Stopping the Moment

I've Upgraded!

2011-08-21T00:19:00.000-05:00

Please join me at my new blog "home" at http://scrapwithsara.com/

More lunchtime printables

2011-08-19T21:51:00.000-05:00

These little lunch box jokes/notes are really catching on. I found this set of fun lunch box jokes at Sprik Space blog in collaboration with Kristen Duke Photography.

The jokes are downloadable/printable. It's a 2-page PDF file.

Downloadable notes and lunch bag labels for back-to-school

2011-08-15T22:39:00.001-05:00

From the Kodak Tips & Projects Exchange, these downloadables are part of the Back to School Organization Workshop.

The images are linked, so just click to download them :)

Digital Scrapbooking Template Freebie #10

2011-08-02T17:28:00.001-05:00

Working my way through my Disney albums. Here's a page I did for my Hollywood Studios pix. I've converted it to a template for you below.

Click the template image to download it free. It will be delivered as a layered PSD template within a zip file.

You can also download PNG images here.

Let me know if you have any problems with it or need help with it.

If you need it in a different format, just drop me a note. I'll see what I can do :)
I hope you enjoy it!

Original Layout Credits:
Starlight Mini Kit
Felt Board Friends: Oh Snap!
Subtle Whites Paper Pack
Hang Its!
Flitter Kit

Digital Scrapbooking Template Freebie #9

2011-07-26T02:46:00.003-05:00

I love the Getting There kit by Pattie Knox at Designer Digitals. I used it to create another page for my Disney album. I've converted the page design to a template for you below.

Click the template image to download it free. It will be delivered as a layered PSD template within a zip file.

download PNG images here.

Let me know if you have any problems with it or need help with it.

If you need it in a different format, just drop me a note. I'll see what I can do :)
I hope you enjoy it!

Digital Scrapbooking Template Freebie #8

2011-07-26T02:04:00.000-05:00

I'm working my way through my Disney scrapbook. Here's a page I did for a Speed Scrap (although I was none-too-speedy!) I've converted it to a template for you below.

Click the template image to download it free. It will be delivered as a layered PSD template within a zip file.

Let me know if you have any problems with it or need help with it.

If you need it in a different format, just drop me a note. I'll see what I can do :)
I hope you enjoy it!

Layout credit:
Britt-ish Designs Galactic Alliance Kit

Digital Scrapbooking Template Freebie #7

2011-07-20T01:22:00.004-05:00

My latest layout at Designer Digitals is a tribute to my Starbucks addiction. I've converted it to a template for you below.

Click the template image to download it free. It will be delivered as a layered PSD template within a zip file.

Let me know if you have any problems with it or need help with it.
If you need it in a different format, just drop me a note. I'll see what I can do :)
I hope you enjoy it!

Layout credit:
Coffee Klatch Kit by Pattie Knox at Designer Digitals

Digital Scrapbooking Template Freebie #6

2011-07-15T22:48:00.002-05:00

Click the template image to download it free. It will be delivered as a layered PSD template within a zip file.

Let me know if you have any problems with it or need help with it. This is a larger file than the others, so it may take a little longer to download.
If you need it in a different format, just drop me a note. I'll see what I can do :)
I hope you enjoy it!

Disney Dreaming

2011-07-06T23:40:00.003-05:00

Layout Credits:
Just Linens Paper Pack No. 19
Rainbow Polka Paperie
ArtPlay Palette Magic ValueSet
Bead Scatterings No. 03

Digital Scrapbooking Template Freebie #5

2011-07-06T02:43:00.003-05:00

I'm working on my cruise scrapbook. Here's a page I did for our Mickey breakfast. I've converted it to a template for you below.

Click the template image to download it free. It will be delivered as a layered PSD template within a zip file.

Let me know if you have any problems with it or need help with it.
If you need it in a different format, just drop me a note. I'll see what I can do :)
I hope you enjoy it!

Credits: All from Anna Aspnes at Designer Digitals
Rainbow Stripe Paperie
Rainbow Polka Paperie
Rainbow Solids Paperie
PotPourri Paperie

Free Collage Software - Andrea Mosaic

2011-07-06T02:30:00.000-05:00

Andrea Mosaic is a free software program that takes your photos and creates a collage with the background image of your choice. Very cool and the price is right, too :)

Here's a page I made with it:

And here's a close-up of the top right corner so you can see what the photos look like:

Layout credits:
Safari Zebra Prints
Krafty Blank Safety Tags

Corn Dip

2011-07-04T22:34:00.000-05:00

Ingredients

3 (11 ounce) cans Mexican-style corn, well drained
1 (7 ounce) can diced green chiles, drained
5 green onions, chopped
1 (8 ounce) container Low Fat Sour Cream
1 4 ounce can diced jalapenos
1 cup Lite mayonnaise (or more as needed)
pinch Garlic powder (or more to taste)
pinch Cumin
pinch sugar
2 cups Mexican Blend fancy shredded cheese
Fritos Scoops or tortilla chips

Directions

In a medium-size mixing bowl, combine all ingredients.
Mix well. Cover and refrigerate overnight. This allows the flavors to blend.
Serve cold with chips.

The Ultimate Banana Pudding

2011-07-04T22:19:00.000-05:00

Ingredients

1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese
1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
1 (5 ounce) package instant vanilla pudding mix
3 cups cold milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 large container Cool Whip
4 - 6 bananas, sliced
1 (12 ounce) package vanilla wafers

Directions

In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until fluffy. Beat in condensed milk, pudding mix, cold milk and vanilla until smooth. Fold in 1/2 of the whipped topping.
Line the bottom of a pedestal bowl with vanilla wafers. Arrange 2 or 3 sliced bananas evenly over wafers. Spread with 1/2 pudding mixture. Repeat. Top with whipped topping. Chill.
To garnish, I like to cut a few slices of banana and arrange them in the center. Crush some vanilla wafers and sprinkle them around the perimeter of the bowl.

This is so rich and delicious. It will ruin you for any other version of banana pudding :)

Sopapilla Cheesecake recipe

2011-07-04T21:33:00.000-05:00

3 cans pillsbury butter crescent rolls
2 (8oz) packages cream cheese (softened)
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 cup butter (melted)
Cinnamon & sugar

Instructions:
Unroll and spread 1.5 cans crescent rolls on bottom of ungreased pan. Combine softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla. Spread mixture over crescent rolls. Unroll and spread remaining crescent rolls over mixture. Spread melted butter over the top and sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar. Bake at 350 degrees for 20-30 minutes.

Digital Scrapbooking Template Freebie #4

2011-07-04T06:34:00.003-05:00

I unexpectedly found some free time on my hands. Thought I'd convert this page to a template for you, too:

This one is fun for summer waterplay photos ... or you could add extra circles to make Mickey Mouse Ears for scrapbooking your trip to Disney. Whatever you find to do with it, I hope you'll enjoy it.

Click the template image to download it free. It will be delivered as a layered PSD template within a zip file. Let me know if you have any problems with it or need help with it.

If you need it in a different format, just drop me a note. I'll see what I can do :)

I hope you enjoy it!

Original Layout credits:
Deep End Kit
by Lynn Grieveson at Designer Digitals
Hanging Tags No. 01
and
Game Cards: Birthday
by Katie Pertiet at Designer Digitals
Absolutely Acrylic: Tabs and Tags
by Pattie Knox
WaterDrops No. 02 ElementSet
and LoopDaLoop ArtStrokes No. 01 BrushSet
by Anna Aspnes at Designer Digitals

Digital Scrapbooking Template Freebie #3

2011-07-04T04:29:00.002-05:00

Happy Birthday, America! To celebrate, here's a digital scrapbooking template freebie for you.

Click the template image to download it free. It will be delivered as a layered PSD template within a zip file. Let me know if you have any problems with it or need help with it.

If you need it in a different format, just drop me a note. I'll see what I can do :)

If you use it, link me up so I can feature your page on the blog :)

I hope you enjoy it!

Digital Scrapbooking Template Freebie #2

2011-07-04T01:08:00.002-05:00

Here's another digital scrapbooking template freebie for you. I created it to make this page:

Click the template image to download it free. It will be delivered as a layered PSD template within a zip file. Let me know if you have any problems with it or need help with it.

If you need it in a different format, just drop me a note. I'll see what I can do :)

I hope you enjoy it!

Layout credits: Credits:
Shabby Chic Cardstocks Paper Pack by Katie Pertiet at DesignerDigitals.com
CircleIT No. 02 BrushSet by Anna Aspnes
Sealife Memories Kit by Katie Pertiet at DesignerDigitals.com

Digital Scrapbooking Template Freebie #1

2011-07-04T00:09:00.001-05:00

Quite a few of you have asked me for this digital scrapbook page as a template. I'm more than happy to share it with you. Click the template image to download it free. It will be delivered as a layered PSD template within a zip file. Let me know if you have any problems with it or need help with it. Enjoy and happy scrapping :)

When you reach the FileDropper site, click the GREY DOWNLOAD THIS FILE button to download it for free.

Layout credits: Credits:
Little Layette Kit by Katie Pertiet
Plastic Clip Assortment by Katie Pertiet
Yarn Swirls No. 02 by Katie Pertiet
at Designer Digitals

Doesn't this look like a fun project?

2010-07-27T15:09:00.001-05:00

Kodak Baby Scrapbooking contest

2010-05-18T21:14:00.000-05:00

The image is clickable and you can get information about the contest at:
Kodak.com

How to view an image close-up and full-size at the same time

2010-05-15T13:22:00.001-05:00

How to swap tools on the fly with Alt/Opt in Photoshop or PSE

2010-05-05T13:23:00.000-05:00

How to rename layers in Photoshop and PSE

2010-05-05T13:22:00.001-05:00

Changing the Numbers in a Field in Photoshop and PSE

2010-05-05T13:22:00.000-05:00

How to choose the unit of measurement for Photoshop and PSE Rulers

2010-05-05T13:14:00.000-05:00

How to change the thumbnail size in the Layers Panel

2010-05-05T13:13:00.002-05:00

How to Open Up to 30 Recently Edited Files in Photoshop and PSE

2010-05-05T13:13:00.001-05:00

How to move layers with transparency in Photoshop and PSE

2010-05-05T13:13:00.000-05:00

Storing and Opening Favorite Folders in Photoshop and PSE

2010-05-05T13:12:00.000-05:00

How to Separate Items on One Page in Photoshop or PSE

2010-05-05T13:11:00.001-05:00

How to Use Digital Paper Clips in Photoshop or PSE

2010-05-05T13:11:00.000-05:00

How to Save Project Pieces to a New Folder in Photoshop or PSE

2010-05-05T13:07:00.000-05:00

Hurry up and save me: How to save a layer as a new document

2010-02-21T15:24:00.000-06:00

Photoshop Swap: How to swap tools on the fly with Alt/Opt

2010-02-13T14:35:00.000-06:00

Strike a Match: How to color match 2 images in Photoshop

2010-02-06T22:05:00.000-06:00

Reflection: How to Create a Mirror Image in PS/PSE

2010-01-30T16:37:00.001-06:00

Round and Round: How to digitally round the corners of photos and mats

2010-01-24T22:29:00.000-06:00

Matter of Fact: How to digitally mat a photo

2010-01-16T18:53:00.001-06:00

Faded Glory: How to fade filters

2010-01-09T13:39:00.000-06:00

Photoshop Reruns: How to re-run filters

2010-01-02T11:52:00.000-06:00

Happy New Layer! Shortcuts for creating new layers in PS and PSE

2009-12-26T17:50:00.001-06:00

Making a List and Checking it Twice: how to adjust the leading in lines of text

2009-12-20T03:11:00.001-06:00

Up on the Housetop: Clip! Clip! Clip! How to use clipping masks

2009-12-12T13:40:00.000-06:00

See Joel on Santa's List

2009-12-08T13:07:00.001-06:00

Joel made the "nice list" again this year :)

There Must Have Been Some Magic In That Old Silk Hat: How to use the Warp tool

2009-12-05T12:17:00.000-06:00

ABRrrrrrr ... How to load and use Photoshop Brushes

2009-11-28T20:02:00.001-06:00

Great stuff for scrapbookers at Kodak

2009-11-23T19:55:00.000-06:00

Click Here to get free downloads and see what Kodak has going on for scrapbookers.

The Reindeer was Framed! How to use digital frames

2009-11-21T16:13:00.001-06:00

A Few of My Favorite Things: How to print several items on one page

2009-11-15T15:43:00.001-06:00

Getting the Most from Ready-Made Card Templates

2009-11-08T18:57:00.001-06:00

Tip or Treat! How to fill layers

2009-10-31T13:04:00.001-06:00

Hidden Meaning: How to Hide the Highlight on Selected Type

2009-10-24T17:04:00.001-05:00

Double Doozy: How Double-clicking Changes Your Editing Screen Resolution

2009-10-17T11:56:00.000-05:00

Fun and spooky photography ideas

2009-10-12T17:30:00.000-05:00

Check out how to create these spooky photos at the Kodak site! How fun are they?
Spooky Photography at Kodak

How to Scroll Up and Down the Brush Picker

2009-10-12T13:39:00.000-05:00

Even More Mad Digital Skills with Pattie Knox

2009-10-09T20:32:00.000-05:00

Even More Mad Digital Skills with Pattie Knox
Oct 13 - Oct 30
6 lessons posted on Tuesdays and Fridays over 3 weeks

Use coupon code "2MADDIGI" to purchase this class and one other "Mad Digi" class and receive a $15 discount.

If you've taken any of Pattie's classes in the Mad Digital Skillz series then you know that you get 6 lessons teaching 6 different advanced techniques. Detailed pdf lessons with screen shots plus daily support (& fun with Pattie) in the private class forum take your Photoshop skills places you didn't even know you could go. What's more every lesson comes with quality page kits created by the designers at DesignerDigitals.com.

If you haven't taken a lesson with Pattie, then now's the time to start. This is the 4th in her Mad Digital Skillz series (the classes do NOT need to be taken in order) and includes lessons on the following:

Create Your Own Photoshop Brushes: Brushes are the digital equivalent of traditional rubber stamps and one of the most valuable tools you can add to your scrapping toolbox. You’ll learn how to create your own unique brushes from text, photographs, scanned objects, handwriting and more in this lesson. We’ll also cover saving brush sets and learning to use the Preset Manager effectively.

The Artist Within: Within what? Both your soul and your photos! We’ll show you how to take an ordinary photo and turn it into a beautiful piece of colorful “sketched” art in this lesson via a few Photoshop filters and a texture overlay.

Designing With Dingbats: You’ve no doubt run across the wealth of dingbat fonts available at various font sites and may have found them cute—but wondered what on earth to DO with them. We’ll show you how to take advantage of the vector nature of these image based fonts by creating page elements, custom brushes and rebus journaling!

Polaroid Punch: Add some zest to your modern images by turning them into faux Polaroid photos complete with realistic photo corners.

Cut-Ups: Your journaling becomes an effective page element when displayed as “cut-up” strips of paper. This lesson will teach you how to create the effect digitally … no need for paper or scissors when you “do it digitally!”

Going Dotty: This lesson will show you how to create a funky halftone pattern border around your photos using Photoshop filters, a layer mask, and layer blending modes. The perfect touch for jazzing up a “less is more” graphic styled layout!

6 complete DIGITAL PAGES KITS from DesignerDigitals.com perfect for scrapping fall subjects are included:

* Fall Orchard by Katie Pertiet
* Autumnal by Anna Aspnes
* Orange Crush by Lynn Grieveson
* Eeek by Pattie Knox
* Autumn Garden by Jesse Edwards
* Meadow Glow by Gretchen Thomas
* Fall Orchard by Katie Pertiet

Your Kids: Captured Through the Lens

2009-10-07T22:00:00.001-05:00

This class is sure to be fantastic! Katrina is an awesome photographer. I can't wait for it to start!

YOUR KIDS: CAPTURED THROUGH THE LENS with Katrina Kennedy

Oct 12 - Oct 29
6 lessons + 3 videos posted on Mondays and Thursdays for 3 weeks.

Love photos of other people’s children? Do you wonder how they possibly capture their kids in such great ways? In six lessons we will explore methods to capture your children’s photos in creative ways and minimize the headaches you may have experienced in the past. We will cover ways to engage your children in the process and techniques to use your camera more effectively.

Learn practical techniques for capturing your kids from experienced guest photographers who just happen to be moms! Class includes their images and pointers for working with kids of all ages, including the speedy toddler, the uncooperative teen, and many other child archetypes you probably know well.

Topics Covered:

1. Avoid The Cheese

a. Choosing A Shooting Mode

b. Getting Cooperation

c. 6 Tricks For A Natural Look

2. Candid Moments

a. Seeing The Light

b. 6 Places For Great Light

c. Goofing It Up

3. Change Your Perspective

a. Choosing A Lens For the Look You Want

b. Making Do With What You’ve Got

c. 6 Fun Action Shots

4. Prop It Up

a. Using Depth Of Field To Tell The Story

b. 7 Props For Smiles And Laughs

c. Using Props To Gain Cooperation

5. From Behind

a. Composing The Best Shot

b. Seeing Your Photo Before You Shoot

c. 6 Important Moments To Grab

6. No Cooperation

a. Shooting In Unusual Ways

b. 7 Details To Photograph

c. Getting Everyone In The Photo

Practice, ask, share, & learn:
In addition to written lessons that you may download and print, you'll improve your photography skills through interaction with Katrina and other participants in the private class forum, sharing your photos in the private class gallery, and participation in live chats. The class covers techniques useable by both dSLR and point & shoot users.

How to Determine and Change Document Size

2009-10-03T17:08:00.001-05:00

How to Digitally Glue Layers Together

2009-10-03T17:01:00.001-05:00

Need a new Epson printer?

2009-01-08T16:51:00.000-06:00

Leigh just got one of these and really loves it. And Leigh *knows* printers!
Check out its yumminess on MommyCoddle here! She's giving one away FREE!

Photoshop Tips: Interior Decorating

2008-11-18T00:16:00.000-06:00

A couple of people were having trouble with this tip, so here's a video version of My Designer Digitals tip of the week.

And the text version:

Ever wish you could change that boring grey background surrounding the Photoshop and Photoshop Elements workspace? Turns out you can release your inner designer and change the wallpaper color to any hue you desire.

Open a new document (any size.)

Double click the foreground color chip. Drag your cursor around the color picker to find the color you want, then click OK.

Get the Paint Bucket tool. Holding down the Shift key, click on the grey background to paint your Photoshop workspace.

Move over Martha! There’s a new designer in the house!

By the way, if you want to return to the grey color, set the foreground color to RGB 192, 192, 192 and Shift-click on the background again.

Today's favorite quote(s): Cotton Headed Ninny Muggins

2008-11-16T00:29:00.000-06:00

From the movie Elf - looking forward to using these on scrapbook pages :)

We elves try to stick to the four main food groups: candy, candy canes, candy corns and syrup.

I just like to smile, smiling's my favorite

Today's favorite quote

2008-11-12T15:03:00.000-06:00

"Those who stand for nothing fall for anything."
--Alexander Hamilton

Poverty Party Banana Bread

2008-11-12T01:00:00.001-06:00

I don't like throwing food out in the best of economic times. But when we are povertous (povertorious? povertudinous? having a poverty party?) I find ways to use every scrap.
Apparently it's crappy banana season - the last few bunches we have bought have gone bad really fast, so I'm sharing the Banana Bread recipe I use to salvage them. I like the addition of oats because they give it a great, nutty flavor even if you don't use nuts.
We think it's outrageously good. Hope you do, too.

Poverty Party Banana Bread

2/3 cup sugar
1/3 cup shortening (or butter)
2 eggs
1/3 cup milk
1-1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
2/3 cup oats
1/3 cup honey
2 medium bananas, mashed
1-1/4 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1-3/4 cups flour
1/4 cup nuts - optional (if you have some leftover nuts from last Christmas in your freezer, by all means, add them! otherwise, it's just great without them.)

In a mixing bowl, beat sugar and shortening together. Add eggs, milk, vanilla, oats, honey, bananas, baking powder, and baking soda. Combine thoroughly then add flour and fold in nuts (if using.) Turn into lightly greased 8x4x2-inch loaf pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour or until a tester inserted in center comes out clean.

Here's an article on How to Keep Bananas Fresh Longer.

Photoshop or Elements Tip of the Week

2008-11-10T22:07:00.000-06:00

You Like to Move it, Move it

When you are working on a layout, you can temporarily make any tool into the Move Tool by holding the Ctrl (Mac: Cmd) key. Until you release Ctrl (Cmd) your tool will function as the Move tool.

Now if there were only a shortcut to get that “Move It, Move It” song out of your head!

Favorite quote of the moment

2008-11-10T21:59:00.001-06:00

"I have a new philosophy. I'm only going to dread one day at a time." --Charles M. Schulz

also this one from Ben Stein:

I am a Jew, and every single one of my ancestors was Jewish. And it does not bother me even a little bit when people call those beautiful lit up, bejeweled trees, Christmas trees. I don't feel threatened. I don't feel discriminated against. That's what they are: Christmas trees.

It doesn't bother me a bit when people say, 'Merry Christmas' to me. I don't think they are slighting me or getting ready to put me in a ghetto. In fact, I kind of like it. It shows that we are all brothers and sisters celebrating this happy time of year. It doesn't bother me at all that there is a manger scene on display at a key intersection near my beach house in Malibu. If people want a crib, it's just as fine with me as is the Menorah a few hundred yards away.

I don't like getting pushed around for being a Jew, and I don't think Christians like getting pushed around for being Christians. I think people who believe in God are sick and tired of getting pushed around, period. I have no idea where the concept came from that America is an explicitly atheist country. I can't find it in the Constitution and I don't like it being shoved down my throat.

Or maybe I can put it another way: where did the idea come from that we should worship celebrities and we aren't allowed to worship God as we understand Him? I guess that's a sign that I'm getting old, too.. But there are a lot of us who are wondering where these celebrities came from and where the America we knew went to.

Photoshop Tips: Finding Common Grounds

2008-11-01T21:50:00.000-06:00

Here's my Designer Digitals Newsletter tip of the week:

In life and politics, it’s sometimes hard to find common ground. Fortunately in the world of Photoshop and PSE, it’s easier to find those grounds: foregrounds and backgrounds.

Using the Eyedropper tool, clicking once selects a new Foreground Color. Alt-clicking (Mac: Opt-click) captures a color for the background.

No matter what colors you have selected, pressing the letter D on your keyboard resets the foreground color to black and the background color to white. Pressing the letter X on your keyboard switches the foreground and background color.

Holiday Cookie Countdown Newsletter

2008-10-29T23:08:00.000-06:00

Can you believe the holiday season is almost upon us?
I just signed up to receive Taste of Home's free Holiday Cookie Countdown.
You get a daily email with baking tips, videos, etc of their top 12 cookie recipes.
I need to make room in my freezer for the holiday goody stash. We'll be having some interesting freezer meals for the next few weeks ;)

National Digital Scrapbooking Day

2008-10-29T15:15:00.001-06:00

This Saturday, November 1 is National Digital Scrapbooking Day.

Designer Digitals is offering 15% off all products that day. The discount will be automatically applied to your order upon checkout.

3PixelChicks have provided NDSD items for the event at Digiscrap101. Be sure to stop by there for a chance to win a coupon to the site and pick up your free layered template.

Photoshop Tips: Magic Shortcuts

2008-10-29T14:59:00.001-06:00

Here's my tip from the Oct 25 Designer Digitals Newsletter:

Each tool in Photoshop and Photoshop Elements has a keyboard shortcut. To learn the shortcut for each tool, hover the cursor over the tool in the toolbar. The tool shortcut is displayed in brackets. Pressing E on your keyboard, for example, changes the tool you are using to the Eraser tool.

You’ll notice that some tools have a small arrow in the bottom right corner which means that there are other tools hiding beneath it. Click and hold these tools to reveal and select the hidden tools.

Now here’s the automagic shortcut to revealing the hidden tools. When you are working on a project, you can navigate your way through these tools by pressing Shift + Tool Shortcut. For example, if you press E, you’ll pick up the Eraser Tool. If you press Shift + E, you’ll switch to the Background Eraser Tool and Shift + E again will take you to the Magic Eraser Tool. Works like magic, but faster!

Photoshop Tips

2008-10-20T14:28:00.000-05:00

Have you registered to receive the Designer Digitals weekly newsletter? Here's a link. The newsletter now includes a Photoshop or PSE tip each week. You'll probably recognize the corny style ;) Yep, yours truly, the helpful How-To girl is responsible for writing the tips. Here's the October 18 tip:

Open Sesame! Quick trick for opening files

You probably already know that you can open files in Photoshop and Photoshop Elements by choosing File | Open from the Menu.

You may even be familiar with the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + O (Mac: Cmd + O) but did you know that you can just double-click on the

Photoshop background to access the Open dialog box? It’s true!

Next time you need to open a file, speed up your workflow by double-clicking the grey background to quickly access your file.

By the way, you can also drag and drop files into this area to quickly open your digital kits and photos.

So I'm watching Joe Biden on the Jay Leno show . . .

2008-10-16T23:23:00.003-05:00

thinking it all looked too familiar. Couldn't shake that nagging feeling that I'd watched these two before. Many, many times.

When suddenly it hits me ...

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownies

2008-10-16T16:18:00.000-05:00

My friend Shannon is the queen of brownies. She always bakes them to perfection - yummy and chewy. She baked these last Tuesday and I've been craving them ever since.

I'm pretty sure that these brownies will help you live your Best Life. As long as your Best Life equals being fat and happy.

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownies Recipe
Source: Betty Crocker®

INGREDIENTS

1 package Betty Crocker Original Supreme brownie mix (with chocolate syrup pouch)
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup water
2 eggs
1 pouch Betty Crocker chocolate chip cookie mix
1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened
1 egg

Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease bottom only of rectangular baking pan, 13x9x2 inches. Make brownie mix as directed on package, using oil, water and 2 eggs. Spread in pan.
Make cookie mix as directed on pouch, using butter and 1 egg. Drop dough by rounded tablespoonfuls evenly onto brownie batter; press down lightly.
Bake 35 to 40 minutes or until toothpick inserted 2 inches from side of pan comes out almost clean. Cool 15 minutes.

Is it National Misbehavior Day?

2008-10-16T16:09:00.000-05:00

I think I missed the Memo. The dog and the boy, however, are completely on board with this special occasion :(
I'm hoping tomorrow is National Behave-Like-an-Angel Day otherwise it will be a continuation of National No-Video-Games Day.

Things that make me roll my eyes . . . or light up like a Christmas tree

2008-10-15T13:48:00.000-05:00

Today's eye rolls. GAH!

The R Word: Ya think??
Is this Kindergarten? Can we not just all line up nicely at the door, keep our hands to ourselves and follow the rules?
Him
and these shoes. Seriously!?

I lost brain cells just typing those.
No, really.

That said,

Gotta admire her moxy (not to mention flexibility.)
Ga-ga over his photography.
Can't wait for this. Ahem, this is a business expense, Bossy! So it doesn't count, right?
And how cute are these? Looking, not buying, Bossy.

Avast me hearties!

2008-10-13T20:12:00.000-05:00

Hark to me words! Fetch me yer Dubloons, Pieces of Eight . . .
or at least a couple of pieces of Double Bubble . . . or I'll have yer lights and liver, I will. Arrr!

Oops. Better not trick-or-treat in Crawford this year, dude. Or DC. Otherwise the pants may be serving as a portion of a different sort of costume for you and your little dog, too!

Scrapblog

2008-10-12T22:42:00.000-05:00

This is pretty cool. Lynn Grieveson from Designer Digitals is designing for this site. Thinking I may create a couple of these for Christmas gifts...

Poverty Party recipes - More from Desperation Dinners

2008-10-12T22:09:00.000-05:00

Desperation being the key word here . . .
After dropping $300 at the grocery store today, I am more determined than ever to get the budget under control. I did purchase beef and supplies for the Basic Beef recipe (previous Poverty Party post.) Also stocked up on a few Crock Pot Meals which the family likes and provides us with two dinners for around $5. Doesn't get much cheaper than that!

Found this menu at ivillage from my favorite budget cooks. I find their recipes to be generous in portion, flavorful and easy on the checkbook. We are rarely disappointed in their offerings. I'm going to give this weekly menu a try. Let me know if you try them too!

Monday
Two-for-One Noodles, Desperation Tossed Salad and crusty store-bought bread.

Tuesday
Roasted chicken (store bought), Mashed Potatoes with Onions and Basil and Broccoli-Cheese Mini-Muffins.

Wednesday
Frenzied Fried Rice and Sweet-and-Sour Broccoli Slaw.

Thursday
Mock Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna (made with leftovers from Monday), iceberg lettuce wedges with My Vinaigrette and crusty store-bought bread.

Friday
Pizza in a Panic and Sweet-and-Sour Broccoli Slaw (leftover from Wednesday) or Quick Carrot Salad.

Saturday
We deserve a splurge, so it's Pan-Seared Tenderloin with Bearnaise Sauce, Orzo with Mushrooms and Sun-Dried Tomatoes and store-bought bread.

Sunday
It's time for comfort food, so we'll either serve Creamy Chipped Beef or Grandma's Chicken Stew. Tutti-Frutti Salad is the perfect side for either one.

Amoeba Ball Lives

2008-10-11T22:26:00.000-05:00

Long live Amoeba Ball.
That's my little protozoa in purple in the center. Positions? Positions? Anyone?

Poverty Party aka: How to pay for the camera equipment you NEEDED and how to save for the lenses you still want

2008-10-09T12:57:00.000-05:00

My favorite blogger, Bossy (who makes me laugh EVERY day!) has started a Poverty Party blog roll. Due to recent camera equipment purchases (see below) the Horton family is facing the prospect of eating Beenie Weenies and Kraft (read: Generic Brand) Macaroni-and-Cheese for the next year (read: decade.) Coupled with the hiccup in the economy (read: Stock Market Crash in which our retirement fund just lost thousands) it's going to be lean for a while. So I'll do my part to provide hints, tips, recipes, etc. for saving money through these tough times. We've done it before (bought things we couldn't afford) and we can do it again (buy that lens I'm Jonesing for!)

Together we'll put the Fun back in Insufficient FUNds! ;)

If you don't already have this book, get it! Full of REAL recipes from REAL moms, it's good food your family will really eat.
Here's a sample tip from their newsletter. I've done the frozen beef thing for years, but I do about 6 pounds at a time instead of 2.

Planning ahead is not a luxury for every cook or every situation. We don’t always know where we’ll be at 6 o’clock or how many family members will actually make it to the table. What we need is a secret weapon--something that’s flexible yet also helps get dinner on the table in a literal flash. One weapon in our arsenal is a big batch of Basic Beef.

Cooking up a big batch of beef not only saves time--it can save money, too. Large “family-size” packages of ground beef tend to be cheaper per pound, and when hamburger goes on sale (maybe only once every couple of months), buy a lot to take advantage of the rock-bottom prices. But what to do with so much beef when you get it home? Brown it up!

When you’re browning hamburger, it’s just as easy to cook an extra pound or two. The actual cooking (excluding the cooling time) is only 15 minutes, and then your payoff is jump-started meals for the nights ahead. The small time investment on the front end really does pay off when there’s a stash of already-cooked beef in your freezer, and you can use it in just about any recipe calling for crumbled browned beef. (If the recipe calls for onion or garlic, simply leave it out as the seasoned beef already is wonderfully favored with both.)

Here are some of our favorite ways to use the cooked beef:

As a quick pizza topping
To top baked potatoes
For super-quick chili
Added to bottled marinara sauce for beefy spaghetti
To make nachos, tacos or beefy burritos
In vegetable soup
In any of our recipes that call for ground beef

Need dinner tonight? You can still brown up your big batch of beef for future meals and use half of it tonight for Simple Joe’s Open-Face Sandwiches, too. The recipe for the sloppy Joe’s follows the big batch beef recipe. Enjoy!

Basic Beef

Start to Finish: less than 20 minutes, plus cooling time

Cook’s Note: If you plan to freeze the Basic Beef for use in future recipes, do not use ground beef that has been previously frozen. (You’re not supposed to freeze ground beef twice!)

This recipe may be doubled, tripled or more, but cook the beef in 2-pound batches to prevent overcrowding your pan.

2 pounds ground beef (see Cook’s Note)
2 large onions (for about 2 cups chopped)
3 cloves fresh garlic or 1 tablespoon bottled minced garlic
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1. Crumble the beef into an extra-deep, 12-inch skillet, and place it over medium heat. Begin to brown the beef, stirring from time to time, while peeling and coarsely chopping the onions. Add the onions to the skillet as you chop.

2. When all of the onions are in the skillet, raise the heat to medium-high, and cook, stirring frequently to break up the beef, until all of the beef is brown, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain any accumulated fat from the beef, if necessary.

3. Peel and mince the garlic, and add it to the skillet. Add the Worcestershire sauce, and stir until thoroughly mixed.

4. Remove the skillet from the heat. Allow the beef to cool, about 10 minutes. The beef can be refrigerated or frozen for use in future recipes. (See tips in the box below.)

Makes about 6 cups

Approximate Values Per 1/2-cup serving: 116 calories (39% from fat), 5 g fat (2 g saturated), 42 mg cholesterol, 15 g protein, 3 g carbohydrates, 0 g dietary fiber, 57 mg sodium

Storage Notes
Basic Beef can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for 2 to 3 months. Refrigerate or freeze the beef in 1-cup portions in airtight containers or freezer bags. (If using bags, lay flat to freeze.) To defrost, place the meat on a microwave-safe plate, and microwave on the defrost setting according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Or, place the frozen beef in the refrigerator overnight.

Menu suggestion
Simple Joe’s Open-Face Sandwiches
Baby carrots with ranch dip

Simple Joe’s Open-Face Sandwiches

Start to finish: 5 minutes

Cook’s Note: Some supermarkets sell tomato paste in tubes, which makes it easy to squirt out just as much as you need and refrigerate the rest for future use. If you’re using tomato paste from a can, refrigerate the leftover paste in an airtight storage container for up to 3 days.

3 cups Basic Beef, defrosted if frozen, recipe above
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup ketchup
3 tablespoons tomato paste, see Cook’s Note
1 tablespoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
4 hamburger buns, toasted if desired

1. Place the Basic Beef in a 12-inch nonstick skillet, and set aside, off the heat. Whisk together the water, ketchup, tomato paste, salt and pepper in a medium bowl or glass measure until well combined. Place beef in the skillet over medium heat. Add the ketchup mixture to the skillet and stir until well combined. Cook and stir until the beef is heated through. (This won’t take long if the Basic Beef has just been cooked.)

2. Toast the hamburger buns, if desired. Serve at once by spooning 1/4 of the beef mixture over each bun, open-face style. Serves 4

Approximate Values Per Serving: 366 calories (28% from fat), 12 g fat (4 g saturated), 68 mg cholesterol, 29 g protein, 37 g carbohydrates, 4 g dietary fiber, 1,081 mg sodium

Workman Publishing
225 Varick Street New York, NY 10014-4381 USA

When your family is unwilling to pose for you . . .

2008-10-08T20:30:00.000-05:00

. . . you are forced to practice your photography skills on the insect world. Took this one today right outside my studio. Luckily for me, there is a bush that the butterflies love.
Took this one at f/5.0, shutter speed 1/2500 sec, 160mm

It's finally here!

2008-10-06T23:52:00.000-05:00

I had the privilege of working on this fun project at Designer Digitals. I've seen some sneak previews of the other girls' work and Wow! It's chock full of inspiration! Excited to see it come to fruition.

Daily Dose of Digital 2009 Calendar by: Studio Double-D

Scrapper's Guide

2008-10-05T23:59:00.000-05:00

I'm excited to be working with Linda Sattgast at Scrapper's Guide. If you want to learn design secrets or improve your digital scrapbooking skills, this is the ezine for you. Each month comes with 3 video tutorials and a huge digital kit. Linda is incredibly knowledgable about Photoshop and PSE. I learn something new in each of her video tutorials!

I have videos in both the September and October issues of Digital Scrapper Premier.
The September issue comes with a beautiful kit by Katie Pertiet at Designer Digitals. This issue alone is worth the price of the subscription! Check it out!

HP Learning Center

2008-10-05T01:09:00.000-05:00

Here are a couple of our classes running at HP right now.

Creative Gifts to Make from Photos: Leigh, Angela and I wrote this one with our editor. Lots of fun hybrid gift ideas.

Create Your Own Photo Book: Leigh and I co-wrote this class. It walks you through the process of creating hard-bound photo books with your digital layouts or photos. It has some cool interactive videos included.

Why didn't Jane Goodall tell us about these?

2008-10-04T00:54:00.000-05:00

Gorillapod flexible tripods by Joby are way too much fun!
This is a tripod I can actually take with me in my backpack. I love the fact that it can wrap around bars and posts, but is sturdy enough to hold my SLR with the zoom lens on!

It's going to be SOME FUN to play with!

Happy Dancing!

2008-10-03T00:20:00.000-05:00

As sad as I am to see my digital Rebel (for which I broke my arm last year!) finally give up the ghost, I am totally thrilled to be the owner of this beauty. Aaahhhh! I am in photographer heaven :) Be warned... I don't leave home without it! hee!

Here's what I love about it:
1. The way it sounds when the shutter fires. You'd just have to hear it for yourself ;)
2. It is blazing fast! 6.5 frame-per-second continuous shooting capability (for bursts of up to 75 Large/Fine JPEGs or 17 RAW images)
3. Live View with a 3" LCD screen!
4. 35-zone metering system
5. Self-Cleaning Sensor Unit that cleans each time you turn the camera on/off
6. I can still use my old lenses and dedicated flash.
7. The photos!!!!!!!!!! Wow! Took a gob of photos at the game and they look great straight off the card. This is going to save me HOURS in Lightroom and Photoshop.
8. Getting a new camera gave me the kick in the pants I needed to learn some new tricks and review old ones.
9. It's engineered so that you can do virtually EVERYTHING while still looking through the viewfinder. I don't find myself having to take my eye off the subject to find a button. They are all right there in reach.

I *heart* Canon :)

Hear Ye, Hear Ye ... read all about it

2008-08-06T12:14:00.000-05:00

This is a fun read -
The Daily Scrapper

Wish I'd thought of it first!

Back-to-school (counting down the days)

2008-08-06T02:47:00.000-05:00

We're gearing up (and cheering) for back-to-school and so are the my friends at 3pixelchicks.com.

How cute are these?

lunch box notes that you *KNOW* i'll be using for Joel's little lunchbox jokes this month. Now if I can just convince them to come up with the jokes too! LOL!

Teacher gift: Not a bad idea to shmooze the teachers right out of the gate ...

Adorable back-to-school kit - they have a matching paper pack too. Wouldn't this make a darling album? Maybe I'll pull it together and scrap 3rd grade month by month this year...

And this month's freebie for the card template contest - last month they gave a $25 gift certificate! Whooo hoooo!

I need to open Photoshop and get busy!

Cute Cards

2008-06-11T10:28:00.001-05:00

Found these cute card freebies at 3PixelChicks.com & whipped up a set for Joel and me to give Dad for Father's day.

It's cool to be Irish ...

2008-03-17T22:51:00.001-06:00

even if you are only a little Irish ;)

He asks to be addressed as ...

2008-03-06T17:33:00.000-06:00

His Royal Highness

Civic Duty

2008-03-04T16:21:00.001-06:00

Texas primaries were held today.

I wanted to vote for the best candidate ...

unfortunately, he wasn't running. LOL!

Politics . . .

2008-03-03T14:55:00.000-06:00

. . . is the art of looking for trouble, finding it whether it exists or not, diagnosing it incorrectly, and applying the wrong remedy. ~Ernest Benn

If it walks like a duck ...

2008-03-02T00:30:00.000-06:00

Isn't this the craziest looking duck? It's a Muscovy - there was a whole family of them on the river in Salado. They are the funniest things - totally tame and a bit miffed we hadn't brought them any food ;)

(Pssss .... you can click on the photo to look at it up close)

Stagecoach Inn

2008-02-29T23:50:00.000-06:00

We spent the weekend in Salado at the historic Stagecoach Inn.

The Stagecoach Inn was founded in 1861 as the Shady Villa. (How cute is that?!)

The Van Bibber family purchased the Inn in 1941, beginning the heritage of Salado's Stagecoach Inn and it's famous dining room. Salado is a really charming little historic town with lots of B&Bs, tea rooms, antiques and fun shopping. It's a great get-away.

We always like to pose for photos on the old stagecoach in front of the inn.

And. . .

Because I know you'll ask ;) I processed the photo in Photoshop CS3 using a couple of Totally Rad actions called Cinnamon Toast and Old Skool HQ. Here's a close-up of what the Old Skool action does - I love this vintage look! Isn't it awesome?

Color

2008-02-28T20:53:00.000-06:00

“In our life there is a single color, as on an artist's palette, which provides the meaning of life and art. It is the color of love.”
~Marc Chagall

"It was one of those days . . .

2008-02-27T23:58:00.001-06:00

when the sun shines hot and the wind blows cold: when it is summer in the light, and winter in the shade."
~Charles Dickens

(Frame: Old Film Frames No. 1 Brushset by Anna Aspnes at Designerdigitals.com)

Happiness is . . .

2008-02-26T16:01:00.000-06:00

a warm puppy.

~Charles Schulz

"Yes, R2 . . .

2008-02-25T17:44:00.000-06:00

. . . I know we are doomed!"

"Beep beep beep beep!"

"I get it ... our chances of surviving this photo shoot are 725 to one!"

Every dog needs a kid with a . . .

2008-02-24T21:00:00.001-06:00

marshmallow launcher!

Have you seen this book? Every Kid Needs a Marshmallow Launcher by Richard and Candice Elton. It comes with PVC pipe for assembling your own customized marshmallow launcher.

Pretty fun stuff. We've been launching missiles at the dog all day. She is about to slip into a diabetic coma.

Good times all around.