Day in the Life, April 2013

Last month, I decided to join Ali Edwards in documenting a day in my life.

It was a very spontaneous thing.

As in, I read a blog post from Ali the day before and thought, You know, I haven't participated in over a year...I'm in!

Usually, when I participate in Day in the Life, I take copious notes and snap a boatload of photos with my big camera.  This time, though, I wanted it to be less time-consuming and less stressful, so I did three things differently.

1) I didn't take any notes.

2) I shot only 20 photos, using my iPhone 4.

3) I processed 12 of those photos using the app, PicTapGo.

Then, the following day, I bought this 12x12 layered template from Cathy Zielske.

After opening the template in Photoshop (yes, I'm now working in CS5 exclusively!), I simply plugged in my twelve photos, added the times (easily found under Properties>General>Modified or Properties>Details>Date Modified), typed in the journaling, and then changed the color of the text. 

And here's how the layout turned out:


I can't wait to pick up this printed layout at Costco!

Speaking of printing items at Costco, I definitely want to get in the habit again of printing out my photos.  Last year, I regularly shot, processed, and printed photos for my Project Life binder.  This year, while I'm still shooting and processing photos, I'm not printing them and documenting our days as much as I'd like to.

I've got an idea percolating in my mind for how I can quickly and easily document each month using words + photos.

Stay tuned.

Miscellaneous Monday

It's a little bit of this, and a little bit of that this Monday.  (Hence, the title.)

1) First up, a laugh.

I chuckled when I saw this cartoon in Parade magazine two Sundays ago.  Then, I cut it out (so I could place it in my Project Life book) and snapped a picture of it (so I could post it to Instagram).

2) Next up, a sale.
If you love to cover your walls with photographs like I do, then you don't want to miss Aaron Brothers's Penny Sale going on this month.  (It only comes around twice a year--in January and July.)  I've been waiting for this sale, so I could purchase five frames for Noah's nursery.  Since it's buy one, get one for a penny, I purchased six frames (two 16x20s and four 8x10s) for just $64.  Not too shabby, eh?

3) How about another sale? 
If you need to print some pictures--say, for your walls or scrapbook layouts or Project Life book--take advantage of Costco's 4x6 digital print deal.  Normally, 13 cents each, from now through August 5, they are available for just 9 cents. Order away...

4) And a coupon...you know how I like a good deal!  Arby's is celebrating their 1964 founding TODAY with a special deal: a Roast Beef Classic sandwich for just 64 cents.  Click here to get your coupon.

5) It's time for a blog share.  A few weeks ago, I came across the Simple Mom blog/website and instantly fell in love.  Since then, I've read lots of the posts on her site (some written by her and others crafted by guest bloggers).  One of my favorite posts is: I wrote a five year plan (and you can too!).  While I don't know if I'll do it right away, the thought of creating a five year plan interests me.  Have you ever written a five year plan?

6) Last, but not least, a quote I adore from The Iron Lady: "Watch your thoughts for they become words. Watch your words for they become actions. Watch your actions for they become...habits. Watch your habits, for they become your character. And watch your character, for it becomes your destiny!"

Thanks for letting me share!

J