In this down economy you may want to start thinking about taking your own family photos this year. Below are some helpful hints for a first time photographer or even someone with experience.
1. Don't just read your manual - Sit down with your camera too, and as you go through the manual, experiment with the tips and settings it's referring to. You may end up with a lot of pictures of your feet as you page through it, but in the end you'll have a much greater knowledge of not only where and what all the settings on your camera are but what they do.
2. Use a tripod. A tripod is essential for capturing a "steady" and level shot. Especially with low lighting.
3. You never know how many photos you'll take when you turn your camera on, or if you forgot to download the memory card the night before, so be sure to have enough memory to ensure that you won't miss those important moments. Memory cards are getting more and more inexpensive. Have at least a 512MB or 1Gig card. This will allow you to take a large amount of photos and even a video or two if your camera is capable of it.
4. Make backups, make backups, make backups. Oh yeah, and make backups. Having a digital file is like having a print from 35mm film. If you lose your 4x6 print, its ok, you have the negatives so you can go have another print made. NOT so with digital -- if you delete a picture, or even worse, if your computer hard drive fails then that image is GONE. Try to make a habit of regularly copying your digital files onto another device, like an external hard drive. Computer memory is incredibly cheap, so there's no excuse to not have 1 or 2 backup copies of all your digital pictures and videos. It's always better to be safe than sorry.
5. If you're using an interchangeable lens camera (a digital SLR) and need to change lenses, be sure to do so in as much of a dust-free environment as you can. If you're outdoors, try to shield the camera with your jacket or shirt, or within a camera bag. Repeated lens-changes can let dust into your camera, which will show up on pictures as circular dark areas that stay in the same spot through each picture, and can get dust in your viewfinder, which doesn't affect image quality, but is usually just annoying. Camera cleanings usually aren't quick, or free.
6. It doesn't take a lot of equipment to make a good photograph. Some of the most iconic images of our time were taken with a single camera and lens, but it was the photographer that knew their craft.
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2009/01/30
2009/01/28
Yojo Mama - For Parents on the Go!
I wanted to share some upcoming news with you from Yojo Mobile, the company that brought the world MizPee.com, the award winning mobile restroom tracker that helps people on the go find a clean place to go in cities across the U.S. and Europe.Yojo Mama, a new mobile destination and website for ‘parents on the go’, recently launched to the public. The mobile concierge for parents on the go, Yojo Mama helps moms and dads find what they need, when and where they need it most. As they say, mama knows best, and Yojo Mama finds what parents and kids are looking for based on their precise time and location.
Yojo Mama is the quickest way to find:
- Events and activities for parents and kids in their neighborhood, or when they’re traveling somewhere new.
- Parent and kid friendly deals based on the user’s location at a given moment.
- The nearest diaper changing station or quiet place to nurse.
- Kid-friendly restaurants, shopping, and other must-see (or must-avoid!) places.
- Real-time answers to 'on the go' questions from a vibrant and growing community of parents.
- Informative and fun articles on things to do and places to go.
A pioneer in designing location-based applications for the mobile user, Yojo Mobile will offer the service initially in New York and San Francisco, with Los Angeles, Chicago and other destinations following in the coming months.
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2009/01/26
Tips for Frugal Living
THIS YEAR IS ABOUT “CHANGE”
TIP #1: Use your Costco, Sam’s Club or other bargain store membership and create family outings at home. Purchase snacks in bulk, and do movie night in your living room. And while you’re at the store, purchase other bulk items you use regularly to cut down on expenses (toilet paper, plastic bags, snacks for lunches etc.).
Tip #2: Don’t blink when you open your monthly bills! Reduce every one of your utility bills by 10%. Automatically save 3% on your energy bill by lowering your thermostat by one degree. You’ll never notice the difference in your house, but you will notice the difference on your bill. Change your calling plan or get rid of your landline unless it’s a must have.
Tip #3: Purchase a Telestial (www.telestial.com) Passport SIM card and unlocked GSM phone for your child studying abroad. Not only will you have the peace of mind knowing your child has access to a phone anytime, their calls won’t have international roaming rates associated with using an American cell overseas, which can range up to $5 per minute. In many popular study-abroad locations (Italy, Spain, France, Ireland, UK) incoming calls are free and outgoing calls start at $0.49 per minute.
Tip #4: Spend five minutes a day looking for online coupons. There are a bundle of sites out there that can save you lots on everyday purchases. Make a list of the stores you need to hit and use Google to look for coupons.
Tip #5: Play a money game. Whether you choose a quarter, a nickel or even a penny – put that spare change into the piggybank. You’ll have more money saved before you miss a dime.
Bonus: Vacation Rentals like www.Zonder.com, a partner of Orbitz provides thousands of properties at a fraction of the cost of hotels. Additional key benefits include dining and entertaining in, whether at spacious villas, ski chalets or cozy cabins with luxurious amenities such as hot tubs and fireplaces – perfect for family fun!
If you have any useful tips to share, then you're most welcome!
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2009/01/23
Capture the Moment Photo Contest
Click upload your photo(s) and enter to win fabulous prizes from our sponsors!
Prize package to include:
- $250 Shutterfly gift certificate
- BabyBjorn Babysitter Balance with Toy Bar
- Chicco's Liteway Stroller
- Bellybar Products gift basket
- Medela Freestyle
- Medela BPA-free Breastmilk bottles
- Medela Disposable Bra pads
- Medela Nursing cami
- Palmer's Prize Pack
- Barefoot & Pregnant Babymoon trip
Expecting the Best - $1,500 - This 3 day, 2 night retreat to Hotel Los Gatos and Spa Elia in San Jose, CA includes:
* Deluxe accommodations for two
* Complimentary hotel parking
* Two continental breakfasts for two
* One romantic dinner for two
* Late night gourmet cupcakes and milk
* Spa Services:
- Total Relaxation prenatal massage
- B&P Signature Facial
- Daddy's Turn massage
Go to FitPregnancy.com to enter the Capture the Moment Photo Contest!
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2009/01/14
Author Guest Post - Doris Roper (Giveaway!)
Today, I'm happy to bring to you a guest-post by Doris Roper, author of Wake Up Your life! A Woman's Guide to Real Personal Power, courtesy Promo 101 Virtual Blog Tours. This book combines
Moms, make sure you empower yourselves!
In the course of my life and career, I have met many, many women who subjugate their own dreams, goals, and lives to live out the dreams, goals, and lives of their men.
Most of us do this to some degree at one time or another. There are those like me, who thankfully come awake at some point and realize that living through a man is not living. It saps us, keeps us limited within narrow channels of our own construction.
When we are making life-impacting decisions through the screen of a relationship, we risk our aliveness. If concern about whether he will leave us if we do this, or he will be angry if we say that, drives our actions or words, we are selling ourselves (and possibly our relationships) short.
I am not saying to take a “damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead” attitude. Nor am I saying that a woman should expect to live alone with no significant others. I am saying that a woman cannot lose herself for the sake of a man. That way of life drains personal power, brings on depression, and encourages a spectrum of self-destructive behaviors.
Not so long ago, women went to college primarily to get a man. It was assumed that a female at a university was there to get her “MRS” degree. Finding a college man to tie the knot with (the logic went) would secure a girl’s financial future, keep her in the style in which she wanted to become accustomed. The idea that she would be pursuing an education in its own right was laughable.
Happily, women today mainly go to college to forward their own careers. They earn bachelors and advanced degrees so that they can increase their earning potential and get the jobs they want. Still, in spite of progress in this area, the idea of finding a man for financial support remains in our culture.
In my Financial Life Planning for women in transition practice, I meet women all the time who, due to the unexpected loss of their spouse through death or divorce, feel totally lost and devastated. Not only do they have to deal with the emotional pain of the loss, but they also experience great anxiety about managing on their own. Do not let this happen to you. Educate yourself, increase your financial management and investment skills, build up some savings of your own, and make sure that you have some activities of your own to enjoy. Try it – you will be amazed at how empowered you will feel
A man should never be the center of our world, nor should he be our sole financial support. A man can be a friend. He can be a partner. He can be a great companion. However, a man is not a plan.
Most of us do this to some degree at one time or another. There are those like me, who thankfully come awake at some point and realize that living through a man is not living. It saps us, keeps us limited within narrow channels of our own construction.
When we are making life-impacting decisions through the screen of a relationship, we risk our aliveness. If concern about whether he will leave us if we do this, or he will be angry if we say that, drives our actions or words, we are selling ourselves (and possibly our relationships) short.
I am not saying to take a “damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead” attitude. Nor am I saying that a woman should expect to live alone with no significant others. I am saying that a woman cannot lose herself for the sake of a man. That way of life drains personal power, brings on depression, and encourages a spectrum of self-destructive behaviors.
Not so long ago, women went to college primarily to get a man. It was assumed that a female at a university was there to get her “MRS” degree. Finding a college man to tie the knot with (the logic went) would secure a girl’s financial future, keep her in the style in which she wanted to become accustomed. The idea that she would be pursuing an education in its own right was laughable.
Happily, women today mainly go to college to forward their own careers. They earn bachelors and advanced degrees so that they can increase their earning potential and get the jobs they want. Still, in spite of progress in this area, the idea of finding a man for financial support remains in our culture.
In my Financial Life Planning for women in transition practice, I meet women all the time who, due to the unexpected loss of their spouse through death or divorce, feel totally lost and devastated. Not only do they have to deal with the emotional pain of the loss, but they also experience great anxiety about managing on their own. Do not let this happen to you. Educate yourself, increase your financial management and investment skills, build up some savings of your own, and make sure that you have some activities of your own to enjoy. Try it – you will be amazed at how empowered you will feel
A man should never be the center of our world, nor should he be our sole financial support. A man can be a friend. He can be a partner. He can be a great companion. However, a man is not a plan.
Thank you for that enlightening post, Doris! And now, for the ...
GIVEAWAY
PRIZE :
Each time a blog visitor comments on any or all of the blog stops, they will be entered in a random drawing for a 6 month Gold membership to The Smart Woman’s Success Connection http://www.smartwomanssuccess.com/index.php/public/56-gold. This membership has everything you need to know for money management including information about having a financial plan and starting a business and includes a copy of her book in audio and PDF. It also offers a resource for women who want to stop their divorce..
TO ENTER :
Share your thoughts and comments with author Doris Roper. She will check in throughout the day to answer questions. You’ll learn more and have a chance to win a Gold membership to The Smart Woman’s Success Connection. If you haven't already read her book pick up a copy during the tour at http://www.witinstitute.com/wake_up.html
For more information about Doris Roper and her virtual tour, check the schedule at http://virtualblogtour.blogspot.com/2008/12/wake-up-your-life-by-doris-roper.html
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2009/01/12
Lancaster's Clip 'N' Feed
There were times as a new Mom when we were in a mall or a park or some such public place and my baby was crying for milk. I felt really harried in those circumstances as I wasn't comfortable with breast-feeding in public and didn't know of any products which would help in such circumstances. A blanket or a shawl were just so awkward and I was ever in tension of them falling off!
If only I had then known about Lancaster's Clip 'N' Feed, all those troubles would have been over! Clip 'N' Feed is a multi-purpose, problem solving nursing cover with clips that give nursing moms two ways to feed – either clipping to the neck strap or to the mother's clothing.
The Clip 'N' Feed is made with custom detachable clips making nursing at home or in public much easier. It also clips to strollers, car seats, baby carriers, or whatever you can think of. Clip it onto your baby's stroller to protect him or her from the hot sun, or use it to cover a baby carrier to keep baby extra warm.
No other nursing cover has "Stroller Straps" to tie down to the stroller. Clip 'N' Feed offers very beautiful prints and patterns, eco-friendly and organic options, and warmer blankets for the colder months and climates.
They're truly versatile and really, really useful! So, if you're nursing or know someone who does or plans to, then direct them to www.clipnfeed.com. Or use their convenient store locater to find a retailer near you or online retailers. They have detailed instructions on how to use their product in case you run into any difficulties (which you shouldn't as it's really easy!).
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If only I had then known about Lancaster's Clip 'N' Feed, all those troubles would have been over! Clip 'N' Feed is a multi-purpose, problem solving nursing cover with clips that give nursing moms two ways to feed – either clipping to the neck strap or to the mother's clothing.The Clip 'N' Feed is made with custom detachable clips making nursing at home or in public much easier. It also clips to strollers, car seats, baby carriers, or whatever you can think of. Clip it onto your baby's stroller to protect him or her from the hot sun, or use it to cover a baby carrier to keep baby extra warm.No other nursing cover has "Stroller Straps" to tie down to the stroller. Clip 'N' Feed offers very beautiful prints and patterns, eco-friendly and organic options, and warmer blankets for the colder months and climates.
They're truly versatile and really, really useful! So, if you're nursing or know someone who does or plans to, then direct them to www.clipnfeed.com. Or use their convenient store locater to find a retailer near you or online retailers. They have detailed instructions on how to use their product in case you run into any difficulties (which you shouldn't as it's really easy!).
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2009/01/07
Keep track of Medicines with MedNotes
In my house, I'm the chief medical officer. I buy the drugs, I dispense the drugs and I'm the one who ultimately disposes of them. If you have a large family with multiple allergies/conditions, your medicine cabinet must be close to overflowing like mine.One of my chief concerns has always been unsafe drug interactions. Which essentially translates into me going online and searching for info on whether it's safe to give/take Drug A while giving/taking Drug D. This sort of info isn't always easy to come by, is time consuming and has given me a lot of headache in the past. But no more!
Drugs.com, the largest and most comprehensive online drug information resource, wants to offer Moms an easy place to keep track of all their family's medications in one place. Their recently released, award winning tool, MedNotes, provides a free online personalized medication management program that can be used to track the whole family's medication profiles.On each personal family member profile you create, you can enter the names of all the medications being taken and then register to receive drug safety or interaction alerts to ultimately help reduce dangerous side effects and avoid unwanted drug interactions. In addition, MedNotes will send you new drug and specific condition news released by the FDA or drug makers related to the medications your family members take. (This is something optional, btw, so you're in control of what you receive in your inbox.)
In short, with MedNotes you can get:
- Instant access to detailed warning and interaction information.
- Receive email notifications of new warnings and new drugs in the pipeline.
- Access easy to read consumer information, news, drug images and user ratings.
- Printer friendly reports for discussion with your doctor or pharmacist
Options are also available for pregnancy and lactation warnings. Physicians and researchers can also build profiles for each of their patients or keep a handy list of all medications prescribed
By being updated on all of my family's medication needs, I can feel more in control of my family's health. And that's paramount to my peace of mind :-)
So, check them out today! I'm sure you'll find it surprisingly useful.
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2009/01/06
Free Ice Cream!
To kick-off the season of making New Year's resolutions, Baskin-Robbins®, America's favorite neighborhood ice cream shop, is ringing in the New Year with the introduction of BRight Choices treats. BRight Choices are better-for-you light ice cream options including fat free, dairy free, no sugar added and light ice cream offerings. BRight Choices flavors have all the great taste and quality customers expect from Baskin-Robbins but with less guilt. It's a great option for moms looking for a healthier option while out with their kids.
To celebrate the launch of BRight Choices, Baskin-Robbins is celebrating the bright choices customers make each day with BRight Choices Day on Jan. 15, 2009. On BRight Choices Day, participating Baskin-Robbins shops nationwide will offer a free BRight Choices scoop to any customer with proof of a gym membership. BRight Choices flavors are indicated by a pink star decal.
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To celebrate the launch of BRight Choices, Baskin-Robbins is celebrating the bright choices customers make each day with BRight Choices Day on Jan. 15, 2009. On BRight Choices Day, participating Baskin-Robbins shops nationwide will offer a free BRight Choices scoop to any customer with proof of a gym membership. BRight Choices flavors are indicated by a pink star decal.
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