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The Best New Year’s Resolution For 2019 [Or Ever]

January 1 By American Greetings

Resolve to Reconnect

January 2019 is in full effect, everyone. And you know what that means – everyone is talking about New Year’s resolutions. Lots and lots of “What are your new year goals?“ everywhere. Time to hit the reset button, take inventory, get healthier, time to get organized, right?

We challenge you to try thinking a little outside the box on the whole New Year resolution thing this year. We’ve got a new year’s resolution idea for you that’s truly meaningful – one that could bring you real happiness! And the payoff is even more instant for you than say, hitting the gym or giving up sweets.

Ask yourself — how important is it to you to stay connected with people who mean a lot to you? Can you think of 3 people who come to mind? Well, how about resolving to reconnect with them this year?

We all know life gets in the way, and sometimes it’s just so ridiculously hard to stay connected– because, well… things! And that’s totally okay, because the good news is, it’s never too late! So take the pledge in 2019 – to reconnect with old friends, reconnect with family, your college roommate, a mentor, teacher, or call up an acquaintance you last saw right before a major milestone may have shifted your focus – and get on the path to happiness and well being by improving your relationships!

Don’t worry, we get it. Starting is always the hardest part. But we’ve already thought of that, and now you don’t have to go it alone. We’ve created a place you can visit stocked with ideas that’ll help you get over the most daunting part – resolving to reconnect with people you care about, then taking the first step to do it.

The best way to keep your resolution is to hold yourself accountable. So – go on! Kick off your connecting, with this inspiring free printable pledge that you can hang wherever you’d like, to hold yourself to the promise you made and keep those who have made an impact in your life top of mind in 2019!

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Filed Under: Downloadables, Fun activities, Inspiration, New Year's

5 Tips for Connecting With Your Middle Schooler (Plus free coloring pages!)

July 6 By American Greetings

Coloring book pages

Got a middle schooler? We feel you! And they’re feeling everything. Puberty isn’t just kicking things up a notch; it’s kicking everything completely off the charts, leaving you trying to connect with them as best as you can, while simultaneously parenting from the sidelines.

Though you might be feeling like you’ve suddenly taken a back seat in their lives, feeling a bit ‘uncool,’ irrelevant or uninfluential, it’s well known that this is a time when tweens and teens actually need a strong parental connection more than ever. But how do you give them the space they desire, yet still show up for them without your helicopter? No worries.

We interviewed one of the magical moms we know, Christine Rich, who’s currently navigating those stormy middle school waters. Find out how she’s able to maintain valuable connections with her kids in this digital age and learn how parents can give their kids the distance they crave while still being a main influencer in their lives.

The struggle is real.

You’re in the thick of it. You have a middle-schooler. What are some of the challenges you’ve faced as a parent in balancing advice and fun?

Christine: My daughter’s turning 14 this summer and I remember that age so well. Everything feels so intense and sometimes the best thing I can do for her is give her space to process her feelings, which can be really hard because I think as parents our natural inclination is to fix it, help them, and dole out unsolicited parental wisdom. However, left to her own devices (literally) she would lock herself away in her room with her phone and laptop all day. Sitting in one’s room for 7 hours binge watching The Office (while I fully understand the appeal) isn’t about processing feelings — it’s a form of avoidance.

Spend bits of time with your middle schooler to strengthen communication - Mommy Daughter Dates.

In terms of balancing advice and fun…personally, as parent, I don’t think those things have to be mutually exclusive. The key to me getting through to my daughter in a way that doesn’t feel like “forced family fun” is to spend small bits of time together doing something she likes. One thing that’s worked since she was little is something we call Mommy/Daughter Dates — or MDDs as we refer to them now.

Keeping the cool factor in check! 

How do you keep from sounding like a nagging parent, yet still advise them in a way they’ll accept? When did you first have that feeling of being ‘uncool’ and how did you deal with it?

Christine: A few weeks ago my daughter asked me to drive her and some friends to the movies. Two of the friends were boys — eek! My daughter begged me not to embarrass her or basically speak whatsoever. I promised her I’d be on my best behavior because a.) I wanted to check these boys out for myself and b.) I wanted her to know she can depend on me to be involved in little moments like her first “double date” even though she swore up and down that’s NOT what this was. (Ya, right.)

How did you let go and allow for some distance? What did you realize about your child and yourself?

Christine: Once all the kids were piled in my car, I realized that moment was an opportunity for both of us to gain each other’s trust. She saw that I could be trusted not to sing along to what they referred to as “old school Justin Timberlake” and I saw that she could be trusted to spend 120 minutes in a movie theatre alone with her friends. (Although, it literally took everything in me not to sneak in the back of the theatre and spy on them!)

 

You Are Loved Coloring Book Page

Be Kind coloring book page

Imagine coloring book page

Think happy thoughts coloring book page

 

Feelings aren’t facts

Some of the things you hear as a parent may not always reflect what they’re really feeling; they DO love you – you know they do. What do you commonly hear from your middle schooler that you hadn’t heard before, and how do you respond? How do you help them navigate their moods?

Christine: Something I didn’t realize until I became the parent of a teenager is that it’s really hard not to take what they say when they are mad/frustrated/upset/disappointed to heart. I try to recognize that what she’s going through isn’t about me and how it makes me feel — it’s about her. She still needs to have respect — but what I’ve found is that when anyone of any age is behaving poorly, it typically has nothing to do with me and everything to do with what they are going through at that moment. Maybe having a bad hair day seems like small potatoes to me now, but to a 13 year old it can literally ruin an entire morning. The hardest moments are when I know something is going on with her friends and she won’t open up. I have to give her the space, be patient and let her know I am here when she’s ready to open up. That’s typically when I ask her on a MDD.

Coping not moping – connecting and staying credible

Can you share some tips on keeping your communication and connection with your child strong (and yourself, too!) without being overbearing? What are some things you do to connect in a meaningful way?

Parenting middle schoolers - do fun activities together

Christine: Doing something together one-on-one tends to open the door to impromptu conversations and she seems more receptive because there are no other distractions. MDD’s (the Mommy/Daughter dates I mentioned earlier), usually include grabbing coffee together, playing her favorite card game on the back porch, and especially coloring or hand lettering at the kitchen table. The time together feels special and it’s in those micro moments when she opens up to me most.  It’s just the two of us, jamming to her Spotify playlist, and talking things out. As a parent, you can never underestimate the power of your undivided attention.

Pleasant surprises…why it’s all worth it!

What surprised you as you navigated the middle school years? Was there a positive pivotal or touching moment that stands out?

Christine: It was during that moment when I drove my daughter and her friends to the movies. What surprised the heck out of me was when I dropped them off. My beautiful, smart, fiercely independent daughter (in front of her friends) leaned in and kissed me goodbye without hesitation.  “Bye ma — thanks for driving us!” That was a Mama-Mic-Drop-Moment for me and a small thing I will never forget.

***

We hope Christine’s experiences and tips help you maintain a meaningful connection with your own middle schooler through these challenging years, in addition to making you realize you are so not alone. (And on a side note – you’re still way cool.)

Don’t forget to download your free coloring pages with links below! (Even us adults swoon over a good, relaxing coloring session, right?) From toddlers to teens, these inspiring words and beautiful images are perfect as your child gets ready for the next school year (and are great for posting on the fridge or decorating their lockers!) Color them with your kids to share some priceless time together.

You Are Loved :  Be Kind : Imagine : Think Happy Thoughts

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Filed Under: DIY, Downloadables, Family

Meaningful Summer Printable Print

June 18 By American Greetings

07312017_AG_FBLINK_Aug-Printable-Print
Here we are in the heat of summer – floating in a sea of freshly-made memories or anxiously awaiting the ones that lie just around the bend in the lazy, hazy, sunshiny days ahead. In either case, we’re all grabbing hold of all of the meaningful moments that come our way and focusing on what matters – the people in our lives we care about.

That inspired us to share something one of our amazing designers hand-lettered for us – a quote to remind us all summer long to spend time with those we love – and it’s a free printable! It makes a beautiful framed piece to hang in your living room, dining room, bedroom, dorm room – anyplace where you’ll see it each day and be reminded and inspired by the people you love and the moments and memories you share together.

Be sure to pop over to our Instagram page to see the video and watch how all of these hand-lettered pieces caome to life.

We wish you lots more meaningful, colorful, happy summer memories!

07312017_AG_IG_Aug-Printable-Print2

Download and print 8×10

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Filed Under: DIY, Downloadables, Printable, Quotes, Summer

Hello, Summer! (Free Desktop/Mobile Backgrounds)

June 16 By American Greetings

 

Summer is here! And along with sunny days and warmer weather, the summer months also have a number of fun holidays to celebrate. Be sure to mark your calendars for:

Donut Day – June 2; Best Friends Day – June 8; Flip Flop Day – June 16; Father’s Day – June 18; First Day of Summer – June 21; Take Your Dog to Work Day – June 23; Independence Day – July 4; National Ice Cream Day – July 16; Cousins Day – July 24; Girl Friends Day – August 1; and Sister’s Day and Friendship Day – August 6.

Another great way to kickoff summer is with this cute popsicle background for your desktop or mobile phone. Enjoy!

Summer background download

2560×1440 / 1680×1050 / 1440×900 / 1280×800 / Mobile Background 

Click here for directions on how to change your backgrounds.

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Filed Under: Downloadable Background, Downloadables, Uncategorized

Hello, October! (Free Digital Download)

October 1 By American Greetings

Welcome October in all its autumnal beauty! From cooler weather and colorful leaves, to a bevy of small holidays, there’s so much to celebrate during this vibrant and beautiful month.

The first week of October brings us Taco Day (10/3), World Teacher’s Day (10/5) , and World Smile Day (10/06). Other notable holidays this month include Sweetest Day (10/21), Boss’s Day (10/16), Make a Difference Day(10/28), and a handful of holidays inspired by Halloween, including National Pumpkin Day (10/26), National Chocolate Day (10/28), and Candy Corn Day (10/30).

As you put the finishing touches on your fall wardrobe, and hang your favorite autumn wreath on the door, don’t forget about your digital decor. Download this beautiful background on your desktop and mobile devices, and even set it as your Facebook cover photo.

It’s definitely a month of Pumpkin Spice & Everything Nice!

AG_OCT_Wallpaper_FB_LINK_post2560 x 1440 / 1680 x 1050 / 1440 x 900 / 1280 x 800
Mobile Background/ Facebook Cover Photo
Click here for directions on how to change your backgrounds.

 

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Filed Under: Downloadables Tagged With: Fall Facebook Cover image, Fall Facebook Cover Photo, Fall phone background, October desktop download, October Digital Download, October Phone Background

Welcome, July! (Desktop/Mobile Background)

June 29 By American Greetings

July Background

Welcome, July! There is still plenty of summer to go around. Long days and warm nights allow us plenty of time to spend with those we love, making meaningful memories that will last a lifetime.

July is also a month full of reasons to celebrate. In addition to being National Picnic and Ice Cream month, there are several family-focused holidays to recognize, including, Parents Day (July 23rd), Cousins Day ( July 24th), and Aunt & Uncle Day ( July 26). It’s a great time to take a moment and celebrate these important relationships. Find time to spend with these family members if your close by, and if you’re not, hop on the phone or send them a card to let them know you’re thinking about them. 

We’d like to give you a little something for the month, so please enjoy this beautiful desktop and mobile background that showcases the beauty of summer and reinforces the thought that summer is truly a state of mind. Enjoy, and Happy July! 

July Background

2560×1440 / 1680×1050 / 1440×900 / 1280×800 / Mobile Background 

Click here for directions on how to change your backgrounds.

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Filed Under: Downloadable Background, Downloadables, Summer Tagged With: Downloadable Background, July Desktop Background, July Download, July Mobile Background

Happy May! (Free Desktop/Mobile Backgrounds)

May 1 By American Greetings

May Desktop Background

Welcome, May! In addition to May Day, Cinco De Mayo, Mother’s Day, and Memorial Day, May is a month full of holidays you may not realize, including Brothers and Sisters Day – May 2; National Nurses Day – May 6; National Teacher’s Day – May 9; Military Spouses Day – May 12; and National Wine Day – May 25.

We wanted to offer this beautiful desktop and mobile background as our gift to you as we welcome in a new month, full of sunshine and new possibilities. Enjoy and Happy May!

Desktop Background

2560 x 1440 / 1680 x 1050 / 1440 x 900 / 1280 x 800 /

Mobile Background

Click here for directions on how to change your backgrounds.

 

 

 

 

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Filed Under: Downloadable Background, Downloadables, Quotes Tagged With: Free Desktop Wallpaper, Free Mobile Background, May 2017 Desktop Wallpaper

Printable Inspirational Quotes

February 15 By American Greetings

Somedays, you just need a little encouragement. Whether its motivation to stick with your New Year’s resolutions, confidence to face the challenges ahead, or a few kind words to get you through the day. That’s why we pulled together 6 inspirational quotes and put them on a single printable sheet that you can cut out and leave for those around you.

We even came up with a few suggestions for how you can use these quotes to spread happiness, laughter and love.

Printable Inspiration Quotes


Someone who could use a smile:

Printable Quote Make someone smile - printable quote

Days are busy and sometimes we forget to show gratitude to those who mean the most to us. Pair the quote, “I’m thankful you’re in my life,” with a little piece of
chocolate to remind those important people you care about them.

Another idea is to leave the, “There are certain people who, without knowing it, make this world a little brighter and a little nicer… did you know you’re one of them,” quote on your significant others windshield or your coworkers computer screen. Your thoughtful gesture will be sure to put a smile on their face and start their day off on the right foot.

 

To help someone stay motivated:

Determination quote - Printable Motivational Quote - Print Out

New Year’s resolutions are all about change, but change can be difficult, as we get caught up in our own routines. If someone you know had a set back with their resolution or just need some words of encouragement, “Determination gives you the resolve to keep going in spite of the roadblocks that lay before you,” is a great quote for them.

You can also leave, “Good, better, best. Never let it rest. ‘Til your good is better and your better is best,” on the bathroom mirror or their desk to remind them you’re rooting for them! A little encouragement can go a long way on the road to change.

 

Someone who is having a bad day:

Eleanor Roosevelt - Printable Quote Helen Keller - Printable Quote

Reminding people you care about them can significantly improve their day and strengthen your relationship. If you know someone is having a less than perfect day, bring them a cup of coffee with the quote, “Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see a shadow,” to turn their day around.

“With a new day comes new strength and new thoughts,” is also a great quote to help boost someone’s mood.

 

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Filed Under: Downloadables, Quotes, Uncategorized

Happy January! (Free Digital Download)

January 9 By American Greetings

The holidays are behind us and the novelty of our New Year’s resolutions is starting to fade.  Instead of getting back into our usual routines, we need to remember that the changing of the calendar from one year to the next should inspire us to take on new challenges and seek new beginnings.

To keep your New Year going in the right direction, we thought we’d create a wallpaper to remind you of all the new opportunities and experiences that await you in 2017. You can download this free, beautiful background on your desktop and mobile device, and even set it as your Facebook cover photo.

We hope this background inspires you every time you look at your phone or computer screen! Happy 2017!

January New Years Quote Background

 

2560 x 1440 / 1680 x 1050 / 1440 x 900 / 1280 x 800 /

Mobile Background / Facebook Cover Photo

Click here for directions on how to change your backgrounds.

 

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Filed Under: Downloadable Background, Downloadables, New Year's, Uncategorized

Happy November! (Free Digital Download)

November 1 By American Greetings

November is here, ushering in a beautiful season filled with crisp temperatures, family gatherings and gratitude galore! And with so many special occasions on the horizon for the holiday season, there’s much to celebrate.

November holidays bring us many opportunities to pause and to express feelings of gratitude and kindness, including World Freedom Day (11/9), Veterans Day (11/11), World Kindness Day (11/13), World Hello Day (11/21), Thanksgiving (11/24), and Giving Tuesday (11/29).

As the cooler temperatures and upcoming holiday season draws you closer to friends and family, we thought we’d create a seasonally-inspired wallpaper to remind you of this month’s focus on gratitude. You can download this free, beautiful background on your desktop and mobile devices, and even set it as your Facebook cover photo.

We hope it makes you smile each time you glance at your phone or computer screen! Happy November!

AG_NOV_Wallpaper_FB_LINK_post

2560 x 1440 / 1680 x 1050 / 1440 x 900 / 1280 x 800
Mobile Background/ Facebook Cover Photo
Click here for directions on how to change your backgrounds.

Save

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Filed Under: Downloadable Background, Downloadables, Uncategorized Tagged With: desktop wallpaper, fall background, gratitude quote, mobile phone background, november gratitude quote

September Desktop Calendar

September 1 By American Greetings

Hello, September!

Inevitably, every summer comes to an end, but every ending is a new beginning, and September comes with so many things to celebrate. An exciting new school year for the little ones in our lives, and even a brand new season, with Autumn making its arrival on the 22nd.

September hosts many small holidays worth celebrating. So many, in fact, that we wanted to create this downloadable calendar background as a beautiful reminder. Whether you’re celebrating a special birthday, or holidays such as Labor Day (September 5th), Grandparents Day (September 11th), or World Gratitude Day (September 21st), you’ll never have to worry about forgetting an important date this month.

AG_SEPT_Wallpaper_1280x800

2560 x 1440 / 1680 x 1050 / 1440 x 900 / 1280 x 800

To download, Click the link for the desktop wallpaper below the image, then follow these simply instructions:

1. Right click (ctrl + click on a Mac) on the image to save it to your computer.
2. Navigate to the saved image on your computer, right click (or ctrl + click) on the file, and select ‘Set as Desktop Background’ (or ‘Set Desktop Picture’ on a Mac).
3. Enjoy your new desktop wallpaper!

 

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Filed Under: Desktop Calendar, Downloadable Background, Downloadables Tagged With: Downloadable Desktop Calendar, September 2016 Calendar, September 2016 Desktop Calendar

Free Valentine’s Day Printable Quote

January 27 By American Greetings

 

Free Valentine's Day Printable Quote

Valentine’s Day is coming up on Sunday, February 14th and to celebrate, we created this free printable Valentine’s Day quote just for you! This free printable artwork is perfect to frame and give as a thoughtful Valentine’s Day gift or display in your home as holiday decor–and a lovely reminder of what’s really important in life!

Download and print this free Valentine’s Day quote PDF HERE to make a lovely gift they can display all year round!

Looking for other great ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day? Click here for date ideas, sweet treats, crafts and more! 

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Filed Under: Downloadables, Valentine's Day Tagged With: Free printable quote, Love Quote, printable quote, Valentine's Day, Valentine's Day printable quote

Free Valentine’s Day Desktop Wallpaper!

January 24 By American Greetings

Free Valentine's Day Desktop Wallpaper

Hello, friends!

With winter weather and record-level snowstorms blowing across the country, we thought we would help you make your computer, phone or social media just a little more cozy–just in time for Valentine’s Day! Enjoy this set of free Valentine’s Day desktop wallpaper as a little gift from us to you.

Desktop Backgrounds:
Click here for our Valentine’s Day desktop wallpaper (2560×1440)
Click here for our Valentine’s Day desktop wallpaper (1680×1050)
Click here for our Valentine’s Day desktop wallpaper (1440×900)
Click here for our Valentine’s Day desktop wallpaper (1280×800)

Cell Phone Background:
Click here for our Valentine’s Day phone wallpaper

Facebook Cover Photo:
Click here for our Valentine’s Day Facebook Cover photo

Need help installing this? Click here!

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Filed Under: Downloadables, Export, Valentine's Day Tagged With: Free Desktop Background, Free Valentine's Day Desktop Wallpaper, Valentine's Day, Valentine's Day Desktop Background, Valentine's Day screensaver

A free printable Hanukkah game

December 15 By American Greetings

Happy Hanukkah!

This year as we look to celebrate the festival of lights, we also thought that it might be fun to create a free printable Hanukkah game to test your holiday history skills. You can either take the test below on your own or save it to your desktop and print it at home! Enjoy!

Hanukkah Quiz

Need to brush up on your Hanukkah knowledge beforehand? Check out our Hanukkah history post for some handy info.

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Filed Under: Downloadables, Hanukkah Tagged With: Free printable Hanukkah Game

(Pumpkin) Spice Up Your Social Network With Our Fall Cover Photos

September 23 By American Greetings

Fall Cover Photos
 
It’s here! It’s here! Fall is finally here!

As we dive head-first into our favorite fall festivities such as apple picking, crunching leaves and consuming pumpkin spice… well… EVERYTHING, we also wanted to take the opportunity to spice up our social networks with some beautiful fall cover photos for you to enjoy. No matter what social network you choose to engage with, make yours festive with this adorable background!

To save this image and upload it as your new social network Cover Photo:

1. Click the size you need from the list below .
2. Right click (ctrl + click on a Mac) on the image to save it to your computer.
3. Go to your profile and upload the image.
4. Select “make cover photo” from your image options.
4. Enjoy your new fall cover photo!

Facebook / Twitter / YouTube / Google+

Are you as excited as we are? What is your favorite thing about the fall season? Share in the comments below!

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Filed Under: Downloadables, Fall Tagged With: cover photos, facebook cover photos, fall cover photo, google plus cover photos, twitter cover photos, youtube cover photos

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