I did find some samples of this online, but they were too basic; simply sent an email to the member saying, “a new post has been added! Go here!” and included a generic link to the site. The one I’ve created does much more than that. Here’s a sample of the email that will be spit out once I publish this post:

New Post Notification

Posted in Web Design by Sharon Murphy on Apr 27, 2012 at 2:10pm

Here is a snippet of code to add to your site that will allow anyone who is a member of your site to …read more…

Neat, huh?

I’ve included the code needed to create this, and I’ve also included details next to the code to explain what I’ve done to create what you see here.

1. First thing, you’ll need your own theme. I highly recommend this, because once you make changes, if the original author posts an update and you accidentally commit the update, you’ll lose any changes you made. Go HERE to get a basic child theme if you don’t have one yet.
2. Next, you need FTP access (or some other access) to allow you to open and edit the functions.php file located inside your theme directory (within wp-content/themes in your WordPress install).
3. Lastly, copy and paste the following code into your functions.php file (note: there is no closing ?> tag, don’t add one!):

   <?php
   
   /**
   * Theme specific functions and definitions
   * Author: Sharon Murphy
   * URL: http://clarinerd.com/blog/web-design/child-themes/
   * @package WordPress
   * @subpackage Twenty_Eleven
   * @since Twenty Eleven 1.0
   */
   
   function email_members($post_ID) {
     $wp_user_search = new WP_User_Query( array( 'fields' => array('user_email') ) );
     $usersarray = $wp_user_search->get_results();
     $arrUsers = array ();
     for ($arr = $usersarray, $mU = count ($arr), $iU = 0; $iU < $mU; $iU++) {
       $arrUsers[] = $arr[$iU]->user_email;
     }
     $adminEmail = get_option('admin_email'); //email for admin of WordPress install
     $users = implode(",", $arrUsers); //send email to all users
     $siteLink = get_bloginfo('siteurl'); //return URL to site
     $category = get_the_category(); //category array
     $postCategory = $category[0]->cat_name; //first category name
     $catSlug = $category[0]->category_nicename; //first category slug - for permalink build
     $authorFN = get_the_author_meta(first_name, get_post($post_ID)->post_author); //author first name
     $authorLN = get_the_author_meta(last_name, get_post($post_ID)->post_author); //author last name
     $postTitle = get_post($post_ID)->post_title; //text title of post
     $postDate = mysql2date('M j, Y', get_post($post_ID)->post_date); //date posted
     $postTime = mysql2date('g:ia', get_post($post_ID)->post_date); //time posted
     $postLink = get_permalink(get_post($post_ID)); //permalink to post
     $postExcerpt = substr(get_post($post_ID)->post_content,0,144); //144-character limited excerpt of post
     add_filter('wp_mail_content_type',create_function('', 'return "text/html";'));
     wp_mail(
       $adminEmail,
       'New post: ' . $postTitle,
       '<h2>' . $postTitle . '</h2>
       <p>Posted in <a href="'. $siteLink . '/category/' . $catSlug . '">' . $postCategory . '</a> by ' . $authorFN . ' ' . $authorLN . ' on ' . $postDate . ' at ' . $postTime . '</p>
       <p><i>' . $postExcerpt . ' <a href="' . $postLink . '">...read more...</a></i></p>',
       array (
         'BCC:' . $users,
         'From:' . $adminEmail
       )
     );
     return $post_ID;
   }
   add_action('publish_post', 'email_members');

Just as before, if you’d rather not do this yourself, I’ve got the file available for download right here:

New Post Notify
new-post-notify.zip
Version: 1.0

This ZIP file contains a functions.php file. **NOTE! THIS IS NOT A PLUGIN!!**

Author:	Sharon Murphy
Category:	Wordpress Customizations
Date:	April 27, 2012

1.8 KiB
1 Downloads
Details...

As always, please feel free to contact me if you have problems or questions. Thanks!

The easiest way to make changes to an existing theme is to create what is called a Child Theme. This is basically a sub-theme that uses all the main theme’s files and uses any files you include in its individual folder. That can mean adding on to an existing file (for instance, adding new functions to TwentyEleven by creating a functions.php file and adding your own stuff) or completely overwriting a file from the original theme (like including a new header.php file of our own). Here’s all you need:

1. Create a folder inside your wp-content/themes/ directory. For the purposes of this post, I’ll call the folder “custom-2011″.
2. Inside that folder, you’ll need only one file, the style.css file. This is where you can specify what the name of the theme is and the theme to which it is linked.
3. Put this text at the top of your style.css file:

   /*
   Theme Name: Custom 2011
   Theme URI: http://clarinerd.com/blog/web-design/child-themes/
   Description: Child theme for the Twenty Eleven theme
   Version: 1.0
   License: GNU General Public License
   License URI: license.txt
   Author: Sharon Murphy
   Author URI: http: //www.clarinerd.com/
   Template: twentyeleven
   */
   @import url("../twentyeleven/style.css");

That’s it! Everything else you want within your theme is up to you. I’ve got a few ideas around this site and there are some great options out on the internet if you search for “twentyeleven child theme”.

If you don’t want to have to create the directory and files listed above, a ZIP is available below:

Child Theme
custom-2011.zip
Version: 1.0

This is a blank child theme. This install will get you started in creating your own (links to Twenty Eleven theme, which is required for this to work).

Author:	Sharon Murphy
Category:	Wordpress Customizations
Date:	April 26, 2012

1.0 KiB
1 Downloads
Details...

To install, here’s what you do:

1. Navigate to the Themes area of your Dashboard.
2. Click “Add New”.
3. Choose “Upload”.
4. Choose the ZIP file you just downloaded, and click “Install Now”.
5. Activate the theme. You’re done!

Have questions? Have requests on more info concerning child themes? I’m here to help

I saw a nice “download” button today, and thought I’d see if I could re-create it in CSS. Here’s the graphic:

Download Graphic

Next, I decided to try breaking it down into elements. There is a dark border around the item, a green gradient background, white text and a green shadow around the text. I have a few tricks for completing this:

1. For analyzing the image, you can use your own graphics software, or go to pixlr.com and upload the image (which is what I did). The border turns out to be close to #666. The shadow on the text is close to #351. The font used looks to be Helvetica (possibly Arial) and set to bold. The width is 110px and the height is 31px.
2. The gradient is a little harder. I also have a trick for this. Inside pixlr, I cut down the image to where there is only the gradient showing (trim the border, then crop the image to just a section showing the green gradient). I use the Ultimate CSS Gradient Generator - this site allows you to upload an image that contains gradient. The site will analyze the gradient and spit out the CSS-equivalent code for you.

Here’s the resulting button:

Click the link below to download the complete HTML page, including all CSS used and a copy of the graphic used above.

CSS Button Sample
download-css.zip
Version: 1

This is a ZIP file containing an HTML page and graphic. The HTML page contains extensive CSS coding to stylize your own download button to look exactly like the included graphic.

Author:	Sharon Murphy
Date:	April 17, 2012

12.8 KiB
0 Downloads
Details...

I’m including instructions on how to do this yourself. However, if you’d rather just skip straight to the install, I’m including both the altered iCloud.msi and iCloud64.msi files for download at the bottom of this post.

First off, you’ll need the iCloud Windows control panel. Next, you’ll need a file archiver; I prefer 7-Zip. Lastly, you’ll need Orca MSI Editor.

1. Download all programs. Install 7-Zip and Orca MSI Editor. Don’t install iCloud just yet.
2. Using 7-Zip, extract the file contents of iCloudSetup.exe You should see a file called “iCloud.msi” and one called “iCloud64.msi”, among many others.
3. Using Orca MSI Editor, open either iCloud.msi (iCloud64.msi).
4. In the editor window, you’ll see LaunchCondition in the left-hand column. Right now, it says “VersionNT = 600″. You want it to read “VersionNT = 200″. Make that change, and then save the file.
5. Now, when you open iCloud.msi (or iCloud64.msi), you should be able to complete the install! If you need instructions, they’re on the Apple website.

iCloudXP.msi
iCloudXP.zip
Version: 1.0

This is the altered iCloud Windows Control Panel install for Windows XP

Languages:	English
Platforms:	Windows XP
Date:	April 12, 2012

5.6 MiB
95 Downloads
Details...

iCloud64XP.msi
iCloud64XP.zip

This is the 64-bit version of the altered iCloud Windows Control Panel for Windows XP.

Date:

April 12, 2012

8.2 MiB
36 Downloads
Details...

Here’s what I did:

First, I altered the /wp-includes/theme.php:

(starting at line 1783)

/* ADDED BY SHARON MURPHY 03/30/2012 */
// $position = get_theme_mod( 'background_position_x', 'left' );
// if ( ! in_array( $position, array( 'center', 'right', 'left' ) ) )
// $position = 'left';
// $position = " background-position: top $position;";
$xPosition = get_theme_mod( 'background_position_x', 'left' );
if ( ! in_array( $xPosition, array( 'center', 'right', 'left' ) ) )
$xPosition = 'left';
$yPosition = get_theme_mod( 'background_position_y', 'top' );
if ( ! in_array( $yPosition, array( 'top', 'center', 'bottom' ) ) )
$yPosition = 'top';
$position = " background-position: $yPosition $xPosition;";
/* END ADDON BY SHARON MURPHY 03/30/2012 */

Next, I altered the /wp-admin/custom-background.php:

(starting at line 139)

/* ADDED BY SHARON MURPHY 03/30/2012 */
// if ( isset($_POST['background-position-x']) ) {
// check_admin_referer('custom-background');
// if ( in_array($_POST['background-position-x'], array('center', 'right', 'left')) )
// $position = $_POST['background-position-x'];
// else
// $position = 'left';
// set_theme_mod('background_position_x', $position);
// }
if ( isset($_POST['background-position-x']) ) {
check_admin_referer('custom-background');
if ( in_array($_POST['background-position-x'], array('center', 'right', 'left')) )
$xPosition = $_POST['background-position-x'];
else
$xPosition = 'left';
set_theme_mod('background_position_x', $xPosition);
}
if ( isset($_POST['background-position-y']) ) {
check_admin_referer('custom-background');
if ( in_array($_POST['background-position-y'], array('top', 'center', 'bottom')) )
$yPosition = $_POST['background-position-y'];
else
$yPosition = 'top';
set_theme_mod('background_position_y', $yPosition);
}
/* END ADDON BY SHARON MURPHY 03/30/2012 */

(beginning at line 223)

// BEGIN EDIT BY SHARON MURPHY 03/30/2012
// . ' background-position: top ' . get_theme_mod('background_position_x', 'left');
. ' background-position: ' . get_theme_mod('background_position_y', 'top') . ' ' . get_theme_mod('background_position_x', 'left');
// END EDIT BY SHARON MURPHY 03/30/2012

(beginning at line 283)

<!-- BEGIN EDITS BY SHARON MURPHY 03/30/2012 -->
<!-- <tr valign="top">
<th scope="row"><?php //_e( 'Position' ); ?></th>
<td><fieldset><legend class="screen-reader-text"><span><?php //_e( 'Background Position' ); ?></span></legend>
<label>
<input name="background-position-x" type="radio" value="left"<?php //checked('left', get_theme_mod('background_position_x', 'left')); ?> />
<?php //_e('Left') ?>
</label>
<label>
<input name="background-position-x" type="radio" value="center"<?php //checked('center', get_theme_mod('background_position_x', 'left')); ?> />
<?php //_e('Center') ?>
</label>
<label>
<input name="background-position-x" type="radio" value="right"<?php //checked('right', get_theme_mod('background_position_x', 'left')); ?> />
<?php //_e('Right') ?>
</label>
</fieldset></td>
</tr> -->
<tr valign="top">
<th scope="row"><?php _e( 'Horizontal Position' ); ?></th>
<td><fieldset><legend class="screen-reader-text"><span><?php _e( 'Background Position' ); ?></span></legend>
<label>
<input name="background-position-x" type="radio" value="left"<?php checked('left', get_theme_mod('background_position_x', 'left')); ?> />
<?php _e('Left') ?>
</label>
<label>
<input name="background-position-x" type="radio" value="center"<?php checked('center', get_theme_mod('background_position_x', 'left')); ?> />
<?php _e('Center') ?>
</label>
<label>
<input name="background-position-x" type="radio" value="right"<?php checked('right', get_theme_mod('background_position_x', 'left')); ?> />
<?php _e('Right') ?>
</label>
</fieldset></td>
</tr>
<tr valign="top">
<th scope="row"><?php _e( 'Vertical Position' ); ?></th>
<td><fieldset><legend class="screen-reader-text"><span><?php _e( 'Background Position' ); ?></span></legend>
<label>
<input name="background-position-y" type="radio" value="top"<?php checked('top', get_theme_mod('background_position_y', 'top')); ?> />
<?php _e('Top') ?>
</label>
<label>
<input name="background-position-y" type="radio" value="center"<?php checked('center', get_theme_mod('background_position_y', 'top')); ?> />
<?php _e('Center') ?>
</label>
<label>
<input name="background-position-y" type="radio" value="bottom"<?php checked('bottom', get_theme_mod('background_position_y', 'top')); ?> />
<?php _e('Bottom') ?>
</label>
</fieldset></td>
</tr>
<!-- END EDITS BY SHARON MURPHY 03/30/2012 -->

You can either do the alterations yourself, or download the files here:

Vertical Align Background Support
vertical-align-background.zip
Version: 1

Hi there! I've found a way to hack my current install to include vertical alignment for backgrounds, however I'd love to know how to add this to my twentyeleven child-theme. PLEASE BE AWARE THIS IS NOT FOR THE FAINT OF HEART! You will be altering the Wordpress core code, and could ultimately break your site. I recommend making backups of any files listed here. Also, be aware that when you update, your alterations will be overwritten. Again, back up everything before starting this.

Author:	Sharon Murphy
Category:	Wordpress Customizations
Date:	April 3, 2012

35.5 KiB
3 Downloads
Details...

This works, which is great and all, but it would be wonderful if this were part of the WordPress Codex.

1. Is there any way I can add this support to my twentyeleven child theme?
2. How do I submit this as a request for the next release?

Embouchure 1

1. BOTTOM LIP: Stretch your lower lip against (and a little bit over) your lower teeth and make your chin “long”. EASIER: Try making an “ee” noise as in “Winnie”).
2. Pull the corners of your mouth in (not out) and form a very small aperture (hole) at the center of your lips. AVOID SMILING (a smile is too wide and too tense for playing clarinet). EASIER: Keep the position from above, and try making an “oo” noise as in “Pooh”.
3. TOP LIP & TEETH: Maybe you’ve noticed, but your top lip does some work too! Let your top lip push down against the top of the mouthpiece. This will help with relaxing your jaw and will give the reed some freedom.
4. AVOID: Bottom teeth cutting into your top lip (ouch!); remember to relax and let the reed vibrate (it might tickle your lip a little bit, but that is the correct way). Also, your top teeth should set on the top of the mouthpiece; don’t roll your top lip in.
5. Your embouchure should form a seal around the mouthpiece. Try playing with just the mouthpiece and barrel first. Yes it’s squeaky, yes it’ll annoy your little brother, but it’s great fun!
6. The “Tickle” Factor: Your bottom lip should be low on the reed so that the reed can vibrate. You will know when your bottom lip is loose enough because the reed will tickle just a little bit. Also, your top teeth should rest firmly on the tip of the mouthpiece.

Special Notes:

• DON’T QUIT. Just because you get frustrated doesn’t mean you should quit. Remember, even your teachers still practice this stuff!
• PERFECT YOUR PRACTICE TIME. Practice doesn’t always make perfect, but watching yourself and paying attention to what’s happening when you play will help you to be a much better player.
• For now, this may seem easy to form. But, when you get around to playing a sound, you may find it hard to keep this position (use a mirror and see what happens).
• Don’t Quit: Just because you get frustrated doesn’t mean you should quit. Remember, even your teachers still practice this stuff.
• Perfect Your Practice Time: Practice doesn’t always make perfect, but watching yourself and paying attention to what’s happening when you play will help you to be a much better player.

When Putting your Clarinet Together:

• Apply Cork Grease to each cork, mainly when the instrument gets ‘sticky’. Be sure no grease gets on the main body of the clarinet (wood and keys) – you can wipe it off with a towel.
• Push & Twist: As you put each part together, gently but firmly push and twist.
• Ligature First: Remember to put the ligature on first so you don’t chip those delicate reeds.
• Always Have Extras: Reeds are very delicate and expensive. You can make them last longer by always placing the ligature before the reed, & ALWAYS have at least 2 or 3 extra reeds in your case.

When Taking your Clarinet Apart:

• Gently but firmly pull & twist as you take the clarinet apart.
• Reed First: The reed, since it is the most important piece and the most fragile, should always be placed on the instrument last and taken off first.

Special Notes:

• Protect Your Reeds: Place your reeds back in its box or in reed cases. They should never be loose in your case.
• ALWAYS Swab: This will keep moisture from ruining corks, pads, and that beautiful wood!

Baby Wall Art

I got the idea for this from Pinterest. Now that I’ve finally completed my own layout in InDesign, I’m passing this on to anyone else interested.

Here’s how I went about setting this up for my daughter’s room:

1. First, I had to decide on what colors to use. She has bedding from KidsLine, and I was able to find some decent photos online. I was able to use those as a basis for my color scheme.
2. I then uploaded the photos to colr.org and had it pull out colors from the images. I wrote down the HEX colors it gave me and then translated them to RGB colors for use in InDesign (you can do this either by using the popup window at colr.org or you can go to here, which I found to be quicker).
3. Once you’ve got all that sorted, the next bit is to adjust the text to fit the areas it’s given. This is a little tricky, but basically I mostly adjusted just the font size.
4. One additional adjustment I did was to give her birth month line a little extra left-padding; otherwise, the tail end of the “J” swooped out into the margin.
5. After you’ve got your page the way you want it, export it to a high-quality PDF
6. How you print it is up to you. I’m going to try printing this at home first. However, there are plenty of good online choices for ordering prints of self-made artwork.

Here is the InDesign template and the font I used. Feel free to take both.