Tag: Getting Started

Back Up, Back Up, Back Up

I am so glad I found Forever 5 years ago.  I have shared this story with many through the years but as I remember these last 16 years of my business journey, I would love for you to hear a bit of this story too.

Forever came along with products I was looking for at just the right time.  See I had fallen in love with Creative Memories’ PC-based software Storybook Creator Plus and Memory Manager several years earlier when it was first released and loved taking my digital images and storing them all in one place with Memory Manager and then creating beautiful photo pages with Storybook Creator right on my own computer to print and add to my annual photo albums.  It was a couple of years before 2015 that the old Creative Memories went through some difficult changes and they would stop selling and supporting these two PC-based programs that I had grown to depend on and love.  As long as I still had the computer they were installed on working, I was able to continue using them just as they were designed.

In the summer of 2015, I needed to buy a new computer and would be faced with how to transition forward.  The good news was the original creator of these two programs was still around and offered the programs under a different name but what I didn’t know was that they were in early discussions already about being purchased by a new start up company called Forever. I began following closely as I purchased my new computer and purchased by replacement copy of the Memory Manager software now called Historian so I could continue keeping my photos organized and in one place.  I soon discovered that my method of backing up my photos onto CDs and DVDs was not going to work now that my computer didn’t come with a CD drive anymore.  I needed a back up solution for my photos and Forever was offering just the option that fit that need.  I began learning more about this cloud based, permanent, photo storage site that was designed for long term storage of photos and media.   It was as I learned more about Forever that I fell in love with this company’s mission too.  They took that love for photos and helped us with a practical way to preserve the photo and albums we had made as well as have a permanent home for the digital images that we were collecting.

I now have a more complete memory keeping solution that ever before.  I can save my photos and media both on my computer in Historian and back them up in my Forever permanent storage account. I would love to share more about these amazing tools but while we are talking about backing up, let me remind you of a few other items that it is good to back up when we are talking about our photos and projects.

  • Photos from all devices
  • Videos from all of your devices
  • Photo Projects (all of your Artisan project files)
  • Digital Art (all of your art kits from your Commercial Art Kit folder PLUS your Activation Codes)
  • Blueprints (make sure you have downloaded them and then back them up too)

Whether it is moving over to a new computer or rebuilding a device that has had a technical issue, you will be glad that you backed up these items often!  Take a few minutes today to back up your projects.  Even my gift below is designed to help with this task.

Now for the Elizabeth’s 16 Gifts for 16 years:

On the first day of Elizabeth’s 16 Gifts for 16 years, I went back to where it all started with a Creative Memories product that I LOVE – the CM bookcloth album of your choosing for 50% off.  Available until claimed!

On the second day of Elizabeth’s 16 Gifts for 16 years, I am reopening the 2020 Photo Fun Club until the end of the month for the 2 remaining spots in the 2020 Photo Fun Club PLUS for the first person who replies I am offering 1/2 off one of our upcoming 2020 Photo Fun Day – FULL day registrations.

On the third day of Elizabeth’s 16 Gifts for 16 years, I am offering to the first 2 people who respond, 10GB of Forever Storage for 1/2 off.   Forever Storage is an amazing tool for backing up your most precious memories and I want you to be able to try it for the first time or add to your account.  You must comment below or e-mail me directly to take advantage of this deal.

 

2020 Photo Fun Day – Kick off

What an amazing day we had Saturday!

  • We had a dozen participants who gathered for our January Photo Fun Day event – the first of our monthly events in 2020.
  • Some came for the whole day and some stopped in for just part.
  • We had lots of photo organizing going on some with printed photos and some with digital photos.
  • We had several traditional scrapbookers loving the new theme paper packs from Creative Memories and trying them out with a Sketch Idea that we did together.
  • We had some digital scrapbookers who were working on books or page prints for their next project with Forever tools.
  • We also had new friends who were coming to learn how to take their photo chaos from a box of family photos they have and move to a photo book that can be created for their family and multiple copies ordered to share.
  • But most of all we had a lot fun together while we worked on our photo projects.

We have 9 more regular monthly in-person all-day workshops like this coming up in 2020 but we also have a couple of retreats and virtual events coming too.  Do you have a project you want to get done in 2020?  Take a peak at the Events Page and sign up for the events that work for you.  If you would rather meet one-on-one, I am always happy to schedule a time to meet either with a FREE Coffee Shop Chat or for a custom time at my hourly rate. You can contact me by going to the Let’s Connect Page of my website.

Cards & Cocoa

Grab that cub of Hot Cocoa and log in to Forever’s website to create that Christmas card this year.  Did you know that you can create cards and other photo projects right from your phone or tablet.  It is that simple and fun.  Want a little extra help or some friends gathered around the table together while you create your card or project?  Join us this Sunday, November 24th for an afternoon of fun along with our Cards & Cocoa!  This event is at my house and if open to anyone who is interested in joining us.  Drop in for the time you wish between 2pm and 4pm.  Bring a friend and you get $5 off your card order on top of other specials already in place for amazing discounts and FREE shipping.

Comment below or reach out by e-mail or phone to get my address.

 

Fall Back in Love with your Photos

Where did October go and how did we end up in November with the time changing already?  I know I am not the only one that is in awe of how fast time seems to be going the older we get and the more things we have going.  As I get things back up and going with the blog this Holiday Season I want to remind you to think of that photo that reminds you of a special time in your childhood or with a special friend of family member.  That feeling you get when you think of that photo – that is why I do what I do, I love the feeling of reminiscing and remember the story that went with the moment that was captured on the photo.  It doesn’t have to be a professional photo, or even a good angle, the photos of someone’s head cut off or the mostly of the floor tell a story too.  Do you know where that special photo is, do you have that story captured somewhere?

Do you dream of a day where all of your photos are in one place?  Maybe you dream of that perfectly lined shelf of photo albums and books that tell your children’s life story (or even your own)?  Do you want to have your walls filled with photos and memories of those you love?

Let’s work to make some of those dreams come true. This Fall and into the holiday season, let’s spend a little time Gathering our photos just like we gather the leaves in the yard or apples from the orchard.  Let’s find ways to Celebrate and Share them with those that will enjoy them too.

If you are ready to jump in (whether it be a piles of leaves or pile of photos), mark your calendar for next Saturday, November 9th for our Monthly Photo Workshop in Cary, NC.  I have plenty of room in my afternoon session (3pm-10pm).  Come for as short or as long as you would like.  Remember if it is your first time, it is FREE after 3pm, for everyone else you can sign up here, choose the Evening Only Option for just $25: https://squareup.com/market/sagp

If you are not quite sure about jumping in all the way but want to get started, here is my best advice for tackling any photo project.

Start Current and the Work Backwards

Yes that is it – start with your current photos (digital or physical prints).  Gather those that are the most recent – this month or even this year and tackle those first.  It will help you create a system that works for you today.  If you find others from outside of this time frame put them in a box or folder until you get to that time.  Then back up a month or year at a time and continue with the process you have started.  If you want some additional tips and ideas, you might enjoy going back to my post about The Power in 15 Minutes.  I am continuing my 2019 Favorites Album and look forward to creating my annual photo book pages with ease because I have spent 15 minutes once a month, gathering my favorites as I go and don’t have hundreds of photos to go through later.  It is a great time to start with October 2019 if you haven’t started before now!

Happy Fall!

 

I may have been quiet on the blog the last few weeks but I am working on a few fun things with my business to have ready for you all in the last quarter of the year.  To give you a sneak peak:

Events

October: We have our Fall Ladies Get-a-way coming up in October

November: Regular Monthly Workshop

December Regular Monthly Workshop

Be sure to check our the Events Page for sign up information and further detail.  

Forever – Click here to Shop

Watch for more information about getting Back to the Basics with storage, media conversion and photo project creation this fall.

Storage: Whether you have just purchased Forever storage or you have had it for years, I want to help you find the work flow and organization system that works best for you and your family.

Media Conversion:  Let’s get that old box of photos, slides and videos out of storage and determine the items you want to scan or convert to digital versions that can be shared.

Photo Projects: Are you overwhelmed with past projects that are undone?  Whether you are an avid Artisan user or you are loving the quick options with Design & Print.  We will break those projects into manageable pieces so you can see progress and check off those projects this fall.

Creative Memories – Click here to Shop

So many great products are being released each month, we will take time this fall to taken inventory of our projects and supplies to make sure we know what we need to finish those up.  Join us at our October Retreat or monthly workshops this Fall for a Mini Power Layout Breakout to help you with those traditional projects.

Don’t forget that Forever is now a great choice for printing high quality photo prints.  If you are interested in getting a $10 welcome coupon, sign up for a free intro account at: https://www.forever.com/ambassador/elizabethgoodson  This is a great partner for our traditional projects with CM.

Fun Mail Surprises

Do you love when your mail box is filled with fun things rather than only bills and advertisements?  Help me make sure I have your address correct by using the preferences option at the bottom of any recent e-mail or use the form below.  If you like surprises and fun in your mail boxes, I am launching a fun new project this fall that you will not want to miss.  Be sure I have your mailing address so you don’t miss the sneak peak mailing introducing this in a few weeks.

Subscribe to my Mailing List




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Check back here and in your e-mail for more updates over the next few weeks!

Is time flying for you?

I don’t know about you but my social media feed has been filled with college move-in photos and fun milestones happening with lots of friends as they are helping get new college freshman moved into to school this weekend.  The next things coming up will be all of those first day of school photos and I am sure if there are this many moving into college there are probably a few High School Seniors this year too.  No, I don’t have kids graduating or moving into college but as a friend shared this photo I couldn’t help but think that I have a tool and simple process that might be helpful to some of you if you find yourself in a similar stage to my friend – especially with high school seniors although this can be helpful to others too.

 

I know it was true when I was in high school and have found that it is still true today, that senior year can be crazy but it is also a time when you are pulling out old photos.  There seem to be lots of times when you need that photo of your sweet senior as a baby, elementary school aged student just starting school, playing the sport they loved, or other special moments.  Do you know where those photos are today?  Does that causes you panic just thinking about it?  First, take a breath and know that I can help and will be happy to help you come up with a unique plan just for you but if you need a little guidance to get you started, here are some simple steps, I would suggest today.

  1. Set up a FREE Forever Account (if you don’t already have one) by using this link: https://www.forever.com/ambassador/elizabethgoodson
  2. Set up a couple of Albums for your soon to be graduate:
    • Senior Year Album – to capture all of the current year’s photos of the special gatherings, events and celebrations.
    • Toddler to Teen Album – to capture your favorite photos from each stage of life.
    • Special Project Album – If you have a special gift in mind, you may want to create an album for that project.
  3.  Spend a little bit of time each week so you aren’t overwhelmed come spring.  If you haven’t been following my blog this summer you may enjoy checking out: The Power in 15 Minutes Blog post.
  4. Need more help, consider joining us for a monthly workshop or let’s set up a coffee chat.
  5. Enjoy this season!

Some of the benefits of using a Forever Account for this project are:

  • When you create a FREE account using the link above, you will get a $10 Welcome coupon you can use on your first order.
  • Your photos will be maintained in their full resolution – when you need to share with others for yearbook entries or video celebrations, they will be the high quality versions that can be used however they are needed.
  • If you wanted to create a photo book, canvas, graduation announcement or other photo gift you will already have the photos handy.

Forever is a great tool for saving, organizing and sharing our favorite photos, videos and audio files and memories.  Whether you have a high school senior or other photo goals, I am happy to chat with you about your specific needs and create a plan that will work for you.  We didn’t gather all of these photos overnight so it is best to work on them a little at a time and have a system that we can keep up – little by little.

Summer Sale…Coming to a Close

Our Summer Sale will becoming to a close the end of July.  You have a chance to pick from nearly 50 items remaining for just a few more days.  There are pictures posted on my Elizabeth’s CM Customer Group on Facebook or you can see some of the remaining items listed on the Summer Sale Page.  Please either fill out the form on the website or e-mail with your order no later than July 31st and I will be in touch for payment and pick up options.

 

Thank you for your help in clearing my shelves and Lightening my Load as we make room for new products this fall.  I will be placing a order of New CM products later this week if you wish to add any of those items to your order as well and pick up at our workshop August 10th.

 

Have you signed up for our August Photo Workshop?  Don’t miss the fun, sign up for all day, just the morning, just the afternoon or plan to pop in and shop!  The registration link can be found on the Events page!

Mark your Calendar – July Photo Workshop

 

Our July Workshop is just 4 weeks away so now is the perfect time to sign up and make sure you have a spot reserved for you.  We have a great time each month gathering with friends who also want to work with their photos and create meaningful albums and scrapbooks or just get them all corralled into one place.  Plan to join us for a few hours or the whole day, there is an option that will work for you no matter how much time you have available.  To see all the details and available events coming up be sure to check out: the Events Tab above.

If you have a Creative Memories order, please submit to me no later than July 1 to ensure that I include it with my next order.  If you haven’t checked out my Summer Sale, be sure to check out it out as new items are being added each week and let me know if you would like your order brought the workshop or you can pick up sooner at my house in Apex.

If you would like to add an order to my July Media Conversion Group box, bring your items with you or get them to me no later than July 12th so we an add it to this box.  Check out details about Forever’s Media Conversion Box Services and the Price List for when you add to a group box.

What does caught up look like to you?

Years ago, I would hear people who scrapbooked with me say that they were so many years behind and I could tell it bothered them.  I decided then that my more realistic goal was to be no more than a year behind.  If I was scrapbooking last year’s Spring this Spring, then I could enjoy the fun new products and memories at just the right time.  I did from time to time jump in and do a few pages of a current event to make sure I didn’t forget the details but I set my expectation to not stress on the staying “current with today” mentality.  As the years have gone on, I will swing from 6 months back to almost 2 years but generally hover around the 1 year mark and that is success for me.

This last year brought a few life changes, a big job change and with that came less time to scrapbook, pair that with a year that seems to have been a big photo year with travel and lots of fun and I had slipped further behind than I like to be but I kept working a little at a time.  Starting with 2019, I also took on a slightly different strategy to help my work move along a bit quicker.  I started focusing my 15 minutes a day several days a week on picking my favorites and I would knock out one month at a time.  I started as I always do with the current photos (January) and once I got caught up with the current month in 2019, I would go back to the next month that I had with my project and spent a few days picking my favorites and putting them in a sub-album.  If I didn’t have time to scrapbook then I would at least get my photos prepped and ready.  This has made a huge difference and I am already well on my way to having my favorites picked out already for 2019 once I get ready to do those photos too.

Remember that “caught up” can and does look different for each of us – it may be finishing one important project for you from years ago, it may be getting the next year’s album done, it may be gathering your photos and picking your favorites so that they are where you can find them and share the when you wish, it may be creating a gift for a friend.

What project do you want to get caught up with this month?  I am excited to have made some great headway the last few weeks on my project and am down to one remaining week in 2017 and will be jumping on 2018 soon.

Dusting off the Blog

A year ago, I had great plans to dust off this blog and pick up with more regular posts.  I didn’t anticipate how busy life would get with transitioning to and tackling my new job this year.  It may have been a whirlwind but here a year later I am here again with a similar thought, a bit more time to reflect and a better plan to try to dust off this blog again.  I don’t know if it will be a long term shift to updating regularly and we won’t make any promises just yet but this will be a start.  At least for the next few months, you will see posts focused on my photo solutions business sharing with friends and family along with my customers about a summer photo challenge.  I imagine there will be a few other personal posts sprinkled in here too.  I hope you enjoy following along and that you will join in if this interest you too.

Is there something you are wanting to get done and you need to just take that first step too?