Books: Blurb + Giveaway

I have been raving to my friends about Blurb ever since I wrote my first book for my nephew’s second birthday. For that book, I illustrated pictures of fruit, scanned them to my computer, and then uploaded them to a Blurb template. I then wrote the vocabulary to match (in three languages of course – that’s my academic side coming through!), finalized a few details, and pressed publish. In a matter of weeks, my first Blurb book arrived in my mailbox and I spent quite a bit of time showing it off before I handed it over to my nephew.

a preview of my first Blurb book – a multilingual book about fruit

It probably doesn’t come as much of a surprise that I have since published a few other books for each of my nephew’s birthdays. I am pleased with how each of them has turned out (and I think my nephews are too) and Blurb has been an easy company to work with.

customizable copyright & dedication pages

sssshh…this one still hasn’t been opened…it’s for Reef’s second birthday next week

here are my nephews reading Duke’s third birthday book about shapes

While I have not made my books available to the public, this is definitely a possibility with Blurb and something to pursue if you have written something that you want to share with others. On the other hand, if you’re at a loss for words but you want to compile photos from your last vacation, then consider Blurb the place to do so. The company offers quite a few design options, page templates, and bounding possibilities.

Want to get started? Well, look no further! Blurb is offering one lucky reader a $35 promo code to use toward a Blurb book. To enter this giveaway simply leave a comment and tell us what type of Blurb book you would like to create. And do it quick – this contest ends on Thursday June 7th, 2012. Winner will be chosen at random.

Note: Contest is open to Canadian residents only.

Photos and books by Jordana.

Celebration: Happy Birthday Dad!

Hi Dad. I know it’s early in the morning and you’re reading the blog. I posted this extra early just so that it would be here as soon as you logged on. Surprise!

cast iron French oven, Le Creuset

I know you’re going to enjoy putting your new Le Creuset to good use in your new kitchen!

Happy Birthday Dad!

xo

J

Technology: My New iPhone

Well – I had a very exciting weekend! Let me introduce you to my new toy…

I really don’t know what has taken me so long to get on the iPhone bandwagon. I have been a fan of Apple for quite some time and my MacBook, Apple TV, and iPod have served me well over the last several years. So you can understand how happy I am now that I have added a white iPhone to my collection.

So – I’m curious to know what apps other iPhone users are using. Right now I’m not so much interested in games and such as I am in useful apps. So far I’ve been putting Instagram (follow me at WhiteCabana), Remote, and Viber to good use. What else should I be using?

Photos by Jordana.

Interiors: Kitchen Renovation. The Beginning.

Oh my goodness. My parents have actually begun their big kitchen renovation. They have only been discussing it for 10+ years. The place has been torn apart and now we have to just wait and see how long it will take to put it all back together!

The first thing that got installed (not in the kitchen) was a new furnace with a white touch screen monitor…aka my Dad’s new toy.

I’m thinking that if I post about the progress it will motivate my parents to include as much white in the kitchen as I’ve been encouraging them to do!

Photos by Jordana.

Vacation Update: NYC

Well – my three week mini tour of the USA is now over. After Chicago and Florida, I headed to Manhattan to spend time with my family. My nephews kept me thoroughly entertained and in between naps (theirs and mine), I experienced some of what the city has to offer.

window display at ABC Carpet & Home

dinner whites at Fishs Eddy

dinner whites at Fishs Eddy

glazed hands at Fishs Eddy

lion’s head bowls, Fishs Eddy

wall art, The City Bakery

muffin tin art, ‘wichcraft

my nephews with Alphie at the Children’s Museum of Manhattan

It’s always sad when vacations come to an end, isn’t it? These past three weeks were full of laughter, delicious meals and quality relaxation time. I’m so thankful that I had this amazing travel opportunity. And yes, I’m already eager to go on another travel adventure!

Photos by Jordana.