Tuesday 30 June 2015

Cute ponies for the bedroom and school

Candy Pony Canvas - Horse Wall Art Gallery Wrapped CanvasCute horse and rider, show pony dressage gifts sleeve for iPad miniCartoon Horse Courier Bags

Cute ponies for the bedroom and school

If you know a boy or girl who loves ponies then here's a collection that should give you some gift ideas.
Any boy or girl will love them - some for bedroom and some for school. Which of these would be best?

Click the image for more details and to buy. You'll also see more designs from the artist there.

The ProBlogger Podcast Is Live and We’re Kicking Off with a Challenge!

Blogging with purpose

original post »

ProBlogger Podcast AvatarToday I have great pleasure in introducing you to the brand new ProBlogger Podcast and the next incarnation of 31 Days to Build a Better Blog.

Over the last couple of years I’ve lost count of the number of people who have said ‘Darren you really should start a podcast’.

I’d always nodded my head but quietly list in my mind a long list of excuses not to including ‘I don’t know how…’ to ‘I’m so busy…’ to ‘what if nobody listens…’

But earlier this year something changed when people suggested I start a podcast.

I’m not going to tell you exactly why I changed because I tell you that in the first episode (that went live on iTunes over the weekend) – but it was like a switch got flicked somewhere in my mind and I found myself starting to dream about starting one of my own (and as I did my list of excuses began to dissolve).

I decided while on a month long break in the US in April to create a ProBlogger podcast and in my presentation at Chris Ducker’s conference in May I announced I was going to create it and after one of the attendees (I’m looking at you Lane) pressured me to put a date on when I’d do it I impulsively said it would be launched within 2 months!

Little did I know how much of a job I had in front of me because rather than start off with a steady weekly show I decided that my first month of podcasting would be a daily show based upon the 31 Days to Build a Better Blog Workbook!

Episode 0 is Live

Today Episode 0 of the podcast went live on iTunes and day 1 of the 31 Days to Build a Better blog series will kick off on Wednesday (1 July)! You can find show notes and listen to the podcast on our podcast site here.

In the first episode:

  • I share why I decided to start podcasting
  • I talk about 2 traits of successful blogs that inform how the podcast will work
  • I share my plan for the first action oriented 31 days of short sharp podcasts based around 31DBBB

31 Days to Build a Better Blog

Having run this month long challenge numerous times before I know the potential it has to help bloggers bring about transformation on their blogs.

Tens of thousands of bloggers have taken the challenge (and many have completed it numerous times) so I’m excited to be doing it again and would love to have you along on the journey.

Don’t feel you need to do it daily (it’s designed to do at your own pace) but please do subscribe to the podcast here on iTunes.

Please Help Us with a Quick Review and Rating on iTunes

Once you’ve listened to the first podcast (it’s only 16 minutes) please take a moment to give us a rating (hint… 5 starts is good) and a review – it helps us get the word out about the challenge and the more on it the better for everyone!

A Note about the 31DBBB WorkBook

This podcast series is based upon the 31 Days to Build a Better blog workbook and follows the same 31 days in it – however you do not need a copy to follow along.

While there’s definitely more material in the eBook (in fact there’s a bonus 7 days includes in that) you will give value from the podcast without it.

However if you do want to have your own copy of the 31 days of material (plus the 7 extras) to use on an ongoing basis please use the coupon code PODCAST50 during the checkout from the sales page to get 50% off the workbook for the next month.

No pressure though – as I say you can get a lot of value out of the podcast alone if you choose to do so.

Originally at: Blog Tips at ProBlogger
Build a Better Blog in 31 Days

The ProBlogger Podcast Is Live and We’re Kicking Off with a Challenge!

The post The ProBlogger Podcast Is Live and We’re Kicking Off with a Challenge! appeared first on @ProBlogger.

Originally at: Blog Tips at ProBlogger

Build a Better Blog in 31 Days

The ProBlogger Podcast Is Live and We’re Kicking Off with a Challenge!

The post The ProBlogger Podcast Is Live and We’re Kicking Off with a Challenge! appeared first on @ProBlogger.


 #bloggingtips 

Kinetic Hair Dryer Installations by Antoine Terrieux

Fun and Random

dryer-1

As part of an exhibition last December at the Maison Des Jonglages (House of Juggling) in La Courneuve, France, magician and juggler Antoine Terrieux created this series of kinetic artworks using different arrangements of hair dryers. The dryers were positioned in such a way as to create an updraft for a paper airplane to fly around, a spinning vortex of water vapor, and other unexpected configurations. Terrieux also incorporates hair dryers into his performances. (via La boite verte)

 
#funandrandom 
 » see original post http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/colossal/~3/prAklTAW0Mc/

Sunday 28 June 2015

Motivational Words #2 blank notelet / card

A gorgeous best-selling design. Click to customize or personalize. How would it look with your name or monogram on it - why not have a look-see right now?


tagged with: motivational words,, motivation,, positive thinking,, encouragement,, positive outlook,, succeed,, blank notelets,, positive attitude,, values,, hrbstslr mowds2

Motivational Words series Give some positivity! Here's a great design using motivational word-art. Each time you look at them, you should get a subtle positive boost!!
more items featuring these motivational words
more items in the Motivational Words series

image code: mowds2

»visit the HightonRidley store for more designs and products like this

Saturday 27 June 2015

10 PBEVENT Speakers Tell How They Stay Motivated

Blogging with purpose

original post »

10 ProBlogger Training Event speakers tell about how they stay motivated in their current work. Inspiring stuff!

All secrets are being revealed on ProBlogger this week! We’ve had the morning routines of superstar bloggers and online entrepreneurs, and also their number one life hack (especially for time management). Today, they share how they keep going when the going gets tough.

HEATHER ARMSTRONG: Author, speaker, and blogger at Dooce

Heather-Headshot-1.2015-200x200One, I am the sole provider for my children. Keeping them housed, clothed, fed and happy is the highest priority in my life. Two, I love where I am in my life and cherish the experiences that have brought me here to do what I do. I stay motivated so that I can create even bigger and broader experiences.

 

Heather will be presenting the keynote session: The Courage of Compassion: Transforming Your Experience with Criticism

MRS WOOG: Mouthy 40-something housewife from the burbs. Blogs at Woogsworld

Kayte-Murphy-200x200

 

Because I have the best job in the world and I want to keep it.

 

Mrs Woog will be on the panel for: How to monetise a personal blog with Heather Armstrong
 

BENJAMIN MANGOLD: Director of Digital and Analytics at Loves Data + Google-certified expert for Google Analytics

benjamin-mangold-800-2-200x200Seeing people learn new things and exploring new ideas keeps me motivated. When you see things ‘click’ for someone it’s extremely rewarding. I also love it when I hear how the work and training we do at Loves Data has helped someone – it’s an incredible feeling to receive a card, an email, or a chocogram, from someone saying how much they appreciate what we do.

Benjamin will be presenting the session: Metrics that Matter: Google Analytics for Actionable Insights

KELLY EXETER: Owner of Swish Design, a boutique web and graphic design company.

KellySquareHeadShotHiRes-200x200Habit. I’m very good at negotiating with myself and can talk myself out of doing anything so relying on motivation to overcome this just makes life too hard. Instead, I’ve created habits around the things that are important to me/just need to be done. For example: writing and exercise are super-important to me but it would be so easy to de-prioritise them in amongst everything else going on in my day. So being in the habit of getting up early and doing them as the first order of the day every single day … it means I never have to go looking for motivation.

Kelly will be presenting the session: Blogging voice and the art of creating meaningful connections through writing

RUTH SOUKUP: Founder of LivingWellSpendingLess.com

Ruth-Profile-600x600-200x200Honestly, I don’t have to try very hard to stay motivated—I LOVE what I do! I can’t think of a job that I would enjoy more, or that would allow me to combine all the things I love. I get bored easily, but the blogging world is always changing. I enjoy strategizing & the process of trying to get ahead of the curve. My biggest problem is not getting motivated, but trying to find the time to implement all my ideas. This year my husband made me promise to take Sundays off, which I have, but I often find myself wandering around the house wishing I could work on my latest project!

Ruth will be presenting the keynote session The 5 Ordinary Habits of Extraordinary Bloggers, and breakout session Pinterest Marketing 101: The Three Elements of the Perfect Pin

NAT KRINGOUDIS: Women’s health revolutionist and fertility fixer at natkringoudis.com.au

Nat_1698-200x200If you are fully aligned to your vision, living and breathing it, it all falls into place without too much effort. It’s so important to fully integrate yourself in your message and what you do. The rest then will simply follow and flow. With this in mind, I don’t need to stay motivated, I’m generally always motivated.

Nat will be presenting the session: How to create your gangbuster e-product

 

BRANDON COWAN: 21-year-old co-founder and Director of Crazy Dog Apps

Brandon-Cowan-1-200x200Simple (sort of)… I live my life using a bit of Steve Jobs’ philosophy – if I find that I am not enjoying something in life and know that I can do something better, I will make the switch or adjust my life accordingly. By always doing what I want, I will always be motivated to do what I do.

Brandon will be presenting the session: Creating Business Ideas
 
 

PAMELA WILSON: Big Brand System and Copyblogger Media

Pamela-Wilson-600px-sq-200x200I really, really love what I do. My full-time job is Vice President of Educational Content at Copyblogger. I am running the day-to-day operations of the Copyblogger blog, which is an honor and a wonderful challenge, too.

Along with Editor-in-Chief Stefanie Flaxman and Chief Content Writer Demian Farnworth, we set the tone and editorial direction of the Copyblogger blog, and plan how we’ll complement the written information with editorial images that help tell the story of each post.

In addition to that, I’m overseeing the educational content offered at Copyblogger Media, and there’s a lot of it!

I’m a teacher at heart, so both of these jobs make me feel like I’m contributing to help people make progress in their businesses and their lives.

That’s all the motivation I need. :-)

Pamela will be presenting the session: Design 101: How to Use Design Basics to Polish Up Your Blog, and How to Create a Content Event That Builds Your Email List

DAN NORRIS: serial entrepreneur, award winning blogger and the author of the best selling business book The 7 Day Startup

dan-norris-1-200x200I work on what I love and what inspires me at the time so who wouldn’t be motivated to do that? I do lose focus a little bit sometimes so I have a few things that pull me back into line like chatting with other entrepreneurs, listening to podcasts and speaking at and attending conferences.

 

Dan will be presenting the session: How to use your blog to supercharge your small business

CAROLINE MAKEPEACE: Co-founder of y travel blog

Caz-Makepeace-bio-square-600-x-600-200x200I think about my old life waking up every morning to an alarm to go to a job I hated and my first words uttered were “Oh F***!”. That memory makes a 15 hour day working on my blog easy to do. I also have a very engaged email communication relationship (which I’ll share more about in my session). Each week, I read stories about my reader’s lives, fears, hopes and dreams and I’m so so inspired to continue working to help them. I seriously would have quit if it were not for those emails.

Caroline will be presenting the session: From Blog to Business – the steps you need to take from to create a profitable business online

THE EVENT

There are a handful of tickets left, so be quick to ensure you don’t miss out! You can go here to purchase.

PBEVENT is Australia’s biggest and longest-running blogging conference. Our first 400 tickets sold in around 20 minutes this year, firmly establishing it the ‘go-to’ event on the blogging community’s calendar for training and networking.

In 2015, ProBlogger Training Event is presented by Olympus and will be relocating to the spacious RACV Royal Pines Resort on the Gold Coast, ready for over 650 bloggers on August 14 and 15.

Originally at: Blog Tips at ProBlogger
Build a Better Blog in 31 Days

10 PBEVENT Speakers Tell How They Stay Motivated

The post 10 PBEVENT Speakers Tell How They Stay Motivated appeared first on @ProBlogger.

Originally at: Blog Tips at ProBlogger

Build a Better Blog in 31 Days

10 PBEVENT Speakers Tell How They Stay Motivated

The post 10 PBEVENT Speakers Tell How They Stay Motivated appeared first on @ProBlogger.


 #bloggingtips 

Towering New Pigeon Murals by ‘Super A’

Fun and Random

super-a-1

super-a-2

super-a-3

super-a-4

super-a-5

Ah yes, the majestic pigeon. An unlikely source of inspiration for such dominating murals, but at the hands of Dutch street artist Stefan Thelen aka Super A (previously) these ubiquitous urban dwellers are turned into something surprisingly beautiful. His latest piece at top was just completed for Mural Goes in Goes, Netherlands. Check out more of his paintings and other works on his website. (via StreetArtNews)

 
#funandrandom 
 » see original post http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/colossal/~3/RrD-S2luT5Q/

The German City of Karlsruhe Issued a Parking Ticket to a Warped Car Sculpture by Erwin Wurm

Fun and Random

parking-1

parking-2
picture alliance / dpa

Austrian artist Erwin Wurm has become famous in part for his humorous sculptural treatments of iconic vehicles that are stretched, inflated, and twisted into seemingly impossible shapes. One such sculpture of a bent red Mercedes-Benz food truck installed on a street in Karlsruhe, Germany, just met the fate of an overzealous officer who slapped the car with a parking ticket without knowledge of the vehicle’s artistic merit. I hope this was a joke, I can only imagine Wurm’s fine for driving this through the city. (via Metro, Sham Jaff, Stellar)

 
#funandrandom 
 » see original post http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/colossal/~3/UiXFHP4PvXI/

Thursday 25 June 2015

More Boutiques for Karmani Designer Lifestyle

Now that I've got all the web design elements working well together with the fluid layout, I've started to populate my boulevard with more Boutiques.

I've been using an MS Access database to generate the Page Option Panel settings for ZazMySite. ZazMySite then generates the pages from them and I upload the resulting pages to Karmani Designer Lifestyle.

Today I added the Family Dogs Boutique, covering the most popular breeds of family dogs.

Each Boutique has its own areas, one for each subject / topic covered. So you'll find one set of pages for Labrador Retrievers, one for Collies and so on. Within each area, you'll then find one page for each product type that's sold by the boutique. For example, whether you look in the Great Dane's section or the Dahshund one, you'll find a page of:
and so on.

All designs are selected from amongst the most popular on Zazzle, with a strong bias to the smaller independent designer/storekeeper.

Right now I'm working on an offering to make to them whereby they get their own Boutique to showcase their products.

If you're a Zazzle storekeeper, watch this space!
Happy Zazzling, Happy Promoting!
~~Mark (HightonRidley)


Wednesday 24 June 2015

Reading Roundup: What’s New in Blogging Lately

Blogging with purpose

original post »

Reading Roundup: What's new in blogging this week / ProBlogger.net

I’ve seen so much good content lately on the subject of blogging – I always love a downloadable schedule that someone else has taken the time to create, and sneaking a peek into how others make money is such an eye-opener! I’ve curated a couple of links you might find helpful as we try to kick ass on the internet this week.

6 Social Media Templates to Save You Hours of Work // Hootsuite

There’s everything from a template to help you create a social media strategy to guide you in your daily online activities, to audit checklists, content calendars, and image size cheat sheets for download to streamline your workflow.

Facebook Rolling out Significant Upgrades to Ads Manager and Power Editor // Marketing Land

They say big improvements are coming that will increase the congruity of ad creation and editing with data and metrics as well as the usability and searchability within an account. Get excited!

6 Ways to Grow Your Blog Audience // Social Media Examiner

Practical tips on the subjects of blog promotion, consistent scheduling, offering subscription points, expanding your content, and finding content through readers. You can also listen to an audio recording of the article.

How I Made $132,339 Last Month Blogging // StartupCamp

Dale Partridge gives an income report for April, broken down into each revenue stream, and colour-coded to signify whether it was higher or lower than last year. He also includes some links you might find helpful to grow your readership like he has.

Why Link Building is NOT the Future of SEO // Quicksprout

Neil Patel lays down the law for SEO enthusiasts. Been focusing on link building? You might want to think again!

 

Have you read something awesome lately? I’d love to see a link and have a chat in the comments.

Stacey is the Managing Editor of ProBlogger.net: a writer, blogger, and full-time word nerd balancing it all with being a stay-at-home mum. She writes about all this and more at Veggie Mama. Chat with her on Twitter @veggie_mama or be entertained on Facebook.

Originally at: Blog Tips at ProBlogger
Build a Better Blog in 31 Days

Reading Roundup: What’s New in Blogging Lately

The post Reading Roundup: What’s New in Blogging Lately appeared first on @ProBlogger.

Originally at: Blog Tips at ProBlogger

Build a Better Blog in 31 Days

Reading Roundup: What’s New in Blogging Lately

The post Reading Roundup: What’s New in Blogging Lately appeared first on @ProBlogger.


 #bloggingtips 

Quirky Monsters Playfully Occupy Abandoned Berlin Warehouses

Fun and Random

Monzter_Artwork_02

Monzter_Artwork_05

German street artist Kim Köster is doing the impossible—turning the typically scary content of monsters and abandoned buildings into interactive entertainment for children. Köster started by spray painting mischievous monsters in derelict warehouse sites outside of Berlin, allowing them to playfully interact with the surrounding architecture. Köster is now turning these works into an interactive children’s picture book called Monzter that gives kids a chance to play with these colorful creatures without having to wander into any creepy buildings.

The app invites the audience to reflect and laugh with the philosophical musings of children like, “Are ghosts able to see me?” and “How big is the sun?” The app is iPad compatible and available in the Apple app store.

Köster was born and raised in the North German village of Worpswede. Originally experimenting with drawing and watercolor, Köster moved into the graffiti scene. Like Monzter, he often employs new media within his work allowing for a wide public accessibility of his pieces. (via Geyser of Awesome)

monster_07

Monzter_Artwork_04

Monzter_Artwork_03

monsters_08

Monzter_Artwork_01

 
#funandrandom 
 » see original post http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/colossal/~3/bDcT8DYZcO4/

New Hammered Steel Animal Head Sculptures by Selçuk Yılmaz

Fun and Random

yilmaz-1

Turkish sculptor Selçuk Yılmaz (previously) just completed work on three new mask-like sculptures depicting the heads of a lynx, tiger, and fox. Yılmaz uses thin strands of hammered and welded steel that give each piece a beautiful curved musculature. You can see more details of each piece over on Behance.

yilmaz-3

yilmaz-4

yilmaz-5

yilmaz-7

yilmaz-8

yilmaz-9

yilmaz-10

yilmaz-11

yilmaz-12

yilmaz-13

 
#funandrandom 
 » see original post http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/colossal/~3/tuUIgCxgKys/