Monday, December 28, 2009

Details on the Most Acclaimed Gift for 2009


Must be too much Holiday Sugar in my fingers as my post was published without me getting a chance to add the text.

On the previous post you'll see a photo of the Ashcroft Land Family Board Game.
It was so simple to do using a poster, deck of personalized playing cards and a family fold for instructions; but it got the most acclaim.

Ayden my grandson went ape over it. He just couldn't play it enough. Despite it saying for ages 3 and older (doesn't require much counting) both Ayden (9) and his dad and grandparents had a grand time and were stumped often with the variety of wild cards in the deck. So my suggestion for you when you're looking for a way to have Family Fun together.....get one of these sets created and ENJOY!

This is a photo of many of the favourite men in my life....wishing you Happy Holidays!
Barb Ashcroft
Personal Publishing Coach
250-752-5499 (new)
barbashcroft@shaw.ca

The Most Acclaimed Gift this year

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Virtual Open House

Virtual Open House
Thanks to fellow consultant Heidi Woolley who saved us all time by posting a virtual open house with personalized, easy and affordable gift ideas with Heritage Makers.

Go to my website to start your free account and projects today!

Call me at 250-752-5499 and I'll help you get started at www.RecallWhen.com
Barb Ashcroft,
Your Personal Publishing Coach

I've organized this open house in 3 sections:
1- Heritage Makers trademark storybooks with story ideas and previews
2- Heritage Makers Photo Gift Items - Cards -Prints
3- Personalized Gifts and Home Decor items ($4-$20!!!!)

StoryBooks 1st of 3 postings...these are all discounted prices through my open house workshop

Swatch Books (New!!!): $17.95 each
Ideas:
Lil' Love Bugs: http://www.heritagemakers.com/projectBrowserStandAlone.cfm?projectID=1035548&productId=62
Baby Anatomy: http://www.heritagemakers.com/projectBrowserStandAlone.cfm?projectID=1079623&productId=62
Holiday Recipes: http://www.heritagemakers.com/projectBrowserStandAlone.cfm?projectID=1067558&productId=62

Board Books (8x8): $53.95 each
Ideas:
I'm a VIP Boy: http://www.heritagemakers.com/projectBrowserStandAlone.cfm?projectID=1038679&productId=60
I'm a VIP Girl: http://www.heritagemakers.com/projectBrowserStandAlone.cfm?projectID=1033418&productId=60
Wedding Board Book: http://www.heritagemakers.com/projectBrowserStandAlone.cfm?projectID=1056684&productId=60

12x12 Storybooks: $71.95 each

Tribute Album (Beautiful!!!) : http://www.heritagemakers.com/projectBrowserStandAlone.cfm?projectID=1043106&productId=11
Basic Vacation: http://www.heritagemakers.com/projectBrowserStandAlone.cfm?projectID=900921&productId=11
How YOUR Family Celebrates Christmas: http://www.heritagemakers.com/projectBrowserStandAlone.cfm?projectID=1006351&productId=11

11x13 Storybooks: $111.95 each

Ideas:
Heirloom Heritage Album: http://www.heritagemakers.com/projectBrowserStandAlone.cfm?projectID=696129&productId=9

Wirebound Storybooks: $22.95 each

Ideas:Wirebound Family Planner: http://www.heritagemakers.com/projectBrowserStandAlone.cfm?projectID=1031535&productId=73
Wirebound Cookbook: http://www.heritagemakers.com/projectBrowserStandAlone.cfm?projectID=918998&productId=73
Wirebound Christmas recipe book: http://www.heritagemakers.com/projectBrowserStandAlone.cfm?projectID=988406&productId=73projectID=988406&productId=73projectID=988406&productId=73projectID=988406&productId=73

5x5 Storybooks : $31.95 each

Ideas:
Simple Vacation Book: http://www.heritagemakers.com/projectBrowserStandAlone.cfm?projectID=1034699&productId=1
Remembering a Pet: http://www.heritagemakers.com/projectBrowserStandAlone.cfm?projectID=957403&productId=1
Thank You Coach: http://www.heritagemakers.com/projectBrowserStandAlone.cfm?projectID=862835&productId=1

8x8 Storybooks: $44.95 each

Ideas:
Before We Were Your Parents! (Favorite Pick!): http://www.heritagemakers.com/projectBrowserStandAlone.cfm?projectID=739130&productId=5
You are Loved: http://www.heritagemakers.com/projectBrowserStandAlone.cfm?projectID=929642&productId=5
FUN Teacher Tribute: http://www.heritagemakers.com/projectBrowserStandAlone.cfm?projectID=1058341&productId=5

5x7 Storybook: $35.95 each

Ideas:
For Dad:http://www.heritagemakers.com/projectBrowserStandAlone.cfm?projectID=913501&productId=3
All About You: http://www.heritagemakers.com/projectBrowserStandAlone.cfm?projectID=997214&productId=3
My Family Tree (Favorite Pick!): http://www.heritagemakers.com/projectBrowserStandAlone.cfm?projectID=695037&productId=3
7.5x10 Storybooks: $53.95 each

Use these for your 8.5x11 scrapbook scans!
Ideas:
For Dad: http://www.heritagemakers.com/projectBrowserStandAlone.cfm?projectID=943447&productId=7
Specialty Yearbook - Band: http://www.heritagemakers.com/projectBrowserStandAlone.cfm?projectID=996486&productId=7projectID=996486&productId=7
Action POW Super-hero book (Favorite Pick!): http://www.heritagemakers.com/projectBrowserStandAlone.cfm?projectID=667224&productId=7

8.5x11.5 Storybooks: $62.96 each

Ideas:
Beach Vacation Book:
http://www.heritagemakers.com/projectBrowserStandAlone.cfm?projectID=693792&productId=9
Life Heritage Book: http://www.heritagemakers.com/projectBrowserStandAlone.cfm?projectID=562033&productId=9
Elegant Wedding Book: http://www.heritagemakers.com/projectBrowserStandAlone.cfm?projectID=889473&productId=9


Tomorrow the next ideas.
ps. Tomorrow is also a REAL open house 1-4 and 7-9 pm at our new home in Qualicum Beach.
Email for directions.
BarbAshcroft@shaw.ca or wechangelives@shaw.ca

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

How To's


Create - Upload - Move - Share

Uploading photos with our system is so easy once you know how.

Here's a quick video tutorial about how to:
* create new folder
* create new album
* upload photos
* move photos
* move album
* share album

Click on this link:
http://screencast.com/t/7rKmplHSn

Barb Ashcroft
Your Personal Publishing Consultant
www.recallwhen.com
1-800-919-1998
BarbAshcroft@shaw.ca

Saturday, October 3, 2009

A Creative Outlet


Watch this 3 minute demo

Then go to our website and sign up for a FREE account.

Yes here is the perfect answer to what you've been worrying about doing with all those photos.

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

If a cute doggy can do it


Meet Oscar aka fuzzy butt, my good friend Lisa's doggy. As you can see Oscar is very creative and he knows that you don't have to be a rocket scientist to make beautiful bound books with our publishing system.
So you see EVERYONE wants one of our books.
Don't you feel the love!
Click here to see a lovely version created by another Lisa on our team to give to her honey on their 10th Anniversary.....
I'm off to Vegas to meet with another 600 Heritage Makers to learn the latest.
Book your workshop with me right away (can be a virtual workshop over the internet) and you will receive the FIRST specials for our Christmas Season.
Make it a GREAT day!
Barb
Your Personal Publishing Consultant
1-800-919-1998

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Virtual How-To Workshop Tonight


Would you like to create some cool items? Join us tonight for a Free Virtual Workshop.
Then contact me (Barb at www.RecallWhen.com and BarbAshcroft@shaw.ca ) for a FREE gift for joining us.
Here is the registration info and the link to register.
Heritage Makers Virtual Workshop Webcast
Webcast date: Tuesday August 18, 2009
Time: 6pm (Pacific) 7pm (Mountain) 8pm (Central) 9pm (Eastern)
Register for the online portion of this presentation by clicking on this link:
You will receive an email confirmation of your registrations with a personalized link for joining the webinar.
Click on this link Tuesday night and you will be connected to the online presentation.
You will automaticallybe connected to the audio using your computer's speakers (VoIP). Or you mayselect "Use Telephone" after joining the Webinar.
If you elect to use thetelephone please dial:
Conference Call: 213-286-1201
Access code: 680-797-026
Barb Ashcroft
Personal Publishing Consultant
We Bring your Stories to Life

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

We remember MOMENTS, not days


One of my tweeps posted the cutest story about the Tooth Fairy who was MIA.

These are the Moments that make up a lifetime. It's another reason why I love helping folks create their own Heritage bound books. This is my toothless grandson, so I can relate to the tooth fairy.

Check out the cute story posted on Caroline's blog.

It's worth a few minutes and will bring a smile.

Tweet from Family Stories:
Well [a-hem] the tooth fairy doesn't *always* come thru [at least not the 1st time] ;) http://twurl.nl/ujlmal

(in case my link above doesn't work).

Make it a great week,
Barb
Persoanl Publishing Consultant
www.RecallWhen.com

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Life Story - Family History Classes this week

Let me introduce you to my Dad. Father, Husband (now widower), brother and grandpa to many. Entrepreneur, contractor, retired Mayor, hockey coach to Gordie Howe and most of all the guy who always said, "What's the nicest thing that has happened to you today?"

Well of course that can't sum up a lifetime of 86 years...but it's a start.
This week why not join me and learn some techniques on how to preserve your family history, a life story?

They are online classes, done in the privacy of where ever your pc is; but 'you need to register' for the one that fits your time zone.

Just copy and paste the link below into your browser if the link does not work.

Let me know you've registered as I have a free gift to all those that do.


JULY ONLINE WORKSHOPS START TOMORROW!
July Theme: Life Story, Family History

Thursday, July 16
10 AM Pacific, 11 AM Mountain, 12 Noon Central, 1 PM Eastern
https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/939106305

or
Thursday, July 166 PM Pacific, 7 PM Mountain, 8 PM Central, 9 PM Eastern
https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/784009683

Join me this week and register as a guest of Barb Ashcroft of www.recallwhen.com or id # 173517...that way they know where to send you for your free gift.

ps. The picture is one I designed for my Dad with our HM system and made into a puzzle with the help of a great tweep on twitter. I'd love your feedback. Dad now lives in assisted living and you gotta know they love their puzzles.

Have a Great Week,
Barb Ashcroft
Your Personal Publishing Consultant
1-800-919-1998
barbashcroft@shaw.ca

Are you wondering what on earth you're going to do for Christmas Gifts this year.
Look no further. Right now for just two more weeks you can pre-order publishing credits to create bound books of your special memories and save with our "Christmas in July" incentive. Buy 3 of any of our products and get the 4th free. Contact me for details....time is a ticking!

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

On Demand Publishing up 132%


Despite this decline in traditional book publishing, there was another extraordinary year of growth in the reported number of “On Demand” and short-run books produced in 2008. Bowker projects that 285, 394 On Demand books were produced last year, a staggering 132% increase over last year’s final total of 123,276 titles. This is the second consecutive year of triple-digit growth in the On Demand segment, which in 2008 was 462% above levels seen as recently as 2006.

“Our statistics for 2008 benchmark an historic development in the U.S. book publishing industry as we crossed a point last year in which On Demand and short-run books exceeded the number of traditional books entering the marketplace,” said Kelly Gallagher, vice president of publisher services for New Providence, N.J.-based Bowker. “It remains to be seen how this trend will unfold in the coming years before we know if we just experienced a watershed year in the book publishing industry, fueled by the changing dynamics of the marketplace and the proliferation of sophisticated publishing technologies, or an anomaly that caused the major industry trade publishers to retrench.”

Full article is printed here.

Last week Good Morning America gave mention to Heritage Makers www.RecallWhen.com as a viable way to earn money from a 'stay at home' business.

Contact Barb today for a "Take a Look Package" and see if it is a fit for you.

Binding Families Together being a Personal Publishing Consultant

BarbAshcroft@shaw.ca

1-800-919-1998


Tuesday, June 9, 2009

Rags to Riches and onto Oprah


Yes, that's Oprah's own 5x5 Heritage Makers storybook and also her own voice message,
"Every Story deserves a book of its own, you know I believe in that!"

Tune into a live online webinar to hear and see the real life story of the co-founders of our wonderful storybooking venture.
From Rags to Riches:
Thursday, June 11-Talk about inspiration!
Our Tips for Success – Sharon and Candy
From Starting in a Garage to Multi-Million Dollar Company All in 10 years
Hear how the concept of "Storybooking" all began.... Co-founders, Sharon Murdoch & her daughter, Candace May (who wrote the first book) will be sharing the secrets of building a company from ground zero.
Title: From Rags to Riches: Our Tips for Success --with Sharon & Candy
Time: 10:00 am - 11:00 am pac, 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM MDT, 12 noon CMT, 1 pm EDT
Click here to register for the online webinar: (or copy and paste)
Invited by Barb Ashcroft id#173517
Barb Ashcroft
Your Personal Publishing Consultant
1-800-919-1998
Do you see a fit for you too? Contact me for an intro package. Do well by doing good.

Creative Online Workshops to Better Your Best

Fun taking the family to a Globe Trotter's Game
Yes, there are so many fun projects to do...I put this pix in designing my grandson's poster

Come learn this week: two Time/Date options for our free online workshop

Register for free online workshops with fun and inspiration for those projects.

Tuesday June 9th

9 AM Pacific, 10 AM Mountain, 11 AM Central, 12 Noon Eastern

June Online Workshop - Invite Everyone You Know!
This one is going to be our BEST EVER!
Theme: Family Reunion, Sports

When registering enter 'guest of Barb Ashcroft #173517'

REGISTER HERE: or https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/429253798
for Tuesday June 9th, 9 am Pacific Time class or

Register here: or https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/350302744
For Wednesday June 10th, 7pm Pacific Time

Have the BEST WEEK - learning fun new tools, new applications & techniques.

Barb Ashcroft
Personal Publishing Coach
www.recallwhen.com
1-800-919-1998

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

WOW Factor - Ways to Stand Out!

Personal Branding "Magic" - An Excellent Habit

The Power of Personal Notes and Cards - belonging to a Professional Referral Business group we are always learning proven methods to improve our skills.

This is a new photo of our BNI Richmond, BC Chapter where we learn the skills.

Very few people in business ever send hand-written notes and even fewer (and far between) do it on a regular basis.

The "Wow" Factor. We're constantly looking for extraordinary ways to WOW! the people around us -- to get their attention and appreciation -- at the same time discounting the most obvious and most effective tools.

A personal hand-written note is such a tool.

An Emotional Expression.

Isn't it nice when someone sends you a short note thanking you for your help on a project or for the wonderful dinner you shared?

Isn't it uplifting to receive a handwritten note from someone in your network recognizing one of your recent accomplishments?

Doesn't it make you feel good - even great? Sure it does.

Aren't you more likely to remember that nice salesperson who dropped you a note?

More likely to call him or her again?

And....Doesn't it feel good when YOU write a note and send it to someone? No doubt.

A Powerful Personal Success Weapon.

It literally takes only about three to five minutes to write a note, fold it, stick it in an envelope and mail it, but the power of it is awesome.

It is one of the ultimate success weapons.
People who send hand-written notes are thought of as gracious, well mannered -- and since so few people do it -- also a clear cut above the rest.

A Memorable Personal Branding Element.
You see, personal notes build relationships, the most important element in any business.
They demonstrate your commitment to your employees and your business contacts and to the service you provide.
Hand-written notes can be a memorable personal branding element.

Personal notes can be used to:
Show appreciation to someone who did something nice for you
Let someone know that you appreciate the special-effort service they gave to you
Recognize a great job on a work project or important task

Let someone know you observed them doing something nice for someone else
Recognize achievement -- personal achievement, the achievements of someone's children, etc.
Recognize a job promotion or a new job

Welcome someone new to the team
Share kind words during a time of family or personal illness or hardship
The power of personal notes is unquestionable.

Establishing the Habit
The KEY to making handwritten notes a PERSONAL HABIT is to deploy a system or process that MAKES IT EASY and CONVENIENT for you to write "custom" notes and cards that you send to your contact network.

A Couple of Ideas to Systematize the Note-Writing Process:
Keep a stack of "Specific" Thank You Note Cards on your desk, ready and available when you need them. A great idea, but also get some that are designed for specific situations, e.g., "Congratulations", "Great Job", "Thank You for the Business", etc.

This is something that our web based publishing system is well aware of. So they've prepared some wonderful templates that you can use with your own account. So besides the regular variety of Birthday, Baby, Wedding, Valentines, Christmas etc check out these other templates.

All will allow you to even personalize the cards with your own photos built right into the design. What an excellent way to stand out - why not put THEIR personal photo onto the card. It is doable.

You can also choose a font that resembles your own handwriting (or your fav), enter text boxes of your own words and have them mailed directly through your Heritage account Address Book. They print them, stuff them, address them and attach your return address all for a fee of $1 in Cda and .60 cents per envelope in USA.

Here are some previews and once loaded you can move your mouse over the card, and rotate, open and zoom to see. all sides and angles.

Here is a Thank You Card: http://tinyurl.com/ojpa33
or long link
http://www.heritagemakers.com/?event=projectBrowse&projectId=76b04217-6342-42af-a317-54535758c9ad&productId=15&projectSponsor=173517

or http://tinyurl.com/o2t5db
or long link
http://www.heritagemakers.com/?event=projectBrowse&projectId=ef4c95e6-1ec9-fcc3-1b56-da3cc55c7d22&productId=15&projectSponsor=173517

Here is a Friend Card http://tinyurl.com/p7p8pq
or long link
http://www.heritagemakers.com/?event=projectBrowse&projectId=dd3af83c-3048-6168-a850-e16260c60c9c&productId=15&projectSponsor=173517

Here is a Congratulations Card: http://tinyurl.com/qwa466
or long link
http://www.heritagemakers.com/?event=projectBrowse&projectId=1a0e57ec-1e82-464f-8ac2-1e069eff86f4&productId=15&projectSponsor=173517

Deploy the System
1) So take advantage by creating an account at www.recallwhen.com; contact me for the best pricing of the cards $2.95 us to $1.87 us depending on volume and purchase your best package.

2) Add contacts to your Heritage Maker Address Book under www.recallwhen.com My Account tab

3) Choose your favourite templates from the Template Gallery and customize them your way if you want to add more features (photos, art or text)

4) Either order cards in bulk to be shipped to you directly or order one at a time using the 'Direct Mail' service.

Now as your business contacts grow you can make a habit to add them routinely into your HM Address Book so when an occasion occurs you can simply spend 3-5 minutes and send out that personal card to them. WIN ! WOW !

There you have it! A user friendly way to put the WOW FACTOR into your outreach to friends, family and future business contacts.

Barb Ashcroft
Personal Publishing Consultant
www.recallwhen.com
BarbAshcroft@shaw.ca

We bring your stories to LIFE!

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Special Creations - One Step Further & Tons of Fun


Many of my newest friends are talented in the area of genealogy. It is such fun to play detective and discover new family members & new stories.
The proof picture shown above is an outline of the Title page of our Ashcroft Family coffee table book (red lines are just for aligning & will be cut off). I was able to google a map of England and save that as a jpeg image and then place a transparent tinted circle over the area the family came from. I was also able to highlight the names on the family list that pertained to our LIMB of the Ashcroft Family Tree.
Whether you have just started or are well on your way, I encourage you to create a coffee table book to share the discoveries. Imagine a compilation of all the family photo albums (& more) put together in one place. The photos can all be tagged with names and with stories.
Once you have done that I want to encourage you to go one step further. Summer is approaching and we are planning our first long weekend at the lake.
It is the time when families come together and PLAY.
How about taking those photos and stories and history tidbits and create 3 more things that end up being a Family History Game.
1) Our website has a template gallery to show you how you can turn a poster into a Family Game Board.
2) Our personalized decks of playing cards becomes the Family Fun Facts - variety in the Template Gallery. The sky is the limit on creating it your way.
3) Our Family Fold becomes the Rules for the Family Game.
Right now I am creating a Family Game Board based on my 86 year old Dad's life. It begins with a photo of him as a tiny child, and progresses along his 'happy trails' right up to today.
Email me for a preview and I'll show you how I'm doing that.
The deck of cards are alternating photos of the family shots that correspond to photos on the game board. Our HM team has created endless ideas for your own Family Board Games - so have fun this summer, create some fun and get those kids involved in a fun way to celebrate family and our heritage.
Best yet, the work has already been started with the creation of templates. All you have to do is personalize it with your own photos and words.
Your basic account on our website is free. So go ahead and get started today.
Barb Ashcroft
Personal Publishing Coach
1-800-919-1998
Bringing Your Stories to Life!

Saturday, May 2, 2009

OMG An easy way to be paid for our FUN hobby

When I knew I had to be a Heritage Maker I jumped in with the Business Kit and invested $299.95 usd. It has been one of the best investments I have ever made. At the very least being compensated with the best pricing for my very own projects. Of course it has gone way beyond that and given me the opportunity to share in the precious life experiences of those who come across my path.

Just Announced!
May 1st, 2009 HM corporate announcement.
Business Kits are available on a short term basis for $199.95 AND include a publishing credit for a coffee table book 8.5 x 11.5 size (value $69.95).

So for a mere $130 net investment, women & men who have a passion to preserve special memories can receive a website, a business kit and the opportunity to BE PAID to create their own memories plus share the privilege to others.

It just doesn't get any better than this. When Oprah added us to her 'Top Ten All Time Favourite Gifts List' I thought we had reached the pinnacle, but this makes it available to everyone for the price of a good pair of shoes.

Is this you? Are you into design? Photography? Digital Scrapbooking? Self Publishing? Card making & sending?

Here's your chance to do just that and create an income stream at the same time.

Make a Living while you make a Difference!

Contact me right away for an overview packet.

Digital Design Diva,
Barb Ashcroft
www.recallwhen.com
BarbAshcroft@shaw.ca

Pleae help me get the word out. 29 days and counting. With all the folks financially hurting out there, this could be a huge opportunity for many.

Thursday, April 23, 2009

Photography How To's worth Bookmarking



Going in the right direction! Yes!



It's like being pushed by a team of dolphins!




I felt like Wonder Woman when the two dolphins pushed me across the lagoon ....





They had awesome POWER!



They knew where they were going.




It's like having a great teacher - right?


One of my passions has been to be able to take great photo images.


But in the busyness of life, having manuals that are 200+ pages long, it just doesn't get to the top of my to-do list.



So today I'm going to DIRECT YOU to a Great Teacher.



I have come across Darren Rowse's blogs on digital photography and I enjoy how he simplifies it for us.



So click on these links and save them on your favourites. You are going to want to come back time and time again to make photography all it can be for you.





Happy Memory Making,

Barb Ashcroft


Personal Publishing Consultant



We Bring Your Stories to Life



April Special: Pick of the Month Save 25% on our flagship 8x8 bound books

contact me directly to save.

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

History Nugget Challenge

Please read my previous post called
It's the playoffs - so this is about hockey
as my history nugget to meet the challenge posted by
http://www.markeroni.com/blog/hn-20090420

I got so excited telling the story I forgot to include the link.
Thanks for the opportunity to retell a special story.

Barb Ashcroft
www.Recallwhen.com

It's the Playoffs - so this is about hockey



Yes, that is my dad, Bob Frost sitting on the lower left end of the first row.

1936........age 13.......champs!

The Magic of this photo is that I found this photo as a damaged crumple in one of my dad's dresser drawers.........and ASKED him about it.

I'm so glad I did...because he told me the story.

5 of these boys went on into the NHL. That's right. I'll write it again. 1/3 of this team went on to an NHL career. I think that is worth writing about. In fact it gets even better. My dad went east to pursue his hockey career. However my mom followed him with a wedding cake in her trunk. How's that for 'go get em' attitude!

Vic Price, a scout for the Toronto Maple Leafs got Dad to sign a deal that he would play for them. Being conscientious, providing for a family won out though...and he shared his love of hockey another way.

Upon returning to Saskatoon he was one of Gordie Howe's Pee Wee coaches. Dad remembers Gordie as a shy, quiet kid from a very poor family. Looking back, wasn't everyone? Poor times back then. Dad with some of his friends got 25 cents together and bought Gordie a pair of skates from McCoys 2nd hand store. Even with 100's of kids trying to get on teams, Dad said Gordie stood out. He played goalie at that time.

Taken from "The Frost Family 1886 to 2006 - Preserving Memories by Barb (Frost) Ashcroft.

Now if I hadn't asked for the story behind the photo who would know this today. I think it is something my 8 year old grandson will want to know some day.

What's holding you back...write a story. Start with a paragraph or a recorder.

ps. Go Canucks gooooooooooo!

Barb Ashcroft

Personal Publishing Consultant

www.RecallWhen.com

Monday, April 13, 2009

Here's the links that work for Pro Photographer Tips

It seems my preview that had everything working and linking on my last post was telling fibs.

Here are the correct blog links: Copy and Paste if necessary. I'm not even trusting tinyurl

Lighting
http://digital-photography-school.com/diy-flash-and-lighting-hacks-for-digital-photographers

50 "Must Have" Wedding Photography Shots
http://digital-photography-school.com/50-must-have-wedding-photography-shots

Photo Collage for your photoblog or website
http://digital-photography-school.com/how-to-make-a-photo-collage-banner-for-your-photoblog-or-website

and a side note: MS Office Tips and Tricks
http://www.projectwoman.com/blogger.html

Barb
Personal Publishing Consultant
www.RecallWhen.com

Sunday, April 12, 2009

Pro Photographers share their tips



I love it when we have a chance to learn from the pro's and they share with step by step, point by point illustrations.


I'm visual, so I'm a big fan of screen shots.


Today I feel I've hit the motherload.


Great instruction!


Great creativity!





Here are several blogs that will direct you with digital photography, photoshop and even working with your Microsoft Office.


Several Christmases ago I interviewed an award winning photographer and wrote a blog on helping folks take GREAT Photos with their new Christmas camera gifts.
It went over so well I reposted it several times.

I'd love to know which one of these postings you like the most.
Please leave your comments below.
So here is a listing of the 'good stuff' with links to various blogs.


#1 Fantastic creative ideas for Lighting with Darren Rowse


#2 50 "Must Have" Wedding Photography Shots by Bill D'Agostino


#3 How to make a photocollage banner for your photoblog or website - Helen Bradley


and an add-on another subject that interests me and hopefully you.
#4 MS Office Tips and Tricks with screen shots as well.
I love the generosity of these bloggers to share tips and tricks for those of us who want to learn.
I encourage you to retweet this message so more people can learn from them as well.
Just click on the retweet button on the left.
Till next time,
HappyLearning!
Barb Ashcroft
Inspired Storybooker
We Bring your Stories to Life
1-800-919-1998


Thursday, April 9, 2009

5 Top Versions publishing a coffee table book

Going for a survey today

Here are 5 top versions of an 8.5x11.5 bound coffee table book.

Vote by leaving your comment and tell me which one is your favorite and you'll be entered in a draw for a 5x5 bound storybook for you to create.

1) The Classic;
clean lines, professional, great for business or portfolios

2) More than a photo book, this one is a Traditional Sign In Wedding Book

3) Another version of a Scrapbooky Sign In Wedding Book, this one with more digital components

4) Family Heritage Book (this is my hubby's family history book I completed last February, we never even knew his grandfather's first name before we did this)

5) Whimsical Family History Book for you to personalize

Of course this is simply a small selection, but I wanted to show the diversity of creating your own unique projects.

For more ideas, go to www.recallwhen.com and check out the Template Gallery

Barb Ashcroft
Personal Publishing Consultant
604-271-5434

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

20 Questions to ask when writing a Grandparent's Story


20 Excellent Questions to Ask


Questions = Page #


The Page # relatess to each question and tells you the exact page where you would put the answers when you create your
Grandparent Cornerstone Legacy Book


Example: Grandpa & Grandma _________: A Legacy That Lives On

Pg. 1: Their Legacy Lives On
What inspired you to write this book? What do you want your children to remember about your parents? (this is written from the perspective of you writing about your parents for your kids).


Pg. 2: Grandfather Benjamin
Give a brief biographical sketch of your father’s childhood. Where and when was he born, who were his parents, what were some of his childhood interests and experiences?


Pg. 3: Grandmother Esther
Give a brief biographical sketch of her childhood. Where and when was she born, who were her parents, what were some of her childhood interests and experiences?


Pg 4: When Grandma Met Grandpa
Write about how, when and where your parents met. What kinds of things did they like to do together? What did they admire about each other?


Pg. 5: Building a New Life Together
Write about why your parents decided to marry each other. How did your father propose? Where did they get married? Where was their first house? Describe their early life together.


Pg. 6: Working for a Living
What kind of work did your father do? Why did he choose that profession? What kind of professional advice would your father leave for your children? What kind of work ethic and legacy did he leave for them?


Pg. 7: A Woman’s Work is Never Done
Write about your mother’s work and responsibilities. Was she working when she met your father? In school? How did her responsibilities change as children came? What did she do to make your house a home?


Pgs. 8-9: A Growing Family
Write down the names and birthdates of your siblings as well as yourself. Include details about them such as their interests and talents, nicknames, or things they were known for. How did the children get along and care for each other? What experiences did you have that bonded you all together as a family.


Pgs. 10-11: The Places We Called Home
Write about the homes you grew up in. Write about your neighbors, your community, and your surroundings. How did that shape you as you grew up? Where were your favorite places to go? Who were your family’s friends?


Pgs. 12-13: Exploring the World Around Us
Describe family vacations or trips that you took together. When was the first time your parents took you beyond the boundaries of your regular home life and community?


Pgs. 14: Grandpa’s Favorites
What were some of your father’s favorite things: songs, food, recreational activities, books, quotes, music, hobbies, etc.


Pg. 15: Grandma’s Favorites
What were some of your mother’s favorite things: songs, food, recreational activities, books, quotes, music, hobbies, etc.


Pg. 16: Grandma’s Words of Wisdom
What kind of advice would your mother have left to her children? Make a list of some of your mother’s positive character traits. What kind of example did she leave as a legacy for your children?


Pg. 17: Grandpa’s Words of Wisdom
What kind of counsel would your father leave for his grandkids? What kinds of attitude and ethics would he like to see in his posterity? What kind of example did he set for his posterity?


Pgs. 18-19: Spiritual Reflections
Some people adhere to a specific organized religion. Some people have a more individualistic set of values they adhere to, but you can always tell a person’s true beliefs by the way they live. Write about your parents’ religious beliefs and personal philosophy of life.


Pgs. 20-21: Their Legacy Lives On
Write your own thoughts about your parents. Include thoughts of siblings, relatives, neighbors, etc.


This page is excerpts from our Story Maps

Once you create your free account you have access to Story Maps or cue sheets on the Studio Page. These include how to write a Life Story, a Love Story, a Baby Story and many more.


Follow these cues and you will have your Grandparent Cornerstone almost ready to publish. Just need to add the photos.
In fact contact me and I can provide you with a template that you only need to fill in your photos and your words. Totally customizable with your personal touches.
It never got easier to preserve the memories of those precious to you.


Create your free account today!


Barb Ashcroft

your Personal Publishing Consultant


1-800-919-1998 (North American toll free)



Monday, April 6, 2009

somedays even proofs don't show you the way it is

ahhh phooey....so much for alignment of photos to words...seems like twitter isn't the only one taking a break.

Don't like to Journal?


We've got you covered. We have the wonderful Quote Library in our Studio 2.0 online storybooking design center.
It even comes with a FREE Membership.

Just drag and drop the quote of choice (even comes with a search function) to your page and voila you're set. You select the font, size and color to fit your design.


Quote Garden is another great source.

Here are a few favorite Graduation Quotes to be thinking for 2009 Grad projects.


When you leave here, don’t forget why you came. ~Adlai Stevenson, to college graduates
Graduation day is tough for adults.


They go to the ceremony as parents. They come home as contemporaries. After twenty-two years of child-raising, they are unemployed. ~Erma Bombeck


You are educated. Your certification is in your degree. You may think of it as the ticket to the good life. Let me ask you to think of an alternative. Think of it as your ticket to change the world. ~Tom Brokaw


The roots of education are bitter, but the fruit is sweet. ~Aristotle


It takes most men five years to recover from a college education, and to learn that poetry is as vital to thinking as knowledge. ~Brooks Atkinson, Once Around the Sun, 1951


A man who has never gone to school may steal from a freight car; but if he has a university education, he may steal the whole railroad. ~Theodore Roosevelt


An investment in knowledge always pays the best interest. ~Benjamin Franklin


Commencement speeches were invented largely in the belief that outgoing college students should never be released into the world until they have been properly sedated. ~Garry Trudeau

People will frighten you about a graduation…. They use words you don’t hear often: “And we wish you Godspeed.” It is a warning, Godspeed. It means you are no longer welcome here at these prices. ~Bill Cosby


The future lies before you

Like a field of driven snow,

Be careful how you tread it,

For every step will show.~Author Unknown


Hitch your wagon to a star. ~Ralph Waldo Emerson
Just had to slip in a photo of my kids .....ah sweet memories.
Barb, Digital Publishing Consultant
We Bring your Stories to Life!

Wow it helps to have a mentor



You are going to see a bunch of new changes to my blog.

Today I am starting a 31 day challenge to make my blog 'that much more".
This is a service by Probloogger

Check it out!

I've added many new functions already on the sidebar. Functions that I didn't even know were available to me. I'm looking forward to putting a video on there for you.

I appreciate your comments. Let me know what you think of improved functionality and eye appeal. The next 30 days will be tweaking my message, and becoming much more clear about what I can offer you. Let us know what would help you the most with content.

Until tomorrow....
Happy Storybooking,
Barb
Personal Publishing Consultant
1-800-919-1998

Saturday, April 4, 2009

Rocking the Boat


I just received the photo of the boat that goes with my last posting.

I wanted to make sure it was included.
Thank you to Pastor Al from the Tapestry Church
For podcast go to
TheTapestry.ca


Have a Wonderful Easter!


Barb Ashcroft


Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Getting out of the boat


Commit to something and you will be tested.


Sunday when I entered church I had the feeling I was going to be tested to see if I really believed what I commited to at a Women's conference 2 days earlier.


Friday at Dare to Thrive we were encouraged to LIVE BOLDLY! What does that look like?


Well Sunday I walked into church and there at the front of the church is a boat, a fishing boat sitting up there where the music worship team would normally stand. Hmmm...why am I a little uneasy. I like change - right....

Soon I found out there were stations throughout the santuary for Prayer Sunday. The boat was a place to step into and pray for 'our calling' and then trusting that God would help us basically or visually 'walk on the water' or walk with us on our journey.


I'm thinking I'm gonna have to walk up there and get into that boat in front of everyone else. Yikes..live boldly. How come my knees are a bit shakey.


Well there were 6-8 stations all different so people were encouraged to either sit and pray in your seat or go to the various prayer stations and read the scripture and then follow where you are led.

Eventually I got to the front and read the scripture and knew I had to get in that boat. Now there is no water there, but never the less; getting in rocked the boat and you had to hold on.

You weren't in the boat alone, others got in and prayed and got out. Whether it was you or others getting out, the boat rocked again and you had to consistently balance yourself.


How like LIFE! We can't walk this walk alone. We have others in our boat (life) and when others come and go, it is unsettling, we have to rebalance over and over again.

We need others to help us on our journey and we sure need assistance along the way (faith).


I had hoped to post an acutal photo of the boat but that hasn't happened yet and I feel I need to write this, even if it is only to encourage myself to Live Boldly.


There are my deepest blog thoughts to date.

Thanks for being a boat mate with me!



Thursday, March 19, 2009

The Magic of Heritage


Yes, we've made it into another great publication.


It is so exciting to see that Heritage Makers is being recognized not just by individuals (which is wonderful) but also by corporate sites that shape our industry.


This is an incredible honor that all heritage makers should be proud to be a part of.
Here is a link to view the entire article
Direct Selling News is the publication that direct selling executives turn to for information and resources to improve their companies. Each issue of Direct Selling News offers content on topics that shape the dynamics of our industry.
It truly is a great time to be a Heritage Maker.
Contact me to learn about my "March Madness".....we are offering special perks for those who join our growing team in March.
Barb Ashcroft
604-271-5434

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

Putting your Baby on Facebook


I just returned from the 1st ever Canadian Regional Conference for Heritage Maker consultants and saw the absolute cutest book ever!


It was written by a grandma about her adorable granddaughter (of course, just like my adorable grandson above).

With everyone always talking about Facebook it just made sense to include a 3 year old.


Grandma Carol created a 5x5 Heritage Makers brag book with full page shots of cutie in all sorts of locations..........here's the magic though.....


A very tiny photo circle of her granddaughter's face is hidden on each page....thus


Her own FACE BOOK!


She greets everyone at the door with "can you find my face?"

Undoubtedly that little 3 year old is feeling pretty special.


That is what we are all about....we help folks feel special.


Who do you know that deserves the TLC?
Contact me for a $5.00 discount on the 5x5 storybook to create your own.

Barb Ashcroft

Personal Publishing Consultant

604-271-5434

Monday, February 23, 2009

Removing those Photos easily - new cookbook offer

Many folks are wanting to do some new things with their own photos.
However many are 'stuck' in those magnetic sticky photo albums.

Here is a great way to remove them safely.
Call us once you have them collected so we can scan them for you and get them in a digital format on a flash/thumb drive.

Photo Removal Tip:
I need to remove years of photos from old 'magnetic' style photo
albums, those terrible type where the photos stick to the page. I
googled it and found a product called Scrapper's Solution by a
company called Un-Du ...here's some comments.

It works great! According to the package, you can safely remove and
reuse stickers, tape, photo squares and more. How about those
registration stickers on your car windshield or bumper stickers?

I haven't tried it on stickers but I did use it on my photos.
Scrappers Solution is a clear liquid and comes with a plastic tool
that you use to slide under the object you want to remove. You put a
few drops of the solution on the tool, slide it under one corner of
the photo and glide it along until the photo comes free.

It was so easy! And it left no residue or smell on the photos. I used it on an
entire album of my baby pictures and had them all out in about ½
hour. The pictures have been in that album for more than 35 years so
it's pretty amazing that they came out at all!

You can find Scrappers Solution at many of the local arts and crafts
stores as well as many sites online. It may also be called Un-Do
Adhesive Remover and sells for under $10. I recommend having a bottle
in your stash of tools.

Be the First to create our newest book!

I have such wonderful news to share with you this morning!

We'd heard the rumor that Heritage Makers was adding something new on March 3 - last night we got confirmation, and an amazing pre-release offer I'm able to share with YOU!

Heritage Makers is adding an incredible Heritage Makers Cookbook to our product line, at a pre-release price of only $14.99 US each!

Think of it - use your photos, your family recipes and your stories plus HM artwork and great quality to produce the most amazing cookbooks ever! Make one for you, for your family, a team cookbook, etc.

Check out this link - I think you'll be impressed!

http://support.heritagemakers.com/comm/promo/2009/cookbook/CookbookPresale09Flyer.pdf


A few particulars:
approx 7x10
softcover
21 pages (expandable to 50)
spiral bound, lies completely flat
the cover completely wraps around the book, and is waterproofed - so if you spill on it you can wipe it off!
you can see another example if you go to your account and look at the Contest

This is great - but don't think of it only as a cookbook! How about creating a day-planner? an address book? a child's diary? a wine journal? a book journal? a school journal? a guest register? Just use it as a lower-priced HM book? Those are just my first thoughts - if you have other suggestions I'd love to hear them!

This product isn't on the website yet, or for sale until March 3, 2009 - but from Feb 23-26 only HM is offering a pre-release price of only $59.95 for a 4-pack - $14.99 per book.

At this price you could create something for every friend and family member - these would make PERFECT Christmas gifts, a great price for a really useful gift, and by purchasing now you'd have lots of time to be creative!

Please contact me to take advantage of this fabulous offer. I love this - and I think you'll love it too!
Barb Ashcroft

604-271-5434 or BarbAshcroft@shaw.ca

www.RecallWhen.com

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Featured in another blog


Such fun seeing how other professionals perceive your work and passion.

Check out this link from Clarity Jane Organizer




New this month of February: Heritage Home

We have a wonderful package of 5 projects available for the great price of $99.95 usd.

It is a great way to showcase your heritage not only in books, but in decks of playing cards, and wall art. Some Creative folks are even using modge podge to place our new single scrapbook pages onto ceramic tiles for display. There is no end to being creative!

Contact me directly for a flier of our specials............

Tell your Calgary friends and family: February 27th Friday evening Heritage Makers Showcase. First ever Canadian Regional Conference. NW Calgary.

You can be my guest to the showcase Friday eve for free, but I do need to register you.

I will be sharing at the subsequent training on Saturday Feb 28th.

Call me at 604-271-5434 or 1-800-919-1998

Barb Ashcroft, Personal Publishing Consultant

Sunday, February 1, 2009

Your Favourite Travels

Here is the most wonderful storybook for February 2009.
I'm hoping to insert the details here.

A Road Much Traveled is a 12x12 bound storybook template (easy Book) that allows you the opportunity to upload your own travel photos and text and get that wonderful trip.

If you can't view the first link try this one

This is part of our February Heritage Home Package.....5 projects for $99.95 usd.

Contact us today to get started.
Barb Ashcroft
Digital Coach

**The month of February we are focusing on Life Story Classes. Some will be available in Small Groups, my home and other homes as well as a Showcase at Origins Independent Living Residence in Nanaimo this Wednesday at 3 pm. February 4th**












Monday, January 26, 2009

found out: spell check doesn't work in title boxes

A Truly Amazing Presenet!

January 2009 letter received

I wanted to sing the praises of Barb and RecallWhen.com.
When Christmas was approaching last year, we were faced with a recurring problem - how to find a memorable gift for my father-in-law. He is like a lot of successful people who has everything he needs and most of the things he wants.

Brad met with Barb and learned about the "Photo deck of playing cards" and we knew it was a great idea right away.

We collected photos from family trips that had been taken over the past 30 years and turned them into a truly amazing present.

The gift was a huge hit - bringing with it a flood of memories and emotion that will be cherished forever.

Thanks Barb for your one-on-one technical help and your kind and courteous business manner.

Sincerely,
Leslie and Brad Pashby
Sun Life Financial
bradley.pashby@sunlife.com

Thank you Leslie and Brad, I'm so glad it was a magical moment.

You're creating memories everyday but are you preserving them.
www.RecallWhen.com

Thursday, January 15, 2009

Christmas Gift Responses


Lots of fun creating and MORE fun GIVING and watching the response.
Here is a great report from one of our happy clients who created our novel personalized decks of playing cards for her gifts.

I first met Barb at a Trade Fair in Langley and I was so taken with her photo books and her sheer enthusiasm for what she had created. I was captured. I came home and shared about the photo books that night. At Christmas this year, I created three different sets of playing cards. One was all different photos of my four neices. On the front of each card was a group shot, they were all dressed up in pink outfits for a wedding. I called their set of cards “Cousins”. I gave a set to each of the four girls.

Another set was photos of my friend’s son, as he loves to play poker. I called his set “Mackenzie Favorite Deck of Cards”. He loved it as there was a ‘cool’ photo of him on the front of his deck.. He laughed when he saw how I had gathered photos of him as a teenager, graduating from high school, with his Mum, Dad and sister and others with him holding our friend’s babies.

The third set was a mixture of words and photos. A theme created from my friend’s book “Awakening to the Beauty of Life Within”. These became great Christmas Presents for friends.

The playing cards were stunning, great quality and entertaining for everyone. I have had amazing responses from people about the outstanding quality of the cards. They were definitely fun projects to do on-line, to have printed and finally to give as gifts. I will definitely be making more of these.

Chris Willis

Surrey, BC

It is always great to see the smiles and hear the 'thank you's' when you make a one-of-a-kind perosnal gift.

Here's our January - March focus.

We're teaching Life Story Classes. Here is an invite for our next Meet and Greet.

Be sure to pre-register with West Richmond Community Center as they are preparing food and beverages. $3.00 per person 55+ for this event.

Never too late to think about Valentine's Day.....how about an "I love you because " book.

For more information call me at 604-271-5434




Friday, January 2, 2009

Happy Storybooking 2009

Thank you Oprah!

December was a mile stone for us here as Heritage Makers!

We received tons of FREE press coverage and it was all good. First with Oprah in her December O magazine as one of her 10 All Time Favorite Gifts; then on Oprah's favorite things' show; then featured 1st off in the Good Morning America Chic and Cheap list; then in Better Homes and Gardens Digital Scrapbooking 2 at the top of the list for digital sourcing.

Wheeewwwww! It was amazing, terrific and lots of new people found out about us.

2009 and where do we go from here?
1) Heritage Makers (www.RecallWhen.com) is offering the best ever package for new consultants joining us this month.

2) The Best Ever savings for those joining the Premier Club....a new exclusive club for those taking advantage of 12 months of Premier for $8.33/mo. Normally Premier upgrade is $24.95 usd for the 1st month and $19.95 usd for continuing months. As of TODAY it is $99.95 usd for one entire year of premier upgrade membership. That includes unlimited photo storage and access to over 700 template designs.

Contact us today to join our Consultant or Premier clubs!

Coming Soon: Life Story classes either virtual or in person
Love themed 'Digi Crops' for those wanting to make some precious valentine gifts.
Discounted scanning for all workshop hosts; hosts receive double the rewards in January.

Contact me at BarbAshcroft@shaw.ca or 604-271-5434 for schedules