On Being Merry This Christmas...

The holidays are upon us!  While we are so often wished a "Merry" Christmas, what do we actually need to do in order to be (and stay) merry this season?

While you may have a different idea, here's my list for sharing!

1. Pet a dog (or puppy).  But only if you're not allergic.  And only if it's a nice dog or puppy!

2. Notice something different (but positive) about someone and tell them you noticed it.  (By the way, this works great for kids who could use a little TLC! ~ A fabulous Love & Logic® Technique).

3.  Light a scented candle (but be sure you like the scent)!

4. Get a good night's rest.  Sleep in if you need to.

5. Make a cup of hot chocolate and drink it. Don't hold back on whipped cream!

6. Giggle.

7.  Say a pun, with intent!  Make it a good one!

8.  Learn to do a trick you didn't know before.  Any quick-and-easy way to complete a task, whether it be using a software program on your computer, or cooking method, or a way to tie moccasins!  Seriously, you won't be sorry you did!  And you'll want to tell EVERYONE else; you'll be so proud!

  By the way...
  Need to re-tie your moccasins? No problem! 

9. Snuggle up and read a good book, or even a few pages!  Use your Kindle, Nook, or other e-reading device, or stick to your good, ol' paper- or hard-back copy.  Doesn't matter!

10.  Give a gift you know someone wants.  No, really.  Research by Gino & Flynn (2010) indicates that gift recipients are more appreciative of gifts that they actually request, or "wish" for.  You'll love being on the gift-giving end when you know the person will appreciate you doing so!  It's like playing "Santa!"

That being said, eat, drink and, be merry this Christmas!  Enjoy one another!  Like I said, or elf!

Get Well Soon

My recent visit to the hospital for a collapsed lung (pneumothorax) prompted me to create a "Get Well" card.  This card was inspired by a dear, little gnome that Michael and I came across while visiting several waterfalls in Munising, MI (in the Upper Peninsula).  I couldn't pass up the opportunity to photograph this cute and innocent character and knew he'd come in handy some day!  Those who know me, know I love puns; hence the phrase "gnome I'm thinking about you."

Best wishes to anyone out there who is ill, in the hospital, or was just recently discharged (like me).  Also, a big THANKS to those who are caring for their loved ones while they are hurting or healing.  It's always good to know people are there for you when you really need them. :)

Thank You!

A big THANK YOU to my hubby, Michael, for helping me design my blog logo!  Without him, the mailbox definitely would not have had such perfect placement!  For his heroic efforts, the following front cover card image was created in his honor:

 

The inside of the card would read:

 

Thanks -
You really saved me there!

 

Love you, Michael!

Birthday Cards

In honor of the abundance of birthdays this month, I am posting two card samples made using Microsoft Word and Avery® Quarter-Fold Greeting Cards, Template #3266.

 

Happy Birthday to all of you LIBRAS & SCORPIOS! 

Image That Started It All

Upon looking through old stamps at The Scrap Box in Ann Arbor, MI this past spring, I came across this delightful find! 

From there I decided to pursue my dream of becoming a greeting card maker and now stamp the back of my cards using this stamp, indicating a card made by me.  Eventually I would like to have my own logo, but will definitely use this stamp as its inspiration.