10 Tips for Keeping Safe This Holiday Season
Tuesday, November 15, 2011

IN TODAY'S ISSUE:

• 19.8% off Veterans Day Sale!
• Today's Special of the Day
• What's New in the Scrap Girls Boutique?
• Life Muse by Ro
• ScrapSimple Club
• Tips from the Pros: Scrap Girls Club Craft
• Designer Freebie
• What's Happening at Scrap Girls?
• Ongoing Opportunities for YOU

Rozanne Paxman

10 Tips for Keeping Safe This Holiday Season

With the holidays approaching, this is a good time to review practices that will keep your computer safe.

1. Use a strong password. A strong password contains upper- and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols (@,#,$,*, etc.).

2. Look for indicators that a website is safe and trustworthy.

   • The Online BBB (Better Business Bureau).
   • Security programs - such as the McAfee Secure program. (The server is tested daily for security issues.)
   • https:// web address during the check-out process indicates that you are in a secure environment.

3. Keep your web browser updated. One of the most common mistakes people make is that they don't update their web browsers regularly. This is particularly true for people who are using Microsoft's Internet Explorer - they often keep using the same version of the browser for years.

   Not only will you potentially have security issues if you use older versions of browsers, many websites won't work correctly because after a certain number of updates have occurred, they have to engineer their websites for the new specifications. The newer versions of browsers automatically update unless you prevent them from doing so.

   Get the latest version of the most popular browsers:
   

   Safari - http://www.apple.com/safari/download/
   Firefox - http://www.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/update/
   Chrome - http://www.google.com/chrome
   Internet Explorer - http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/internet-explorer/products/ie/home

4. Keep records of your purchases.

5. Never use a debit card when you go out to eat. If you must, ask for the server's name and write it on your receipt slip with them watching you. This helps keep your servers honest.

   (Don't underestimate this one. When Gary and I went on a trip to California in August, a server took our debit card information and then later tried to purchase $708 worth of jewelry online. Fortunately, I watch my bank account closely and caught it when the charge was pending so my bank stopped it. But if he had been using a credit card, the process of stopping it and getting the money back would have been easier.)

6. Don't fall for telephone scams. In a new scam, you receive a call from a computer, and it tells you that there is a problem with your debit card. The goal is to try to get you to give them your debit card number. If you receive a call like this, write down the phone number and hang up on them. Then call your bank. Don't answer calls that don't display a phone number. If you accidentally fall for the scam, call your bank immediately. They will cancel your debit card number and will reissue your card with a new number on it.

7. Keep an eye on your bank and credit card records. It is easy to watch what is happening through online banking.

8. Check online policies of the stores you shop with so that you will know what to expect if you need (or want) to return the item or get a refund.

9. Know what you are downloading. If you didn't request a download, don't download it.

10. Don't click on links sent to you in emails from people you do not know.

Muse: To be absorbed in one's thoughts; engage in meditation. Not intended to solve the world's problems, another person's problems, or to cover topics completely. One does not have to agree with musings to enjoy them, just as one does not have to be the same as someone else to appreciate who they are.

Would you like to earn a $20 Gift Certificate? Send your own muse to [email protected]. If it is selected for publication in the Scrap Girls newsletter, you'll get to have fun shopping!

		Join the ScrapSimple Monthly Club and you can enjoy the newest ScrapSimple looks while saving! (A $13.95 value for $6.99 or less!) The new ScrapSimple Club contents are released on the 15th day of the month (or the closest business day to the 15th). A commercially licensed version of the ScrapSimple Club is also available here. With the ScrapSimple Club, you will receive: 1 ScrapSimple Paper Template Set 1 ScrapSimple Embellishment Template 1 Brush Set 2 Designer's Choice Item CLUB EXCLUSIVE! Nano Collection CLUB EXCLUSIVE! Designer's Choice Item CLUB EXCLUSIVE! 2 Tutorials November's ScrapSimple Club has been created for you by Brandy Hackman and Keri Schueller Club Exclusive! Nano Collection Club Exclusive! Designer's Gift
Layout by Keri Schueller using November's ScrapSimple Club larger view	Layout by Brandy Hackman using November's ScrapSimple Club larger view	Layout by Keri Schueller using November's ScrapSimple Club larger view

The Scrap Girls Club allows you to get all of the newest looks while saving money! It is perfect for anyone who wants beautiful, coordinated digital scrapbooking supplies that are easy to use. You get all the products shown above a $40.59 value, for $9.99 or less! Plus, each month we will help you find new ways to use your club contents to the fullest with this article full of ideas, tips, and projects to get your creativity going!

Members-Only club content! Now Scrap Girls Club members receive three exclusive, members-only Club products every month! These new products include a JIFFY Easy Page Album - five layered PSD files of your favorite Club layouts designed by the professionals at Scrap Girls just for this Club, one Designer's Gift item - a product chosen by the Club's designer, and a Color Palette which you can use to coordinate your photos and ScrapSimple products with this month's Club to make it an even bigger value!

November's Scrap Girls Club's featured designer is Syndee Nuckles. Her club will make your digital scrapbooking layouts and altered projects feel like true masterpieces, no matter your subject!

Scrap Girls Club Craft: Beautiful Coasters

Note: Tutorial created using Photoshop Elements 9.0 with Windows Vista

I love browsing the Internet for inspirational ideas to create something with my photos other than digital scrapbooking pages. The other day I came across a DIY Craft using scrapbooking paper, 4x4 ceramic tiles, and felt to create a coaster. I thought instantly of my grandmother, who is a coaster fanatic. She always insists that we grab a coaster if we even think we might be thirsty for a drink. Once I saw this craft, I instantly thought, "Aha! A Christmas gift for the lady who has it all! Personalized, one-of-a-kind coasters!"

To make my coasters even more special and unique, I decided to create mini 4x4 layouts with our family photos. I printed out four layouts on an 8x10-inch sheet of photo paper. Next, I gathered my supplies.

What you will need:

• My mini layouts
• Scissors or paper cutter
• 4x4-inch ceramic tiles
• Mod Podge®
• Foam brush
• 4x4-inch felt squares
• Glue (or hot glue)
• Clear acrylic sealer

After cutting my mini layouts to size, I glued each one into place on a tile with a little bit of Mod Podge®. Next, I used the foam brush and applied Mod Podge® over the top of each photo to secure it to the tile.

I applied a new coat after each one dried until I was satisfied with the overall thickness. I think I did about four coats. Next, I applied clear acrylic sealer.

Once my tiles were completely dry, I hot-glued the felt squares to the back of the tiles.

It's that simple! Now I have a one-of-a-kind Christmas gift just perfect for my coaster-loving grandma!

Another fun idea is to purchase 2x2-inch tiles and use this same tutorial to Mod Podge® printed scrapbooking paper to each. On the back side, glue magnets (instead of felt) and you will have beautiful, one-of-a-kind refrigerator magnets that your friends will oooh and aaah over. How fun is that?!

Project by Jennifer Wight
larger view

The four products listed below are included in this month's Scrap Girls Club offering. Members receive a substantial discount on these club supplies. They are also available elsewhere in the Boutique at regular prices for those individuals who would rather not join a club.

Article written by Jennifer Wight

Learn to make digital scrapbooking layouts and more! – Scrapbook Software Secrets Revealed Find out how easy it can be to learn how to create digital scrapbook layouts, edit photos, use and make brushes, recolor papers and embellishments, make your own simple backgrounds and embellishments, save and share your layouts and much more! Ready to learn advanced techniques? – MORE Scrapbook Software Secrets Revealed Learn to use paper templates, embellishment templates, custom shapes, styles, and brushes to make your own supplies. Learn advanced clipping mask and lighting blend techniques. Learn to make and use patterns. Learn to make brushes from your own doodles. Learn to extract images from photos. Learn work flow techniques that will speed up the layout creation process and advanced photo editing skills and much, much more!

Layout by Ang Campbell
larger view

Designer Freebie by Syndee Nuckles coordinates with her Picturesque Collection Biggie,
part of this month's Scrap Girls Club offering!

Today's freebie designed by Syndee Nuckles

* There is a "free download" button on the details page for each gift. You don't need to put them in your shopping cart unless you are shopping for other items. Also note that if you are slow reading your newsletter, you may find this freebie has already been retired, as the freebies are only available as gifts for about two newsletter cycles.

New Member Chat - Early Edition
Tuesday, November 15th - 1:00PM MST

Join Debbie (B&K Mom) at 1pm MT for a fun chat to get to know our newest members. We will discuss the message board, gallery, chocolate and so much more! Everyone is welcome, new or not so new! Not sure how to get there? Just click the "chat room" button at the top of this newsletter; you will need Javascript enabled to access the chat room.

Faith Journey Chat
Tuesday, November 15th - 6:00PM MST

Join Elisha (elibar) and Lei (Bride) for a Faith Journey Chat on the third Tuesday of each month at 6pm MT. All faiths are welcome! We'll be chatting and scrapping about our individual faith walk and how we also walk together. Watch the message board for this month's topic of discussion, and if you like, create a layout based on the topic!

East Coast High Noon Crop
Wednesday, November 16th - 10:00AM MST

Join April (April Showers) each Wednesday at 10am MT for the East Coast High Noon Crop. All coasts and time zones are welcome! These crops are designed to allow you to work on your own photos and themes simply giving participants a one hour goal and a fun, new challenge each week. On November 16th, we'll do a multiple photo challenge! Create a layout on any theme, any topic, and any colors - using FIVE or more photos! Create your layout and upload it to the special High Noon Crop Gallery. You'll be amazed what you can get done in just one hour, but there is no High Noon Sheriff timing you! Hope to see you in the chat room!

Use Your Stash Chat
Wednesday, November 16th - 6:00PM MST

Join Theresa (tiza126) and Shannon (tinkerbell11) for this month's Use Your Stash Chat. We will challenge you to use something in your digital arsenal that you haven't before. Don't just collect supplies, use them! See you in the chat room on Wednesday at 6pm MT!

Heritage Crop & Chat
Thursday, November 17th - 6:00PM MST

Do you have boxes of heritage photos just waiting to be restored and scrapped? Are there family stories just waiting for you to write down and preserve? Then this is the crop for you! Join April (April Showers) and Carla (CRS) at 6pm MT for the Heritage Crop and Chat! We'll help you get motivated to scrap those heritage photos and record your family stories for future generations to enjoy.

Ad Inspiration Chat
Thursday, November 17th - 7:00PM MST

Join Pat (PBarnes) at 7pm MT for an Ad Inspiration Challenge and Chat. A few hours before the chat, a magazine, newspaper or online ad will be posted on the Forum to use as inspiration for a layout. You can use whatever you want to from the ad - the colors, the shapes, the composition. There are no wrong answers!

November Message Board Game: Thankfulness Game!

It's time to give thanks for all the large and small blessings in our life! Each day during November, with the exception of Sundays, a member of the Welcoming Committee will post the name of an item for which we are thankful in the official game thread. To participate in the game, you will search the Scrap Girls Boutique and Gallery for layouts including that item, and then post a link to either the product or gallery page in the game thread.

Each member who links to a Boutique product layout will be entered into a drawing for one of three $3 Gift Certificates. Each member who links to a gallery layout (and leaves love on the layout) will be entered in a drawing for one of five $5 Gift Certificates!

For complete details, visit the Monthly Message Board Games folder on the Scrap Girls Forum.

November Monthly Layout Contest: This November, let's be a tourist in your own town! Show us around and tell us what makes the area you live in so special! Why do you live there? You can scrap about your town, city, county, or state. Share those layouts in the November Monthly Layout Gallery before Midnight MST on November 30th. Be sure to list your credits in the description or under the EXIF Properties. Two layouts will be selected to win a $10 Gift Card to the Scrap Girls Boutique!

Club Concepts Layout Contest: Post your new layout using the current club selection (either the Scrap Girls Club or the ScrapSimple Club) in our Scrap Girls Club Members Gallery or the ScrapSimple Club Members' Gallery. Be sure to list all of the Scrap Girls products you used. If your layout is chosen, it will be showcased as a Club Concepts layout winner, and you will win a $5 Gift Certificate to the Scrap Girls Boutique!

Check our message board calendar if you have any questions about what is happening at Scrap Girls. All event times are given in Mountain Time Zone unless otherwise noted. Need help converting time zones? Check out the World Clock - Time Zone Converter. (Use 'USA-Utah-Salt Lake City' as the location for the Mountain time zone.)

Haven't received your prize as a contest winner? Please send an email to [email protected] and we'll get it out to you right away!

Copyright Scrap Girls, LLC 2004-2011

This newsletter may be freely redistributed by email in its unedited form. We encourage you to share it with others.

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Scrap Girls
10817 Highland Circle
Highland, Utah 84003
www.scrapgirls.com

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P.S. If you ever need any assistance, please email [email protected] or call 866-598-3444 and we'll help you as quickly as possible!