Autumn is upon us...

I can hardly believe that this week is the 1st day of Autumn...where has the time gone?  My kiddos are into their 4th week of school and before long football season will be coming to a close and our days of Indian Summer will be gone.

Croptoberfest :

Be sure to register early.  Space is limited.
Any products you may need or want need to be ordered/placed with me by October 5th to ensure delivery by October 20th.

With the beginning of Autumn we think of the foliage and falling leaves, Halloween, Thanksgiving...I've included a few links that I thought might benefit you with your photgraphing of the foliage.

Links to photograph foliage:
http://digital-photography-school.com/autumn-fall-photography-capturing-colours

http://blogs.yankeemagazine.com/new-england-foliage/tips-to-improve-your-foliage-photography-this-fall/

Now that school is well under way before we become overwhelmed with all of those school projects, and memories of 1st's for your children.  Here's a good tip about starting an album to remember it all.

Alternatives for school photos:

http://blogs.creativememories.com/software_solutions/2012/09/schools-in-session-start-an-album.html

Photographing Sports events:

http://adishofdailylife.com/2012/09/sports-photo-tips-for-sideline-parents/

Album Page Prints

I had some free time today & I created these album page prints with the We Hope Album by CMC Cathy Bower.  I thought the sentiment from these pages fit for other than inspiration for graduating seniors...

 This was my take for using the "We Hope" album to preserve the 1st day of school for my aging children (they don't want ANY kid stuff).  They feel they are too old for stuff like that :o)

 

 I adjusted the photo frame size on this one

 

 Then I matched the background color to his shirt, then a few shades lighter...

 

 Did the same here for my daughter's page.  Adjusted the photo frame size.

Then I matched the background color to her dress.  This page is definitely her!


Here are a few more pages from the same digital album, only I used them for my photos from Showcase 2012.

Just a few of many examples of how this album is so versatile.  I am really loving this album remake of the I Hope... to We Hope...

Thank You CMC Cathy Bower for taking the time to alter every album page.

1st Day of School Pictures

A few weeks back (August 14th) I had a post discussing traditional & non-traditional pages.  I wanted to share with you the photos of my guys from yesterday.  I followed some of the posing tips too I had found from a few other sources as well.

This first photo was with the flash - while it was early it actually wasn't this dark outside.  It's because of being under the tree & the flash being on.  My children were actually much happier than they appear here - It took several camera adjustments to get this photo, hence their displeasure with me.

Say Cheese! (Please?)

While it's a wonderful photo of my quickly growing children I think the next few are much better.

This next photo of the two of them is without the flash, I wanted to get a full length one of them to show their entire ensembles.  Normally I will fill the viewfinder with a close-up.

I am loving those neon blue sneakers of his and her sequined sweater dress.  She's quickly catching him in height.  Never guess they are 4.5 years apart!

The next two while they are a traditional pose I want you to look at the angles & compare them both.

The one of her is straight on, while a beautiful shot...

The one of him has his body slightly turned, his chin down & looking a bit over his shoulder towards me.  I think it just makes that 'traditional' pose that much better!

 

See that First Day of School really wasn't so bad to take 10 minutes and allow Mom to get some really great shots.  Thanks Kids!

Place Your Order Now!

Only a few days left of this GREAT sale.  Don't miss out on this one.  Many items will be leaving our line after this sale is over.  Get them while supplies last.  If you don't already have a consultant, please use my CM ID #41342448 and link your order to me.  I'll be glad to service your photo preservation needs.

End of Season Sale from Creative Memories!

For all of my customers who are not on facbook and did not get a chance to see my earlier post.  I just rec'd word that Creative Memories is running another GREAT sale Monday, August 20th - Monday,  August 27th.  Here's a copy of the sale flier:

To place orders Click here:

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Murphy's Law

How does that saying go?  Anything that can go wrong, will go wrong...

I was on my way to deliver my daughter to cheerleading practice when less than a 1/2 mile down the road from the house and the check engine light comes on!  Now, I know that I can drive the vehicle this way so long as it's not a flashing check engine light.  See the problem with these "idiot" lights as some mechanic's (Dad) call them is that you need to pay attention to them.  So, I called my husband, explained what the situation was...he offered to come check all the engine fluids for me & bring additional oil in case that was the issue.  Now, being a mechanic's daughter I could have done all of this myself, but I'm not going to refuse the offer of assistance.  (we also have AAA if I was really stuck)  Long story short - even after checking & adding the needed oil, plus checking all other engine fluids, the check engine light remained lit.  Wonderful!  I had a meeting to attend that was 45 minutes away.  Which I was already late for...  Needless to say I was going to be late for my meeting.  Not a huge deal because it is a very relaxed meeting.  I just enjoy my time away from my family once a month.  Since Hubby wasn't able to diagnose the issue, I called Dad.  Ever notice that no matter how old we get we still call "DAD!"  I keep thinking in the back of my mind 'what am I going to do when Dad decides to hang up his mechanic shingle?'  Anyhow, Dad's unreachable...so I drive to my meeting & while on the way, Dad returns my call.  His response 'Well, what do you want me to do - you're 30 miles away.'  Gotta love it!  Some days I just can't handle his sense of humor.  I love my Dad though & he'll bail me out of almost any situation even this late in the game; and with his grand children, too.  He has taught two of them to drive & most likely will be assisting with the next one who turns 16 next week!  He demanded we all learn to drive standard shift & know basic car maintenance.  Something we ALL could use.  It has gotten me out of more bad situations than I can count.  Dad will be taking a look at my van tomorrow evening, but thanks to his preparation I knew what to do & that I could drive my vehicle.  Thanks for the life lesson, Dad.  Glad that you'll also be teaching it to my kids as well.  Not that I can't - it just helps to have the Village for support.

A bad evening ended up being not so bad after all.  Thanks to Dad, and my Darling Husband!

Non-Traditional Poses for 1st Day of School Pics

I came across a wonderful blog article today (link) and it got me to searching my own Memory Manager files of my children's 1st Day pics.  I actually have a good mix of traditional & non traditional poses.  I was pleasantly surprised by this fact.

Non-traditional pose

I have had all kids of fits tonight trying to upload my photos tonight.  Unsure if it's weather related (severe T-storms) or if it's internet related.  I'll attempt to load some of the great shots tomorrow.  Watch for an edited entry.  In the meanwhile here's a link to the ones I have gotten uploaded 1st Day of School Album

Time to go...2 power outages from the storms - batteries getting low.

Be sure to check out the August Newsletter - added to the links on the right.  So many great things you'll want to take advantage of.

Nancy O'Dell Coming To You Live from Creative Memories Showcase

I was here to be a part of this video clip.  You could be next...ask me how?


“As Nancy O’Dell said, we have room for one more! Start a business by August 31 and you could get Nancy’s new book “Here’s to Fabulous You” and the Nancy Bag for FREE. But to me, the real benefits include lifelong friendships, travel opportunities, financial freedom and career satisfaction. I’d love to show you how!”
Contact me through the link to the right...

Rewards Club - FREE to Join through August 15th

Here is another great offer from Creative Memories.  If you have been on the fence about joining our Rewards Club, now is your chance to do so. 

  

Become a club member for $39
Club members receive:
An immediate $10 club credit (or $39 club credit August 8-15!).
15 percent club credit earned on the retail amount of each order. (Learn more about Digital Center purchases.)
Access to exclusive products.
Exclusive offers and promotions and email updates.


Have more questions? View Rewards Club FAQ.

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Be sure to link your membership to my Consultant ID #41342448 if you don't already have one.  I'll be happy to service your memory keeping needs.