Monday 21 July 2014

Google Plus Basics {Resource List to get you started}

For a while now I've had a Google Plus profile but have had no idea why or what really to do with it until this week. I was recently challenged to find out more about Google Plus.  I'm so glad that I did.

It all started when I watched a YouTube clip and grew from there.  

So how does a Google+ post differ from a Facebook post ?
There are a few differences in how you post to Facebook verses Google +.

Dustin Stout shares a great tip page on the Anatomy of a Perfect Google+ post that is well worth taking a look at. He has a great info graphic for you to download for reference.

So How Do You Post on Google+ ?
I started off by watching a YouTube interview with Jimmie Lanley.  During this interview I learned a few of the ins and outs of Google+ for bloggers and just why we should be using Google+.

I discovered this list of tips called:  How to Post on Google+

Ultimate Google Plus Posting Guide
Want to Increase Social Signals?
Link Litter Makes Me Wanna Puke a Little
6 Ways a Formatted Google+ Post Will Increase Engagement and Interest
Why Keep Promoting the Fake Mystery of Online Content?
Five Easy Steps to Bake the Perfect Google+ Post
How To Create The Perfect Google+ Post
Google+ Posting Guide [Infographic]
The Anatomy of a Perfect Google+ Post
This Changes Everything: Social Signals, Your Website, and Google+
Pro Tip: The Proper Way to Share Your Post! Great YouTube clip on post structure.

So What's with the +1 and Sharing on Google+?
Dustin Stout decided to do an experiment along with a few friends to find out the impact of +1's and sharing on Google Plus and how this relates to his blog's content.

This Changes Everything {Social Signals, Your Website, and Google+} is an interesting read and gives you a better understanding of why and how to plus one and share.

Should you tick that box ??
Mark Vang shares a concise what Not to do on Google+ called: The easiest way to get BLOCKED on Google+

Too Many Emails!
Anthony Idle has a good walk through YouTube clip showing you how to stop all those emails from flooding your inbox.

Google+ University
Google+ University

A good place to begin your Google+ education if you are an information geek is with Mike Alton.

He has started the Google+ University post. Mike has divided up the links into the following topics:


Introduction to Google+
Getting Around the Plus
Growing Your Bussiness
Advanced Plussing
Tools & Comunities
Google Authorship

I am still working my way through the links but so far I've learned what I've wanted to know.


More Links to Info on Google+ ?


What about the Cover?
If you prefer to use a template when making a cover photo Google Plus For You has a free one available.

What about a Hover Card ?
This is your calling card and your first impression announcement when people hover with their mouse over your name.   Here is a walk through on Editing and the anatomy of your Hover Card.


What about Images ?
Google + is mainly an image driven network.  We visually feast with our eyes on this platform.  Matthew Shuey shares a great post on Best Practices For Sharing Images on Google+

Google Plus Etiquette
  • Be very careful of accidentally becoming a spammer on Google+ avoid link litter and circle sharing.
  • Use the plus key on your keyboard and tag the person whose content you are sharing.

It's been a fun week unwrapping Google Plus.  I will be updating this post with links and information as I learn more so be sure to come back.

Looking forward to meeting you on Google Plus



Sunday 20 July 2014

It's been a busy but good week {HSMJ}

In my life this week…
Am I allowed to envy another Home School Mom's library ?  Lets just say that this library is spectacular and I look forward to one day having a cup of tea with Erin from Seven Little Australians and seeing her beautiful library for myself. Erin has spent some time rearranging things and shares some ideas of what to do with picture books.

Two more sleeps and my first born turns 21!
I've been practicing macro photography

In our home school this week…
Helpful homeschooling tips or advice to share…
My favourite thing this week was…
  • I love beautiful photography and weddings and new babies touch me deeply.  This week I enjoyed the photo journal of a Taupo Deer Farm Wedding.
Questions/thoughts I have…
  • Are you on Google+ ?  If so come and say hello :)
Things I’m working on…
Surfing the WWW…
I’m cooking…
On Pinterest I found...
I’m grateful for…
  • Those on the www who are willing to share their information with us.
A photo, video, link, or quote to share…

I enjoyed seeking this street performance. If I had not seen this with my own eyes I would have said it was impossible.


Blessings

Chareen

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Photo collages made with: Photoscape a FREE photo editor

Thursday 17 July 2014

Tinfoil Man {Virtual Fridge}

This Week
This week I blew the dust off my Usborne ART Treasury and we read about Alberto Giacometti and his sculpture called The Square on page 64-65. The thing I really love about this book is the art projects to do at home to help the topic come to life.  We made pipe cleaner tin foil sculptures.


Sir N sculpted this tinfoil man out of pipe cleaners and tinfoil and my friend Mrs T sculpted the dog on the right.  This project was a lot of fun and the thing we learned was you needed to make the feet fairly sizable in order for your sculptures to stand. The step by step instructions can be found on page 66 & 67 of The Usborne ART Treasury


Featured This Week
I have two features this week.  The first one is a Frozen inspired costume with a tutorial over at Raventhreads.


The Second is Dyeing Play Silks with children tutorial over at The Potters Hand Academy.


Your Turn

I invite you to take some photo's of your children's artistic pursuits put them in a post and link up with me I would love to come over and see the wonderful art your children have enjoyed doing.
Virtual Fridge Link Up

Blessings
Chareen

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The Virtual Fridge a weekly art meme where we can hang our children's art on a virtual fridge. This meme was started by Jennifer over at A Glimpse of our Life who kindly invited three other bloggers to co-host this weekly meme.

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