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(Family Features) – Not sure what to get the gadget-lover in your life? This quick gadget guide will give you the scoop on what to look for so you can spread some holiday cheer.
E-book Reader
What it is: A small, portable device that lets you download entire books, newspapers and magazines in digital format. Made to mimic ink and paper publications, you can read with ease any time, anywhere. You’ll find a range of prices and services with Sony Reader, Amazon Kindle, Cool-er, iRex iLiad and Bookeen Cybook.
What to look for: Long battery life and an easy to read screen. The reader should be easy to carry and must be readable even in bright sunlight. Note that some e-readers must download materials by being connected to a computer, while others can do it wirelessly. Think about loading a few of the recipient’s must-read books onto the reader as an added surprise.
Who to buy it for: Travelers, gadget-lovers, busy book lovers.
Cell Phone Signal Booster
What it is: A small electronic device that reduces dropped calls and improves cell phone signal by capturing the stronger signal from the outside and amplifying the signal indoors. According to the zBoost “State of the Cell Signal” survey, 70 percent of cell phone owners experience problems with cell phone service, including dropped calls, poor signal reception or dead zones in their homes. A signal booster, like zBoost, can make those problems a thing of the past, as well as increase signal and speed of aircards, EDGE and 3G technology.
What to look for: Make sure the signal booster meets the needs of the intended user. Think about:
- How much mobility will they need – will they be working at their desk or within a larger area?
- How many phones or devices need signal boosting, one or several?
- Where does the reception need to be improved, indoors or in a vehicle? The zBoost-ONE PCS, for example, is a the industry’s first one piece cell phone signal booster. It works with PCS carriers like Sprint or Metro PCS. Place the unit in the window, plug it in and enjoy all of the voice and data functionality on a PCS phone up to 1200 square feet.
- For more cell phone signal booster options, visit www.wi-ex.com.
Who to buy it for: Road warriors, home office workers, rural or urban dwellers.
Bluetooth Headset
What it is: A wireless headset that lets you talk on the phone hands-free. You can find headsets from $20 and up.
What to look for:
- Make sure the headset runs the same version of Bluetooth that the user’s phone does.
- If they wear glasses, look at in-ear headsets rather than those that go over the ears – glasses and a headset can get cumbersome.
- For extra clarity, consider a headset with a boom microphone – one that extends from the headset toward the mouth.
- Headsets with good noise cancellation can make conversing in busy, noisy areas a lot easier.
Who to buy it for: Phone fanatics, road warriors.
Pocket Camcorder
What it is: A pocket-sized digital video recorder that can go anywhere, making it easy to record events and special moments. Video is usually very easy to download to computers and the Web. Camcorders such as Flip from Pure Digital, Kodak’s Zx1 and Creative’s Vado are affordable options.
What to look for:
- Resolution – Digital camcorders come in standard definition and high definition (HD). Standard definition offers video quality fine for viewing on a computer or a non-HD TV, and will usually cost less than HD. High definition produces wide-screen video suitable for viewing on an HD TV.
- Think about how the recipient will be using it and then consider options such as image stabilization, audio recording and photo features, which let it be used like a digital camera.
Who to buy it for: Proud parents, college students, travelers.
Something for Everyone on Your List
Mobile Mom
Upgrade mom’s cell phone to a smart phone to help her manage family life with ease. If a smart phone isn’t in the budget, but she still needs a way to connect while on the move, look into a personal mobile email device, such as a Peek Pronto, that lets her text and send emails from anywhere.
Digital Dad
Forget socks and ties. Get him something that will help him stay in touch while at work, on the road, at the ball field or at home – a zBoost cell phone signal booster will let him get calls, texts, emails and pictures no matter where he is.
Road Warrior
Know someone who’s on the road all the time? Make their drive easier with a GPS, more pleasant with a satellite radio subscription or safer with hands-free phone accessories.
Gadget Chick
According to the recent “Women & Digital Life” study conducted by the Solutions Research Group, when women were asked if technology was a “guy thing” – an overwhelming 77 percent replied that it was not! Get your gadget girl a netbook, pocket camcorder or an e-book reader to keep her geared up and on the go.
SOURCE:
zBoost
for the Health of It
(Family Crossings) – Did you know that 85 percent of Americans are so obsessed with brushing their teeth that they keep extra toothbrushes on hand just about everywhere? It’s true! According to a 2008 SpinBrush survey, popular places include a purse or briefcase, the office, the car and even a gym bag.
Knowing this makes it astonishing that every year approximately 32 million workdays are lost due to dental problems. People love brushing, so why are so many having dental problems? It seems like it’s time to get back to the basics about oral care, its effect on overall health and basic brushing. So make oral hygiene a priority … for the health of it!
The Big Picture
It’s been said that the eyes are the windows to a person’s soul. Just the same, the mouth is a window to a person’s health. Harmful bacteria can develop and fester in the mouth – especially if teeth and gums are not well taken care of. Some are concerned that, eventually, these bacteria can make their way into the bloodstream, leading to other infections. But a healthy focus on taking care of your teeth and gums can allow you to breathe easy and worry less.
Continue reading Make Your Teeth a Priority
(Family Crossings) – Health care costs keep rising and many people are paying more out of the family budget for medical care than in the past. In 2007, people spent nearly $268.6 billion in out-of-pocket expenses, according to the American Hospital Association. It may feel like these costs are out of your control, but there are things you can do to save money and still get quality health care. Here are a few tips:
Choose the most appropriate facility.
- Urgent care vs.same day appointment. Many people assume that the fastest way to get in to see a doctor is to head to an urgent care center. But it generally costs more to do that. Many doctors now hold open space for same day appointments to make sure that they are available to see their patients who need same day attention. So, call your doctor’s office first to see if you can schedule a same day appointment.
- Retail clinics can offer convenient, quick and affordable access to care for common medical conditions such as strep throat, ear infections and minor burns. They are often located within department, drug or grocery stores. Most are open nights and weekends. Your health insurance may cover these visits, or offer them at discounted rates. Check your benefits documents or your health plan’s Web site for information.
- The Emergency Room (ER) serves an important role in providing immediate care to people with serious, often life-threatening issues. However, many people go to the ER for issues that are much less serious. Not only can this slow down the ER’s ability to help people with more serious illness or injury, but it can also mean unnecessary costs for you. The national average cost for an ER visit is about $1,000. The average cost of an office visit is around $60.
Save on medications
- Generic drugs have the identical active chemical ingredients as the brand name drugs but can be much less expensive. Ask your doctor if there are generics available for any of the medications you take. If there aren’t, ask if there are other drugs in the same class of drugs that could treat your condition that do have a generic available. On average, you can save $200 per prescription per year by using generics.
- A formulary (or drug list) is a list of medications covered under your benefit plan. You usually pay less if your doctor prescribes a medication that is on your health plan’s drug list. Before visiting your doctor, call your plan and ask if you pay less for medications on the list. If so, bring a copy of your plan’s drug list to your next doctor visit.
- Many medications that were once available only by prescription are now available without a prescription. Not only are over-the-counter medications convenient since you don’t need a prescription from your doctor, but they can also save you money.
For more tips, visit www.cigna.com/learn4yourhealth – you’ll find a healthcare game, pod casts and interactive educational courses on topics such as how to reduce your out-of-pocket costs, new healthcare options that save money and improve your health, and how to make sense of your health coverage plan. Every time you review a course, you’ll have a chance to receive free coupons to entertainment, food, and retail destinations. You can also access the program from the CIGNA Facebook page or YouTube.
Thank you From Cigna
Tricks and Treats with Halloween Sweets
B-O-O Brownie Pops
Halloween Goldfish Munch
Family Crossings – The bewitching season is here! Gather the goblins, conjure up some creative costumes and prepare scary, scrumptious sweets for a great ghostly gathering.
Making these frighteningly fabulous party treats together is a perfect way for mom and the kids to share some spooktacular fun.
- Cast a spell right from the start with a Happy Haunted House. Begin with a ready-to-decorate Halloween Cookie House Kit available at craft and hobby stores. The house is pre-assembled; just decorate and enjoy!
- B-O-O Pops are easy…nothing sinister here! Use a brownie mix for convenience and bake in the Brownie Pop Silicone Mold to ensure perfect pops. The kids can insert the lollipop sticks, then dip pops into the colorful Candy Melts. Decorating sprinkles and sugars add the finishing flourish.
- Goldfish Halloween Munch is a snappy party snack or a tantalizing take-away for ghoulish guests. Kids can mix the Goldfish crackers (graham and pretzel flavors), with nuts and dried fruits while Mom melts the Spooky Green Candy for drizzling.
Add favorite beverages and let the spookalicious party begin!
For additional information about Goldfish Grahams, recipes and nutrition information, visit www.pepperidgefarm.com.
Find more ways to bake, decorate and celebrate, or order the Halloween Cookie House Kit at www.wilton.com.
B-O-O Brownie Pops
Ingredients
- 1 package (about 16 ounces) brownie mix (8 x 8-inch size)
- Egg, water and oil to prepare mix
- 48 lollipop sticks
- Wilton Orange, Spooky Green and Light Cocoa Candy Melts
- Wilton Spider Mix, Hallow Pumpkin Mix, Halloween Nonpareil Sprinkles, and Orange, Black and Lavender Sugars, as desired
Preparation
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray brownie pop mold with vegetable pan spray; place on cookie sheet.
- Prepare brownie mix following package directions. Spoon batter into prepared brownie pop mold, filling cavities 2/3 full. Bake 15 minutes. Remove mold from oven; insert lollipop sticks. Return to oven and continue baking 10 to 15 minutes or until brownies test done. Cool brownies in mold on cooling grid 20 minutes; remove from mold and cool completely.
- Melt each color candy following package instructions. Dip cooled pops into melted candy, covering completely. While the candy is still soft, sprinkle with or dip pops into sprinkles and sugars. Place on parchment paper to set.
Serves
Makes 48 pops
Notes, Tips & Suggestions
Note: If desired, bake brownies completely without inserting stick. After brownies have cooled, dip lollipop sticks into melted candy and insert into either end of brownie. Let set before decorating.
Halloween Goldfish Munch
Ingredients
- 3 packages (6.6 ounces each) Pepperidge Farm Cinnamon, Chocolate or Honey Goldfish Grahams (or any combination)
- 1 package (8 ounces) Pepperidge Farm Pretzel Goldfish Snack Crackers
- 1 can (10 ounces) salted mixed nuts
- 1 cup chopped dried apricots
- 1 cup golden raisins
- 2 packages (10 ounces each) Wilton
- Spooky Green Candy Melts
Preparation
- In large bowl, combine crackers, nuts, apricots and raisins; divide between 2 large cookie pans.
- Melt candy following package directions; drizzle over snack mixture. Refrigerate until firm.
- Break apart and store in airtight container until ready to serve.
Serves
Makes about 14 cups treat mix
SOURCE:
Pepperidge Farm
Wilton Industries, Inc.
Bar·gain [bahr-guh n] – noun: an advantageous purchase, a great deal, especially one acquired at less than the usual cost.
These days, people are getting more creative with how they spend. When it comes to shopping, many are turning to the Internet for great deals on seasonal items, trendy fashions and the latest in tech gear.
One popular shopping resource is eBay. With more than 88 million worldwide users each month, it has long been known as a place to find deals on new and used items.
Three eBay insiders – Constance White, style director, Cat Schwartz, gadget and toy director and Karen Bard, pop culture expert – have some tips to help deal-hunters in their quest for the hottest items and the best bargains this year.
What to Shop For
Savvy shoppers should look for deals in these trend areas this year:
Family Staycation. Cat Schwartz: “This year, more families are trading the family vacation for a staycation. Look for the latest toys and gadgets at a great value to make this year’s backyard vacation more fun than ever.”
Bring Sexy Back. Constance White: “Shop by look rather than by designer label and then choose the brand with the best price. Keep an eye out for those body-hugging dresses and bold Ikat prints!”
What’s Hot. Karen Bard: “What’s old is new again. The 80s are back! Look for nostalgic, vintage and pre-loved pop culture classics – from retro clothing to vintage Madonna albums.”
Rules of Savvy Searching
To make sure you find exactly what you’re looking for keep these insider search tips in mind.
“The key is in the keyword search,” says White. “To find the best deals, be specific with your search terms. Instead of searching for shoes in general, try searching by designer, style, trend or even intentionally misspell the brand name to unearth hidden gems.”
Schwartz advises, “Consider searching pre-owned, re-furbished or used products, as well. Buying these goods eliminates waste going to landfills and scores you a great deal on a unique find.”
Bidding and buying strategies also play a key role in how much you’ll pay and how soon you’ll get the item. The basic strategies are:
Daily Deals. Follow eBay’s Daily Deals, hot items at steep discounts. Visit http://deals.ebay.com to sign up for the Daily Deals e-mail, and information about the freshest deals will be delivered directly to your inbox every day.
Buy It Now. Buy the item at a fixed price, and forgo the auction process. “Buy It Now is an easy way to make a quick purchase without bidding,” says Schwartz. “Use this option to purchase the item at a guaranteed low price.”
Bid Early. In auction-style listings, bidding early with the absolute highest price you are willing to pay (a true maximum bid) allows eBay’s Automatic Bidding to do the work for you.
Watch, Wait, Bid Late. “Another approach to auction-style listings is to watch the listing,” says Bard. “Most bidding takes place at the end of the auction. Bide your time; you’ll get alerts when items you are watching are ending soon so you don’t miss out.”
Whether you’re an eco-conscious fashionista or are trying to keep up with the latest tech trends, being a savvy shopper can get you what you want without breaking the bank.
For more information and to find great deals on must-have items, visit ebay.com.
Make Extra Cash
Thinking about selling some items to make extra money? You’re not alone.
An eBay survey from 2008 by Harris Interactive found that:
- One in 10 U.S. adults (11 percent) is currently selling personal or household items to generate extra cash, with the majority (59 percent) doing so via online sales or auction sites like eBay.
- Thirty percent of all U.S. adults say they are likely to sell their personal or household items over the next three months to earn extra money.
eBay just made it easier for casual sellers to make some extra cash, risk-free. Now, you can post up to five eBay listings free every 30 days. Visit ebay.com for more information.
Are you ready for a great family night in? If so, get ready for a night of fun and schedule a family game night! Hasbro, the maker of Parker Brothers and Milton Bradley games, suggests a few tips to maximize your family game night so that it is something the whole family will look forward to week after week:
Schedule it!: Decide in advance which day will be your family game night. It doesn’t matter which night of the week you choose – any night will do! As long as the date is marked on a calendar that everyone can see and the parents make it a priority to keep the appointment, the night will be one to remember!
Involve everyone in the planning: Involve the whole family in the planning process by allowing the kids to pick the games or choose the snacks. For variety, rotate responsibilities each time you have a family game night.
Create a tradition: Whether it’s a specific family-favorite dinner before game night, the way that teams are chosen or a 30-minute extension on bedtime, establish an activity on family game night that becomes a family tradition. This element will create even more excitement with everyone in the family.
Keep a family scoreboard: From week to week, recognize the family member who won the last game night by posting their name on a special scoreboard – perhaps it’s a place of honor on the refrigerator. Or, create a family crown that can be worn by the winner at dinner or during the next game night.
Remind everyone: To keep the date with the family, set up reminders to make sure that game night happens. Set up an alarm on a handheld device or on the family computer. For the kids, put a note in their lunchbox reminding them about family game night. By building anticipation for family game night, you will help build excitement for family time.
Mix it up with special guests: To expand the fun, invite other families in your neighborhood to participate in a family game night tournament. Or, if you have extended family members staying with you or if you are traveling during a scheduled game night, invite everyone to participate!
The top reason to have a family game night is to have fun! However, whether enjoying a family-favorite game or discovering a potential new favorite, playing board games as a family provides other benefits too, including:
Laughter: Games offer a fresh experience every time you play, providing new ways to have fun and laugh together. Some games, such as Cranium and Operation, are developed with giggles in mind and would be a great choice on nights when everyone needs a good laugh.
Family Bonding: Game play allows your kids to learn from you and from each other. It encourages a sense of connectedness and respect among family members.
Learning: Games can be a subtle learning tool. For instance, Clue is good for learning deductive reasoning. Monopoly is ideal for teaching beginning budget skills and Yahtzee provides a fun way to teach simple addition and multiplication.
Life Skills: Games teach kids important life skills such as patience, concentration, teamwork and perseverance. By taking turns, following rules and even losing a game, kids learn skills that they can apply at school and in the home.
By mixing together kids and parents, turning off text-messaging and playing a board game, you’ll have an evening of fun, laughter and love that will bring the family closer together and create memories for years to come.
Games for all ages
While the game you select isn’t as important as the time spent together as a family, you may want to consider the age of the players and the amount of time available for family game night when selecting a game. To get you started, here are some all-time favorites, and a few new games, to consider:
Families with kids ages 6 to 8: Pictureka!, Sorry! Sliders, Operation, Monopoly Jr.
Families with kids ages 8 to 10: Clue, Monopoly, Cranium Family Edition, The Game Of Life
Families with kids ages 10 to 12: Monopoly, Yahtzee, Clue
Families with teenagers: Monopoly Here & Now: The World Edition, Scrabble, Cranium Wow, Jenga, Catch Phrase, Trivial Pursuit
For more game ideas, visit www.FamilyGameNight.com.
Did you know?
- More than five billion little green Monopoly houses have been “built” since 1935.
- Cavity Sam, the long-suffering patient on the Operation table recently received a face-lift. He now suffers from such modern-day ailments as phone finger and bad plumbing.
- The highest sum of money that a player can earn in The Game of Life is $3,115,000, which is taking into account that the player lands on all of the spaces that give money and that the player has the highest salary amount.
- Tokens from the United States Monopoly Here & Now: The World Edition were flown into space aboard Space Shuttle Atlantis in 2007.
- According to a recent survey, Scarlet and Mustard are the most popular of the six Clue characters.
SOURCE:
Hasbro Games
Losing your job is one of the worst things that could happen, especially in a period when hiring is slow. With the right tools, you can make it through an unemployment slump, keeping your credit in tact, and continuing to manage your debt.
When you’re job searching, you don’t want to worry about anything else, least of all your credit and debt. Those two things could play a significant role in making your next career move. Many employers use your credit history as one of the hiring factors. If you suddenly let your credit go after losing your job, your employer could conclude that you’re not able to handle high pressure situations.
Get a Temporary Source of Income
As you work on getting a new job, now’s the time for some serious planning. First, find out if you’re eligible for unemployment benefits. Alison Doyle, About Guide to Job Searching says you might even be able to file for unemployment online or over the phone. Check with your state’s unemployment office to find out if you’re eligible and whether you must apply in person.
Use your emergency fund to bridge the gap between your unemployment benefits and severance pay (if any). This is the reason you spent months building a solid emergency fund. Use to help pay the bills, but use it sparingly because you don’t know how long you’ll need it.
Rein in Your Expenses
Reassess your budget. You’ll need to decrease your expenses to compensate for the decrease in your income. Go through your budget and cut out any luxury expenses. In the beginning it might be hard to talk on your cell phone less often or go without cable television, but you’ll adjust. Cutting back will stretch your emergency fund further and keep you from relying on credit cards.
Keep Credit and Debt Under Control
Don’t make any new credit card charges. Without a reliable source of income – even unemployment benefits won’t last forever – you can’t afford to make any new credit card purchases. Resist the temptation to use your credit cards to keep your lifestyle at a pre-unemployment level. It won’t take long for your credit card balances to get out of control.
Don’t take on new debt. The last thing you need in this situation is another bill. Though you might be tempted to take out a personal loan, now isn’t the time. Put off car and home purchases until after you’ve been gainfully employed for a few months and you’ve had time to rebuild your depleted emergency fund.
Keep paying all your bills, even if it means making minimum payments. You can pick up with higher payments after you’ve gotten a new job. Be extra careful not to be late on any payments. Late payment fees are an unncessary expense and make it harder to get caught up.
Recognize when you need help. Ask your creditors and lenders for help as soon as you see you’ll need it. If you wait, it could be too late for them to do anything for you. Consumer credit counseling is an option if it get hard to make your credit card payments.
You can make it through a period of unemployment and maintain your credit and debt. You just have to make the most of your resources and avoid overtaxing yourself with more debt.
Disaster can strike at any time. Whether it’s a natural disaster, such as an earthquake, hurricane or tornado, or, in the aftermath of the attacks of September 11, 2001, a terrorist attack, your family needs to be prepared to deal with the possible loss of basic services such as water and electricity. The following information and supplies lists are a good start to help you plan for a disaster.
There are six basics you should stock for your home: water, food, first aid supplies, clothing and bedding, tools and emergency supplies, and special items. Keep the items that you would most likely need during an evacuation in an easy-to carry container. Possible containers include a large, covered trash container, a camping backpack, or a duffle bag.
Water
Store water in plastic containers such as soft drink bottles. Avoid using containers that will decompose or break, such as milk cartons or glass bottles. A normally active person needs to drink at least two quarts of water each day. Hot environments and intense physical activity can double that amount. Children, nursing mothers, and ill people will need more.
* Store one gallon of water per person per day.
* Keep at least a three-day supply of water per person (two quarts for drinking, two quarts for each person in your household for food preparation/sanitation).
Food
Store at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food. Select foods that require no refrigeration, preparation or cooking, and little or no water. If you must heat food, pack a can of sterno. Select food items that are compact and lightweight. Include a selection of the following foods in your Disaster Supplies Kit:
* Ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits, and vegetables
* Canned juices
* Staples (salt, sugar, pepper, spices, etc.)
* High energy foods
* Vitamins
* Food for infants
* Comfort/stress foods
First Aid Kit
Assemble a first aid kit for your home and one for each car.
* Sterile adhesive bandages in assorted sizes
* Assorted sizes of safety pins
* Cleansing agent/soap
* Latex gloves (2 pairs)
* Sunscreen
* 2-inch sterile gauze pads (4-6)
* 4-inch sterile gauze pads (4-6)
* Triangular bandages (3)
* Non-prescription drugs
* 2-inch sterile roller bandages (3 rolls)
* 3-inch sterile roller bandages (3 rolls)
* Scissors
* Tweezers
* Needle
* Moistened towelettes
* Antiseptic
* Thermometer
* Tongue blades (2)
* Tube of petroleum jelly or other lubricant
Non-Prescription Drugs
* Aspirin or nonaspirin pain reliever
* Anti-diarrhea medication
* Antacid (for stomach upset)
* Syrup of Ipecac (use to induce vomiting if advised by the Poison Control Center)
* Laxative
* Activated charcoal (use if advised by the Poison Control Center)
Tools and Supplies
* Mess kits, or paper cups, plates, and plastic utensils
* Emergency preparedness manual
* Battery-operated radio and extra batteries
* Flashlight and extra batteries
* Cash or traveler’s checks, change
* Non-electric can opener, utility knife
* Fire extinguisher: small canister ABC type
* Tube tent
* Pliers
* Tape
* Compass
* Matches in a waterproof container
* Aluminum foil
* Plastic storage containers
* Signal flare
* Paper, pencil
* Needles, thread
* Medicine dropper
* Shut-off wrench, to turn off household gas and water
* Whistle
* Plastic sheeting
* Map of the area (for locating shelters)
Sanitation
* Toilet paper, towelettes
* Soap, liquid detergent
* Feminine supplies
* Personal hygiene items
* Plastic garbage bags, ties (for personal sanitation uses)
* Plastic bucket with tight lid
* Disinfectant
* Household chlorine bleach
Clothing and Bedding
Include at least one complete change of clothing and footwear per person.
* Sturdy shoes or work boots
* Rain gear
* Blankets or sleeping bags
* Hat and gloves
* Thermal underwear
* Sunglasses
From “Disaster Supplies Kit.” developed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the American Red Cross.
We hear a lot today about falling moral standards, lack of respect for others and the culture of “self first.” But our society doesn’t have to be like this, and there is a growing movement to reverse these trends through A person of character … .
• A “good” person – someone that kids will look up to, admire and try to imitate.
• Knows the difference between right and wrong and always tries to do the right thing, even if it’s difficult.
• Sets a good example
• Tries to make the world a better place.
• Is honest, trustworthy, reliable and caring.
Sounds tough, but educating the heart is just as important as educating the mind. It’s important that you have the right tools and materials – books, games, activities, audio are all important ways of communicating with your kids, offering various routes to forming Kids of Character.
In this post we are going to compare the digital age and traditional scrapbooking. With Family Crossingsyou can create an online social network for your entire family! Online access to your digital scrapbook is the best way to share your memories with every member of your family! Try it FREE!
The art of Scrapbooking has become very popular. Scrapbooking allows you to create memory books that are so much more than the old standard, boring photo albums of yesterday. Using the immense supplies available for you to choose from in your Scrapbooking, you can create memory books that reflect not only your personality: but that also help you to capture the true “essence” of those special memories you want remembered forever.
You can begin making your memory scrapbook, sure to become a treasure to be shared from generation to generation with basic materials like patterned paper, rubber stamps, patterns, stencils, stickers, serrated- scissors, and the photos you already have. This is just a small example of the many supplies that are available for you to choose from in creating your memory book. You can find Scrapbooking supplies online and in many malls and outlet stores today. Software programs are also available to help you design the perfect memory book for your precious memories.
Begin by looking at a photo; recall the memories and feelings that arise by looking at this picture that has been captured on film. What does this picture represent to you? Maybe it is the love of family and friends, or the adventure you found on your last vacation. Whatever it is, consider how you might best represent these feelings, and memories so that someone else looking at this same photograph, even a few generations removed, will be able to understand the emotions and circumstances surrounding the images of the people, places, or things seen in this particular piece of film. Being able to know why a certain picture was taken, and what it meant to the one who took the shot, results in a ‘bonding’ between the original picture taker, the event captured, and the one who is now looking at these images.
Once you have started to think about what this picture means to you and how you would like to best represent that meaning, you can start to create a memory scrapbook that will keep these precious memories alive forever. The best memory books have pages that employ the use of many different types of materials. Don’t be afraid to mix stickers with cut-outs (made by designed scissors), patterned papers, stencils, rubber stamp images, markers, crayons, and labels. Let your creative-side come out in the designing of your memory books.
With a little creativity it is easy to create memory scrapbooks that are a joy to share with family and friends. Family history can be captured in these books: to be recalled in your lifetime and as testimonials of relatives in the past, to be known and remembered by the generations to follow. You not only have a plethora of choices in materials already available to choose from in creating your memory book, new ideas, and materials are created every day for those who want to use scrapbooking as a way to create memory books that will last forever.
What should you use to hold your newly created memory pages? You can choose to use a standard photo album, one that you can decorate using the same materials used in making your memory pages. Or maybe you will want to complete your memory book by laminating a couple of special memory pages for the front and back covers, and then “binding” them together with all of your memory pages into a book. You can learn more about bookbinding through books and software programs. Scrapbook stores and the internet are also good sources of information about scrapbooking and bookbinding.
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