Big photo show in NYC starts today

The PDN photo show in NYC starts today.  I am hoping my back and leg hold out long enough for me to go through the Expo hall on one of the three days.  If I do, I will be sure to report on my findings.  I'd really love to see the Sony alpha a-NEX in person and see how it balances with a telephoto lens on it (my biggest concern about the product).

And who knows what else new is out there!

Free photobook alert

Picaboo, for new customers, through October 25, a large hardcover photobook.  Use code FALLBK  .

Enjoy!

Picaboo savings alert

For anyone wanting to give picaboo a try, they are having another sale.  See above for the code and note, it's good on calendars, cards and photo books.

Enjoy!

Savings alert!

I came across this site Shoprunner.com that gives you a free trial of two day shipping for 30 days.  It has loads of stores (and I just joined through PBS.com, so they should be reputable).  Use it as much as you want during the trial period and then if you like it, they will charge your credit card $79.00 for the year.  If you don't like it, cancel within the 30 day trial period and they won't charge you (at least that's what they say).  Here you go - check it out http://www.shoprunner.com/invite/a0QA0000001u3AZMAY  I can't tell you yet how they are doing as I just placed my order today, but I figure it's worth trying for a month.

Enjoy!

philosophy.com redeemed - it's now on my "Nice" list of companies.

A few posts ago, I told you about the difficulties I have had with two out of two orders with philosophy.com.  I even posted pictures of how the box arrived from FedEx (with ample room for a hand to fit into the box and rummage around which may have happened).  I wrote a letter to the COO of philosophy, and I was called last Thursday by a very pleasant company representative.  She apologized profusely, and promised to replace my order and the original bag that I was supposed to get (why companies just don't tell you that the code is "invalid" after they run out of the promotional items is beyond me), and she also offered to send me a "gift" for my troubles.  She sent me a lovely and generous package and I can certainly say that philosophy.com does take customer service seriously.

philosophy.com gets a Very Nice rating in my book.  I will be sending a Thank You note to the people involved shortly, but for now, philosophy.com and the lovely lady who helped me get a huge, public, "Thank you!".

Picaboo 20 page medium softcover book review

As I mentioned previously, I made up two medium (6"x9") softcover 20 page photo books for hubby and friend of a Mets game they recently attended.  Although, generally speaking, I liked the hardcover book I made up from my niece's wedding, this softcover book was very disappointing.  And to charge $7.99 to ship each one (when if weighed a few ounces at most and was shipped in just a cardboard envelope) is overpriced shipping.  It was tough getting the book out of the envelope without bending it - cover or pages.  We don't even know if our friend received their copy as UPS left it at their front door during a terrible wind and rain and thunderstorm - it was so light it could have blown away (and we have not heard anything from the friend).

So, over all, while the hardcover books may be worth looking into, I cannot recommend the softcover (which just seemed to be thicker paper - most other places at least use a cardboard like cover and/or a laminated cover).  I was disappointed over all with this book.  And, please note, with shipping and using an Internet available coupon, the two books came to over $25.00 that i paid out of pocket (this disclaimer made to make the FCC happy).

Picaboo leather album

As I mentioned previously, I received a coupon for a free book up to $39.99 from Picaboo.com.  This coupon was available throughout the Internet, and was not provided only to me.  Nor was I requested to review it.  But, I thought you'd like to see a few pictures of the ultimate product (now that USPS has confirmed the bride and groom have received it!), so here are my thoughts, impressions and comments as well as a few photos.

First, there was a learning curve - it took me a bit longer to learn how to use their software (which is downloaded to your computer, rather than you uploading photos to their website), partly because they seem to have many more options to choose from than some of the other competitors (three of which, probably the best known three, I have used previously). 

I was disappointed with the leather in both color and feel, and, in the future, might have to upgrade to one of their higher level leathers.  However, the navy blue did seem almost black, and I am not sure that the color will be different with upgraded leather.

I did like the larger choices of themes, layouts and colors.  In fact, as I mentioned, I made another book for my husband and a friend of his for their recent trip to a Mets game - more on that when I receive it as I opted for paperback with those books.

Below are some of the pictures I have of the wedding album project:

If you make your own book, come back and let us know what you think of them.  check my prior post for a buy one get one free code that is valid through September 28!

Naughty philosophy Part II

Well, after waiting longer for my order than I would have had the Pony Express delivered it, the above photo is how it arrived.  Yes, the hole in the box is large enough for a hand to reach in and grab stuff with.  The product I ordered was not in the best of shape either, and somehow an over-sized white with black accents beach bag morphed into a smaller totally black with white accents tote bag.  I sent a letter to the President/CEO of Philosophy and we'll see what if anything he has to say.  I have definitely been unimpressed with both shopping experiences I have had with philosophy.com.

Coming soon:  Photos of the photo book I made for my neice's wedding with Picaboo,com (the book is on its way to her now and I want her to see it before I post).  Thanks for your patience.  I have also ordered a medium paperback book for my hubby and his friend from Picaboo of their latest trip to the new Shea (yes, I know that's not what it's called, but it should be) stadium a few weeks ago - will post pictures of those as well with my review.  Right now, through 9/28, Picaboo has a special offer: buy one book get one free with this code:  BGFSEPT   .

Have fun!

Naughty company alert

Well, I won't be shopping with philosophy.com again.  I placed an expensive order on September 1, and it qualified for their "free shipping", so I took it.  They took two days to ship it out, and then FedEx "smartpost" sends it from AZ to CA, which wouldn't be a problem except for the fact that I live on the EAST COAST.  The original arrival date was supposed to be September 13, but now it's been moved to September 15.  Why?  Because for some unknown reason, FedEx has been keeping my item in its Los Angeles location for 2.5 days - weekdays that is, not weekends:  September 7-September 10 it hung out in the LA warehouse or hot truck, who knows.  In either case, not a good place for cosmetics to hang out.  I called philosophy.com and their attitude was "Well, you can upgrade to faster shipping."  My question is, what would that shipping be, because the Pony Express used to get things from coast to coast in 10 days, so from AZ to CT would have been 7-8 days.  Are they resurrecting the Pony Express to move things faster than FedEx "smartpost"?  What an ironic name for the service, because it seems less than smart to me.

As I tried to explain to the woman at philosophy.com, no one needs their product -  it is a luxury.  So, in the future, I will be buying my luxuries from another company - one that does not waste their clients' time or money by sending them product that can be damaged by extensive time in heat via a method that moves slower than a snail.  And one that does not patronize me by telling me that 1) it's not their fault (um, yes, it is, you chose the shipping company and method when you offered me free shipping if I spent over X amount), and 2) I can pay more (I already did).  And customer service is sorely lacking, especially since I had to call 4 times today (and stay on hold for 15 minutes) in order to get through to them because they didn't have enough people to answer the phones (I can only guess other people wondering why it was taking so long for their purchases as well).

Nope, philosophy is not a company I need to deal with again.  Nor will I shop with anyone who uses FedEx "Smartpost" either.  I'll be doing all my shipping through UPS and the USPS.  All I can picture is that for the past two and a half days the gorillas from the old Samsonite luggage commercials have been playing catch with my package.

As for why I am posting here, well, I would have written a letter directly to the corporate CEO, but that information doesn't seem to come up at all on Google searches (just a corporate address), and I also thought people should hear about my experience.

As good as free (almost) Freebie!

Hey, I recently found out about this website that lets you make photo books.  Yes, I know there are lots of them around, but this one was new to me.  And, even better, is the fact that for all new customers, through August 31, you can use the code FREEBK to get a free large book, including leather bound, worth $39.99.

I've used several other well known photo sites to put together photo books, and I was impressed with Picaboo's so far.  There seems to be a lot more choices and flexibility.  It did have a slight learning curve, but last night I finished up a wedding album for my niece's wedding that we attended last month.  3-4  business days to process and 3-4 days for shipping (yes, you do pay shipping with the above code, but it was $8.99).

Even though I obviously haven't seen the final products, I thought I'd pass this along to you so you could give it a try for $8.99 yourselves!  Good luck and have fun.  Once you get your books, back, post on here what you think of them.

Oh, yes, it would help if I actually give you the website:  www.picaboo.com !  (the exclamation pint is mine, not part of the URL)

I know, I am a bad girl for staying away for so long

That's why I am hoping you will forgive me because, in a way, I come bearing gifts.  I am so excited.  Corel is running a great promotion now on its photo editing software - see here:   http://store1.corel.com/corel/?storeKey=us&trkid=NASEMGglBR  You can save 30% on Paint Shop Pro X3 - the latest version.  Instead of paying $99.99 for it, you pay $69.99 for a full version, or like me, $59.99 for an upgrade.  But, wait, like the Ronco commercials say, there's more - you get a $40.00 Photo Restoration and Retouching book for free, and, if you wish, with any purchase, you can add Corel Paint It! to your order for only $10.00 (normally $39.99).  that's what I did yesterday.    But, they also gave me free shipping (saving me another $9.99 - if you don't get it automatically, sign up for their emails - you may need that link).  The piece de resistance I am giving you, however, is the code I used to get $20.00 off my order  BONUSBUCKS20. 

So, instead of paying almost $200 full price when you add in shipping, I am paying $49.99 total for all of the above.  Hurry, though, the sale, I believe, only runs through August 15.

Have fun!

Wedding photos

Remember I told you that a while back I won a Sony DSC-W22012.1MP Digital Camera with 4x Optical Zoom with Super Steady Shot Image Stabilization in silver?  Well, after playing around with it, we took it to a family wedding a few weeks ago. As promised, though, I gave it to my hubby to use.  I gave him a short, 10 minute primer on how to use it just before the wedding and he took some really nice shots.  

Instead of bringing my Sony alpha (DSLR) with me as it was going to be very hot and I am still recovering from back surgery, I brought my Sony DSC-H20 with me, and, in addition to taking pictures, I video-ed the entire 14 minute wedding ceremony.  Now, I managed to do this from the front row seat and without a tripod.  The Super Steady Shot Image Stabilization worked great - without a tripod, the image was nice and steady, and even when I panned around to get the dog walking down the aisle (unexpectedly, of course) and then sitting on my feet, everything was super steady.


Don't get me wrong - I still LOVE my Sony alpha.  It's just that after surgery, these two cameras were the perfect cameras to have with us to take pictures given the conditions of our backs (did I happen to mention hubby's back went out the day before the wedding?  No surgery required, but poor guy couldn't move that day!  So the nice, light DSC-W220 really came in handy, and was his first real use of a digital camera - yes, hubby rarely used digital and was still in the *gasp* film age!  Not that there is anything wrong with that, as I still sometimes use my Minolta SLR.).

New Sony DSLR

Have you all seen the new Sony alpha series cameras?  They look like a cross between a point and shoot and a DSLR, with the ability to attach multiple lenses to it.  It's the Sony a-NEX camera line.  I find them interesting because, in addition to taking interchangeable lenses, they can also take HD movies.  Check out the Sony website here for more info:  http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?catalogId=10551&storeId=10151&langId=-1&categoryId=8198552921644718498&N=4294952674&Name=%26alpha%3b+NEX+Digital+Cameras#/nex5Section , or take a look at them through the Amazon links here.

I have yet to have a chance to see or try these out in person.  Drawbacks I can see, at least for my use, include the following:
1) The cameras take an "E mount" lens.  If you wish to use your Sony alpha or Minolta "A mount" lenses, you need to purchase an optional adapter sold separately Sony LA-EA1 - Lens adapter Minolta A-type - Sony E-mount.  Check out this link, which shows the present lowest price for this as about $154.95  http://www.google.com/products/catalog?client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&channel=s&hl=en&q=LA-EA1+lens+adapter&um=1&ie=UTF-8&cid=6843298615254164316&ei=-NRBTPzKMoP58Ab74dEO&sa=X&oi=product_catalog_result&ct=result&resnum=3&ved=0CCsQ8wIwAg#  (Amazon does not seem to have it in stock as of today http://www.amazon.com/Sony-EA1-adapter-Minolta-type/dp/B003QK1VK4 )
2) Even after the adapter (yes, I'd have to get one, after investing hundreds if not thousands of dollars in Minolta and Sony A-Mount Lenses, I am not buying a slew of E-Mount lenses), I can't imagine how balanced, or unbalanced the a-NEX would be with my larger telephoto lenses on it. 

The above said, I do think it's a very cool idea - sometimes I don't like lugging my Sony alpha DSLR around, and I have taken to bringing my Sony DSC-H20 and/or my Sony Cybershot W-220 with me.  The Sony a-NEX sound like it just might bridge the gap (IF they lower the price on the lens adapter!).

Update to the memory card debacle

Just so you know, Amazon came through.  After arguing with the original Amazon Marketplace seller, Chitek/CTCStore that yes, the "Sony Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo HX 8 GB Flash Memory Card with USB Reader MSHX8G" did indeed come with a USB adapter/reader as indicated in the item name and product description (they actually argued with me that what I ordered was a "promotional item that did not come with an adapter/reader"), I filed a claim through Amazon's A to z guaranty service and they found in my favor and refunded my money to me.  In the meantime, I ordered the MSHX8G from another Amazon seller, Dependable Resources, and which was "fulfilled by Amazon", and lo and behold, I actually received what I ordered today.  Excellent - just in time for a family wedding.

Now we have to see if Chitek/CTS Store actually refunds my return postage as they promised.  I am waiting to see - if they refund it I will not leave awful feedback - if they fail to, well, they can just wait and see what I leave.

Kudos to Amazon, though, for stepping up and doing the right thing.

Have a happy Fourth of July all, and take lots of photos!

Buzz kill!

Well, I had been looking forward to receiving a product I ordered from Amazon, A Sony Memory Stick Pro Duo HX 8 GB Flash Memory Card with USB Reader, MSHX8G.  Note, how the description says "With USB Reader".  Well, the whole point of getting this high speed card is because the USB reader allows faster transfers (ever sit around using your memory card slot to transfer pictures from a full memory card? Can you say forever?).

Now, let me also preface this with saying I have been a long-time Amazon purchaser, and have bought from many Amazon Marketplace vendors without a problem. . . . until now. . . .

So, I bought it from an Amazon Marketplace seller ChiTek (also known as CTCStore, apparently from their emails to me), who ended up sending me only a Sony Memory Card MS-HX8A//K which does not come with the USB reader.  Despite my order and receipt clearly saying "Sony Memory Stick Pro Duo HX 8 GB Flash Memory Card with USB Reader, MSHX8G", ChiTek, in its infinite wisdom, has decided to tell me that it sent me what I ordered and that it is a promotional item that does not come with a USB reader.  HUH?  Will someone kindly explain to me (because ChiTek can't and refuses to do so) how something described as (and if you click on the link, there's another picture showing the entire package with the USB reader) having a USB Reader and a manufacturer ID number MSHX8G magically becomes an MS-HX8A//K (which, by the way, ChiTek does not even list as an item for sale, and, which, by the way, if you Google the manufacturer's number, is only available for sale in the United Kingdom and Japan, and thus may not work with US products) without a USB reader?  And, they charged me the same price for a lesser item (of course its a lesser item if it's missing one of its main components - never mind the fact that I have to buy an adapter card in lieu of the USB reader. . . .) and they don't understand why I am upset.  Here's images of what I actually received from them: 

Notice, no USB reader, and the manufacturer above the SKU does not match what I ordered:  MSHX8G.
This is what the MSHX8G is supposed to look like:  

  In my opinion, I am the victim of a bait and switch, and for the first time ever, I have filed a claim with Amazon.  I'll let you know how this works out, but so far, I feel victimized and feel I am unlikely to do business with an Amazon Marketplace vendor again.

New product

Just ordered the

Sony Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo HX 8 GB Flash Memory Card with USB Reader MSHX8G for my family of Sony cameras.  It's supposed to be compatible with all three and, from what I read, the USB adapter makes the upload time to the computer much faster.  I also understand that it's supposed to record at a higher speed in your camera(s), although it's not guaranteed.  With a family wedding coming up, I wanted to be able to shoot still pictures with one of the cameras and video (available on my Sony DSC-H20 - I purchased -  and Sony DSC-W220 - I won) on a second camera, so the 8 GB size should be very handy.  I'll let you know how it works out.  The price was definitely right for me as I had accumulated $30.00 in Amazon gift codes from survey sites.

Will power!

I told you every so often we'll stray from photography topics.  We are sort of on-topic as I am, as I said before, a Sony girl with my cameras.  I have been really wanting a Sony- Reader Daily Edition Digital Book - Black.   

It has now come down in price from a whopping $399.00 which I just could not justify to  $299.00 at Best Buy http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp;jsessionid=EDE85F30715C23ACB577D65E4773674A.bbolsp-app05-51?_dyncharset=ISO-8859-1&_dynSessConf=-4573336614787235750&id=pcat17071&type=page&st=sony+e-reader&sc=Global&cp=1&nrp=15&sp=&qp=&list=n&iht=y&usc=All+Categories&ks=960  which I am considering because I have a $75.00 Best Buy gift card or $298.47 at Amazon as you can see from the link.  Choices, choices.

I need will power because hubby has wisely suggested that I wait until HP comes out with the Slate, which is its answer to the i-Pad.  For just a hundred or so dollars more, he feels, I can get the best of a notebook and an e-reader in one.  So, who has a Kindle, Sony Reader, or Nook, or other reader?  What do you think of it.  Do you agree with my hubby that I should hold fast for a slate or an iPad (I hate that name!).  Let me know!

Photos soon!

I have been playing around with my new Sony camera (which I will probably give to my hubby, since I have a Sony alpha he gave me as a Christmas present and a Sony DSC-H20 which is a great little camera to have).  Remember I won this camera from Mamma Mia blog - and neither the blog nor Sony asked me to write about it - I just like to share what I learn about cameras and offers with you. 

Initial impressions: easy to use, when you hit playback though to review the photos taken, for about the first second, the photo is a tad blurry and then sharpens.  My husband saw this too - we do not know why this happens - could be because of the number of MPs I am shooting in (12.1) which is higher than my other cameras and it takes a second for the memory card to produce all the megapixels on the screen.  It may just require a faster MS pro duo card (Pro duo cards are needed if you wish to take movies using the camera).

If you are looking for a gift for a son-to-be or recent grad who would like a decent digital camera to have, to take back-packing, on spring break, etc., this one seems to do it all for a decent price.  You can check out prices at Amazon through this link Sony DSC-W220.  Pictures will be up shortly - it's just with trying to juggle physical therapy, rest my back, and actually hold down a job, time is a bit tight and I haven't even transferred the photos to the computer yet.  Be patient - and they will be up hopefully by the weekend.

A little something I came across

I recently came across this item, and while not directly photography related, it could come in quite handy for those days where you are out playing with your camera and lose track of time.  It is called the Sportline Hydracoach Water Bottle.  It allows you to enter your weight, the amount of water you'd like to drink per day and tells you how much water you have consumed during the day.  Frankly, the only drawback I can see is that it is probably (and I say this because I do not know for sure) not dishwasher safe due to the electronics involved.  But for those with medical issues who need to stay hydrated (if you have kidney stone, are on weight loss regimins, are a sports enthusiast), it's probably a very useful thing to have around.


Meanwhile, back on the photography front, the battery for the new Sony DSC-W220Sony Cybershot DSC-W220 12.1MP Digital Camera with 4x Optical Zoom with Super Steady Shot Image Stabilization (Black) Sony Cybershot DSC-W220 12MP Digital Camera with 4x Optical Zoom with Super Steady Shot Image Stabilization (Light Blue) that I won from the Mamma Mia blog http://themammamiablog.com/  sponsored by Lunchables a few weeks ago (thanks to both Mamma Mia blog and Lunchables for an awesome prize!), is charging as we speak, and I expect to go outside and play around with the new camera later today and report back.  This one has 12.1 megapixels, so it will be interesting to see the comparison to my other Sony camera with 10.2 mp.

Also, have you all seen the Sony commercials with Taylor Swift for the Cybershot DSC-TX series of cameras with the new sweep/isweep panorama modes?  Is that not a cool function or what?  I'll be looking for that in stores soon - would love to take a look at that series of cameras.  

Other things

All right, I admit it, I seem to be quite the Sony girl.  I confess, I really appreciated Sony buying Minolta and using their technology so I can use my lenses for my Minolta film cameras on my Sony alpha.  Saved me boatloads of money in lenses.  And, I have have the alpha for a few years now and had no real problems (knock wood).  And my Sony DSC-H20 has been great as well (knock on wood again - I have had and used that for about a year).  And I can't wait to try the new Sony point and shoot DSC that I should be getting sometime next week and tell you all about it.

Well, now, I really want to give an e-reader a try, and I really want to try the Sony e-Reader, but it's so hard to know what to get, what with the Kindle, the nook, and now the i-Pad (lousy name), and soon the HP Slate coming out.  So, I was wondering - who has what and what do you like and dislike about it and why?  It would be nice to keep a whole library on a small device rather than scattered throughout the rooms of my house.

Let us know - we would love to hear! 

New review coming soon!

Hi folks!  I was recently informed that I won a new Sony DSC-W220 Digital Camera.  It has 12.1 megapixels, 4x optical zoom and rechargeable battery.  Click on the link to find out specs and information about it at Amazon.com.  While I plan on having this be my hubby's camera (I presently have a Sony alpha DSLR and a Sony DSC-H20, as you may know from prior reviews - which were a gift and a purchase, respectively), I will put it through its paces and let you know what I think.  I was told I would have it sometime next week.  I am very interested in seeing the difference the extra 2 megapixels can make (both my other two Sonys are 10.2 megapixel cameras).

Stay tuned!

Finally!

Beautiful spring weather!  Have you been out taking pictures of all the beautiful spring daffies, tupils, and flowering trees?  I know I have, even though it is still difficult for me to walk since my surgery.  But my neurosurgeon seems to think I should be fully healed in a year, so let's hope he's right!  :-)

In the meantime, stay tuned for some spring photos and for a possible etsy store (with thanks to a special cousin/friend who told me about the site and is giving me pointers!). 

2010 Oscars in Memorium Review

To say that this year's Oscar's in Memorium segment was disappointing would be an understatement. While having James Taylor singing was acceptable, he was background - the camera should have not been on him, especially at the beginning of the segment when fan favorite Patrick Swayze's tribute was being shown - Patrick - we hardly saw you. And that was just wrong.

So many people were wrongfully left out - but the Academy said, ooh, we don't have the time to show everyone. Well, that may be, but you do have time to give each passed member more than one second on-screen if you cut lame bits like Ben Stiller's, and that performance by the League of Extraordinary Dancers, who, in my opinion, is a group not anywhere close to "extraordinary". It's sad that the Academy chose to go with lame bits like these two instead of giving recipients respect and more time to speak, and more respect for those who passed.

I hope whomever decided to to show James Taylor when Patrick Swayze was on screen is one of the "forgotten ones" when s/he passes. With directing like that, they should be forgotten and passed over as so many other more deserving people were.

And, one more word to the Academy - for the next Oscars show, try REHEARSING, especially camera angles and direction for the in Memorium section - somehow you always manage to mess that section up, failing to focus on those onscreen.

Great Buy alert!

For those who own Sony W or D series cameras (I have a Sony DSC-H2O camera), the batteries, when you can find them, usually are pretty expensive (list price: $49.99). Yesterday, I was able to find an infolithium battery (more on that later) on Amazon for $17.45 + $2.97 shipping. http://www.amazon.com/Sony-NP-FG1-InfoLITHIUM-Rechargeable-Battery/dp/B0012DHJ44/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1266846296&sr=8-1 With the infolitiukm battery, if your camera is marked infolithium (mine is on the door through which you insert the battery) it will tell you in minutes how much battery life is left. Sounds like it will be a great second battery (it's always best to have two charged and ready to go for any camera).

Enjoy!

So long away

Sorry to have been away so long, but let me tell you, this was a very memorable holiday season. We were unaware of it, but the best guess of several medical professionals has been that a lumbar disc had been herniating since at least October. Lots of pain, hard to get in and out of cars, takes a while to get moving, etc. Flash forward to my lucky 13th wedding anniversary in December, and we had a full out ruptured disc (and, no, we weren't even doing anything fun!).

Last week, after a few weeks of conservative treatment failed to cause the extruded piece of disc (I've been told it was the size of a thumb) regress back into the disc, we had to do surgery as it was pushing my sciatic and other nerves out of the way and hurting them, and causing major problems with my left leg.

All I can say is OUCH! Not much sleep for two months (not even now, as the incision site heals as well as the leg), and lots of major pain meds (pardon the typos).

But, never fear, I have two items arriving today to review for you -one photography related and one yummy related, so we will be catching up soon.

Now in clear disclosure, again, no one has asked me to do these reviews. Being on a multitude of mailing lists, I received offers for a $25.00 credit off a canvas wrap from another company, and and $18.22 credit from the yummy company, as did all other on the mailing lists. I just like to let you folks know about good products and companies when I deal with them, and I am a sucker for coupons and use them whenever I can. And, let me tell you, the heretofore unnamed yummy company was a hoot to deal with through emails. My guess, happy employees equals happy and yummy products, but I will let you know soon! :-)

Stay well, or at least feel better than me!

Check it out - Unconditional Mom

Found at http://anunconditionalmom.blog.com/2010/01/09/hp-mini-110-with-windows-7-sos-simplify-my-life-please/ is giving away HP Mini 110s with Windows 7. Now, who couldn't use an HP (the computers and printers of choice at my house); and in my case, with a bad back, who couldn't use a mini? But, look how kind I am being letting all you folks know about this, lowering my chance to get one. Bonne Chance! And, if you get one - I'll be jealous.

FYI - will be out for a while - have a herniated disc (one the docs have been describing behind my back as a "monster" "we're amazed she can walk with one that big" - I'm gonna have to post a pic from the MRI to prove it!) - it's being operated on tomorrow. So, hope to be back soon to tell you about some other photo related goodies I have found!.