…Maybe 100 nights before Christmas, but really… it will be here before you know it, and that means it is time to start thinking about those Christmas Cards.

It’s my goal this year to really enjoy the holidays with my kids, so I’m getting really organized.  OK, I’m wanting to get really organized, and here’s my attempt.

I’ve got a several dates and locations pre-selected for the family* holiday card portrait session. (*or just kids, or just couples, or just the goldfish… whatever makes you happy).

Our commissioning rate is $450.  $150 covers the session fee, and $300 of that is applied towards your portrait or card order.  Now here’s the SPECIAL… the SALE… the big DEAL… If you get 2 other families to book with you at the same location/date, you can SPLIT the session fee.  That’s $100 off!  (I’ll leave my Santa wish list in another post for ideas on how you can spend that $100!)

OK, here’s the line-up.  I am cutting back this year, so reserve your spot early!

Monday, September 22 (late afternoon) – DC Marketplace

Wednesday, October 2 (late afternoon) – Tempe Town Lake Area

Saturday, October 4 – Desert Botanical Gardens

Friday, October 10 (late afternoon)– Old Town, Scottsdale

Thursday, October 16 (late afternoon)– Local Resort (Scottsdale Airpark)

Friday, October 24 (morning)- Local Resort (Camelback area)

Saturday, October 25 – DC Marketplace

I really enjoy creating custom holiday cards to fit your style and the image.  I charge $95.00 to custom-design a card.  These include photocards, press-printed flat cards, or the folded card.  We can incorporate multiple images, text, and greetings.

In addition to the custom cards, you can choose from the variety of card designs below for no additional cost (just the cost of the card).  These cards can have custom text added as well as customize the colors in the card to best compliment the image.  All styles can be created for a photocard, flat press-printed card, or a fold-over card.

All cards are either 5×7 or 5×5 and include envelopes.  There are three printing styles available- photocards, flat cards, and folded cards.  Pricing is quoted for sets of 24.

PHOTOCARD (printed on photographic paper)

24 - $37.50

FLAT CARD (press printed on high quality cardstock, similar to greeting cards - can be printed in fine art linen, watercolor, standard gloss, and metallic pearl (15% upcharge.)

24 - $50.00

FOLDED CARD (press printed card style, similar to greeting cards - can be printed in fine art linen, watercolor, standard gloss, and metallic pearl printing available on all 4 sides)

24 - $75.00

And now for the samples.

I have to admit… the Wii is fun.  And it has become such a great bribing tool in the Marriott house, but also the object of many tantrums and tears.  And we haven’t even started talking about the kids yet!!!! 

What happened to going outside to play?  You know, sports, games, TAG?  The other night the boys have the t-ball stand set up in the family room and wiffle balls are soaring through the air.  My first reaction is to start yelling, but somehow I managed to somewhat calmly ask what they were doing.  “We are just practicing our swings so we can be better at the Wii.”  It’s not going to be so cute when they use that line as they take off in my car so they can practice for Mario Kart.