to everything there is a season

I have paused for reflection over the past several months regarding the relationships and friendships in my life - And the fact that many of those who consider themselves my friends, aren't truly friends at all. This fact has made itself very evident recently. And life has some way of weeding itself, leaving only the cream of the crop behind - and I'm okay with this. To everything there is a season...and when it is time for a new season, I hope to be able to acknowledge it and embrace it.
These thoughts are easily pondered when making the very long Christmas card list . . . So, I thought I'd share what I accomplished today! 'Tis a new season: Christmas!
*Cards are designed, printed, addressed, sealed and ready to mail (Though I will wait until after Thanksgiving to do so :)
*Christmas tree went up the first day of deer season (a new tradition, that we now spend with some of that cream that I mentioned before)
*All Christmas shopping is complete (minus one tiny detail needed from Hobby Lobby...when will Osage Beach get one of those, btw?!)
*Minus the gifts that are set to arrive via mail, everything is wrapped and under the snowy tree!
*And our Christmas website has been up and running for a few days now. www.HodgesFamilyChristmas.com Go take a peek!
Woo Hoo!! I can now focus on a big project that is on my plate (hope to share with you soon).

Every year I try to make our cards a little different than the year before. But after several years, it's hard not to repeat the same type of card. This year I'm super excited about these pop out cards. It's a flat card that is die-cut. My recipients can pop them out, add a string or ribbon and have an ornament to hang on their tree :) And of course, coordinating address labels. Thank you to Amanda Hyde of Sugar Snap Images for the images of our family that I used to design the cards. And a shout out to my friend Michelle of MichLgStudios for some of the digital art that I used.

Some of my favorite Christmas tree decor: I cut snowflakes out of vintage hymnal pages. Did you know there's a special way to fold your paper to make the prettiest, most detailed paper snowflakes? Here's a link to a youtube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HTnxZSL5IJw

When I was growing up, my Anne (my stepmom) would buy me an ornament and then when I moved from home, I got to take them with me and decorate my own Christmas tree. I have tried to continue this tradition with my kids. I specifically like to get photo ornaments. This year I ordered these wooden photo ornaments from PhotoBarn. They come in all kinds of shapes, and your choice of ribbon or jute. They are on sale for just $9. (btw, I never buy anything from them unless it's on sale)

cyber scavenger {free session! & gift certificates}

Hello there friends and followers! For those of you that hadn't noticed, I launched my new website earlier this year. And, for those of you who hadn't noticed..for Pete's sake do :) In efforts to get my clients and prospective clients to make themselves familiar with my site, this is what I've come up with. I think you're gonna like it! I can't count how many inquiries I get on a weekly basis asking me about my prices, about my services etc...and the information is on my website. Don't get me wrong, I like hearing from you all, but I made a huge effort to make all the information readily available..I personally think it's silly for photographers to not have their prices posted. No one wants to go to a restaurant and order something to drink, only to choke on it the second you start reading the prices on the menu. (seriously, I've done that..it's AWKWARD..so let's not go there!)

Soo..when I designed my website, I wanted it to be #1. aesthetically pleasing. and #2. full of information about Hodge Podge. and #3. fun and interactive. There are lots of nooks and crannies over there..even a tiny little virtual sitting area, so that you can visual your enlarged prints on a wall above your couch. And I want nothing more than for you to make yourself at home in my virtual space.

So here's how it will work. I will be 'hiding' coupons on my site for a free session(s) and gift certificates that are worth more than you spend on them. You will know what it is when you see it. It might pop up..or scroll across the screen. So, you must venture into my site..take a gander and meander about.

This will only work on a desktop computer..it will not work properly on mobile devices (and btw, I am planning to launch my corresponding mobile site after Christmas, so it will be much easier to navigate)

This will start this Wednesday, TOMORROW, the day before Thanksgiving! End date will be determined based on how quickly all the little gems are found.
Email me at hodgepodge@live.com AS SOON AS YOU SPOT THE GOODIE. Whoever emails me first, gets it. (I will remove them as they are found..that way all you cheaters can't tell your friends where they are ;)

And, for an extra shot at some Hodge Podginess:
Share on facebook and then comment on this post that you did so!
Winner will be drawn at the ending of the cyber scavenger hunt!

Happy Hodge Podge Hunting!

Gift Certificates found during the hunt will need to be purchased when found and sessions scheduled during 2015. Minimum of $300 per each certificate. One coupon per person.