Too much cuteness!

So I thought I would take a little break from holiday cards...

I had the awesome experience of photographing this little bundle of cuteness last weekend.  There's really nothing like a brand new baby (she was just 4 days new).  This was my first time taking newborn pics and I loved it! I was amazed how much I learned in just a few short hours.  Anyways, love how these turned out.  Isn't she precious!?!

2 for 1 Starbucks Holiday Drinks!

YUM! Beginning November 18th – 21st at Starbucks from 2-5 pm you can get a buy 1 get 1 free Holiday drink. Drinks Include:Caramel Brulee Latte, Peppermint Mocha, Peppermint White Chocolate Mocha, Peppermint Hot Chocolate, Gingerbread Latte, Eggnog Latte, Caramel Brulee Frappuccino blended beverage, Peppermint Mocha Frappaccino blended beverage. *FREE beverage must be of equal or lesser value!

Free Photo Book

Offer valid from Friday, November 12 to Sunday, November 21, 2010. Limit of one free photobook per sign up at shoppersphoto.ca. Enter promo code PHOTO at checkout screen when prompted. I tried this and you have to install Microsoft Silver Light to upload your pictures. It only took about 10 seconds to install, no biggie. The photo books look really nice, you can choose your background and put captions on your photos. Remember that it’s the softcover 20-page 7×9 type that the promo code covers. If your photo book does not fit these specifications exactly, the promo code will not work. Once you finish making it you can choose which SDM location to pick it up. The retail value for the photo book is $14.99, great freebie!

I used to be an avid scrapbooker and then life got busy and then we had kids...and well no time for scrapbooking. I've become a big fan of photobooks. I love how I can upload photos directly onto the website. There's no mess, no printing, no cutting, etc. In the end I've found that ordering a photo book is actually cheaper than scrapbooking as well, bonus! I've only ever used Shutterfly and Picaboo (both are great), but I know there are many other photo book printing companies out there.


 I just finished mine and haven't received it yet, so I'm not sure how great the quality is. However, since it doesn't cost anything, just some time, it's a great opportunity to find out. Since you pick up the book from a local Shoppers Drug Mart of your choice there also isn't any shipping fees. I didn't love the interface on the website, so it took a little longer than usual, but it wasn't bad. The photo upload time is pretty long, so I would suggest setting up all your pics for upload (you can do lots at once) and then walking away to do something else (multi task). Expect to spend about an hour putting your book together. Unless you just want it to be a whole bunch of random pics, no text or customizations. I love it when some pages are entirely a photo, this can be done by clicking the photo and "setting as background."

Here's the link, http://www1.shoppersdrugmart.ca/en/Shoppers-Optimum/All-Optimum-Offers/Free-photobook.aspx. Have fun!

Let me know if you have any questions/ issues.

Last Day for Early Ordering Discount

Today is the last day to take advantage of our 15% off early ordering discount on holiday cards.  The coupon code can be found on our Facebook page.

Holiday Photo Card Ideas

Warmest Wishes: Cute Winter Theme

The most difficult part about ordering a custom photo card has got to be choosing a design.  Even the design can be changed; no design is ever set in stone.  When looking for the perfect design I would suggest looking for two things 1. your favourite theme/ look of a card (fun, classy, religious, traditional, etc) 2. have a look at your photos and see what layout would work best with them, thinking about vertical vs. horizontal layout.  Do you like the look of a collage or just one or two photos? How many photos would you like to use?

Choose the best card layout for your photos (that's the one you would actually order).  The design, colours, fonts, etc can all be adjusted.  I often see orders that will say: the main font from the _______ design, the colour red from the _______ design, the circles pattern from the ________ design, etc.  Feel free to customize and make it yours.

I've included several different examples of a single card layout to show how the theme of a card can be changed.

Nativity Theme

Love and Laughter: Fun and Trendy

Classic and Romantic

Modern and bold

Little Penguin: A fun winter theme

I hope this post was helpful in giving you some ideas on how to personalize your own custom holiday photo card.  The possibilities really are endless.  If you're looking for something that you don't see on the website, just ask.  We will likely be able to make your idea reality.  If you would like to order one of the designs seen on this post please send an email to dolcettodesigns@gmail.com or order any design and we will happily customize. Don't forget that the early ordering 15% off discount (earlyxmas) may be applied to any holiday card order until November 10.

Got a favourite?  Let us know which one you love.

Just one more week...

Until the early ordering discount is finished.  If you have your photos together, this is the best time to place your order.  Save 15% by placing your order before November 10.  Discount code can be found on our Facebook page.

Happy Halloween!

 Hope you had a great Halloween!  We carved our pumpkin in the afternoon and enjoyed an evening of trick or treating with our kiddies. If only the kids would sit still for some decent pics!

Don't forget to send in your best Halloween pic to dolcettodesigns@gmail.com for your chance to win $25 towards a holiday card order and a $25 GC to Starbucks!  Just 10 more days to receive the early ordering discount on your holiday cards (applies to digital orders as well).