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Project Life FAQ

Monday, November 29th, 2010

I hope your weekend was splendid. Today we are going to dig a little deeper with Project Life. You’ve asked a lot of great questions. I have answers, information, and lots of pictures.

Buckle up. I have lots to share.

When will the new Project Life products be available for purchase? Will they be here in time for Christmas?

Mid-December. We don’t have an exact date yet, but the kits are due to arrive at Amazon sometime in the next few weeks. Those of you who follow my blog (or follow my facebook or twitter feed) know that I’ll be doing my part to communicate live updates as we get closer and know more. Amazon is incredibly efficient so if all goes as planned, they’ll receive the products and be able to ship that very same day. Everyone who orders at the beginning should have no problems getting their products in time for Christmas.

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Where do I buy this stuff?

We sell our products on Amazon.com and that is where orders are fulfilled. We also have arrangements with a few international distributers for those outside the U.S. (see next question).

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I live outside the U.S. and want to order. How do I do that?

New Zealand customers – click HERE

Australia customers – click HERE

Finland customers – click HERE

Canada and all other countries – click HERE

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Can I pre-order?

U.S. customers – Unfortunately, no. Amazon doesn’t work that way. The product has to be physically in their warehouse before taking & fulfilling orders.

Non-U.S. customers – Yes, you can pre-order now (see previous question).

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Are there any kits left from the Original Edition of Project Life (2010 design)?

Nope. They just sold out on Black Friday.

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How much do the new products cost?

$52.99 for the Turquoise Edition (Project Life kit)

$52.99 for the Amber Edition (Project Life kit)

$12.99 for the Turquoise binder only

$12.99 for the Amber binder only

$6.99 for a package of 12 photo pocket pages – Design A

$6.99 for a package of 12 photo pocket pages – Design B

$3.99 for a box of 100 journaling cards (blank with grid design)

If you click HERE you will see all the new products on one sheet, with their respective prices, ready to print.

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How much will shipping cost if I order from Amazon?

Amazon offers “Super Saver Shipping” which means if you spend $25 or more, your shipping is free. This is good to keep in mind if you want to get smaller priced items. Just add them to your Project Life purchase so you don’t pay shipping on little stuff. Click HERE for complete details and fine print — directly from Amazon.

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Will there be a digital version of the new designs?

Absolutely! We will be adding 2 new designs to our digital Project Life products — The Turquoise Edition and Amber Edition will both be available this month. More details coming. In the meantime, if you have questions regarding the digital version of Project Life, your questions will be best answered in one of these two ways:

1. Click on the FAQ tab HERE for an extensive list of answered questions.

2. Contact the helpful, knowledgable folks at Ziblio (pronounced zib-lee-o): Email support@ziblio.com or call (877) 209-1560. They’re the ones who have made digital Project Life possible and they know more than I do.

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What comes in the Project Life kit?

If you’re familiar with the 2010 Project Life kit, it’s just like that. All the same stuff. If you’re new to Project Life, click HERE to get familiar with the kit contents. Here’s a look at some of the NEW stuff for the Amber Edition:

You’ll notice we did add NUMBER stickers. Yes, DAY stickers are still included.

And here are some components from the Turquoise Edition:

Both kits include a date stamp.

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Is the binder the same thickness as last year’s binder?

The binder is less bulky this year. Here’s a comparison shot. (You’ll notice that the new binder doesn’t have all that extra space above the rings.)

The exact dimensions of the new binder are:

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Which photo pocket pages are included in the kit?

You will get 54 of Design A (since most people take mostly horizontal pictures).

If you would like to buy additional photo pocket pages, these are sold separately as well. They come in packs of 12.

If you would like to buy photo pocket pages that hold vertical photos + journaling cards (known as Design B), these are also going to be available in packs of 12.

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What are the exact dimensions of those 3×4 journaling cards?

2 13/16″ x 3 13/16″ — just a smidgen smaller than 3×4 so they fit in the pockets comfortably. They have a very light grid design to guide you in keeping your journaling straight, whether you are writing in vertical or horizontal format.

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I’m a visual person and feel a little uncertain about putting the kit together. Help?

An insert comes in the kit, which will guide you in getting started and give you ideas on what to do with your kit. More importantly, I will be sharing a video here on my website that will be very helpful. That will become available mid-December.

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I love both new designs. How will I ever be able to choose?

Flip a coin, get your family’s opinion, or … just buy one of each.  : )

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Which kit are YOU using?

That’s top secret information. Kidding. Actually, I’m not entirely sure yet. I love them both!

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I’d love to share ideas with – and ask questions to – others using Project Life. What’s the best way to connect with other Project Lifers?

We have a brand-new Project Life Community — very exciting! Click HERE to check it out. It’s completely free.

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I’m new to your website/brand. Can you explain what Project Life is?

Project Life simplifies how you document life and preserve memories. Simply pair your photos and journaling with the striking, pre-designed components from the kit and you’ll end up with a stylish masterpiece that represents your life or whatever occasion you choose to record. With Project Life’s beautifully simple, all-inclusive format, deciding what supplies to use will become obsolete, leaving you more time to experience life.

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Isn’t Project Life about taking a picture every day?

Sure, if you want it to be! But no, it certainly doesn’t need to be about the picture-a-day format. The reason I like to say “Your Story. Your way.” is because Project Life is entirely flexible to meet your needs.

Want to take a picture every single day for a full year? Great! You’ll have everything you need. Want to do just one layout per month? Perfect. You’ll get like 4.5 years worth of scrapbooking with this one kit.

There are sooo many different ways to use the Project Life kit. Check this out — I love this idea from Emily, a blog reader who recently shared how she plans to use the kit:

She says, “Next year, I’m going to assign each week a theme, and then focus all my pictures on that theme. For example, one week will be food and I’ll take pictures of meals and snacks that week. (I plan on doing food once each season so that I can have an overview of faves for the season.) On birthday and holiday weeks, I am going to take pictures to highlight that person or holiday (hobbies, room, decor, traditions, etc.) Other ideas are favorite outings/places, clothes we’re wearing, time of day (like take a picture of whatever we’re doing at 3:00 for the whole week, 10 am another week, etc.), outside, hobbies, extended family, what’s inside some of my drawers, sunsets each day, friends, family talents, etc. There are tons of ideas, and I’m sure I’ll think of more as I go, and I’m sure there are so many others who have ideas for weekly themes as well!”

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What about a school kit? Are you working on that?

Um, as soon as I come up for air.  : )

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Posted in products | 36 Comments »

Teaser.

Saturday, November 27th, 2010

I’m just sayin’ — you’ll want to tune in. I’ve got some fun up my sleeve for December.

: )

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Posted in Uncategorized | 15 Comments »

Black Friday Sale & new prices

Thursday, November 25th, 2010

First of all … Happy Black Friday! Yay for great sales and great savings. The original edition of Project Life is on CLEARANCE.

Right now.

Go, smart shopper, go!

Don’t wait. This may be the very last ones and they won’t be available again. Because — as you know — we’re making room for the new 2011 designs coming in just a few weeks (we don’t know an exact date yet). This is the perfect time to grab another kit or two as a GIFT because this is as cheap as it gets. As you know, an album alone can cost $30. If you need a reminder of all that comes in the kit, click here.

Added update: The Original Edition of Project Life is officially sold out.

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One of the most frequently asked questions about the NEW Project Life products coming in December, is regarding prices. You want to know how much everything is so you can start planning. I like that about you. You plan, you prepare, and you know how to pass along hints to your loved ones about what you want for Christmas.  : )

So here it is … The 2011 Project Life products (as seen in the Sneak Peek video) and their respective U.S. prices. All other countries need to check out this blog post about where you can pre-order our new stuff.

All the new 2011 products are laid out on this single page for your convenience. Want to print this page so you can pass along a little wish list to a certain somebody? You betcha. Click HERE for the Product Price Sheet. Print away.

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Posted in products | 24 Comments »

grateful for gratitude.

Wednesday, November 24th, 2010

I am grateful that some of you were inspired to do a little gratitude project of your own this year. Here is a look at just a few of those projects. (Thanks to all who sent me pictures. I loved seeing them!)

(By Melanie Mauer‘s family)

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(By Christine Pearson’s 2nd & 3rd grade students in a small Chicago suburb.)

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(By Karen Gottspooner’s family)

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(By Kristin Russell’s family)

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(By Tina Mattheson’s family)

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(By Angela Crandall’s family)

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(By Lisa Rogal’s family)

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(By Jody Sebring’s 500+ art students in Michigan)

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On that note …

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours.

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Posted in DIY, holidays & seasons | 20 Comments »

Project Life + Big Picture = Awesome.

Tuesday, November 23rd, 2010

I am still working on all the Project Life FAQs. (You have a lot of terrific questions!) So in the meantime, I have some exciting news.

I am pleased to announce that we have teamed up with Big Picture Classes to create the official Project Life Community.

It’s safe to assume that most of you have at least heard of Big Picture Classes. I know many of you are registered there and have taken (or are currently taking) classes there. If you’re not familiar with Big Picture’s contribution to the creative world, it’s a place online where you can connect & learn. It’s scrapbooking and photography and DIY projects and crafting and more. And of course the amazing, energetic, optimistic, compassionate, brilliant Stacy Julian is the genius behind it all. You can learn more by visiting the Big Picture Classes site.

The Project Life Community is a place where you can connect with, learn from, and be inspired by others who are using Project Life. Share ideas & tips, ask questions, and brainstorm together. It is completely free to join. I’d love to see you around the community! Click HERE to check it out and be among the first to join. This is brand-new today.

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Posted in products | 15 Comments »

behind the scenes … and an announcement

Monday, November 22nd, 2010

Here’s a peek at what the scene looked like during a recent Project Life photo shoot. We turned our dining room into a studio for the day. And you’ll even notice a couple little ornaments under the table. They weren’t about to miss out on any action.

Many thanks to Jessica (Sierra Studios Photography) for providing better photography than my amateur efforts. You’ll see a few of these pictures in tomorrow’s post.

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{ good news for international friends }

Tomorrow I will be sharing a lot of answers to a lot of your Project Life questions (including prices). In the meantime, NEWSFLASH for everyone living outside the U.S.: The new Project Life products are now available for pre-order!

New Zealand customers – click HERE

Australia customers – click HERE

Finland customer – click HERE

Canada and all other countries – click HERE

U.S. customers – Pre-orders are not available because our product is fulfilled at Amazon.com and Amazon doesn’t do pre-orders. The product has to physically be in the warehouse before it can be sold. The good news is that Amazon can and will ship the very same day the product arrives (they’re insanely efficient). We will keep you posted of course, but we’re on track to have the product available by mid-December.

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If you missed it, be sure to check out the Sneak Peek video, where I give an overview of the new products.

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Posted in products | 34 Comments »

behold the box

Thursday, November 18th, 2010

One thing I didn’t talk about in my video about the new products is how much we’ve improved the packaging for Project Life. Significantly. Not only in function (protecting the product better) but in beauty.

Presenting … (cue music) … our clean, crisp, smooth, white box. It’s the finest quality (think Apple products). Super sturdy. And … makes for beautiful gift-giving presentation.

Don’t get me wrong. Last year’s box is … sentimental. I mean, it was our very first product. The best part is that a bazillion of you sent us your pictures with the beloved box when you received your kits in the mail. Loved that. (We’ll do it again.)

But seriously — is this not so much prettier?

And … the whole thing is shrink-wrapped to keep it shiny and new and crisply white until it lands at your front door.

Each product is labeled with a sticker that identifies what’s inside.

Once you take out your kit contents and put your Project Life book together, you’ll likely be keeping your binder out on a shelf, on the coffee table, wherever. This box isn’t the get-rid-of-it kind of box. Heavens no. Use this box for storage or anything you’d like. It’s a nice size for so many things.

Just thought I’d share.

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Posted in products | 54 Comments »

FREE holiday card templates

Wednesday, November 17th, 2010

Today is a “YAY DAY!”

Yay for brand-new and beautiful holiday card templates! <<< CLICK HERE >>>

Yay that they are FREE.

Yay that if you choose to use one of these for your own holiday greeting card, you have just saved yourself a lot of time and hassle trying to figure out what you’re going to do.

Yay for these 5 lovely ladies who won the design contest. Congrats to each of them!

Yay for the many, many more entries that came in. Choosing was sooo hard. I so appreciate the talent, the time, and the willingness to share.

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I’m pleased to announce the 5 featured designers and am pleased to have them introduce themselves here today.

{ Joanna Polling }

I call Sun City, Arizona home. I am a graphic-designer-turned-photographer and a graduate of Arizona State University. For six years I did graphic design work for my church until I had my twins and decided to stay home. I’ve since turned to children’s photography as my main job (well, #2 to being a mom to my three kids). It started out as a hobby. Like every other mom I just wanted great pictures of my kids. It has since turned to a business and I’ve enjoyed it more than any other work I have done.

Web |  Blog |  Facebook

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{ Kimberly Lund } Picture was taken by Shawna Taylor Photography.

I live in a small town just outside Wichita, Kansas and I grew up in an even smaller town in central Kansas. During the school year, I teach special education in a transition classroom for three year olds. Some days I can’t believe I get paid to do something I love so much. I started scrapbooking in 2000, switched to digital in 2004, and now I dabble in hybrid art journals as well as digital layouts.

I also love to read and many weekends, you’ll find me with my laptop turned off and a good book in my hands. My family also loves to go on vacation and our two favorite spots are Branson, MO, and Walt Disney World. I’ve been blogging since 2005 at document life now. Sometimes my teenage son helps me out there. I turned 40 this past summer, and I’m raising teenagers. I’ve never been happier.

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{ Nisha Morton }

Home is in South Australia along with my husband and our 3 young children. I work part-time as an architectural drafter but have taken time off work to care for my 4-month-old baby. Actually work seems like a pleasant and somewhat distant memory now compared to the constant demands of this little guy!

I started out initially paper scrapping a few years back now. One day about 5 years ago I was editing some photos on the computer when it occurred to me that I could add some text and just print it out. This worked well and I was feeling quite pleased with this new approach I had figured out … only to find within days that there was a whole digital scrapbooking industry already out there.

I turned my hand to designing for digital scrapbooking about a year ago at Two Little Pixels. It started off as a hobby but I am enjoying the design process so much that I hope to branch into card or surface designs. My label is called Jot and Scribble and my personal style is more towards the crisp and simple side.

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{ Lauralee Lemon }

My name is Lauralee Lemon and I live in the Cleveland, Ohio suburbs with my husband and two children ages 3 years and 3 months. I’m a stay-at-home mom and love it! It’s wonderful to be home for all the little moments. But when I do need a break and a little creative me time I like to craft, sew, make cards, design on the computer, and dream about painting (it’s not realistic with a 2 bedroom apartment and young kids).

In 2006, I worked a short nine months at DCWV, a scrapbooking company, designing papers, stickers, etc. It opened my eyes to the possibilities of Illustrator. Most of my computer design is for my kids, my house, or projects for friends. I started an etsy shop a year ago called YellowMums where I sell printable birthday and learning paperie. I also have a craft blog by the same name [yellowmums.blogspot.com] where I post a free printable weekly.

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{ Anna Milot }

I live in the quite Northeast corner of Connecticut.  I enjoy reading, going to concerts, wine tasting, laughing, entertaining, and spending time with my family and friends and newborn son Graham. I began my love affair with graphic design in college where I was studying advertising and took a class in graphic design. And the rest is history.

I now work in higher education as a Graphic Designer and Marketing Manager for Student Activities. The atmosphere is awesome and the students are wonderful. I tried my hand at designing my wedding invitations 4 years ago and found a new design niche that I loved. What was once a small hobby has now turned into a very big hobby. I enjoy designing all sorts of invitations, announcements or thank you cards for friends, family and people I get to know through word of mouth.

Anna’s Blog

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Posted in holidays & seasons, style & design | 67 Comments »

giveaway winners

Wednesday, November 17th, 2010

A quick announcement about a few of you who have won something here on my blog (last week’s giveaways). Congratulations to the following:

1. Erika in Summerville, South Carolina – You have won a $50 spending credit in the Vintage Rose Wraps shop.**

2. Trisha in Grand Rapids, Michigan – You have won a headband from VRW.**

3. Tracy in Harwich, Massachusetts – You too have won a headband from VRW.**

4. Deborah in Portland, Oregon – And you have won a headband from VRW as well.**

5. Kelsey P. in Colorado Springs, Colorado – You have won a $40 spending credit for a custom jewelry piece from Bead Creations International. Email beadcreationsinternational@gmail.com

** Vintage Rose Wraps winners can email katie@vintagerosewraps.com

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new products – sneak peek!

Tuesday, November 16th, 2010

What’s that you say? It’s been how long since I’ve done a blog video? Well then it’s about time. Friends, I present to you … the official first look at the new Project Life products. Enjoy the sneak peek. And should you have Project Life questions, feel free to ask in the Comments.

And on this note of announcements … The original edition of Project Life will be on clearance on BLACK FRIDAY — November 26th. Pencil it in if you’re interested in getting a Project Life kit for only $29.99. This is crazy cheap. And therefore, the perfect time to pick it up for gifts.

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Posted in products, scrapbooking | 199 Comments »

Random Q&A

Monday, November 15th, 2010

Your questions. My answers. Stuff on your mind. Things you want to know. Here we go!

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Q: Any chance you could start showing us some of the darling outfits I’m sure you wear every day?

A: Ha! Sorry, but ummm … you would be highly disappointed if I shared a picture of my daily outfits. Unless jeans and a t-shirt are impressive to you. Seriously, I promise you the level of cuteness is not very high. But I will share one of my favorite clothing items as of late. Behold, the leggings:

As in … simple, cheap, black leggings that you can find anywhere. In fact, I picked these up at Target. The key is to wear shirts long enough to cover the boo-tay. Or another option is something else to cover up your not-so-favorite curves. I found this little ruffly number at Forever 21 not too long ago. (Got it at the actual store. Not finding the exact skirt online, sorry.)

Q: I totally get why you don’t travel for scrapbooking events anymore. My question is — will you consider organizing an event there in Arizona?

A: The short answer is … no. I can’t imagine taking on such a huge project at this stage in my life. So much more goes into planning these types of events than most would realize. Don’t get me wrong. I love projects. And you know I love organizing. But I have plenty of both going on in my world as it is. Thank goodness for people like Shealynn Benner who are up for such a challenge. She has put together Creative Estates. And I’m going to be there in April. This will be the first time I’ll be attending and participating in an event like this since starting our company a year ago.

Q: I was wondering where you found the maps you used for pointing out Finland and for the Big Photography Giveaway earlier this year?

A: Google. Just do a google search for map images and there are more to choose from than you’d ever need. If you want a map of a specific region or country, obviously you’d narrow your search accordingly.

Q: Is your Becky Font still available for download?

A: Absolutely. If you haven’t checked out the Free Stuff section of my website lately, it’s worth a peek. (Scroll down and you’ll see my font downloads in the sidebar.)

Note: The Free Stuff section will be updated this week with our new featured freebie — holiday cards! The winners of that design contest have been chosen and I will soon be announcing those fine folks as well as posting all the new designs.

Q: Which do you prefer — matte or glossy?

A: Both. When it comes to my prints, I typically prefer glossy for my photos that will be protected in a scrapbook or in a picture frame. I find the image is usually just a teensy-weensy bit sharper and crisper. I prefer matte for photos that I know will be handled, such as when they are used for announcements or invitations.

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Do you have a burning question that I haven’t answered? (If you’ve missed my previous Q&A posts, click here for a run-down of the most recent posts.) Leave your question in the comments for this post. Be sure to include your name. I’ll choose someone (with a really cool or interesting or thought-provoking question) to be my next Random Reader Spotlight.

NOTE: Please hold your questions about Project Life because I’m getting ready to share lots about that this week.  : )

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giveaway: double dose

Friday, November 12th, 2010

[ vintage rose wraps ]

Okay, so the baby’s way cuter than me. But I just wanted to show you one that I was just wearing the other day. Love these headbands. They’re comfortable and flat and adorable. And they work for all size heads. A winner will receive $50 credit to spend on her product. And 3 additional winners will receive a head band.  Learn and see more of Vintage Rose Wraps at vintagerosewraps.com.

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[ bead creations international ]

Oh, the customizing possibilities! These handstamped custom necklaces are dainty and sweet. They make a great gift too (the holidays are just around the corner and I know most of us have gift-giving on the brain). A winner will receive $40 to spend in her shop. Check out all the designs at beadcreationsinternational.com.

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Want to be a lucky winner? Leave your name, your city & state, and what you’d love to win (headband or jewelry). All winners will be announced next week.

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Posted in Uncategorized | 1,120 Comments »

photo challenge: reflection

Thursday, November 11th, 2010

Okay — do you love this? I love this.

It’s a picture my brother took. Totally inspired the next photo challenge. So this is the challenge: Take a picture of a reflection. Any kind of reflection. Maybe the image includes people. Maybe not. Maybe you put yourself in the shot. Maybe not. It’s whatever you want.

If this inspires you to take a cool shot, great. If you feel inclined to submit your picture, cool. Email your picture to submissions@beckyhiggins.com. Be sure to include your name and where you call home.

Deadline: Monday, Nov. 15th.

As usual, I’ll choose my favorites to share here on my blog for continued inspiration on taking pictures and documenting life. Someone will win Project Life. For a little more photography inspiration, just click on the Photography category at right. Or type “photo challenge” in the Search field to the right.

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Speaking of my brother, I’m so super proud of Andrew. He took a leap 4 years ago, started his own business, and has now helped over 150 companies with their graphic design and websites. I am one of his very happy clients. Check out Cambio Labs if you have graphic design, logo, or website needs. Andrew’s so modest (when he’s not being a punk) and probably blushing right now that I’m mentioning this.

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Speaking of design, I know many of you are wondering about the results of the holiday card design contest. Winners announced and free downloads posted next week. Yippee! And … I will be sharing information and pictures of the new Project Life stuff too. Next week is going to be BIG and FUN.

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Posted in photography | 24 Comments »

random reader: meet charlotte

Wednesday, November 10th, 2010

Back on October 13th, I randomly selected one of my facebook “likers”. I sent her a Project Life kit just for fun and today, I’m spotlighting her here on my blog.

Here’s the thing. I like my readers. My blog readers, facebook likers, twitter followers … and readers even dating back to when I wrote books & magazine articles. I appreciate the fact that you carve a minute out of your day here and there to stop by and see what I have to share.

So … I think it’s rather fun to draw one of your names out of a hat once in a while, send you some product, and get to know you a little.

Note to self: Do this more often.

Remember the “Random Reader” spotlight in March — Michelle in Utah? So super fun. Well today, enjoy a little Q&A I had with Charlotte in Maine.

(Digital frame found here.)

Q: Where do you call home?

A: Brunswick, Maine.

Q: Who do you call family?

A: My husband of 14 years (Jim), my son Hudson (11), my son Simon (5), and our new bulldog Millee (6 months).

Q: What are you main hobbies & interests?

A: I love scrapbooking, of course! Although I never feel like I have enough time to do it as much as I would like. I also love exercising (jogging, aerobics with weights), taking my bulldog for walks, going to the beach with my boys, and reading, reading, READING!

Q: What are a few of your family’s little traditions — things you do each day or week or month or year that are unique to you?

A: Our family cherishes every moment we have together. We have an unusual schedule in that my husband works during the day and I work in the evening so we have never had to use daycare. We have developed little routines that make each day special. My husband gets to read to the boys every weeknight and I get to read to them on the weekends. They call me at work every night at 8 to say good night. My husband and I love to text each other all day and night in order to stay connected. And we live for the weekends when we can all be together. Every Mother’s Day my husband takes photos of himself and the boys and frames them for me – those are my favorite gifts.

Q: What are you doing to document your family’s life?

A: I love to scrapbook pages that highlight major events as well as everyday moments in my family. I usually look through the pictures I have printed and I choose whichever ones speak to me at the time, regardless of when they were taken. I am a bit of a hoarder when it comes to paperwork! I have binders for each grade my boys have been in. I also love to keep receipts here and there that show what we were up to that particular day. I have a Facebook account which helps keep an easy and fun online “journal” for me. And I really love the “Project 365″ app for my iPhone – I take a picture every day and it keeps a little album for me that I can look at whenever I want.

Q: How will you use Project Life?

A: I am so excited about getting the Project Life kit. I have been scrapbooking (in the way we know it now) since 1999. I used to scrapbook regularly but I am a bit of a perfectionist and I got so tired of agonizing over the right papers, embellishments, and photos that I don’t do it nearly as much as I used to, or as much as I would like to. I have way too much ‘stuff’ and my scrapbook room is overflowing with beautiful product that I don’t use anymore. (Can you relate to this?)

I have great intentions of getting back into it but when it comes to actually doing it, I push it aside for housecleaning, exercising, running errands, even watching TV. I still buy all the new magazines, take tons of photos, read the websites and follow the blogs, so my love for the hobby is still there, I just need to rethink my approach and adapt it to something I can actually do and enjoy.

I think Project Life is going to help me find the balance I need between making the memories and preserving them. I will still make those elaborate pages that let me play with product and techniques but the pressure won’t be there to do so for every page I make. And I will be able to look at pretty, completed pages — a whole album of them! — that document our lives right now and feel a sense of accomplishment that didn’t come at the expense of my sanity! So thank you, Becky! :)

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Thank you, Charlotte, for sharing a little about who you are and what you love. I’m sure many many readers relate to things you’ve noted.

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Posted in Uncategorized | 23 Comments »

gratitude, cont.

Tuesday, November 9th, 2010

Our gratitude poster is filling up quickly. (If you missed that post, it’s here.)

Sometimes we talk about what we’re grateful for in the car … or over breakfast … and then write a few things on the poster. Sometimes the kids will think of something and immediately go to write it or draw it without letting anyone else see it. Then they “unveil” the surprise. Yesterday Claire did this and just couldn’t wait to show us what she had drawn. When she explained her sketch I melted into a puddle. Claire drew a picture of the grateful poster. She’s grateful for the grateful poster. Can someone please tell me how to bottle up the cuteness as it is right now?

This has turned out to be one of the most meaningful and valuable family projects we’ve ever done. It’s ongoing. It’s thought-provoking. It’s conversation-starting. And it’s fun! It keeps us all focused on gratitude which I truly believe is “not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all others.” (Cicero)

Something to think about: “Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.” (William Arthur Ward) Someone in your life needs to hear your appreciation today. What are you waiting for? Let them know. Send an email or a text — or even better — write a good ol’ fashioned letter and put it in the mail.

Life’s too short. Express your gratitude.

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Posted in DIY, family & children, holidays & seasons | 26 Comments »

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