Keeping With The Times

living, learning, and keeping with the times

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Everyday Glam with Jord Watches

February 6, 2017 by Barb 5 Comments

Oh dear, I hope you don’t think I’m selfish that when Jord Watches reached out and asked if I’d be interested in reviewing one of their watches, I ended up choosing one for myself?!

But …  but … I literally gasped when I saw the Cora Zebrawood & Turquoise Ladies Wood Watch. I’m serious. I gasped. Visions of sugar plums and all that.

Oh wait! Christmas is over …

… however, this IS my birthday month, so Happy Birthday to ME!

Jord Watches, Wood Watch, Women's Watch, Barb Brookbank

… perfect for a day out: shopping and perhaps lunch …

OK, and it’s also Valentines month, so dearest hubby, you can relax, it’s all taken care of :)

Because of Jord Watches’ fool-proof directions on taking wrist measurements, ordering this beautiful and unique watch was a breeze, and it fits my wrist perfectly.

I will admit I was a little afraid to wear it at first … thinking I might somehow damage the wood, or scratch the face, but those fears have been put to rest. This savvy watch is going places …

Jord Watches, Unique Watch, Women's Watch

a cool watch for a cool evening photo shoot in the desert :)

Jord Watches, Unique Watch, Women's Watch
Rugged and beautiful …Jord Watches, Unique Watch, Women's Watch

… it’s a perfect gift for someone you love (even if it’s yourself ;)Jord Watches, Unique Watch, Women's Watch

Thank you so much Jord Watches!!

If you’d like to see more styles, check the entire women’s selection here.

And now my dear readers, you can click this link to enter the contest for a chance to win a $100.00 gift code to be used on the Jord site! Contest closes February 26th. Good luck to all!


Luxury Wooden Watch

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Disclosure: this is a sponsored post but all opinions and words are written by me and I only endorse products and services that I feel are a good fit for me, my blog, and my valuable readers. Thank you Jord Watches!
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Filed Under: WORK WITH ME Tagged With: unique watch, valentines gift, women's watch, wood watch

Spoil Me (Please :)

November 16, 2016 by Barb 2 Comments

So the other night I received a little private message on Instagram from Spoil … they said: we’d like to spoil you … and I’m like, OK :)
Spoil Me ... please! Keeping With the Times
Next thing I knew this little gift appeared on my doorstep … thank you spoil!

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Disclosure: Spoil generously offered to provide me with a sweet little gift for this post, but all photos and opinions are my own, and I am truly very impressed with the quality and service from Spoil. I wouldn’t say so if I wasn’t!!

Filed Under: Still Life, WORK WITH ME

Holiday Tablescape Ideas

November 15, 2016 by Barb 18 Comments

As November draws closer to December, I’ve been thinking about a few holiday tablescape ideas. It’s never too early to start planning and I hope some of my ideas might inspire you to try something different this year.

I often decorate in neutral tones, and lean toward a rustic country style. However, when I received this stunning bouquet from FTD, it set my to mind spinning, and all I could think of was gold and black, gold and black!

And notice the pumpkins! yes, this style of holiday tablescape will take you from Thanksgiving, through Christmas, and on into the New Year! I think the sky should be the limit when it comes to setting your holiday table, and it doesn’t have to be limited to what you usually do … this is where you can really let loose (in my opinion.)Holiday Tablescape Ideas, Keeping With the Times

To achieve a rich looking holiday tablescape, my best advise is to use layers. I like to have the table set when my guests arrive, and I pile it on.

Again, I pile it on!

You may not actually be going to use all the plates, and probably not the accent plate, but who cares? we’re going for the wow factor here. Guests will not be aware whether you used such and such a plate ;) or not! Some day I’m going to pile on even more plates if I can find varying sizes.

Start with a gorgeous charger like this natural beaded charger I’m using here. Add layers of plates and top with one small accent plate to add sparkle and interest.Holiday Tablescape Ideas, Keeping With the Times

For a Thanksgiving tablescape you cannot go wrong with the teeny white pumpkins that are everywhere this time of year. Cut out a few leaf shapes out of card stock, spray with gold paint, and use as placecards. Pull a few flowers from the main bouquet and place them in tiny bud jars around the table.Holiday Tablescape Ideas, Keeping With the Times

Holiday Tablescape Ideas, Keeping With the Times

At Christmas, replace the pumpkins with a little willow wreath that you can purchase in any craft store. Or try using a bunch of fresh herbs such as rosemary and thyme tied together with gold ribbon.

Instead of tall taper candles which may compete with a large bouquet, opt for small tea lights and place in pretty glasses. I love these simple, gold-striped water glasses, and with the tealight inside … well, again, can we say layers? and sparkle sparkle!Holiday Tablescape Ideas, Keeping With the Times

Holiday Tablescape Ideas, Keeping With the TimesThis time of year, gold spray paint can be your friend :)
Holiday Tablescape Ideas, Keeping With the Times

I couldn’t resist these fun, spiky accents which were originally intended as wall art …Holiday Tablescape Ideas, Keeping With the Times
Holiday Tablescape Ideas, Keeping With the Times

Holiday Tablescape Ideas, Keeping With the Times
Holiday Tablescape Ideas, Keeping With the Times

Holiday Tablescape Ideas

  • Stack several plates on top of each other to create layers, finishing up with one small accent plate on top.
  • The accent plates don’t have to all match. Check your local thrift shops for anything with a bit of gold. Even mismatched teacup saucers would work, especially since you are going to set some small item on top, such as a tiny pumpkin, or a leaf, or a handmade wreath made of herbs.
  • Obviously we all don’t have black walls, but we could all very easily use a black tablecloth.
  • Use table runners in creative ways. When I couldn’t find the exact runner to match my table, I used a scarf! Or, you could purchase bargain bin fabric and tear it into strips.
  • Use pretty drinking glasses to hold tea lights. It adds to the layer effect and adds extra sparkle.
  • If your floral arrangement is tall, try setting it a one end of the table, then position place settings across from each other. That way, the bouquet will not be in anyone’s line of vision. Alternately, you could move the bouquet to a side table during dinner (in full view of guests of course ;)

Disclosure: FTD generously offered to provide me with a holiday bouquet for this post, but all photos and opinions are my own, and I am truly very impressed with the quality and service from FTD. I wouldn’t say so if I wasn’t!!

 

holiday-tablescape-ideas

Filed Under: HOME DECOR, WORK WITH ME Tagged With: flowers, ftd, holiday tablescapes, tablescape

Bear Naked Granola, Custom Blend

November 8, 2016 by Barb 1 Comment

Hello! We’re starting this day off right with some yummy fresh “Coco Nutty” granola from Bear Naked Granola. I caught hubby eating it as a snack the other night, and I’m like NO, stop! that’s for photos my dear!! ha! I was horrified, he was perplexed.

I have to admit I could’t help nibbling a bit as I styled this image ;)

It was fun to visit this lovely site (a little bit of humour goes a long way for me) and I’m thrilled to have been able to create my own custom blend full of oats, coconut, cashew butter, chocolate and walnuts. It’s completely delicious!Bear Naked Granola, Keeping With the Times, Barb Brookbank

Same photo, flipped! So amazing how different it looks (or is it just me?)
Bear Naked Granola, Keeping With the Times, Barb Brookbank

Truly delish!Bear Naked Granola, Keeping With the Times, Barb BrookbankBear Naked Granola, Keeping With the Times, Barb Brookbank

It’s what’s for breakfast at #thestudioonline2016 @kimklassen

Disclosure: Bear Naked Granola generously offered to provide me with my own custom granola for this post, but all photos and opinions are my own, and I am truly very impressed with the quality and service from Bear Naked Granola. I wouldn’t say so if I wasn’t!!

Use the code READ066 to get 10% off your own custom order (US only)

Bear Naked Granola, Keeping With the Times, Barb Brookbank

#NaBloPoMo

Filed Under: Still Life, WORK WITH ME Tagged With: bear naked granola, food styling

5 Reasons Why You Should Be Printing Photos

October 29, 2016 by Barb 22 Comments

I’ve just been reminded in a big way why I should be printing photos, rather than leaving them on my computer, or depending on Instagram to save my memories!

I’m talking about my still life images … not family photos. I simply did not have any idea as to what to do with them. Oh, I’ve had a couple done up on canvas frames, which is wonderful, but a person only has so much wall space right?

In September, hubby and I took a trip out to British Columbia and stayed at the beautiful and magical Emerald Lake Lodge near Field.

One of the things I really enjoyed about our stay was the hike around the lake, where I gathered bits and pieces of local flora and fauna which I then pressed and saved in my beautiful leather journal. But what I loved most was, after getting back to our cozy little room, setting up little vignettes, taking photos, and making notes. And from all of this, the The Journal Series was born.

And then, ta da! I had these images printed and now they too reside inside my journal for keeps! So today I’m going down memory lane with these beautiful square prints from Inkifi!

They’re printed on premium, smooth fine art paper with a natural, matte finish and are utterly gorgeous!

Printing Photos, 5 reasons why you should be printing your photos, Keeping With the Times, Inkifi

I also absolutely love my Arizona series, which are soon to be hanging up on our magnetized wall frame.
Printing Your Photos, 5 reasons why you should be printing your photos, Keeping With the Times, Inkifi

5 Reasons You Should Be Printing Photos

  1. It’s thrilling to hold your hard work in your hands … for reals! The feel of good quality paper cannot compare to a phone or computer screen. I’ve also been studying them to see where I might improve my photography in terms of lighting, focus, and composition. A photograph doesn’t lie.
  2. They are fabulous souvenirs. You can display them around the house, and let others enjoy them. Start a gallery on your fridge! start a mood board! and change it with the seasons—it’s inexpensive and inspiring.
  3. You can use them as a spark for writing in your journal: where were you? what were you doing? what time of year was it? The possibilities are endless.
  4. You can give them to family and friends. Mount them on a beautiful piece of fine card stock and attach to the top of a gift box. You can’t do that with a digital image ;)
  5. They’ll still be around 50 years from now and your great-grandchildren will be able to pull them out of a box and appreciate what things were like “back then”. The fact that you were printing photos will truly be appreciated when that happens!

The intent of a photograph should be to produce a print. It is then that the transition from an image to an artifact is made.

Gary Doyle Thomas

Disclosure: Inkifi generously offered to print a selection of my images for this post, but all photos and opinions are my own, and I am truly very impressed with the quality and service from Inkifi. I wouldn’t say so if I wasn’t!!

Filed Under: Still Life, WORK WITH ME Tagged With: inkifi, journal, journal series, printing photos

Happy Socks Giveaway!

October 5, 2016 by Barb

Recently Happy Socks contacted me and asked if they could send me a few pairs of socks … and if I liked them, to perhaps post a photo and a shoutout to my Instagram Feed.

Well, for sure I said! and I not only like them … I love them! They’re soft, a great quality product, and the ones I ordered are the perfect weight to wear in my new autumn boots ;)

Happy Socks is a Swedish manufacturer and retailer of socks and underwear. The company was founded in 2008, and their socks are sold in 70 countries.

Wikipedia

Happy Socks is a really nice company to work with. They were professional and generous … and the ordering and delivery process was smooth as … as …  these happy socks!
Happy Socks Giveaway, Keeping With the Times

And… I’d love to send one lovely person a pair! To enter the contest, simply leave a comment, a heart, a happy face, whatever (as long as it’s nice ;) on this photo on my Instagram account.

Draw to be made October 7th at 12:00 pm MDT

Good luck one and all!

PS … I’m closing comments here to avoid confusion :)

Filed Under: WORK WITH ME Tagged With: giveaway, happy socks

The Studio 2.0 (a Giveaway)

August 20, 2016 by Barb

This September Kim Klassen is launching The Studio 2.0 a brand new classroom and community space to learn and grow together.

And today, I’m beyond thrilled to be able to offer you a chance to win an ALL-IN membership to The Studio 2.0.

STUDIO 2.0 ALL-IN includes:

  • a one year membership to The Studio 2.O classroom and community space
  • BONUS download of The Complete Studio Preset Collection (a $149 value) at no additional charge
  • Immediate access to the original Studio | Online classroom ($199 value)
  • One year access to The Lab (launching October 3rd) (a $99 value)
  • $526 value for just $199/year

The Studio 2.0 A Giveaway!

I’ve been a member of the original Studio | Online classroom since the beginning, and I can tell you it’s absolutely jam-packed with information and inspiration. Because of Kim’s easy-to-understand instructions and guidance, I’ve grown my Lightroom and photography skills to a point I did not believe possible (and you can too.) I seriously did not think I could “do” Lightroom, but Kim proved me wrong and now I can’t imagine working without it.

So, all you need do is leave a comment on my Instagram @keepingwiththetimes on this post … and one winner will be chosen using Random.org on Monday, August 22nd, 2016 at 12:00 noon MDT.

For more information about the class go to The Studio 2.0 at Kim Klassen dot com.

Good luck to all!

Filed Under: WORK WITH ME Tagged With: giveaway, kim klassen, lightroom

Bella Grace Magazine Giveaway!

December 9, 2015 by Barb

Incredibly, I recently had the privilege of being published in Bella Grace Magazine, Issue 6 and I could not be more astonished or proud.

I became aware of this publication when Issue 2 hit the stands … I was in Barnes and Noble, and as I flipped through the pages, I slowly moved toward the nearest bench and sat down. My heart was pounding a bit … and when that happens to me, I pay attention.

The photos were so real … perfectly imperfect, and beautiful, and intriguing. The magazine itself felt like a coffee table book with beautiful, thick paper (I believe I thumbed along the edges and smelled it, and maybe even said “oh wow” out loud.)

As I skimmed a few articles, I realized I was reading pull-quotes and storylines that were highlighted or printed in different fonts and sizes … it was pure magic. I knew I wasn’t going to be leaving this treasure behind, and as I tucked it under my arm and made my way to the cashier, I know I was smiling.

Bella Grace Magazine Giveaway, Barb Brookbank, Keeping With the Times, Stampington & Company

So when I was contacted and asked if I would like to have some of my Instagram images appear in their Instagram Spotlight feature, I nearly fell off my chair! I was flabbergasted and excited. I didn’t waste any time getting the required images and text to them … I think it was within hours … ;)

Here are a few of the images I submitted:

Instagram, Keeping With the Times, Barb Brookbank

 

Today I am thrilled that Stampington & Company has generously offered to supply one copy of Bella Grace Magazine for a giveaway** on my blog!

All you need do is leave a comment saying that you’d love to have this magazine! That’s it! That’s all!

But if you’d like a little prompt from me, write a comment describing what fills you up and feeds your creative soul. Is it an afternoon spent sipping tea and reading? or a walk? or maybe it’s shopping … sure why not? but maybe for the antiques and treasures kind of shopping … so please share … what feeds your creative soul?

**Contest is open to U.S. residents only**
* Draw to be made December 16 at 1:00pm MST*

With deepest gratitude to Stampington & Company and Bella Grace …

Comments closed … winner announced December 17th!

Filed Under: WORK WITH ME Tagged With: bella grace magazine, giveaway

Canvas Pop and my Barrio Viejo Door!

April 15, 2015 by Barb 14 Comments

Recently I was contacted by Liam of Canvas Pop and asked if I would be willing to write a review of one of their products. All I needed to do was find a favourite image, send it to them, and they would deliver a beautiful canvas print right to my door!

Of course I said yes, and I knew exactly what I wanted to get printed.

A year or so ago, I visited the Barrio Viejo in Tucson with the Arizona ladies. Since then, I’d been meaning to get a few of my photos turned into art and displayed on the walls in our condo. But I hadn’t done anything … until now. What an amazing turn of events! I decided to use my image of a green door, which I edited with a few filters to enhance and enrich colours.

It’s now hanging above one of my favourite old wood tables—and isn’t it cool how the green in the door is echoed in the green on the bottom shelf?

Canvas Pop, Keeping With the TimesSo … just a few details about my experience with CanvasPop.

Once I sent a full resolution file of my image, I was emailed a proof showing how it was going to look when finished.

I chose to have a mirror image of the edges of my photo wrap around the sides of the canvas (rather than a solid colour) so none of the image was lost from the front. I think it’s quite brilliant!

Canvas Pop
As you can tell, I’m pretty pleased with this company and will definitely use their services in the future. The quality of the canvas is excellent, the colours are true, and it arrived ready to hang on the wall (wall hook included!)

If you’re contemplating having a canvas print made from one of your photos, I have a code for $30.00 off Custom Canvas Prints. Simply leave a comment saying you’d like to have it, and I’ll put your name in a draw. Winner will be chosen on Friday, April 17th.

I also have a discount code (KWTT35) for all readers, for 35% off an entire order shipping within Canada and the USA. It is scheduled to expire April 30, 2015.

We’re obsessed with great design, amazing photography and stunning digital art which is why we take such pains to ensure our product is the highest quality possible. Whether you’re a professional photographer or just trying to print a photo of your kids, we guarantee the best quality and service anywhere.

CanvasPop

Thank you CanvasPop!

 

Filed Under: WORK WITH ME Tagged With: canvaspop, product review

Giveaway Winner!

September 6, 2014 by Barb 3 Comments

Sunflowers

Good Saturday morning! Just here to announce the winner of Photoshop Elements 12.

It’s Sheila of Odd Mood Designs. Congratulations, Sheila!

Thanks to all who visited and entered the draw!

Filed Under: WORK WITH ME Tagged With: giveaway, photoshop

Photoshop Elements 12 Giveaway!

August 30, 2014 by Barb 39 Comments

NOTICE: DRAW IS CLOSED. WINNER TO BE ANNOUNCED TOMORROW HERE ON THE BLOG!

Do you, or anyone you know, need/want Photoshop Elements 12? Perhaps you have an earlier version and have hesitated to upgrade, or you have a student in the family that would just loooove to have this!

Well, I have an exciting offer today! Digital Scrapper has provided me with one copy to give away!! Woot!

Now, I don’t need to “sell” you on the idea but if you’re interested in what’s new in PSE 12, you can check out this article at Adobe.
adobe ps 12, giveaway, keeping with the times, digital scrapper

So please, simply leave a comment and just say you’d like to have it, and your name will be entered in the draw (to be chosen by the True Random Number Generator.)

  • Make sure I am able to reach you … if you’re a no-reply blogger I have no way to respond.
  • Winner will be chosen on Friday, September 5th at 1:00 pm MDT.
  • If no one claims the prize by Sunday, September 7th at 1:00 pm MDT, another winner will be chosen.

Good luck!!

 

Filed Under: WORK WITH ME Tagged With: digital scrapper, giveaway, photoshop

A Look At Popular Cloud Storage Providers

December 11, 2013 by Barb 12 Comments

How do you protect your files? It’s something I think about all the time, and I kind of need to get up to speed on the latest and greatest. As a matter of fact, I just backed up my blog to my computer and the file is almost 500 MB!! I need to guard it with my life!

So today, I bring you this informative and interesting guest post by Kyle Mercer written exclusively for my readers!

Cloud_12

It seems that in the past few years, cloud storage has shifted from being a new, trendy technological concept to a widely implemented tool used by companies across the board. We hear more about cloud storage just about every day and for those who haven’t “dived in” yet, the specifics can be a bit confusing.

The basic concept, actually, is rather simple: Essentially, cloud storage allows you to save digital data on your “cloud,” rather than on a specific device such as an iPhone, desktop computer, tablet, etc… And the benefits of doing so are numerous: Your data is accessible from any device with an internet connection (just log into your cloud account); your saved files are safe from technical errors (or loss or theft) that can occur with devices; and you will enjoy more digital storage space. Naturally these perks can be handy for innumerable practices, businesses, and hobbies including digital photography.

But where it gets trickier for those starting off in cloud computing is picking a specific provider. There are now a number of very capable mainstream providers on the market, each offering some unique features and benefits. So to help in your decision-making process, here’s a brief comparison of some of the top cloud providers.

Dropbox

Arguably the biggest name in cloud storage, Dropbox is seen as a very simple, easy option for individual or small group use. The free package gets you 2 GB of storage space, and people love the user-friendly system that includes a handy mobile app and the unlimited file size uploading ability. You can get more storage at various pricing levels.

iCloud

The cloud that comes with new Apple products is very simple, but very handy. Basically, it’s built-in cloud storage on your Apple computer, tablet, phone, etc…, and it offers 5 GB of storage with no additional priced options.

Citrix Sharefile

In some ways a more advanced option, Sharefile is typically meant more for business environments than personal use. That being said, it can definitely be useful for your own small business. There is no free option offered. Instead, for $30/month, you can set up two users with 5 GB of total storage space and there are higher-tiered options beyond this starting point. The benefits of Sharefile are in its top-of-the-line security and organization.

Google Drive

To some extent, this is Google’s version of iCloud. The Google Drive offers 5 GB of free storage space, though it does have paid options for more storage. The main perk of Google Drive resides in its organization and integration with existing contacts lists, calendars, etc…, for those who tend to use Google products and programs.

Ultimately, these are just a few of many options that exist to satisfy your cloud needs and desires. But with the concept of cloud computing becoming an everyday reality, it only makes sense to get comfortable with one that sounds like a good fit for your use.

This is a guest post by Kyle Mercer. Kyle is a freelance writer and tech enthusiast who frequently covers new releases in gadgets, software and programs.

 

Filed Under: BLOGGING BITS AND BYTES, WORK WITH ME Tagged With: blogging, guest post

Snugg iPhone Cover

September 21, 2013 by Barb 10 Comments

A few weeks ago, the people at The Snugg  contacted me and asked if I would be interested in trying out one of their iPhone covers, and I could choose which ever one I wanted. Now, how cool is that? Their site is really snappy and easy to use, but what I like best are the videos that accompany each product.

I was immediately intrigued by the new iPhone Leather Pouch Case.
Snugg-iPhone Cover

The quality is excellent, and it holds the iPhone very securely. The handy little elasticated pull strap works beautifully to easily pop it out of the case:

Snugg-iPhone- Case Review

Snugg-iPhone-Case

It also has a handy card slot on reverse, which is great for holding a credit card. I’m going to be using this case when I attend a blog conference in Mississauga on October 3rd – 6th, and I think the card slot will also be a very safe place to store my room key.

Snugg-iPhone-Cover

The delivery process was very fast; I received it within a week. But you can also order it online at Amazon, which I think is a fantastic option. I’ve always been impressed with anything I’ve ordered from there.

So, with the conference less than 2 weeks away I’m making sure I’ve got all my stuff organized, and this iPhone cover is just what I needed to help me do that.

Filed Under: WORK WITH ME Tagged With: product review

Burt’s Bees

December 7, 2012 by Barb 10 Comments

I work hard on my blog. I love it, but I work hard.

I spend countless hours working on some aspect of it whether it is a blog post, networking, or the actual design of it.

That’s why I am so thrilled about my two packages of Burt’s Bees products that arrived in the mail this week.

Earlier, I was contacted and asked if I would accept some products to try out and maybe blog about them. Well, umm, yes, I’ll take a little gift! Why not? As I said, I work hard on my blog and I’m going to think of this as a bit of a reward! And the thing is, I already had a love affair going on with their products, so thank you, Burt’s Bees!

When I opened up this little jar of hand cream, I was treated to the sweetest, soft almond smell ever. Mmmmm, the yummiest!

Almond Milk Beeswax Hand Cream

Everything was packaged up in neat little boxes but I quickly opened them so I could sniff and sample my way through it all. Look at this cute little collection of products designed to keep my skin and lips from shriveling up in this dry old Alberta winter. I must say I love that lip balm – it’s smooth and silky and makes my lips feel fab!

Handy little bag to carry around in my purse.

Next up was this Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream. I had to stop everything and go give myself a manicure (yes, I do live the life O’Reilly). This cream came just in time for me to have decent looking nails for Christmas. Oh, and the lemony smell…

Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream

So, here is my little collection of goodies. I love how each and every one of these products makes my skin feel so soft and silky. I truly do love their products.

O happy day–a gift to me from Burt’s Bees!

Your well-being is affected every single day by the personal care products you use. Our goal is to create and educate people on truly natural products that have a positive effect on both you and the world you live in for the good of your well-being, for the good of the environment and for The Greater Good. Simply put, we strive to make people’s lives better every day — naturally.
Ya gotta love that!
Have a silky soft day!

Filed Under: WORK WITH ME Tagged With: product review

Welcome! I'm Barb, and this is where I practice my mantra to "learn something new, try something different". It's my hope that something I do here may inspire you! Read More…

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