1. Take advantage of all of the fonts within word processing programs, as well as any photo editing, or scrapbooking software. Use them for journaling, or enlarge letters for page titles. Paper scrapbookers can them print and cut them out, while digital scrapbookers can place them within their layouts there on the computer.
2. Use photo editing software to fix or enhance photos, switch them to black and white, add special effects or captioning (with the above tip) to put more of a personal touch right into the pictures.
3. Resize, and crop pictures on the computer before printing them out. Pictures can be arranged on a blank page, grouped, or collaged and then printed out as one image to be cropped into a paper scrapbook page layout.
4. Clipart is everywhere! Printable digital elements can be used to embellish paper scrapbook layouts. Even printed digital layouts can be embellished with separately printed clipart to add dimension and depth to scrapbook pages.
5. Digital layouts can be found online. Once downloaded, digital photos can be placed in the layout. Create a CD to keep a digital album, or print out the layout at home, or through a printing service. Design a pre-made layout to print out, and adhere developed, or printed photos for placement into a scrapbook album.

Digital photography is here to stay, and technology is making it easier everyday to store, organize and preserve our pictures, and our memories. Whether with a specific computer scrapbooking software package, or individual clipart elements, using a computer to assist in scrapbooking can add a unique personal touch to page layouts without taking away from the traditional paper craft artistry of scrapbook albums.

For more helpful scrapbooking tips and tricks, check out…

Read my review of this book!

Growing your own food can be rewarding in so many ways. Here are just a few:

Quality Family Time – Getting your entire household involved in a family garden is an awesome way to spend time together. In today’s fast paced world, family time seems to be a rarity, but if you start and care for your own garden, you’re spending time together and yes, it can be fun, even if you’re teen doesn’t think so at first. From tilling the garden, to planting and picking the fruits and vegetables you grow, gardening is also a great way to get some fresh air and much needed exercise together.

Learning Tool – Planting a garden is a great learning tool for young and old alike. Kids can learn responsibility, the life cycle of various plants, and more when they are put in charge of a certain task involving the garden. Yes, even weeding can be a learning experience.

Adults may learn things like which plants grow well in what types of soil and climates as well as how to preserve extras that can’t be eaten right away. Finding a use for all those fruits and veggies can be a learning experience as well as you search for a variety of ways to use them in recipes.

Appreciation – Working hard at growing and maintaining your own garden gives the caretaker an appreciation for their local farmers, ancestors and more. There is nothing quite like a hard day (or even just an hour or two) at work in the great outdoors to make you appreciate those who do it on a daily basis or who did it for survival in past generations.

Sense of Accomplishment – Watching your plants grow and nurturing them to maturity is a great way to instill a sense of accomplishment, especially in children. Do you have a family member who seems a bit down in the dumps or a teenager who feels they don’t belong? If so, starting a garden may just boost their spirits more than you thought possible. Give it a try.

Easier on the Family Budget – Growing your own food is also a great way to save money. In times when frugality is a necessity, you can easily save some cash by planting a garden, not only because you can produce a whole lot more of your favorite foods and herbs for less, but also because you don’t run the risk of spending money on foods that will expire before you get a chance to eat them. If you have more food than you can possibly eat from your garden, preserve it for later. Better yet, take some to your neighbors. They’ll thank you for it.

Take a few minutes to seriously consider helping the environment and your family, by starting your own garden this year. You don’t have to own a farm to do it either. A small area in the backyard to grow a few of your favorite foods is plenty. You can even grow them in a small window garden or pots on your porch or balcony. Give it a shot and see how it can help improve your life in numerous ways.

1. Deadheading
Keep your border free from wilted flowers and dried leaves. Deadheading or removing dead flower heads will encourage the plants to produce more blooms for longer. Many perennials such as geraniums and dahlias, and some annuals benefit from having spent blooms removed

2. Pinch out tops.
Certain plants – especially foliage plants like Coleus – respond with a spurt of growth when their tops are pinched out. Pinching out makes the plant much bushier and so more blooms are produced.

3. Fertilize lightly.
A minimal amount of fertilizer will further boost the growth of your vegetation. If you water your yard frequently, you have to fertilize it more regularly because of nutrient depletion. A regular application of liquid fertilizer is sometimes more beneficial than granules as it is more readily absorbed by the leaves. Container plants will be considerably healthier with a half-strength solution of liquid fertilizer applied regularly. Chemicals are dangerous to humans and often kill the natural predators of the pest in your garden, so avoid them if possible. There are many organic alternatives that work almost as well.

4. Weed out.
This is one of the best ways to preserve the beauty of your garden by the yard. Remember, weeds compete with your plants for both nutrients and moisture. If the weeds are not close to seeding, leave them on the bed to rot down for mulch. If you must use a weedicide, try and get a wick applicator, rather than a spray. This will protect you plants from spray-drift.

5. Water them well
One good tip when it comes to watering your yard garden is to give it a thorough soaking once a week, making sure there is no run-off to cause erosion. Deep watering will encourage the growth of deeper roots that will be able to withstand dry spells weather-wise.

With these simple tips, your yard garden will soon be the envy of your neighbors.

Eating comfort foods makes us feel better. Our brain releases endorphins as we enjoy every satisfying bite. Did you know that? Food makes us feel good. Some foods make us feel better than others but here they are.

1. Tea – Drinking tea does wonders for the body. The caffeine in tea has been linked to improvements in mood. Caffeine increases alertness and our ability to function well. Many people rely on caffeine each day in some form to wake up and get the body moving. The rush we feel motivates us to get going with our daily tasks. Tea is healthier than drinking soda. There are many kinds of tea. Green tea provides antioxidants to the body. Antioxidants prevent disease and slow the aging process.

2. Chocolate – Women always knew they were right. This is not just any chocolate though. Dark chocolate contains the largest percentage of pure cocoa. It works to increase our mood. Serotonin levels rise and so do the happy feelings. People who ate chocolate on a consistent basis noticed they had more energy as well as a better outlook on life. Besides that, the calories obtained from this chocolate don’t outweigh the benefits of eating dark chocolate. The rest of the diet can be adjusted to account for it.

3. Salmon – This cold water fish contains vitamin D as well as omega-3 fatty acids. Vitamin D is synthesized by skin cells after exposure to the sun. When the sun is not as forthcoming like in the winter months, we have to obtain it from other sources. The canned variety of salmon and fortified milk along with some vegetables provides vitamin D to our bodies along with supplements. Vitamin D increases serotonin which has to do with mood.

4. Walnuts – Most tree nuts are good for you. They contain nutrients vital to health and healthy fats. Walnuts contain omega-3 fatty acids just like salmon.

5. Lentils – Lentils are part of the legume and bean family. They provide protein for the body to build muscle. Lentils release a lot of fiber when we eat them. Insoluble fiber carries a measure of fat from the food we eat out of the body as it passes through the digestive system. Folate is a component of lentils and it deals with brain activity and health.

Are you looking for something good to eat? These five foods are good for you and good to you. Using them as a component of a healthy diet boosts mood and health.

Recently, I joined Once a Week Cooking with aspirations of filling my freezer with pre-cooked meals. But I found that there were a couple of important small kitchen appliances I really needed to have before I could start. One that’s instrumental for the Once a Week Cooking method is a slow cooker. I did a little research, and below is a list of things to consider when buying one of these invaluable cooking tools.

1. Size / Capacity – What you will use your slow cooker for (party dips vs. whole meals)? What is your family size (cooking for 2, 4, 8)? Most slow cookers care round, but larger ones might be oval-shaped. Depending on what your plans at for cooking in the slow cooker, an oval one fits more oblong cuts of meat, hams, a whole chicken, or small turkey. In general, a 3-4 quart slow cooker is good if you’re cooking for 1 or 2. Most slow cookers require that the cooking vessel be filled at least half-way for safe use, so for a family of four or more the larger 6 or 7 quart models would be best.
2. Programmable vs. manual setting – If you’ll be away for most of the day, you might consider purchasing a slow cooker that is programmable. You can set the number of hours for cooking, at High or Low, then at the end of cooking time it will switch to a Warm setting. If you’ll be home most of the time you use the slow cooker, you might save some money by purchasing a manual setting slow cooker. Either way, having a Warm setting is a desirable option if you want to keep your dish warm for a length of time.
3. Temperature settings - Most slow cookers these days offer High, Low and Warm settings. The warm setting is a nice feature to have when you want to keep food at temperature during a party, or for keeping dinner warm for a family that comes and goes. With a programmable slow cooker, this helps prevent overcooking, yet keeps dinner warm and ready to serve when you are. Some slow cookers even come with a temperature probe for monitoring internal temperatures of roasts, or poultry.
4. Ease of cleaning – Is this something you consider when buying a small kitchen appliance? You will want to look for a slow cooker with a removable “crock” and/or submerge-able base. A removable crock means less cleanup. Many feature dishwasher-safe parts making clean-up even easier.
5. Portability - Handles that come up to secure the top and allow you to transport your slow cooker are nice. Cook at home, then transport to Grandma’s house at the holidays. When eating at home, having a removable pot gives you a serving vessel, going from cooker to table all in one dish.

Before you go out shopping for a slow cooker then, consider these 5 features, and the ones that might be important to you and your slow cooking needs. Then check out Once a Week Cooking to have weekly menus, with recipes and grocery lists sent straight to your inbox. It will have you filling your freezer, making menu planning and busy dinner times a whole lot easier.

1. Use potpourri. It is everywhere and some people only bring it out during the holidays. The problem is, the scent will get used up and the potpourri will look nice but do nothing to help the air. You can replace it at this point or add to it and use some natural scents to freshen it. Dried herbs and spices can be of help. Use some fresh cinnamon or nutmeg to add a new smell to the potpourri. Using a few sprigs of fresh mint or sprinkling dried mint on the potpourri not only adds fragrance but mint is a natural ant repellent.

2. Essential oils can be used to scent the home. These natural oils are derived from plants and non-toxic. Combine it with at least four parts of water in a spray bottle to spritz potpourri, silk flowers, and other natural arrangements in our home like holly leaf garland and pinecones. Avoid furniture because the oil can leave a film. If you notice that happening, add more water to your spray bottle. Add a couple drops to a pot of simmering water on your stove.

3. Fruits make a great smelling wreath for the home. Cut an orange, apple, and lemon into thin circles. Allow the fruit to dry on a cookie sheet. Overlay the fruit to create a wreath design. It can be attached to a wooden framework or some wire. To preserve the fruit, cover with a bit of shellac or floor wax. They last for several weeks and can be hung on any door to freshen the room. Some people even use whole fruits and pierce the top to let the smell come through.

4. Beeswax candles are a natural air freshener. The candles give off a honey flavored scent that burns clean with no mess. Beeswax candles can be purchased in a variety of shapes and sizes. Avoid any color but the natural one if you want to remain eco friendly with the air freshener.

5. Combine several different scents to create a dried bowl arrangement. These arrangements can be put in wooden shallow bowls or clear glass bowls so they are visible to everyone. For decoration, use some natural wooden filler that are sold at most craft stores. Add in some fresh dried herbs like mint, rosemary, or thyme. For a more seasonal smell, try some cinnamon sticks, fresh nutmeg, and some ground clove. Sit some beeswax pillar candles flat in the bowl as the centerpiece.

Are you looking for ways to freshen the air in your house? Use the above ideas to get started. When all else fails, bake a pie.

1. The Bridge Butt Lift – Sounds like a plastic surgery technique but it is an easy way to tone your buttocks. Lay down with feet flat on the floor, legs shoulder width apart. Place your hands, palm side down, on either side of your body. Pushing with your feet, squeeze your gluteal muscles and lift your butt off the floor. Hold the position for a count of five to ten and release down to the floor.

2. Squats – Squats work the butt, the hamstring muscles and the quadriceps. If you aren’t sure of proper form, you can use a chair. Stand with feet shoulder width apart and feet firmly planted. Push your butt back as if you were preparing to sit in a chair. Keep your abs tight and your upper body straight. Once you reach chair level stop and hold the position for a count of two to five and release. At the lowest point, place all of your weight on your heels for balance and maximum toning.

3. Reverse Lunges – Lunges work the quadriceps muscles. They can be hard for people with knee problems. A reverse lunge still tones the right muscle groups but with less pressure on the knee. Stand with feet together and arms at your sides. Take one leg and move it backwards until you are in lunge position: front leg bent at a 90 degree angle and back leg extended until you are on the ball of your foot. From this position lower yourself down until the back knee almost touches the floor. Hold for a count of two and return to starting position.

4. Pushups – This is a classic toning exercise that works all areas of the arms plus the chest muscles. If you aren’t comfortable or strong enough to perform a pushup on your toes, lower your body to your knees. Be sure your arms are tucked into the body and your back straight as you lower and lift your body.

5. Crunches – Abdominal muscles can be worked every day to build strength and muscle tone. Lying on the floor in sit up position, lace your fingers behind your head. Squeezing your abdominal muscles, lift your upper body until your lower back is about to come off the floor. Hold for two to five counts and return to starting position.

These five exercise moves can be done whenever you have time. The best thing about exercise is that its effects are cumulative. Even five or ten minutes at a time will work to your advantage.

1. Clean your microwave with vinegar. I’m not going to tell you how often to do this, just how I’ve done it in the past. Wipe all the crumbs out of your microwave first, then heat 3/4 cup white vinegar to boiing. Trun off microwave at that point, but keep door closed. Let vinegar stand for 3-5 minutes, then wipe clean. Repeat for stubborn stuck on spots.

2. Clean windows with vinegar and water for a streak-free shine. To be really frugal, I have heard you can then wipe this with newspaper, but I prefer papertowels. This same solution can be used to clean bathroom mirrors as well.

3. Spot clean your tile floors. Mix equal parts white vinegar and hot water in a spray bottle, then spray dried food, or other larger dirty spots on your tiles. Leave it set there for a couple minutes before you wipe it clean. This works as an excellent pre-treatment before mopping to take care of all the trouble spots ahead of time.

4. Remove hard water stains from the inside of vases, jars, glasses. Fill the container with a warm water and vinegar combination and let soak overnight. In the morning you may have to wipe it some, but then handwash it clean.

5. Clean and polish stainless steel or chrome fixtures using a cloth dampened with vinegar. I keep my spray bottle of vinegar and water close by to spry as needed, but I find if I stay on top of my cleaning a quick spray and wipe is all I need to get the bathroom and kitchen fixtures clean.

So, add a gallon of white vinegar to your shopping list, and invest in a good spray bottle. Then go to work on your household glass, mirrors, countertops, fixtures, tile floors and shower doors. Not only will you be saving time and money by using one product, but vinegar also eliminates the need for many chemical cleaners, thus it is good for our kids and the environment in general.

1. Start with your cuts of meat. Cut off the excess fat when working with chicken. If you aren’t the type who likes to mess with chicken parts, buy them already skinned and boneless. With steaks, cut away the outer fat but don’t worry about the marbled effect within the meat. Do the same for pork. A butcher can guide you to the right cuts of meat for grilling if you ask them.

2. Steam your vegetables on the grill. You are cooking the meat on there, why not the rest of the meal? Spray a piece of aluminum foil with non-stick cooking spray and then wrap your sliced vegetables in it. The heat from the grill will create convection current inside the foil. Make sure that you tent the foil so that the air can move among the vegetables.

3. Fish is a healthy alternative to other meats. Fattier fish like salmon are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Fish is tasty and tender when cooked on the grill. Fillets of fish crumble up easy so put them in foil just like the vegetables to keep them together during grilling. Fish steaks are better for direct grill cooking than fillets. They are thick but will cook quicker than other meats so don’t turn your back on them.

4. Spice it up! Instead of using salt on grilled foods, experiment with other seasonings. The process sears the outside and the seasonings that you have applied. Combined with the succulent juices that will be released once the meat is cut, these seasonings will add flavor to your meal.

5. Grilled fruit is a healthy dessert option. Pineapple, apples, or bananas are all made even sweeter as their natural sugars are brought out when warmed on the grill. Top with vanilla yogurt or icecream for a sweet, creamy yet healthy treat.

To grill healthy doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice flavor or your favorite meats. The fat that is in the meat will all drip away as it cooks leaving you with a tender and heart-friendly main course. Your veggies steamed right on the grill will be a healthy addition, with grilled fruit to cap it off

1. Pick appropriate plants. Not all plants are appropriate for the area you live in. If you pick appropriate plants for your area, you may be able to avoid using fertilizers and saving on water too. Research, what plants are native to your surrounding areas and try planting them in your own garden.

2. Pick natural repelling plants. You don’t need to rely on poisons to keep away garden ruining pests. Many plants produce chemicals that repel these animals naturally. By putting them in or around your garden, you can keep your plants safe with little effort and no chemicals.

3. Use companion planting. By planting vegetables by flowers or other plants, it is feasible to drive pests away. For instance, if you plant tomatoes near marigolds, the plant secretions from the marigolds will repel harmful nematodes. You can also plant garlic near plants to drive insects away.

4. Pull weeds. If you take time every day to pull the garden weeds you find, it will only take a few minutes and won’t seem like a lot of work. You can even get the kids involved, just be sure to do it properly so you don’t spread the seeds around. Grab them out of there while they’re young, and before the weeds’ roots get too long.

5. Crop rotation. Farmers all over the world use crop rotation to naturally fertilize plants. The concept is to change what crop you’re putting in a certain field each year. Plants use different nutrients and put other nutrients back into the soil. You can use this same concept in your garden by planting different plants every year, or just rotating where you put specific plants in the garden. If you rotate crops that replace the nutrients the other plants use, you will have to fertilize the soil less.

So, you’ve made all these changes and are using a low-water, chemical free garden? Well, you still haven’t done the most important thing: pass it on! One garden can make a dent, but more can make a bigger difference. Tell your friends, teach your kids, you can even visit their school and teach your kids friends! Every little bit helps make a better world.