Learn to Scrapbook

Free Classes? Count me in!

Wed, 01 May 2013 08:23:55 +0000

Have you heard about Craftsy?

I took the free Modern Buttercream: Learn to use buttercream like a pro! Discover the tricks and tips to construct and create a beautifully finished buttercream cake.

I can’t say I’m a pro, but I was happy with this cake!

Ok, so that was just the practise run of the cake, but I can’t find any photos of the finished birthday cake! Can you believe it?

The next free Craftsy mini-courses I’m going to take are:

The Hand-Painted Cake: Elevate your cake with Erin Schaefgen’s freehand painting techniques. Create beautiful and edible works of art with Erin’s tips and tricks.

Check out all of the other free Craftsy mini-courses by clicking here.

I love creativity! There’s always something new to learn

PS If you are looking for scrapbooking, there’s even a class on that at Craftsy too

Family Scrapbooking with Megan Hoeppner

See more digital scrapbooking events, workshops and tutorials at Digital Scrapbooking HQ.com

Birthday In Numbers

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 03:05:06 +0000

Over the weekend our little boy turned one

We celebrated with:

43 guests

34 milky way cars

24 cupcakes

8 children

4 grandparents

4 gr-aunties and gr-uncles

3 aunties
4 uncles
2 great granparents

7 books

4 nails (and a hammer)

2 press and dash trucks

1 teddy

One hand made helicopter

One parcel in the mail

One happy boy

We love you Edward James

PS This post was inspired by Julie Kirk’s month in numbers series

Truth in the Tinsel… and a whole lot more

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 13:00:38 +0000

Last year I was thrilled to purchase and use Truth in the Tinsel to help explain and celebrate the true meaning of Christmas with Edward and Emily

It’s a wonderful idea and something different to what you can pick up at Word or Koorong here in Perth.

I’ve encouraged a lot of people to pick up that ebook, but I have just learnt of a great way to get this ebook and a HUGE bundle of other ebooks at a super low price…

For 6 days only, more than 75 widely-known bloggers and authors in the homemaking sphere have joined together to offer 97 of their most popular eBooks and eCourses, valued at just over $600, for the incredibly low price of $29.97

If you are like me you likely not one to be off buy ebooks at the drop of a hat. But, considering that Tsh Oxenreider and Amy Lynne Andrew’s books have been on my to read list for a looong time, I couldn’t resist this one.

More than anything, our goal for this sale was for it to be, well… ultimate! We firmly believe that you will not find a more comprehensive collection of homemaking resources anywhere on the web, and particularly not in this price range. For this low price, you gain access to every single one of these resources, so that you can customize your own collection to contain exactly the ones you want and know you’ll use.

This library of homemaking helps include topics such as mothering, organization and cleaning, recipes and kitchen helps, home education, spiritual growth for both moms and kids, home décor and DIY, pregnancy and baby care, frugal living, health and fitness, and even work-from-home and financial tools.

To sweeten the pot, we’ve also teamed up with 10 companies to bring you over $140 in bonus offers, giving you an affordable opportunity to get products you’ll use and love for only the cost of shipping, or in some cases, entirely for free!

What’s Included in the Sale?

When you purchase The Ultimate Homemaking eBook collection, you will get instant access to any of the 97 eBooks and eCourses listed below.

PLUS over $140 of FREE Bonuses

The Ultimate Homemaking eBook collection comes with more than $140 of FREE Bonuses from 10 companies that we know you’ll love. More on these bonuses below.

Please note: This collection is only available from 9 a.m. EST on April 29th to 11:59 p.m. EST on May 4th. There will be no late sales offered.

PLUS, You will receive FREE Bonuses from these companies…

A FREE Two-Month Membership to Fit2B Studio (for new members) or $20 off a Yearly Membership (for current members), where their wholesome workouts for the whole family are tummy safe and particularly target Diastasis Recti (split abs). ($19.98 value. No shipping restrictions.)

A $15 store credit to TruKid. With products like their aware-winning sun care, they are dedicated to providing all natural skin and hair care for kids, babies, and now pets. ($15.00 value. Standard shipping applies. International shipping available.)

Your choice of incredible natural products like sea salt and clay for FREE. Choose from the Redmond Trading Earthpaste Bundle ($24.90 value) or the Facial Mud Bundle ($26.90 value). (Standard shipping applies. Continental US only.)

Your choice of a FREE heirloom sourdough starter or FREE yogurt starter from Cultures for Health, the leading supplier of starter cultures and supplies for making cultured and fermented foods ($12.95 value. US & CAN addresses only. Standard shipping applies.)

Your choice of: a FREE 3-Month Subscription (for new accounts) or 30% off a One Year Subscription. Plan to Eat is an online menu planner that uses your recipes, scheduled for the days you want them. ($15.00 value. No shipping restrictions.)

A FREE Culinary Herbs Assorted Seed Pack Check just in time for spring planting from www.wheatgrasskits.com, a living whole foods company. ($11.95 value. Standard shipping applies to all US states and territories- no international shipping for seeds.)

Get $10 off Union28′s original “my husband rocks” tee. Their marriage apparel lets you celebrate your spouse in style. ($10.00 value. Standard shipping rates apply. International shipping available, but free shipping only available within USA.)

A $10 store credit plus 1 FREE lip balm from Bee All Natural. Their whole body products nourish and heal, and are made using only the highest quality, food grade, organic ingredients. ($13.49 value. Standard shipping applies. International shipping available.)

A FREE 2 oz. bottle of your choice of liquid herbal formula from TriLight Health. They specialize in fast acting, great tasting natural herbal remedies. ($12.95 value or more. Standard shipping applies, within the USA only.)

Your choice of 3 FREE ePlanners OR a 3-Month FREE Membership to ListPlanIt, whose mobile lists will help to organize your life. ($15.00 value. No shipping restrictions.)

The fine print:

Bonus Offers

Each bonus offer can be redeemed once only per eBook Bundle purchase.
For each bonus offer, transaction numbers or proof of purchase may be required at the time of redemption.
All bonus offers are free gifts from the bonus sponsors, are their sole responsibility to provide, and are subject to availability.
All bonus offers expire at midnight on May 19th, 2013 (2 weeks from the last day of this sale).

General

It is your responsibility to download and back-up your purchase within the 1-month download time-frame. With proof of purchase, we can renew download links up until August 1st, 2013. After this date we will no longer have access to the books and will not be able to provide any new links to download.
Due to the nature of this sale, there will be no refunds available. However, we would invite you to read our Frequently Asked Questions page to learn more about the file types, the download process, how the bonus offers work, etc.

Please note: This collection is only available from 9 a.m. EST on April 29th to 11:59 p.m. EST on May 4th. There will be no late sales offered, so make sure that you get your bundle right away!

Particularly for those wanting to read these ebooks on their mobile devices (iPhones or iPads, Android, Kindle, etc.) you will want to learn more about the file types, how to download them correctly, and how to transfer them to your device – you can get the details here.

I’d love to hear which books you are looking forward to reading!

This post includes affiliate links, and I make a portion of the sale of each ebook bundle. Thanks for your support of this site!

December Daily Done

Wed, 27 Mar 2013 02:09:08 +0000

I finally ordered my December Daily. Thanks to Wendy Zine’s actions they are all uploaded and done!

One question for the Shutterfly people. Can you please turn off Vivid Pics by default? Or at least work out some way that we can turn it off without recropping every image?

Click here to view this photo book larger

Click here to create your own Shutterfly photo book.

Want to see how I did it?

Check out my Photobook Perfection Workshop

If you want to see how I made it – check out my workshop where I walk step-by-step through creating a Shuttefly book

How To Shoot Like A Pro Without The Use Of An SLR Camera

Thu, 14 Mar 2013 05:43:59 +0000

Today I’ve got a guest post from Pam Johnson to share…

An SLR camera is the product of choice for most professional photographers. However, you do not need to invest in an expensive camera to take great shots. If you invest in learning some basic skills and a decent photo software program, then you can make any picture look professional.

1) Invest in Photography Software

The right editing tools can make or break a photograph. Just look at Instagram for an example. People post pictures of mundane items, and they instantly become works of art when used with various filters. Pictures on Instagram can look great even with a grainy camera phone. Photo editing software will change any amateur looking picture to a professional quality image. Photoshop is the best, and it used by all the industry professionals. This program can edit the lighting and erase imperfections found on your pictures. However, there are cheaper and free alternatives that be found online. Use programs like these to your advantage to make your pictures look gallery ready no matter what camera you use.

2) Learn the Fundamentals of Photography

If you are really serious about being a great photographer, then you need to know how to properly shoot first. You do not need a big fancy camera to be the best. Plenty of photographers have basic digital cameras, Polaroid cameras, or even the very vintage Diana camera. It is not so much the device as it is the exposure. If you know how to use light to your advantage, manipulate a shot, and capture something unique, then you are already half way there. Photography is about grabbing a moment that existed for but a second. You need to train you eye to spot these moments. Basic skills can teach you what to look for in a shot. They will also show you how to shoot in various lighting, camera maintenance, and basic flash techniques. You can easily enroll in a photography course at a nearby school. However, you can also find many free seminars, tips, and classes online. This will allow you to tailor your photography education.

3) Do Not Be Afraid to Experiment

You should not be afraid to experiment when it comes to finding the right angle, setting, subject etc. Your pictures need to reflect your style and outlook on life. It is essential that you stay true to your self when it comes to finding the right things to photograph. It is O.K. if you mess up because you can simply take another exposure. Play with various ideas, filters, editing, and even shots. The more unique and daring you photography is then the better it will look. You should also have fun with different camera styles. Use an instant camera or a classic film one to mix up your exposures and experience.

In conclusion, professional photography is not so much the camera as it is the picture. As long as you are capturing interesting moments that are special to you, then there nothing else to it. You do need to know the basics, but that and a good editing software can clean up your pictures perfectly.

Author Pam Johnson is a PR specialist who does the photography for all of the publications she sends out. She obtained her degree from one of the Top 10 Online Bachelor’s in Communications Programs

Want to learn more about getting great photos with any camera?

Join Elisha Snow at Big Picture to learn more.

Get Great Photos with Any Camera
An entry-level guide to composition, lighting and general photography.
…and no, you’re not going to be asked to shell out thousands of dollars on a new camera, flash, lens and tripod. All you need is a digital camera, your camera’s manual and a memory card. Get ready to be amazed at what your current camera can do—that little point-and-shoot, 5-megapixel marvel drowning in neglect at the bottom of your bag.

In this four-week class, you’ll learn the basics of photography and composition, and discover some fun and amazing photo tips that Elisha has amassed throughout her own learning adventures. You’ll have the opportunity to see Elisha in action during her photo shoots, and learn some tricks for getting stellar photos.

This class is for anyone, no matter what kind of camera you own. It is good information for point-and-shoot camera-owners, or digital SLR owners. We will discuss the basics of lighting and composition, as well as discuss many tips and tricks that the pros use! Basically it’s packed full of information that can be applied to any sort of general photography.
Register today

10 months

Tue, 12 Mar 2013 10:36:54 +0000

Edward you have discovered your strong voice and love to talk loudly.

Last month was all about standing and crouching, now you speed crawl everywhere you can and call for us if you ever think it will take too long to get there (like allll the way to the front door when Daddy gets home

You can say mum dad and t for teddy and even try the f sound occasionally

30 Days of Lists

Wed, 06 Mar 2013 11:46:27 +0000

List 2 – About me

Hot on the heels of my completed LOAD, I’m going on an another daily adventure. 30 Days of Lists.

I bought this Amy Tangerine book, and had no idea what I’d use it for, but I was thrilled that it almost had 30 places to write, so I’m going to jerry rig a couple of extras and go with it! YAY

Here’s my lists so far:

Created with Admarket’s flickrSLiDR.

10 months today

Thu, 28 Feb 2013 08:32:42 +0000

You are a very clever boy and are starting to “talk” and stand.

You love talking with doggies. Can almost woof on command!

You can say mum and dad-dad.

You can wave (but in slow motion)

You can stand for a few seconds.

You can balance to crouch down from standing.

You can walk along holding onto furniture, but aren’t to sure about trolleys.

You love to eat what we are eating at dinner. You love bananas, don’t like baked beans. And you love variety.

You are smiley and happy most of the time. (Unless a tooth is on the way)

You love to look for Emily whenever you wake up.

16 Layouts in 16 days

Sat, 16 Feb 2013 07:32:05 +0000

I’ve completed my December Daily for 2011, made about 5 pages for Edward’s album, scrapped some of our family photos and even my own art. I’m so happy I’ve joined in.

You can have a look at my layouts below…

Created with Admarket’s flickrSLiDR.

Layout a Day 213

Sat, 02 Feb 2013 02:06:00 +0000

2012 09 28 Edward R2, a photo by mshanhun on Flickr.

Today we needed to create a layout without words. Tough!

I was amazed to discover I posted the first completed layout in the challenge this month! WOW!

Edward

Fri, 01 Feb 2013 01:09:00 +0000

Edward is just discovering he can communicate with different tones of voice and sounds.

He can almost wave (he tries!)
He can make a fisher sound
He can woof to Stephanie dog

Last night we all headed out to

Almost 9 months

Sun, 27 Jan 2013 09:20:00 +0000

During your 8th month you…

Became a speedy crawler

Said mum a couple of times

Can make a fishy sound

Started attempting to wave

Can pull yourself up to stand, and then often fall because to try to walk off or grab something.

Are keen to eat a variety of foods each day – especially if you can feed yourself.

Find Emily absolutely hilarious, and won’t even feed if she comes in to check on you when you wake up.

Love playing with (or poking and prodding) other children (especially babies). You loved looking at the photo of a baby on your Christmas present box, and even brought Humpty over to tell him all about the baby too.

LOVE chips, lasagne, milk arrowroots (or any biscuits really!) and bananas.

Weighed 9.2kg and were 75cm long.

December Down Under Complete: Day 21-January 1 2013

Thu, 24 Jan 2013 12:12:00 +0000

Long time no see?

I’ve been busy finishing off my December Daily, while handling a technology tsunami which involved a new pc, two new routers, a printer, a scanner, a network hard drive, usb ports and a webcam!

All of the pages are now done and in the album! YAY!

And the whole album:
Created with Admarket’s flickrSLiDR.
You can listen to my interviews about December Daily here.
With guests like Katrina Kennedy, Lynnette Penacho, Monica Bradford and more – I know you’ll enjoy it!

Melissa

December down under day 20

Fri, 21 Dec 2012 11:52:00 +0000

Bunny had her cake and ate it too!
I’ve started journalling in my December Daily before blogging now. Especially as the Internet was not working here for a few days.

December down under day 21

Fri, 21 Dec 2012 11:46:00 +0000

A picnic, stories and HAPPY BIRTHDAY UNCLE STEVE!!!!

December Down Under Day 19

Wed, 19 Dec 2012 11:37:00 +0000

Today we did 2 Truth in the Tinsel ornaments (peg dolls of Mary and Joseph) while Edward slept
We got our dishwasher fixed YAY!
Edward was keen to watch while eating lunch

Edward and I played outside and cooked tea (well I cooked EJ ate 80% of a banana) while Emily slept.

We also had our photo canvases arrive how exciting!

I’m just writing on my foundation pages and will be ordering prints later in the month and assembling it all together later. My secret weapon? Tags in kraft and white for my journalling and washi tape so I can move it all around. Thanks to Simple Scrapper for the kit!
I’m also cutting my December Daily word art on the Cameo and adding that in.

Created with Admarket’s flickrSLiDR.
You can listen to my interviews about December Daily here.
With guests like Katrina Kennedy, Lynnette Penacho, Monica Bradford and more – I know you’ll enjoy it!

Missed the boat with Christmas cards? Here’s a unique opportunity for you!

Tue, 18 Dec 2012 12:33:00 +0000

Here is a chance for you to stand out.

Everyone sends Christmas cards it seems. And they end up either piled up, lined up, or magnetized to the fridge with the countless other cards. None of them stand out.

But New Year’s cards…those are unique, like you.

So why not send out some personalized New Year’s wishes soon after Christmas is over? The type of card that everyone remembers and compliments you on. The type of card that you can only get from Tiny Prints.

Tiny Prints has over 250 designs to choose from, so you are sure to find one that is perfect for you. Then you can customize them by adding pictures, changing the font and text, and adding special features like rounded edges and matching address labels.

If you want to get the cheapest delivery, you need to order them soon (like today) so that you get them just after Christmas. That gives you plenty of time to write in them, address them, and get them to your best buddies just after New Year’s Day.

Trust me, these cards won’t get piled up or lined up. They’ll be in a class all by themselves.

Ordering couldn’t be easier. I’ve even created a video to show you how to do it!

1. Visit Tiny Prints and choose from their 250+ New Year’s card designs.
2. Once you have selected your favorite design, customize the card by adding pictures and changing the font and text to your liking.
3. Place your order (if you order today, be sure to use promo code DEC20SW to get 15+% off and code HOLFS to get free shipping off orders of $49 or more).

Your cards will arrive in 7-10 business days in the US (faster with their speedier shipping options).

That’s it. Ring in the New Year in a wonderful way and stand out!

Melissa

*affliliate links where possible- please use them to support my blog*

December Down Under: Day 16 & 17

Tue, 18 Dec 2012 12:19:00 +0000

Saturday was swimming, sorting and working around the house.
Sunday was filled to the bring with celebrations. We started with Church family day and Emily’s first ‘on stage’ appearance as a star. Then we had family around to celebrate Phill’s birthday (ice cream cake!) and then headed down to Heathridge Carols.

I’ve even chosen the stickers + word art I want to add to each page, but the photos aren’t printed yet.

Created with Admarket’s flickrSLiDR.

I’m upgrading to Windows 8 today, so once that’s done I will set to work uploading my photos so that come the end of the month I can order them and finish off the album. I’m feeling pretty happy with the process so far

If you’d like to hear more – why not listen in at http://www.decemberdaily.com/19

Melissa
*affliliate links where possible- please use them to support my blog*

Digitalscrapbookinghq.com

Tue, 18 Oct 2011 02:31:57 +0000

Hi Everyone

I just want to let you know I’ve launched my brand new site over at Digitalscrapbookinghq.com.

If you want to keep up with all the news there join my mailing list (and get access to a free webinar!)

Digitalscrapbookinghq.com

Tue, 18 Oct 2011 02:31:57 +0000

Hi Everyone

I just want to let you know I’ve launched my brand new site over at Digitalscrapbookinghq.com.

If you want to keep up with all the news there join my mailing list (and get access to a free webinar!)

Learn to Scrapbook

Free Classes? Count me in!

See more digital scrapbooking events, workshops and tutorials at Digital Scrapbooking HQ.com

Birthday In Numbers

Truth in the Tinsel… and a whole lot more

What’s Included in the Sale?

PLUS over $140 of FREE Bonuses

Home & Property {Cleaning, Organizing, Decor}

Educational Children’s Resources

Budgeting {Finance & Time}

In the Kitchen {Recipes and Cooking}

Pregnancy & Baby Care

Holidays & Special Events

Spiritual Growth

Marriage & Romance

Motherhood

Health & Fitness

Beauty

Working from Home & Blogging

Ecourses

PLUS, You will receive FREE Bonuses from these companies…

The fine print:

This post includes affiliate links, and I make a portion of the sale of each ebook bundle. Thanks for your support of this site!

December Daily Done

Want to see how I did it?

How To Shoot Like A Pro Without The Use Of An SLR Camera

10 months

30 Days of Lists

10 months today

16 Layouts in 16 days

Layout a Day 213

Edward

Almost 9 months

December Down Under Complete: Day 21-January 1 2013

December down under day 20

December down under day 21

December Down Under Day 19

Missed the boat with Christmas cards? Here’s a unique opportunity for you!

December Down Under: Day 16 & 17

Digitalscrapbookinghq.com

Digitalscrapbookinghq.com