Christmas Card Fail?

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It’s almost Christmas card season. How does time creep up on us! I never sent out photo Christmas cards (except for one of Scottie, my sweet doggie that passed a few years back) until I was married with my own kids. So far, we’ve had a few years to do this and EVERY YEAR December 1st hits and we haven’t started a thing. I’m also dealing with a little extra issue here: we don’t have Huck all the time or every weekend. Part of blended family life. So, we need to try and schedule the family shot around his schedule.

Needless to say, I thought it’d be great to try and set the timer on the camera, all jump on our unmade bed (cause we got a new headboard from World Market, so I thought it might make a decent, clean back drop!) and get some quick shots last weekend. But, best laid plans of mice and men… well, you know.

Hard to get all the kids to cooperate at once. So, we have some memories of the day, but not sure it makes for a pleasant card. Funny, maybe. At least I’m thinking ahead and starting early!!

Have you thought about your cards yet? Do you plan on sending any? Do you use candids throughout the year, or try to take an actual family group photo? Or have a theme? Sorry for the barrage of questions! lol

For those of you asking on my stories, I’m adding info on my dress and some other info below.

  1. Fall floral dress with see-through overlay 2. booties 3. Looney Tunes sweatshirt (similar to Huck’s) 4. RL polo (similar to Hayden’s) 4. Exact Headboard (loving it)

Also like the idea of the white booties with buckles showed in the picture. You just may see me wearing these very soon;) Love how the booties makes a vintage-type look feel so modern.

Off to finish some work. I’m viewing the Lifetime movie we just completed tonight. Eeeep!

Also, thanks to everyone that commented about my auditions last week. I will take ALL the good vibes. Hope all of you are having a great week….

it is feeling like fall here!

ps- adding a few other funnies below.

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MIXBOOK for MOTHER'S DAY

Hayden/mixbook

Hi everyone! Rolling out my first idea for the best Mother's Day gift!

My own mom has been asking for a coffee table book of pictures of her grandkids. I used to make these lavish, large, fun pictorials back when I was single and had time (wishing I was where I am now)! But, since Hayden was born, time has taken on a very different meaning. Mainly, because there never seems to be enough of it!

So, I really wanted to make a coffee table book for Mom (and one for myself- an extension of Hayden’s baby book!) It seemed insurmountable to think about sitting down and creating it. But, when Mixbook came into the picture and wanted to partner on a blog post, I took a long look at their online site. "Long" because I got caught up in everything they offer on their blog, gallery photo concepts, etc. Then, I got very excited to make my own. A DIY sort of project (but they do all the hard work).

I easily uploaded photos of Hayden to the albums. Then,  you can select an album to start a new project. They have all the bells and whistles of themes and fun concepts. I decided I wanted to keep it classic and clean looking for the project for my mom. I chose the hard back, large version (the 12x12 isn’t an option at the beginning, but once you finish your book, you can “edit” the style and sizes and choose the larger version then), flat laying, archival pages. Even with adding extra pages and all the “add-ons,” it still was a great price for the quality. BUT, I’ve been noticing the deals they often have, so after all is said and done, it’s a very affordable gift or memory book.

After walking down memory lane of the past two years (HOW IS HAYDEN 2?), I really thought it couldn’t get better than that. But it did. When I got it in the mail (and several days BEFORE the expected date)! I teared up opening the book.  I could not WAIT to give it to my mom for Mother’s Day. Matter-of-fact, I didn’t wait! I personally took it to Texas recently and gave it to her early. I knew she would cherish it and the many memories of little Hayden’s first two years. I’m not sure I could have picked a better gift. Mixbook really melds the worlds of DIY scrapbooking and professional quality picture books.

MomMixbook/ashleyajones.com
He was only one month here!! AHHHH.... how fast it all goes.

He was only one month here!! AHHHH.... how fast it all goes.

Hayden/mixbook

I’m already planning the next book - and it’s a collaboration with my sister! Yes, they allow you to “share” the project with others and all contribute to the book. My mind goes nuts thinking about all the fun and affordable projects to be had here: kids making a book for parents’ anniversary, friends all contributing to a book for a loved one’s big birthday, office gift, teacher gifts!

So, get your creative side uploading to Mixbook. Please let me know how you like your projects. I wanna see them!!! And check out their Mother's Day Specials HERE! 

xo

AAJ

Mixbook/mother'sday.