Holiday Archives - Page 2 of 14 - Blue Mountain Blog

Printable Mothers Day Coupon Books

April 23, 2015 by bluemountainecards

While a beautiful bouquet of Mother’s Day flowers is nice, why not give Mom a gift that she can enjoy throughout the year this Mother’s Day? Give her a printable Mothers Day coupon book packed with sweet little rewards.

Have a foodie mom? Make your own coupons good for one free day of cooking together with her favorite child. Customize a coupon book for Mom with thoughtful activities you can do together whenever she decides to “redeem” a coupon with you. Outdoorsy moms will be thrilled to have a companion with them when they redeem a coupon good for one free hike, while crafty moms may enjoy receiving a coupon book entitling them to one free afternoon of scrapbooking with old family photos together.

And don’t forget all of the other important women in your life, like Grandmas, Aunts and Friends! You can customize a Mother’s Day coupon book for everyone you want to celebrate this Mother’s Day.

Thanksgiving Recipe Roundup

November 18, 2014 by bluemountainecards

Thanksgiving is all about giving thanks…and enjoying each other’s company. Traditionally, we do that around a bountiful table of delicious, traditional foods and desserts. This year, as a treat, the foodies at Blue Mountain thought it would be fun to share some recipes with you. But not just any recipes. They’re a slightly unusual—but decidedly tasty—twist on the classic Thanksgiving recipe everyone tends to make year after year. We hope you’ll give these fabulous options a try! Happy Thanksgiving, everyone.

1. Cornbread, Bacon, Leek & Pecan Stuffing via Martha Stewart

2. Cider-Glazed Turkey with Lager Gravy via Food & Wine

3. Sweet Potato Tater Tots via Super Glue Mom

4. Cognac Cranberry Sauce via Tablespoon

5. Crispy Baked Parmesan Green Bean Fries via Dashing Dish

6. Caramelized Phyllo & Pumpkin Marshmallow Napoleons via Baking Obsession

Thanksgiving Craft Roundup

November 11, 2014 by bluemountainecards

Thanksgiving is only a few weeks away, and as you pack up your Halloween decorations, the Thanksgiving decor is probably making its debut. If you need a little Thanksgiving craft inspiration, we have it right here, from one of our very own Blue Mountain family members!

1. Autumn Wreath
2. Painted Acorn
3. Pom Pom Flowers
4. Family Turkey painted pumpkin
5. Thanksgiving Table Runner
6. Pumpkin Pom Pom Garland

Alison Osborn is an art director here at BlueMountain.com, and when she’s not creating beautiful eCards, she loves to make her own beautiful works of art for her home. After seeing some amazing Halloween decorations, we had to have her share what she’s been working on for Thanksgiving. To learn more about Alison, click here, and you can see more of her crafts on Pinterest!

Letter from the Editor – Welcome November!

November 3, 2014 by bluemountainecards

“November brings a harvest of memories,
reminding our hearts what matters most.”

Ah, November– when the brooding autumn skies are filled with parting birds, as we brace ourselves for the inclement weather ahead. Many of us are moving indoors now, where our homes become cozy retreats, filled with eiderdown comforters, spiced warm cider and toasty fires. November days are short but full, as we ready the house for the holidays and make our plans for Thanksgiving.

At Thanksgiving, our thoughts naturally turn to what matters most–not the things we’ve acquired along the way–but rather the moments, memories, and experiences shared with the people we love. For some of us, Thanksgiving will be a bittersweet time. As we look around our table this year, a familiar face may be missing. We honor their memory by gathering together with grateful hearts. We remind ourselves there are things we take for granted that others are praying for.

This year, we’ve created an especially warm collection of Thanksgiving eCards for you to spread the love and gratitude among your family and friends. You can watch as woodland animals fill a cornucopia to the lovely music, “All Things Bright and Beautiful.” We think you’ll also enjoy our hand-lettered “Three Wishes,” and you won’t want to miss our charming Golden Lab delivering your message “Across the Miles.” Want to share a smile? Send our talking pilgrim dogs to speak what you type or check out “Where’s the Turkey?” and discover where the turkeys hide.

However you celebrate this year, may joy and love be present at your table.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Caroline Leech, Senior Editor

Halloween Poem

October 30, 2014 by bluemountainecards

It’s almost the witching hour! To help get you in the eerie, mystical mood, we thought we’d share a Halloween poem with you that our Senior Editor, Liza McNamara, wrote for us last year. We liked it so much that we thought we’d “magically” turn it into a printable version just for you. Hang it in your home or on your front door to greet trick-or-treaters or include it in treat bags when you hand out candy. Add it to the festive office décor or leave as a fun surprise for co-workers to find on their desks. You might also have fun reading it out loud to kids and grandkids to get everyone in the spirit of this mystical night of All Hallows Eve. Enjoy!

Click here to receive a printable size of the poem, or click here to receive the correct size to make the poem your desktop background.

Top 10 Halloween Tales

October 21, 2014 by bluemountainecards

With Halloween lurking just around the corner, there’s nothing like a good scary story to get you in the spooky spirit. We’ve compiled a list of our top 10 Halloween tales sure to send chills right to your bones. Some stories you may already be familiar with, but isn’t it also fun to take that unfamiliar road and see where it leads? You just may want to leave the lights on all night. Let us know what you think of our favorite Halloween tales and share your favorites below!

The Fall of the House of Usher – Edgar Allen Poe

Frankenstein – Mary Shelly

Interview with the Vampire – Anne Rice

The Turn of the Screw – Henry James

The Haunting of Hill House – Shirley Jackson

It – Stephen King

Ghost Story – Peter Straub

The Ritual – Adam Nevil

House of Leaves – Mark Danielewsk

Hell House – Richard Matheson

Memories with Dad

June 10, 2014 by bluemountainecards

As Father’s Day quickly approaches, we’d love to pause for a moment to recount all the meaningful moments we’ve shared with that very special man (or men) in our life. After all, a dad is fun, love, and laughter you never outgrow.

Whether learning to ride a bike or learning to drive a car…whether playing house or playing pool…whether laughing or crying, Dad’s always been there for you. With moments in time that are both vivid and treasured, we are truly blessed to associate such great times with Dad—from childhood all the way through to adulthood.

In order to celebrate that loving bond that’s so precious and unique, Blue Mountain offers many delightfully beautiful Father’s Day eCards. Blue Mountain also offers a great selection of printable Father’s Day cards.

And in order to share those memories we hold so dear, we’ve decided to reach out to our Blue Mountain family and see what personal “dad memories” they remember best—whether reminiscing of old ones or creating new ones. And here’s what they had to say:

DANIELLE KROUSE, Social Media Manager

“I can’t help but smile when I look at this picture. The father/daughter dance was something I was really looking forward to on my wedding day. My dad and I talked through the whole dance and told stories of the two of us that made us laugh. I’m so happy that special moment of happiness was captured!”

———-

NOHA YOUSSEF, Assistant Brand Manager

“This photo of my dad and me was taken a few years back when we went on a little family getaway to Put-In-Bay, Ohio. My dad loves the outdoors and has a real appreciation for nature, so this was a great escape for all of us to spend some quality time together. He’s an amazing man, and I love him very much.”

———-

MARIA ISABELLA, Content Marketing Editor

“Even though my son-in-law is an Academy Award-winning screenwriter, he says the birth of his son is unquestionably his greatest accomplishment in life. He adores Avery and steals every moment he can to admire his sweet little face.”

“My husband also loves holding Avery, who everyone says looks a lot like him. He tells his grandson about all the many adventures they’re going to have together once he gets older. Watch out, world!”

———-

CAROLYN ANTL, Designer/Content Coordinator

“I appreciate my dad very much. As a single dad in the eighties, he raised both my sister and me on his own. He took us with him everywhere he went, and we enjoyed many experiences together. Whether it was folding laundry, cooking, fishing, or skiing, he made time to be with us and raised us to be smart and strong. I feel so lucky to have such a loving father, and I treasure every moment I have with him. This is a picture of us when I was visiting him in South Carolina.”

———-

CAROLINE LEECH, Senior Editor

“This is my son, David, with his father, also David. From the very start, they’ve been two peas in a pod. David is 21 now, and I’m happy to say they are still as connected as ever.”

Gratitude Guide for Mom

May 12, 2014 by bluemountainecards

Happy Mother’s Day – Those three little words are loaded with so much meaning that there’s no possible way to fit all the things that make up those words into a single day. Yet, we try our best to give tokens of love to our moms with the hope that even just an ounce of what we feel is communicated to them.

So, how do you begin to show your gratitude for all she’s done and continues to do? We’ve compiled a Gratitude Guide with some ideas and inspiration to help you. Keep in mind that, when it comes down to it, most mothers would agree that your time is more wanted than things; your validation of who they are, more precious than gold…

List of Gratitudes
A daughter wrote a letter to her 80 year old mother, telling her how thankful she was for all the things her mother did for her while she was growing up. Her mother said it was the best Mother’s Day gift she ever received, and wants it to be included in her eulogy. Click Hereto read Faye’s letter to her mother…and maybe grab a tissue. If you would like to do something like this, you can use our Blue Mountain printable stationery as a beautiful backdrop for this gift she’ll cherish.

Sing it
Do you have musical talent? Write your mom a song and sing it to her, or record it for her so she can listen to it over and over again.

Dedicate a song on the radio
If singing isn’t your thing, call up her favorite radio station and see if they’ll dedicate a song to her at a time she’s probably listening.

A box of 52 of your favorite memories about your mom
Find or make or your own decorative box and write down 52 of your best-loved memories about your mom. She’ll get to read one each week over the next year.

Garden walk treasures
Go on a garden walk with Mom and collect leaves, petals, and anything that catches your eye. Back at Mom’s house, create a window display of your treasures reminding her of your enjoyable afternoon together.

Record a personalized ringtone for her cell phone.
Give her a heart a tug every time her cell phone rings. Record a special ringtone of all the kids/grandkids yelling, ‘We love you Mom/Grandma!”

Jewelry with meaning
Give her vintage map jewelry of the state/country where you grew up, her favorite bible verse, or a much-loved passage from a favorite book
or poem.

A Now and Then Photo
Frame a photo of you and Mom from when you were still a baby and she was a young mom, and one of the two of you now.

Take a class together.
If you live close to your mother, take a class together of something she always wanted to do like sewing, painting, cooking, etc. Not only will it be a fun experience, but the time spent together is priceless.

Mother’s Day Photo Magnet
All moms have them—photos covering the refrigerator of all their children and grandchildren. This is a wonderful idea that can turn a photo of each person she loves into a magnet itself. You can make one of every child and grandchild. Once you’ve made the magnets, post them to her refrigerator with notes from each person on the magnet about what they love about her so she’s reminded every single day what an amazing woman she is and how she’s touched their lives.

Make a recurring appointment for a phone call with Mom each week. Plus, if you have siblings, assign each one a different day of the week to call Mom so she hears from her children regularly.

Tell Mom what you learned from her example.
This popular poem by Mary Rita Schilke Korzan is a wonderful way to honor mom and has been shared in many forms time and time again.

One of our Blue Mountain editors has created a Pinterest Board for many of the ideas you’ve read about in our blog today, and we also invite you to use our Mother’s Day eCards to help celebrate your wonderful moms.

All of us at Blue Mountain wish you and your mom a Mother’s Day to remember!

Memories with Mom

April 23, 2014 by bluemountainecards

Each year, as Mother’s Day approaches, it is with great pleasure that we get the opportunity to recount all the beautiful moments we’ve shared with that one very special lady in our life. After all, our mothers (or mother figures) truly are at the very heart of our dearest memories.

Those wonderful memories are usually centered around vivid “togetherness” moments in time, whether in the kitchen, at the park, on vacation, or just about anywhere else in this world. Which is why Blue Mountain decided to create a beautiful new Mother’s Day eCard this year highlighting a collage of exactly those kinds of moments.

In the same vein, we asked our Blue Mountain family to share their own photos of personal happy memories with mom — whether reminiscing of old memories or creating new ones. And here’s what they had to say:

Caroline Leech, Senior Editor

“We were celebrating my son David’s fourth birthday at his grandmother’s house in this photo. He was answering my question, ‘What did you wish for?’ He said he was wishing for a big piece of cake! He’s 21 now and Grandma is gone, but her chocolate cake recipe still stirs happy memories for us.”

Danielle Krouse, Community Manager

“This photo captures pure joy! Being able to experience the first time my daughter got to feel what it’s like to go down a sliding board at the park is something I’ll never forget. I look at this picture and I can still hear her little giggle, and it instantly puts a smile on my face. I’m so glad we were able to capture this mommy/daughter moment in time.”

Deann Hoffland, Marketing Manager

“In this photo, my son and I were heading out for his first Trick-or-Treat. He was the cutest little tiger ever! It was such an awesome experience watching him enjoy all of the other children in costumes and getting all those little treats in his basket!”

Melissa Jamison, Senior Brand Manager

“My son Jack always loved playing in the water for bath time. He’d splash and laugh and laugh and splash! I thought this picture was especially funny because he kinda looks like he’s a pirate saying, ‘Argh, me matey!’ He’s always been a bit of a character, and this showed just one of his many smiley faces.”

Noha Youssef, Assistant Brand Manager

“My little daughter is fascinated with children’s books. This photo shows us opening a book together. I had so much fun watching her explore new things and repeat every sound she heard. She also danced as the music played when she turned each page. I never thought having a daughter would bring me so much joy!”

Maria Isabella, Content Marketing Editor

“My oldest grandson and I were at the Cleveland Zoo the day this photo was taken. He lives out of town, so this was a special ‘date’ for the two of us while he was visiting. We laughed at the monkeys, fed the seals, and shared an ice cream sundae. He still talks about that day, and I still treasure that happy one-on-one time we had together.”

Are there any special “mom memories” you’d like to share with us? We’d love to hear from you! Please leave your comments below.

Our New Easter eCards (And the Artists Who Designed Them)

April 16, 2014 by bluemountainecards

Every year for every major holiday, Blue Mountain unveils several brand new, exciting, never-before-seen eCards. Which means we naturally now have some wonderful new Easter eCards waiting just for you! In fact, there are three special Easter eCards in particular that we’d love to share with you…along with some thoughts from the artists who designed them.

The cards are truly fun, fresh, and beautiful—which is no wonder, considering all the work that goes into them, from concept and composition, to design and production. In fact, it takes nothing less than a small village of creatively talented people coming all together to produce each and every eCard just for you on BlueMountain.com

So without further ado, here are three of our newest Easter eCards —along with interesting comments from the very artists who designed or directed each of them! Happy Easter, everyone!

His Shining Love

“As I thought of the people who would be sending and receiving this design, I asked myself, ‘What will inspire them? And what is the best way to visually help them to communicate their feelings?’

“This particular card has a religious tone that is meant to inspire, so using that and the beautiful sentiment of the verse to guide me, I really just tried to complement that feeling through the visual design.

“The imagery represents the beauty of God’s creations in the landscape and animals, while the glowing rays of sunlight help to emphasize this feeling of warmth, peace, beauty, and love. Trying to give the environment a sense of atmosphere, I also added a subtle fog effect and floating particles in the air.

“The brief appearance of a simple cross over the sun at the end (as suggested by Assistant Art Director, Alison Osborn) reminds the viewer of the purpose for the celebration of Easter: Jesus Christ has risen!”

— David Sommers, Sr. Creative Developer

Bunny Fun

“We actually adapted this eCard from a very high-rated paper card. I worked with one of my editors and animators to adapt it for animation.

“We loved the idea of showing the bunnies slowly multiply until they were all smashed up against the screen with very surprised looks on their faces. We went with characters that had very large eyes so we could show their expressions at the end.

“This design, as simple as it is, went through many changes to get it just right. We originally had a ‘Hugh Hefner-like’ character with a smoking jacket pop up at the end with a pipe, but we decided to take it out.

“I hope our audience gets a good laugh and then shares it with others so they, too, can have the same fun experience!”

— Tom Page, Art Director

Easter Garden

“Knowing how much our Blue Mountain friends love flowers and gardening, we wanted to make a special card that celebrated Easter and spring.

“We contacted a Russian artist known for her beautiful renderings, and asked her to create a special garden where the receiver could mouse over each flower to discover their meanings. I really hope everyone will love this card as much as I do!”

— Alison Osborn, Assistant Art Director

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His Shining Love

Bunny Fun

Easter Garden

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