Preparing for 2019

One of the big decisions that I ended up making in 2018 was finally getting a new computer. I had a computer that was 8 years old, it was limping along and was just terrible. SOOOO slow. Very frustrating. And finally one day, I just did it, I actually ordered the new computer from my iPhone! 

Simultaneously, my iCloud storage reached 200 GB capacity. I was already paying $2.99 a month for the added storage. I wasn't making the time to manage my digital life. I also had about 55,000 pictures saved on my iCloud...that's pretty much EVERY picture taken since 2006! 

In anticipation of switching computers, I had purchased an external hard drive (4TB for those who may care) and started the process of transferring photos into files on this external drive. My husband thought I should just carry everything from my old computer over, but I didn't want to bog down a new system with all the old junk. I want to start fresh...but with all my fonts (2,000+!) and access to my pictures if I want them!

I spent hours deleting photos from my phone. I still have to finish a few years worth of photos, but my phone is able to do updates (about 60 GB is available now!)

What is your process for managing your digital life--particularly photos? I was pleasantly surprised that all of the photos appear to be showing up in my Photo app on my computer, I assumed they were all linked to the cloud and once I deleted from the phone, they'd disappear from the computer. The cloud still baffles me--does that make me old?

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How to Create a Facebook Cover Photo with Pages {DIY}

I probably can be described as a Facebook addict, but that's a story for another day...something I like about Facebook is being able to easily share pictures with friends and family that are all over the globe.

One way I like to tweak + personalize my Facebook page is to create photo collages for the cover photo.

I had this one up around Christmas. It matches our Christmas Postcard.

From last year:

Fun, right?

Here is how I do it with my iMac:

*This is how I convert these files using an iMac, my guess is this will not work with a PC. Instead of having Microsoft Office, I have the Apple version: Pages. I know there has to be other ways, using file converters, etc. but this is the way I feel the most comfortable making documents into pictures...even though I do have Photoshop and need to learn HOW it works!

Click on this image to open be able to download the file template for you to download and instructions.

Once the file is downloaded, personalize the template by deleting the text in the top page. Go ahead and personalize using your photos and backgrounds. I have locked the gray box where your existing profile picture will appear. If you want, you can leave that blank, but whatever on the cover photo is behind that box will be covered when your profile is viewed.

And here are a few additional images if you are unsure how to save and convert the file to a JPEG.

Please let me know if you have any questions!

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Photo Wall Fun...{part 2}

 I've always been a fan of a nice photo wall or photo collage. {View here to see my photo wall from my previous house.}

I love displaying pictures around my house...although sometimes I probably should change out old pictures and replace with newer pictures, I always tend to just add more.

It all started with a grouping of frames, most were purchased at IKEA. I haven't been able to get a good picture of the pictures hanging on the wall because it's opposite a huge window and even on an overcast day there is glare...{oh well, you get the gist!}

Here is a picture from a few weeks ago:

To hang these pictures I used a fun technique that I discovered on Pinterest. I used a clothespin, drilled a tiny hole through the "closed" end and nailed in a tiny nail with a flat head. Simply hang the picture from the side with the flat head, and use the top portion to hold up the picture. Once you have the picture where you'd like it, simply press against the top of the frame. You'll leave a small indent where you can hammer in a nail. This is any photo-hanging eyeballer's dream!! 

It's difficult to see in this picture, the nail is across the bottom. 

Here is my most recent photo with an addition to the photo wall...

I used the painting technique of Jaime from That's My Letter, who again I found through Pinterest. I love her blog and think she is amazingly talented! 

Here is the same sign hanging on the wall:

And here is a picture of my boys playing, because it's just cute:

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Do YOU want to take better pictures?

Since purchasing my Digital SLR camera, I've been on a quest to improve my photography skills and to simply take better pictures. I came across this fantastic e-book by Kristen Duke (who is a truly talented photographer!) that gives the in's and out's of taking your camera off "auto" and using the camera to it's fullest potential. Aside from providing detailed instructions of the different modes and how they work, she also gives a mini-cheat cheats to help master ISO, Aperture, & Shutter Speed. One awesome feature is that it it printable as a 4 by 6 photograph. I'm planning on printing out a copy of each page so I have this "book" on hand whenever I need it.

If you are looking to improve your photography and take your camera off "auto" I would highly recommend Kristen's book. Take the plunge, give it a try. I dare you!

If this move doesn't kill me, I hope to be able to share some pictures of my new digs soon!

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Photo Wall

So, earlier I shared with you my little family organization "center" located on a very barren section on wall in my kitchen. Remember how I said we might be moving? Of course I can't just use my time wisely (and do something helpful like clean off my desk, or make dinner) instead I decided to create a photo collage on my wall with random frames that I had.

I scoured my bookshelves and even pulled a couple pictures that I've been meaning to frame to display for some time now, to create this photo wall/collage:

I think the wall needs something ELSE, I'm just not sure WHAT. Maybe some Silhouette Vinyl? Hmm.

I need to use my time more wisely. I swear, I'm going to go clean off my desk, right now!

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