Dukes and Duchesses: A Back to School Party

Kids headed back to school? 

Looking for a fun way to help the kids meet one another and celebrate the return of school?

Here's a fun idea share by "Dukes and Duchesses" for a fun way to celebrate Back to School.

Be sure to click the link to go to the original post on the site! 

Dukes and Duchesses: A Back to School Party

Be sure to have a Picture Keeper handy to back up on those photos from the party! Visit our new online website to order yours today!!

Back to School Photography Tips

Back to School Photography Tips

By: Tracy Greene

It's that time of year again. The smell of new school supplies is in the air and kids have new sneakers, haircuts, and are ready to go back to school. Here are some back to school photography tips so you won't miss a moment this year...

It's that time of year again. The smell of new school supplies is in the air and kids have new sneakers, haircuts, and are ready to go back to school.

This is a photo opportunity you don't want to miss. Whether it's their first day of Kindergarten, entering their first year of college, or anything in between, the first day of school is special and you'll want to have your camera ready to go.

Here are some back to school photography tips to help you capture all of these precious moments.

Back To School Shopping, Shopping, Shopping
Whether you like it or not, shopping for back to school clothes, shoes, and school supplies is an annual tradition that deserves documentation. Turn what might be an arduous task for your kids into a fun experience by giving them a "photo assignment". Have them take pictures of each other's best and worst shopping moments. This might even become a new back to school tradition. Photograph them before you leave with their worn out summer sandals, unruly pool hair, and faded summer tank tops. You'll have that to start your back to school scrapbook page and contrast it with the first day of school photo.

By giving the camera to your kids for part of this day you might even end up with a funny photo of yourself frazzled from a day of shopping.


The First Day
Whether they are taking the bus, walking, or driving themselves for the first time, that goodbye photo is crucial to remember that feeling forever. They will be proud to see their independence and you can reflect on this time in their lives.

Friends Forever
Getting kids together, whether it's siblings, neighbors, or classmates always helps break the ice. These photos are fun for the kids to look back on and see how much their friends have changed over the years.

Think Outside of the Box 
Kids smiling for the camera always make a nice picture, but you might like something a little out of the ordinary even better. Try photographing kids from behind. On the first day of school you will see the excited posture of their walk onto the bus or into school with their new favorite backpack they picked for this year.

Get a Close-Up
Make sure you do a full head to toe photo to capture what they looked like at this time in their life. Then, zoom in close and do a few portraits to remember the features of their face at this age. They will inevitably get annoyed after a few shots so keep shooting and grab some of those funny candid moments too.

Back to School Traditions
Once they are home from the first day, do you have an annual family tradition? Homemade cookies and milk, ice cream cones... whatever the tradition, be sure to include your camera.

Link to original article:
Back to School Photography Tips | Take Great Pictures

Tips for Smart Back-to-School Shopping

It's that time of the year again!

Time to think about Back To School shopping. For many of us...a collective ugh was your response. Back to school shopping can be a pocket book breaker and the more kids you have, the worse it gets!

Here are some tips and links to help you with your BTS shopping and more!!

Unclutter your closets....

Does it seem like your child outgrows his clothes every season? Instead of tossing out the too-small tees and jeans and hitting the mall, try organizing a clothing swap with friends and neighbors, preferably those with kids of varying ages. You’ll update his wardrobe while clearing out your closets — and saving money.

Reuse and revamp what you already have....

Many school supplies can have a second life, such as backpacks, binders, folders, and even pens. If a notebook has been only lightly used, tear out the marked-up sheets of paper and have your child decorate the cover with stickers, stencils, or colorful paper to give it a fresh look. Does your child's backpack have a lifetime warranty? Some companies like Jansport will repair broken zippers or replace damaged backpacks for free.

Be a coupon clipper...

Keep an eye out for sales and deals advertised in the newspaper and online. Stores will try to lure you in with their promotions in the hopes that you'll buy everything there, discounted or not. Be sure to stick to the bargain items — if something is not on your list, just say no.

Dig into discounts at dollar stores...

Substantial savings abound at your local dollar store. Scissors, glue, erasers, rulers, crayons, and more can be purchased for far less than at chain or office supply stores. And you'll find that many of the items are the same familiar name brands.

Here is an amazing site, She Knows....that is filled with endless help for Back To School and so much more!

Ten tips for smart back-to-school shopping

Back To School Clothes Shopping Tips and More!

And don't forget to pick up a Picture Keeper to back up all those back to school photos and more! Visit our new website to order yours today!

Are you Crafty? Love Halloween??

This event is a CALL OUT for creative individuals to apply to appear in a LIVE Costume Creating Challenge sponsored by Westcott Brand and Duck Tape! 

The actual LIVE challenge segments featuring the pre-selected contestants will take place at CreativeFest (http://www.csnf.com/) 
Fri Oct 21st 1:00 & 6:00
Sat Oct 22nd 11:00 & 5:00
Sun Oct 23rd 11:00 – Grand Prize Winner selected

CONTEST OVERVIEW:
http://westcottbrand.ca/Costume/

CONTEST OFFICIAL RULES:
http://westcottbrand.ca/Costume/official-rules/ 

ENTRY FORM:
http://westcottbrand.ca/Costume/2011/07/05/enter-to-win/

Have a Wild Time at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park

Thinking about a trip to Walt DisneyWorld?

Love animal and plan to visit Disney's Animal Kingdom?

Then this might be just the added fun you're looking for...I know I would love to do this! Be sure if you do sign up for this opportunity to bring your camera to capture what sounds like a unique and fun experience outside of the rides and attractions!!

Click the link below to learn more about Disney's new Wild Africa Trek!

Have a Wild Time at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park

Please Welcome Simply Stacie!!

Stacie Vaughan is a mom of two daughters, ages 6 and 12, and currently lives in Nova Scotia, Canada. She studied business at both Algonquin College and University of New Brunswick and then went on to pursue her CGA (Certified General Accountant) designation while working full-time in a public practice accounting firm. In 2007, she left the workforce to be a stay-at-home mom and follow another path.

In 2008, she found her way into the wonderful world of blogging and started the review & giveaway site, Simply Stacie. In the past two years, her site has grown enormously and has become one of the top review & giveaway blogs in Canada. She now has four writers on her team(Kimmel!!) who review products and perform book reviews. Stacie has begun to focus more on Social Media and growing her readership and has taken an active interest in helping other bloggers achieve their goals too. Stacie has worked with numerous companies, PR and handmade businesses over the last two years on Social Media campaigns and helping them get the word out about their product or business. She has also organized many multi-blog events included the Holiday Gift Giveaway Hop and the Handmade with Love Giveaway Hop where 200+ blogs participated.

My name is Kimmel and I was born in Utah but I’ve been a native to Oregon since I was twelve. I married my high school sweetheart and we’ve been married for six years. Together we have two adorable little girls and hope to add to them. My husband is in the Air Force so we will be leaving beautiful Oregon to discover new parts of the world.

I have been blessed with the opportunity to be a stay at home wife and mother. This gives me lots of time to read, one of my favorite things to do. I will read almost anything if the premise appeals to me, however I do tend to migrate towards Fantasy and Science Fiction. I’m also a sucker for a good love story and I enjoy the thrill of a good mystery. My favorite authors include, but are not limited to, Terry Goodkind, Orson Scott Card, Brandon Sanderson, Dean Koontz, and LaVyrle Spencer.

I have recently been developing my writing skills, my second favorite hobby. I’ve been working on a Young Adult novel that will hopefully be finished within the next two months.

Life with two little girls is hectic, but reading keeps me sane. I look forward to offering my opinions to those who love the same things I do in the hopes that they can find their next great love!

We invite you to visit Simply Stacie and Kimmel and enter to win a Picture Keeper!!

Please Meet Linda with Craftaholics Anonymous!

Hi, my name is Linda and I’m a Craftaholic. After a small intervention from the hubs, I decided to face reality and deal with my addiction one craft at a time so I started a blog called Craftaholics Anonymous. I enjoy filling my blog with all kinds of crafts, tutorials, inspiration, home decor, fun finds, little bit of fashion, tips and tricks, and a good helping of giveaways!

One important thing you should know about me is, I love to share how I make things!! check out my growing tutorial list here. {I think I’ve hit 75 tutorials now}

Mrs. Craftaholics Anonymous

I’m a hopeless craft addict with a blog…. because its cheaper than therapy! haha I actually hate talking about myself. But since this is an “About Me” page, I suppose I should. Beyond crafting, I enjoy running and baking. Although I’m not very good at baking. I have a BA in Business. I wanted to major in Interior Decorating….but didn’t. So I play around at home and change my furniture and home decor almost weekly. Which inspired a game at our house called, “What did I change today, honey?” I love photography and pretty pictures, so I am constantly working on my photog skills. I was a bit of a neat freak before the kids came…… I used to alphabetize my food pantry…..but that went out the window when the kids came! I still love to organize closets and drawers, I find it very relaxing.

We invite you to visit Linda and her amazing site to enter to win a Picture Keeper!!