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Choosing a photographer for your wedding is very important, because the pictures that he or she takes will be the source of memories for years to come.  To that end, you want to make sure you choose a photographer who is on the same page as you are.

For instance, if you have a certain theme to your wedding, you will want to be sure the photographer knows about it.  If the theme affects how you want your photos to look, be sure to talk to the photographer about what you have in mind.  For instance, photographs for castle weddings are often designed to show a lot of the castle scenery.

You should also be sure to discuss what you might have in mind for finishes and the completed album.  For instance, when my husband got married we had a 1920s theme wedding, and the photographers made a lot of the photographs black and white or sepia toned.  The effect made the photographs look very authentic, which we loved.  We also took our wedding photographs at the bed and breakfast we were staying at, since it was decorated in antiques and authentic themes.

It’s very important to check out a photographer’s portfolio, but make sure you are looking at wedding photos — the style of photography can be very different between wedding photos and portraits that are staged or taken in the studio.  Also, although the photographer’s past work is important, don’t base everything on this — every photographer will naturally choose his or her best photos to include in the portfolio.  You should also choose a photographer based on how you get along with him or her, whether he or she seems to follow your ideas and be on the same page, and what your gut says in general about him or her.

Technorati Tags: 1920s theme wedding, bed and breakfast, castle weddings, sepia, wedding photographer

When running any size business these days, you need to be as cost efficient as possible. Things are pretty uncertain economically and as a result people want to make sure they are getting as much bang for their buck as possible

This goes for businesses as much as for consumers. I know as a business woman I want to make sure that I am making the most that I can while keeping my bottom line low. So when my main multispindle broke down and I knew I needed a new one before I could continue with production, I weighed the benefits of buying new vs buying second hand.

Now, second hand doesn’t mean that you are getting lesser value: there are many companies out there that sell used screw machines that have been refurbished and are still top of the line. I had just purchased a brand new automatic lathe and didn’t have the money for another new machine. So buying second hand from a reputable dealer made all the sense in the world. And because I was purchasing from a company I still had all the customer support and warranty that I needed. I could save a bit of  money and still be happy knowing I was getting a quality machine.

Technorati Tags: automatic lathe, multispindle, used screw machines

Sales are easy to find. Especially close to the holidays and even more so when the economy is down. Almost all kinds of products, from toys, clothing, and electronics to things like kitchenware and bedroom furniture, are on sale. Both at the store or online, sales are prevalent. Often, you can get a deal for 5% off, but it is also possible to find sales of 30%, 40%, to even as much as 60% off on even top name brands. Even if you need just a new headboard, you can buy that on its own as well. While sales figures are down across the board, many companies are looking to get somebody to buy.

Even if you are comfortable in that old rickety bed, the supports warping with time, you may still enjoy being under those comforters. Beds can last a while. If there’s a sale, and you can afford it, try looking out for something nice and if you can purchase that, great. It could help the economy too. That’s what they say. Getting new furniture can be a hassle, but in the end is worth it. Either way, if you’ve got a place to sleep, that’s just as well too.

Technorati Tags: bedroom furniture, comforters, headboard

I’m feeling pretty brilliant.  I have compiled a CD of accompanying material for the whole year, including a lesson plan, a spreadsheet of assignments, and supporting materials like worksheets and articles that I want the kids to go over.  It’s like an entire syllabus of materials on a single CD.  I used the class picture and put it on the label (which I figured out how to do using CD labelers and CD printer sheets) and I printed out and labeled a copy for everyone in the class.  It wasn’t even all that expensive, which is a little crazy. 

I might lie about it in my budget report.  It makes me think that the whole school should invest in CD printers or burners or whatever they call them these days; it seems like such an easy and effective way to reach the students.  They all have computers, and those that don’t have a ton of time at home are welcome to use the ones at school.  Isn’t it brilliant?  I’m more than a little proud of myself, and I’m feeling very technologically savvy.  As my students say, I’ve reached nerdvana.

Technorati Tags: cd labelers, cd printer, cd printers, nerdvana, syllabus

Teenagers are crafty. The teen years are a time to test boundaries and explore the world in a way that often leaves parents frightened for the safety and welfare of their children. Many parents put limits on their teenagers’ independence by monitoring their computer usage, cell phone and texting privileges and ensuring their child is following the family rules.  Teenagers are capable of mischief and as a parent; you are responsible for ensuring your teen doesn’t stray too far from your family’s values. Your teen may not like it but will thank you later for keeping her out of trouble.

One way to ensure your sneaky teenager isn’t pulling a fast one over mom and dad is to use home security cameras. Not only do these cameras offer protection on a whole, it can help a parent keep track of the comings and goings of the teen.  Placing a spycam in the area where your teen entertains friends can ensure they are following the family rules and not sneaking taboo items. While you teen may be upset initially about being monitored by wireless hidden cameras, she will be thankful you care enough to go to great lengths to keep her safe.

Technorati Tags: home security cameras, spycam, teen, wireless hidden cameras