Joyful Prints Blog - Creative invitations, stationery, and gifts.

Two of my favorite seasons are Spring and Fall. I think however I favor Spring the most because of what lies ahead. After fall, we all know what happens- the doldrums of dreary winter are soon upon us. But Spring is a different story- Summer is close. I love the longer days, the grass is starting to come through, I see budding flowers beneath the dirt, and pretty soon hot summer days are coming. But one of the things I think about during spring are my new catalogs I recieve from my vendors. And this year I was so happy when I opened up my new M. Middleton catalog to find a new vendor. Emily Post Weddings. When I think of Spring, I also think of weddings. Although my own wedding occurred in October, I still have visions of being a June bride ( If only my husband liked the heat).
Emily Post invitations are nothing short of traditional, elegance, and grace. I am very excited to be carrying this line.
For immediate orders and samples, please email me at info@joyfulprints.com.
Or visit www.joyfulprints.com for the line to be unveiled.

San Lori has a wonderful selection of holiday cards to chose from. Ranging from the classic to the fun.
I fall in love with their cards every year. If you have a particular card that you are looking for, please email us and we will try and find it for you. We carry the FULL selection of San Lori invitations, so don’t be discouraged if you do not see it on our site.
Check out their selection at joyfulprints

Happy Holidays to everyone!!

Thanksgiving- the forgotten holiday it seems. But before we get all frantic about which holiday cards we are sending out, why not try something a little different and outside the box. Lets send Thanksgiving photo cards! Thanksgiving is one of those holidays where it doesn’t matter your religion or not, its about giving thanks for what we have, who we have, and appreciating it everyday.
I personally celebrate thanksgiving all year round. When I wake up, its one of the first things I do. I give thanks for everything I have been so blessed with.
So visit my website joyfulprints
to see a selection of Thanksgiving and Holiday cards!

And don’t forget to have a Thankful Day!

For all the Moms in the house and dads too…. Found this great website on coupons, savings and living naturally. Check out thethriftymama

I loved the format of it, found it very easy to navigate, and the deals weren’t too shabby either:-)
In these economic times, I think we all had to rethink some aspect of our lives and cut back in some areas.

Have a wonderful day!

I didn’t know my father in law, but I heard he had a sweet tooth like myself.
I am known for… Well.. I have to say it might just be my trademark.. for having a light entree just so I can eat my dessert. I do think to myself that the pecking order should really be dessert first , entree second and salad last… but who am I kidding…it doesn’t matter which way you slice it, I will always find and make room for the dessert.
As I write this blog, I think about all the times I went out to eat and specifically wore my sweat pants “just in case” I did overdo it with the entree.. because I seriously believe this is the reason I can not stick to a diet. My unconditional love for sweets. No, its more than LOVE. Its what makes me feel everything that being adult doesn’t. Free, Happy, Bliss, Fun, Jump in a puddle carefree!
I vividly remember in my early twenties coming home from college.. proclaiming to my mother ( who happily went out and bought boxes of twinkies from Walmart), I am officially on a Twinkie Diet and I will eat nothing but twinkies from now on… well at least until I can no longer button my pants….then its some hardcore cardio kick boxing for the next 3 months.

So these are the reasons I want to share this website and it is one fabulous find.www.joythebaker.com
So I peruse these recipes in delight, licking my lips ..only wishing I had someone to share and eat these sweet treats with….only someone who understands the sweetness of peeling back the outer layer of the cupcake paper, savoring ever single bite and sinking my teeth into a sugary mountain heaven that takes me back to when I was 5 years old again riding a ferris wheel. I sit back and enjoy this moment..I forget about the diets, the sugar, the calories, my thighs.. everything… gone…. Because its the love for the sweets that wins every time…the love for the cupcake!

In my search to save some money when going out to eat– something I love to do, I came across this website.
I love that it lists all the restaurants in surrounding towns that kids eat free or close to free. It is convenient and user friendly. Check it out at kidseatfree

Now that have 2 kids that like to eat out, as you all know its can get quite expensive.
So enjoy the website and Happy Eating Out!!

Have a wonderful day!

Well… my son’s 5th party came and went.. and I have to say , it was NOT  everything  I thought it would be . I dreaded the day for up to a week before the actual party began. Stressing over time management of trying to handle 15 kid all running  amuck in my yard. Are they going to sit still? Did I just pay hundreds for a reptile man to come here and talk to us parents? The screaming.. …..the yelling.. the hitting….my goodness…  AND don’t forget… please dear god don’t let it rain!!! I was even starting to think.. is this worth it?

I’m surprised ever day of my life living with my 2 boys and my 43 year old the glass is half empty husband. But none surprised me the most when I saw all these children  take their seats all in a row and listen attentively to what this reptile man had to say about ALL the  reptiles he had on display for us. What do they eat? where do they live? Do they bite?….etc .

I found myself even intrigued at the entire show. I loved that the kids were able to hold the reptiles.  What really made this all worth it,was my son Jack’s face when  the reptile man  brought out the tree frogs. The very same tree frogs we read about and watch on Go Diego Go every other night. I don’t think it was a realty for my son that these frogs are actually REAL frogs. It makes my eyes fill up with tears when I think about his excitement and enthusiasm when he saw them…red eyes and all. And to be able to see it up close… Well I am not sure if anything in his 5 years of life could stand up to that…

Ah yes, all these kids enjoying the reptiles and even some were raising there hands asking questions..Questions?? Can you imagine? They were actually learning something. LEARNING at a birthday party…There is something to write about!!  I think when we as parents are surprised at something  where are anticipation exceeds  the reality, its makes the disliking task  once again doting for us moms.

So the next time you are thinking of throwing a party for your child and such thoughts as time, cost, sanity enter your mind.. remember this… Reptile man…..$280 bucks on Mastercard…..asking your son what  reptile  the man is  holding and your preschooler replies back- “MOM.. its a Gecko”….. PRICELESS!!

Joyful Prints is having a summer blowout sale on all in stock invitations- custom or blank. 50-60% off .

Many designs to chose from. Quantities are limited. So many occasions to chose from including Christmas cards!! Most are not listed on our website yet.

Please inquire within to this email address info@joyfulprints.com and we will be happy to assist you or email you some designs.

Have a wonderful day!

This is the invitation for my son Jack’s BIG 5th birthday party!

There was much debate on which one to go with for this years party. Dinosaurs, frogs, sharks, monkeys….but alas we went with snakes, as boyish as you an get. Boy”ish” Yes I have boys.. I realized this as I was sifting through all my invitations trying to pick the perfect one for him. Like he would even notice… because as I caught myself going passed all the princesses, pink, poodle dogs, spa parties, and anything and everything that screams girl..A sort of sadness came over me.. I am never going to be able to send those invitations out..not ever. Not in this lifetime. And while I cried to my husband about this, he sort of gave me the “yeah, so” look which he often does. At first I was going to smack him silly for not showing any compassion for me and the self pity party I was all ready to throw in my honor. But then I stopped and looked at it from his point of view… Yeah so.. who does care?  Of course I can’t give my son a slumber pink party complete  with pedicures… HOWEVER, I doubt very much there are many little  girls who want slithering snakes and dinosaur balloons at  their next party. I mean  I can speak for myself and all the girlfriends I have. We would never agree to that.

I think back to the parties I have given Jack- Circus fun, Monkey faces, All star sports, dinosaurs .. and they were all  just as fun to plan as any other. I think Themed birthday parties are fun no matter if you are dancing in your pink ballerina  tu tu’s or having a a backyard baseball party complete with hot dogs and popcorn buckets. Who knows, maybe having boys will enlighten me a little to come out of my girly shell and shout from my roof top..” We are having a camping party in our backyard so please bring your tents, sleeping bags, and sticks to roast your marshmallows on- no modern conveniences allowed”….Well.. on second thought…..I think  my husband can handle that PARTY while I  grab my fuzzy slippers, chennille robe and head on   indoors  to  give myself a pedicure.

Happy “Almost” birthday Jack !

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