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A month in photos – October 2012

October 2012

October flew by in a bit of a blur for me, I’m not sure about you?? We had a fabulous month filled with lots of exciting things. Here’s a glimpse at what we were up to…
We started off the month with visit to the Calgary Alberta Temple open house.
We experienced our first snowfall of the year. 
We had fun doing all sorts of Fall crafts.
We picked out pumpkins at the pumpkin patch and carved those bad boys.
We roasted pumpkin seeds for the first time in a long time and they were delicious!
We celebrated Addie girls fifth birthday.
We had a fabulous Halloween. The weather was chilly but not too cold and the kids had lots of fun trick-or-treating for their first real time in two years.
How was your October?
If you’ve created a collage of your month-in-photos, simply post your collage somewhere online, copy and paste the html code for the month-in-photos button below and include it in your post,  then come back here and leave a link to your collage so everyone else can see your fun photos! 



I can’t wait to see your month in photos!

For more info about the month in photos project go here.You can download any of my free collage templates or use your own collage and join in the fun with us each month! Just think of the incredible collection of photos we’ll have put together at the end of 2012!

Simple things Sunday Photo Link Party No. 105

A special thank you to CHANTELLE NICOLE DESIGNS, BLUE BIRD CHIC, BABY BIRD & BUB BUB, ADDY LANE, CAMERA COATS, SHABBY LANE BOUTIQUE and ELLA PUBLISHING for sponsoring the simple things Sunday two year anniversary giveaways! 
Thank you to all of YOU who linked up your photos as well, it was so great to see so many turn out and join the fun! WIthout keeping you waiting any longer, the winners of the AWESOME prize packages are as follows…
GRAND PRIZE WINNER:

Congratulations Beth! You won…



SECOND PRIZE WINNER:

Congratulations Alicia! You won…

THIRD PRIZE WINNER:
Congratulations Jen! You won…

Congrats to all the winners! Shoot me an email at [email protected] to claim your prizes!
Now on to our simple things party! Here are just a few of the fabulous photos that caught my eye last week. Click the links below to stop by these ladies beautiful blogs and leave them some love!
leaves of the city | nina

Thanks for sharing your talents with us ladies! Make sure you grab yourself a featured button!! 🙂

 

I have some REALLY exciting news to share about our weekly simple things photo roundup as well!! I have invited a few special photography guests to join us each Saturday where they will be hand picking their favorite photos from the week’s link party, sharing a little bit about themselves along with some quick photo tips! I can’t wait to introduce our very first surprise guest next Saturday so stay tuned!

SIMPLE THINGS SUNDAY No. 105

 I had the funnest time going back through some of our old Halloween photos this week! We’ve had some pretty memorable Halloween’s and this year was no exception!

You’ll notice that a few of the kids were more into the photo taking than others, but they humoured me just long enough that I was able to get some great photos of them in their costumes. 🙂 It was Alivia’s first real experience with trick-or-treating because when we lived on the island they didn’t celebrate Halloween. It was a riot to watch her toddling up to the houses and trying so hard to reach the doorbells. She was in absolute awe that people were giving her all that candy. Watching her and Addie’s excitement over their little bags of Halloween loot was definitely a highlight of my week!

Now it’s your turn. What simple things are you celebrating this week?

If you’re new to Simple as That I’d love for you join us in this weekly tradition. Scroll down to the bottom of this post where you can find all the details on how to share your photos with us. I look forward to featuring some of your photos on the Simple as That FB page + here on the blog!

THE SIMPLE THINGS ON INSTAGRAM

If you’re a bit of an instagram nut like me come join in the simple things fun each Sunday via instagram! Post an insta-pic of a simple thing/moment using hashtag  #thesimplethings and be sure to tag me @rebecca_simpleasthat so I can check out your photos! *This is new:  Each week I’ll be highlighting four of your simple things photos posted via Instagram in my instagram feed. I can’t wait to feature you on instagram!

Just a few quick rules to play:
1. Grab a button and include it in your simple things post.

2. Link back directly to your simple things post not your blog/website.

No links to other linky parties, giveaways or craft projects pretty please. 
This linky is all about the photos.

3. Be sure to pop by and visit at least 3 other links and leave a comment.

Leave as many as you can.

 

Holiday Gift Giving ideas from Arbonne

Today I’m so excited to be hosting an online Arbonne Holiday party! How great would it be to get an early start on that holiday shopping and cross a few names off your ever growing gift list? Well come with me as I share a few fabulous holiday gift ideas from Arbonne and find out how you can shop and save now!
I’ve shared a little bit about this fabulous company that I discovered a few months ago and I’m thrilled to tell you more about some of their products that I love. Be sure to keep reading to find out what exclusive offers are available during the party and how you can enter to win a scrumptious Mandarin Pomegranate Shampoo set!

Shop and save now at www.arbonne.com using ID# 115703063. If you do not reside in the US you will automatically be redirected to your countries website. 🙂

What I love about Arbonne:
Their commitment to offering healthy, safe and beneficial products is what first drew me to Arbonne and after making the switch to Arbonne, our family hasn’t looked back! 
From incredible anti-aging products, daily vitamin supplements, to gentle baby products and holiday gift sets that are sure to impress…Arbonne’s got a little something for you and everyone else on your holiday gift list! 

Today I’m going to share a few popular items from Arbonne’s holiday catalog along with some of my tried and true favorites! So sit back, relax and enjoy shopping with ease from the comfort of your home for these fabulous, safe and healthy products! All orders can be shipped directly to your door from within the United States, Canada, the UK and Australia with no international shipping charges! If you have any questions at all I’m available by email or you can contact me through the comments. 🙂
Arbonne’s Pampermint body and foot care gift sets make the perfect gift for teachers, friends, co-workers and so many others! My absolute favourite is their foot care set that leaves your feet feeling soft, fresh and smelling oh so delicious! I consider the pampermint sets a must have for holiday gift giving and for a little extra pampering for yourself this holiday season!
Arbonne’s RE9 anti-aging face and body lines are in one word – amazing! With my combination skin it’s always been difficult to find products that work for my face and I’ve had such great results with this product line! I’ve always been careful of what I put on my skin, knowing that it doesn’t just stay there, but gets absorbed into my body. I feel confident using Arbonne’s products daily knowing that these botanically based products are safe for my skin and body! 

I really love Arbonne’s nutrition line Arbonne Essentials and while I’ve only started using their wholesome and fully vegan protein shakes and their Pomegranate Energy Fizz tabs, I can’t wait to start using their daily vitamins! Arbonne essentials are formulated for maximum absorption and increased nutritional intake. Give yourself the gift of healthy living this holiday!
I don’t know about you but when the cold, dry weather hits my heels get super dry and sometimes crack. Since I’ve been using Arbonne’s sugar scrubs and daily lotion my heels have never been so soft! The transformation has been incredible and I right now I can’t get enough of the ginger citrus line! It smells absolutely delicious!

Many people have raved to me about Arbonne’s ABC Baby care line and how gentle they are for baby’s skin. Well, I don’t have babies around anymore, but I do have kids with sensitive skin and one who suffers from mild exzema and we have been using the ABC baby care line without reaction and have loved the benefits we see. The diaper cream is even great for helping clear up minor cuts and abrasions! The ABC baby care set is on sale now for $9 off and would make a great gift for any expecting or new mom out there!

I’ve mentioned the three products pictured above before, they are my most used and most favourite items from Arbonne’s catalog. Their makeup primer, the Sea Source fortifying hair mask and the Sea Source spa set. Love them and recomend them to everyone!
SHOP, SAVE and WIN with Arbonne!
I’d like to invite you to shop during our Arbonne Holiday party which will run November 1 – 6!
You’ve heard me tell you about these amazing products and some of you have even sampled them for yourselves and now it’s your turn to try them out! Arbonne offers a 45 day money back guaruntee on all their products, so if for any reason you’re not satisfied with your purchase you can return it for a full refund!
To shop and save now by going to www.arbonne.com and using ID# 115703063. If you do not reside in the US you will automatically be redirected to your countries website. 🙂
Here is a quick rundown of some of the specials you can enjoy:

*For every purchase made during the holiday party you’ll be entered to win a Mandarin Pomegranate Shampoo Gift Set!

* Choose the level of discount you’d like to shop with. Preferred clients receive 20% off all orders and Consultants enjoy 35% in savings! 

*Spend $250.00 and earn $125.00 in Arbonne product for just $25.00.

*The ABC Baby Care Set is on sale now for $9.00 off! Enjoy over $50.00 in savings on the Sea Source Detox Express Spa Set and even more specials happening now!
I’m really excited to share these amazing products with you that my family and I have come to love! If you have any questions or comments please let me know, I’m here to help you find the best possible deals you can on these incredible products!

If you are interested in earning a little extra money from home or hosting your own online Arbonne party to earn product rewards I’d love to get you more information!

Have a great weekend everyone and happy holiday shopping!

Halloween 2012 and Tips for Photographing Kids

I hope everyone had a fabulous Halloween! I was glad we took the time to snap a few photos the day before when everyone was dressed up since it was cold and rainy here in Southern Alberta yesterday.

We bundled up warm for trick-or-treating {Halloween in Canada just wouldn’t be the same if you weren’t bundled up in a snowsuit under or over your costume!} and had a lot of fun regardless of the temperatures! It was definitely a memorable Halloween – our first since moving back from the island.

{I can’t believe how big this girl is getting!}
 {our first trick-or-treating stop, photo op for mom of course then off to get the snowsuits on!}
 {my girls, I take a picture of the kids on these steps every Halloween.}
Photographing kids, especially your own, is always a challenge but with a few tricks up your sleeve you can capture memorable photos of your little ones!

For tips on capturing photos of kids and recording memories from your everyday life check out my eBooks from Ella Publishing. They’re jam packed with hundreds of easy to follow, practical photo tips for real life situations!


Don't Say Cheese! How to get great, natural photos of your kids (by Rebecca Cooper)Real.Life.Photography eBook - how to take amazing photos in real-life situations

How to Take Spooky Pumpkin Photos

It just wouldn’t be Halloween without a few pumpkin photos now would it!? The big day is almost upon us and I thought it was high time we chat about taking the perfect pumpkin photo! Keep reading for some tips on photographing your lit pumpkins and a few more creative pumpkin ideas.

How to take Spooky Halloween Pumpkin Photos

5 Quick tips for taking spooky Halloween Pumpkin Photos:

1. Turn out the lights and turn off your flash. That spooky glow from your lit pumpkin just won’t look the same in the daylight or when washed out by your camera’s flash.

2. Use your camera’s self timer or a remote. In the dark and without a flash you’re going to need a little bit of help getting a photo that isn’t blurry. Set your camera on a stable surface or use a tripod to eliminate camera shake that even the slightest movement can cause in low light situations.

3. Pay attention to where you’re taking your pumpkin’s portrait. Eliminate distracting elements. Try photographing your pumpkin on a glossy surface. This will reflect the pumpkin’s glow, adding an air of spookiness.

4. Using an artificial light source inside the pumpkin makes for more even lighting. Candlelight can be a little too harsh. Add a flashlight, use battery operated candles and use more than one light source to make that pumpkin glow even brighter.

5. Have fun with those pumpkin photos. My kids loved taking photos with their lit pumpkins this year! It involved playing a little game we like to call “freeze”. They had to “freeze” and remain perfectly still throughout the photo in order for it not to turn out blurry. There could be no blinking, no itching noses, no giggling….they enjoyed the challenge and I loved the resulting photos!

Taking photos of pumpkin’s that aren’t lit can be super fun too!

Playing with pumpkins isn’t just for kids!

Tips for taking Spooky Halloween Pumpkin Photos

A unique angle makes for some super cool pumpkin-ography!

Tips for taking Spooky Halloween Pumpkin Photos

Before and after shots are the best!

pumpkins2

Have fun taking those pumpkin photos everyone! I’d love to see what fun pumpkin shots you capture this Halloween! 

For more Photo tips join me in my upcoming Photography Workshop, Capture Life 2014! In this 12-week online workshop you’ll learn to add a touch of magic to your everyday moments, and really bring your photographs to life. I can help you tell better stories with the pictures you takeandimprove your technical photography skills along the way. For more information about registration and to watch a short promo video click here: Capture Life 2014 Photography Workshop.

Capture Life 2014 Photography Workshop

 

Simple things Sunday 2 Year Anniversary Party

Welcome to our Simple things Sunday 2 year anniversary party! 
We have some fabulous giveaways going on to celebrate two years of the simple things link party! Keep on reading to find out what you can win & how to enter! No need to participate in the link party, the giveaways are open to all Simple as That readers! If you are looking for the Simple things Sunday link party simply scroll down to the bottom of this post! 🙂

The following sponsors are so generously offering prizes today:

Chantelle Nicole Designs is a darling jewelry boutique that offers beautifully handmade, meaningful designs crafted from only the highest quality materials. If you’re looking for something whimsical to compliment your distinct style or a casual, everyday accessory, you’ve found the place.
Specializing in beautiful camera strap slip covers, Blue Bird Chic creates detailed accessories, perfect for any photo fashionista! I just love Leah’s beautiful, handmade designs and in addition to the prize she’s giving away today she’s also offering all Simple as That readers a coupon code for FREE SHIPPING on all orders! Use coupon code SIMPLEASTHAT!

BABY BIRD & BUB BUB:

Baby Bird & Bub Bub is an adorable little etsy shop that offers high quality, custom designed prints for your home. One of my current favourites from their shop is their Laundry Room collection!
Addy Lane features beautiful photoshop + photoshop elements actions, all created to enhance your photos with a distinctly nostalgic touch. I just love the vintage feel these actions give to my photos and Christy, the creative talent behind these beautiful actions is also the one who created the Simple Fixes Actions set available through Ella Publishing Co.! 

CAMERA COATS:
Why carry around another bag? Protect your camera in style with Camera Coats! These fabric camera covers protect your camera while out and and about without the bulk of carrying your camera bag! A portion of their shipping & handling cost goes to charity…so you can ditch your bag, and feel great about it!

SHABBY LANE BOUTIQUE:
Shabby Lane sells sweet, classic boutique accessories. Their hair pieces are truly stunning and are perfect for all ages from baby to adult! When you stop by their shop be sure to check out their brand new holiday collection!


Producer of top-quality eBooks for scrapbookers and crafters on topics ranging from digital scrapbooking to photography and so much more, Ella Publishing is sure to have an eBook for everyone!

So. Are you dying to see what these generous sponsors are giving away? There are 3 prize packages, that means 3 lucky winners! The prizes are pictured below! There are over $300.00 in prizes you’re going to LOVE, love, love!!
GRAND PRIZE:
SECOND PRIZE:

THIRD PRIZE:

To enter all you need to do is follow the super easy prompts in the rafflecopter widget below! Good luck everyone. The link party and the giveaway will be open until next Saturday, November 3rd at12:01am MST. Winners will be announced Sunday at our next STS link party!
*All winners will have 48 hours to claim their prize, after which time a new winner will be chosen if I haven’t been contacted. 
Good luck everyone!
If the rafflecopter widget isn’t showing up simply click on the link and it will take you to the entry form.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Now, onto our weekly Simple things Sunday party! I just love the excuse Simple things Sunday gives me to reflect on the simple things from my week that so often times go unnoticed. I love this weekly tradition just as much now as I did when I started this link party 2 years ago and I so look forward to seeing all the simple moments that you share with us!

*Keep reading to find out a little bit more about #thesimplethings on Instagram and to grab one of our brand spankin’ new simple things buttons!!
SIMPLE THINGS SUNDAY No. 104

The simple moments that stand out the most to me this week all surround our little Halloween traditions. We carved pumpkins and roasted pumpkin seeds Monday night for Family Home Evening and the kids had such a fun time! And dang, those pumpkin seeds were good! I don’t remember the last time we roasted them, but they turned out super yummy according to these directions!

Now it’s your turn. What simple things are you celebrating this week?

If you’re new to Simple as That I’d love for you join us in this weekly tradition. Scroll down to the bottom of this post where you can find all the details on how to share your photos with us. I look forward to featuring some of your photos on the Simple as That FB page + here on the blog!

THE SIMPLE THINGS ON INSTAGRAM

If you’re a bit of an instagram nut like me come join in the simple things fun each Sunday via instagram! Post an insta-pic of a simple thing/moment using hashtag  #thesimplethings and be sure to tag me @rebecca_simpleasthat so I can check out your photos! *This is new:  Each week I’ll be highlighting four of your simple things photos posted via Instagram in my instagram feed. I can’t wait to feature you on instagram!


Just a few quick rules to play:

1. Grab a button and include it in your simple things post.

2. Link back directly to your simple things post not your blog/website.

No links to other linky parties, giveaways or craft projects pretty please. 
This linky is all about the photos.

3. Be sure to pop by and visit at least 3 other links and leave a comment.

Leave as many as you can.

 

New Epiphanie Winner + Simple Things Roundup

I never heard back from the original Epiphanie camera bags giveaway winner so I’ve picked a new one and congratulations go to…


Please shoot me an email ASAP to claim your prize!

A huge thank you to Epiphanie for hosting such a fabulous giveaway! Find them online here to stay up to date on their latest products:

facebook | twitter | google + | pinterest | their blog


– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

Thank you to everyone who took the time to link up their simple things photos last week! It’s going to be a busy day with the simple things anniversary party happening tomorrow so I wanted to feature some of your photos today! Here are just a few that caught my eye! Follow the links listed below to see the original photos and visit these ladies beautiful blogs! 🙂
If your photo was featured make sure to grab yourself one of our brand new featured buttons! 🙂

 

SIMPLE THINGS SUNDAY 2 YEAR ANNIVERSARY PARTY

happening this sunday october 28, 2012
Don’t forget about the exciting Simples things Sunday 2 year anniversary party happening tomorrow! Get those photos ready to link up and stop by to enter the super fun giveaways that will be going on! Check out some of the amazing sponsors who will be participating! I can’t wait to see you there!

Halloween Paper Plate Crafts

Halloween Paper Plate Crafts – make a pumpkin, bat and frankenstein using inexpensive paper plates. Perfect for a class Halloween or afternoon craft.

Today I’m sharing some super simple, last minute halloween craft ideas for the kids. Create these cute little halloween characters using dessert plates from the dollar store and short list of supplies that includes:
Cut out the various shapes you’ll need to piece together the bat, pumpkin and frankenstein. I used black craft foam for lots of the pieces but you could use black cardstock if that’s what you have available. Black felt worked well for Frankenstein’s lovely hair. For younger children I like to have all the pieces cut out ahead of time so they can just have fun glueing everything to their plates. Older children will enjoy doing the cutting themselves or even adding the faces using markers.

For the bat you will need a little bit of white craft paint which isn’t pictured in the supply photo above. Paint the bats mouth first so it can dry then add the wings, ears and finish up with some googly eyes + of course his fangs. Create the rest of your paper plate halloween characters as illustrated above.

Have fun crafting with the kiddos and for more simple, kid-friendly Halloween ideas
check out these past posts:
I hope you all have a FABulous weekend! We’re looking forward to putting the finishing touches on everyone’s Halloween costumes and spending some time playing outside in the snow! What fun plans do you have?
SIMPLE THINGS SUNDAY 2 YEAR ANNIVERSARY PARTY
happening this sunday october 28, 2012
Don’t forget about the exciting Simples things Sunday 2 year anniversary party happening this Sunday! Get those photos ready to share and stop by to enter the giveaways that will be going on! Check out some of the amazing sponsors who will be participating! I can’t wait to see you there!

2 Years of the Simple Things Anniversary Giveway

Did you know it’s been TWO YEARS since the very first Simple things Sunday link party! It’s so hard to believe and I think the fact that we’ve been celebrating the simple things together nearly every week during this time is amazing! Definitely something worth celebrating, don’t you think!?

This Sunday I’ll be hosting a super fun simple things anniversary giveaway, scroll down to see some of the fabulous vendors who will be participating and stop by their various sites to get to know them…

shop | blog | facebook | twitter
shop | blog | facebook | twitter

shop | blog | facebook | twitter

shop | facebook | twitter

shop | blog | facebook | twitter

If you’ve never heard of Simple things Sunday this is what it’s all about:

Simple things Sunday is about taking the time to photograph the everyday details that make your life unique, beautiful, and special. Each Sunday we gather together to share our photos with each other. To enjoy the beauty that can be found in the ordinary and to be reminded of just how important the simple things are. 

We’d love to have you join us in this weekly tradition! Bring your sister, tell your friends and stop by this Sunday to share your photos! 🙂 The anniversary giveaway will be open to all Simple as That readers, you don’t have to participate in the link party to enter.  Stay tuned Sunday for info about  incredible prizes up for grabs and for entry details! I’m so excited and I hope you are too!!

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