Where has the time gone?

WOW, I can't believe that it is the 30th of December already.  It has been a whirlwind the past few weeks for me with work & holiday preparations.  I must say I have managed to accomplish most of what I wanted, but missed out on some photo ops.

My most recent road block has been my work schedule & getting enough rest so I don't catch the latest "bug" and bring it home from work (I work in a long-term care facility).  So I need to keep my immune system strong.  SO far I have avoided the Flu & a Gastro bug. 

This past weekend my youngest (my daughter) had a sleep over for her birthday yesterday.  She planned this all herself.  She wanted to have a night of viewing videos and then a trip to the movies for her & a few friends.  She had three girls over, I assume they had a blast - all three thanked me for having them.  They went to see the latest "Night at the Museum" movie - it was funny.  My daughter also wanted a photo with her BFF's so she could insert it into a frame as a gift for each of them (Christmas gift).  She found some really nice 3 x 5 frames and we got a few acceptable photos, but my problem came when I went to order the prints for her.  None of my go to online printers support this size photo any longer.  Bummer!

Thankfully I have Artisan from Panstoria (did I mention I totally love this software).  It has bailed me out on more than one occasion.  I created the size photo I wanted on a 4x6 print by adding a black background & inserting the size photo frame I needed.  Now I am able to print the photo for the girls.  Yea Mom!

My daughter will be so excited to give this to her friends next week when she returns to school.

I've included the two best photos of her gang.

The most difficult thing I had with taking the photo was getting the girls to "squeeze" together so I didn't have so much of my "junk" in the background.  I hate having those distractions in the background. :)  Oh, well.  It's still a great photo of all of them.  They are all smiling, too.  BONUS!

Please be sure to use my affiliate links on the sides of the page.  I appreciate the added business & it helps me keep the page up & running.

Best wishes for a Joyous New Year in 2015!

Getting ready for the Holiday's

Last weekend was spent making & ordering my digital Christmas gifts and cards.  It took me 4 days in between working and other activities.  I am happy to say that I was able to get everything ordered in time for Holiday shipping cut-offs.  My cards arrived on Tuesday (only 2 days) and I got notice tonight that my 2 calendars are shipping & will be here mid-week next week.  How wonderful it that!  Kudos to Panstoria Print Shop for such a quick turnaround time on my orders.

Tonight the kids put up the tree & the lights.  Now that all of the lights are working it looks great!  Over 1000 tiny white lights on the tree...I think it looks great just like this.

Someone please tell me how when you 'test' all of the lights before putting them on the tree how is it that when you're done you still have a string or two that doesn't light??  We spent the evening watching our favorite Christmas shows on DVD.  Started out with The Little Drummer Boy, Mr. Magoo's Christmas Carol, The Cricket on the Hearth, and last but not least Santa Claus is Coming to Town.  Tomorrow we'll add the decoration & watch A Christmas Carol with Patrick Stewart. (one of my favorites.) 

Tomorrow will be setting up the rest of the outside lights & manger scene if all goes well & the weather cooperates.  I may even attempt a few more digital photo gifts if time allows.  I definitely need to get my cards in the post.

Here's a sneak peak at our family Christmas card:

due to being pressed for time this year I reused the template from last year and changed out some of the embellishments, changed the colors of them and added a glow.  I also added the house with the snow because we had a storm the day before Thanksgiving.  It's been a very hectic year for us, especially with our son graduating from high school, he just earned Eagle and our daughter was in her 1st pageant this year, and it's the only year they both will be in marching band together.  A lot of special memories for all of us.

I hope you'll remember me next year if you'd like to design your own cards.  I'm glad to help you out, I just need your thoughts & photos before November 1st so I can complete & order them in plenty of time for you.

Holiday Shipping Guidelines - 2014

During the holidays our standard manufacturing time increases from 3 - 5 business days to 7 - 10 days before shipping.
To ensure you receive your order before December 25th, we recommend that you place your order on or before these deadlines.

For shipments to the United States:
Wednesday, December 3 - USPS Priority Mail and UPS Ground shipments
Monday, December 8 - UPS 2nd Day Shipments
Wednesday, December 10 - UPS Next Day Shipments

Favors for Eagle Court of Honor

This morning I managed to finish the water bottle labels for my son's Eagle Court of Honor (COH).  To remove the labels, cut & put on the labels that I printed took me 90 minutes.  Not too shabby for two cases of water (70 bottles).  Oh, and I removed them from the plastic wrapping of the case & put them back into it...that way I didn't need to find another box for transporting to the social hall.  Neat trick, huh?!

Now to the nitty gritty.  I found the template & art work on Pinterest and saved it to my Eagle Scout Stuff board.  you can also find it here www.yourfreeart.net www.daisiecompany.com 

There are also several other templates available for candy bars, etc.  Be sure to check it out.

Here's my end result.  

Yes, I am aware of the typo on the label...just noticed it as I am preparing this posting.  Now the question becomes do I correct it or not?  (I still have SO much to get done).  At this point I'm reprinting them & if there's time I'll redo the labels.  UGH!  so exhausted and I have two more days until the COH.

Veteran's Day

Thank you to ALL of our Veteran's

This is my baby brother, he's been serving since 2000 in the Army National Guard.

Working off some STRESS

Here's the latest craft I have been doing to work out some of the stress in my life recently.  What is nice about these scarves is that I can complete them in about an hour.  I have several of these currently listed on eBay.

SO easy & quick to make...

A few of my favorite color combinations.  Here's a link to my auction(s) http://www.ebay.com/sch/chrisneric323/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_ipg=&_from=

Trick or Treat! Did you get that photo of your Ghostly Ghouls?

 The week started out with the kids carving their jack o' lanterns.  To avoid the mess & since they are now older I got them carvable 'fake' pumpkins.  This way they could have it last from year to year.

Here is the end result.

My daughter chose the wolf baying at the moon.  Her brother assisted her with the final details around the moon so you would still see the wolf's silhouette.

These photos really give you a feel for their creations:

 

The kids also had the chance to dress up for their band practice.  They helped each other with the make-up and choice of clothing.

 

I'm so glad to see them working together and having FUN with this holiday.

I had my camera ready & set up for the night time lighting and everything was planned & ready.  Here's the results of my pre-planning.

As you can see even the best laid plans sometimes fail.  I have great photos of things I didn't really care if I got them or not & the photos I REALLY wanted are blurred :0(  Oh, well we all have those days.  This is where your journaling comes into play.  It's the memory of the event as much as it is about the photo.  I never did find my son among the high school band...

Homecoming 2014

My son George is discovering just how much is involved with Homecoming.  Last evening was the football game, Senior Night, and the selection of the Homecoming Queen.

walking onto the field...as the recognize George.  We're ALL in step, too!

SMILE! for the camera/yearbook photo.

Then tonight was the Homecoming Dance...buying the corsage, getting a tie to match his date's dress, the tickets to the dance, and paying for the meal before the dance.  Needless to say he has sticker shock.  Not a bad thing for him to realize just what Mom & Dad have been shelling out over the years.

the corsage...

the boutineer...

his tie with his Great Grandpa's tie tac...

And of course he had to stand still long enough for everyone to take his & his date's photos.  We went to one of the local parks for the photos.

They both look nice.

Don't be Scary this Halloween

 Remember to get your pictures of all those great Hob Goblins, this Halloween Season

...here's a reminder to unload those camera cards and to back-up those EHD's and have your photos backed up & printed. Need help getting started?  Contact me.

Happy FALL Y'all

I am finally getting my decorations and plants in for the Fall season.  I am keeping my fingers crossed that we don't get any snow or frost this month.  The local radio station announced yesterday that in 8 of the past 10 years our area has had snow in the month of October.  REALLY??  I remember a few of them, but I never imagined it was that many.

Anyhow here's a sampling of what I've been up to this week.  I took this this morning, it's foggy & we're expecting rain later in the day.  Not so bright, but I am loving the colors or the Mums this year.  The plant in the back is my only one that survived the past winter.

The Buy More, Get More Event...

Click here to SAVE!

We'll call it The Buy More, Get More Event…you name it, you save on it! Receive 30% off orders under $50, 40% off orders of $50+, and best of all, 50% off orders of $100+ with promo code FALLDEALS. Perhaps freshen up your living room for Fall with some new framed or glass prints, or conversely, get the hubby a new iPad case. We're betting your girlfriend would adore a set of our customizable coasters, too.


ALL customers save up to 50% with this week's tiered order sale, promo code FALLDEALS

Eagle Invitations & Metal Panel - design process finished

This afternoon I spent on tweaking my son's Eagle Court of Honor Ceremony invitations and a 12 x 12 metal panel with an easel back.  I'd love to know your thoughts and if you have a special event for your Scout, contact me about designing/purchasing something similar for them. 

I used Artisan software  by Panstoria to design both products and I will be using their printing services.  They have the most reasonable pricing, especially on the metal photo panels in my area.

COH Invitation:

this is the front view of the card.

this is the back view of the card.

This is the updated photo panel for George.  He has changed his looks so much over the past few weeks and very much since I designed this last fall.  I also found a photo of him from Tigers, I had to scan it; because it was pre-digital age.  Amazing how quickly technology changes.

New Digital Content

Be sure to check out the NEW content listed in the store today.

Please follow my personalized link to the NEW Content if you don't already have an affiliate.

Great News for my Blog Readers!

I have been wanting to get this done for some time now; but work schedules just haven't allowed for me to get "a round to it".  This afternoon I've made it a priority.  I wanted to list for you all of my affiliations with other companies and list my links to their sites for your convenience of shopping.  I have been searching for almost 2 years now to find you replacement products since I knew that Creative Memories had filed bankruptcy and has now gone out of business (as of August 21st).

In no particular order:

Flip-Pal Mobile Scanner  - great for scanning on the go & right through framed pieces or under page protectors.  A terrific way to preserve those single precious photos you want to share and is great for the Family Historian!

 

 Flip-Pal

Youngevity - this is a parent company for SO many items that I am unable to list them all here.  I encourage you to take a look at my website or contact me for more information. 


http://ChrissCraftersCorner.buyygy.com

http://ChrissCraftersCorner.my90forlife.com



the above links are for placing orders or to just look around the site to see what's available to you.





Our Memories for Life is part of this company, too. This is where you'll find the traditional scrapbook items that are very similar to what you knew from Creative Memories.

 http://www.heritagemakers.com/chrisscrafterscorner

PLEASE use the above link for placing orders or to just see what's available to you.  I chose this company because they have very similar products to the beloved Creative Memories traditional products and tools.  Please contact me with your questions.

Panstoria - this company is who developed the Creative Memories digital products (Memory Manager & Storybook Creator)  Which they call Historian and Artisan respectively.  This company has stepped up to the plate and really saved many consultants and customers a lot of money with our investments into the digital artwork and programs.  I have had great experiences with them and the conversion process.  I hope that you'll give them a try as well.  If you already have an account with Panstoria for printing services and would like for me to be your associate, please contact me and I'll tell you what steps are needed to do so.

 Please use this link to purchase the digital software or more digital content for Artisan (same as Storybook Creator with a few more extras!).  http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?B=489180&U=862322&M=47864&urllink=

New customers - please follow my personalized link.  https://panstoriaprintshop.com/index.php?route=account/register&tracking=5317a529e54a2  NOTE*(This link is for printing services only. )

With any of these please contact me with your questions - I'm here to assist you and guide you to the best resources for your needs.  Thank You!





Pixels2Pages - this is a great resource for new or experienced users of Memory Manager, Historian, Storybook Creator, or Artisan software.

These ladies give you lots of challenges and super great training videos.  Please follow my personal link when joining.  http://www.pixels2pages.net/120.html
MANY THANKS!





Borrow Lenses - a great way to test that camera lens you've had your eye on...

please use this link: http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?B=593876&U=862322&M=12808&urllink=

Shutterfly, INC. - this company offers printing services and many more choices as a parent company for tiny prints, wedding paper divas, treat. , borrowlenses, and thislife.  Lots of choices for you.

please use my link when placing orders.  http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?B=420133&U=862322&M=12808&urllink=    Thank you!

Borrow Lenses - online camera gear rental

Calling all shutterbugs...I am excited to tell you that you can now rent camera equipment through my blog site.  How cool is that?!?  Please check out the banner at the top of my page for all of the details.  I have done this myself for special events where I wanted a specific lens for my children's sporting events to "reach out & touch them" on the field or while on vacation to get that wide-angle view of the sunset.  What ever your reason may be - this is a terrific way to try out a lens and determine if you like the results prior to purchasing a lens.

Cheeseburgers In Paradise

My husband came home from work last week with a recipe that he'd like to make for our tailgating at the Jimmy Buffett concert over Labor Day Weekend.  It was a really 'cute' idea.  We bought the needed ingredients and went to work.

Jimmy Buffett @ Hershey, PA concert on 8/30/2014

Here's what we came up with and a few changes we made that we found might make assembly easier.

You'll need:

icing - vanilla & add coloring yourself or buy pre-colored in a tube
Nilla Waffers or generic brand
Thin Mints or generic brand (can also use small York Peppermint Patties)
coconut - you'll need to add green food coloring

A cookie sheet
a sandwich bag
spreader/knife

Yeild:  about 30


Now to the knitty gritty....

since this was our first attempt at making these little "cheeseburgers" here's what we did.  We bought a container of vanilla icing, took half of the container & colored with yellow food coloring  for our cheese.  I used about 8 drops of yellow to get my desired color of cheese.  Start with 3-4 drops and add to your liking for color.  Then I set aside.

My husband took care of the lettuce (coconut).  Put about 1 cup into a sandwich bag, add several drops of green food coloring.  You'll want to have some air in the bag so you can shake it.  You'll also need to do some kneading of the bag too, to get the food coloring spread throughout evenly.  We found that we had to add a bit more coconut to get the desired color we wanted.

We used a cookie sheet to lay out our buns (Vanilla wafers).  We put the curved side to the cookie sheet.  My husband wanted round buns ;)  If you want them to stay put & not slide around as much, place the flat side to the cookie sheet.

You'll need a small dollop of icing on the cookie to hold the mint cookie or peppermint pattie in place.  Then place a larger dollop of yellow icing on top of that for your slice of cheese.  Then you'll need a pinch of lettuce on each one... this is where you need to use the cookie sheet it keeps the mess contained from the 'lettuce' and easy clean up to reuse what drops.

 

Then you can add some red icing for the Heinz 57 or slice of tomato as it goes in the song...

this will be enough icing then to also hold your top of the bun on the sandwich.

YUM!  Enjoy everyone.

We found that having a tube of icing or bakers bag would make assembly easier than using a knife to spread the icing...either way they are delicious!!