karlyns.com

New with Karlyn 4-29

karlyn — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 02:28:03 +0000

There’s always something new (online) with me each week, but taking the time to get on here and update is my challenge. This week I was busy pulling together a new paper.li page, updating a squidoo page I’d totally forgotten I had, and creating a very personal blog article that included photos and results of my health journey over the last 17 months. Let me show you:

What 110 Pound Weight Loss Looks Like, FromKarlyn.com

This post, at FromKarlyn.com, was the result of a personal lifestyle change and transformation I experienced over the last – almost year and a half. The changes I made were “drastic” i think some may say, but to me – they were necessary, important and could even have saved my life. I go into great detail of what changes I made and how they affected me, over the last few years. I include a before and after photo too. Writing this post was therapeutic too, as it made me go back and examine some things I hadn’t recalled in some time. Showing and sharing my “before” photo was hard though. The photo still makes me sad, but at the same time, I’m thankful I finally work up from the unhealthy funk I was in for way too long!

Karlyn on Paper.li

I’m a total newb to Paper.li. When I checked out the site for the first time this week; I was intrigued with it’s purpose. The template allows you to create your own online newspaper. Fill it with content from your own sources, a friends, favorite places online, etc. The site pulls content from the URL’s you feed it, including an image. You have control over how you want it displayed and the frequency of your newspaper’s updates. Visitors can subscribe to stay updated with the new content displayed each day, weekly, or whatever. One of the most impressive things I noted right away was now seriously easy the system is to use. There are no complicated controls the newbie will get lost in. Use the handy + Paper.li shortcut for your browser and pin content effortlessly in seconds while you browse the www.

Karlyn’s Squidoo lenses

Silly me, but I’d attempted this Squidoo a few years ago and then got side-tracked. So; I took the opportunity this week to spend some quality time with it. My main Squidoo is about Karlyns across the web. The name itself is not too common as you may have guessed, so I shared some info about the different Karlyns I’ve met online since 2004, “Karlyn” products that are featured online, and then of course own sites that feature the name. There’s a poll there and some other fun stuff too. Squidoo’s have been around for a while now. If you are not familiar with the site, it’s a handy tool for people who want to share all kinds of ideas. You can create pages, called “Lenses”, about practically any topic under the sun. There are a lot of layout configurations, addons and widgets you can include along with your basic topic title and description, but it’s not overwhelming. It’s totally free and allows the user a good, quality way to get there content online for all to view.

I do work full time in retail by the way, but when I get home from work, I get busy with my “fun work”, which is my websites, my blogging, my freelance advertising and design work, etc.. I love it. So each week, I continue to update my other websites.. .com’s I’ve had since 2000. The following sites all have some worthwhile updates of their own that I hope you’ll take a moment to check out as well. They may not be featured like my top-three above, but they are nonetheless important to me. They are all my babies.. lol.

New at YeahMom.com – And just in time for the hot summer sun (at least it’s hot out here in So. Cal already!)
Sun Safety For Kids: 4 Ways To Protect Your Kids From The Sun

New at Wahmiam.com – Wahm (work at home Mom) info and resources updated usually twice weekly. This most recent one being about how moms can make money helping other moms.

New at LivePeaceandPassion.com – Are you new to Feng Shui? It was the topic of my last post at LPP (Live Peace and Passion). Feng Shui is an art form and can help promote peace in the home. At LPP this week, you can Learn to Feng Shui

New at WiseNaturally.com – Cholesterol is a topic I bring up at WiseNaturally.com maybe more frequently than other topics.. can you blame me? It seems everyone is battling high cholesterol, but there are so many natural ways to help conquer it which I’ve posted in the past. In one of this week’s articles, I posted what to expect from a life with high cholesterol.

New at WahmBuds.com – I had some fun creating wahm graphics in the past and plan to create more soon, so I was revisiting this topic on a recently post at WahmBuds.com. If you are looing for ways to share your pride in being a work at home mom, check out my newest article at wahm buds titled Work at home? Celebrate your wahm pride.

New at MomsRewards.com Rewards Blog – And just today, I updated my oldest site (established in 2000) with some fresh coupons that mom can use on her next grocery shopping trip. You can see what’s posted there if you follow this link to Fresh coupons for 4-29.

As always, thank you for visiting, reading, commenting, sharing! I appreciate you!

Sell Your Designs and Crafts! Turning Hobby into Money

karlyn — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 02:19:43 +0000

If you enjoy creating and you constantly hear people telling you that you should sell your creations, it may be time to voyage into the world of selling your crafts for money. Like all things, entering the world of selling crafts should be carefully planned out. There are many websites and venues where you can sell your crafts both online and off.

Online venues are a great way to reach customers all over the world. Popular websites like Etsy, Artfire and eBay are great tools that help to reach your targeted customers. Before making the plunge into selling your crafts, be sure to take the time and do some research beforehand. Keep the following questions in mind as you consider the prospect of selling your creations:

* Do I have a design or product that people would want to buy? This is the most important question you have to ask yourself. If there is no target market for your products, you will have a hard time selling your creations and not because your items are not nice, but they may not be in demand.

* Who is my potential target market? This is a continuation of the question above because you need to know who to advertise to and how to successfully draw your target market to your items. It would be a waste of time trying to sell baby clothes, for example, to those who do not have children.

* What will I charge for my creations? Pricing is an important strategy. All too often, people undercharge for their creations forgetting to take into consideration the time and materials that go into a product. Make sure you account for both the cost of the materials as well as the time and effort you put forth to create your goods. Also be sure not to overcharge. You may find that your items do not sell because they are over priced.

* Where will I sell my design or crafting items? Online websites are plentiful when it comes to selling handmade goods. There are websites such as Etsy and Artfire who only allow the sales of handmade goods, along with supplies. EBay is also another popular venue to sell handmade goods. Be aware though, that you will be competing with the other goods that are not handmade and may be cheaper. A good description of the item and its benefits is always a good idea.

If you choose to sell locally, try finding a store that will sell your items on consignment or sign up to exhibit at a local craft show. Both will be good for exposure. If you choose to go the consignment route, be sure to get all terms in writing. Otherwise you run the risk of having your items kept and not paid for.

It is very possible in today’s day and age to make some spending money selling your crafts. Be sure to do your research and follow through your plan by keeping the above questions in mind. Once you have your plan in mind, go ahead and take the plunge. But remember, like anything else, you will get in return what you put forth so make it worth your while.

Do You Need An Expensive Camera To Get Started With Photography?

karlyn — Sat, 13 Apr 2013 00:08:21 +0000

More and more people are taking up photography as a hobby, thanks to advancing technology that means it’s easier to get better shots than ever before. It’s clear to see why photography has such a pull; it’s an art form in itself and yet does not require much talent to produce something that can still be considered special. If you want to take this a little more seriously, though, you may be wondering if you need to buy expensive equipment to produce good photographs. The short answer is, no. But there’s a longer answer too…

The Drawbacks of Expensive Equipment

While DSLR cameras provide excellent shots, they can be very pricey. Not only that, for the inexperienced photographer, using a DSLR can be confusing with the many available settings and customizations. As a complete newbie, investing in an expensive DSLR right away may not be the best idea.

In fact, you might even find that shots that would come out fine on a cheap camera can be completely ruined if you mess with the settings the wrong way on a DSLR! Of course, it’s all part of the learning process, but for a complete beginner the sheer range of settings can be very intimidating, and even tedious to consider with every different situation.

It’s also worth considering that if you decide that photography isn’t your hobby of choice after all, a DSLR camera is a very expensive gadget if you never use it!

So What’s the Best Way to Get Started?

The best way to get started in photography is to first get a sense of what it’s about. To do this, you just need to learn how to handle a regular camera first and experiment with basic settings. An inexpensive point and shoot should suffice. Many people nowadays learn the basics on the smartphones! Even without a technically great camera, it’s still possible to learn a lot about what makes good photography.

Start by carrying your point and shoot (or smartphone) with you everywhere, and taking the time to practice your skills whenever you see something even just slightly interesting. Start with the basic settings and think more about the composition of the image. If you have time, make subtle changes to the settings and see what difference it makes.

Photography is about developing the eye first, even before you understand what all the settings on a DSLR camera even means. For this, a cheap camera will work just as well as an expensive one. That’s not to say you should never consider a DSLR camera, however, and it’ll be a fantastic investment once you’re ready. But, for now, just get started with what you have, or what you can easily get your hands on!

Which Colors are Hardest to Print Accurately?

karlyn — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 00:11:59 +0000

When printing, the worst thing that can happen is that the true colors don’t come through. If the subject is a fruit basket, you want the image to look rich, juicy and lifelike. Not washed out. The apples should be red, bananas should be yellow, grapes should be green and the oranges should be just that – orange. The brighter the color, the harder it is to get an accurate print. There are a few steps you can take within the process to ensure a clear color.

The Ink
Choose a quality source for ink, like Canon printer ink. The color is rich and doesn’t run. No matter what paper source or equipment you use, you get a good image every time.

RGB Vs. CMYK
When combined RGB (red, blue, green) creates white. It also works better for scanners, digital cameras and computer monitor settings. RGB has larger gamut and more saturation for richer color. CMYK (cyan, magenta, yellow, and key) on the other hand, creates black when combined. It’s more efficient for commercial printing. RGB prints bright vibrant colors best on a small scale such as stickers, while CMYK may wash them out. Neons, oranges and some blues won’t print true to color in CMYK, no matter how many ways you try to adjust the settings.

Software
Take the time to learn the color settings in the software you’re using. They usually tell you how to set the color mode, choose the file formats, and adjust according to project. Read the directions, adjust the settings and do some test runs before you start printing projects. Canon ink cartridges do an automatic test print when you insert the cartridge into the printer to ensure quality images, so don’t be afraid to do small test prints until you get the result you want.

Color Guide
Most software programs have some kind of color guide to help you. Pantone, the leading authority on color, usually offers a Pantone Process Color Guide that walks you through the process. It also offers a wide range of colors for you to use without having to mix them yourself.

What’s Your Project?
Think about what type of project you’re doing. Animation, digital pictures, abstract art, fall color schemes, or spring color stories; all require different ranges of colors. Dark animation or fall color schemes may require more washed out dark color that can be achieved with CMYK settings. But spring color stories with a touch of bright fresh neons may require RGB settings for clarity.

No matter what result you’re trying to achieve it’s up to you to acquire the knowledge to bring your project to completion. Images can be as true to life as you want, and memories can be preserved true to the moment.

Niche Link Exchange with Karlyn

karlyn — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 03:17:45 +0000

I offer link exchange options here at Karlyns.com, in the niche categories of:

Links for Webmasters, websites
Links for Design/Graphic Designers
Links for Advertisers
Links for Online Business and Affiliate Marketing

I invite you you to initiate a reciprocal exchange on the link exchange page that most closely suit your niche site(s).

For webmasters:
http://www.karlyns.com/links-to-webmasters/

For Advertisers:
http://www.karlyns.com/links-to-advertising/

For Design Sites and Graphic Designers:
http://www.karlyns.com/links-to-designers/

For General Business and/or Affiliate Marketing:
http://www.karlyns.com/links-to-affiliates/

On Hollywood, Designs and Red Carpets

karlyn — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 03:31:16 +0000

I had the pleasure of attending Greg LaVoi’s launch of his new line of designs inspired by someone in my own family. My great-aunt Irene Lentz has been gone now, for over four decades.. but not forgotten. Since I started my Irene-Lentz.com site back in 2009, I have had the pleasure of meeting (online and off) many Irene fans, a couple of authors and several talented individuals in the media and design world. I’ve received wonderful letters and testimonials from these folks reminiscing on their respect and love of Irene’s talent and skill in fashion design. It’s such a gift to hear this. Over the years; I’ve learned so much from the amazing people who have taken the time to write and share the results of their experience, connections to Irene Lentz, their years of research, projects and/or their writings related to my aunt. I’m truly honored.

Hollywood limelight was probably a weekly event in my great-aunts life. I imagine Irene rubbing elbows with celebrities was a pretty common occurrence in her career as a Hollywood Fashion Designer. I have seen the list of movies she worked on and incredible actresses she dressed. It’s a life and time I can only imagine.. from what I know of Hollywood, the photos I’ve seen from Irene’s personal collection, and stories I’ve heard from my mother and grandmother.

Most recently, I walked the red carpet at Greg’s design launch. Fun? You bet! The whole event was just amazing and Greg’s design line was phenomenal.. seriously. It was an honor to Irene and a pleasure to be a part after all these years. It is especially gratifying to think that this launch of new, reinvented designs, inspired by my aunt Irene, will be available to the public via Greg’s “Irene by Greg LaVoi”. New generations of people and designers will have the chance to get to know Irene Lentz, the original, through Greg’s very talented and thoughtful work. I imagine now, that the Irene Legacy will continue to thrive for years to come and that is something very impressive to look forward to.

I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has contacted me regarding your interests and connections to my great-aunt. I respond to all communications I receive and they continue to intrigue and delight me. Thank you for your time and oh-so-kind words.

These (below) are some additional images I personally took of the red carpet. If you care to see more from this awesome event, click to this link of my photos of the Irene by Greg LaVoi Fashion Show. Thank you and enjoy!

How Did Phoenix Become a Popular Travel Destination?

karlyn — Thu, 07 Mar 2013 23:25:18 +0000

Located in the northeastern Sonoran Desert in what has become known as the Valley of the Sun, Phoenix, Arizona is the largest capital city in the United States, and home to everything from the most refined in urban experiences, to wilderness playgrounds that rival those to be found anywhere.

Phoenix owes a good deal of its popularity as a travel destination to the wondrous climate it enjoys year round. From the mild winter temperatures, to the sun baked heat of summer (Some people do in fact love it, though not many), Phoenix offers vacationers an opportunity for non-stop outdoor enjoyment and a place to retire and do the same. That’s just the beginning.

Culture at Every Turn
Scattered across the expanse of metropolitan Phoenix, it is easy to indulge every taste in cultural entertainment imaginable. With over 32,000 pieces of fine art, and cultural artifacts of the region, the Heard Museum has become one of the nation’s premier exhibition centers, hosting thousands of visitors weekly.

Architectural enthusiasts are in for a special treat with a visit to Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin West, where the city meets the desert on a grade overlooking this sun drenched metropolis. Designed to organically reflect the landscape where it sits, the grounds are simply magical in their ability to join nature to art, and is not to be missed.

For those looking to combine a taste for art with the urge to enjoy the area’s sublime climate, Scottsdale hosts a weekly Art Walk where visitors can stop by over 100 galleries featuring works in a seemingly endless variety of genres.

The Great Outdoors
Any Phoenix advertising agency would have fun highlighting all the Valley has to offer. Whether it’s driving the scenic 46 mile long Apache Trail, strolling the Desert Botanical Garden, or taking in a professional sporting event at the centrally located Chase Field,
Phoenix is home to some of the most magnificent outdoor activities available in the country.

Home to the nation’s largest municipal outdoor recreation area, South Mountain Park offers visitors over 50 miles of hiking, horseback riding, and biking trails – along with shady nooks to just sit and enjoy a delicious picnic. Of course, you can also just drive to Dobbins Point to enjoy an unforgettable sunset view of the valley.

It really is no surprise that Phoenix has become one of the world’s favorite travel destinations. Offering something for every age and taste, the only thing missing is you.

The Learning environment

karlyn — Wed, 06 Feb 2013 01:44:39 +0000

With 11 years of teaching behind me, I can tell you that there is is often a trap in the words ‘after school activities’. One may easily believe that since these activities are after school, they are not of much importance. But, one couldn’t be more wrong. Research suggests that children pick up some of their most important skills from after school programs. That is why children who do not participate in any extra curricular activities are generally slow and less vibrant.

The learning environment that one fosters in after school activities must be as disciplined and as functional as that found in the school. This is especially true of educational after school programs. This is the best place to teach the child important skills like time-management and goal setting. Time-management is a vital skill, but it is not achieved easily. Children need to feel the discipline that is needed to finish a task and the happiness of finishing the allotted work in a specific time frame.

Children look for different things in an after class program. The learning environment should be attractive, colorful and informative. Use charts, pictures, posters and drawings to liven up a class. Additional resources (resources that are not easily available in the school) will make the classes interesting. For instance, when teaching a biology lesson, allow the child to see through a microscope or see slides of bacteria. This will add to his knowledge and also make him more enthusiastic about his after school program.

Discipline is a must in after school activities. In fun or sport-based activities, it is easy for children to step out of line and wreck havoc. While children should be allowed to have fun, they should be curtailed from unacceptable behavior. The best way to enforce discipline is to lay down the rules at the very beginning. Let the children know what is unacceptable, right at the beginning.

Rewards are an important part of any learning process. The reward can be a simple pat on the back or a token of appreciation. Motivate your children to aspire for higher things by rewarding their achievements. Holding competitions or sport activities where the children can show their proficiency is a reward in itself.

Children can get bored easily, especially in the case of an educational program. The main thrust of an academic program is to repeat what has been taught in class and to allow the child to learn it quickly. It is difficult to pique the child’s interest a second time, especially when the child is already tired of one dose of the same lesson. It is best to thwart boredom by using creative techniques like an impromptu extempore on any topic, a quiz program or a slideshow.

After school activities are becoming more popular by the day. Parents want their kids to learn more. Children too have an insatiable quest for knowledge. In an after school program, it is possible to pay individual attention and quench this thirst using various effective techniques.