Tuesday

Watch & Be Inspired

School starts for my oldest tomorrow and so, summer is closing up shop and I see little yellow leaves falling faster every day.  I'm not to sad though, we've had a very FULL summer! I have updated the Make Something Meaningul page as well as the Watch & Be Inpired page, so I encourage you to check those out today. And to give you sneak peek of what you will find there...
Click HERE to Watch the Recording

Sunday

The Tipping Point

Have you ever read that book?
Yes, The Tipping Point.  If you haven't, you should. It's really good. 
As per Amazon: The Tipping Point is that magic moment when an idea, trend, or social behavior crosses a threshold, tips, and spreads like wildfire. Just as a single sick person can start an epidemic of the flu, so too can a small but precisely targeted push cause a fashion trend, the popularity of a new product, or a drop in the crime rate. This widely acclaimed bestseller, in which Malcolm Gladwell explores and brilliantly illuminates the tipping point phenomenon, is already changing the way people throughout the world think about selling products and disseminating ideas.

That done, let me tell you WHY I say that. I've been working with Heritage Makers as a personal publishing consultant now for three years plus and I love what I am able to do with my photos. But tonight on Pinterest, I saw a GREAT post and I have to re-post/share it with you! From here on out, my comments will be in bright PINK so you'll know my voice.


5 simple ways make the most of your pictures
Last year I teamed up with a group of my favorite bloggers and wrote 5 simple ways to improve your photography. This year I want to give you five ways to use those fabulous pictures you’re accumulating.


1. Make a book. Um... hello? This is WHAT I DO!!! www.myphotofairy.com So many photography printing services offer books now and they are a great alternative to all those 4 x 6 prints you never got around to putting in an album. Make it your goal to print a book every season or every year. I promise you’ll be so glad you did. The easiest way to do this is to either save your favorite images in a folder named 2012 album on  your computer or upload your favorites to your printing company each month. Don’t wait till the end of the year and find yourself sorting through thousands of digital files. You’ll get frustrated and give up. 5.x7, 8x8, my personal favorite 8.5x11 12x12, and more! 

2. Make a calendar. I do this every year and I print several and give them as gifts to family members. We love seeing the new image every month. Yep, I can help you make these too, in 2 sizes and... we can add you own holidays. SWOON!
calendar

3. Print canvases. I fell in love with the gallery wrapped canvas this year and I collected quite a few. They are so easy! They come ready to hang, no frames to worry about. And, they look great on your walls! Is it really possible you can do ALL of this at one website??? Yes! www.myphotofairy.com
wall

4. Join a group project. I’m participating in Darcy’s project 52. It not only gives you a way to share your images, it motivates you to use your camera and practice what you’ve learned.

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 5. Make a personal goal. As a matter of fact... simply search my blog for Yearbook or 53 Fridays to see what I've done in this realm! Whether  you join a Project 365/52 or not, if your goal is to improve your photography, then no matter what level you’re at making a personal goal to learn something new or shoot in a different way is something you should do. Last year I made it my mission to learn to shoot fireworks. I accomplished that goal on July 4 and later, entered that photograph in my county fair and won best of show.

7-4 4

I hope this gives you some ideas to put into practice this year. Enjoy your photography journey and don’t just let those files sit there on your computer, do something fun with them!

It's a good day. 

Most Wonderful Time of the Year & Lunch Box Love Notes

I always loved shopping for school supplies as a kid... new pencils, new Trapper Keeper (LOL), school clothes, but as a parent, I love it even more... here's a little giggle to see why.



I will say though, that with all of the basic supplies, I also like to do a few personalized ones. I have two kiddos, one headed to 7th grade and one headed to 1st and they both love a little message from me during the day. These are super simple to create and I get the Gold Star Mommy Award. That is always a nice feeling.

(Click the titles to view.)
Lunch Box Love Notes - Volume 1
Lunch Joke Cards
Lunch Box Love Notes - Volume 2

What is a lunch box love note?
A lunch box love note is a simple easy way to show your child that you care about him/her. It is a lasting impression that is positive, documented, and builds self-esteem.
There are many benefits to writing Lunch box love notes to your child.

•builds communication
•strengthens bonds
•teaches character
•provides positive affirmations
•lets your child know that s/he is special
•lets your child know that s/he is important
•if your child is feeling lonely it lets your child know s/he is not alone
•praise and appreciating are documented
•you set an example

It is never too late to start either. No matter if you start writing lunch box notes at the first day of day care or when your child is in elementary school, you are giving your child affirmations that will be embedded for life. <3

Friday

Today is National S'mores Day!

That's right... National S'mores Day is August 10th.

So, what are you going to do about it? It's ok if you aren't camping, you can still enjoy that chocolate-sticky-marshmallow-goodness today, without a fire!

I made a card to share the news...
you can view the whole thing here!


Super Easy S'mores Recipe
Ingredients
8  chocolate or regular graham cracker squares
3  tablespoons Nutella
3  tablespoons marshmallow creme
Directions
1. Place graham cracker squares on a work surface; spread 4 squares with chocolate-hazelnut spread. Spread remaining graham cracker squares with marshmallow creme. Place graham crackers, marshmallow sides down, on top of chocolate-hazelnut spread. Place on a microwave-safe plate.
2. Microwave, uncovered, on 100% power (high) for 30 seconds. (If you want to heat the s'mores one or two at a time, microwave one s'more on 100% power [high] for 10 seconds or two s'mores for 20 seconds.) Serve at once. Makes 4 s'mores.
3. Peanut Butter S'Mores: Prepare as directed, except use chocolate graham cracker squares and substitute peanut butter for the chocolate-hazelnut spread.
4. Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare up to 30 minutes before serving. Microwave just before serving.

Nutrition Facts per serving: 141 cal., 7 g total fat (1 g sat. fat), 0 mg chol., 95 mg sodium, 16 g carbo., 1 g dietary fiber, 4 g protein.