We are 18 days away from Christmas…and I don’t know about you, but I am even more excited this year than I’ve been in a long long time. I’m pretty sure that has to do with me being a parent…and while my child doesn’t get it quite yet, it’s going to be so much fun to watch her open presents – even more fun than it was last year. I’m actually a bit curious as to what her favorite toy or present will be. Ahhhhh, I can’t wait! Until then, I’ll terrorize her by taking her to holiday events which feature Santa Claus. Speaking of which, we’re going to see Santa tomorrow. Maybe she won’t scream at him time…but she probably will.

On that note, since Christmas is just around the corner, it’s time to send out Christmas cards. This year, I made a really cute card wreath inspired by Martha Stewart. Right now, I only have three cards clipped to it, but I’m hopeful that the rest will come pouring in over the next week or two. I’ve seen a few people requesting addresses using Postable. I just created my own account, so be sure to check that out too. It’s pretty cool.

Also cool is Minted. Minted has recently launched their 2013 holiday card collection and they’re eager to spread the word! Unfortunately, I’ve already mailed out our family’s Christmas cards so I’ll have to remember Minted for next year…but my guess is that a few of you are still looking for the perfect card to showcase your beautiful family. In fact, I’m photographing a couple on Sunday with the mission of shooting the perfect Christmas card photo. I’ll be sure to tell them about Minted!

Much like many of the holiday card sites you already know of, Minted has hundreds of card designs available with many options to personalize. To get an idea of their process, I went to their Christmas card designs and selected one photo, flat format and Christmas specific (located on the left hand side of the screen). I believe there were 14 pages of options to cull through. I uploaded a recent shot of Felicity that I felt could have been Christmas card worthy and picked out a couple of cards that I think could have worked. What do you think?

It’s too bad that I’ve already ordered and sent my cards – Minted has an incredible selection. And while yes…I was offered a credit to their site by writing this review, I don’t ever write anything or write for anyone that I don’t believe in. With that said, rush on over to Minted and check out their cards…and other stuff. It’s awesome!

Now then…time to get to Memories, Dreams and Reflections. If you’ve been with me for the past few years, you know that this is an annual thing. I want to say this is the third year I’ve been hosting MDR. The idea is that you commit to participating by linking up at the bottom of this post, then you take the list below and search your 2013 photos for images that represent each prompt. On January 1, 2014, I will open a new post that you’ll link up with. That post will look something like this: CLICK HERE. So that’s the deal, now here is the list. Let me know if you have any questions. Otherwise, I’ll see you on January 1st.

1. Me! – picture of yourself (you don’t have to show your face). What are you most proud of accomplishing in 2013? 2. I Love You – picture of your husband, boyfriend, children, pets, etc. 3. Still Laughing… – a moment you’re still laughing about now…tell us a story. 4. Winter Wonderland – a picture that reflects Winter. 5. Birthday – share a birthday picture (your own or someone you love). 6. Friends – a picture with friends (this could be your friends or your children with their friends). 7. I Was Inspired… – could be a picture of your inspiration (person or thing), or inspired by… 8. Spring Fever – a picture that reflects Spring. 9. Travel or Vacation – a picture taken on vacation or on a recent travel experience…even if it was only a few miles away. 10. Summer Days – a picture that reflects Summer. 11. A Day In My Life – a picture of a typical day in your life. 12. All Smiles – a picture that makes you smile or of smiling faces. 13. Autumn Harvest – a picture that reflects Autumn/Fall. 14. Family or Home – a picture of your family or a picture that represents family/home for you. 15. Celebrate! – a picture that reflects a celebration. 16. Let’s Do It Again… – a picture of something you’d like to do again soon. 17. I Miss You – a picture of someone or something you really miss. 18. Beautiful – a picture of someone or something you find beautiful. 19. Dress Up – this might be a picture from Halloween or not…but someone who is all dressed up! 20. Macro – share your favorite macro or close-up image. 21. Holidays – a picture from the Holiday of your choice. 22. My Favorite – share your favorite picture or memory from 2012. 23. Don’t Ever Change – something you love about yourself, someone, or something that you never want to change. 24. Just Because…So There! – share any picture(s) that you really want to share, but doesn’t fit in any other category. 25. Hopes and Dreams – share what you hope to come or dream for 2014. Feel free to share an image of your choice.

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<img title="Memories, Dreams and Reflections with Ashley Sisk" 
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The beauty of “Memories, Dreams and Reflections” is that you don’t really have to photograph anything new, but share photos you’ve taken all year long. Want to join us? Here’s how:

Grab the button above and feel free to share it on your blog.

Sign up by adding your blog to the linky below – everyone is invited! You can sign up through the end of the year and visit other bloggers who are joining the party.

Start going through your 2013 archives and select photos that represent each prompt (or take a few new photos).

Feel free to write as much or as little about each prompt as you’d like.

Feel free to post more than one picture for each prompt if you think it’s necessary (I will likely only post one picture per prompt). If you don’t have a picture to represent the prompt, skip it…participate as much or as little as you’d like.

If you use any photos that are not your own, please provide a source.

On January 1, 2014 I will post a link-up. You can post your collection of photos at that time.

Have fun!