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How to Make Moms Feel Special…

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Happy Mother's Day from StayInspired365.com

With Mother’s Day just a few weeks away, you may have started thinking about what you can do to make her feel special. In an effort to give you the best gift ideas, it’s impossible to narrow down all the great suggestions from the many mothers surveyed.  But what came up over and over again as an all-time favorite “gift” was simply a card with a personal touch.

Flowers, jewelry and chocolate also topped the list of traditional gifts.  Creative ways to display favorite photos tend to become the best keepsakes of the bunch.  And a gift card to a restaurant or spa or, better yet, taking her yourself is most often appreciated by hard-working moms who definitely deserve a break.

But, more than anything, most moms simply want to feel appreciated…which is why saying “I love you” with a card that’s just her style will always make her smile.  It’s never too early to start thinking about what you want to say and do to give your mom a beautiful day.

In the mood board: Pink Flower for Mom paper card from American Greetings

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The Beauty of Easter…

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Send Easter cards and connect with friends and family.

With its colorful beauty, lively energy and renewing spirit, “Eastertime” feels more like a whole season than a holiday.  And everyone has their favorite parts about it. For little ones, it’s all about the bunny and the basket and finding the most eggs.  For girls, no matter what age, there’s also the excitement of a pretty new outfit!   And, most importantly for many of us, it’s a time to look to the heavens in a prayer of gratitude for the sacrifice and love that Easter represents…and to count our own blessings as well.

With so much to celebrate at Easter and in the spirit of renewal, remember to send your favorite peeps a card to let them know you’re thinking about them.

In the mood board: Happy Easter! ecard from American Greetings and Find a Store

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Celebrating The Seder Meal at Passover…

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Celebrate and send Passover cards.

The highlight of the Passover celebration is the tradition of seder which is a fifteen-step, family-oriented, ritual-packed feast! Observed on the first two nights of Passover, it is based on the Haggadah which is a book of instructions, prayers, blessings and stories and provides the order for the ritual meal. Haggadah means “the telling” in Hebrew and refers to one of the most important steps of the seder which is the recitation of  the Exodus story. It is interesting because the text in the traditional Haggadah is almost the same as was first written in the eleventh century. However, now there are hundreds of versions used, each with a different spin. The most symbolic of the foods served at the seder meal is definitely the matzah which is eaten three times to fulfill the requirements of Jewish law. Matzah is an unleavened, flat, crispy bread and signifies the urgency in which the Jews fled Egypt — they didn’t even have time to let their dough rise!

Other customs of the seder meal include drinking four cups of wine, serving a variety of delicious kosher foods and reclining during the meal in celebration of freedom. It is truly a festive event. Shalom, Everyone!

In the mood board: Happy Passover Fun Song ecard from American Greetings

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First Day of Spring Mood Board

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easter-spring_moodboard_03202013

The first day of spring has arrived! That time of year when we can finally exhale the remnants of winter frost and inhale the fresh buds of spring. This season is full of beautiful transformations. The grass becomes greener, the temperatures warmer and our outlook brighter. It is great seeing folks out and about, whether they are working in their yards, washing the car or just taking a long walk. Or how about the smell of fresh, cut grass, listening to the chirping of birds and enjoying longer days . There are so many wonderful things to celebrate about spring. What are some of your favorite memories of this season?

In the mood board: Somebunny Special Talking Card from American Greetings

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In Honor O’ St. Patrick’s Day!

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What are you doing in honor of St. Patrick’s Day?

If you’re like 94 million others, you’re probably at least wearing green.  But do you know why?   St. Patrick would probably be wondering that himself, since his robes were actually blue. Theories about how green became the color of the day range from representing shamrocks, which St. Patrick used in his teachings, to symbolizing the fairies and immortals of Irish legend to encouraging crop growth.  Today, many of us wear it to avoid getting pinched, which you can blame on leprechauns.  Tradition says wearing green makes you invisible to leprechauns, who pinch anyone they see.  And how leprechauns became linked to St. Patrick is yet another mystery!  But the day just wouldn’t be complete without those jig-dancin’ little guys…or the unified spirit of 94 million people shamrockin’ the cool color of springtime — simply for the sake of celebration.

View: In Honor O’ You ecard from American Greetings

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Birthday Mood Board

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birthday moodboard

Birthdays are days to be celebrated! And for those friends you can’t be with in person, there are plenty of ways to make them feel special on their big day. Try sending a surprise delivery like a cake pop bouquet, a basket of  decadent goodies or a mini spa package, complete with must-have lotions, festive nail polish, a fragrant candle and of course, the newest Nicholas Sparks book. Or how about writing a little poem or jingle about shared memories and sending a singing telegram to perform it?  The most important thing is to make sure they hear from you on their special day with a text, a post or a personalized ecard. And be sure you let them know that you would like nothing more than to be sharing their birthday with them, in person!

In the mood board: Wish You Were Near ecard from American Greetings

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Birthdays are Worth Smiling About

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An assortment of fun and festive birthday cards.

“A smile is a curve that sets everything straight.”  – Phyllis Diller

On a recent episode of The Middle, America’s favorite geekette, Sue, set out to prove that smiling was contagious.  Unfortunately, despite her sparkling enthusiasm, she didn’t quite get the response she wanted.  But, ever the optimist, Sue still believes that smiling is contagious.  And she’s right!

In a Swedish “smile study,” volunteers looked at pictures of different facial expressions while trying to control their own reactions.  But when asked to meet a smile with a frown, they simply couldn’t stifle their grins.  Apparently, seeing a smile triggers an unconscious reaction in the brain and then your face can’t help but join the party!

Want to make someone feel special, especially on their birthdays?  Always start with a smile.  And if you can’t do it in person, send one in a card.

View: Smiles For You Printable Card from American Greetings

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Birthday Wishes for a Beautiful Day!

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birthday moodboard

Everything’s Comin’ Up Daisies…You may have read the recent post about the history of Groundhog Day, but did you hear this year’s prediction?  America’s favorite weather-rodent, Punxsutawney Phil, didn’t see his shadow…which means an early Spring!

Okay, so most of us aren’t pulling out the picnic baskets just yet, but that doesn’t mean you can’t send a little sunshine someone’s way.  In fact, brightening a person’s day is easier than you think.  Studies show that simply looking at images of nature can elevate moods, reduce stress and improve concentration.  Add flowers to the scene and you can trigger an overall feeling of happiness.

Know someone who could use a little Spring in their step on their birthday —or any day?  Send a virtual dose of vitamin D (as in Daisy) and you’ll both be smiling!

View: Beautiful Day Wish ecard from American Greetings

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Top Picks for Romantic Movies

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Valentine's Day moodboard

Who doesn’t love a great love story, right?  And with Valentine’s Day just around the corner, we thought it would be fun to highlight some of the all-time favorite romantic movies to get you in the mood. Think about having a movie marathon day – a perfect excuse to hangout in your coziest pjs with some decadent munchies and a little Kleenex in hand! Or, make it a date with your honey– prepare a fun dinner at home and choose a movie you both will love. Here are some of our top picks–although we must say, this wasn’t an easy task:

Classic Romance: Perfect for the hopeless romantic—these films capture the essence of everlasting love.

♥     Romeo & Juliet, Gone with the Wind, Casablanca, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Pride and Prejudice and Dirty Dancing 

Flirty and Fun: A lighthearted way to celebrate love in any stage.

♥     Sleepless in Seattle, Notting Hill, Serendipity, Love Actually, Pretty in Pink and Sweet Home Alabama

 Good for a Cry: Do we need to say anything more? Sometimes it’s just necessary!

♥     The Notebook, A Walk to Remember, Atonement, Ghost, Titanic and we couldn’t forget, Forrest Gump

 Tying the Knot: These fab movies are filled with twists, turns, and best of all, –weddings!

♥     The Wedding Planner, 27 Dresses, My Best Friend’s Wedding, Confetti, The Wedding Singer, Bridesmaids, Our Family Wedding

 A Little Quirky: If your movie-going tastes (or, your sense of humor) is a little off-the-beaten path, try one of these fun flicks.

♥     Harold and Maude, Punch-Drunk Love, Annie Hall, Away We Go, If Lucy Fell, Moonstruck

There are so many great love stories out there. What are your favorites? Or, do you have one of your own to share?

View: A Love Story ecard from American Greetings

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Lean on Me

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Life can definitely throw us some curveballs and there is a lot of comfort in knowing that friends and family care. Let them know you can lean on me. Perhaps someone you know is going through an illness, financial hardship, a divorce or struggling with a child, you’ll want to let them know you’re there for them. It can be as simple as sending a card, picking up the phone to talk or making time to visit. It’s certainly easy to be a good friend in the good times, but when things get tough, the key is being supportive and that means listening, offering encouragement, not necessarily advice and above all, being available.

In the mood board: I’m Here for You ecard from American Greetings

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New Beginnings

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'I believe in you' moodboard

En-cour-age: to inspire with courage, spirit or confidence.

Interestingly, the word itself comes from a combination of the prefix “en” which means “to put into” and the Latin word “cor” which means heart.  The act of encouragement is a powerful motivator in helping others “to take heart” especially when life gets tough. Think about what encourages you – is it kind words, praise, a card with a personal note, an unexpected visit or gift? Whatever it is, don’t be shy about doing those same things for others to show that you care. It was Maya Angelou who said: “I have found out among its other benefits, giving encouragement liberates the soul” Help someone find their new beginnings.

In the mood board: You Can Do It ecard from American Greetings

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Thoughts for the New Year

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New Year moodboard

It’s hard to believe how fast the Christmas holiday goes by and even harder to believe that 2012 is drawing to a close. On December 31st, the clock will strike twelve and people all over the world will be wishing each other good cheer and hoping for a great 2013. But beyond the celebratory glitter and sparkle and the turn of a calendar page, the New Year signifies a time to take stock and better our lives. The popular custom of making resolutions is deeply rooted in spiritual history and the key to the meaning of the New Year holiday. Did you know that, on average, Americans make 1.8 resolutions? And most of them will be centered on becoming healthier and re-connecting with family and friends. What are your resolutions for the coming year?  We’d love to hear from you.

In the mood board:  Light the New Year ecard from American Greetings

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Christmas Eve

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Holiday moodboard with Christmas cards

The spirit of Christmas can be found all around you — in the laughter of children as they play, in the flicker of a golden candleglow, in the magic of the first December snow,  in the voices of carolers singing and in the stars that shine above. As you celebrate this special holiday with family and friends, may you be inspired by the miracle of Christmas in your home, in your heart and in your world.  Wishing you all love, hope and peace from your friends at American Greetings.

In the mood board: Love, Hope, Peace ecard from American Greetings

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Holiday Spirit at American Greetings…

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moodboard - Christmas Spirit

Here at American Greetings, we all enjoyed getting into the holiday spirit by decking the halls and the walls at world headquarters in Brooklyn, Ohio.  We even included some of Santa’s little helpers to join in the fun. As you walk through many of the departments, you will find a festive display of lights, beautiful trees and a special place on the wall where folks can pin up their Christmas wish list. Plus, in the interactive department, you can hear Christmas music playing on an old-fashioned record player keeping the mood merry and bright.

From all of us at American Greetings, we wish you and your families a warm holiday filled with happiness, laughter and love!

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Peace on Earth

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Merry Christmas

As the holiday season shifts into high gear and you still find yourself in the midst of shopping, decorating, baking and entertaining, it may be a great time to slow the pace and get back to the basics. Reflect on what means the most to you – your family, friends and what you believe in. It’s all about holding the true meaning of the holidays in your hearts with the traditions you enjoy, the memories you cherish and the connections you share. So celebrate what you have and what you’re grateful for, from simple pleasures like cozying up to a crackling fire to more meaningful gifts, like being with loved ones and feeling at home for the holidays!

In the mood board:  Peace on Earth ecard from American Greetings

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