Several months ago, I was answering a question about what kind of camera and photo editing software I use.  In that post, I shared that I use a Nikon D60 and also declared Picasa to be my friend.  Several friends then suggested Picnik, another free online photo editing software tool.  I was intrigued, and decided to try it.

The next day, one of the head Picnik guys contacted me about my article.  Wow, news travels fast in cyberspace.  Head Picnik guy offered me a complimentary three month premium membership.  “Try it, try it, you will like it”, he said.  His name might have been Sam I Am, but I’m not sure.  So I replied, “Okay, Picnik dude, I accept your three month premium membership.”  What can I say, when it comes to technology, I’m a fickle gal.  So I started cheating on Picasa.

Now I know most of you take pictures, right?  Most of you want to edit those pictures, right?  Most of us like free stuff, right ?  Whew, okay, I think I’m on solid ground.

So I’ve been playing around with Picnik and I’ve gotta say, it’s got some really amazing tools.  You can do all the standard photo editing with ease, whether cropping, or removing red eye, adding contrast or removing saturation.  All for free.

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Hello friends, happy Monday to you!  I’ve got a few projects I’m working on this week that I’m really excited about, and can’t wait to share.

But first, I’m kicking off the Anniversary Week with a fantastic giveaway by generous sponsor Erin over at The Vintage Pearl !

I adore Erin’s jewelry, but I also love to follow this busy mom’s adventures on her blog.  She juggles four children, and at the same time manages to show us her amazing photography and run a successful jewelry business.  How does she do it ?

And speaking of jewelry, take a peek at just a small sampling of some of her hand stamped sterling silver pieces available at The Vintage Pearl.  Two people are going to get very lucky this week in this giveaway !

Dainty Drops necklace with your choice of birthstone

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Hello friends, and happy happy Friday !  Today I am delighted to introduce you to a fresh new photographer named Sara Norris from Albuquerque, New Mexico.   She’s been mentioned on several blogs, and now I have the opportunity to feature her work.

Sara writes on her website:

“When it was time for me to choose a career, I couldn’t think of anything that would make me happier than to spend my life as a photographer and artist.  I love what I do.  Photography is my passion in life. Nothing makes me happier and I hope that my images will fill your life with just as much joy!”

Sara’s images bring me a lot of joy, and I hope you will feel the same way.  So today, she is offering two lucky winners a $50 dollar gift certificate to her Etsy shop.

Take a peek at some of these gorgeous images.

Are you in the mood for a burst of spring ?  You’ll love these photographs, several of them available in sets.

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Several weeks ago, Gotham Books sent me an advance copy of Design Rules: An Insider’s Guide to Becoming Your Own Decorator, written by Elaine Griffin, an interior decorating specialist, and also rated one of the country’s top 100 designers by House Beautiful.  I was delighted to be included among the group of bloggers that were given copies of this text. 

Perhaps you’ve read a few of these reviews, like my friend Lindsay over at Living with Lindsay who wrote an incredibly insightful review, as did the marvelous Kimm at Reinvented.  Once I read their reviews, I simply had to read Elaine’s book cover to cover for myself !  I’m so glad I finally did, because I carried away dozens of helpful tips and tricks.  And now I get to giveaway a copy of this text to one of you !

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