Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Holiday Gift Guide 2011 Celtic Christmas by Putumayo World Music Review and Giveaway

Music is an inseparable part of Christmas. Christmas Carols (Noëls) have been around and sung from house to house and in churches for ages. I remember singing with my mother the carols around the piano and loving the family togetherness that I felt. That feeling all comes rushing back to me when the radio starts playing Christmas music during the holidays. I love the holidays, they are truly "The Most Wonderful Time of the Year".

If you are looking for a great gift this year for someone who loves music, Putumayo World Music is a wonderful pick. They have so many albums that are really great. I have reviewed the Putumayo Kids albums before and I love them because they are so multicultural and give the whole family a different musical experience than maybe they are used to.

I received the Celtic Christmas album by Putumayo World Music for free to listen to and review. I love this Christmas CD! Some of the songs on this CD I have heard before, but this CD makes them have a Celtic flair. You will hear traditional instrumentation from the music of Irish, French, Welsh, Norse, Scottish Cornish, and Old English. My favorites are: their version of O Come, O Come Emmanuel, the entrancing Noel Nouvelet, and the beautiful Manx Jezebel Carol! The whole album is a lovely addition to my holiday season.

TRACK LISTING:
01. The Albion Christmas Band - Here We Come A Wassailing - (United Kingdom)
02. Charles T. Cozens - O Come, O Come Emmanuel - (Canada)
03. The Gothard Sisters - Little Drummer Girl - (United States)
04. DruidStone - Noel Nouvelet - (Ireland Republic)
05. David Huntsinger - Angels We Have Heard on High - (United States)
06. Charles T. Cozens - Good King Wenceslas - (Canada)
07. Lasairirfhíona Ní Chonaola - Nollaig Bhan (White Christmas) - (Ireland Republic)
08. Steve Schuch & Night Heron Consort - Joy to the World - (United States)
09. Áine Minogue - Manx Jezebel Carol - (Ireland Republic)
10. David Arkenstone - God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen - (United States)
11. Dougie MacLean - Auld Lang Syne - (United Kingdom)

BUY IT:
You can get Celtic Christmas for $14.98.

WIN IT:
Beth at Putumayo World Music is giving one lucky reader a chance to win the Celtic Christmas CD.

Mandatory:
1. Go to the Putumayo World Music website and tell me what other CD you would be interested in.

Additional entries:
1. Subscribe to my blog by feedburner or by email and let me know which way. (3 extra entries each)

2. Fan/Like me on facebook and write something on my wall. (1 extra entry)

3. Follow me on Google Friend Connect (GFC) on the right sidebar and/or Networked Blogs Let me know what your user name is. (2 extra entries each)

4. Blog about this giveaway on your blog and provide me with the link. Make sure you have the link to this post and Putumayo World Music in your blog entry or it won't count. (2 extra entries)

5. Give me a brief POSITIVE review on Alexa and provide me with your user name. (3 extra entries)

6. Grab My Button (see sidebar to the right) AND/OR Put My Blog URL in Your Blogroll - Leave Your Link. (1 extra entry)

7. Technorati my blog and let me know your link. (1 extra entry)

8. Fave me on Momfaves. (2 extra entries)

9. List this giveaway on any giveaway listing website or blog Linky/Link-up and tell me where you listed it. (2 extra entries)

10. Write about this giveaway with a link to this post on your Facebook wall, Kirtsy, StumbleUpon, Google+ or other social media website besides Twitter. Let me know where. (2 extra entries for each)

11. Comment on my regular (not giveaway) posts. Let me know which one. (1 extra entry per post you comment on)

12. Follow me on Twitter. (1 extra entry)

13. Tweet this: @finamoon: @PutumayoMusic WIN: Putumayo World Music Celtic Christmas CD http://bit.ly/uNsDui (Daily Extras are Available)

14. Fan/Like Putumayo on Facebook. (1 extra entry)

15. Follow Putumayo on Twitter. (1 extra entry)

Make sure you leave me your email in all posts so that I can contact you. Don't forget to leave a comment for each task and the correct amount of entries for each task. This contest ends on Friday December 16, 2011 at midnight (GMT-08:00) Pacific Time (US & Canada). This Giveaway is open to all 18 years and over in the U.S. only!!

DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: Thanks to Beth Blenz-Cluc​as of Sugar Mountain PR for sending me a Celtic Christmas by Putumayo World Music for free, information about the CD and an extra Celtic Christmas by Putumayo World Music to give away for free. My thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion and have not been altered by anyone else. I did not receive any other compensation for doing this review.

Monday, November 28, 2011

There's Just Something About a Boy by Jenny Lee Sulpizio. Illustrated by Peg Lozier FWCT Book Review

It is time for a FIRST Wild Card Tour book review! If you wish to join the FIRST blog alliance, just click the button. We are a group of reviewers who tour Christian books. A Wild Card post includes a brief bio of the author and a full chapter from each book toured. The reason it is called a FIRST Wild Card Tour is that you never know if the book will be fiction, non~fiction, for young, or for old...or for somewhere in between! Enjoy your free peek into the book!

You never know when I might play a wild card on you!


Today's Wild Card author is:


and the book:


There's Just Something About a Boy

Isaac Publishing, Inc. (September 23, 2011)

***Special thanks to Jenny Lee Sulpizio for sending me a review copy.***


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:


Jenny Lee Sulpizio, M.S. is a wife, business owner, and mother of three residing in Boise, Idaho. She is an active member within her church and community, and enjoys tapping into her creative side whenever she gets the chance. There’s Just Something About a Boy is the second picture book released in a series that also includes Mommy Whispers, an ode to mothers and daughters everywhere.


Visit the author's website.


ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR:



Peg Lozier is an award winning portrait painter and illustrator whose work is known for color, whimsy, and a sense of fun. Raised in Boulder, Colorado, she now lives with a plethora of pets in Las Vegas, Nevada.


Visit the illustrator's website.


SHORT BOOK DESCRIPTION:



There’s Just Something about a Boy is a children’s keepsake picture book celebrating the special bond between a mother and her newborn son as she anticipates the love, laughter, and unparalleled adventure that will surely come from raising a little boy.



Product Details:

List Price: $12.95
Paperback: 30 pages
Publisher: Isaac Publishing, Inc. (September 23, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1609200365
ISBN-13: 978-1609200367

AND NOW...THE FIRST PAGES (click illustrations to enlarge):


Recalling the moment, that special day
Your tiny image took my breath away.
A precious baby with nothing to hide,
My sweet, little son nestled inside.
There’s just something about a boy…

I prepared your nursery
since around month five,
Waiting for the day
you’d finally arrive.
Stuffed animals, blankies,
your daddy’s first glove--
They sat in your room,
awaiting your love.
There’s just something
about a boy…


Sunday, November 27, 2011

Get $15 Free to Spend at One Kings Lane!

One Kings Lane is a favorite Flash Sale site of mine. They have fabulous Home Decor, Kitchen Items, Bedding, Furniture, Rugs, Linens, Children's Toys & more at up to 70% off. New sales every day.

Right now if you sign up as a new member you can get $15 for free!* I just saw some Melissa & Doug toys on there for $10-$80 that ends Wednesday Nov. 30th!! I love Melissa & Doug toys! Just sign up as a new member and get your free $15 now so you can get the deals asap!

DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: I wrote this blog post because I thought you might be interested in taking part of this deal. I am a fan of One Kings Lane and thought I would share the savings. My thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion and have not been altered by anyone else. I did not receive any compensation for doing this post. My affiliate links can be found in this post. Thank you for your support of this blog! *Referral credits can only be used on purchases more than $30.

Friday, November 25, 2011

EcoMom: Black Friday-Cyber Monday Sales, Plum District Deal and Daily Deals!!

EcoMom is one of my favorite stores online. They sell an assortment of wonderful natural, organic, and healthy products that they have compiled and tested themselves to help parents make easy, practical and affordable healthy choices for their families. They partner with charities like Healthy Child Healthy World and team up with EcoMom experts in various fields of expertise to share their information for a healthier, more balanced, and sustainable planet and lifestyle for us all. Within their website they have an icon coded system to help you quickly evaluate which products work for your own family.

Right now EcoMom is having a Black Friday-Cyber Monday Sale. You can get $20 off when you spend $50 and $40 off when you spend $100 (discount automatically applied in cart). You will also get free shipping on all orders over $50 and a flat rate of $5.95 on orders under that amount!

Plum District is also having a sweet deal for EcoMom right now too! Just pay $25 and get $50 worth to spend at EcoMom! Just Click here for the deal! Also right now use code ENJOY10 at checkout for the deal at Plum District and get $10 off too, TODAY ONLY!!!

You can also save on EcoMom's Daily Deals! Today they are having a sale on a great baby carrier, a Good For You Girls - Moisturizer! Instead of the Regular Price of $18.99 you only pay the Special Price of $15.19 today only!! Everyday they have a new sale on something from their awesome store and by clicking the image below you can sign up to receive emails to know when these sales happen...




DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: Thanks to EcoMom AND Plum District for providing me this promotion information for my readers. My thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion and have not been altered by anyone else. I did not receive any other compensation for doing this post.

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Buy One Get One FREE Starbucks Holiday Drinks! {11/17 – 11/20}

Yes you heard me right, I did say FREE Starbucks!!! Starbucks has a new deal starting tomorrow BOGO FREE Starbucks Holiday Drinks! I will definitely be going to get mine. This girl's gotta have her caffeine every once in a while and that creamy coffee deliciousness is calling out to me :)

From 11/17 – 11/20, between 2pm – 5pm, you can get a Free Holiday Drink with a purchase of one!
Participating drinks include:
  • Peppermint Mocha
  • Skinny Peppermint Mocha
  • Gingerbread Latte
  • Eggnog Latte
  • Caramel Brulée Latte

DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: I wrote this blog post because I thought you might be interested in taking part of this deal. I am a fan of Starbucks and thought I would share the savings. My thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion and have not been altered by anyone else. I did not receive any compensation for doing this post.

Dragons of the Watch by Donita K. Paul FWCT Book Review

It is time for a FIRST Wild Card Tour book review! If you wish to join the FIRST blog alliance, just click the button. We are a group of reviewers who tour Christian books. A Wild Card post includes a brief bio of the author and a full chapter from each book toured. The reason it is called a FIRST Wild Card Tour is that you never know if the book will be fiction, non~fiction, for young, or for old...or for somewhere in between! Enjoy your free peek into the book!

You never know when I might play a wild card on you!


Today's Wild Card author is:


and the book:


Dragons of the Watch

WaterBrook Press (October 4, 2011)

***Special thanks to Laura Tucker of WaterBrook Press for sending me a review copy.***

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:


Donita K. Paul is the author of The Dragons of Chiril, Dragons of the Valley, and the bestselling DragonKeeper Chronicles with more than a quarter of a million books in print. She enjoys cooking, beading, stamping, knitting, and her grandsons. Not necessarily in that order.


Visit the author's website.


SHORT BOOK DESCRIPTION:

Trapped in a forgotten city, bound by secrets, Ellie and Bealomondore must enlist the dragons of the watch to find freedom.

Ellie knows exactly where she is going. She just wants to experience the pomp and circumstance of a royal wedding, then settle into a simple life with a country husband.

With too many choices, Bealomondore’s future is a tangle of possibilities. He is respected, well-known, and admired among the elite of Chiril, but Wulder demands he narrow his focus and follow his Creator, one step at a time.

Both Ellie and Bealomondore’s plans are thwarted when they find themselves lost in an isolated city. As they discern the needs of a group of wild children and a very old man, clues began to surface and a bigger picture is revealed. With the help of the dragons of the watch, can the two tumanhofers find the way out—and perhaps discover their connection to something greater than themselves?

Product Details:

List Price: $13.99
Paperback: 400 pages
Publisher: WaterBrook Press (October 4, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1400073413
ISBN-13: 978-1400073412

AND NOW...THE FIRST CHAPTER:


Invitation

Ellie sat on her favorite boulder and looked Tak right in the eyes, telling him what was on her mind. “Gramps shouldn’t have taught me to read.”

Tak responded as he usually did when he received Ellie’s confidences. He lowered his head, placing it on her knee for a rub.

Ellie obliged her pet, stroking the white hair between his nubby horns with one hand while digging in the pocket of her homespun pinafore with the other. The mountain breeze toyed with the paper she withdrew. With difficulty, she smoothed the small poster out on her other knee. Dirty and wrinkled, it still made her heart beat a little faster.



Royal Wedding and Coronation

Princess Tipper

and

Prince Jayrus, Dragonkeeper and Paladin



All invited to the celebration

“All invited. But Ellicinderpart Clarenbessipawl and her goat Tak can’t come. No chaperone, no travel. Ma and Da aren’t interested. And Gramps just laughs. ‘You’ll see. You’ll see,’ is all he says. He should take me himself.”

Her younger brother’s shrill yell came from the knoll rising out of the river to the east. “Ellie! Ellie!”

He stood on the hill, grinning like a bear with a paw in the honey hive and his face red from running. His stubby tumanhofer body bounced with excitement. He held his fists above his head and whirled them around in circles. Something had set him off.

She stood and hollered back. “You be calling me by my proper name out in the open ’n’ at the top of your lungs, Gustustharinback. Ma will tan yer hide if she’s finding out you disgrace the family with such shabby care of our dignity.”

When he saw her, he cupped his hands around his mouth and shouted, “Yer wanted at home. Itta be good news.”

That information didn’t impress her. Probably a delivery of the bolt of muslin ordered, which meant she’d be cutting and dyeing lengths for making new clothes. Not exciting news at all.

“Can it wait?” She gestured behind her to the scattered goat herd. “I’ll have to gather Tak’s clan if I’m to come home now.”

“I’ll come help you.” Gustus charged down the hill toward the footbridge across the river.

Ellie stared at him for a moment with her mouth hanging open. The good news had nothing to do with cloth. Her brother would never voluntarily help bring in the goats for something as mundane as new clothes. He scurried down the path, slipping some on the loose rocks. But the precarious descent did not slow him a bit. Even in the narrower patches, where exposed roots of arranndon bushes tripped careless hikers, her sturdy brother skidded downward.

Folding the royal celebration notice into a small square, Ellie stuffed it back in her pocket. She turned away from watching her brother’s progress and nudged the goat. “Come on, Tak. You find the nannies, and I’ll find the billies.”

Ellie went one direction and Tak another. In a few minutes, she located the fifteen goats that formed the herd. Mostly young males, these animals preferred the rockier terrain. She suspected it had to do with their perpetual game of I’m-up-highest.

She clicked her tongue and tapped her staff on a rock. Their heads rose as if all attached to the same string, though they didn’t come right away. Each one chewed what was in his mouth and casually left his place one by one. Taking a serene amble down the hillside, they passed her, heading toward the bridge and home.

When the last one clomped by, Ellie rested her staff on her shoulder and followed. Tak already had the nannies plodding along the bank toward the footbridge. Gustustharinback trailed the nannies and carried the smallest of the baby goats in his arms.

He shouted when he caught sight of his sister. “Hurry! Aunt and Uncle Blamenyellomont are at the house. I can’t tell you the surprise, and I’m gonna burst with keeping my tongue from waggin’ and you from knowin’.”

She tapped her staff on the rock beneath her feet. The billies scampered before her, picking up her impatience and gratefully heading for home. Even after eating all day, they appreciated the handfuls of button grain they got from the farmer’s younger children.

With the goat hoofs pounding on the wooden bridge, Ellie couldn’t hear or be heard. So she waited until she’d caught up with her brother on the other side.

“What’s with all the falderal, Gustus?”

She watched as he forced a glare onto his face, erasing the impudent grin he’d been wearing. “You are to call me by my proper name if I have to call you by yours.”

“There’s a difference between shouting ‘Ellie’ and speaking ‘Gustus’ quietly.” She grabbed his arm. “Now tell me, or I’ll toss you into the river.”

He pressed his lips together and gave her his most obstinate glower. The corners of his lips twitched, and she knew he wanted to laugh. She let go. She couldn’t really dunk him while he carried the small kid.

“Why are our aunt and uncle here?”

“Can’t tell you that either. But they’s only stopping, not staying. We’d better hurry.”

Ellie lost Gustustharinback’s help as soon as they came in sight of the pens. He scuttled down the last hill and opened the gate but then ran through the goat barn, across the yard, and into the house.

The herd followed the leader through the opening and took up different places to observe their world. Ellie and Gustus had put many odd things within the goat pen for the animals to climb on. Old wooden benches, barrels, a huge thick branch they had pulled with the donkey’s help, and crates littered the ground. The goats enjoyed scrambling up, over, and around the obstacles.

Tak stayed at Ellie’s side as she put water in the trough and fastened the barn door securely open so the animals could come in if they wanted. He followed her out the door on the other side of the barn and waited patiently while she latched it shut.

Entering the back door so she could wash before meeting their visitors, Ellie noticed that the kitchen showed signs of serving tea. Her mother must have prepared refreshments to carry into the common room. Through the pantry door, she could see empty spots on the shelves, which meant the good china pot and the blue glass dishes were being used.

Warm water sat in a tub in the sink, and she used that to wash her face and hands. She pulled the scarf off her head, gathered her long, curly black locks into a ponytail and used the scarf to tie it in place. Wisps of hair immediately escaped and framed her tanned face. She washed her face again as if she could rid herself of the look of a farm girl. Hopefully Aunt Tiffenbeth wouldn’t make that tired old comment: “Your blue eyes would be more attractive if you scrubbed away some of that mud you use for face cream.”

Voices from the family’s conversation drifted through the partially open door. Aunt Tiffenbeth quarreled with Ellie’s father.

“Brother, you are wrong in this. Ellicinderpart is your eldest child and way past the age to be in the village looking for a husband.”

“If there’s a man good enough for her, he can just come courting here.” Her father’s voice rumbled in the wood-paneled room, and Ellie did not even have to strain to hear him. She stepped closer to the door in order not to miss a single word her aunt spoke.

“You are the most vexing man. That is not going to happen. It isn’t the way of things, and you know it. You’re selfish and your mind is rootbound.”

Only his older sister could get away with talking like that to Ellie’s father. She probably ought to go in before the discussion escalated to verbal warfare. She finished wiping her hands and draped the towel over one of the kitchen chairs around the square table.

“The girl is needed here.”

“The young woman is your unpaid servant.”

Excerpted from Dragons of the Watch by Donita K. Paul Copyright © 2011 by Donita K. Paul. Excerpted by permission of WaterBrook Press, a division of Random House, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Holiday Gift Guide 2011 Tiny Prints Holiday Cards Review

The holidays are just around the corner and if you have in mind to send out holiday cards Tiny Prints has some really fantastic ones this year. I love the new Ornament Cards they have that you can hang on your tree! These are great to send out to family and friends this year. You can personalize so many different cards at Tiny Prints it is hard to choose which one. I love so many of them! I am very tempted to get one of the Ornament ones this year because they are unique and special. I have not done Christmas pictures this year yet of my family so I placed last years photo in an ornament one so you could see how great they are!

DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: Because I am posting about Tiny Prints' Holiday Cards I am getting $25 Tiny Prints gift card valid on http://www.tinyprints.com or 50 holiday cards - any size, any style from Tiny Prints. My thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion and have not been altered by anyone else. I did not receive any other compensation for doing this post.

Holiday Gift Guide 2011 Torani Flavored Syrups Review

Since 1925, family-owned Torani has been crafting great tasting flavored syrups that coffeehouses and restaurants in over 40 countries use to make their flavored drinks taste so delicious. Coffeehouse and restaurant professionals choose Torani flavors because they are expertly crafted and made with the highest quality ingredients, like natural flavors and pure cane sugar. The sugar free flavors have no calories and are sweetened with Splenda. Now, Torani Flavored Syrups are widely available at retail so you can easily create authentic coffeehouse quality drinks at home.

You Can Flavor:
  • Coffees/Espressos/Lattes/Mochas
  • Hot Chocolates/Cocoas
  • Steamed Milk
  • Teas (Hot and Cold)
  • Italian Sodas
  • Lemonades
  • Sodas
  • Mocktails
  • Energy drinks
  • Smoothies
  • Snow Cones/Shaved Ice/Italian Ice
  • Torani Recipes

Torani Syrup Flavor Varieties: Torani flavored syrups are available in over 122 flavors, which include regular and sugar free varieties. Please go to www.Torani.com to see all flavors.

Where to Buy Torani Flavored Syrups:
  • Cost Plus World Market
  • BevMo
  • Walmart
  • Smart and Final
  • Most major grocery stores
  • Amazon.com (wide assortment of flavors)
  • Torani.com and Shop.Torani.com (widest assortment of flavors)

At Amazon right now they are having specials on Torani Variety Packs for the holidays!

SheSpeaksbutton

I received two 750ml bottles of Torani Syrup, a recipe booklet, a special offer code to receive a discount on Torani.com, and 5 FREE coupons from SheSpeaks and Torani. The two bottles I received were the Hazelnut Syrup and the Sugar Free Pumpkin Pie Syrup to try out and review for free. These are both great for the holidays! I love them in hot chocolate and hot teas for this time of year because the drinks warm my belly. I am excited to try it with other recipes as well. The Torani Flavored Syrups all look like something you would see behind the counter of an expensive coffee shop, but they are priced reasonably too. I will definitely be trying more Torani flavors! The Hazelnut was my favorite flavored syrup that I have tried so far. I tried it with a mug of hot chocolate and later in a glass of eggnog and it was so delicious! It has a rich delicious flavor even without cream or milk that makes you feel like you are tasting some exotic treat. The Sugar Free Pumpkin Pie Syrup is really good when I am craving a pumpkin pie. It is calorie free because it uses Splenda and although I liked that fact I don't really care for the aftertaste of the Splenda in this flavor and I try to avoid artificial sweeteners. Otherwise it was very good and I would probably actually buy the regular Pumpkin Pie Syrup that they also have as a flavor choice once this one runs out.

DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: As a member of SheSpeaks I received two 750ml bottles of Torani Syrup, a recipe booklet, a special offer code to receive a discount on Torani.com, and 5 FREE coupons for free to sample and review for "Torani's Authentic Coffeehouse Flavor" Program. My thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion and have not been altered by anyone else. I did not receive any other compensation for doing this review.

Friday, November 11, 2011

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 Widget



DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: By posting this widget on my blog I am getting a free Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 on DVD for review later on my blog. My thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion and have not been altered by anyone else. I did not receive any other compensation for doing this post.

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

The Keeper by Suzanne Woods Fisher - Official Trailer

I am a huge fan of Suzanne Woods Fisher and her Amish books! Here is The Keeper by Suzanne Woods Fisher - Official Trailer. It is the first book in her new Stoney Ridge series! The official release date is January 2nd, but it’s available now to pre-order. Get more details on her blog.



DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: Because I am posting about The Keeper by Suzanne Woods Fisher - Official Trailer I am entered to win a drawing for Amish books. My thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion and have not been altered by anyone else. I did not receive any other compensation for doing this post.

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Get a Melissa & Doug 25% Off Coupon When You Take the North "Poll"

Melissa & Doug want you to tell them which of their educational toys you think is the best! Just click on the image below to place your vote in the North "Poll!" You'll Get a Melissa & Doug 25% Off Coupon** to use at MelissaAndDoug.com just for voting!


DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: Because I am posting about the Melissa & Doug North "Poll" promotion I will be given a unique $25 coupon. My thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion and have not been altered by anyone else. I did not receive any other compensation for doing this post.

Thursday, November 3, 2011

Shutterfly Family Photo Days and Photo Taking Tips

The holidays are just around the corner and with that comes family photos. Let's face it sometimes it is just so difficult to get the perfect memorable shot of the whole family looking their best. In an effort to inspire and educate you on ideas on getting that perfect family photo early so you can place it into a fantastic card online, Shutterfly is having "Family Photo Days" throughout November. On their “Family Photo Days” website you can use the creative ideas on the website, share and discuss more ideas with others, and then take those ideas and making them your own. So get going and create that spectacular moment on camera then come back to Shutterfly because they have some great personalized Holiday Cards that you can put that photo into.

I have some great tips that I have found to be invaluable in taking the best family photos that I am going to share here with you now:

1. Plan ahead! Pick a day and time that isn't stressful for everyone. Make sure everyone can be available at the day and time picked and everything is set up and put together before the big day so no problems will arise. Children have their own times when they are at their best and happiest. Make sure to plug that into the equation too. Make sure clothing is set out the day before and haircuts are done a week before at least. Try to maintain your composure even if you are a little stressed because kids pick up on this easily and their reactions could derail the whole event. Arrive at the portrait shoot a little early with a clear, rested mind.

2. Lighting is very important. There are a lot of lighting techniques that professionals use. Shoot outdoor photos when the sun is low in the sky, either in the early morning or late afternoon so that the lighting isn't too bright or way too dark. If you are photographing in sunlight, try to position yourself so that the sun hits your subject from the side. You can also position your subject in front of the sun to give a great back-light effect, but don't let the sunlight flare in your lens because the contrast will be messed up. If shooting indoors use as much light as is available. The flash sometimes can make nasty shadows on the wall behind the subject. If this happens it is best to try to position the subject in from of a dark wall or getting them as far away from any walls as possible. No one person should stand out more than the others. You could also buy studio lighting for your own indoor setup or go to a studio that has one, but know that lighting is very important!!

3. If red eye or blemishes prevail, fix it with Photoshop or a paint program. Don't fret the small stuff. There are some awesome red eye removal and blemish editing techniques in a lot of photo software these days that quickly and painlessly get rid of unwanted red eye and blemishes.

4. Dress Code and feeling: Coordination, comfort, and simplicity is the name of the game. Too much print, pattern or color will take away from the faces in the photographs. Nice solid color shirts that match are the best and simplest way to go. Remember darker colors are slimming and generally more flattering. Comfortable clothing is better if the photo shoot is going to be a long one especially if there are young children involved. So go ahead and go casual! If; however, you do want to go fancier then try to get the pictures with the kids out of the way first so there isn't a lot of waiting in fancy uncomfortable dress. Know the feeling and theme you want to convey in the pictures ahead of time and make sure everyone participating knows and agrees.

5. Get creative with settings, props and backgrounds. There are some awesome scenic places that you could have as your background or setting, but sometimes getting everyone there is the hard part. Be creative and spontaneous. Sometimes the best photos could be set in your own backyard or home. A solid color sheet or large blanket could be used as a great backdrop. You could have your little one hug a favorite stuffed critter or ride a wooden pony or use a toy to get the child to look at you. Just think outside the box!

6. Take closeups and get close. Family is all about closeness :) So get everyone in the picture to squeeze together as close as comfortably possible. This makes the pictures seem more warm and inviting. Get closeups of individuals and couples too. It is all about capturing facial expression and the face is the greatest asset in your pictures! Sometimes blurring the background is a good thing because the main focus is on the subjects instead.

7. Make sure the subjects all have their eyes open, are smiling (unless you want serious, romantic, etc.), and look like they are having fun. Nobody likes a picture that someone: is squinting, looks like they are in a daze, looks like they are not having fun at all, or has their mouth wide open. We've all had pictures taken like this. Try to make the photos fun to dissolve boredom. Have the subjects jump in the air or tell them a funny joke to make them laugh. Don't be afraid to try something new to make it more fun. Make the subjects feel confident that they are having a positive experience. Don't tell them that it just isn't working, instead say, “Great, lets try a few more positions.”. Emanate positivity and it will be more enjoyable for all participating.

8. Take both formal and candid shots. Candid shots give more emotion, are more relaxed and usually can tell a story. Formal shots tend to be posed and manipulated more. Take both even if someone wants only one or the other.

I love the holidays! I love decorating, remembering the true meaning of Christmas, giving gifts like these neat Photo Gifts, sending out my yearly happenings newsletter, and personalizing cards with my family photos to send out to family and friends. This is truly one of my favorite seasons!

DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: Because I am posting about Shutterfly's Holiday Cards I am getting 50 free holiday cards from Shutterfly. My thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion and have not been altered by anyone else. I did not receive any other compensation for doing this post.

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Wordless Wednesday Happy Halloween 2011

I hope your Halloween was great! Here are my kids dressed up in their costumes. Delbin my oldest son was Bumblebee from Transformers this year, Jaedan made a very impressive Harry Potter, Teela was a pretty Belle from Disney's Beauty and the Beast and Zari was a delightful little Snow White. We had fun trick-or treating this year around the neighborhood and I was very happy that it wasn't too cold or raining this year because we were all on foot. If you click on the picture above it will make it bigger so you can see more of the details.

The only non store bought/reviewed costume was Jaedan's. My mom made the robe for Jaedan and he really doesn't need to wear glasses, but the low strength reading glasses my mom found really made the outfit too. He found the perfect stick to be the wand and wore his church clothes underneath the robe. I was proud of my contribution - a little of the dark side of a Covergirl SmokyShadowBlast Purple Plume eyeshadow stick for the scar and he was all set :)