Notes from the Studio: Fall Has Gone Viral + Fall Photography Ideas

Fall Has Gone Viral

As I sit here on a cold, foggy morning, and watch my Pinterest notifications flood in, I realize, Fall has truly gone viral! Who knew this season was so loved? I guess Pinterest did! What's the culprit pin, you ask? A lovely shot of Fall trees, looking up.

The Viral Fall Pin: Fall Foliage Photography Idea: Look Up! (fish eye lens optional)
[Note: Unfortunately, I could not find the source of this picture. If you do find it, please let me know, I would like to give full credit to this viral pic!]

At the end of last week, I created a Fall Foliage board on my Wanderlust Designer Pinterest page. I had just written an article on my other blog about products to pack for your Fall outing. Besides a whole host of pins pointing folks to sites that predict the exact moment to head out the door to see Fall color, I also had fun pinning some sample images for Fall photography inspiration. Seems like folks like photographing fall. The viral pin is one of them!

I haven't yet gotten myself out the door to try these photography shots... here in California, I'm waiting for a few more leaves to turn. We are well behind the rest of the country on Fall colors, but, when they do really change, I'll be ready.

In case you need some Fall photography inspiration, here are some ideas I found by trolling around my favorite spot, Pinterest:

• Look Up - Capture the fall colors by looking up into the trees.
• Fall in the City - It's sometimes hard to see Fall through all the buildings, cars, and city traffic-- but there are shots waiting to be taken. Head to the park, and find a bench. Find a leaf covered street, or a tree lined sidewalk. Juxtapose fall color with concrete buildings and sky scrapers. Fall in the city can be beautiful
• Just the Reflection - After a rainy Fall afternoon, head out and just take pictures of puddles and ponds reflecting the fall colors. The photos can be abstract, artsy and gorgeous.
• Get Low - Get on your knees and shoot pictures of the sidewalk covered with leaves, or the hiking path filled with foliage.
• Ribbon of Highway - If you are off on a Fall Foliage Weekend, but sure to stop the car on a rural street and capture the ribbon of road through the Fall colors. Make sure to watch for traffic, if you do!
• Close Up - Close up of leaves, acorns, and other Fall foliage make great pictures. One friend found a rainbow of leaf colors on a hike, then arranged the in order. The rainbow leaf spread photograph was amazing!
• Playing with Leaves - Kids love to play with leaves in the Fall. Have them throw a pile of leaves in the air and capture the color. Play with shutter speed to get great color blur.

And for more fall photography inspiration, see these sites:

• 24 Beautiful Autumn Pictures on Purple Leaves
• How to Take Awesome Pictures of the Fall - Digital Camera World

Looking forward to pinning your Fall photos and watching them go viral! Have a great weekend.

Around the Clock Baby Shower - Gift Ideas for the New Parents for Every Hour

Around the Clock Baby Shower: Gift Ideas for Every Hour

An Around the Clock Baby shower is a great theme for any new parents-to-be! It's amazing all the things a new little one needs, even at 3:00AM! Assign each guest with a specific hour of the day, and have them find a gift just right for that hour.

Need help with gift ideas? No problem. Here's a list of gift ideas for new parents at every hour of the day. I've also created an Around the Clock Baby Shower Pinterest board with loads of examples. So, pick an hour and get going.

1:00AM - Feeding Time
The baby is up and it's the middle of the night. Here are some must-have items for 1am: a cozy chair for the nursery, baby bottle warming/cooling kits, baby bottles, warm slippers and a robe for the mom, a soft blanket, some audio books for listening to softly

2:00AM - Sick Baby!
The baby is fussy and crying and not feeling well. Here are some must-have items for 2 am: stock the parent's medicine cabinet with recommended baby remedies, get a nice thermometer, buy a cute humidifier, stock up on lots of wipes

3:00AM - Sleeping Baby, Finally!
The baby is finally asleep, and so are the exhausted parents. Here are some must-have items for 3am: comfortable eye cover to block out any light, new sheets and linens to help new parents fall asleep fast, black out curtains for the babies room.

4:00AM - Fussy Baby
Some babies are just fussy and want to be held. Here are some must-have items for 4am: parenting books on babies, teething rings, stuffed animal, lullaby CD, white noise machine, humidifier, pacifiers, soft blankets, coupon for lots of patience!

5:00AM - Early Morning Feeding
The baby is up again for a feeding. Here are some must-have items for 5am: keep the room dark with black out shades for a few more hours of sleep, baby bottles are always helpful to new parents, a rocking chair.

6:00AM - Rise & Shine
Time to rise and shine for a new day with baby. Here are some must-have items for 6am: the best part of a having a new baby is the adorable clothes! Stock up on a few cute outfits for the little one. Buy a bunch of outfits for a specific season (and size based on the babies age.) Find some baby booties to keep the toes warm in the morning.

7:00AM - Breakfast Time
It's breakfast time with baby. Here are some must-have items for 7am: all new parents need a high chair, spill mat, bibs, feeding utensils, etc. New parents may need lots of coffee to wake up, perhaps indulge them with a new coffee maker, or a single cup coffee maker. Another idea is to subscribe them to a coffee of the month club.

8:00AM - Music Time with Baby
Babies love music and there's no reason not to start their musical career young. Here are some must-have items for 8am: rattles, shakers, bongo drums, toy xylophone, baby music on CD, classical music CD's for baby, etc.

9:00AM - Mommy & Baby Exercise Time
Mommies and babies both feel better with a little exercise. Here are some must-have items for 9am: Exercise mat for mom, playmat for baby, stretchy clothes for baby, new workout outfit for mom, mommy/baby exercise class coupons, mommy/baby exercise book, pedometer.

10:00AM - Morning Nap Time
Mommies and babies both need a morning nap, especially if there was not a lot of sleep at night. Here are some must-have items for 10am: blanket, lullaby CD for nap time, nap time books to read, pacifiers, stuffed animal, white noise machine.

11:00AM - Playtime
Refreshed from a morning nap, there's nothing more fun than playtime with baby. Here are some must-have items for 11am: play mat, baby "gym", baby toys, stuffed animals, bouncy seat, educational toys, baby "activity" books

12:00PM Noon - Lunch Time
Lunch is served. Here are some must-have items for 12pm noon: bowls, spoons, sip cups, personalized plate, personalized spoon, personalized cup, baby food organizer (for kitchen), etc.

1:00PM - To the Park

Baby will love a stroll to the park in the afternoon. Here are some must-have items for 1pm: stroller, front pack carrier, baby sling, waterproof blanket for the outdoors, baby sun hat, baby sunscreen, blanket for the stroller, diaper bag, etc.

2:00PM - Afternoon Nap

There's nothing like an afternoon nap for baby and a little time for mom to get things done. Here are some must-have items for 2pm: blanket, black out shades for the nursery, gift coupons to help mom with chores, gift coupons to help mom with grocery shopping, gift coupon for house cleaner to help the new parents, etc.

3:00PM - Art Class with Baby

No matter how young babies love art. Here are some must-have items for 3pm: picture books about art, no-mess art sets for babies/toddlers, building blocks, rainbow of colored stuffed toys, baby approved finger paints, art kits for commemorating baby's footprints/handprints.

4:00PM - Afternoon Stroll

A little afternoon stroll with baby can breathe some fresh air into any afternoon. Here are some must-have items for 4pm: baby sling, baby front pack carrier, diaper bag, stroller, blanket for stroller, knitted hat for baby, etc.

5:00PM - Dinner Time

The day is coming to a close and it's time for dinner. Here are some must-have items for 5pm: baby food processing items (blender), recipe books for healthy baby foods, storage containers for home made baby food, coupon to help make baby food for the new mom, coupon for some home cooked meals for the tired parents, etc.

6:00PM - Bath Time

Bath time can be the best part of baby's day. Here are some must-have items for 6pm: baby bath tub, bath mits, personalized bath towels, bath toys, baby bath soaps and lotions, etc.

7:00PM - Reading Time

Time for some quiet reading to help get the baby ready for bed. Here are some must-have items for 7pm: baby board books, picture books, a set of books from your favorite children's author, personalized book plates, personalized book about baby's name, nursery rhyme books, classic baby books, etc.

8:00PM - Bed Time

Time for bed for baby. Here are some must-have items for 8pm: blankets, baby bedding, crib bumpers, decorations for the nursery, lullaby music, mobile for over crib, pacifiers, etc.

9:00PM - Mommy Rest and Relaxation Time

Finally the baby is asleep and it's time for mom to have a little r 'n r. Here are some must-have items for 9pm: spa lotions, bath salts, comfortable robe, comfortable slippers, specialty teas, gift certificate for good books.

10:00PM - Soothing Tunes & Good Flicks

Although exhausted, parents still need a little time to themselves. Here are some must-have items for 10pm: newly released movies on DVD for parents, coupon for babysitting time so parents can go out, new music CD's, DVD's of parent's favorite TV episodes, etc.

11:00PM - Parents Fall Asleep in Exhaustion

There are no more nights staying up late when a baby is in the house. Here are some must-have items for 11pm: new pajamas for the parents, new bedding for the parents, etc.

12:00AM Midnight - Midnight Snack

Who doesn't need a midnight snack sometimes? Here are some must-have items for 12am: gift basket filled with quick snacks for tired parents who can't sleep.

Free Printable Karate Party Game: Karate Master Quest

Free Printable Karate Master Quest Game from B.Nute productions

All potential karate stars as well as 80's movie fans will love this free printable game to play at their Karate Party-- the Karate Master Quest game. Karate Kid fans should remember the scene when it all comes together for Daniel (the Karate Kid)-- when all the mundane choirs he's been doing for his sensei, Mr. Miyagi come together and begin to make him a true karate kid. And, yes it definitely includes favorites like "paint the fence" and "sand the floor!" Read below on how to play and get your party guests running around mastering all types of karate skills without their knowledge.

Karate Master Quest Game
How to Play
You can either do this as a relay race, or just have individuals go through the "steps" of the quest and time them or evaluate them on accuracy. Be sure to run through all the stations first, to give example of how it is done. There are 10 stations total to complete before the party guest can become a "karate master." Here is the details of each station:

Station 1: Bow
Bowing is an important ritual to karate. One must bow before entering and exiting the dojo (class room) and typically bow before their sensei (teacher) and competitor. For this station, have the guest perform a perfect bow. Remember, keep eye contact while bowing, as Mr. Miyagi teaches.
Station 2: Paint the Fence
It's all in the wrist-- be sure to demonstrate the painting up, and painting down motion that Mr. Miyagi teaches so well in Paint the Fence in Karate Kid. Have them paint a fence or wall with a paintbrush and water for 2 minutes before moving on to the next station.
Station 3: Wax On/Wax Off
Teach the kids the motions to "wax on" and "wax off" - and wax some sort of surface. Using sponges and water, have each guest wax on and wax off for 2 minutes before moving to the next station.
Station 4: Catch a Feather with Chopsticks
In the Karate Kid movies, time is spent trying to catch a fly with chopsticks (although Mr. Miyagi has yet to do it.) Instead of spending the entire party trying to catch a fly, have the player try to catch a floating feather. Drop a feather from up high and try to catch it in the chopsticks. Give the player up to 5 trys to accomplish the task before moving on to the next station.
Station 5: Sand the Floor
Daniel (the Karate Kid) is tasked with sanding all of Mr. Miyagi's deck. Teach the players the motions to sand the floor properly, then have them do it for 2 minutes before moving on to the next station.
Station 6: Count to 10 (in Japanese)
Break up the karate actions with an intellectual task, counting to 10 in Japanese. Have them read through the numbers several times, then try to repeat it from memory before moving to the next station.
Station 7: Paint the House
Painting the house is similar to painting the fence, but with a horizontal motion instead. Have players paint the house for 2 minutes before moving to the next station.
Station 8: Karate Chop a Cracker
Who doesn't want to show their karate prowess by chopping something?! Instead of going for wood, use a graham cracker for easier chopping, but just as much fun. Have each player chop one graham cracker in half before moving to the next station.
Station 9: One Minute of Silence
Before completing the quest, have each player sit in silence for one minute. You can challenge their will by trying to make them laugh, and tell them they have to stay silent! After they've completed one minute of silence, they can move to the next station.
Station 10: Do the Karate Kid Crane
An impressive move in concentration and power, have each player perform the crane pose (to the crane kick), and hold it for 1 minute. If they are so inclined, they can even try to perform the kick as well. Once you deem the move is correct, award the player with a prize for completing his/her karate master quest!

Free Printable Karate Master Quest Game

Free Printable Karate Master Quest Game from B.Nute productions

Instructions for Printing Your Karate Master Quest Game
1. Select the link above at the bottom of the image, and print out the game on an 8.5" x 11" piece of paper. Use white card stock to add some weight to the game.
2. Print enough for each player if you'd like. Once printed, cut out the 8"x10" game and hand out to each player to become a karate master!

Printable items are copyright protected, and provided free of charge by B.Nute productions for personal use only. B.Nute's printables can not be sold, altered, or provided for download on any other site. For questions or inquiries, please contact B.Nute productions.

Karate Party Ideas: Decorations, Games, Food, and Crafts

Loads of Karate Party Ideas - Decorations, Games, Foods, Crafts & More from B.Nute productions

You've mailed the invitation and your child is counting the days. Now it's time for some serious party planning of what to do when all the kids arrive and are ready for action at your Karate Party. Look no further, below are loads of Karate Party Ideas from decorations to games, menu ideas to crafts-- there will be no shortage of fun!


Karate Party Decoration Ideas

Karate Party: The Look from B.Nute productions

Karate is a martial art developed in Okinawa, Japan. For decoration inspiration for your Karate Party, think of all the wonderful Japanese and asian influences you can add to your space. From lanterns to neon lights, zen posters to Karate Kid memorabilia, all these looks will do. Another option is to head to a local art store and look for some Japanese papers or origami papers. These Asian style patterned papers can make a great banner, cupcake toppers or other decoration. Or, to simplify, pick a strong Asian color scheme like red and black and emphasis this in your space (from crepe paper, lanterns, paper plates, napkins and more.) Add some bonsai and bamboo on the buffet table and your set!


Karate Party Game and Entertainment Ideas

Karate Party Game Ideas from B.Nute productions

Karate Studio
Heading to your local Karate studio for your party is a perfect way to entertain the kids and teach them a few moves as well. Call you local studio to see if they offer parties, sign your crew up and your set!

Karate Sensei at Home
If your budget allows, you could hire a professional Karate master to come to your home and teach a few moves. If you are looking for a less expensive option, look into a tween or teen neighbor who enjoys karate to come over a teach what he knows. Send out some emails to other moms and/or parents of classmates to see if they have any older siblings who may fit the bill.

Karate Obstacle Course Game
For Karate Parties at home, here's a great game to get the kids running and let off some energy, a Karate Obstacle Course. In your yard, driveway, or home set up a course to have the kids run through. Put out pillows to jump over, styrofoam blocks to kick over, cones to run in and out of, pillows to punch, and fold out tables to crawl under. Be sure to have the kids bow at the beginning and end of the course to make it official. Have kids run through it and time them to see who is fastest. Give a prize or two for the fastest.

Best Fancy Moves Contest
Although not necessarily authentic karate, I'm sure if asked, your gang of karate kids can come up with some pretty elaborate karate-like moves. Have a contest to see who can come up with the best move. Offer different prizes for different moves, like "Most Dramatic", "Most Energetic", "Most Zen", "Most Authentic", etc.

Sensei Says
Play a game of Simon Says, but call it "Sensei Says". A sensei, or karate teacher is highly revered and should be for this game as well. Let each child have a turn at being sensei.

Watch Karate Kid Movies or Action Scenes
Whether you want to go "old school" and show the original Ralph Macchio Karate Kid movies, or if you want to show the more recent version with Jaden Smith, either movie will be highly entertaining for the crowd. (Note: Each movie is rated PG, so potentially young audiences are not suitable.) If you don't have time to watch the full movie, perhaps just queue up the action scenes to get all the kids in the karate spirit.


Karate Party Craft Activities

Karate Party Craft Activties from B.Nute productions

Karate Kid Headband
Who can forget Ralph Macchio's very cool headband in the Karate Kid? I sure can't? This is a simple craft activity all the kids will love, and love to wear too. It will be great for party pictures as well, so possibly do this project towards the beginning of the party to get everyone in character for the fun. Here are the simple instructions:

1. Purchase light white fabric- this can even be liner fabric. 
2. Tear or cut long strips, about 2" wide and 1 yard long. (For amount of fabric needed: a typical bolt of fabric is 44" wide. If you buy a yard of fabric, and make 2" strips, you will have roughly 22 strips.)
3. Set out Sharpie markers and/or fabric markers and strips of fabric on a table. Have kids color/design the very center of the fabric strip. This will be in the center of their forehead. You can print out a picture of Ralph's headband as example!
4. Once complete, tie on to the kids' heads and start taking pictures!

Karate Kid Belt
A karate belt is an honored and treasured piece to a karate outfit. The varied colors are awarded only through hard work, effort and expertise. Perhaps some of the kids at the party have their own earned belts at home, and of course might be very excited to share their progress! But, for the party, instead of using a traditional, honored belt, do something a little different and have the kids make their own. Similar to the headband craft above, have the kids come up with a unique design for their belt. Have them make it colorful and fierce to show their enthusiasm for the sport. To make, simply follow the headband instructions above, but buy a bit longer fabric. Perhaps 2-3 yards will allow for a longer strip to tie around the child's waist once decorated.

Zen Garden
Here's a great craft activity to do at the end of the party so the karate masters find their inner peace. Have each child create a zen garden. Here's what you need: shoe box lids, wrapping paper or contact paper, sand, rocks, and plastic forks. Gather up a bunch of shoe box lids, and/or ask friends and family to help if you don't have enough for each kid. Wrap the lid with decorative wrapping paper (possibly Japanese patterned papers), or wood style contact paper. Set the lids out on a large table. Let kids fill the lid with sand, and select some decorative rocks. Now, give them a plastic fork, or if you'd rather, a mini-zen rake and let them rake their peaceful garden. Here are a few samples on the web of variations on this project:

• Shoebox Lid Zen Garden
• Altoids Tin Zen Garden

Paper Lantern
Paper lanterns are a festive addition to any party. Have the kids craft paper lanterns out of Japanese patterned paper.


Karate Party Menu Ideas

Karate Party Menu Ideas from B.Nute productions

Sushi
Some adventurous kids will love sushi, but some may not be ask excited to try. There are plenty of kid-friendly sushi options to serve:

• Vegetable Sushi - sushi made with cucumber, carrot, avocado, red peppers, etc.
• Cooked Options - sushi made with shrimp, smoked salmon or thinly sliced grilled teriyaki chicken
• Sushi Rolled with Bread instead of Rice
• Silly Sushi Ideas: Candy Sushi and more - Faux friendly sushi, candy sushi recipe, mock sushi

Chicken Yakitori
Chicken Yakitori is basically small chicken cubes on a stick, but much tastier. It's easy finger food yet great protein for energy for kids on the move.

Edamame
Here's another great finger food that packs in the protein, Edamame. Just set out a bowl full and have folks eat as much as they'd like.

Rice Chips, Chinese Rice Cracker Snacks, Fried Wontons
Pick up some rice snacks and the likes and set out in bowls for more finger food options.

Chinese Take Out Options
Although it's not Japanese themed, Chinese food is another great alternative menu option for your Karate Party, and easy on preparation. Just order off a local chinese restaurant menu, pick up and serve. Some kid-friendly options include egg rolls, chow mien noodles, fried rice, pot stickers, and many more.

Free October 2013 Wallpaper

Free Desktop and iPad October 2013 Wallpaper from B.Nute productions

October is here, and so are the pumpkins! Here’s a free October 2013 wallpaper filled with hand drawn pumpkins ready to decorate desktop computer or iPad. 

Free October 2103 Desktop Wallpaper Calendar from B.Nute productions

1900x1200 - October 2013 Calendar for Desktop

1980x1600 - October 2013 Calendar for iPad

To set as your desktop image

Click on the 1900x1200 link above. When the image in view, on a PC, right click and select “Use Picture as Desktop Image”; For a Mac, Control-click and select “Use Image as Desktop Picture”. 

To set at your ipad wallpaper

Click on the 1980x1600 link above. When the image in in view, click and hold. Select "Save Image" from the popup menu. Once saved, select your "Settings -->Brightness & Wallpaper" and change your wall paper to the newly saved image in your photos.

Karate Party Invitations and More

Karate Party Invitations by B.Nute productions on Zazzle

For all those karate kids out there, here's the perfect party invitation for you! This hip, cool and edgy Karate Party invitation packs the perfect punch of gritty textures, funky type and a silhouette of a karate kick. It's just right for the slightly older crowd who takes their karate seriously.

Whether you are planning on heading to your local karate studio for the party, or having it at home, stay tuned this week for more karate themed posts with plenty of ideas! In the meantime, head over to my store and order up your Karate party invitations and get your planning started.

Notes from the Studio: Falling for Fall

I think I'm Falling for Fall (image by B.Nute productions)

Hands down I have to admit Summer is my favorite season, so why all of a sudden do I feel like I'm falling for Fall? Is it because I put my boots for the first time this week? Perhaps. I do love boot season. Is it that chill in the air gives me an extra reason to pull the comforter up close at night to get warm? Could be. Nothing like snuggling in bed on a cold night. Or is it that every time I head over to Pinterest, I see another pumpkin recipe that looks so delicious I just want to try it? Possibly, but probably not... it's hard to live with a family who doesn't like pumpkins! I think the real reason is I seem to get this crazy boost of creativity in the Fall... one where I just wish there were more hours in the day to do all the things I want to do.

I recently started an online writing class, and I'm loving it. Although I write almost every day for my blogs, I felt like my words were stifled and lacking personality. This class has been the perfect way to re-energize. Along with writing, I've been aching to do more photography. I took a night photography class several months ago and loved experimenting with shots while traveling this Summer. I have list after list of photo shoot ideas to head out the door and try. Then, there's drawing. I want to get in the habit of doing a sketch-a-day. I have about 30 themes swirling through my head of what to sketch (typography being one as you can see from the illustration in this post), and now just need to sit down and do it. 

So why the burst of creativity? I think Fall is the reason. The season glides in after a summer filled with outdoor activities and allows me real "workable" time while my kids are back at school. The quite hours just get my brain churning! Also, the reality of the holidays has not set in. Fall is like the calm before the storm.

Now, the only dilemma is there just doesn't seem to be enough time to do all the things I want to do. But, as I'm learning, there never is enough time. I guess the good news is that only means all this creativity can easily flow into the new year. Perfect! Something to look forward to.

Hope you enjoy your Fall weekend as much as I will!