tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82773518917655768752024-03-21T15:32:50.141-07:00Make-My-Books BlogWelcome to the Make-My-Books Blog!Make-My-Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05926201467952470093noreply@blogger.comBlogger13125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8277351891765576875.post-148980807133686792013-04-05T08:35:00.000-07:002013-04-05T08:40:12.514-07:005 Great Gift Ideas for Mother's Day from Make My Books.<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With Mother's Day quickly approaching, we thought it might be a good idea to get you into the gift giving mode early with 5 Great Gift Ideas. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Remember...Mom loves a unique and thoughtful gift so check out our Mother's Day special below! </span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1. Through The Years Photo Book</span></b><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibhRP6trFQpLGaI5zACt0oS2ZreVt5WVOucAGoJb-cWYicVdeH3UeZU5jgWke_MtRpwGcEzLMvG1eQ02GoSLNLMJC9LJPjpX-7E50jeWSRl6L5ZF7WzSw5mxcreWNTANi7IH9etyl0tGc/s1600/oldphoto.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibhRP6trFQpLGaI5zACt0oS2ZreVt5WVOucAGoJb-cWYicVdeH3UeZU5jgWke_MtRpwGcEzLMvG1eQ02GoSLNLMJC9LJPjpX-7E50jeWSRl6L5ZF7WzSw5mxcreWNTANi7IH9etyl0tGc/s200/oldphoto.jpg" width="162" /></a><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On special occasions, we share memories with friends and family, rejoice in the lives we've lived and people we've become. We think of family members passed and new lives beginning. We've all experienced those moments when we wished we had all of our favorite snapshots from years gone by right at our fingertips. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This year, select your favorites and compile your own Through The Years photo book for Mom's special day. From long lost ancestors to family vacations, your memories can be shared each day in the form of a beautiful keepsake!</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4X3qOraOAjYw3G_NC01ku5G_MVE80r4fOHwPPq1LFsWao4IxlQP4atTh5MF1pnrX8LyBzFoIZDlIYUyZ-nrXoK24uskpcyWvQKf0PasQ-ZPF_Q55c802s5MpIqF-hnt4vjTUnzdfZR40/s1600/562868_4072240098437_1387431287_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="color: black;"></span></a><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>2. School Years</b></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4X3qOraOAjYw3G_NC01ku5G_MVE80r4fOHwPPq1LFsWao4IxlQP4atTh5MF1pnrX8LyBzFoIZDlIYUyZ-nrXoK24uskpcyWvQKf0PasQ-ZPF_Q55c802s5MpIqF-hnt4vjTUnzdfZR40/s1600/562868_4072240098437_1387431287_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4X3qOraOAjYw3G_NC01ku5G_MVE80r4fOHwPPq1LFsWao4IxlQP4atTh5MF1pnrX8LyBzFoIZDlIYUyZ-nrXoK24uskpcyWvQKf0PasQ-ZPF_Q55c802s5MpIqF-hnt4vjTUnzdfZR40/s200/562868_4072240098437_1387431287_n.jpg" width="149" /></a><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As our children grow, the images of their youth become hazy (as I write this post, I can think of moments when I could not tell which baby was which when looking at photos). With a keepsake photo book from Make My Books, Mom can see her memories right before her eyes as each child grows year over year! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Elementary Days - School pictures and elementary school events make perfect memories for a custom photo book you can share with the whole family.</i></span><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Youth Sports - </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;">If Mom spends her weeknights running kids to and from practice and weekends on the sideline, you are probably sitting on a treasure trove of photos.</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />Junior High Life - Share the memories of first dances, good friends, and events that may be forgotten in the hustle and bustle of every day.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">High School Memories - The road to adulthood is filled with images of love, friendship and success. Share these memories for years to come with a keepsake photo book.</span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Growing Up - Choose images from your child's early years and compile a photo book as a reminder of the joy you felt in watching your little one grow.</i></span><br />
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<b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3. Special Day Photo Book</b><br />
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<a href="https://make-my-books.com/img/el-wedding.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://make-my-books.com/img/el-wedding.png" style="border: none; position: relative;" width="168" /></a><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;">Whatever it may be...wedding, birth of a new baby, even holidays, each special event has the ingredients for a perfect gift for Mom...a photo book from Make-My-Books.com! </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;">No matter what the occasion, days that are near and dear to our hearts almost always include photos. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;">From professional to candid shots, a keepsake photo book allows you to share your day with family and friends...while giving the perfect, personal gift</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">.</span><br />
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<b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4. Cookbook</b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">Dinner time and special occasions probably means you'll find Mom scanning Pinterest for the perfect recipes. Now, you can create a thoughtful gift out of all those recipes. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">Compile Mom's favorites, newly created or passed on from generations of the past and create something she'll use for a lifetime. A great gift for generations of Moms!</span></span><br />
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<b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">5. Kid's Art </b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy7d4vYsQ77Iy9yiDt7SubV2A9TDxyzAmG9hO8ZlyQVwmsGa-13AetOadN4_06bYBYxlrhC_cI7etuh7MKgxtyWVeu08XwfKFZL_ExKiJOkbTVXyAEOVcjDtTmaBxQA4-3khxhWv_3mQs/s1600/kids-art-book+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="120" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy7d4vYsQ77Iy9yiDt7SubV2A9TDxyzAmG9hO8ZlyQVwmsGa-13AetOadN4_06bYBYxlrhC_cI7etuh7MKgxtyWVeu08XwfKFZL_ExKiJOkbTVXyAEOVcjDtTmaBxQA4-3khxhWv_3mQs/s200/kids-art-book+%25281%2529.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There are few things that melt Mom's heart more than her child's handmade artwork. On the fridge or stored away, the sight of it can bring tears to her eyes. A Kid's Art photo book pulls all the memories together in one heartfelt gift. From their first 'scribbles' to their award winning creations, their work is a reflection of who they are. </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Precious memories frozen in time. Pull them all together and give Mom a gift she will cherish forever.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>What memories will you share with your Mom this Mother's Day?</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><a href="https://make-my-books.com/" target="_blank">Begin creating your heartfelt, keepsake photo book and </a></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><a href="https://make-my-books.com/" target="_blank">Save 25% between now and Mother's Day!</a></b></span></div>
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<br />Make-My-Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05926201467952470093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8277351891765576875.post-59710762202631228262013-03-13T06:28:00.002-07:002013-03-13T06:28:49.404-07:00Understanding the Youth Sports FundraiserIf you're involved in a youth sports organization you understand how challenging and complex it can be to develop effective fundraising efforts. I stumbled upon this interesting article from sports-fundraisingideas.com that sheds some light on the challenges and solutions for youth sports fundraising.<br />
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Once you've read, stop by and visit the Make-My-Books.com fundraising page and learn more about how we can help!<br />
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The Cure for Ambivalence in Youth Sports Fundraising</h3>
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Posted by Victor St. Vincent on Thu, Dec 08, 2011 @ 08:25 AM</div>
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I’m sure you’ve heard the axiom that “you can only get out of something what you put into it.” That is certainly true of almost any fundraising endeavor, yet you have to wonder why so many youth organizations bother to set up and conduct a sports fundraising campaign when they invest so little effort in making sure it is a success. It’s as though people believe if you “put it out there” it will be a success—a kind of “build it and they will come”. That may work in the movies, but you don’t live in Movieland.<br />
A youth sports fundraiser is particularly vulnerable to being conducted half-heartedly and sometimes apologetically. When it fails, it is rarely subjected to an honest <em>post mortem</em> analysis. Instead, the tendency is to just look for something or someone to blame. Sometimes we reflexively blame the product that was sold, or we point to a sluggish economy, or maybe we rue that the members of our organization are just too indifferent to support a successful fundraising campaign. Some things are just too visible or convenient to point to. Chances are, none of those things were the reason your fundraiser under-performed. (See <a href="http://www.championfr.com/blog/bid/59330/Why-Did-Last-Season-s-Fundraiser-Tank" style="color: #0000ee; outline: none;" target="_self" title="Why Did Last Season’s Sports Fundraising Campaign Tank?"><span style="color: blue;"><em>Why Did Last Season’s Sports Fundraising Campaign Tank?</em></span></a>) "The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars", and nor is it in the product, the economy or in others—but it is much more difficult to assign blame to ourselves.<br />
The product you choose to sell will probably have very little effect on the outcome of your campaign. There is certainly no shortage of fundraising ideas for sports teams. It really doesn't matter whether you are selling fundraising discount cards, raffle tickets, ham sandwiches, or conducting one of the many frozen food fundraisers that are out there (cookie dough, pizza, etc.)—they all have the potential to succeed . . . and they all have the potential to fail. It's a sure bet that the fundraiser that didn't do so well for your organization last season was a smashing success for another organization. What will make your sports fundraising campaign a success or failure, then, is not what your organization has decided to sell; rather, it is what you put into it.<br />
If you were the person in charge of fundraising last year and the fundraiser didn't do very well, then you are either in the position of not caring very much about the outcome or you are seeking a way to make your next fundraiser more successful. You are probably reading this article because you want to do better the next time out. For those of us who have had a child go from tee-ball to the higher levels of youth baseball we can remember how they started out—just kicking dirt in the infield or picking dandelions in the outfield. As they advanced in the sport they picked up skills and a love for the game. It's not much different for adult volunteers in a youth league. You may start out lacking the skills or enthusiasm for the assigned task, but as you grow into your position you learn things along the way, and then you develop the skills and the confidence to do things better. All it takes is a desire to move to the next level.<br />
We can appreciate that many people have some degree of aversion to asking other people to sell fundraising items even if it is in support of a worthwhile cause. Because that is all too true, youth sports leagues are often willing to introduce a fundraiser without the force of making a robust call to action. In fact, most fundraisers are started without even telling the organization’s members the purpose for which the funds will be used, and with barely a word of encouragement for participation. Some campaigns are even initiated in an apologetic sort of way as though the person leading the campaign was pained or embarrassed to ask for support. Is it any surprise that a fundraiser conducted in this manner will not perform to its potential?<br />
We all want to feel that others approve of the things we do. That’s human nature. Asking our peers to do something they don’t particularly want to do is contrary to our nature. Youth league board members are no different; they want the approval of their organization’s members and they intuitively know that asking them to participate in a fundraiser will not engender endearment. The combination of the desire for approval and the need to have a successful fundraiser is what creates fundraising ambivalence. This ambivalence can be paralyzing to a fundraiser. In fact, paralysis is what often happens.<br />
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<strong>"The cure for sports fundraising ambivalence<br />begins with an appreciation of your fundraiser's purpose."</strong></h2>
If your fundraiser has been approved for a worthwhile cause (for example, to keep registration fees low and thereby make your youth program accessible to more families in your community), then why wouldn’t your board members give their collective and unreserved commitment to the purpose? After all, the objective of the fundraiser is not to win friends; it’s to raise money so kids can play. Frankly, nobody is going to pull their child out of your league because you asked them to participate in a fundraiser.<br />
Even in the off-chance that someone felt offended by being asked to participate in the campaign, think of the families in your community whose children will be able to join your organization (or return to your organization next year) because the revenue generated by the fundraiser kept registration fees low. Your sports organization is not exempt from the laws of economics. Your league is competing for the discretionary income of nearly every local wage-earner with children. Even if your organization subsidizes the children of families that are indigent, not everyone accepts charity and higher registration fees almost always means that some children in your community won't have an opportunity to play.<br />
The purpose of a fundraiser is to raise funds so your youth sports program can be made more affordable to more families. Not everyone understands that at the core level, but they should be made to understand. It’s really not that hard. The cure for sports fundraising ambivalence begins with an appreciation for your fundraiser's purpose. To approach this enterprise meekly, or apologetically, or with ambivalence is to, at best, unwittingly send a message to everyone that your organization’s leadership has no clear and important purpose for the fundraiser and/or it doesn’t have high expectations for its members’ participation or for the fundraiser’s success. This is probably not the way you would approach any other endeavor in which you have the courage of conviction and the goal of success, so why approach your organization’s fundraiser that way? Why would you by the dint of your ambivalence telegraph the message that you don't care whether your fellow members participate?<br />
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<strong>A Worthy Purpose Isn't Enough;<br />Successful Sports Fundraising Requires Commitment </strong></h2>
There is no room for ambivalence here. If your youth sports fundraising campaign is not being done for an important and worthwhile reason, then don’t do one. It's that simple. However, if the fundraiser’s purpose is important and worthy, then buck up and conduct it in a manner that will maximize its success. Your peers will respect you more for your ability to produce success than they will for any empathy you can offer them—and they're certainly not going to think better of you when you start making excuses for failure.<br />
If you want your next fundraising campaign to succeed, then you have to believe in the worthiness of its purpose. But that is just step one. You also have to know what makes a fundraiser work and what will motivate your organization's members to support it. (See <a href="http://www.championfr.com/blog/bid/59330/Three-Elements-of-Successful-Sports-Fundraising" style="color: #0000ee; outline: none;" target="_self" title="Three Elements of Successful Sports Fundraising"><span style="color: blue;"><em>Three Elements of Successful Sports Fundraising</em></span></a>.) Furthermore, it's a real plus if the person who is leading your fundraising campaign has the ability to effictively convey to others the worthiness of its purpose.<br />
Board members have been elected to a leadership position. True leadership may require them to implement policies that may not be popular but are nevertheless beneficial for the organization. Popularity in this context can be a paradox in that it is often dependent on success. That is to say, whatever endeavor may be perceived as unpopular may in fact <em>become</em> popular if it becomes successful. We all wish to be a part of something successful. That’s why kids on sports teams want to win. There is no requirement that your fundraiser has to be popular. However, there should be an <em>expectation</em> that it will be a success—and success can only add to its popularity.<br />
Do you really want to have a successful sports fundraising campaign? Well, you’re truly only going to get out of it what you put into it. Edward H. Harriman said it better: “<em>Much good work is lost</em> for the lack of a <em>little more.”</em> With respect to the task under consideration, what Mr. Harriman just told you is that you’ve put the bloody thing out there, so now go make it work. If you feel that raising this money is for a good purpose and it is important to the mission of your organization, then tell everyone why you want their support. Better yet, go one step further and ask for a <em>commitment</em> of support—and then proceed with the expectation that everyone<em>will</em> contribute to the enterprise’s success. Not everyone will, of course, but if you proceed in that manner you will certainly get many more supporters for your campaign this year than you did last year.<br />
People should like you for the kind of person you are—for your character, your personality and your willingness to make a difference in the lives of others. They are not going to like you less for enthusiastically calling them to action in support of a worthwhile cause, and they will probably respect you more if you can lead them to success. It doesn't matter whether you are selling fundraising discount cards or cookie dough. What matters is that you shed your ambivalence, believe in the worthiness of the campaign, and act on your expectations for success. That is what will determine whether your fundraiser meets with failure, with mediocre results, or with the fulfillment of your expectations. That is what leadership is all about. Quite frankly, if you're not committed to the task you're just picking dandelions in the outfield.</div>
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Make-My-Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05926201467952470093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8277351891765576875.post-47477294030302900812013-02-12T07:45:00.005-08:002013-02-12T07:45:54.535-08:00Scanning Your Kid's ArtworkCheck out this great post by <a href="http://shareyoureasy.wordpress.com/2012/05/20/save-your-style-scan-your-kids-art/" target="_blank">Save Your Style on scanning your kid's artwork</a>!<br />
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Here is a glance...<br />
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I have 2 cutie cakes, 8 and 4, both of whom go through paper, pencils, paint and what not making art. Some pieces are exceptional and I can’t bear to throw it out. The rest of it… hmm. OK, OK for first time newbie Mums read ‘hmm’ as so adorable, tugging on the heart strings. For seasoned Mums – with all the love in my heart you know I really meant hot arse mess right? The ones where they draw a picture of you and your hair’s all over the place, if in fact you even have hair and you’re like 15 times bigger than Daddy, the sun or the family of T-Rex’s in the background. Then to top it off, looking at you with those big beautiful innocent eyes and beaming with such pride they ask you to hang it on the foyer wall for all to see? <<em style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">speaking in my bestest American accent</em>> OH HEEELLL NO!</div>
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<a href="http://shareyoureasy.files.wordpress.com/2012/05/lsa3.jpg" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-bottom-style: solid; border-width: 0px 0px 1px; color: #3a6999; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: initial; vertical-align: baseline;"><img alt="" class="aligncenter wp-image-426" height="358" src="http://shareyoureasy.files.wordpress.com/2012/05/lsa3.jpg?w=518&h=358" style="border: 0px; display: block; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 14px auto; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" title="LSA3" width="518" /></a></div>
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My 4 year old Lyss is not a big TV watcher, never has been – but she has set her little heart on single handily trying to wipe out every tree with the amount of paper she goes through. My friend Jon incorrectly calls me wasteful and says every time I wake up in the morning the earth sighs. So, so wrong. Well for Lyss, the earth must fall into a full blown hissy fit each time she even looks side ways at a piece of paper. So what to do with about an inch thick of all that art work that she and big sis Kels create with such passion, going through paper in warp speed. Answer – scan it in baby! Save your walls, save your style.</div>
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With recycle bag at the ready – go thru each piece with your little one. Essentially everything is going to end out recycled, kid friendly term for tossed out. But initially it’s either scan it then recycle it or straight recycle it. I make a big deal of letting my kids know how much they are helping the Earth by recycling aka not filling the house up with rubbish. They love it. So go ahead and scan the art work in, and it’s at this point that you release your $150 home scanner is a tad bit slower than the laser one in the marketing dept at work. Distract your little one and reduce the scan pile from the initial 40 pieces to oh say 6. Who’s’ got that kind of time, stop feeling guilty.</div>
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Read the whole article here: <a href="http://shareyoureasy.wordpress.com/2012/05/20/save-your-style-scan-your-kids-art/">http://shareyoureasy.wordpress.com/2012/05/20/save-your-style-scan-your-kids-art/</a><br />
<br />Make-My-Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05926201467952470093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8277351891765576875.post-80038583114133273902013-02-08T06:50:00.004-08:002013-02-08T06:50:48.224-08:00Show Off Your Artist!<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Do your kids bring home masterpieces on a regular basis? Mine sure do (see below). Just looking at their magnificent work fills the heart with pride! As we mentioned in a previous post, y<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;">our child's artwork is a reflection of who they are, who they can be, and what they are capable of. Just as we revel in photographs of years gone by, we see their future (through their own eyes) in their artwork. Those are memories worth cherishing...and sharing.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP-QryZXaeBRD_0L420FQDxLYS7bMWhWrnp0EAS4OjwiXokxN8oiclZldNSoFsVmwdoIOPzjGpJ1BsYKXD891SL8oVk25y-aUO8qgOfqoK18B5-zzF2jIygwbHP0koOtfvzivByFvx9Ag/s1600/bldng2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP-QryZXaeBRD_0L420FQDxLYS7bMWhWrnp0EAS4OjwiXokxN8oiclZldNSoFsVmwdoIOPzjGpJ1BsYKXD891SL8oVk25y-aUO8qgOfqoK18B5-zzF2jIygwbHP0koOtfvzivByFvx9Ag/s400/bldng2.jpg" width="271" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO1yU4djnrwBEF4UvwlhnAq1lwxPunR4NyvDRsZ3T5N_hMh4Ydk2WxiqpeXjScMOvJ8QYrOdI4tFSFiaGL_coCzvhmAaiaKBDSd-jvo5gsJNFzvebQe7Gj_UC30S-f2hGiu88viP-W2dw/s1600/PM2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO1yU4djnrwBEF4UvwlhnAq1lwxPunR4NyvDRsZ3T5N_hMh4Ydk2WxiqpeXjScMOvJ8QYrOdI4tFSFiaGL_coCzvhmAaiaKBDSd-jvo5gsJNFzvebQe7Gj_UC30S-f2hGiu88viP-W2dw/s400/PM2.jpg" width="187" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Enter the Make-My-Books.com Kid's Art Contest (save 25% on your purchase) for your chance to win $100 and have your child's artwork showcased on our website! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Click <a href="https://make-my-books.com/art-contest.aspx#.URUQqR19LE0" target="_blank">here </a>to get started! </span><br />
<br />Make-My-Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05926201467952470093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8277351891765576875.post-77415577219145196972013-01-29T06:58:00.001-08:002013-01-29T06:58:18.718-08:00Kid's Art...Collecting Dust?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhqxkdhXUmq1jGqH6BOvVhciIZTKvlrLFebC3uF4q2K_DTCr3azlGBsZgBM7raCVmAqfQ3Ddm-fP-d4pYfhPxztfkiriZRGsENmBYlo3tbqMlMQlMlWPBNOspFfookaluRLNbfJBLpMhY/s1600/iStock_000020507151Small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhqxkdhXUmq1jGqH6BOvVhciIZTKvlrLFebC3uF4q2K_DTCr3azlGBsZgBM7raCVmAqfQ3Ddm-fP-d4pYfhPxztfkiriZRGsENmBYlo3tbqMlMQlMlWPBNOspFfookaluRLNbfJBLpMhY/s320/iStock_000020507151Small.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As a mother of two young boys, the collection of artwork has become overwhelming. Plastic containers contain the remnants of childhood creativity. Stacked and stored...saved for the day when they themselves move on to a life of their own. Precious memories frozen in time...and collecting dust. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What do we know about childhood creativity? According to the University of Missouri, there are clear stages of our children's eye for art...</span><br />
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<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 16px;">Scribbling stage, approximately 2 to 4 years</b><br />
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<li style="line-height: 1.25; margin: 0px 0px 5px 30px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Children are amazed at their ability to make marks. They have just realized that they can interact with and affect their environment.</span></li>
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<li style="line-height: 1.25; margin: 0px 0px 5px 30px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Much time is spent practicing motor skills.</span></li>
</ul>
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<li style="line-height: 1.25; margin: 0px 0px 5px 30px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Children draw circles first, then squares and other geometric shapes.</span></li>
</ul>
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<li style="line-height: 1.25; margin: 0px 0px 5px 30px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Children begin trying to recreate their world. They may want to point to and name parts of their drawings.</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Pre-schematic stage, late preschool to approximately age 7</b></span><ul style="background-color: white; color: #2b2b2b; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px 0px 14px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">
<li style="line-height: 1.25; margin: 0px 0px 5px 30px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">First attempts are made to represent people or objects. Efforts are recognizable to adults.</span></li>
</ul>
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<li style="line-height: 1.25; margin: 0px 0px 5px 30px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Children show a fascination with the wide variety of colors.</span></li>
</ul>
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<li style="line-height: 1.25; margin: 0px 0px 5px 30px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Obvious connections between different pieces of the drawing.</span></li>
</ul>
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<li style="line-height: 1.25; margin: 0px 0px 5px 30px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Signs of approval from teachers and peers are important.</span></li>
</ul>
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<li style="line-height: 1.25; margin: 0px 0px 5px 30px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Easily discouraged and fatigued.</span></li>
</ul>
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<li style="line-height: 1.25; margin: 0px 0px 5px 30px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Active, hands-on, eager to learn, self-centered.</span></li>
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<li style="line-height: 1.25; margin: 0px 0px 5px 30px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Highly imaginative yet tend to focus on one idea at a time.</span></li>
</ul>
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<li style="line-height: 1.25; margin: 0px 0px 5px 30px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Search for ways to represent their ideas.</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Schematic stage, approximately 7 to 9 years</b></span><ul style="background-color: white; color: #2b2b2b; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px 0px 14px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">
<li style="line-height: 1.25; margin: 0px 0px 5px 30px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Increased use of symbols, such as a cross for a church or dark colors to represent night, both in number and frequency.</span></li>
</ul>
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<li style="line-height: 1.25; margin: 0px 0px 5px 30px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Less self-centered.</span></li>
</ul>
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<li style="line-height: 1.25; margin: 0px 0px 5px 30px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Still do not have a realistic understanding of their environment — for example, the sky may not meet the ground at the horizon.</span></li>
</ul>
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<li style="line-height: 1.25; margin: 0px 0px 5px 30px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Improved eye-hand coordination and fine motor skills.</span></li>
</ul>
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<li style="line-height: 1.25; margin: 0px 0px 5px 30px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Increased attention span.</span></li>
</ul>
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<li style="line-height: 1.25; margin: 0px 0px 5px 30px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Begin to develop a sense of humor.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul style="background-color: white; color: #2b2b2b; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px 0px 14px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">
<li style="line-height: 1.25; margin: 0px 0px 5px 30px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Children divide by gender in play.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul style="background-color: white; color: #2b2b2b; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px 0px 14px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">
<li style="line-height: 1.25; margin: 0px 0px 5px 30px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Special characteristics are represented for each person or object. (If Mom wears glasses and has curly hair, the child will include these characteristics in the drawing.)</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Realistic stage, 9 to 12 years</b></span><ul style="background-color: white; color: #2b2b2b; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px 0px 14px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">
<li style="line-height: 1.25; margin: 0px 0px 5px 30px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Greatly affected by peer influence.</span></li>
</ul>
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<li style="line-height: 1.25; margin: 0px 0px 5px 30px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Increased amount of detail and use of symbols.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul style="background-color: white; color: #2b2b2b; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px 0px 14px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">
<li style="line-height: 1.25; margin: 0px 0px 5px 30px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Expanded individual differences.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul style="background-color: white; color: #2b2b2b; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px 0px 14px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">
<li style="line-height: 1.25; margin: 0px 0px 5px 30px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Beginning to develop a set of values.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul style="background-color: white; color: #2b2b2b; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px 0px 14px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">
<li style="line-height: 1.25; margin: 0px 0px 5px 30px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Want to do things "right."</span></li>
</ul>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy7d4vYsQ77Iy9yiDt7SubV2A9TDxyzAmG9hO8ZlyQVwmsGa-13AetOadN4_06bYBYxlrhC_cI7etuh7MKgxtyWVeu08XwfKFZL_ExKiJOkbTVXyAEOVcjDtTmaBxQA4-3khxhWv_3mQs/s1600/kids-art-book+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy7d4vYsQ77Iy9yiDt7SubV2A9TDxyzAmG9hO8ZlyQVwmsGa-13AetOadN4_06bYBYxlrhC_cI7etuh7MKgxtyWVeu08XwfKFZL_ExKiJOkbTVXyAEOVcjDtTmaBxQA4-3khxhWv_3mQs/s320/kids-art-book+%25281%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Your child's artwork is a reflection of who they are, who they can be, and what they are capable of. Just as we revel in photographs of years gone by, we see their future (through their own eyes) in their artwork. Those are memories worth cherishing...and sharing.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now, Make-My-Books.com is offering an opportunity to showcase your child's greatest masterpieces! From now until March 25, 2013, we are offering 25% off your Kid's Art Photo Book and an opportunity to win $100...simply by showing off your greatest pride and joy!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://make-my-books.com/art-contest.aspx#.UQfeZR19LE0" target="_blank">Click here to learn more! </a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tell us, what are you doing to preserve your children's artwork from years gone by?</span><br />
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Make-My-Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05926201467952470093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8277351891765576875.post-63192549787165884302013-01-25T05:47:00.000-08:002013-01-25T05:47:02.089-08:00Enter our Kid's Art Photo Book Contest and WIN!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJGDaQFzm7f0g7gkkzWH_1Rpv_fgKjm0VBtPoCCH0RwP8RDYNGVH49gbchse6fFiA74OpOTHD0EKu8qp9adRdIxI2smYm376VmNlpJjBSkdwaLN4KtyaArhIWx-5cFQU0F4WT0o6D_FOA/s1600/kids-art-header.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJGDaQFzm7f0g7gkkzWH_1Rpv_fgKjm0VBtPoCCH0RwP8RDYNGVH49gbchse6fFiA74OpOTHD0EKu8qp9adRdIxI2smYm376VmNlpJjBSkdwaLN4KtyaArhIWx-5cFQU0F4WT0o6D_FOA/s400/kids-art-header.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Year after year, the collection of kids art moves from school to fridge, fridge to storage; tucked away...never to be seen again. You pass one or two on to grandma and grandpa, aunts and uncles for displays of their own but they too end up in hiding eventually. How can you immortalize the talent, creativity and joy of your kids art? Create a Kids-Art Photo book with Make-My-Books.com....AND WIN! </span></div>
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<li class="list" style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 26px; outline: none;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">25% OFF Photo Book (use promo code <strong style="outline: none;">KIDSART</strong> to enter*)</span></li>
<li class="list" style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 26px; outline: none;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">WIN a $100 Visa Gift Card</span></li>
<li class="list" style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 26px; outline: none;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Your Photo Book and story featured on the Make-My-Books Website and on Social Media</span></li>
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<li style="outline: none;">Make it fun for the kids and have them select their favorite pieces of artwork; <br style="outline: none;" />be sure to include a photo of your artist in the photo book.</li>
<li style="outline: none;">Scan each item to a file onto your computer or a disk/external drive <br style="outline: none;" />(if you don't own a scanner, many photo labs offer this as a service <br style="outline: none;" />or you can take photos of the art with a high resolution camera).</li>
<li style="outline: none;">Use the Make-My-Books Book Builder to create your masterpiece (click <a href="https://make-my-books.com/Art#.UP_7hh19LE0" style="color: #0088cc; outline: none; text-decoration: initial;" target="_blank"><strong style="outline: none;">here</strong></a> to begin). <br style="outline: none;" />Be sure to use promo code <strong style="outline: none;">KIDSART</strong> to enter the contest and save 25%!</li>
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<a href="https://make-my-books.com/Art#.UP_7hh19LE0" target="_blank">CLICK HERE TO GET STARTED! </a></div>
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Rules</div>
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<li style="outline: none;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">All art contained must be original art designed and created by children under the age of 12 to be considered.</span></li>
<li style="outline: none;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Members of the Make-My-Books team will select a winner based on content and creativity of book.</span></li>
<li style="outline: none;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Book creation must be completed by 3/25/13 to be considered; winner will be announced April 5, 2012.</span></li>
<li style="outline: none;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Not valid with any other promotion or fundraising program. Subject to Make-My-Books terms and conditions.</span></li>
<li style="outline: none;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">*Entering promo code denotes entry into the competition. Entries without promo code will not be considered.</span></li>
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<br />Make-My-Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05926201467952470093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8277351891765576875.post-24477119559590768832012-12-20T07:25:00.001-08:002012-12-20T07:53:24.958-08:00Our Weekly Very Merry Gift Idea from Make-My-Books.com - Through The Years Photo BookAt last, we have reached the last desperate hours of gift giving. With only 5 days to finish your sprint to the big day, the Make My Books team has one more idea to help you build the perfect photo book.<br />
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Through The Years</h3>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw4xmEOHF2WJeGx6aoGRqpNrgbBHzkgthlXtxJWSGAfeJ-6imsSI5vYK3jv7em1vy_gAUy4F3OIMwSOzN49hIqWmPAS0aS2zprOm2ffF__FIjLVLSwzN0uMZSIRUQ1wnqajVZjiMegqg8/s1600/241599_4108414722780_1832618081_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw4xmEOHF2WJeGx6aoGRqpNrgbBHzkgthlXtxJWSGAfeJ-6imsSI5vYK3jv7em1vy_gAUy4F3OIMwSOzN49hIqWmPAS0aS2zprOm2ffF__FIjLVLSwzN0uMZSIRUQ1wnqajVZjiMegqg8/s320/241599_4108414722780_1832618081_o.jpg" width="239" /></a> In the holiday season, we share memories with friends and family, rejoice in the lives we've lived and people we've become. We think of family members passed and new lives beginning. We've all experienced those moments when we wished we had all of our favorite snapshots from years gone by right at our fingertips. This year, select your favorites and compile your own Through The Years photo book. From long lost ancestors to family vacations, your memories can be shared each day in the form of a beautiful keepsake!<br />
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<span style="color: #999999; text-align: center;">Remember, Make My Books is offering 15% off your photo book purchase until 1/2/13. Simply enter promo code HAPPYHOLIDAYS to receive your discount!</span><br />
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School Years</h3>
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As our children grow, the images of their youth become hazy (as I write this post, I can think of moments when I could not tell which baby was which when looking at photos). With a keepsake photo book from Make My Books, you can see your child grow year over year! </div>
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<b>Growing Up</b> - Choose images from your child's early years and compile a photo book as a reminder of the joy you felt in watching your little one grow.</div>
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<b>Elementary Days</b> - School pictures and elementary school events make perfect memories for a custom photo book you can share with the whole family.</div>
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<b>Junior High Life - </b>Share the memories of first dances, good friends, and events that may be forgotten in the hustle and bustle of every day.</div>
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<b>High School Memories - </b>The road to adulthood is filled with images of love, friendship and success. Share these memories for years to come with a keepsake photo book.</div>
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What are some of your favorite family memories that belong in a keepsake photo book?</div>
<br />Make-My-Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05926201467952470093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8277351891765576875.post-86433088572456111792012-12-17T07:11:00.002-08:002012-12-17T07:11:49.064-08:00School Fundraisers Can Be Healthy and ProfitableFrom the Center for Science in the Public Interest:<br />
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"Virtually all schools in America raise funds to pay for supplies and equipment and to supplement other school activities. Most schools (76%) hold between one and five fundraisers per year, and one in four schools holds between five and ten fundraisers per year, making school fundraisers a common, and often constant, part of students', staff, and parents lives."</blockquote>
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"Many school fundraisers involve the sale of unhealthy foods. Of the schools that sell food through fundraisers, 76% sell chocolate candy, 67% sell high-fat baked goods, and 63% sell non-chocolate candy. "</blockquote>
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Make My Books (<a href="http://www.make-my-books.com/">www.make-my-books.com</a>) is proud to offer a healthy alternative to traditional fundraising!<br />
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Read more from CSPI about healthy fundraisers that are also proftitable!<br />
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<a href="http://cspinet.org/new/pdf/sweet_deals_one-pager.pdf">http://cspinet.org/new/pdf/sweet_deals_one-pager.pdf</a><br />
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Make-My-Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05926201467952470093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8277351891765576875.post-92127715834537639422012-12-14T05:50:00.001-08:002012-12-14T05:50:28.894-08:00Our Weekly Very Merry Gift Idea from Make-My-Books.com - Youth Sports Photo BookOnly 11 days until Christmas. If that thought makes you nervous because of the shopping still to do, we're here to help! Once again, a Very Merry Gift Idea from Make My Books may be just what you need to finish up that Christmas shopping.<br />
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This week, we are recommending a Youth Sports Photo Book. If you spend your weeknights running your kids to and from practice and your weekends on the sideline, you are probably sitting on a treasure trove of photos. Action shots, candid moments, wins and losses...all collecting digital dust on your computer. What better way to bring those pictures back to life than with a keepsake photo book? With a keepsake Youth Sports Photo Book from Make My Books, family members around the country can share in the joy and memories of your young ones sports adventures.<br />
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One Last Gift</h3>
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The last few gifts for the kids can be the hardest to buy. Once all of the toys, technology and clothes have been bought few options remain. A Youth Sports Photo Book can be a great way to share your pride in their accomplishments with the kids themselves. What child wont relish in the idea of seeing their own adventures on the pages of a book? Their youthful moments splashed on every page will provide memories to last them a lifetime! Visit our <a href="https://make-my-books.com/sports#.UMsug-Q70a8">website </a>to get started! </div>
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Fundraising</h3>
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<a href="https://make-my-books.com/img/build-sports-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="95" src="https://make-my-books.com/img/build-sports-2.jpg" width="200" /></a>Make My Books is proud to offer fundraising programs for Youth Sports organizations. With so many options to raise money, why not do something unique that provides value to everyone involved. If you have a young athlete, talk to you your organization about keepsake photo books as a great option to raise money! Learn more about our fundraising opportunities on our <a href="https://make-my-books.com/fundraising.aspx#.UMsuNeQ70a8">website</a>. </div>
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What special sports memories would your child love seeing in their very own keepsake photo book?</div>
Make-My-Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05926201467952470093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8277351891765576875.post-13597696408414010382012-12-07T06:27:00.000-08:002012-12-07T06:27:43.271-08:00Our Weekly Very Merry Gift Idea from Make-My-Books.com - Special Day Photo BookWell, another week has passed and you're still in need of ideas for the perfect gift. Look no further. A photo book from Make-My-Books.com is a perfect gift. Need more? How about an idea...last week we talked about Kids-Art Photo Book. A great way to share the creativity of your favorite little artists. This week, lets talk about that special day...whatever it may be...wedding, birth of a new baby, even holidays. Each special event has the ingredients for a perfect family keepsake...a photo book from Make-My-Books.com!<br />
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<b>Special Day Photo Book</b><br />
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No matter what the occasion, days that are near and dear to our hearts almost always include photos. From professional to candid shots, a keepsake photo book allows you to share your day with family and friends...while giving the perfect, personal gift.<br />
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How to:<br />
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<li>Collect your favorite candid and professional shots from your day and compile them into a folder on your computer or disk/external drive.</li>
<li>Find (or create your own) poems or quotes that fit the occasion and image to include in your photo book.</li>
<li>Visit <a href="http://www.make-my-books.com/">www.make-my-books.com</a> and begin making your very own keepsake! </li>
<li>Create one and purchase as many as you like to give as gifts.</li>
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<b>Getting Ready for that Special Day?</b></div>
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If you're preparing for an upcoming special day, plan ahead for creating the perfect gift! Ask friends and family to bring their cameras and share their candid shots with you. Including their pictures in the book as well is a special touch. If its a large event, like a wedding, consider providing your guests with <a href="http://www.ecamerafilms.com/Disposable_Cameras_s/3.htm">disposable digital cameras</a> which you can collect after the event! A great way to turn everyone into your photographer on that special day!</div>
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<i>Remember...Make-My-Books.com is currently offering 15% off your photo book purchase of any size between now and January 2! Simply enter promo code HAPPYHOLIDAYS when placing your order.</i><br />
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What are some special events in your life that would make a great photo book gift?</div>
Make-My-Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05926201467952470093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8277351891765576875.post-55485631691835673152012-11-30T08:24:00.002-08:002012-11-30T08:24:29.597-08:00Our Weekly Very Merry Gift Idea from Make-My-Books.com - Kids-Art Book!The holidays are quickly approaching and, if you're like me, your now beginning the scramble to come up with the perfect gift. With this in mind, we've decided to provide you with a photo book idea each week between now and Christmas! We hope these ideas provide inspiration to your photo book creation!<br />
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<i>Remember...Make-My-Books.com is currently offering 15% off your photo book purchase of any size between now and January 2! Simply enter promo code HAPPYHOLIDAYS when placing your order.</i><br />
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This week we will focus on Kids-Art Photo Book....<br />
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<b>Kids-Art Photo Book</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW-0kQMuwHQKPhCFRMLInSgArZhyphenhyphenR6ozB4qlbkIyQGDLtlSaAlBPFsHUUR8Sw2CDjgj-iSJj1gQMlZNlVzFSlXLHEpRyUgmGf-DQjGrHi6xRKzQ8uLuIOlaHrhBSvGsgDWjQRpfRmo2fA/s1600/kidsartinprogress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW-0kQMuwHQKPhCFRMLInSgArZhyphenhyphenR6ozB4qlbkIyQGDLtlSaAlBPFsHUUR8Sw2CDjgj-iSJj1gQMlZNlVzFSlXLHEpRyUgmGf-DQjGrHi6xRKzQ8uLuIOlaHrhBSvGsgDWjQRpfRmo2fA/s400/kidsartinprogress.jpg" width="400" /></a>Year after year, the collection of kids art moves from school to fridge, fridge to storage; tucked away...never to be seen again. You pass one or two on to grandma and grandpa, aunts and uncles for displays of their own but they too end up in hiding eventually. How can you immortalize the talent, creativity and joy of your kids art? Create a Kids-Art Photo book with Make-My-Books.com.</div>
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<li>Make it fun for the kids and have them select their favorite pieces of artwork or writings; have them title each of them</li>
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<li>Visit <a href="http://www.make-my-books.com/">www.make-my-books.com</a>, select Art Book...and begin building a beautiful gift that will last a lifetime! Our easy to use Book Builder allows you to easily add your scanned images, add text, backgrounds and more!</li>
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What ideas do you have for creating the perfect gift from your Kids-Art?<br />
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Make-My-Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05926201467952470093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8277351891765576875.post-84330141547598861612012-11-19T06:53:00.001-08:002012-11-19T06:54:18.014-08:00Photo Books Make the Perfect Gift!The following are excerpts from a great article from Susan Adcox at About.com on why photo books make great gifts! Read on then visit us at <a href="http://www.make-my-books.com/">Make-My-Books.com</a> and build your very own photo book!<br />
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<i>I've been making photo books for my grandchildren, and I'm here to tell you: The grandkids love them. I've made them for my younger grandkids, but I can tell from the reaction of the other grandkids that the older ones would love one, too. So would their parents.</i><br />
<i><br /></i><i>You should have your photos downloaded to your computer before you start work on your book. Don't worry about cropping them. You will be doing that as you work on your book. Some sites also include photo editing programs. If you have a photo editing program that you are comfortable with, you can tweak your photos with it before starting your book.</i><br />
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<i><b>Making Photobooks Takes Time </b></i><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b><i>Don't get me wrong. It is possible to choose an automatic layout, send your book to a pharmacy or discount store for printing, and have your photo book in an hour or two. If, however, your intent is to create a very special, one-of-a-kind keepsake, you'll want to allow at least two weeks for the total process. Creating a custom book is sure to take half a day or more, and a meticulous designer could spend several days on the process. Printing your book will take 2-7 days. Standard shipping can take up to a week, although faster shipping is available for more money. If you are creating a book for a special occasion, I'd advise starting a month ahead of time.</i><b> </b><br />
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<b><i>About Picture Resolution</i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b><i>It's best to use your original downloads rather than pulling pictures from Facebook and other sites, which may have compressed the shots. Most sites will warn you if your picture resolution is poor. Heed that warning. It may still be possible to use the picture by juggling the layout so that the picture will be sized smaller, but you can avoid the problem altogether by using a photo that hasn't been copied and compressed. Some sites offer guidance about minimum resolutions, but those numbers depend upon the size of the book and the size of the photo in the spread, so there are no hard-and-fast numbers.</i><br />
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<i><b>Avoid These Errors</b></i><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b><i>I had been working on my first book for several hours when my computer froze. I wasn't concerned, assuming that there was an autosave feature. There wasn't. So hit that save button, and hit it often.</i><br />
<i>If you are creating a large book, it may not display in actual size on your monitor. Be careful about facial close-ups, which can be overwhelming when a book is actually printed.</i><br />
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<i><b>Don't Be Afraid of Text</b></i><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b><i>Yes, it's a photo book, but some text will make it more meaningful and will make it more interesting in the future. Yes, adding text is time-consuming. You'll have to check the spelling of people and places. But if you don't add text, you're virtually ensuring that someone someday will look at your book and have questions for which there are no answers.</i><br />
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<i><b>Double Check Everything</b></i><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b><i>Even companies that guarantee their work won't guarantee it against errors that you make. So be sure that your pictures are placed the way you want them and proofread any text multiple times. Better yet, have someone else proofread it.</i><br />
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<i><b>You're an Artist!</b></i><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b><i>No one tells you how proud that you'll be after you've created a photo book. You'll feel like the world's greatest artist, author, photographer and designer, all in one! Seriously, you'll feel happy knowing that you've created a gift that will give someone else joy. And if that someone is a grandkid? There's no better feeling.</i><br />
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Create the perfect holiday gift and visit us at <a href="http://www.make-my-books.com/">Make-My-Books.com</a> and build your very own photo book!<br />
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<br />Make-My-Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05926201467952470093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8277351891765576875.post-86142343502161458782012-10-26T07:44:00.000-07:002012-10-26T07:44:28.365-07:00How Engaging Are Your Fundraisers?<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 14.55pt;">A Google search of fundraising ideas will present
more than 11 million results. With so many options, it can often be difficult
to choose the right one for your organization. At Make-My-Books, we believe
there are factors you should consider when selecting the ideal program for your
organization.</span><br />
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 10.5pt;">Harness the
Power of Social Media<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqMY4svQROEmS1qWvRq1x5nZx3NvUGhF7SYt3N5kijUmbJ8605JKuXS6IiU401VeJzEcItXp9FpfW4BR8I6RfEP-btT3WFdxoWatfPz9J1nI1bJY-muTG5kWq7ck0arZkmUS-xLDWp9ms/s1600/iStock_000008235598Small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqMY4svQROEmS1qWvRq1x5nZx3NvUGhF7SYt3N5kijUmbJ8605JKuXS6IiU401VeJzEcItXp9FpfW4BR8I6RfEP-btT3WFdxoWatfPz9J1nI1bJY-muTG5kWq7ck0arZkmUS-xLDWp9ms/s320/iStock_000008235598Small.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 10.5pt;">In an increasingly social world, harnessing the
power of social media has become increasingly important in fundraising efforts.
According to npEngage, social media can increase fundraising by 40% compared to
peers not using available online/social media tools. With 42% of the entire
American population on Facebook, and 16 million Twitter users its easy to see
how you can spread your cause and message further. If the program you are
exploring does not offer opportunities to tap into your donors social media
network, it is behind the curve.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 10.5pt;">Engage
Potential Donors Effectively<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 10.5pt;">According to Todd Cohen and Ret Boney of
Philanthropy Journal, the economy has “brought development offices back to one
of the bedrocks of successful fundraising – donor engagement.” This includes
adjusting traditional strategies. Simply asking for money, or selling the usual
wares, isn’t enough. Non-profit organizations must engage across generations
while providing meaningful relationships and value. Raise friends, not just
money. If the program you are exploring seeks only to raise money (and not
friends and future donors), it is behind the curve.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 10.5pt;">Add Lasting
Value to Your Donors<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8z86NGnwC3AeRWRCNu6juREGC1d7t6HKgWZQkIUQmX5kAPIASOdCa1_twmqsabrxiWZ2sDzj4htPumvyHGkVeAuX5Kk0tzqdsO_JWC60-Zy9wJ5GCmbTGJAk0VCKrXLCwJvtWp3nLmXQ/s1600/iStock_000013537593Small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8z86NGnwC3AeRWRCNu6juREGC1d7t6HKgWZQkIUQmX5kAPIASOdCa1_twmqsabrxiWZ2sDzj4htPumvyHGkVeAuX5Kk0tzqdsO_JWC60-Zy9wJ5GCmbTGJAk0VCKrXLCwJvtWp3nLmXQ/s320/iStock_000013537593Small.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 10.5pt;">While the adage “it’s better to give than to
receive” will always ring true, the majority of your donors want to feel
appreciated. Providing them the opportunities to not only give, but to receive,
creates a circumstance of mutual value…a win-win. When evaluating your next
fundraising program, ask this: “Does this program provide lasting and
meaningful value to my donors?” If the answer is no, look for a program that
does. Keep in mind, providing them with a lasting memory of their donation will
keep your cause at the forefront of their mind. Here are some questions to ask
when determining if a program creates lasting value:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">1.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 10.5pt;">Does the
program provide opportunities for donors to engage friends and family on social
media once they’ve made their donation/purchase, expanding your potential donor
base? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">2.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 10.5pt;">Does the
program seek to create friends or simply raise money?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">3.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 10.5pt;">Will donors
have something lasting that will provide a constant reminder of your cause and
their donation?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 10.5pt;">How you raise funds speaks volumes about your
organization. Show your donors and prospective donors that you value not only
your cause, but their participation as well. How well did your past programs
harness social media, engage donors and add lasting value?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Make-My-Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05926201467952470093noreply@blogger.com0