Here comes Shutterfly, Here comes Shutterfly, right down Christmas card lane...

When we were first married, our dear friend Jess worked as a photographer for a portrait studio. We were hooked up, we got great deals (free) on our Christmas Cards. (Thanks Jess!) Two years ago we got some from Sears as a tradition, and I did not love them. Last year, I searched for coupons and found some great deals, but didn't really like any of my options on Wal-mart or snapfish. Let me tell you. This year, Shutterfly has a ton of options and really cute Christmas photo cards too!

They definitely have a monogram theme going this year, which I love but which do you choose when you have a hyphenated last name!? Do I use the S, or the M? Let's face it, I can't use both... I'm just not into that.

I have always felt the need to include 5 pictures, but rarely do we ever collect 5 good pictures of the both of us. This year, I could easily include 20 great pictures of my puppies... but maybe only Heather would like that. This classy, simple card would solve that problem.

I also thought the options were so... blah... in the past. Green, Red, Brown? and either religious not. This year there are classy snowflakes, pretty colors and lots of sentiments to choose from.

I love receiving Christmas Cards, I still have Gavin's, Asher's, my grandparent's and the Hahn's on my fridge from last year. And this year's cards are rolling in already! It makes me smile when I see their smiling faces! I love sending out cards too. And, thanks to Shutterfly, I'll be sending really cute ones this year. (I did not include my favorite in this post, it will have to be a surprise.)

Need some gift ideas?

I have a friend who created a photobook for his wife (and child) detailing her pregnancy and the first few months of the baby's life. He used their favorite pictures and added his sweet thoughts. It was a really beautiful keepsake.

I never know what to get my grandparents for Christmas. They are not easy to shop for, but they all drink coffee and they all use mugs. Why not get them photo mugs? I mean, be real, who wouldn't love a mug with my "mug" on it? After all, Grandma U. always tells me to sit still so she can look at me... a little creepy, I know... but she loves me. They can look at me all they want with "cate mugs". Genious.

Thanks Shutterfly,

You've played Santa to many during this recession and we are thankful!

(If you blog and noticed mine was recently updated, it was for this good reason. If you would like to be eligible for 50 free cards, complete this submission form .)