I finally ordered Christmas cards. Since we’re down to four people that actually live here, picking a picture for the card was relatively easy. My awesome photographer friend Jessica took this one. I ordered from Tiny Prints and if you hurry, there’s a great coupon that expires today. Hurry. It saved me almost $40.
First a little housekeeping. As many of you know, I’ve changed commenting platforms. I didn’t like the way my prophoto template handled comments so I carefully researched for weeks minutes which commenting platform seemed most user friendly. I kind of abruptly switched to disqus one bright October morn. And I don’t think I ever even officially told you about it, unless you read my random facebook posts. I like disqus because it is more conversational and allows us to respond back and forth to each other. However, discus makes you sign in. Which is akin to making you show your ID to order wine for dinner at the restaurant you frequent every Tuesday when you’re obviously graying and wrinkling and have only the faintest memories of being 21.
But…..
once you sign in, that’s it. Or, you can sign in using your facebook or your twitter account. See, how easy? And BTW, you don’t look a day over 25. I swear.
Now, despite the fact that I’m telling you this, when Melissa switched to disqus, I was so scared/put off by the sign in (disqus? what’s disqus? I’m not creating one more set of sign in/password combinations if it kills me) that I gave it a good 6 months before I ever signed in. As I tell my children all the time, “Do as I say not as I do.”
Here’s how it works: Click ‘add a comment’ and you’ll get this menu.
You can sign in using any of these methods and if you don’t want to create an account with disqus, you sign in as a ‘guest’ —which is what I finally did on Melissa’s site when I had a burning desire to tell her something.
But….
if you’ll create an account with disqus, it will link to your blog when someone clicks on your name from the comment, which I find very helpful and useful. So just go the extra mile and create a disqus account and then other commenters can ‘find’ you.
then type in your clever words and voila. Tres easy. If you sign in via, twitter, your comment will be tweeted. If you sign in via facebook, your comment will not be shared on facebook. Overall, I’m happy with disqus. What are your thoughts?
I think we should practice it.
That’s where my lovely curly-haired friend Ruthanne comes in.
I adore her. I admire her. She almost makes me wish I lived in Arkansas. Almost.
I met her last year at Blissdom and we squealed when we saw each other. Well, I’m pretty sure I squealed.
These girls were so fun to hang out with. All homeschoolers. All moms. All mom with cameras. All homeschooling moms with cameras and blogs. All very fun homeschooling moms with cameras and blogs. I love them all. Meet Ruthanne, Melissa, Marsha and Karin.
Blissdom was worth the trip if for these girls alone. {I’m going to Blissdom again this year. Tell me if you’re going, I’d love to meet you and we can squeal together}
And that’s when I began to see the creativity oozing out of this girl. Everything she does, she does with passion.
She bakes.
and bakes and bakes………
and sews and sews and sews.……
and did I mention she has a great eye to photography and somehow manages to teach her kiddos a thing or two.
I love her. I do.
And today, to show her my love and to prove to you that using discus is a cakewalk, I’m giving away one of Ruthanne’s beautiful unique camera straps. This giveaway will end tonight so hurry. You must leave a comment on this post and tell me how you signed in, using facebook, twitter, discus or whathaveyou.
You also must go to her shop and tell me which strap you can’t possibly live without.
‘Sweet pea’ and ‘Crush’ are my two newest favorites. Oh wait, and green envy. that’s my first choice.
I’d like to have a shop just to be in charge of naming things.
okay, go forth in comment joy.
xo,
edie
I love the Pink Lady ruffled strap! So cute…..
And I logged in via Facebook. Hmmmm, thinking of switching to Disqus now, too!
it’s worth the hassle to switch. others can comment to each other in your comments and you can reply directly to comments from your email sending both an email to the person you are replying to and a comment to your blog. the only thing i wish it had was numbered comments.
Melissa, can you make disqus work on my blog? I tried and tried but can’t figure it out.
i can try. i’ll look at it tonight when the kids go to bed.
Oh – am very curious in regards to Disqus. I’m having the same commenting frustrations as you and you are making me brave enough to think about changing…….
Got to say that I love “Walkabout”. Reminds me of my homeland 🙂
it’s worth the switch. especially if you love to talk back to your commenters.
Ok. I made the disqus jump. whew.
I like the crush and moonlight serenade!
I logged in using Facebook, but I see my whole name shows up. I’m not sure I want to do that??
I like the Lavender Daydreams.
i am loving the color combo with the blue bell!
like the new comment feature – good idear edie! and I really really really like ruthanne’s “Green Envy” strap.
Green with envy…Logging in through disqus, Facebook would’t let me log in then post…I haven’t been able to comment since the swap over so I registered a username with disqus! I couldn’t comment the other day for the favorite lyrics post and it made me a little sad.
alrighty, friend! that was quick and painless.
as for the camera straps, i think i love the crush one! super fabulous.
I signed in using open ID, not too difficult =) I {big fat puffy heart} love the moonlight serenade camera strap!
Thanks for being the encouragement that you are.
Alisa
I’m totally in love with the Moonlight Serenade camera strap. Delish!
I love the walkabout, but maybe with the green on the inside too instead of the zebra.
I logged in as a guest. Well, first I tried to create a disqus account, but then they wouldn’t let me use rachel as my username so I got mad. : )
I signed in using disqus, couldn’t use openID, didn’t want face book to publish my whole name and wondering if there is a google account option. . .
I LOVE bluebell and lavender daydreams! Lovely!
Love your Christmas cards!, I love love the camera straps!! My camera would love one of these. My favorite is the Orange Blossum!
I signed in via twitter. Wondering if there’s a google account option, because that would be fab!
I love the Moonlight Serenade camera strap. It’s so girly!
Me likey Blue Bell. I logged in using facebook.
Thanks for your blog! It brings me such happiness as I sit here with a broken ankle (elevated!) in the middle of the holidays!
Ok, gotta see if this works….
Hey there–LOVE this giveaway. I have tried three times on other blogs to win her straps only to resign myself to figuring out how to sew to make my own (which has yet to happen). My favorite is Moonlight Serenade. Oh, and I signed in through Open ID.
I signed in using twitter. . . although I’m never on twitter 🙂 Okay I love “Rhapsody” and if I win it. . . I’m going to give it to my sister. . . because she is an AWESOME photographer. . . and if she gets it . . . she will be not tickled pink, but tickled “Rhapsody”. Crossing my fingers 🙂
I signed in with Twitter & my fav is the green envy – so cute! BTW, your Christmas cards are adorable!
Yes I am lovin the crush one as well! Those ediable ornaments are so pretty!
Sah-weeeeet giveaway! Crush is my fave. I just love red+teal.
I signed in with OpenID.
Rhapsody is my fave!!
Orange Blossom!!! Love it. She is a very talented lady.
totally crushin’ on Crush! BTW sign-in was only mildly painful 🙂
Type your comment here.I do not heart disquss. I non-heart disquss. Only say this because you asked.
And I’m not sure if I said this before, but I received permission from Ali Worthington to attend Blissdom this year.If you happen to see a Blissdom woman or two – please tell them so they don’t all point and stare at the “strange dude” in the room.
God Bless
I LOVE moonlight serenade. And would love a good camera strap (one that doesn’t scream NIKON), my beloved camera always ends up squished in my purse beside leaky sippy cups.
I kinda like the Rhapsody one. and I posted as guest, several of other blogs that I read also use disqus so I am used to it by now and always post as guest. I like the “reply” feature, but I don’t always go back and check once I have left a comment to see if anyone has replied. Anyhoo . . . I hope to be linking up on Friday for “COOOK-KEES”!
Orange Blossom is my fave, thanks for the opportunity!
Best,
Sarah
PS – The Disqus comment system is okay, but I prefer the ones that also allow you to sign in with your name, e-mail and website (without having to sign in with a social media site) as it generally automatically pulls one’s gravatar affiliated with one’s e-mail and website via gravatar.com. I, also, am not as frequent a twitterer, but it’s the only way for me to sign in via this comment box that will send people to my blog. That’s my opinion on disqus – hope it helps!
Hmmm . . . maybe if I signed in as “guest” (didn’t see that option at first) it’ll pull automatically as I noted . . . will try it!
Oooh tough choice, but I think Rhapsody is my favorite!
Your Christmas cards are adorable !
I love Moonlight Serenade camera strap. What a talented lady — those edible ornaments are to-die-for! Yum.
I have been drooling over Ruthanne’s camera straps for a LONG time and I was so excited to see that you are giving one away!! I actually live in the same town as Ruthanne and I read her stalk her blog. 🙂 My favorite is Moonlight Serenade!! I commented through Disqus as a guest.
So, so, so cute!! Would love to be the lucky gal to win the camera strap!!! I’m commenting through disqus. Love following your blog!!
i love the Lavender Daydreams – Ruffled, dSLR Camera Strap Cover, i commented through disqus
ranaebroadhead@gmail.com
I’m commenting through disqus & I really like the Pink Lady dSLR strap 🙂
Kaleidoscope and Crush are my favorites. I’m commenting through discus.
I’m lovin’ that sweetpea, for sure! I think using this strap would somehow make my photos prettier as well. 🙂 Please pick me! And I used disqus to comment.
weiss.kristine@gmail.com
Hello! I am commenting through discus– and the Rhapsody strap cover is calling my name!
Well, Miss Edie, you are the gifty girl! Since you asked, I like the Sweet Pea Camera strap. super cute! I am thinking I am logged in as a Guest since I just clicked “Add a Comment” and this nifty little box popped up. Very handy indeed! Love those photos posted above. They are stunning!
Sweet pea – adorable!
Honestly Disqus always throws me for a loop. I don’t know why! I’m slow like that sometimes. 😉 It’s good to make changes though. I’m thinking about eliminating my sidebar…still haven’t decided. Can’t wait to go read your cookie freeze recipe! Bye. 🙂
Bright colors & ruffles! oh my! If I HAVE to choose just one it would be Crush.
commenting through discus
i just signed in via disqus, i believe…and i love the lavender (is it dewdrop?) camera strap, and would be honored to use it…
I used facebook to log in. but i’ve used disqus before. NBD. I like sweet pea, too. it would go with a strap cover that I’m currently working on for my laptop case.
I love Orange Blossom!! Those are the cutest things that I have ever seen!!
I love Orange Blossom!! Those are the cutest things that I have ever seen!!
I used Facebook to log in. Kaleidoscope would be my favorite sis!!! I am glad you have “walked” me through this commenting process. Thanks!!!
Love the sweet pea too ! And I love your blog. I think this is the first time I have commented.
Thanks to you I have four Christmas craft projects going and none are close to being finished. Probably because I home school all day and also have a two year old. You really inspire me to craft !!! Love it !!!!
Sissy… I am all about the WALKABOUT!!! Love you!
I love Blue Bell. I have a thing for blue & gray! And I used Disqus.
I signed in using Facebook and it was SUPER easy! I love the camera straps (something I totally need for my HUGE camera) and “Crush” is my absolute fav! XOXO
Sorry Sissy. I am trying to figure this all out. I guess I should have called you. I love the Walkabout! Sheabug loves the Kaleidoscope… figures. It is the hardest to spell. I am really gonna need your help for her homework! Love ya.
i HEART ruthanne too and your christmas card is adorable! i’m so glad i met ruthanne after i found her blog. internet friends are way cool. her straps are the best too.
Just received my “Rhapsody” strap last week. I love it! I like “Crush” too! Signed in w/ FB.
I signed in with Twitter 🙂 New for me, since I usually use Google to sign into things, but I like it!
How could anyone live without “walkabout?” The black, the green, the zebra, the ruffle…{sigh}…love at first sight 🙂
I’m a disqus gal myself. Love the gap it bridges in communicating with readers and with readers communicating with fellow readers.
I’m crushing on Crush…or Orange Blossom. BUT I would so go for Recon Plan Charlie too. Weird I know. I just think it would look so cute with jeans and a gap tshirt in the summer. It’s the tomboy in me coming out I suppose.
yes and the name alone makes me wanna get it!
I used FB!
I am totally crushing on CRUSH…I need a new strap sooo bad and these are fabulous!
I already have Kaleidoscope but I really like Rhapsody. I used Disqus.
love pink lady singed in with yahoo so simple love it
crushed and blue bell are my 2 favs…but they’re all super cute!
I signed in using my facebook account and I would love to have “crush”..love the colors.
I logged in via facebook, and I love Crush and Orange Blossom…<3 the ruffles and the happy colors! *drools*
I think I’m going to like this new way of commenting and it’s really cool you’re giving away a camera strap. I’m getting my new daughter-in-law (just married Saturday) a camera for Christmas and the Kaleidoscope strap will be just perfect for her.
Love the Christmas card as well. Really shows the personality of the girls.
I signed in using Twitter and I like the Walkabout strap.
I created a disqus account and LOVE the Kaledioscope pattern. So fun!
Love the kaliedoscope pattern. I created a disqus account just for this! 🙂
Green Envy, without a doubt!!!
I love so many of them–crush, green envy, pink lady. So it would be hard to choose!
I love the green envy! And I’ll have to check out disqus later!
Okay I’m in LOVE with the yellow ruffle and grey/white polka dot. Oh I hope I win!!!
Moonlight serenade for me!
Oh, yay!!! Now I know what to get my mother-in-law who has everything! I personally love anything with ruffles, but I will get her green envy! God Bless You Darling Edie during this holiday season, and thank you for all the Advent goodies! It’s my first Christmas as a confirmed LCMS Woman!!! I’ve been studying and trying to soak it all in!
In His Peace, Karrie Ann
I commented as a guest!
First, I like just about all of the camera straps. If I had to choose right this instant, I would say Rhapsody is my favorite.
Secondly, I happen to really like Disqus. If nothing else, for their customer support. If you have a problem and post it out there on the interwebs on, say, Twitter….they respond pronto with ANSWERS and SOLUTIONS. Amen. That’s all I’ve got to say ’bout that.
well i guess disqus, i really just prefer the name, email, website pages but this works
i like the moonlight seranade.
oh my goodness….
i don’t have a camera strap at all, so i would LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE to have the orange blossom ruffled. . . .
awesome!!!
um…I simply adore you and have this desire to learn photography….wondering whats the BEST way for me to learn. And I’m thinking that one of those cute straps for my camera would be a great inspiration. 😉
Bluebell or Green Envy!
Also, it has troubled me for quite some time that I show up here looking like an unidentified man, so I attempted to register – twice – and nothing happened. Now you believe me when I say that I am a technology dunce. But at least I tried!
Testing one, two, three, four.
Is this thing on??
ratty pants.
why won’t it let you announce your pretty self?
you tried to create an acct with disqus? and no-can-do?
i’m so bummed.
can cory try for you?
calvin?
heart you either way 🙂
Loving the Orange Blossom!
I am a disqus fan, although I couldn’t get it to work on my blog. No matter how hard I tried. *sigh* I am such a techno-failure.
I’m glad you got my good, albeit slightly hunched, side in that picture Edie. It was an utter DELIGHT to meet you at Blissdom! I’m not going this year… we found out yesterday that my husband gets to be based out of Guam for January and February! So the boys and I are packing up all of our summer clothes and schoolbooks and heading to that middle of nowhere island next month. 🙂 Let me know if you want to come visit!
Orange blossom ruffled! Its AMAZINGLY fun! AND I’m so glad I found you via Megs site! With the orange T’s on your site – we must be almost neighbors! Hooray! Thanks for all the Homeschool inspiration! I’m trying disqus wasn’t painful @ ALL!
Love your website…LOVE LOVE LOVE IT!
Just came to your website for the very first time, thanks to the Nester! I’m fairly new to all these blogs, but I am loving it – I am so motivated after reading your lovely blogs and all that you ladies are doing! Keep up the good work! I love all the camera straps – what a great idea! But if I had to pick one, it would be Pink Lady!
Sweet pea or Moonlight Serenade are my first loves. I’d love to win one of these … they are gorgeous. I’ve had “make a cute camera strap cover” on my to do list for a sweet forever. Every time I use my camera I am irritated at myself that I do not have a ruffly cover!Thanks! Karen
p.s. – used twitter to sign in!
The Crush is my favorite. I love that color combo!
I signed in via Twitter.
So, what if I can’t choose?!?! I happen to heart them all…although I’m most envious of the Green Envy!
I must say Walkabout – Ruffled dSLR Camera Strap Cover is gorgeous
I commented as a guest
sweet pea is my fav, signed in with FB. Thanks for the chance to win!
Edie, I don’t want a camera strap cover, I NEED a camera strap cover. And an edible ornament. Love, me
The pink lady, ruffled, and I came over here because I typed your blog’s name in my address bar, and Edie, I don’t want a camera strap cover, I NEED a camera strap cover. And an edible ornament or five. Love, me
I was still thinking about these fabulous camera straps hours after I read the post, so it’s time to get my comment in under the midnight wire. I’ve been visiting your blog increasingly ever since I discovered it, and I’ve reached that blog-relationship phase of reading past entries to get to know you better! How I love the mom blogosphere. 🙂
I forgot to say that my favorite strap is Walkabout, followed closely by Orange Blossom. Gorgeous, frilly, feminine fun!
I think Ruthanne is awesome too! I have her Lemon Drop on my camera right now. And her beautiful Moonlight Serenade and Sea Breeze just arrived . . . I’m giving one away as a gift, but I can’t decide which one . . . because they are all so beautiful . . . and I have a tendency to hoard beautiful things 🙂 And I am seriously eying that last Lavender Daydreams because purple is my fave color. ::sigh::
I don’t have a blog, but I am a loyal follower. I’ll share my recipe in the comment section. So hard to choose which recipe, but Molasses Cookies are my family’s favorite over any other kind (and that’s saying something). Rolled in red or green sugar & with a hint of ginger, they taste like Christmas!
I use Disqus too – love it!
signed in using twitter… absolutely love love the orange blossom camera strap!
Hmmm, they are all adorable but Moonlight Serenade causes my shutter to flutter…although my family has banned me from taking pictures…they (the family photo czars) stated my pictures are fuzzy! Well, what do teenagers know…but I will show them!!! Me, my camera and strap will look cute and professional and I will eat Christmas cookies and everything will be right…maybe I should find out which camera strap makes my butt look smaller. Any ideas?
I love discus!! I love that I can respond to comments on the blog and “in person” at the same time.
And the Stardust strap is my veryvery favourite 🙂
Orange blossom is graphic and feminine!
Orange blossom was my first pick and then I loved another and then another and then I returned to my first love. 🙂 I have no idea about this thing I just signed up for, but if you say to do it, it must be okay. 🙂
ok, i know i’m a few days late (always) for your give-away, but i don’t see you enough anyway to say all that i want to say! so i wanted to tell you i love your card-it’s adorable, and i clicked on karin’s link b/c i hadn’t been to her blog ever, and saw an adoption video she posted today, and can i tell you… bawling. before the first minute of a 4+ min video.
the cookies look delish, too, but as i’ve only bought my fav archway holiday cookies (wedding cookies-o.m.g.), i have nothing to add!! 🙂
love to you
I found you through between you and me . She said I would love you and I do!!
I love the camera straps!
I love the camera straps!
First a little housekeeping. As abounding of you know, It is afflicted commenting platforms. I did not like the way my pro-photo arrangement handled comments so I anxiously researched for weeks account which commenting belvedere seemed a lot of user friendly.
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