Lessons from the Scrapbook Page

Real Women Scrap TV: Episode 30

The Designers of Creativity Inc.

This is an exciting post for me to write because it's the finale of Season Two. Can you believe we have 30 episodes? This final episode also marks the end of all the Memorytrends interviews.

But, what better way to go out than with four of the incredible designers from Creativity Inc.—Kelli Crowe, Leslie Lightfoot, Becky Novacek, and Jen Lessinger.

In this episode, Kelli, Leslie, Becky, and Jen share their strategies for being moms, wives, scrapbookers and designers for one of the hottest companies in the industry. They were so much fun to interview. I have to apologize in advance for all the noise in the background. The booth next door was giving away prizes and everyone was screaming.

SEASON TWO COMING TO DVD
Now that we've wrapped Season 2, it will be coming to DVD soon. And as a bonus, there's an extra episode on it with the Creativity Inc designers. So, that's a total of 18 episodes! All in beautiful, widescreen resolution. The DVD makes a great gift, for a friend or for yourself. More details coming soon.

Watch Now!

Change Lives With Everything You Buy

Wouldn't it be great if we could combine our desire for new and fabulous things with an opportunity to bless and enrich the lives of people in developing countries? Since Christmas, I've been very aware and watchful of my spending habits. We are so blessed and rich in America (and a few other countries too). Sometimes we forget how important it is to maintain a global perspective that is rooted in reality.

The idea was brought to home not long ago when my friend asked for prayer for her husband's family in Kenya. Their country is in turmoil and the family is afraid for their lives, all living in one apartment, hiding from the mobs, and trying to survive.

That call for prayer reminded me of a gentleman I listened to about a month ago. He was very well-spoken and shared a message that stuck with me.

He is the founder of Trade as One. Their mission is to sell products with meaning and stories behind them. They unite the spending power of the American people with the creation of companies, products, and jobs for the poorest of the poor. The products are all of high quality and made by innovative and socially responsible organizations in developing countries.

What a fantastic connection. Want to get involved? Take a look at their website, watch and share the above video, and next time you're in a shopping mood, check out Trade As One.

The Best Shot of the Day

Remember last week how I told you about my photo shoot with Gene Higa? I found the best shot of the day and here it is...

Bogie was a good sport and model while I practiced taking pictures. What interesting shots have you taken this week? The more you practice just for fun, the better you get!

A New Twist on An Old Jingle

Can you name the company that coined the phrase, "You deserve a break today?"

Of course you can...because repetition works. Today I've got a new twist on that old jingle because most moms do deserve, need, and crave a break...everyday.

I found one for you. It's BreakfastBREAKS and they will make your mornings easier. Now that I'm working full time outside the home, the morning stress has increased. Everyone needs breakfast and lunch, plus their books and bags and whatever else is required for that day. It's sad to admit that there are times our daughter has had to run out the front door with just a granola bar to keep her satisfied until lunch. It's crunch time in the morning.

BreakfastBREAKS change that pattern by providing a balanced breakfast for kids including cereal, fruit juice and a nutritious snack. Its not for every morning, but what a handy thing to have stashed away for those mornings when everyone seems to be moving like molasses.

When my son first saw the BreakfastBREAKS box, he thought it was a present. "Presents, presents!" he yelled and went to show his sissy the new present he got. He also gave one to her and told her to open her present. They are brightly colored and fun for a toddler to open. Even though it wasn't breakfast time, he insisted on eating the cereal and drinking the juice right then. He ate the nutri-grain bar the following morning.

I was curious to see how my teenager would respond to the same box. There's quite an age gap between a toddler and a teen so I wondered if she'd be as excited. She took it to school the next day and reported to me that night that she loved it. I had to ask why and she said that she liked that she didn't have to worry about going hungry if she was running late. It was easy to just grab and go.

Works for me as long as it satisfies both of my kids. Check it out the next time you're at the grocery store. Definitely a morning pick me up for any busy mom.

Lessons from a Pro Photographer

Last weekend, I had the amazing honor and opportunity to receive some private instruction from an award-winning international photographer, Gene Higa. He's been a friend for years and worked closely with my husband. I know I've mentioned him here before. He took the shot on the left of my hubby and I.

Well, this past weekend he opened up his doors and took my husband and I in. What a fantastic teacher. From an overview of aperture, shutter speed, and ISO to hands-on practice on the streets of San Francisco, it was an incredible couple hours. My photography up to this point has been self taught. I've read books, watched DVDs, joined forums, and participated in photography groups. Everything I've done has added a new skill, idea, or bit of style to the pictures I take.

This private lesson was a step above. Because I'm a kinesthetic learner and very visual, it makes a huge difference if I can do what I'm being taught, rather than just listening and trying to remember later.

Ron ended up being our model for much of the shooting since he's a step ahead of me on the technical aspects of the profession. He was a great model too. The image below is my favorite shot that Gene took of him.

I got a few shots that I really liked as well, particularly of Bogie, the dog. I'll post some pics of Bogie tomorrow. Bogie belongs to Gene's studio partner, Ann Hamilton, who is a seasoned photographer as well. She's been in the photography biz for 8 years and travels the world along with Gene taking unbelievable pictures of couples on their wedding day.

Here's my question for you: If you could have a one-on-one session with a professional photographer, what would you want to learn? What questions would you ask?

Add your questions to the comments below and I'll see if I can get some answers for you!

CHA—Are you there?

Last year at this time I was in the throes of my first CHA (Craft and Hobby Association) convention and tradeshow. It was overwhelming and exciting and exhausting. I was meeting with senior editors for some of the top magazines that I'd admired for years, and meeting contacts and marketing directors for many of the scrapbooking manufacturers. Contacts I made at that one event carried me through an entire year. It doesn't seem possible that it was only a year ago. So much happened in the scrapbooking world for me in 2007.

So, are you there? Have you ever been to CHA? Am I missing anything?

I must admit to not missing the sensory overload that comes with tradeshows and major events. From the aching feet from standing and walking all day, to the ringing in your ears from constant noise, the quiet of the office today is a nice substitute. Maybe not as exciting on a daily basis, but certainly easier on the psyche.

Are there things you were doing last year that have changed for you? Are you being kinder to your body and soul this year? I hope so. Every year that passes seems to offer a new bit of insight or wisdom, a deeper understanding of myself and my dreams. Is the same true for you? I'd love to hear about it.

Just some ponderings this beautiful Monday morning.

The Best in the Nation

Yep, it's true. The Top 25 Videographers in the Nation were announced in Orlando, Florida at the annual 4EVER Group Video 08 Convention and Tradeshow. Why does that matter?

I'll tell you...
My husband, video producer extraordinaire, was named one of the top 25! He was completely surprised by the award and accepted it just a few weeks ago at the convention.

The voting is done by colleagues in the industry and is an incredible honor. EventDV magazine even gives each honoree prizes, an article in their magazine, and their very own trading card. You gotta love that!