The Digital Celt

I've moved!

2010-11-13T12:36:00.000-08:00

The Digital Celt has moved to a new site! Please visit www.thedigitalcelt.com to continue following my adventures. All the content from this blog is over there as well. By the way, I've already posted a free e-book and a new digital scrapbooking freebie on the new blog...what are you waiting for?

Slainte!

Wednesday Product Pick

2010-09-28T23:10:00.000-07:00

me and my BIG ideas (mambi) has come out with some cool laptop stickers - vinyl graphic elements for your laptop. I always wanted to decorate mine with one of those skins but I could never decide on a photo or digital layout to use. This is the perfect solution. It doesn't cover up all of the lid and the pieces can be placed anywhere. Best of all, when you want to 'redecorate' they are easily removed and can be stored back on the clear sheet they come on.

Here's the before and after shots of my HP 11" netbook.

Pretty cute!

1. Clean the lid really well with a clean cloth dipped in a little alcohol to remove fingerprints and let dry.

2. Carefully peel the stickers off and apply them one at a time.

3. Apply them from the middle outward to minimize the chance of a bubble.

4. Rub them with a clean cloth to make sure they adhered well and any bubbles are smoothed out.

They don't seem to be listed on the mambi web site yet so you can't go take a peek at all the other fun designs.

I purchased mine at Michael's for $3.99.

Ancestor Appreciation Day and the start of Banned Books Week!

2010-09-27T10:22:00.000-07:00

Ancestor Appreciation Day

On September 27th each year, people all over the world celebrate Ancestor Appreciation Day. The National Genealogical Society estimates that family history is the second most popular hobby in America (after gardening) and one of the most searched for topics on the Internet. As a hobby, genealogy has all the right stuff. It is fun, educational, addictive, and everyone (regardless of their age) can join in.

For both paper and digital scrapbookers, family heritage is one of the most popular themes for their albums.

If you're ready to take the next step in your own family research, Genealogy.com has a lot of free online lessons in various topics to explore at your own pace.

Learn more about your ancestors and get started tracing your family tree today!

Banned Books are also celebrated this week!

Banned Books Week, a celebration of the freedom to read, was launched in 1982 in response to a sudden surge in the number of 'challenges' to books in schools, bookstores, and libraries.

More than a thousand books have been 'challenged' in every state since 1982. Challenges to books include things like: "too sexual" or "too violent," an objection to profanity and slang, offensive portrayals of racial or religious groups, or positive portrayals of homosexuals. The targeted books range from those that explore contemporary issues and controversies to classic and beloved works of American literature.

The American Library Association’s Top Ten Most Frequently Challenged Books of 2009

1. ttyl, ttfn, l8r, g8r (series), by Lauren Myracle
Reasons: Nudity, Sexually Explicit, Offensive Language, Unsuited to Age Group, Drugs

2. “And Tango Makes Three” by Peter Parnell and Justin Richardson
Reasons: Homosexuality

3. “The Perks of Being A Wallflower,” by Stephen Chbosky
Reasons: Homosexuality, Sexually Explicit, Anti-Family, Offensive Language, Religious Viewpoint, Unsuited to Age Group, Drugs, Suicide

4. “To Kill A Mockingbird,” by Harper Lee
Reasons: Racism, Offensive Language, Unsuited to Age Group

5. Twilight (series) by Stephenie Meyer
Reasons: Sexually Explicit, Religious Viewpoint, Unsuited to Age Group

6. “Catcher in the Rye,” by J.D. Salinger Reasons: Sexually Explicit, Offensive Language, Unsuited to Age Group

7. “My Sister’s Keeper,” by Jodi Picoult
Reasons: Sexism, Homosexuality, Sexually Explicit, Offensive Language, Religious Viewpoint, Unsuited to Age Group, Drugs, Suicide, Violence

8. “The Earth, My Butt, and Other Big, Round Things,” by Carolyn Mackler
Reasons: Sexually Explicit, Offensive Language, Unsuited to Age Group

9. “The Color Purple,” Alice Walker
Reasons: Sexually Explicit, Offensive Language, Unsuited to Age Group

10. “The Chocolate War,” by Robert Cormier
Reasons: Nudity, Sexually Explicit, Offensive Language, Unsuited to Age Group

Topping the list of the 100 Most Frequently Challenged Books of the Decade (2000 – 2009) is the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling, frequently challenged for various issues including occult/Satanism and anti-family themes.

During the last week of September every year, hundreds of libraries and bookstores around the country draw attention to the problem of censorship by mounting displays of challenged books and hosting a variety of events. Visit your local library or bookstore, the official Banned Books Week web site, or the American Library Association web site to find out more.

Go read a banned book today!

Free Your Glee!

2010-09-22T08:39:00.000-07:00

BREAKING NEWS! Free Kids Puyallup Fair Admission!
Saturday, September 25, 2010 & Sunday, September 26, 2010

Kids 12 & under get FREE admission with an online coupon.
Coupon required for free entry and is valid all day Sat, Sept. 25 and Sun, Sept. 26 only.

Here's how to get your coupon:

1. Click this link to sign up for the e-mail newsletter
2. You will receive an email with a link to print your coupon
3. Present your coupon at any Fair Gate on Sept. 25th or Sept. 26th

Kids rule the last weekend of the Fair!

Visit www.thefair.com for details.

Peace One Day - and a freebie!

2010-09-21T07:51:00.000-07:00

On September 21st, people from all over the globe, people of all ages, races, sexes and faiths, commemorate Peace Day in many ways. What are you doing today?

Be a part of the peace process. Follow these three steps:

1. Decide what you will do to make peace on 21 September, at school, at home, or in your local community
2. Log your Peace Day commitment at www.peaceoneday.org
3. Tell others around the world and ask them what they're doing on Peace One Day

Here's a teeny, tiny, peaceful freebie for you. Please send all your friends here to get their own peace rock, too.

Namaste

OMG! Watch a Single Mother Go To Jail and an Anaconda Cough Up a Hippo Video and You Can Win a Free iPad and Get $5000 Free FarmVille Dollars!

2010-09-20T11:13:00.000-07:00

DON'T CLICK IT!!!

If you spend much time on Facebook or Twitter I'm sure you've seen people's posts on silly things like this. You may even have been given the chance to "get a free Apple iPad by signing up to test the product - it really works!" You probably won’t be surprised to learn that it’s all a scam. The con artists are usually trying to get you to add a premium cell-phone service and sucker your unwitting friends in with you.

Once you follow a Twitter link or become a fan of the Facebook offering, you’re often asked to give info on friends or get them to be fans, too, then redirected to something that looks like an Apple page, but is quickly replaced by a pop-up. One thing leads to another and pretty soon your mobile phone account is getting charged $10 a month until you cancel. All the while losing Facebook friends and Twitter followers.

Check out this YouTube video that explains more about these types of scams.

The SophosLabs (computer security and threat specialists) YouTube site contains a lot more videos about real security threats and other FB scams you may come across. Sorry, no overly stuffed anacondas, though. ;-)

40% off coupon at EK Success!

2010-09-16T06:23:00.000-07:00

Check out this great coupon code from EK Success Brands for 40% off any one item in their online store! Enjoy the savings! Hurry - the deadline is 9/22! CODE: EKB402

The EK Success online store is here ---> http://shop.eksuccessbrands.com/default.aspx?keyword=oad+keepsake+9-08

This is what I got:

It came yesterday and I LOVE IT!!!

How to Become a Creative Team Member

2010-09-15T17:13:00.000-07:00

Do you find yourself using products in your digital scrapbook and hybrid digital/paper crafting that come from a few designers or a certain store? You might have noticed samples of layouts and craft items in their store gallery or on their blogs that are created by a member of their creative team (CT), aka design team (DT). How did they get there and how can YOU join in the fun? Here are a few tips and ideas gathered from the designers themselves.

Definition

A creative team is a team of artists that is put together by an online store or digital designer to help them showcase their products and designs. CT members are usually required to create and post a certain number of digital layouts or hybrid creations in exchange for free product and/or other benefits.

Typical Requirements

The main job of a CT member is to promote the designs of the designer or store in as many ways as possible.

Create 1 to 4 layouts or hybrid projects per month. Sometimes you can use a combination of products from other designers, but you should try use at least 80% from the product you are showcasing.

Participation in the store forum and gallery. This means posting comments and ideas, participating in or hosting challenges, chats, etc.

TIP: A good thing to remember when commenting on someone’s design in a gallery or on a blog is to make a constructive comment. Don’t do ‘drive by’ commenting such as “beautiful LO” or “nice job.” Really look at the LO and say WHY you like it or kindly suggest something that could be done differently or more effectively.

Post LOs and projects in 2 or 3 other online galleries, blog about projects/products, and post via Facebook and Twitter.

Standard credits for your gallery postings should include the designer and kit names for the following

• Papers
• Elements
• Actions/styles
• Font(s)
• Technique(s) - optional

TIP: Do not link your credits to any designer’s store unless you are posting in their store gallery. This is a common store policy.

Sometimes a new CT member will have a ‘probationary period’ before they’re an official member of the team. This means that for the first couple of months, both you and the designer or store will be seeing how well you work together. They want to know if you’re trustworthy and will do your job on time and not just take your free products and/or share with others (unfortunately, it’s happened before). You may also find that your schedule doesn’t really fit with the CT responsibilities or your style just doesn’t match the kits you’re given to work with. It’s ok to step back and say, “Thanks for the opportunity, but it just isn’t working out right now.”

Before you Apply

Just as you would do when applying for a paying job - do a little prep work.

Post samples of your work using their products in your favorite online gallery. This is your portfolio and is very important. Why would a designer want to hire you for their team if you don’t even use their product? Choose a gallery where you have posted most of your work.

Don’t delete those early LOs…even if you don’t like them anymore. Designers want to see a variety of samples and love to see how you’ve progressed as a scrapbook artist.

Research the past work of the current CT. When you create your portfolio LOs, don’t copy the styles of the current CT members. Be yourself. Designers want to see your personality shine through your work.

Be active in the forums and gallery at their store. If there is no store forum or gallery, be active at any other store or general scrapbooking forum and gallery like DST or frequently post comments on the designer’s blog. Designers want to see that you have a track record of participation.

Answering the Call

Just because you’ve never been on a CT before or maybe you never seem to get chosen, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t apply. Some designers even cruise through the galleries to find LOs that ‘speak’ to them and then send out a personal invitation! Remember, some CTs rotate members annually…be patient, do your homework, keep applying.

Apply to an official call.

Check the announcement forum at Digi Shop Talk.

Read the designer’s blogs and Facebook pages.

Check other CT/DT call web sites

Scrapbook Update

Scrap Calls

Scrapscene

Just Calls and Crops

No call for the designer you like right now? Send an e-mail inquiry anyway. Real life happens to all of us and maybe a CT member needs a break or a designer is looking to add another one and just hasn’t gotten around to advertising.

Be realistic in your choices. Don’t apply if the designer’s style and your style clash. For example, if the designer makes country-kitsch designs and you love grungy, fantasy creations, you probably wouldn’t be a good fit for their CT.

Good Luck!

Ancient Asian Remedies

2010-09-14T16:11:00.000-07:00

To prevent age spots: Starting at age fifty, drink the juice of one carrot every day.

(I have a few gallons to catch up on...LOL!)

Urram do Mair

2010-09-11T16:44:00.000-07:00

Gaelic for "Honor to the Dead."

How to Make Corned Beef Brisket, Nitrate-Free at Home

2010-03-17T16:01:00.000-07:00

A little late in the day to start this, but you can always make some for later and save this recipe for next year (start it on 6 March for best results!).

Click here: How to Make Corned Beef Brisket, Nitrate-Free at Home

10 Star Wars Features for the Motorola Droid

2009-10-28T13:58:00.001-07:00

Here's a playful look from PC Magazine on how to make Verizon's new Android handset the best phone in the galaxy. Click here or on the image to read the whole article. I liked the ideas of the "Pocket Chewbacca" combination GPS navigator/laser crossbow and the "Holographic Video Calling."

May the Force be with you!

Arrr Matey! It be International Talk Like A Pirate Day an' here be some treasure fer ye!

2009-09-19T12:41:00.000-07:00

My pirate name is:

Calico Charity Bonney

Often indecisive, you can't even choose a favorite color. You're apt to follow wherever the wind blows you, just like Calico Jack Rackham, your namesake. You can be a little bit unpredictable, but a pirate's life is far from full of certainties, so that fits in pretty well. Arr!

Get your own pirate name from piratequiz.com.
part of the fidius.org network

Here be some booty fer yer ship - er, computer -

free TLAP wallpaper. I dug up 2 sizes so you can outfit any size ship.
There be no date on it so ye can re-use it every year!

Click here or click the image above.

I'm having a "Going on an Extended Vacation" sale!

2009-09-17T09:28:00.001-07:00

Don't despair...I'm not quitting, just taking a much needed break. I'm taking a vacation from designing to work on a few personal projects. But, before I go, and for the first time ever, you can buy my entire store!

For just $25 you'll get over $230 worth of products! And, everything is scrap for others (S4O) friendly - no extra charge!

The sale runs from September 16-30 - Take only what you want or take it all!

After you purchase my store, I'll send you a special coupon code and you will have until October 15th to complete your downloads. After that everything will be removed from the servers!

Here's an general overview of what you'll get...

5 sets of 5x7 Album Templates, 3 fun Alphabets, 3 sets of 4x6 Brag
Book Album Templates, 3 sets of Quick Page Albums, 4 Scottish Clan Packs, 7 Element sets, 7 Full Kits, 6 Mini Kits, 5 Kit Add-ons, 9 Holiday Ornaments, 4 Memory Purse Quick Page inserts, and 3 sets of Semi-PreMade Pages templates!

Please visit my blog and my Facebook page (www.facebook.com/catriona.macgregor) now and then to check for updates. Feel free to e-mail me any time, too. I will continue to take special requests.

As a famous California governor once said, "I'll be back."

Peace, Love, and Happiness: a new alphabet pack in the shop!

2009-07-11T11:30:00.001-07:00

It's about time I had a new product...I'm such a slacker...LOL!
So here it is: That 70s Kit - Suede Fringe Alphabet.

This groovy alphabet and number set is decorated with embroidered flowers and leaves and even contains a farout fringy bracket. It's perfect for all your retro photos or your 'Back to the 70s' parties! It also works well for those 1960s Woodstock-style layouts.

On sale now for only $2!

Going to Dinner and the Theater

2009-06-23T16:00:00.000-07:00

We're going to experience Goran Bregovic and His Wedding and Funeral Orchestra tonight with our Montenegrin friends.

"Roots in the Balkans where he stems from, head in the 21st Century which he fully inhabits, Goran Bregovic's music marries sounds of a gypsy brass band with traditional Bulgarian polyphonies, those of an electric guitar and traditional percussion with a curious rock accent all against a background of a bedeviled string orchestra and deep sonorities of a male choir, creating music that our soul recognizes instinctively and the body greets with an irresistible urge to dance."

According to our friends, he rocks the house and there will be dancing in the aisles!

Before that, we're going to spend some time at Pike Place Market and have a lovely seafood dinner down there.

Best of all - it's a sunny, Seattle day today!

Welcome Mari!

2009-05-31T23:31:00.000-07:00

May was an eventful month for our family...

A new granddaughter...

a vacation...

and a nasty virus (I'm better now!).

Happy Cinco de Mayo!

2009-05-05T09:30:00.000-07:00

Since I'm very calorie conscious these days...down 13 pounds so far!...I often have to skip cocktail time. However, I found this "guilt-free margarita" recipe just in time for summer! One regular margarita can contain up to 250 calories (or more if you add some yummy amaretto or grand mariner...sigh!).

Here's the lower calorie (105) and low carb (2g*) recipe to try:

6 ounces of diet lemon-lime soda
1.5 ounces of tequila
1/2 tsp. powdered sugar-free lemonade (or try another flavor)
1/4 tsp orange extract (optional - but good!)
1 ounce of lime juice*

Mix all the ingredients together and pour over crushed ice in a margarita glass. OLE!

*Carbs: 2g using bottled lime juice or 2.5g for fresh lime juice

Seattle Beer Week is coming!

2009-05-01T10:34:00.000-07:00

The first ever Seattle Beer Week is scheduled for the 7th through the 17th of May - a ten day week! It will highlight the best of what Seattle and the Northwest beer community has to offer - from the numerous award winning breweries and world class pubs to a community of beer lovers like no other. Seattle Beer Week is 10 days of bubbly fun at over 100 different events all around the greater Seattle area. The schedule is filled with brewer dinners, mini-beer festivals, and special limited edition brews made just for the event.

The kick off event is May 7th from 5-7 pm at Pike Brewing in the lower level of Pike Place Market. They will release a never seen or tasted before Double IPA as the inaugural commemorative brew.

But wait! There's more!

You know the night can't possibly end at 7 pm...that's inconceivable! (Vizzini, The Princess Bride) Both before and after the kick off there are numerous places to enjoy a tasty beverage or three.

The Pub at Pipers Creek is featuring a Boulder Beer Happy Hour with a release of the new India Brown Anniversary Ale (4-6 pm)
Beveridge Place Pub is featuring a full night of Cask beer
Bottleworks is having an Iron Horse Brewing tasting.
The Park Pub is holding a Boulder Beer Brewers night (just in case you missed the one at Pipers Creek) featuring great beers, swag, and the release of the new India Brown Anniversary Ale (7-10 pm)

For more information, here's a great calendar of events and here's the official Seattle Beer Week web site.

Burp...

Hooray, hooray, it's the first of May!

2009-05-01T08:51:00.000-07:00

It's also the first day of Beltane...a Celtic quarter day and the start of
the Celtic summer season. Summer? Good grief...Spring has only just
begun and in some places they're still getting snow! Celebrate by
placing a May Day bouquet of flowers on your door (or a friend's door
as a special surprise!) and light a Beltane bonfire outdoors (or in your
fireplace) tonight. If you're in the city, you may want to just light a
candle...LOL!

Beltane is also a fertility festival. If you're in the mood, you just might
want to snuggle up with your sweetie by that nice romantic blaze
...who knows what might happen!

Last night, 30 April, the Beltane Society held their annual Fire Festival
on Calton Hill in Edinburgh, Scotland. It's a "spectacular revival of the
ancient Celtic fertility festival in the heart of the Scottish capital;" a
"unique and wild procession of fire, drumming, and revelry." If you
were fortunate and got to attend, tell us all about it and send a link
to your photos!

What {Pantone} Color Are You?

2009-04-24T11:33:00.000-07:00

Colorstrology will match your birthday with a
Pantone color and a fun personality profile.

Mine is a warm cocoa color called Aragon
(oooh - LOTR flash!): Pantone 17-1532.
I'm a "sharp witted communicator."
How right on is that!?!

The web site also has an e-card feature to
send your friends a colorful note on their
birthday or whenever.

What's your color?

Make a difference on Earth Day and everyday (and a freebie!)

2009-04-22T06:55:00.000-07:00

Earth Day is celebrated annually on 22 April but that doesn't mean it's the only day we should focus on the protection of our environment. Here are five simple actions you can take at work and at home throughout the year.

You’ve got the power. Turn off your computer monitor, lights, and other electronic equipment when you’re not using them. Make sure that you turn on any energy-saving features.

Take part in a ride of passage. Instead of driving, start or join a carpool, or walk, bike or use mass transportation instead. By leaving your car at home twice a week, you could cut greenhouse gas emissions by more than 1,500 pounds (680 kilograms) per year.

I’ll drink to that. Recycle beverage containers such as paper cups, aluminum cans, and plastic soda bottles. Instead of paper or foam cups, use a reusable mug, glass, or water bottle.

Think before you ink. Print as a necessity, not as a convenience. If you must print a document or an e-mail, use two-sided (duplex) printing to save paper. Check your printer's manual or help files to learn how to print on both sides.

Lend a hand. Participate in an Earth Day event at work or in your community. Find one near you here.

Got kids? Get them involved, too. Here's a web site with information and activites geared to kids of all ages. It's never too early to teach our kids about the environment.

Remember, YOU can make a difference and not just on Earth Day — but on every day of every year. Visit the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) web site for more information.

Challenge: Make a scrapbook page or two to show what you and your family are doing to protect Mother Earth. To get you started, here's a yummy freebie to use on your Earth Day layouts or greeting cards. Click on the image to download it.

Happy Tartan Day! [and a freebie!]

2009-04-06T08:28:00.000-07:00

Are you wearing your tartan? I am!

In the United States and Canada, Tartan Day is held on 6 April, the anniversary of the date on which the Declaration of Arbroath was created in 1320. The city of New York celebrates with a Tartan Week.

Today is the 11th anniversary of the official proclamation of 6 April as National Tartan Day. It's really an International holiday as it's celebrated in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and, of course, Scotland. To learn more about it, click here.

To help you celebrate the day, and because it's so close to Easter this year, here's a free Saltire egg for you! (By the way...the quote on the preview is from the Declaration of Arbroath.) Click on the image below to download it.

Send your friends to this blog so they can get their own copy.

Slainte! {Gaelic for Cheers!}

Good Karma Friday: Fisher Houses

2009-04-03T12:49:00.000-07:00

The US Army has a program similar to Ronald McDonald House called Fisher House. They are comfortable, temporary homes filled with warm, caring people who help families endure the stresses associated with a loved one's serious medical condition. Family members of an active duty or retired service member who is being treated at the nearby military hospital pay only $10.00* per night to stay in a Fisher House. In some locations, outpatients may also stay in the house. The typical stay is about 10 days but guest can stay as long as necessary...even up to a year if their military loved one needs extensive treatment.

Fisher House™ Foundation and the Fisher House™ program depends on public donations to continue its important work; the Army provides no financial support. The funding for the operations and maintenance of Army Fisher Houses comes primarily from two sources: the small service charge ($10 per family-night) and your charitable contributions.

Here's your Good Karma Friday opportunities...

Donate Money!

Donated money is used to improve facilities, provide amenities for the guests, celebrate holidays, and enhance the range of services provided.

You can make a donation to benefit all the Army Fisher Houses by sending a check to the program's main office. Click here for the address.

You can make a donation to a specific house through the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC).

You can send a check directly to a specific Fisher House.
Note: Donations made to a specific Army Fisher House are spent on that house.

Donate Frequent Flier Miles!

The nonprofit Fisher House Foundation administers the "Hero Miles" program for the Department of Defense. Through this program, frequent flyer members of designated airlines can donate their miles to the Fisher House Foundation who provides free airline tickets to military men and women and their families who are undergoing treatment at a military or VA medical center as a result of their service in Iraq or Afghanistan.

Donate Time!

Fisher Houses depend on volunteers like you! All volunteering is done at the local level, and not through the Fisher House Foundation in Rockville, MD. Contact the manager of a Fisher House near you either by telephone or e-mail. The manager will let you know what they need help with.

Good Karma Friday - Random Acts of Kindness Day: Sunday 29 March

2009-03-27T06:00:00.000-07:00

Sunday, 29 March, is a "Random Acts of Kindness Day" brought to you by the Karma Experiment group on Facebook. You are cordially invited to make a conscious effort to make a difference in someone else's life...'pay it forward'...anywhere you are on the planet.

Random acts of kindness (RAK) result in significant benefits, both physical and mental, for those who perform them and those that receive them.

To take part, all you have to do is one (or more) random act of kindness at anytime during the day. You can do your RAK anonymously or tell us about it by leaving a comment here.

Together, we CAN be that change and makes an impact in everyone's lives.

Visit the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation.