So remember last week when I shared about how to create a gorgeous gallery wall, including my favorite picks from Minted's art marketplace? Well, my friends at Minted have followed up with a generous giveaway for you awesome readers: $350 of Minted credit towards your holiday cards! Crazy amazing, right? Check out 10 of my favorite picks from the Minted holiday collection and then enter to win via the Rafflecopter widget at the end of the post.

First, worth noting: the Minted holiday card collection offers wonderful flexibility; in most cases you can opt for a flat or foldover card (depending on how much content you want to include), choose from different colorways, and change the holiday greeting. Also, my mind is sort of blown that right now you can opt for free recipient address printing. No wrangling with mail merge -- YAY! Now, here are 10 of my favorite picks from the collection:

1. This Happiness Is... single-photo card cracks me up. I'm pretty certain "blankie," "milkie," or "chocolate" would be one of Violet's top words.

2. Break up the visual lines of the usual photo block card with this four-photo Prismatic layout. So modern and simple and cool! I am heavily leaning towards this one for our holiday cards.

3. This Merry Streamers design is bold, pretty, and so very festive.

4. Try a new approach to holiday cards (and create a keepsake for your family) with this Sparkling Be Merry ornament card.

5. The sparkly minimal aesthetic of the Modern Shimmer design gives a tasteful touch of bling, while otherwise allowing the beauty of a single family photo be the focal point.

6. The holidays or the turning of a new year call for the shimmery confetti in this cheerful Sprinkles design.

7. Want to create something more involved? This Family Recipes Holiday Booklette takes thoughtful correspondence to an entirely new level and would make for an incredible gift and keepsake.

Now, sometimes you just don't manage to capture a great holiday card photo...most of the time you're the one shooting all the pictures. BEEN THERE. No worries, there are many (close to 500!) gorgeous non-photo options.

8. This Modern Confetti design fulfills my obsession with gray and gold.

9. I love the symbolism of these Paper Cranes For Luck.

10. This Holiday Splashes design is so unusual; full of unique artistry and light.

Now, surely you're eager to order some gorgeous holiday cards, yes? Enter to win the Minted $350 gift credit giveaway! The one required entry is to leave a comment below about one of your favorite Minted holiday card designs. You can also earn optional extra entries by following Boston Mamas and Minted on Pinterest and Instagram. Just follow the entry prompts via the Rafflecopter widget below. Good luck!

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Image credits: all images via Minted

So y'all LOVED last month's mystery mom tote giveaway so I thought I'd repeat with another mysterious newsletter subscriber giveaway! I've filled another roomy Lands' End tote with a collection of cool unisex baby gifts. One lucky newsletter subscriber will win this delightful gift tote (estimated retail value = $200). To be eligible for the giveaway, all you need to do is subscribe below by Tuesday, November 11! Good luck!

Subscribe to the newsletter!

Note: the Boston Mamas newsletter drops 1-2 times per month and offers the best from this site (and elsewhere on the internet), as well as periodic exclusive goodies. Yay, for periodic exclusive goodies!

I spent last night at the Lawrence watch event for Paul Davis/Jill Docking's Kansas governor's run. I've known Paul since he married my best friend, and their daughter is my girl's unofficial little sister. So of course I wanted him to win. Beyond that, Paul's politics mirror my own almost exactly, only he is calm under pressure and I am not. He would've been a great governor. Kansas, I'm sorry. You're missing out.

I probably offended a room full of people when I said after the call had been made and the speech presented that I felt like I did when the Royals lost the World Series last month. That I would compare baseball to politics is probably uncool, but what I meant is this: Both were underdogs, both had worked very hard for years to get to the big stage, the nation was focused on both events, and I had spent months emotionally engaged in the events that unfolded before the big event. And in both scenarios, it was really close. There was no blowout. It got called late.

As I drove back to my hotel, I felt shell-shocked, amazed that he could've possibly lost. This morning, though, I spent the hour-long drive back home thinking about how dangerous and how satisfying it is to care, to hope.

I know what it's like to come really close with something and have it denied you. THE OBVIOUS GAME came thisclose to being picked up by a big publisher. In the immediate aftermath, it felt so awful I asked myself over and over why I was doing it to myself. Why bother trying to make a mark, share yourself in some way other than a Facebook status update? Why try when so many people live happy, productive, meaningful lives without putting themselves through such capacity for rejection? Why work so hard when there is absolutely no guarantee it will pay off?

Why do I start over every time I finish a book? Why do I get back on that horse that keeps bucking me off?

For the same reason I'm really glad I was at that event last night and for the same reason I'm glad I chewed my knuckles until the very last run of game seven of the 2014 World Series. Because it's good to care. It's good to have things you really believe in. Caring about things other than yourself make life worth living, force us to connect with other humans, be proud of who we are and with whom we align ourselves. 

Caring puts you at a much greater risk of heartache, but it's worth it, every time. 

Though I love the convenience of online shopping, particularly around the holidays, I make an extra effort to shop local. And to that effect, how awesome is this? As part of Marriott Hotels' Travel Brilliantly campaign, American Express and Marriott have transformed Boston Marriott Long Wharf's Greatroom Lobby into a pop up store featuring 8 small local businesses. I’m thrilled to partner with American Express and Marriott today to share some of my favorite picks from these independent Boston vendors.

Note: The pop up shop is open now until Sunday, November 30 (Small Business Saturday is November 29!), from 10am - 8pm. And the Boston Marriott Long Wharf is perfectly positioned so you can browse the shop then enjoy some time on the Greenway, which is one of my favorite spots in the city these days! Now, here's who you can find at the pop up shop:

1. I simply love that Flock Boston is run by a mother-daughter pair! Offering a range of bohemian inspired clothing, accessories, and gifts, these lantern bracelets by Jenny Bird are so special. Made of gold-plated brass and resin stone (in a variety of colors), this bracelet makes a delicate statement on its own or would play well with your other arm candy.

2. Looking for your girlfriend’s next favorite gift? Gracie Finn offers an eclectic mix of gift items, such as books, paper goods, home items, and gifts for women and kids. I’m especially intrigued to know what’s inside their surprise balls; unwind the crepe paper to discover 12 little prizes inside!

3. If your aesthetic is modern and minimal, you'll love the offerings from Lekker Home. I love Lotta Jansdotter’s work, and I have my eye on this large serving bowl and set of smaller bowls. The patterns will cheer you out of your winter doldrums and are perfect for parents (read: unbreakable by little paws).

4. Lunarik Fashions specializes in bags and accessories handmade by local artists. They offer bags and accessories to suit a range of styles, but I’m especially drawn to the modern color blocking of this leather drawstring bag.

5. My go-to dressing prescription is to wear simple clothes and and amp up my outfits with interesting jewelry. Rebekah Brooks offers unique hand crafted items, many of a delicate or vintage persuasion. I found myself drawn to her animal motifs; specifically this snake ring (and especially so once I learned that two entwined snakes are a Victorian symbol of infinity and eternal love) and swallow necklace.

6. If you’ve struggled to find good man gifts, check out Sault New England. They offer fun, usable items (e.g., beer soap!) as well as pay it forward type gifts (e.g., notebooks whose proceeds benefit public school art programs). I love their sailormade bracelets, crafted in New England.

7. I’ve been on the hunt for a Boston map to incorporate into our gallery wall, and I think Ward Maps is the answer. They have a variety of affordable map and transit oriented gifts (e.g., coasters, mugs) and specialize in antique items, such as this antique map of Boston (1775) print. They also offer modern styled maps, if that's your preference.

8. Looking for modern and cheerful picks? Check out Xylem, which offers quirky gifts for home and the whole family. Xylem embraces geek chic, with items such as this pizza pi cutter, which I'm certain will cut pizza with mathematical precision thanks to its two wheels.

Amazing, right? Hop on down to the pop up shop and tell me what you find!

Image credits: All images via local businesses featured above.

Disclosure: This post reflects an editorial partnership with American Express and Marriott Hotels in support of the Shop Small® Pop Up initiative. Because, hey, YAY LOCAL SMALL BUSINESSES! All thoughts and opinions are -- of course -- my own.

Happy Monday everyone, can you believe we got SNOW yesterday? Between the snow and the need to recover from a very full day Saturday I totally hibernated all day yesterday! Anyway, I hope you had a wonderful Halloween and are ready to gear up for the first full week of November. If you're looking for something to do, check out this great roundup via the Weekly Blueprint:

November 3: Learn how to use constellations to tell time. (Boston)

November 3: Family game night! (Dorchester)

November 3 - 7: Instead of eating all the candy, trade it in. (Newton)

November 4: ASD-friendly afternoon at Discovery Museums. (Acton)

November 4: Celebrate family reading on a story walk. (Boston)

November 4: We’re off to see the Wizard. (Easton)

November 4: Baby on board parent or caregiver walk. (Framingham)

November 5: Learn how to prepare Thanksgiving on the farm. (Ipswich)

November 5: Enjoy a holiday sip and shop. (Charlestown)

November 5: Explore deCordova for FREE. (Lincoln)

November 5: Take a walk around Gore Estate. (Waltham)

November 5: UNBORED Games: serious fun for everyone. (Wellesley)

November 6 - 9: American Journeys: Migration puppet show. (Brookline)

November 6 - 9: Salem Lit Fest: bringing readers and writers together. (Salem)

November 7: FREE admission to Discovery Museums. (Acton)

November 7: Spend the afternoon with Nathaniel Hawthorne. (Boston)

November 7: Learn to relax by being silly. (Boston)

November 7: Sing and dance with JeffJam live. (Boston)

November 7: Check out some super exciting new books. (Cambridge)

November 7: Preview the Crane Estate art show. (Ipswich)

November 7 - 9: The Boston Christmas Festival is in town. (Boston)

November 7 - 9: The Boston International Kids Film Festival. (Boston)

November 7 - 9: A holiday bazaar of all things vintage. (Salisbury)

Image credit: The Vintage Bazaar

Happy weekend and happy November (also, congratulations on surviving Halloween)! We have an uncharacteristically packed weekend (including heading to see the Boston Ballet's Swan Lake...exciting!) so I wanted to share this week's Hey Internet, Keep Being Awesome before the day runs away from me. Enjoy, and don't forget to enter to win my $50 Amazon gift certificate giveaway this weekend!

- Rest in peace, Mayor Menino.

- The Bruins bring Frozen to life.

- The race to nowhere in youth sports.

- Turn your princess obsessed toddler into a feminist in 8 easy steps.

- The cheapest generation.

- Holy crap, Danielle Ratcliffe!

- Design disasters make me laugh.

- Who has been helped the most via the Affordable Care Act.

- Honored to be featured on Media Shower, talking about the power of authenticity.

- 50 best culturally diverse children’s books.

- Notes from the losing team.

Image credit: crack pie via Pinterest

Whoo boy -- it's the last day of the month! I know that things like birthdays and inspiring work events make for great months, but October really and truly was a lovely one on all counts. Enjoy your Halloween festivities with your families today, and when you're ready to kick back some time over the weekend, enjoy some delightful backreading with this Best of October 2014 roundup.

Family Issues

• Lessons learned: getting over the homeschool stigma
• 5 tips that make saving for college not scary

Halloween

• 10 cute Halloween printables make it easy to create a festive home
• 10 clever Halloween costumes, no sewing required
• On the fly no sew M&M costume
  
• Dear Boston Mamas: how to handle the Halloween candy craze

Home

• How to create a gorgeous gallery wall
• Eat seasonal: 12 apple recipes
• Eat seasonal: 11 pear recipes
• Eat seasonal: 12 pumpkin recipes

Fashion

• Friday Find: New Balance zoo kicks are WILD
• 5 favorites from fashionABLE

Miscellaneous

• Hey Internet, Keep Being Awesome

Image credit: peanut butter cup blondie via Pinterest

Happy Friday and Happy Halloween everyone! I hope you and your kids enjoy the festivities today (and be sure to check out this post on how to handle the Halloween candy craze if things get out of hand!). Meanwhile, enjoy this roundup of 21 weekend events! And one last note, in honor of National Book Lovers Day tomorrow, I'm running a fun little contest on Instagram for a $50 Amazon gift card -- hop over to enter to win!

1. Halloween has one last hurrah. (Acton)

2. Magic show with Rupayan Neogy. (Acton)

3. Frank Zappa meets Pete Seeger! Billy Jonas CD release party. (Arlington)

4. Capitol Square’s Day of the Dead Festival. (Arlington)

5. Join in some artful scarecrow building. (Ashfield)

6. Waffles and wonderment fundraiser for Boston Marathon runners. (Beverly)

7. Happy birthday to Kambiri the gorilla. (Boston)

8. Spend the day watching classic cartoons. (Boston)

9. The Children’s Opera presents The Billy Goats Gruff. (Boston)

10. Infectious, engaging and interactive Tim of Tim and the Space Cadets. (Brookline)

11. The Hard Times of Woody Guthrie puppet show. (Brookline)

12. Create nature collages from all the park has to offer. (Chelsea)

13. Go letterboxing. (Framingham)

14. Learn how to create natural play spaces in small or large backyards. (Lincoln)

15. Wickedly funny day of post Halloween pumpkin disposal. (North Andover)

16. Finish the Fight against cancer 5K. (Somerville)

17. Celebrate Dia de Los Muertos at the chocolate factory. (Somerville)

18. Spend some time learning a historical craft. (Sturbridge)

19. Prepare and eat a meal as early New Englanders did. (Sturbridge)

20. Take a free tour of the ground-floor of the Gore mansion. (Waltham)

21. Ghost stories around the bonfire. (Westport)

Image credit: Smolak Farms

Pumpkins are everywhere right now (they're in season in Massachusetts September to November) and I'm super excited to share today's Eat Seasonal feature. Why? Because I have 5 pumpkins sitting on my steps, two of which are uncarved and will soon move from decor element to delicious food thanks to the inspiration in this feature. This 12-item roundup largely focuses on off the beaten path (so, no pumpkin pie!) -- enjoy!

Click on each link for the full recipe and more beautiful photos; these food bloggers are totally rad!

1. This chocolate chunk pumpkin bread is seriously delicious, whether or not you use canned or homemade puree.

2. Roasted pumpkin fries = brilliant.

3. This roast pumpkin with feta and honey would be an amazing first course.

4. I love that leaving the rind on for this spicy honey roasted pumpkin means one less step while adding beauty to dish.

5. Give your salads decidedly fall treatment with this pumpkin maple vinaigrette.

6. Warm up on a cold day with this pumpkin turkey chili.

7. Breathe new life into a classic with this pumpkin and kale lasagna.

8. Perfect one-dish comfort food can be found in this roast pumpkin, herb and walnut pasta bake.

9. This roasted pumpkin risotto is a little more involved (in my universe, a make-over-the-weekend meal) but looks worth the effort.

10. She had me at one pot creamy pumpkin pasta.

11. Make your butter more awesome by making it whipped cinnamon honey pumpkin butter.

12. A brilliant use for those pumpkin seeds: roasted pumpkin seed brittle.

Image credits: pumpkins via FreeDigitalPhotos.net; all others via linked sites above