The “little of this, little of that” feature from Like Mother, Like Daughter!
It's that time of year — the day after Halloween — when it's just best to avoid all near occasions of bad Xmas music at the mall, but to go ahead and plan your Christmas cards to avoid stress at Thanksgiving.
Last year I sent exactly zero cards. I do try to send them, and often send them. Last year, no. Good news for this year: I'm ready with cards and stamps. That's half the battle!
To help you with your cards, we have our annual Minted giveaway — for a $300 shopping spree! — at the end of this post. Be sure to enter and share with your friends!
(You are probably missing Deirdre here in this spot. She is in the throes of moving and unpacking, always such a joy with a toddler. In the meantime, let's ponder the frustration of not being able to set up internet without… internet…)
Here's what I've got for you, link-wise:
- I loved this story about soldiers and their dogs who sniff out IEDs for them. What great animals!
- Pat Gohn and I chatted about The Little Oratory and this here blog the other day. The podcast is now up on her site, Among Women, and will be archived for you to access when you like. She has good resources over there and many wonderful podcasts, if you are looking for something to listen to that will edify!
- Thinking about doing something quirky or extravagant to your mansion? You might want to consider if you can resell it down the line. Although, what is money for, anyway? And who wouldn't love a vintage bowling alley in the basement? Why not put your 19-year-old in charge of your investment? What could possibly go wrong?
- Julian the Apostate, a man “who had made his soul a home of destroying demons,” tried to rebuild the Temple in an attempt to discredit Jesus. What happened next is an extraordinary, miraculous event, corroborated by different accounts, that ought to make you wonder…
- You're meant to believe that those who stand up for what Scripture and the Church teach about homosexuality are haters. This story will give you a glimpse into the loving heart of one of the Church's greatest defenders of marriage and nuptial love. This story isn't new, but it is relevant now because of Cardinal Burke's outspokenness in recent weeks about the importance of marriage.
- This pioneer in reproductive health was instantly converted from technologies that harm women to working with a woman's body, by reading Humanae Vitae. That is the document of the Catholic Church that explains what is moral and what is immoral when it comes to sexuality — and gives Scriptural and reasonable explanations. (It also accurately prophesies all we are experiencing today.)
The following two links are very personal accounts that would normally not make it here on {b&p}. However, if my mail is any indication, it might be edifying to know what they have to say:
- This honest woman takes you on a journey that reveals the actual issues in the false promise of in vitro technology (IVF). It's hard to read, but we must confront what we are doing when we put our desires before God's intended purpose for our bodies.
- Is it a “magic bullet” of modern reproductive technology, or something else? This piece speaks of the “void” created after vasectomy. One little snip, but oh, the consequences. Remember, no one has any guarantee that they will have any more children anyway (or be allowed to keep the one(s) they have), but you can guarantee that you will be carrying something weighty around when you go against your conscience. Usually I would say, avoid reading the comments. In this case, go ahead. Even those who disagree with the author reveal more about themselves and their attitude towards their bodies than they probably intend.
And then there is this personal story, which tells of the loving acceptance of “living differently with hope.”
- A woman with Stage IV cancer accepts her 10th child and whatever God has in store for her. Get your tissues handy.
From the archives:
- Don't forget that I've recently spiffed up the Cleaning Page and the Laundry Page on the menu bar.
- Have you ever read this post about Six Strategies for Sibling Rivalry? It has a LOT of my parenting philosophy (“Let's Make a Rule for That!”) and you might find it interesting.
- A chatty post with two secrets of mine for getting things done when it feels like you are so busy that you don't want to even try.
- Happy Feast of All Saints! And All Souls tomorrow!
And now, the giveaway — $300 to spend at Minted!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
(FYI, you are asked for your email *only* so that you can be contacted if you win! So do not fear the “registration.” If you are entering the drawing with a comment, don’t forget to come back up here and click on the Rafflecopter thingy to get your entries!)
~We’d like to be clear that, when we direct you to a site via one of our links, we’re not necessarily endorsing the whole site, but rather just referring you to the individual post in question (unless we state otherwise).~
Lindsey says
Oooh, so many lovely designs! A few that caught my eye are the Vintage Library Card and Nordic Peace Dove.
beth p. says
Such lovely cards. One of my November goals is to send Christmas cards! Haven’t done it in years.
Lynette says
Fun giveaway.
Rhonda S. says
What a blessing it would be to win!
Maureen says
Wonderful cards and a very generous giveaway too.
Veronica says
Love this give away, good luck to all.
Cristina says
I would love to win a Minted shopping spree! If I can just manage a halfway decent picture of the kids I’ll be well on my way to getting our cards out semi-on time 🙂
Cristina says
I think it would take me hours to decide which card I would want–they are all so cute! Maybe the Holiday Map since we’ll probably be using the Christmas card as a “Hey we had a baby and also we moved!” card 🙂
Sarah says
What a great giveaway! I like their “Glory to God” card and some of the other religious Christmas cards. It’s so hard to find cards with a religious message that don’t have schmaltzy art!
Anne says
Oh my, lots of emotional stuff in this bits and pieces..
Jenny says
How lovely! I remember Minted from last year!
Nicole says
I like the “merci” thank you cards!
Jenny says
And I like the Wrap Around Joy card.
Caitlin says
I like the “Wonders of His Love” card… very classy. Thanks!
Mary says
Oh, so many to choose from! I like the merry script and the chalkboard ones! Thank you!
Wanda says
Oh we do cards every year with pictures!, but this year with a wedding in the works, any help with card cost would be great!!!!!
Thanks for the opportunity to enter:))))
Blair says
Thanks for the giveaway!
Heather says
I like the Spirit of Christmas! We just had family pictures taken, and I think one would fit well with this card! There are many beautiful options!
Heidi says
I’m loving the Winter Brush Christmas card! So classy!
Emily M says
I love the idea of the booklet cards. Much more fun than a letter!
Phyllis says
I like Holiday Florals, Chalkboard Label, and Trimmed Wreath!
Amanda says
I like, unexpectedly, “mod trees.”. We’ll probably do a photo card though. I have a strange aversion to (sending, not receiving) them, and yet, people want pictures of the kids…
Cori Nations says
I love this one! http://www.minted.com/product/holiday-photo-cards/MIN-UQT-HYC/wreck-the-halls?ccId=284375&agI=0&org=photo
Jennifer Anthony says
I love them all and it would be hard to decide. Hand painted branches is one of my favorites.
Joanne B. says
I like the foil pressed wedding invitations. We’re starting to look at invitations for our son’s wedding next year.
Kristie says
I love them all, but I am really drawn to the Heaven + Nature photo cards.
Kathryn Jones says
I like the Simply Joyous design 🙂
Jennifer says
I like Heaven + Nature Christmas Photo Cards.
Kelsey says
I particularly like the “Behold” card!
Ellen says
I love Minted cards but I can never afford them! Their religious cards are actually pretty and not hokey. I would use the heck out of this spending spree if I win it 😉
Jen G says
There are so many great cards!
I love the classic and the sweeping Joy, but we have traveled a good deal this year, so the destination luggage tag card really caught my eye, too!
Katie says
I ended up going with Minted for our Christmas cards last year after seeing it on LMLD. The cards were beautiful! It does seem a bit more expensive than other options, but we were so happy with the unique/artistic quality. This year we are expecting our first and love the Fleurs de Noel card. Lovely.
Anne says
So many beautiful ones. I like home for Christmas by kampi designs and the Holly flourished cheer.
Charla says
I **love** Book of Isaiah!!!
Jody says
“The Wonders of His Love” was my favorite.
Kristy says
I love the book of Isaiah card! My oldest daughter was so proud the Christmas she memorized it and recited it Christmas morning for Baby Jesus.
Regina says
Pick me!:)
Patty says
I love their designs
Adrie | A Little Wife's Happy Life says
I can’t ever choose just one kind of card… I love them all! So pretty!
(And I must say, I love when you post archive links, because I always look back through them! Such wisdom, there!)
Mary Keane says
We sent cards from Minted last year and they were a big hit. Would be great to win!
Sara says
I aspire to something as lovely as a Minted Christmas card! Thank you for the annual gift.
ashley.elise says
Too many choices! I love the Christmas tree photo card 🙂
Katherine says
I like the Complete Tree photo christmas card
Amy says
Thanks for the thought-provoking links… I always learn something here.
Allie says
I like the timeless greeting card. but really, I like all of them
Pick Me!
Amy says
I like the Simply Blessed cards.
Bethany says
Love the Wonderful Life card and the Merriest Christmas one.
Kristen says
I like Holiday Map cards.
Jenny says
I’d love some Christmas cards! I used to send them out but haven’t managed to do it since 2009.
About the void after getting a vasectomy, it seems that the choice of name for her hoped-for method failure child, Trinity Grace, is a cry of despair from her soul. Aside from the moral implications of sterilization, it is articles like these that highlight the profound failure of ethics from the medical profession. They push sterilization as *the* answer without bothering to assess the actual psychological state of the patients. If they were really concerned about ethics, “Since you are already in the hospital, do you want to go ahead and get your tubes tied?” would not be a standard question asked of newly-delivered mothers. Postpartum women are hardly in the hormonal state to make permanent decisions about future child bearing.
Sue K says
I’d choose the Spreading Joy card, but would have a hard time deciding between the three great color choices!
Liz says
I love the save the dates!
Dani M. says
I hope this isn’t cheating, but I would use the prize to buy some stationery for myself. Minted’s designs are so beautiful! (My husband and I designed our own New Year’s cards last year and we’re planning to repeat that tradition.)
CMerie says
I like the annual nice list mini book cards. Very clever!
Lisa @ 6andahalfhearts says
I actually love November because for me it’s a whole month to get ready for Christmas! Us Canadians are smart and have Thanksgiving in October so it doesn’t get in the way of Christmas prep. (Insert big grin here) Hmmm… maybe I should start thinking about cards, good idea!
Toni Graham says
I would love to win the giveaway! I am a paper-goods and card love from way back. Thanks!
Martha says
I love the Glory to God card !
Toni Graham says
OOPS — That *should* be: I am a paper-good and card LOVER from way back.
Toni Graham
Jenny Dusenbury says
I haven’t sent Christmas cards in ages, but this year I think we’ll be doing a Christmas card / birth announcement combo. Hallelujah! I liked the “Dear Santa, no presents needed,” card with the photo of the baby. So true. I also loved the birth announcement that said “I just got here.” Sweetly wry.
Gwen says
Such beautiful cards! I love them, but they are usually out of my budget.
briana says
I like Our Favorite Moments and Gilded Year in Review.
Mama Rachael says
OOOh, I like the Isaiah card format. and, please, pick me!
Eileen says
I like the baby thank you cards with a personal photo.
Kristi says
The cards are all lovely, but “merry and bright” would be perfect for my kiddos 🙂
Meghan says
So many beautiful things on this website! I’d go with Our Favorite Moments to cram some info in with the pics 🙂 Thanks Leila and girls!
Rebekah says
I really like “Overflowing Joy.”
marymargaret says
ALL of them! maybe Fresh Christmas Wishes – it’s a classic 😉
laura says
Love “Wreck the Halls”! But I would probably go with a simple style like “Roadside Attraction”.
Some challenging reading in this post – thank you!
Ty says
I like the A Merry Little Christmas Holiday Photo Cards
Dawn Goldson Smith says
I love the Timeless Greeting!
Sheila says
I liked the Complete Tree card. They have beautiful products.
Sarah says
I like “Luke 2” or “brightly shining” and about 50 others 🙂
D Schmidt says
Visited the site and I really like the Happy Holly Days by GeekInk Design cards
Jennifer H says
Gorgeous cards! A few in particular that caught my eye: Complete Tree, Scripted Blessings, Perfect Gift.
Mary says
Too many beautiful ones to choose just one.
Katie N says
I love the Oh Holy Night Sky card!
Jenna says
I received a Minted Christmas card from a friend last year and it was one of the most beautiful cards I have ever seen. I would love to send out my own this year 🙂
Jenna says
I received a Minted Christmas card from a friend last year and it was one of the most beautiful cards I have ever seen. I would love to send out my own this year 🙂
Kathleen says
Such a pretty selection! I <3 the ornament cards!
Jessica Beard says
I love them all, but especially like the Glaze card.
Mimi says
This is a great giveaway! Thank you for hosting.
Candy Hartmann says
They are all so beautiful; truly heavenly inspired. I love the O Holy Night Sky Card. Thanks for the give-away!
Melissa Diskin says
Love the Book of Isaiah card!
Shannon E says
Love the Book of Isaiah card!
Mary says
They have such a beautiful and diverse selection of cards. Thank you!
Maria A says
I like the Tree of Joy card. Love minted.com!
Nanci says
The cards are all so beautiful. I know this isn’t about the cards, but I also think their fabric is gorgeous. I am starting to work on a series of quilts based on a number of Orders (Franciscans, Dominicans, Carmelites & Benedictines). Some of their pieces would be great.
Jacklyn H says
I’m loving the Joie Grid one! 🙂 It’s great for families like us who still don’t have a family portrait, so the separate pics will work well there. 😉
Lindsey says
We’re expecting a baby in early December (#4!), so I’m hoping to send out holiday cards/baby announcements around New Year’s. Was planning to do this on the cheap this year, but would LOVE using Minted cards instead! 😀
gary says
Wonders of His Love
MD says
I love the Chickadee’s Merry Christmas design.
Donna L. says
There are *so* many beautiful ones—I was drawn to “Simply Blessed”–neat!
Thank you for the opportunity to win!
Donna L. says
I am so glad you have lots of people who can do the extra entries….No facebook…no twitter…no friends! Just 2 entries for me, I guess!
God bless you for these ideas…
julianne says
This is my year! Christmas cards or bust! And maybe minted will make it possible.
Ivana says
Since we expect our firstborn in one short month :))), my choice is obvious – birth announcements, e. g. Overlay Love or Penciled Flowers Birth Announcement.
s says
Love the Complete Tree card!
Ashley H says
Winter brushed cards.
Melissa says
Woo!! I love this giveaway! We love getting our Christmas cards here!
Laurel says
So many beautiful ones! I love the Watercolor Message one best, I think!
Theresa says
I can’t pick just one yet!!! I liked the gallery Christmas tree one and the Merry Scriptmas. I’ll have to look some more! Thanks for hostessing such a generous giveaway!
Tina says
I LOVE the “Did someone say Wreck the Halls?” With 4 boys, that one is PERFECT for our family.
Audrey says
Love the chalkboard look cards !
This {b&p} was such an emotional read!
Michele Quigley says
Oh so lovely! I need to get back to sending Christmas cards –maybe this will inspire me. Thank for the giveaway!!
Anitra says
I love the look of the “complete tree” photo card. With multiple kids (two last year, now three!), it’s too hard to come up with just ONE picture for a card. 🙂 We want to show off our newborn photos from the summer as well as some family photos!
Karen says
Photo cards are the best. I love the Glaze card.
Jessica says
I like A Family Affair.
Alya says
So many beautiful choices! I really like the “Waterflora Wreath” round card.
Jessica says
The poinsettias and pinecones caught my eye!
Andee says
I love their wedding invitations, especially Garden Lights. I’m expecting my Save the Dates from them soon 🙂
Terri says
I like the rejoice/nativity cards. Thanks for the giveaway and congratulations to Rosie and family!
Claudia says
I love the image ” Shift” by Kelley Vetura. Would love to win the Minted prize.
Leslie says
I like the ‘date stamp’ and ‘classic merry’ styles…beautiful! N
Claire says
These cards are gorgeous – it’d be really hard to choose! Thanks, and congrats Rosie and family on the wonderful news!
Kateri says
Rustic Christmas
Betsy M says
Beautiful, beautiful cards as always. Thanks for the chance to win.
Rachel says
So many beautiful cards! I really like Book of Isaiah or joy to the world 🙂 this is our first year sending out cards!
Deb says
There are too many to choose! But I really like the Pine Bough Blessings. Thanks for the giveaway!
Sarah King says
There are too many choices- I like so many of them! For our cards this year, I might choose the Watercolor Noel or the “Angels Sing”. Thanks for the giveaway and all the great links!
Rosebud says
Book of Isaiah is always my favorite.
Anne-Marie says
I’d choose the Watercolor Noel card and put in a picture from my twin daughters’ double wedding this past summer!
Matt says
Like the foil cards!
Amy says
I would pick Classic Script – “Rejoice”. Beautiful cards, hope I win!
miranda says
I like the Wrap Around Joy card.
Julie says
So very yummy! Love the thickness of the paper, and the styles….and everything else. Love it.
kristina b says
Yay, another Minted giveaway! There are so many beautiful designs over there – and with a baby due right around Thanksgiving this would be an extra special year for me to actually have nice cards to send out to family 🙂
Maddy says
I like the year in a nutshell design!
Becky says
I like painted diamonds!
Rayna says
I like the one called Date Stamp! So exciting that you’re on with Pat Gohn. Among Women is the best podcast!
Erika says
Too scrumptious to choose just yet….. Here’s hoping!
Laura C says
I like aglow!
Mary says
Love Minted!
Mary says
Love the tree with multiple pictures
Ellen says
I love any of the cards with birds. I am determined to send cards this year so having pretty ones will help
Julia R. says
Minted’s cards are beautiful!
Holly says
I like the Trimmed Wreath card, but if I won, I think I would hold off on buying anything until Candlemas or so when we can send a baby announcement. 🙂
Kelsey says
I am working on cards! Got outfits for the littles, now to get the to all smile at the same time…
Mary Beth says
I love Christmas cards! We usually send them in January/February, trying to stretch the season for others to Candlemas.
Tamim says
All their cards are so nice! I like the ‘Spirit of Christmas’.
EmilyRose says
Ooh I need to get on Christmas cards!
Alyssa S says
I love the trimmed wreath card – but really – is there a bad one?? They’re all so beautiful!
Anamaria says
Christmas cards! #1 on my long term to-do list, now that I took my boots and purse to the cobbler (finally)
Heather says
The amazing comic year in review is super fun and cute!
Casey H says
I’m crushing on the Brightly Shining and Glimmer foil pressed cards- so stylish, love them!
Cecilia says
I like the photo cards with the calendar on it, kinda practical, which is nice!
Elisa Gruss says
I like the Instant Film card. Thanks!
Rosemary says
I enjoyed reading all the links.
Thank you for the giveaway, there are so many lovely cards! One of my favorites is Luke 2…
suzanne says
the wraparound joy card! thank you!
Janelle says
I love the snowflake wishes card!
V J says
I really like Wreath of Peace and Nordic Peace Dove!
michelle says
I love the yeti or not holiday non-photo cards, they are so freaking cute, the Santa’s Workshop Official Personalized Wrapping Paper is amazing.
Heather says
Maybe this is the year I will send Christmas cards…
Lisa R says
Simply charming! I’d like to do something more personal for grandparents and those who have special relationships with our children!
Beth R says
I love the A Wonderful Life Holiday Photo Cards
Lynn says
I like “scripted Merry” but I want to look at others too!
eclare says
The Heaven and Nature Sing and the Wonders of His Love cards are nice. And fabric now?? Yay!
Sonya says
I always love to browse the Minted website. So many beautiful designs!
Sonya says
Sorry, I forgot to mention that Complete Tree is my favourite!
Andrea B says
They have such GREAT stuff. If I am so lucky to win I might actually send cards this year!
mightymighty says
Love the wraparound joy card! This will be the first year it would make sense for us to send out cards–as we just moved and 1.) most people don’t seem to know our new address and 2.) we no longer live 5 minutes from all of my family.
Jamie says
I “think” my favorite is the “Brightly Shining Christmas” photo cards. Oh so many good choices though! They all look so beautiful. Thanks for sponsoring the fun give away!
kelly tillotson says
I absolutely love their minibooks–cards that will be saved and treasured by dear friends and family! thank you!
*kelly
kelly-tillotson@hotmail.com
Julie says
every year i yearn to win this! right now my favorite is the Heaven + Earth card, but it changes moment by moment. i feel so envious of your daughter in law that she works (worked? still working?) for this company. I’ve always wanted to design cards!
Kaitlin says
I like the vintage library card for Christmas!
Dyan Schisler says
Brightly Shining is my favorite of the moment. It’s so difficult to choose just one! Thanks for the chance to win.