Thursday, September 29, 2011

My Memories Scrapbooking Software GIVEAWAY

I was given a very exciting opportunity to branch out in my scrapbooking hobby and test the My Memories Software suite version 2. I am telling, I have been playing with this software for a few days now and I am really, really loving it!! I am an avowed Paint Shop Pro X3 addict but there is SO much more detail and things that are directly related to scrapbooking and not photo editing or graphics rendering that My Memories does that PSP just cannot touch. I have tried to scrapbook with PSP for years and I always am either disappointed with the page results or wind up  making mini pages with borders and an element.

Here's just a few things that My Memories lets you do that make it the GREATEST software for scrapbookers ever created:
  • Choose page sizes from  mini pages and cards all the way up to 12 x 12 pages if your printer has the capability to do so. I have an Epson Stylus 1400 which uses their Claria line of inks. With this wonderful printer, which has been around since I want to say 2007, I am able to print regular pages, 8" x 8" pages, 12" x 12" which has been my standard scrap size since 1999 and incredible 13" x 19" poster size pages!!!
  • Integrate backgrounds, elements, mats, frames, in coordinating colors by using the Color Picker tool in every selection
  • Create text blocks and word art for those memorable journal passages and eye catching titles!
  • Add shadowing to embellishments for a truly three-dimensional look
  • Purchase amazing paper packs and embellishment kits and even completed quick pages that you simply add your photos and some personalized text to...in seconds you have a unique and uniquely yours invitation, birth announcement, thank you card, or holiday card or a frameable keepsake for your wall to commemorate your wedding, baby's arrival, graduation and so many more events and adventures!
Can you all tell I adore this software?? I honestly don't think I've opened PSP in a couple weeks...eek!!

Here is a Halloween invite I made for my kiddos Halloween party:
 Followed by this adorable layout I did of my youngest daughter, A7, with a pic taken back in 2009 that I sepia-toned and turned into a layout just today:

Notice the cute ribbon shape with stitching I used to make the journal block. I was able to add that, and then put the text right in it without having to copy and paste the text from a word processing program. My Memories let me do it all in ONE!!
NOW FOR THE EXCITING PART! LIZ FROM MY MEMORIES HAS ALLOWED ME DO A GIVEAWAY FOR A COPY OF THIS AMAZING SOFTWARE TO ONE LUCKY READER! WHEN I DO THE ANNOUNCEMENT FOR THE WINNER YOU WILL RECEIVE AN EMAIL LINK TO THE SITE WITH A CODE TO USE TO RECEIVE YOUR FREE DOWNLOAD OF THE SOFTWARE. 

ENTERING IS VERY SIMPLE: JUST COMMENT ON THIS POST AND TELL ME WHAT YOU THINK YOU WOULD LIKE TO SCRAP WITH THE MY MEMORIES SOFTWARE. 

WANT A SECOND ENTRY? WRITE A SHORT BLURB ON YOUR BLOG AND LINK IT TO THIS POST. COMMENT THAT YOU'VE DONE SO WITH A LINK TO YOUR BLOG AND YOU'LL GET A SECOND ENTRY INSTANTLY! 

HOW ABOUT THREE TIMES A CHARM? POST YOUR FAVORITE HALLOWEEN PIC PAST OR SHARE WHAT YOU'RE GOING TO DO FOR HALLOWEEN THIS YEAR IN A COMMENT AND I'LL GIVE YOU A THIRD ENTRY!

PLUS, FOR THOSE WHO ELECT TO BLOG, EVERYONE WHO COMES AND ENTERS AND SAYS "I FOLLOWED FROM BLOG" I WILL GIVE YOU ONE MORE ENTRY!!!

GOOD LUCK, HAPPY FALL, AND HAVE FUN!!!

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

"The Daughter's Walk" truly terrific historical fiction

The Daughter's Walk tells the life story of Clara Estby, beginning in her late teens when her mother drafts her to accompany her on a trek from Spokane, Washington to New York City in a bid to win $10,000. The walk takes place in the late 1800's and the money is meant to save the Estby family farm. Sadly, because of Mrs. Estby's inability to stick to schedules and avoid side trips the women arrive in poor condition, Clara very ill and on the verge of death and out of time. They do NOT receive the prize. When they arrive home there are surprises waiting.

The second half is truly engaging and takes place AFTER Clara leaves home. Why does she leave? What does her mother confide on the walk that changes Clara's life in unexpected and irreversible ways? How does Clara survive after she leaves home?

Grab a copy of The Daughter's Walk, something warm and tasty to sip, curl up by a cozy fire in your favorite pajamas and enjoy the suspenseful tale!

Fresh Brewed Life ~ A BookSneeze Review

I have been a fan of Nicole Johnson for years and yet, somehow, until this revised and expanded edition of Fresh Brewed Life was released I had not heard of this terrific book. I am glad in some ways that I didn't discover this book until now, because I am at a place in my life where this book has been a tremendous help and  a real encouragement, relevant to now rather than file for later in my memory bank.

Each chapter focuses on a different section of a woman's life, from relationships to the workplace to spirituality and fulfillment. They encourage the reader to sip slowly and savor the wit, wisdom, and sometimes hilarity you'll find. I could not put this book down, however, because I needed cupfuls-no, make that full pots-of freshly brewed relevance and insight and that is exactly what I got from Fresh Brewed Life.

Anyone picking this book up for themselves should definitely get a second and maybe even a third copy, because you are going to find yourself thinking of at least one, and maybe two or even more close girlfriend's who really really could use a new cup of life...the Fresh Brewed kind...and you won't want to part with your copy. One of my greatest joys is passing a fabulous book on, but this has become, like my Bible, a "purse pal" that goes with me everywhere. I find myself calling friends and saying, "You have GOT to hear this!!" at least three times a day.

Everyone I've shared this with has been thrilled and wowed with the passages I've passed on and I am making this one of my go to Christmas gifts this year!

Go get yourself a cup of your favorite beverage, a copy of Fresh Brewed Life, and sit, sip, and savor...beverage AND book! You will truly enjoy it.