking cook. If the temps ever tumble out of the 80s I’ll be on the brink of switching from white to red (wine, not pants, though that’s true too…if only I could find a pair of red kick ass pants. But I digress…). My kitchen has been full of fall – roasted brussels sprouts, butternut squash soup, chili, cornbread, pumpkin scones. I look forward to curling up with a mug of hot cider and a stack of cooking magazines to plan my Thanksgiving dinner.
Mostly, I can’t wait to don a fabulous pair of boots.
I am ready for fall. I’m positioned to be ready for Christmas too. I’ve even squirreled away a gift or two in the attic, safe under the watch of Andrew Driver, our Elf on the Shelf. And I swear I won’t spaz out on holiday cards this year. I still have the stack of photos and cards from 2009, the year without a Christmas card. Last year I played coy and sent cards out for New Year’s. That just screams of unpreparedness. I’ve considered Arbor Day cards or a simple email. But that would be lame. I love the digital age, but there are two occasions that call for tried and true paper. Thank you notes and holiday cards.
The peeps at Tiny Prints have some fantastic holiday (and every occasion) cards. Tiny Prints is big on design and easy on the wallet. I’m telling you, their stuff is adorable, sophisticated, whimiscal, colorful, chic. Styles for every personality! I’m gaga for Tiny Prints. I’m thinking about these designs this year…of course, I’ll use my own family’s photos.
And for all you organized, style mavens out there, what’s the best way to display the cards we receive? I’m thinking an old frayed apple basket on the kitchen counter isn’t the best option. I’m not into kitsch and I loathe clutter. What’s a girl to do?
Disclosure: I received some cards for free from Tiny Prints, but all opinions are my own. I was not otherwise compensated, and there are no affiliate links in this post. I was a Tiny Prints customer and fan way before I had an opportunity to check out this year’s holiday collection.