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FREE Download – Genesis For Absolute Beginners

December 29, 2011 By

For the past year I’ve been using the Genesis Framework plus the Lifestyle Child Theme, and now I’m excited to share that StudioPress has released a FREE PDF guide called Genesis For Absolute Beginners that explains exactly how to install and set up the Genesis framework for WordPress, plus child themes to make your blog or website look amazing, run smoothly, get found in search results, and more!

Genesis for Beginners StudioPress

Here’s an excerpt from Genesis For Absolute Beginners:

Think of Genesis (the framework) as your car, including the engine, the transmission and the thousands of parts that make it run. The dozens of child theme designs from Studiopress are the paint job that make your car so damn hot. You pick the color, the stripes, and an airbrushed coyote howling at the desert moon (if that’s your thing). Here’s where the car analogy breaks down a bit: the really cool thing about using child themes is the ability to change the “paint job” of your site in minutes, without trashing the underlying engine that powers your site. Whether you’re building a new site, or revamping a classic, child themes allow you the freedom to re-invent yourself without ever touching the critical code underneath.

Once you’ve read through the Genesis For Absolute Beginners guide, head over to StudioPress.com to get started with Genesis. You’ll find 44 child themes to give your blog or website the “paint job” you’re looking for. And if you need help, just register for the StudioPress forums and post your question. I’ve gotten TONS of help tweaking my blogs there.

So what are you waiting for? Go download your FREE Genesis Guide for Beginners!

Filed Under: Born to Blog Tagged With: , , , ,

Nathan’s 13th birthday cake

December 23, 2011 By

Nathan turned 13 on Wednesday. We celebrated by letting him invite his friend Cole to come to dinner with us and spend the night. Which is why I have no photos from the entire night except for one of the cake, because Nathan and Cole never stopped moving once the entire night. Or talking. Or picking on each other.  Or talking.

Dinner at Logan’s Roadhouse was really good, then we came home and had the cake, which I bought at Meijer. Chocolate cake with whipped chocolate frosting, YUM. Plus I bought Breyer’s natural vanilla to go on the side.

So, yeah. That happened.

Filed Under: Being a Mom Tagged With: , , ,

Guest Article – 5 Fun Birthday Invitation Cards for Girls

December 20, 2011 By

When planning a birthday party for a girl—whether for your niece, your daughter, or a friend—one of the most important first steps you should take is selecting invitations. The right birthday invitation cards can be used to create the perfect party theme before you even start putting up decorations. They can also be used to give your guests special instructions about presents, dress, or directions and serve as a visible reminder of the upcoming event.

If you need some a kick start to your birthday invitation creativity, here are some awesome ideas that you can customize and adapt to your party.

1. Princess – What girl doesn’t love being treated like a princess? If you are holding a princess-
themed or dress up party, a princess design for the invitations can make a big impression. Crowns, tiaras, dragons, and knights in shining armor are all appropriate for this type of party. Your guests will be overjoyed to receive one of these cards.
2. Slumber party – If you are hosting a slumber party, a great way to design the invitations is with
the sleepover in mind. Think of pillows, counting sheep, nail polish, and face masks, and make sure that the card includes some of these motifs. If you plan on camping in the backyard, for example, be sure to include a tent or a campfire on your card to get your guests excited. Be sure to include whether you would like your guests to provide their own sleeping bags and pillows.
3. Favorite characters – Find out whether the birthday girl has a favorite cartoon character or a
toy and include that on your invitation. Not only is this a fun way to include some of the guest of honor’s personality on the card, it is helpful for guests to know what kind of things the guest of honor likes when purchasing gifts.
4. Cute animals – Animals are a perennial party favorite for girls, and for good reason. Animal
invitations are a good idea for kids who love pets and other animals: dogs, cats, horses, monkeys, and even animals. This idea is also perfect if you plan on holding your party at a zoo, farm, animal reserve, or other location with animals.
5. Party activities – If you are holding the party at a specific location, like a birthday at the beach, or if you plan to have a special event, like a magician, you can use that as inspiration for your birthday invitation cards. Your guests will get a good idea for the fun that is in store.

Get creative and design cards that work for you. Your guests will be excited to receive them, and your party will be a success.

Filed Under: Shopping Tagged With: ,
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