February Photo-a-day Challenge!
Happy Monday! How was everyone’s weekend!?
I had the most amazing time at Alt Summit and shared some of my adventures through Facebook, twitter and Instagram (via ‘houseofsmiths’)…
but have LOTS more to tell all of you about the amazing speakers I heard and classes I attended! So much learned and so many great people met!… but that’s for another post.
Today I just wanted to drop in quickly to see how everyone is doing with their January photoaday challenge!? As you can see from my photos above, I’ve been trying to stay pretty loyal to the challenge and it’s definitely paying off. I already LOVE looking back at photos from the beginning of the month, and I’m so happy to report that I’m not stopping with January… Thanks to Fat Mum Slim I will be headed into February with a brand new creative list of topics to photograph, and I want you to come with me!!!
Even if you didn’t participate in the January photoaday, think about starting in February! It is so personally rewarding to be able to thumb through memories from everyday events that happen in life! It really helps you appreciate the little things.
So what do ya say… are you in!?
I’m also excited this week to share some more fun posts! As I mentioned before I’ll have my Alt Summit round-up to chat about, as well as a post that has been a LONG time in the works. One of those “secrets” that I mentioned before, remember? ๐ Really, we’ve been working overtime on a few projects that ended up turning into bigger tasks then we ever thought they would.
Here’s a little sneak peek!
Lots of tools, dust and trial & error…
Welcome to almost EVERY home improvement project here at The House of Smiths. ha!
Oh! And can we get a conversation started about this whole Picnik fiasco!?!? Have you heard? They are shutting down! Please don’t judge me, but I actually got a lump in my throat when I heard the news!
It’s really changed the whole way I edit and blog my photos. I’m so sad! I’ve read all the information and from what I understand, it sounds like to ME, that they are just moving their system over to Google+ (and maybe just renaming it?), so HOPEFULLY everything will stay remotely the same and we can still use their awesome, easy to navigate editing program (fingers DOUBLE crossed).
Does anyone else know more on this subject then I do? Please discuss…
Alrighty friends, I hope you have a great day and get everything accomplished that you’ve set out to do. Here’s to an AWESOME week!
Unknown says
So sick about Picnik!!! I totally joined on your recommendation. They did refund my money which is crazy and nice of them but it was worth every penny!!!
For THE LOVE!!!!
and
DANG IT!!!
Erica says
Aww! Your so inspiring! I think I will join in the February challenge! Also, picnik has almost brought me to tears! I hope what you are saying about Google + is right, although I am not a huge fan of Google +!
{annie_loo} @ The Farrar Four says
I was SO sad about Picnik too. I couldn't even begin to figure out PhotoShop! Hopefully Google gives us something else as wonderful tow rok with.
As for the photo a day…I LOVE THIS IDEA! I have ALMOST completed January (with an exception of 4 days) but I'm determined! It's so fun! Thanks for the inspriation!
East Coast Creative says
I too was beyond upset about Picnik!! I did some reading and it does seem like we should be able to do it all over on Google +, but I hate change! I just want my little picnik baskets and fun little website forever! However, I will add that the "Ants are taking over" theme was just about the cutest way I've seen a company close its doors! ๐
-Monica (and Jess)
tracyrahn says
So gutted about picnik as well!!!! ๐ tried to dig up as much info as I could last night, and didn't come up with anything concrete. As of now, google+'s creative kit offers about 10% of the picnik editing options as the full picnik site….yeah, 10% (how horrified was I to see no dramatic sepia!!!!) we can only hope that once April comes around and the picnik site is closed, that they will in fact integrate ALL of the picnik features into creative kit. *sigh* I too got choked up when I read the news!! AHHH!!! Do they realize how many people are feeling totally screwed by this! We shall wait and see….
claudia b says
ooooooooooh I am in!!! love this idea!
Yeah, I think the same about picnik, I hope that's what happens, anyway!!!
Unknown says
I'm in on the photo challenge! Can't wait!
Also, I just found out from you about Picnik! Oh my gosh. Absolutely devastating! I wish I knew more too!
Anonymous says
I gasped OUT LOUD when I got the email from PicNik! I'm so MAD at them. I wish they'd explain it more………
Jessica says
Such a great idea – I'm in! I recently implemented a "Photo of the Day" feature on my blog January 10th that I have been trying to do daily. These topics will serve as my inspiration for February. Thanks for the suggestion! Love your blog ๐
Oh and I am SO bummed about Picnik. I first heard about the website from you and have been relying on it ever since for my blog photos. I'll have to check out Google+ as an alternate.
Unknown says
I'm so sad about this Picnik news! I don't understand what they are doing w/Google + so what you said hopefully is true. But, man am I bummed about it!
Twigs and Twirls says
Oh Shelly I know how you feel about the Picnik things. I almost died. I am finally learning and navigating my way in editing my photos and was going to sign up for premium service. I am hoping like you that Google+ will be the same. Overall I guess we'll all survive it because that is what we do. Carry On !!!!
Malissa says
I felt the same way when I saw the Picnik announcement! ๐ I just got photoshop which I'm sure I'll use, but I love the simplicity of Picnik and all the photo features (I use "boost" all the time!) I thought it was nice that they're giving all their premium customers a full refund… but I'd rather they just stick around! I'm interested to see what the new program is like.
Ninah says
Thanks for sharing! I can not wait to do the Feb. Photo Challenge…sounds like fun!
Ruby Jean says
Oh it looks like you had LOTS of fun!!! I was thinking about you the other day… I was out shopping and found the MOST Adorable RED Blouse and of course I thought… "OH"!!! Now I just need to find that PERFECT shade of RED lipstick to go with it… EEEEKKKSSS!!!! ๐ Oh I NOT only had a LUMP in my Throat but I think I just about CRIED when I heard about PICKNIK… I have only recently begun using their site and LOVE it… Only to find out they are moving… I think they should of stayed and kept it separate… But that's me… I LOVED the whole cute Ants and Picnic basket thing… LOL!!! Have a great week!!
aspen summit says
looks like you had a great time =) i'm totally upset over picnik too! they even have petitions making the rounds on facebook to stop the move… from what i have read it will be the same just within the creative kit on google+.. i already tried to navigate and it just doesn't seem as easy =( lamesauce!
Ann Porteous says
I will join you in the February photo challenge!! yeah!
deewags says
It sounds like they might be trying to get away from flash ๐ It sounds like the might be incorporating some if it into google+ or maybe even Picasa, but probably not all of it. Aviary.com is an alternative to look at.
In other news – are you going to tell us who you had for Secret Santa and what you sent? Lucky you getting gifts from Sherry @ younghouselove!
Mercedes Conde says
I might try and do the February photo challenge!! I have a photo blog and last year I tried to do 365 pictures, one shot a day… but I couldn't make it…I didn't have enough time to work on the pictures, the house, my job….
This year I decided to take it easy and so far I have been posting pictures pretty much every day! Maybe the February challenge will help me with new ideas!!
Mercedes @ ravenography.blogspot.com/
Unknown says
I know I was shocked about Picnik closing their doors! I'm so incredibly sad. I only hope the version they are moving to google+ is really EVERYTHING and more of what Picnik has to offer. I don't see the point in closing it, it's the cheapest and best program to edit and create some really fun things in. I can't afford photoshop! I did sign an online petition on fb, I don't know if it will do anything but I signed it anyway! ;D
Amy says
I don't like to post pictures of myself on my blog….but I may try the February photo challenge as well….sounds FUN!
Amy
crazyclutterlady.blogspot.com
Meagan says
I can't even tell you how mad I was about this news!! I am right there with ya… wishing I had more information. It was just such an easy photo editing program. I'm avoiding Photoshop because it might take me until the end of time to learn ๐ HA! Can't wait to join in on your February photo challenge! Have a fabulous week!
Brielle Photography and Design says
I just came across your blog and I love it! You are so fun & talented! I did Project 365 last year and I miss it SO bad! ๐ This monthly photo challenge is exactly what I need so thank you!
Melissa says
I was in a bad mood anyway on Sat night, but when I saw that Picnik was closing…SO SAD! I finally feel like I know what I'm doing on there~I hope Google makes it the same format, because I don't feel like learning a whole new program right now…
xo
Leasa says
I don't have any more information on the Picnik fiasco but I was very sad when I saw that the other day also. Its what I use to edit my pictures for my blog also and I hope its the same over at Google+.
I love your blog by the way and thanks for all the work you put into what you do.
I also will be joining the photo a day challenge in February.
Kathy Miner says
Just to say,I am a HUGE fan of yours!! There's not a day that goes by that I am not on your blog. Very inspiring!! I love the challenge that you passed along to us! I faithfully committed to Jan. and will do so for Feb. and so on. It is so fun deciding on what to snap a picture of. And about picnik, it was my fav. I just recently upgraded to premium and loved it. I hope Google+ keeps it the same.
Chantelle {fat mum slim} says
Thanks for sharing the photo challenges. Alt Summit looked like a blast! x
Megan {Splendid Design} says
I am very sad about Picnik. Sadly it is not going to be the same over at Google + which makes me even more sad. What am I going to do?
I will join the photo a day challenge in February. I just need to remember to post the photos.
Lil Mama Stuart says
ahhhhhhhhh! I totally have to come up with a plan B without picnik also ๐ I use it for so many blogging related tasks!
Unknown says
I am in for joining the photo a day challenge in February! How exciting is THIS!!!! I am ready!
About Picnik…I have actually cried. My husband was laughing so hard at me. I was saying (through my elephant tears) "my world is over!" Oh, it just makes me so sick to my stomach..REALLY IT DOES! I know y'all are laughing at me! Ha! But, I have went and tried Creative Kit in Google+ and I personally think it is horrible. I hope they switch over all the effect, touch ups, frames, etc. Only some things are there. Are they just showing us a preview. Blahhhhh! Shelly, you were one of the first I actually thought about when I heard this Picnik news. I actually found your blog when I was google'ng things about Picnik…it send me to you!!! I have been tuned into this precious blog ever since. So, I was like "What is even Shelley going to do?" Ha. Sorry this is so long!
But ready for the February! ๐ Love, Stepha
Kim says
i'm loving the photo a day challenge for january & can't wait for february! glad you had a great time at ALT ๐
Mommy Inconsistent says
Hi! I'm a new follower and glad I found you because I thought I missed out on the 365 pic-a-day thingamajig…So yay! I'm going to start in February! Can't wait to get started!
Classy Clutter says
Picnik closing is so so sad!!!!
Anonymous says
I am so excited to jump in and join the Photo A Day Challenge for February. I am NOT a photographer so I'll be using my Canon point and shoot or my cell phone. But at least I'll be doing it ๐
~Nicole
Kate Riley says
Sounds fun Shelley, I'll try to remember to Instagram on the topic of the day in February!
Kate
Kate Riley says
Sounds fun Shelley, I'll try to remember to Instagram on the topic of the day in February!
Kate
Mechele says
This is a great idea. I am going to try to your photo challenge!
Alesha says
I will do this! I just found your blog today and am loving it!
Are you going to have people actually link up to your blog?
Thanks so much!
Alesha <3
tobless.blogspot.com/2012/02/photo-of-day.html
Anonymous says
Wow we are so in! Very excited. We are your newest followers via Bloglovin…