Sunday, January 10, 2010

Getting Started On My Resolutions........and the first giveaway of the New Year!

I am really serious about working on my New Years Resolutions this year. To keep from feeling overwhelmed, I am making a very reasonable plan as to how to fulfill them with my limited free time. Right now I am in the preparing stage. For my goals "Developing my photography" and "Learning to make bread" I am reading up.

I found two books that I absolutely love that are helping me start towards my goals. And as a nice little treat, I will be sending one lucky reader a copy of the book of their choice!

The first book I am reading is "The Basic Book of Digital Photography", by Michele and Tom Grimm.

I thought I knew a lot about basic photography, but there is so much I was missing! Even with my little point and shoot camera, there are simple tricks that I could have been using for years that would have made my photos immensely better. This book covers EVERYTHING. From the very basic principles of downloading photos to the computer and charging the battery to "professional" tips like photographing fireworks by keeping the shutter open and using a black card. They even talk about using a cel phone camera. I decided to read this book when I heard it referred to as the digital bible. :) I am finally beginning to feel like maybe this SLR camera won't be so totally overwhelming. After just a few chapters of this book, I started making some real headway with my photography.

The second book I am reading is Healthy Bread in Five Minutes a Day. I first picked up this book when I was looking for a great Christmas gift for a foodie friend of mine. Then I just had to have my own copy. It focuses on easy bread that can be made by busy people. The recipes are amazing and most of them focus on whole grains. Gluten free bread, whole wheat bread...chocolate bread. Hello! Yum.

The book was written by Jeff Hertzberg, M.D who is a physician with twenty years of experience in health care and Zoë François, a pastry chef trained at the Culinary Institute of America. In addition to teaching baking and pastry courses nationally, she consults to the food industry and is the creator of the recipe blog www.zoebakes.com. A doctor and a pastry chef coming together to write a healthy bread book. Um yes...count me in! Click here to see how to make pizza on a stick. These would be such a fun thing to serve this Super Bowl Sunday.

Want to win a copy? Just let me know in a comment which book you would like to win and why. For a second entry, let me know in a second comment that you are a natalie's sentiments reader/follower/subscriber.

I will announce the winner on January 17th. Good luck!
Contest open to US residents only.


113 comments:

Anonymous said...

I'd LOVE a copy of the 'digital how-to' book...simply because I know absolutely NOTHING about photography!

Thanks for such a great idea and giveaway! I'll be checking into this book either way.

Dana
ammonmommy at hotmail dot com

Perfectly Jenn said...

Oh Natalie! I love this giveaway! I was just given a Canon Rebel Xsi and all I'm really able to do is point and shoot. I would love to get that book and learn more about this lovely digital camera.
Thanks for such a wonderful giveaway!
I hope #1 is lucky!!! :)

The Pyper Fam said...

Yeah! Another giveaway! :) I love your giveaways! :) I would love a copy of that photography book! There is so much more I need to learn!

The Pyper Fam said...

And I am a follower of your blog! :)

Carrie said...

I JUST got a SLR camera, too, and learning how to use it is on my resolution list! I'd LOVE to win this!!! Thanks for the chance...

Carrie said...

And I'm a subscriber! By the way, if you wouldn't mind sharing, did you design your blog yourself or did someone do it for you? I love the design... it's beautiful!

Melissa said...

You always have such great giveaways! I would LOVE to win the digital photography book. I've put an SLR camera on my Birthday/Graduation wish list for May and would love a how to guide to accompany it.

Melissa said...

I am a Natalie's Sentiments follower!

joyq said...

I would like to win because I share your New Year goal- I want to learn how to photograph people and stop making them look like "before" pictures :)

joyq said...

and I am follower of ALL THREE blogs! Your my hero!

~Shawna~ said...

I would love to win a copy of the digital photography book! I got my SLR camera last spring, and am still learning new things. I would love to learn new tricks to taking great pictures!

~Shawna~ said...

I am also a follower of your blog. =)

Lindsey said...

Happy 2010... I love your new years resolutions... I would love the Digital Photography book. I have been doing photography since I was child, but there is always more to learn. Thanks so much.
Lindsey

Lindsey said...

I am a follower of your blog.
Lindsey

Teresa @ Grammy Girlfriend said...

I would love to win and I am a follower....

I so want to learn photgraphy....What kind of camera do you have? I am researching cameras and plan to buy one this week before we leave on vacation

I have a fun giveaway on my blog...a $100 prize
Come over and join the fun...

Pryors said...

I want a copy of the digital how to book! My cute hubby got my a fancy camera for our anniversary this year and I need to help!

Nickie said...

I would love the photography book. I also just got my first SLR and I am clueless how to use it. I was able to take a couple really good pictures with it by luck.....

Nickie said...

I am a follower=)

Cheryl said...

I would love the Healthy Bread in 5 minutes a Day. We are trying to become a healthier household and that includes making a lot of stuff from scratch so we know exactly what we are putting in our bodies, I believe this book would be a great first step. Thanks for the opportunity to enter my name in your giveaway.

Cheryl said...

I follow your blog via Google Friends Connect.

Sara H said...

I would be so excited to win the bread book!! My husband and I are trying to become more healthy since we had our baby (5 months on Tuesday). We need to become healthier so that we can instill those same beliefs in our son!! I love your blog and especially all of your cute photos you post. Thanks for the great giveaways.

Anonymous said...

My daughter and I have also resolved to learn more about photography in 2010. Her dad (my beloved hubby) is a professional and tries to give us tips, but speaks in "pro-photographer-ese" and it flies over our heads! Would love to win this book.

Anonymous said...

I am also an avid fan and follower of your blog!

Heather said...

I'd love a copy of the bread book! I love to bake, and have not as yet delved into the world of bread!

Heather said...

I follow your blog!

Sarah said...

I would love to win a copy of the digital photography book. I bought a fancy new camera (not quite an SLR, but much nicer than a point and shoot) so that I could take amazing pictures of my new baby girl (born Oct). Well, sadly my pictures look the same as they did with my old point and shoot. Since I don't really know anything about photography, I don't know what I was expecting! Thanks for the chance to win.

Heather said...

The Basic Book of Digital Photography would be my book of choice! I would love to learn new techniques and secrets to getting better photos :)
Thanks for the opportunity! Can't wait to see what you've learned from the book by checking out your upcoming photos.

Heather said...

I am a Natalie's Sentiments follower :-) ALL THE WAY

Natalie Jane said...

Carrie - I designed this blog myself. Thanks for the compliment!

Teresa - I bought the Cannon 40D (LOVE IT!)

Kendra said...

I would love to win the digital photography book. In the beginning, I was very resistant to digital cameras. Now I have one and don't know everything it can do...

Kendra said...

I am a follower! ;)

The Wheeler's said...

I would love the digital photography book. I am always taking pictures of my little girl but I would love to make them look great!

The Wheeler's said...

I am a follower of your blog!

Push Pop Mama said...

The bread book looks wonderful! Chocolate bread, are you serious?!?

Push Pop Mama said...

I read on google reader.

zarpandit said...

i'd like to win a photography book! because i want to buy nikon D90 and i have to learn something! :)

zarpandit said...

i follow your blog!

Natalie "The Pampered Mom" said...

I woulod love the photography book because I just got a new camera for Christmas and I would love to learn everything my camera can do! Thanks!!

Lianna Knight said...

BOTH books sound like GREAT reads...but I would choose the How to Make Bread book...I LOVE all kinds of bread :)

Please enter me and Happy New Year!

Lianna Knight said...

I am a follower of your blog too :)

Unknown said...

Oh, how cool! I would love a copy of the photography book!

A Baby Peach said...

Pooh I'd love a copy of the photography book! I just got my DSLR last week and have soooo much to learn to take great pics of my 5 month old! Jennifercruger@aol.com

A Baby Peach said...

I am also a follower and have you on my blog roll.

Bacardi Mama said...

I would love the photography book. I just got anew camera for Christmas and I'm sure it would help me out a lot.

Nama said...

Oh, I'd love either of these books! But, if I have to choose, I think I'd go with the digital photography book. I, too, am resolved to work on my photography skills, especially since my best friend has asked me to photograph her wedding later this year...talk about pressure.

Doesn't the world all of sudden get better when you have a better digital camera? Seriously. Congrats on your new one!

Stacie Aho said...

I would love the Healthy Bread in 5 Minutes a Day because I love homemade bread, but it always seems too "white" to be yummy AND it takes SO long.

Awesome!

Stacie Aho said...

I'm a follower :)

Jerilee E. said...

I am asking for a nice SLR camera this NEXT Christmas, so I would love to have the Digital photography book! Then I can be all prepared! My picture taking with my point and shoot could do with some work, too :).

Jerilee E. said...

I am a follower!

Heather said...

One of my goals this year is to get better at photography so I'd love the how to book for photography!

heatherdemke(at)gmail(dot)com

Heather said...

Of course I follow you!

heatherdemke(at)gmail(dot)com

Anonymous said...

I would have to say the Photography book .... I too have lots to learn!
~Katrina S.

Anonymous said...

I am a Natalie's Sentiments Reader. Enjoy your blog!!!
Thanks ~ Katrina S.

auctions24byks@yahoo.com

kristi lee said...

I'm gonna say the bread book because I really do love to make it and seem to try out different recipe every time. THEN I can just borrow your photography book when your done!!!!!!

kristi lee said...

I'm a reader via google.

amanda said...

I would love the "digital bible"!! I purchased my first DSLR last year to capture my newborn son. I feel like I've learned so much but have so far to go. I want to learn to use my camera, not take "green box" photos.

amanda said...

I'm a loyal follower too.

Janelle said...

Digital photography book for sure! I plan on purchasing an SLR for my birthday this year and I could use all the help I can get. Thanks!

And by the way...you purchased a great camera. Can I say jealous?

Janelle said...

I'm a follower :)

Hailey said...

I would LOVE "The Basic Book of Digital Photography", by Michele and Tom Grimm. I have had my Nikon DSLR for a little over a year and I still have so much to learn. I love it though. I don't think it is possible to learn too much about photography.

Hailey said...

i am a reader, subscriber, and follower.

Jessie Jones said...

Ohmigosh! Both books sound so amazing. I think my diet is telling me to say I'd like the photography book more!

Thanks for the giveaway!
Mrs. Jones
areallifewife at gmail dot com

Jessie Jones said...

I'm a follower too!

Mrs. Jones
areallifewife at gmail dot com

Dionna said...

I'd like to win the photo book. I love to go on a missions trip and take photos while my husband videos. People seem to like my heart shown through the camera lens but I am such an amateur. I don't know how to do anything but zoom in on a good moment and click.

The Clawsons said...

i would love to get my hands on the photography book. as one of my new year's resolutions i've decided to treat my blog as more of a journal rather than a simple "out-of-state-friend-update" and then have it bound at the end of the year. utilizing this book would help me round out that goal!!!

The Clawsons said...

i'm a follower!

Emily Taylor said...

Yes please. Digital photography

TroxelTribe said...

How fun! I've been meaning to up my photog skills as well!

DaNae said...

I have an SLR but am just scratching the surface with all of the possibilities. Would love to win that.

DaNae said...

I'm a follower and subscriber too.

Rach said...

I love both of the books, but for this time in my life I think I would like the bread, do to the fact that I need to save money ( husband is still out of a job) So I think I'll wold like that one. I really hope I win.

Rach said...

I'm one of your faithful followers.

Anonymous said...

I would love a copy of the digital how to book, because i can never learn enough about the art of photography. I so enjoy my camera and taking photos of my kids...that book would be most helpful!

Rachel
timnrach@frontiernet.net

Anonymous said...

and another comment from me to let you know that I follow your blog and so enjoy it! quite inspirational!

Rachel
timnrach@frontiernet.net

Anonymous said...

I would love a copy of the Digital how to book. I want to learn how to take Great pics!! Thanks for the chance.
afdsm@hotmail.com

Anonymous said...

I'm a follower!!
afdsm@hotmail.com

Melanie Anne said...

Ok I would love either one of these books!! It would be a tough choise. What a great giveaway!!

Michelle said...

I would love a copy of "The Basic Book of Digital Photography". I love photography and taking pics of my kids. I would love tips on how to make my pics even better! Thanks!

Mandee said...

Wow, your photos are great! So glad I found your site! I would LOVE to win The Basic Book of digital Photgraphy, as I am trying to better my own photography skills. :)

Mandee said...

I am following your lovely blog! So glad I found you! (found you at Making Lemonade)

Jessica and Ryan said...

I would love the healthy bread book! I am trying to cook more healthy meals for my family and this would be a great help!! Thanks so much for the chance to win!

Kristin said...

Hard to choose! I could definately get a lot of use out of both. I think I'll choose the photography book!

Jessica and Ryan said...

I am a follower!!

Unknown said...

I would love the Bread in 5 minutes a day book! I have been very curious about this book due to all of the reviews I have been reading lately!

kissyjensen at gmail dot com

fiveofakind said...

Two Great books! I'd choose the Bread Book. I didn't know that bread could be healthy! Thanks for the Giveaway!

fiveofakind said...

I'm a Follower Too!!

Beth said...

I'd love to have the photography book. One of my goals too:)

Roseanne said...

I would love the cookbook. I would enjoy learning how to cook healthy breads.

Roseanne said...

I'm a subscriber!

CW said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
CW said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
CW said...

I would love the photography book! I adore photography, and while I know the basics, there is always more to be learned.

Corrie
corriewooten@gmail.com

CW said...

I am also a follower of your blog!

Corrie
corriewooten@gmail.com

Sarah said...

It was a hard choice,but I think I would pick the bread making book.We've really been into making our own bread lately so this would be perfect!

Sarah said...

Follower! :)

Jennifer said...

I would love the photography book!

Jennifer said...

And I'm a follower!

Unknown said...

I would love a copy of the bread book as I, too, aspire to learn how to bake bread this year! I have a beautiful kitchenaid standing mixer that so far I have only used for Christmas cookies and a german pankake here and there. I'm dying to bust out my dough hook and go to town filling my home with the scent of fresh baked bread!

Hannah said...

I would love a copy of the digital photography book! I have a digital SLR and I do ok with it...but would love tips and tricks on all other aspects of all things digital. Including brushing up more with my camera!

Hannah said...

I am a follower!

Kim Rahn said...

I would love the digital photography book. And I love reading your blog!

Kim Rahn said...

I am now a follower - loving the giveaway and hoping to win!

Andrea said...

I love baking and taking pictures so if I'd have to choose I'd probably pick the photography book because that's where I think I need the most help!

Andrea said...

I'm also a follower

Jenn said...

I don't want to win--I just had to tell you I love my bread book! I've been making bread creations all week! Yummy! Thanks for the best gift ever!

Amy said...

I'd love a copy of the photography book! I just got a new digital slr camera for Christmas that I need to make sure I get money's worth out of it!

House Queen said...

OMG!!!! I really want that PHOTOGRAPHY book! I have been looking for a great one!

House Queen said...

FOLLOW YOU!!!!!

Liz S. said...

I would LOVE the digital photography book. Someday I will get my dream camera and then I could really use this book!
girlygirlsboutique(at)gmail(dot)com

Shannon said...

I would really use the bread book at this time, though both books sound great! Thanks for an awesome giveaway! Happy New Year!

Shannon said...

I am a follower.

islandsinthestream said...

I would love this book! My resolution was so step up my photo taking of my little guy!

islandsinthestream said...

Just became a follower!!

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