Holiday Archives - Blue Mountain Blog

Memorial Day Poem

May 23, 2018 by bluemountainecards

This Memorial Day, as we honor our fallen men and women in uniform who have served since America’s birth, let us take a moment to reflect upon the sacrifices they have made in the name of freedom for all. The following poem pays tribute to those who have given their lives so that others may pursue America’s great promise of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

Fallen For Freedom

With every fallen hero, And every sacrifice, Each man and woman serving Knows freedom has its price.

As stars and stripes fly higher Over lands, both far and near, New generations take the pledge To protect what we hold dear.

And should that mean they offer up Their lives for liberty Their sacrifice is not in vain— For freedom isn’t free

And so today we honor those Who have been laid to rest— Remembering that these brave souls Gave better than their best.

~Brian MacDougall

What to Write in a Mother’s Day Card

May 2, 2018 by bluemountainecards

A World of Moms

Mother’s Day is such a special time for remembering all those wonderful women in our lives who mean so much to us. Whether they are our own moms, our mother-in-laws, grandmothers, wives, daughters, sisters, teachers or other role models, it’s a perfect time to reflect on what each has brought our way and how they have touched our lives.

Mother's Day Poem

Gifts and Greetings

Many people remember their moms and others with anything from simple to elaborate gifts for Mother’s Day, but the one thing these gifts usually have in common is that they’re accompanied by sincere and meaningful cards with heartfelt thoughts. In most cases, a truly personal card is often a beautiful gift in itself. Something to treasure. A keepsake. A reminder of a special day and all the warm and loving moments it held. It’s the thing she’ll cherish most tomorrow and the days after that.

It’s in the Details

When thinking of what to say in your message, make some mental notes of how you picture your mom now and even when you were younger. Can you think of things you’ve done together, perhaps this year or in the past (going to a spa together, shopping for new school clothes, looking for wallpaper?) What words would you associate with her (daring, smart, funny, brave, thoughtful?) Are there specific things that remind you of her (pink nail polish, wine spritzers, kuchen, “permanent” kits, bathing caps, Chantilly, ironing bed sheets, Ivory soap, white gloves, knickknacks?)

Mother's Day Postcard

What to Write…

Following are some ideas for things you can write in Mother’s Day cards for the many “moms” in your life. But it’s most important to remember that your words should sound sincere and that they came from you. As you read through these, think of how you can combine them with the ideas you thought of above to make the message your own. After all, it’s the little details in the words you choose that will bring a tear to her eye.

For Your Own Mom

Today I am reminded once again how truly special you are to me
Don’t know how you do it, Mom, but you always seem to have time for everyone
It’s not until we have children of our own that we realize what it really means to be a mom
Thanks, Mom, for the everyday things you do that make our lives so special
Mom, I have so many wonderful memories of growing up
You’ll always have a special place in my heart, Mom
There are so many things I have learned from you, Mom
Every family has its own stories, traditions and memories
Mom, do you know how many times I’ve thought to myself

For All Moms

You make my/the world a brighter (nicer, warmer) place
What a joy it is remembering someone as special as you on Mother’s Day
You have a way of making others feel happy (comfortable, confident)
Today is special because you are… You’ve touched my life in a special way
You’re such a blessing in my life
For the special person you are and the loving mother you’ve become

For Wife

You fill my heart with everything wonderful
Lucky me—having you to love!
You’ll always be first in my heart and in my life
I’d be lost without you
Day after day you fill my heart with happiness
I wouldn’t trade our lives for anything in the world… I love this journey we’re on together

For a New Mom/Mom-to-Be

A new baby in your arms–a forever love in your heart
It’s the first of many happy Mother’s Days to come
Your first Mother’s Day…awwww-some!
Your baby’s (going to be) so lucky to have you for a mom
Wishing you joy as you await the arrival of your little one
(A new) Love is on the way

Less Sentimental

Thinking of you warmly today and hoping your day is a special one
With a heart full of wishes for a day full of happiness
It’s a special day for remembering special people like you
Wishing you everything that will make this a perfect day for you
Relax, enjoy, and celebrate
Hope Mother’s Day is just your cup of tea…

Black History Month

February 19, 2018 by bluemountainecards

Did you know Black History Month got its start in 1926 as a week set aside to honor African-American contributions to American history? Every U.S. president since 1976 has officially designated February as Black History Month. Other countries around the world, including Canada and the United Kingdom, have followed the United States’ lead and devoted a month to celebrating black history.

Black history, like all history, isn’t just about dates and facts; it’s about people making a difference in each others’ lives.

Take the story of John Price. Price ran away from a slaveholder in Kentucky when he was sixteen and found his way to Oberlin, Ohio, where he settled among the welcoming townspeople. Oberlin was a stop on the Underground Railroad, a vast network of people from the South to Canada, who opened their homes and risked their lives to help slaves escape to freedom. After the passage of the Fugitive Slave Law of 1850, bounty-hunters often roamed the streets of towns like Oberlin, looking for runaway slaves.

One September morning in 1858, when Price was eighteen, he was captured by bounty hunters and held in a hotel in the nearby town of Wellington to wait for a southbound train. When the people of Oberlin heard of Price’s capture, they rushed to Wellington, stormed the hotel, and freed the young man. Price was hidden at the home of an Oberlin College professor until his safe passage to Canada could be assured.

History doesn’t remember the names of all the people who freed John Price. All we know is that some were farmers and some were businessmen, some were slaves and some were free, and some were black and some were white. But they were all Americans, ordinary people who cared enough to help.

This Black History Month, as we take the time to honor the contributions of African-Americans, let’s remember the spirit of residents of Oberlin, people who looked past color and class distinctions and came together, with kindness and caring, to make the world a better place.

Printable Mother’s Day Recipe Poems

May 8, 2017 by bluemountainecards

Printable Mother's Day Recipe Poems Motherhood is unquestionably a life-changing journey of love—and most likely the greatest and proudest accomplishment of your life. Most days, you’ve got everything pretty much under control. Things are going smoothly. Everyone’s happy. And all is good. Then there are those occasional days when it seems like absolutely nothing’s going right, and it’s all just a bit too much to handle. It’s for these challenging days of motherhood that we want to pass along some sage advice in the form of uplifting, inspiring recipes.

Click here to print

Feel free to print and pass along the following recipes and words of wisdom to a sleep-deprived mom who’s struggling with her newborn’s colic…or a frazzled mom who’s going through her toddler’s “Terrible Twos”…or an exasperated mom who’s dealing with her teenager’s raging hormones. Click here to print

Choose one of the two recipes we’ve created, or, come up with a recipe of your own and write it on one of the two beautiful card designs we’ve left blank, also below. Tuck the recipe into a card and mail it to her. Leave it on her desk at work. Or hand it to her over a girls’ lunch. Any way you share it, she’ll love you for it! Printable Mother's Day Recipe Poems Click here to print Click here to print

Mother’s Day Gifts: Then & Now

May 1, 2017 by bluemountainecards

We invite you to travel down memory lane with us as we showcase some then-and-now Mother’s Day gifts in the chart below. We bet you’ll nod your head in agreement and even enjoy a few laughs as you compare what a typical gift was “back then” to what it would be today. You may even pick up a few gift-giving or -getting ideas yourself.

My, how times have changed! Don’t you agree that the gifts we used to give our moms decades ago for Mother’s Day look quite a bit different than the ones moms (or grandmas or maternal figures) are getting today? Granted, technology, convenience, and just the natural progression of life have had a lot to do with this. But we’re sure everyone agrees that the one and only intent behind the gifts has constantly remained—and will always continue to remain—the same: to show our love and gratitude to an amazing woman who is raising a child. We invite you to “share” this blog post with friends and family, too. We bet they’ll love it! And if you have other gift ideas that you think have made big changes over the years, feel free to leave a comment below. We’d love to hear from you!

Halloween Decorating

October 4, 2016 by bluemountainecards

Alison Os ProfilePic150x150 born is an art director here at BlueMountain.com, and when she’s not creating beautiful eCards, she loves to put talent for crafting on display at home. We’ve shared some of her creativity in previous posts such as the surprise 70th birthday party she threw for her mother, as well as past craft roundups. Lucky for us, Alison especially loves decorating her home for Halloween, so we had to take a peak inside and share what we found!

Halloween_Crafts_Roundup_BLG_BMA2015

All Photos Courtesy of Kelly Kutsko

1. Halloween Star
Decoupage scrapbook paper shapes on to a metal star. You can even sponge the edges of your paper shapes with paint before applying.

2. Marquee BOO Letters
Letters are from Heidi Swapp Marquee Love Collection. So easy, just paint and decoupage scrapbook paper. You can even add glitter, ribbons and more.

3. Witch Hats
Paint Paper Mache witch hat. Cut out scrapbook paper shapes to decoupage on to hat—a circle shape for the rim of the hat and paper strips to cover the cone horizontally. Dilute black acrylics to paint a wash over the hat. Add ribbon, acorns and paper cupcake flowers to decorate.

4. Trick or Treat Sign
Decoupage designer tissue paper on to canvas. White wash canvas then paint on black stripes. Letter “Trick or Treat” in black then in orange acrylic paints. Decorate with handmade fabric flowers.

5. BEWARE Banner
Glue orange, handmade fabric flowers on black canvas flags. You can also use canvas flowers or Halloween rosettes from local craft stores. Glue on glitter lettering.

6. Candy Corn Wreath
Find the entire tutorial on the House of Smiths blog.

Here are the final looks throughout Alison’s house…Bravo! For more design inspiration from Alison, check out her Instagram!

How to write a Thanksgiving blessing – Part I

November 23, 2015 by bluemountainecards

November brings with it the flurry of preparation for the upcoming holidays, and in these next few weeks as menus and guest lists are planned, it’s also a good idea to start thinking about the annual tradition of the Thanksgiving prayer or blessing.

Perhaps you give the blessing each year, or maybe you’ll be invited to lead a prayer
as a guest in someone’s home. If the latter makes you tremble like Tom Turkey in the barnyard, fear not— we’ve written a two part series, including some helpful tips on how to offer warm and gracious blessings and prayers full of gratitude.

Thank you…to whom?

Many people feel pressured on the “what should I say” moment during grace. You don’t have to be Christian, or belong to any religion, to offer a prayer of thankfulness. If you are a Christian, than your prayer very likely would include God and you could thank Him for being among friends and family and for the food you’re about to share. Some tribal traditions thank the animal that sacrificed its life, others address the Universe, and many acknowledge the Earth and those who worked and labored to produce the food. Taking time to speak gratitude out loud is a soulful gesture in itself, regardless of one’s tradition.

Think about what you’re thankful for:

Everyone has something to be thankful for, even if it’s simply being alive. Write down a list of people and things you cherish, and also think about things that have happened to you, or others that will gather with you, and speak positively about them.

Here are some thoughts to get you started:

Think of the friends and family members you cherish
Are people traveling to see you? Think about gratitude for safe travels.
What about faithful pets? Give thanks for their companionship and comfort each day.
A warm home and food on the table is more than many have, and worthy of much gratitude.
Is someone ill and trying to heal? Think about offering thanks for the doctors and medical care they are receiving, or were fortunate to find.
Maybe someone is waiting on a new job, or perhaps someone lost a job—you could give thanks for the blessings ahead, and the courage and strength to persevere.

Help words and phrases:

For those writing a custom Thanksgiving prayer, these words and phrases can be plugged into any prayer during Thanksgiving:

blessing(s)
thankful
Thanksgiving
giving thanks
God’s gift of feast
family harvest
harvest gathering
feast of life
Autumn togetherness
unmeasured appreciation

Hopefully, your mind is swirling with ideas, and don’t forget to check back next week with our follow up post which will include poems, graces and prayers you can use for your blessing.

Halloween Playlist!

October 23, 2015 by bluemountainecards

We’re really getting in the Halloween spirit this week! Decorations are going up, costumes are being planned, and everyone is starting to buzz with Halloween energy. And while we’ve been decorating and munching on candy corn, we’ve been listening to a lot of Halloween-inspired music. We thought we would put a few of our favorite spooky favorites in a Halloween playlist to share. Enjoy! Share some of your songs from your Halloween playlist in the comments to help get everyone in the spooky spirit.

Rosh Hashanah–A Celebration of Beginnings!

September 14, 2015 by bluemountainecards

“May you be inscribed for a good and sweet year!” This greeting is one of the Mantra’s of Rosh Hashanah, which means “head of the year.” This important holiday celebration brings the opportunity for believers to wipe the slate clean of all that has been and move on with the gifts of G-d’s grace and blessings.

Rosh Hashanah is all about relationships. It marks the anniversary of the relationship G-d created with mankind through Adam and Eve, and the birth of His relationship with humanity. It reverently shares the desire for all human beings to be blessed with another year, totally connected to the One who began the world as we know it.

At Synagogues around the world, the sound of the shofar will mark the first sin of man and the atonement for that sin. The blast of the lamb’s horn may be heard on both days of Rosh Hashanah, clearly demonstrating the hope for the coming year. Apples dipped in honey also symbolize the desires for a sweet year and the realization that all good things come from the King of Heaven.

It’s always exciting to begin again. This year, as your Jewish friends come to the celebration of Rosh Hashanah, wish them well. Extend the blessing for all good things and in some small way, become a part of the sweetness that a new year brings no matter what your faith background. What could be more wonderful than coming back to your roots, remembering all that has gone before, and delighting in all that is yet to be? Wherever you are today, may you receive a clean slate, a chance to take a fresh breath and start again. May you celebrate the joys of a renewed spirit, trusting in the relationship you have with the G-d of all Creation. Shalom!

The History of Birthdays

July 31, 2015 by bluemountainecards

It’s a day that’s all about you – it’s your birthday! Celebrating the anniversary of the day you were born is a common thing, but have you ever wondered where the tradition began? Early man didn’t have a concept of time, or know how to calculate events. Marking the passage of time only became customary with the invention of calendars, which came about from the ability to read lunar cycles.

So where did we get some of the many traditions that come with birthdays?

Parties

Birthdays are often celebrated across many cultures (often with gifts, parties, etc.), but some say the tradition of birthday parties started in Europe. The superstition stated that evil spirits were particularly attracted to people on their birthdays, so to protect the birthday boy or girl, family and friends would visit. Apparently, bringing good wishes and lots of noise kept the spirits away! This is why many parties are filled with noise makers, music and lots of laughter. So break out the party favors and crank up the tunes!

Cake and Candles

A birthday celebration isn’t complete without a cake and candles! Some think the cake tradition started with the Greeks, who would take a round or moon shaped cake to the temple of Artemis- the Goddess of Moon – to celebrate. They would then light candles on the cake to make it glow like a moon because they believed that gods lived in the sky and that lighted candles helped to send a signal or prayers.

Others think it was a German custom, as they would bake bread into the shape of baby Jesus’ swaddling cloth to mark the occasion. They’d then place a large candle in the middle of the cake, symbolizing ‘the light of life’.

And what about blowing out those flames? Candles are placed on a Birthday cake and a silent wish is made before blowing out the candle. Some say that blowing all candles out in one breath means the wish will come true and the person will have good luck in the coming year. Why? Early traditions believe that the rising smoke takes your wishes and prayers up to God. Regardless of what you believe, don’t let the flames burn too long – it’s bad form to let all of the wax melt all over the cake!

Dates

What’s the most popular birth date in theUnited States? October 5 holds this honor, while May 22 is the least common birth date.

So whether your birthday is today, or a full year away – happy birthday to you and yours! What do YOU do to celebrate your special day?

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A World of Moms

Gifts and Greetings

It’s in the Details

What to Write…

For Wife

For a New Mom/Mom-to-Be

Less Sentimental

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