Technology: Helpful Apps

Helpful Apps for the New Year

Tomorrow marks the start of a new year, and I wanted to share a few free apps that might get you started on the right foot! Apps are always helpful for passing the time, and making the best of your time. I am including links to both and Android App Store and the iOS App Store for each product. Let me know if you have any other apps to suggestion or try!

Files

I have found the best way to stay organized and be able to access files on the go is through Cloud Storage. There are several options based on what you use most.

• Google Drive - Android  or  iOS
• DropBox - Android  or  iOS
• OneDrive -  Android   or   iOS

Each of these apps also has a counter part that you can dowloand on your PC/Mac to be able to access the sames files through the computer. This way you can work across platforms. But to make these apps really useful you will need to have one of the following apps to view and edit the docuements.

• Docs to Go (free) - Andriod   or  iOS
• Polaris Office -   Android   or   iOS
• Mircosoft Office Moblie -  Android   or   iOS

Finances

There are many apps to help with your fiancances and money. Not all banks offer a moblie app, but most credit cards have an app

• Capital One -  Android    or   iOS
• Discover  -  Android    or  iOS
• Bank of America -  Android   or  iOS
• Quicken (you need the program on your computer first) - Android  or iOS

Apps like these will allow you to always be able to be in the know of your dollar amounts.

Fun Apps

It is always good to have a few fun apps to play around and help pass the time. Here are a few apps I use for various reasons.

• Remote Controls -  Android  or  iOS
• SparkPeople - Android   or    iOS
• Random Games  - Android  or  iOS

Self Help: Making the Holiday's meaningful

Making the Holidays Meaningful

It seems to me that here lately, the Holidays have become so commercialized that it is all about the amount of money you spend, and the amount of stuff you get. I really feel that the Holidays should be about quality time with loved ones, both family and friends. It should never matter how much is spend, or how much is given. It should always be the thought that counts, and you should always see the effort someone put into what they did.

Personally, I would prefer a handmade gift, with thought and love put into it, over a purchased gift. This completely bugs the crap out of my partner.  After the first of the year, I am going to start drafting ideas for next years presents, so that everyone can have a homemade gift from me.I am going to keep this post short, because it is Christmas Eve, and I would rather you be enjoying your family than reading my rant!!

Enjoy the Memes!

 

 

DIY: Getting Kids Involved

Fun for all Ages

While enjoying Pinterest, I have found so many great kids craft & toy ideas. We are getting ready to start some of these for Christmas presents.

Several of the items I came across involved crayons, my sons favorite new thing. We were doing a lot of the crayon magic so that he can only write on the "special" paper. That has started to cost a lot because he is all about trying to eat the makers. One of the projects I found could have a couple uses. One is actual use for your own child, other is to use as valentines day card gifts. This is a great idea for the left over or broken crayons too. Making sure you get every penny out of them. Cut the pieces up, place in a mold of some sort, bake at 203* for 15 min, and you get super cute shaped multicolored crayons!!

Another idea along the same lines is to take crayons, cut them up melt them in the microwave for 3-5 mins, then pour into an empty glue stick. This way your able to have a "safe" crayon that will not bet broken as easy, as well as a bit harder for the young ones to possible eat. Its always great to allow the them to express there creativity.

Crayons are just one part of the amazing things I found. A great way to make use of all the the "extra" leftovers, is to allow your kids paint with the paper towel and toilet paper rolls! You can cut longer tubs up so you can get more uses out of them. This allows your young one to explore creating with different mediums. As long as you use water based paints clean up should be fairly simple. I did find online a way to make your own finger paints, that way your able to save even more money. They can paint on an old box, paper, or just about anything else you have just laying around. Once they have completed the masterpiece, You can place it in a frame or attach twin or yarn to it to hang on the wall to show off the great.

On a related note, you can also create homemade window paint. This
is great for kids are they start to get a bit older and can be trusted just a bit more. This is a great idea if you have patio doors. You can let the kids be outside and paint, then clean up is SO much easier.

The last idea I found was a great idea for younger children who are still to young for the prior ideas. Create there own light show, all you need is a box, and some Christmas lights. Cut some holes in the top of the box, and stick the lights through them. Place some pillows and a blanket in there. This gives a fun place for them to lay and relax, and look at the "stars". My son would just LOVE it. We are going to have this finished for him for Christmas morning. I am thinking it will be his favorite place to hang out.

DIY: Homemade Play-Doh!!

I found this recipe online, and knew I HAD to try it out. I have been looking for a project that I could include my son in, and this was it. I remember being younger and playing with Playdough, building colorful creations to show my parents. But it always tasted funny (I don't really remember the taste, I just know kids eat everything and Playdough does not look all that yummy).

I found the recipe on another blog (ArtsyFartsyMama.com) - and I want to make sure to give her credit. Her directions were perfect!!

Ingredients:

1 cup water, 2 tbsp vegetable oil, 1 cup flour, 1/4 cup salt, 2 tbsp cream of tartar, gel food coloring

Directions:

Pour the water and vegetable oil in a saucepan. Add in the flour, salt, cream of tarter and a teaspoon or two of gel food coloring. Lightly stir together to combine.

*The dough will end up being about the same color that it is now, so add more food coloring now if you want the color to be richer/brighter.

Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly. It should be done in about 4-5 minutes. 

Because you might panic and think you've ruined it, here is a breakdown of what it looks like throughout the cooking process:

• Minute 1: The mixture will combine, and look smooth and beautiful!

• Minute 2: You'll start to get chunks. Make sure to keep scraping the bottom and edges of the pan to prevent any pieces from burning.

• Minute 3: This is where you might begin to worry that you've messed it up. Looks like a clumpy mess. Don't panic! Just keep stirring!!

• Minute 4: The dough will start to form into a ball. You'll know when it's ready when it's not sticky and pulls away from the pan. You can test by pressing the dough with your fingers. It will be hot!

Remove the dough from the pan and place on a plate to cool.

Once cool, knead the dough. This can be done by you or little helpers!

To store, wrap the dough in plastic wrap and place in a sealed container.

A few notes:

Each batch makes about 2 cups of dough. You need to make a new batch for each color. It took me less than an hour to make all 6 batches.

Surprisingly, the food coloring doesn't come off on your hands at all.

The dough is safe to eat, but it is disgusting!

Buy more cream of tartar than you think you'll need. I got 2 1/2 batches from one 1.5 oz container.

Regular liquid food coloring will also work, but I think the gel makes the color a little more vibrant. 

Spirituality: Starting Your Spiritual Journey

What Is A Spiritual Journey?

The first step in your spiritual journey is to learn about all religions, their policies, and beliefs. It is hard to know if the any one religion is right for you if you have not explored more than one. Make sure to take notes of the things you like about each religion and the things that you question too. This will help you narrow your options.

Where to start

This can be done in a number of ways. You can go to your local library. There you are able to find many books on almost ever religion you could need to learn about. It is important to note that you want to review only those books in the non-fiction or reference section. Fiction books will be filled with bias and non-truths.

There is another option for those who do not have the ability to go to the library, or want to publicly do your research, the internet is there to assist with that. There are many sites available to assist with finding out more on the different religions.

• AVOID Wikipedia Facts - this is a site where the public can make edits
• Use Wikipedia as a jumping point - read through the references section for ideas of where to look yourself.
• Make sure to read several different sites, and compare what each says about the same religion
• Explore social networks for information as well
• Facebook Groups
• Online Communities
• Pinterest groups

Online Resources

• ReligiousTolerance.org is a great site that gives no-bias information
• RelioionFacts.com list many religions and jumping points
• A great site for Christianity information is here
• Some helpful information on the Muslim Religion is here
• Buddhism can be explored here

Understanding Your Research

Now that you have done your research, and read about the different religions, it is time review what you have learned. Are there topics or ideas you really seem to like and are drawn to? Or are there some issues have you with areas of a religion? Make a list of pros and cons, and see where you stand with each.

Does it work?

I know you are probably asking you self does this whole process really work? I believe it does. This is the process that I took while figuring out where I wanted to be in life. I was raised in a Methodist home. As I grew up, we went to church and I was in Sunday school, and all that. I can remember questioning parts of the process and the stories, and being told not to question. I started to withdraw then from Church and the activities. When I started college I used that as my chance to research and explore different options. I read a lot of books, and did a lot of google searches. What I found was amazing.

My Results

As I explored, and reflected on my life, I realized what religion was best suited for me, Wicca. You might find this odd, being I have not mentioned it at all so far in this post. There is a reason for that. I did not want to lead anyone into my choice. I wanted to make sure I put all the others out there, and now you get to hear about my spiritual path.

Wicca is a religion about the earth, nature, and the elements. You are encouraged to ask questions, explore more, and grow constantly. There is no right or wrong with Wicca; you are free to believe and take part in any and all parts. You are not forced to believe anything you don't agree with.

My Resources

• Wiccan Together - Great site to talk, ask questions, and learn
• Scott Cunningham Books - He is my favorite author by far

Moving Forward

Moving forward, this section of my blog will be about my Wiccan path. I will include notes I have taken, books I have and will read, and so much more. I am very excited to share my journey as a spiritual being with you. Please let me know if you have any questions I can answer, or if there is anything you would like to know more about.

Blessed Be!   )o(

Technology How to: Mail Merge

Mail Merge - More than just letters

A mail merge can become a very handy tool to master. I will be showing you how to do it in Microsoft Word and Excel, but it could be completed with other software as well. The process can seem very overwhelming and daunting at first, but once you start practicing and using the process you will see the endless possibilities. I use mail merges for Christmas cards, recipe cards, and even at work, to create forms for staff to complete. These are just printed examples of a mail merge! You are also able to setup and create a merge to send email through your Outlook. This is great for party invites or announcements.

Setting up the List

The first set to the list of Names or recipes is the first step. I have included a video blow showing how to set up both styles of lists. The address list is very straight forward and would include the expected items such as Name, Address, City, State, Zip, but you can also include spouse and family members names. The recipes list will include ingredients, and directions. Depending on the size of the directions, it might take two cards and two directions.

Setting up the Document

Setting up the document can be the funnest part. You are able to write and setup up what you want each item to look like. This includes text, images to make your final product amazing. In the video below shows how to set up both a letter and recipe cards, as well as how to merge the data from your Lists.

Final Products

There are several outputs for your finished merge. There is a the PDF Letter attached, or as show above the email that is received. Each is customized and personalized with the needed information. I hope this helps you in your mail merge adventures!

If you can think it, there is usually a way to make it happen. Never give up, and always try to allow technology to make your life a little easier.

Self Help: Organizing you schedual

Organizing your schedule

Organizing your schedule can be a very difficult thing. Balancing working, housework, family activities, it can become overwhelming very fast. Then when you start to add other family members into attending and tracking these items the water will become muddy very fast. 

How to organize

As a a working professional, mother, and wife, the demand on my time stretched thin. My spouse tries to assist, as well as my father and father-in-law. This causes our largest hurdle to be keeping everyone on the same page.

To solve this issue, we created everyone a Gmail account, and set it up on their smart phones. With all of us using Gmail, we are able to "invite" the others to events, such as doctor appointments, or celebrations. Then it will show on your calendars on.

Above is a short video that shows how to create a calendar event and invite someone. When you invite them, you will need to send it (when you save, it will prompt you to send). The event will be shown on their calendars.

My household and family use Gmail and Google Calendar not only for doctor appointments, but for recurring bills, special events, shopping trips, pay days. Anything we want to make sure to remember, we put on our calendars, and invite those who we want to attend with us.

Electronic and Hard Copies

Being that everyone in the family has smartphones and/or tablets, we usually keep everything electronic, but on extremely busy weeks, we will print out the our Google Calendar and post it on the fridge or push-pin board.

DIY: Dremel Plaque

Dremel Plaque for VMC Friends

I have made a few plaques for some friends of ours in the Veterans Motorcycle Club. I have really come to enjoy my dremel and all the items I have been able to make with it.

I started all the plaques with wood base I purchased from Hobby Lobby. I have found they seem to have the best selection in sizes and the wood is nice quality, and the dremel has no issues cutting it. They have a lot of designs to choose from - check them out!

Larger - 7x9

Smaller - 5x7

I used Word to create my design for the plaque. Even if it is not completely what I am wanting to put on the plaque, This will at least give me the sizes of the items I want to put on the plaques. After I have the design, I print int out, and then take it to the right size of Trace-It Transfer Paper. 

I place all the printed designs on the transfer paper on the plaque, and move them around to where they look best. Once that position has been found, I tape the transfer paper down. I use the embossing styles to trace the design on the the plaque.

<-- Design on the transfer paper

Transferred Design -->

Once I have the design on the plaque, I use the my dremel to cut out the design. Once I have cut the design into the wood, I stain it, and paint the design in.

I used a ash grey wood stain. I put it on thick, they whipped it off, to give more of a distressed look. I painted around the outside of the goose black, to allow it to pop a little more on the stained background. All the paint used was basic art paint, I believe acrylic from Hobby Lobby. To finish off everything off, I sprayed a couple coats of clear coat.

Final Products:

On the back of the plaques I screw on a Saw tooth hanger. So that they are able to hang the plaques. I hope that everyone enjoys. Please let me know if there is any projects like this that you would like to see. Or if there is any more details you would like on how I completed these. The next dremel project I will video record so that everyone can see how I dremel.

As always, please check out my Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest,  Tumblr, Youtube, and Google+, or Email me!! I always look forward to feedback!!

First of Many posts to come

I am going to be giving this a hard time this time.

I am really wanting to try to start blogging about things that matter to me. I am going to start off with a minimum of one post a week, and each week of the month with be on a different topic.



My first post will be about the DIY projects I have been working on, or want to work on. I have a very crafty side, and want to be able to share with everyone the projects I find on Pinterst and how they turn out when I try my hand. I hope to be able to also share on my social media links and topics to go with this through out the week.



My second week will be a bit of a self help/pet peeve type of post. I wanted to post about things that have helped me along the way and things that are really just bugging the crap out of me! I will share different images on my Tumbler and Facebook pages, through out the week as the relate to the blog post. I have been diagnosed with Bi-Polar, and it has become a daily struggle. I feel like there are others like me out there, and they need to know it is possible to be a success  in life.



The third week, I want to try to do a post on something technology related. Might be a walk through on how to do a process (mail merge or something) or how to setup a router, or a review of a new techy item I have acquired. I hope to be able to use some screen shots and video captures to make the walk throughs easier to follow, and will post them on YouTube. I have 3 college degrees: Associates in Applied Business, Associates in Web Development, and Bachelors in Technology Management. I really want to be able to share my knowledge with others and hope to be a help to them. I hope to be able to share some great info on Twitter with everyone as well.



The 4th week of the month I want to do a spiritual post. Share with everyone a bit about my beliefs and how I am working to further my knowledge of my systems. I am a Wiccan Witch, and it is always a process to keep learning and knowing more about everything. I think it would amazing to share that with others who are thinking about this path. I hope to share Facebook pages, and other Websites that might interest others as well as photos through out the week on Tumbler.

On the occasion that there is a 5th week in the month, I will do a "By Request" post. I will let the reads pick the topic for the week.

Please give me your ideas and feedback

As many can guess, Annabelle is not my real name, but I am hoping that by using my Wiccan name, I might be able to share some very honest facts and experiences without to much blow back in my normal life. 

Contact me!!

Please feel free to contact me on any of my social networks (listed in the about me section as well). I am on:

Facebook - Annabell Moonbeam

YouTube - Annabell Moonbeam

Twitter - @AnnabelMoonbeam

Pintrest - Annabelle Moonbeam

Tumbler - Annabelle Moonbeam

Google+ - Annabelle Moonbeam

You can also email me too!! annabellel.moonbeam@gmail.com

I will do my best to respond to all inquires and questions.