Facebook has their own rules

In the past few weeks, Meta bots have decided that a few URLs in posts violate cyber security. Unfortunately, FOREVER was one of those URLs and many posts, comments and photos have been deleted from Facebook and Instagram.

Another reminder that social media platforms are great for sharing photos and videos, but it should not be the ONLY place these important files are saved...

Please use this blog to use my FOREVER links until Meta sorts this mess up...

Use this link to create your FOREVER account and receive a $20 welcome coupon

https://www.forever.com/ambassador/adrianamederos

FOREVER with Adriana

A quick reminder that I'm here to help you and your family with all your photo project needs.

I offer Zoom sessions with training on almost anything FOREVER as well as Family Zoom sessions to help your family make the most of FOREVER storage and more.

Here's a free FOREVER corporate sponsored event for Saturday, February 24th, 2024 on Family History... you may not have heritage photos to organize, preserve and share, but YOU are creating heritage moments that need to be preserved so future generations can enjoy them!

Get your ticket today and have access to the recordings

https://www.forever.com/ambassador/adrianamederos/events/family-history-virtual-event-2024

FOREVER's 15 days of Christmas now in progress

 

https://www.forever.com/ambassador/adrianamederos/deals

We still have a few opportunities to create and order personalized photo keepsakes and receive them in time for Christmas delivery with expedited and rush shipping options... and some of these will be on sale during the 15 days.

Monday December 12th @ 8pm ET zoom with Adriana 

Learn how to use QR codes on your print products 

and bring those memories to life!

Email storybookcreator@gmail.com for zoom info

FREE online event with FOREVER March 19th

FOREVER is offering a free online event this Saturday, March 19th to learn about all the great things you can do with FOREVER for Mother's & Father's Day - but it's really so much more!

Get your ticket for this free event, even if you can't join live - it will all be recorded and links sent to you on Monday, March 21st to review at your leisure

https://www.forever.com/ambassador/adrianamederos/events/MM-mothers-day-and-fathers-day-2022

The Holidays are almost here

FOREVER can help you gift some of the best gifts ever!

https://www.forever.com/ambassador/adrianamederos/deals

Wrapping up our 13 days of Gratitude, but so many great products to create and gift this holiday season

CREATIVE MEMORIES has some fun new products to showcase printed photos too!

www.creativememories.com/users/cmc4life

Celebrating WORLD BACKUP DAY

Everyone should know about keeping digital assets safe!

Here's your chance.

Limited spots available. Email storybookcreator@gmail.com if you'd like to register for the 90 minute session or want access to the recording

You can learn about FOREVER to keep your photos/videos safe

https://www.forever.com/ambassador/adrianamederos/forever_storage

All in store Costco Photo Centers are closing in US & Canada on 2/14/2021

Yesterday I saw a post about insider info that the Costco Photo Centers would be closing on 2/14/2021. I looked for other sources or even a press release on the Costco website, but there was not much there. Click here to read article from Hip2Save

I decided to log into costcophotocenter.com to see which photos I had uploaded to the site. I was pleasantly surprised to see so many of my photos there - all the way back to 2005. Most were from photo shoots I had prints made, but there were others - Sofia's 1st Christmas, birthday parties, vacations, baby showers, ultrasound images, Sofia's first steps in Niagara Falls, Disney trips, random every day photos of Sofia and Katie - now 15 & 13 years old. Most of these photos have a permanent home in my FOREVER storage account, but some never made it there...but they were here.

 

I browsed the Costco Photo Center website to see if there was a way to download them (original full resolution preferred of course), but there wasn't. I did see an option to select photos/albums of photos and order a USB to have sent to your local Costco photo center for pickup.

One more thing for the to do list - order the USB before it's no longer an option.

While browsing through the website I ran across the storage policy. Costco allows us to store unlimited photos on their site, but we have to order at least once a year. 

The last photos I uploaded were from 2018 - print items for my FOREVER events. I didn't want to take a chance on their policy, so I placed a small print order to extend my time with them...but they could still delete all my data when my Costco membership is cancelled based on their Terms and Conditions of Use (the stuff no one ever reads) 

Today Costco photo center clients were sent an email and friends started posting to share the news. I was surprised I didn't receive the email. I'm a Costco member, have a Costco Photo Center account and have uploaded photos to print locally for many years. I've always loved seeing the familiar faces there year after year. I guess I didn't meet the criteria to be sent the email - and yes I checked my junk and spam folders.

They now have a message on their website for all to see...

www.costcophotocenter.com

While discussing the upcoming closure on social media, I asked if anyone had figured out a way to download the photos without ordering the USB. My friend Lisa commented that she called Costco Customer Service and confirmed that USB was the only way to get those photos, so she ordered one to test it out and could pickup at her local Costco Photo Center.

The news is still pretty fresh and many logistics still need to be worked out, but as of today those USBs get delivered to the Costco photo centers and they don't get shipped to homes. Did I mention that Costco Photo Centers are closing 2/14/2021?

There's need to panic if you have photos on the Costco website. There will be online services provided and mailing USBs with all your photos MIGHT be something available after the physical Costco photo centers close, right now it isn't.

Isn't this exhausting? Kodak, MySpace, CM Photo Center, Google Photos...I had photos with all of these sites and sadly in most cases I didn't get notified in time or just didn't have the information to make educated decisions...

So I have to ask, where are YOUR important photos and videos? The ones you want to leave behind for future generations to get to know past generations? Most of mine are in my FOREVER storage account. I paid for it once, and it's mine to fill how I want...and my designated Account Manager to continue to fill after I'm gone and manage for me. Sure something could happen to FOREVER, but they are in the business of photo and memory preservation so they are putting $ into a fund... a FOREVER Guarantee Fund so if the company does find itself out of business...clients have at least TWO years to get their data into a safe place - not just 4 weeks... but of course the goal is to build a FOUNDATION that outlives us all...

I want to reiterate that Costco is NOT deleting your data (unless of course you haven't ordered anything from the print center in the last year). I'm not saying that you can never get your jpgs back... but right now the only option is to order a USB online and have it delivered to your local Costco Photo Center (if it didn't close with the last sweep of closures).

If you'd like help getting your photos off Costco Photo Center before 2/14/2021 or use my local Costco as your designated drop and have me pick it up, I'd be more than happy to put them in a FOREVER storage account for you where they will be safe...forever.

Email storybookcreator@gmail.com

Subject #MemoriesWorthPreserving

Click on this link and learn about FOREVER Storage and STOP worrying about where your important photos and videos are...

One more thing... if you still have those VHS tapes, film reels, camcorder tapes, slides or negatives to digitize, Costco Photo Centers won't be around to take care of that... so be sure to check FOREVER BOX and what we have to offer to digitize your family treasures...and then upload to your paid FOREVER storage and never worry about converting them again!

 

     

 

November updates

While this is not our usual Thanksgiving  holiday we are still very thankful for all we have, especially our family's continued good health in the midst of this world pandemic.

FOREVER continues to offer some great sales for all your printed photo projects including holiday cards - so please give us a try if you haven't already. If you are new to FOREVER be sure to use this link to create your account and receive a $20 welcome coupon once you confirm your email

www.forever.com/ambassador/adrianamederos

CREATIVE MEMORIES is offering a fun gift with purchase while supplies last so don't wait too long to get those page refills, tape runner refills, coversets, papers/embellishments to finish those fun photo projects

www.creativememories.com/user/cmc4life

Sofia is having fun promoting the new Disney collection with ORIGAMI OWL. Be sure to check the website for Black Friday specials and checkout these wonderful Mickey, Minnie and Cinderella pieces. If you'd like to earn some of these pieces for free, just reach out and Sofia can do an online jewelry bar with you and your friends.

www.hootwme.origamiowl.com

I still use Advocare SPARK to keep me going. Fun variety packs now available

https://www.advocare.com/130549167

If you are looking for that perfect gift for the family who has everything, be sure to checkout LOVABLE LABELS. So many new fun designs for every age

www.adriana.lovablelabels.ca

June updates

We hope you and your family are staying safe during this Global Pandemic

If you've had extra time to work on your family photos and videos I hope you will take the time to upload them to your guaranteed FOREVER storage account for safe keeping. We are offering some great Christmas in June specials through June 25th

https://www.forever.com/ambassador/adrianamederos/deals

If you are into traditional scrapbooking or want to start, now is the time to take advantage of buying some Creative Memories albums, pages, tools, papers and stickers. So many great options.

www.creativememories.com/user/cmc4life

Sofia will be starting her in stock Origami Owl Facebook Lives in July to raise money for her Spring Sophomore trip to Paris. You can shop online anytime, but be sure to request to join her client Facebook group - she will be offering some great deals if you'd like to get a head start on your holiday shopping!

https://www.facebook.com/groups/715934295183081/

Shop online anytime www.hootwme.origamiowl.com

I don't drink coffee or soda and find that some days I just need a little pick me up without the crash... that is when I drink my Advocare SPARK.  It provides me the focus I need to get through my to do list!

https://www.advocare.com/130549167

Mother's Day is just 10 days away!

Check out FOREVER for your photo gifting needs

OR

Get in touch with me 

via email storybookcreator@gmail.com or text 561-271-1107 

and I can create a photo gift for you.  

Please note that 2nd day or overnight shipping may be needed to 

guarantee deliver by 5/9 

but you will receive $15 off your first order

Check out ORIGAMI OWL for unique jewelry that tells a story

25% of all online orders go towards Sofia's Sophomore Spring Break 2021 

trip to Paris w/ her French class

Order by May 3rd

OR

Get in touch with me 

via email storybookcreator@gmail.com or text 561-271-1107 

and Sofia can put together a few options from her in stock merchandise 

50% of all sales will go towards her class trip.

We can deliver or leave on our front porch for no contact transaction

and for the Mom who has everything, how about some fun 

and practical labels for all her STUFF!

LOVABLE LABELS

Class of 2020 Grads

My heart breaks for the Class of 2020 missing out on all the Spring events to wrap up their final year of High School or College.

I've offered to send a little something to at least 20 Seniors to help brighten up their day.  If you know of one, please email storybookcreator@gmail.com the following info

1. Name of graduate
2. Name of school
3. Mailing address
4. Relationship to you

If you are looking for quick photo gift ideas, be sure to checkout FOREVER for some quick photo project gifts

AutoBooks

Design & Print photo books

Metal panel

Canvas

Cards

and more

My daughter Sofia can also help you find the perfect ORIGAMI OWL locket

Locket, chain and charms

Necklace 

Bracelet 

Earrings                                                         

Watch

and more

COVID19 Pandemic updates

Well who knew I would be starting my 4th week of working from home full time this week and that my 7th and 9th grade girls would be completing their school year online thanks to social distancing guidelines... The world has definitely changed, but hopefully this is just our CURRENT normal and not our new normal...

Our family is safe at home and we are making the best of things. Early on we agreed to quarantine with our good neighbors.  We each have 2 girls who are great friends so we've enjoyed outings in our backyard, their pool and sitting on the sidewalk watching the girls bike ride. We take turns going out and picking up food and essentials and it's worked out great. Party of 8 for quarantine 2020.

What I've enjoyed the most is not rushing from event to event and just sitting on the couch with the family watching endless episodes of MUNK.

FOREVER is still open for business - www.forever.com/ambassador/adrianamederos

I'm hosting more online Zoom gatherings and trainings so be sure to join my closed Facebook group if you are interested in joining us and learning more about Forever storage, media conversion process, Artisan, Historian, Design & Print and the new AutoBooks

  

CREATIVE MEMORIES is shipping again as of Monday, April 6th

www.creativememories.com/user/cmc4life

If you are local to me I have some in stock items and can put outside or drop off with no contact, but you can now order online and have it shipped directly to your house from MN.

  

ORIGAMI OWL www.hootwme.origamiowl.com

New arrivals coming Wednesday, April 8th at noon Central.  Sofia will be hosting at least one Facebook Live in her closed Facebook group each month showcasing some product she has in stock and ready for shipping from FL (or local no contact pickup/delivery). Be sure to request join (and answer questions) if you haven't already - she is raising funds for her Paris 2021 trip for Spring Break and 50% of her in stock sales will be going towards the trip. 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/715934295183081/

Security reminder in 2020

The end of a decade

WOW.  I remember as a child thinking 2020 was so far into the future...but now it's only a few hours away.
I can't complain about this past decade - so many wonderful memories made, family is healthy and we have traveled to see more of the world - Scotland, Paris, London, Cozumel, St Lucia, Los Cabos, Cancun, Honduras, Panama Canal, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Toronto, Calgary, Costa Rica, Bahamas, Jamaica and so many more wonderful places.
We look forward to many more healthy years and the ability to continue our travels as we learn more about the world around us.

The photo companies I represent have allowed me to document and preserve many of these memories so I can continue to share them and enjoy them for years...and decades to come. I hope I can help you in 2020 if you are ready to do more!

www.forever.com/ambassador/adrianamederos

www.creativememories.com/user/cmc4life

and my 14 year daughter Sofia donates 25% of all online sales to EDUCATION ROCKS as she sponsors a teen in Guatemala attend school www.hootwme.origamiowl.com 

CM - Panstoria - Forever

http://fromatozena.blogspot.com/2015/02/the-background-of-panstoria-software-to.html

The above post from a few years ago gives a great summary to where we came from.

Since my last post update in 2017 Forever has just gotten better and better.

Glen Meakem, CEO and Founder and his son Henry recently wrote a book to tell more about the story.

This summer Forever has invested in additional retail space and equipment for our media conversion services - this is where your VHS tapes, film reels and negatives are brought to life. You can convert with Forever but I would highly encourage everyone investing in Forever storage to also make sure this is the LAST time you will convert due to technology changes and invest in storage to keep these safe.  Thanks to the Forever Guarantee Fund, they are guaranteed for your lifetime plus 100 years AND most importantly they will take care of data migration should that 'new' digital format become obsolete in 30 years. NO ONE ELSE is offering to do this...

Forever continues to support Artisan and Historian software while also supporting an online platform to create quick calendars, cards, wall art and photo books.  While the online offering doesn't allow as many design options for the user, it does encourage the completion of projects since less decisions need to be made to finish a project.  This is also available to MAC users since a browser and internet connection is the only requirement.

Browse through the website and be sure to create an account using this link to claim your $10 welcome coupon once you confirm your email
www.forever.com/ambassador/adrianamederos

Back to School

I've LOVED seeing all the back to school photos from August and September on social media.

I just hope families are keeping those images safe somewhere OTHER than social media and their phones/computers.  Forever online storage is the PERFECT solution for now and future generations and I can help you organize those school photos so you can find them easily - whether your child is in Kindergarten and just getting started or a Senior in High School with LOTS of photos to search through. I'm pretty passionate about helping people keep their photos and videos safe, so please text me and include your name if I can help YOU 561-271-1107

www.forever.com/ambassador/adrianamederos

LIKE us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ABCsOfPhotos/

Join my private client group  

https://www.facebook.com/groups/916679348379796/

If you've been around since the old Creative Memories days, you may remember the custom refill pages.  Pages done digitally but printed by CM right ton the scrapbook page.with jeeping (white reinforced edges).  If you've gotten used to creating in Artisan and printing page prints, you can still create in Artisan and export the full resolution jpg and upload to put on the CM page - just keep in mind which page is on the left/right, before/after - it takes a bit more thought when working on pages for different albums at one time...

Play around and order today at www.creativememories.com/user/cmc4life

LIKE us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ABCsOfPhotos/

Join my private client group  

https://www.facebook.com/groups/916679348379796/

Did you miss ordering some Lovable Labels this summer to keep track of all your kids' stuff?  There's still time!  Microwave, dishwasher and laundry safe labels - perfect for that school sweater that keeps getting left behind at school!

www.adriana.lovablelabels.ca

My 14 year old daughter Sofia is an Origami Owl Designer (Mother/Daughter team) selling jewelry that tells the story - lockets with charms in almost every imaginable category, earrings, bracelets, rings and more.  Fall/Winter line coming soon.  Be sure to follow her in IG as she will be doing more on social media once she gets a handle on her High School IB school work

www.hootwme.origamiowl.com 

Follow on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/hoot_w_me

LIKE us on Facebook 

https://www.facebook.com/OrigamiOwlAdrianaMederosIndependentDesigner/

Join private group on Facebook 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/715934295183081/

Advocare has been a part of my daily life for a very long time.  I've used their products to help with weight loss, supplement my daily diet but my most favorite has to be SPARK.  It gives me the energy I need to get it all done without the crash or side effects of soda/coffee.  Let me know if you'd like a sample or order your own travel sticks or canister today. NOTE - I have recently found a great program where I've lost 40+ lbs working with a friend and Health Coach and I'm feeling really good and learning how to KEEP it off, but I'll take you now that there is NO magic pill.  You have to be ready, you have to want it, you have to be committed to doing something different to get different results and then LOVE how you feel and realize that you need to choose a better you over that drink or food other people are eating...If you'd like to hear more, just send me a text and be sure to include your name 561-271-1107

https://www.advocare.com/130549167

The month of LOVE

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

It's been a crazy few months. Our Forever Ambassador team (the Rockstars) reached the Million Dollar Club on Dec 30, 2018. What a fun time to be part of this great group of women (and men!) sharing our passion for preserving and ENJOYING our photos.

Here's a fun blog post about our team and milestone

https://blog.forever.com/forever-blog/adriana-lorrie

In January I was busy updating my team about our new Forever compensation plan which will reward those sharing Forever and building teams even more - excited for 2019 and Forever's future in general. If the business opportunity interests you, reach out to me for details. Nothing happens overnight, but if you are passionate about our mission and helping others like I am, it will be the funnest job you ever worked.

One of my annual perks is the opportunity to EARN an all expense trip for two for hubby and I.  I've been fortunate to earn the 1st 4 trips - Jamaica, Bahamas, Los Cabos & St Lucia and look forward to working hard in 2019 and earning Forever's 5th incentive trip and being away Feb 9-16. Here are some fun photos from our recent St Lucia trip and a fun recap by Michaela at Forever home office.

43 Trip Achievers, Guests and Home Office Staff

8 Rockstar Team Members (2 others earned but opted for cash reward due to schedule conflict)

Hubby and I - after 16 years of marriage and two kids, only 5 adult only trips - 4 of them thanks to Forever (and Gramma of course)!

https://blog.forever.com/forever-blog/achievement-trip-2019

FOREVER FEBRUARY SALES

www.forever.com/ambassador/adrianamederos

CREATIVE MEMORIES

www.creativememories.com/user/cmc4life

A new website is coming Thursday, February 14th so the website will be down from 9am-1pm CT.  Be sure to check it out - a lot of effort was put into making it better... it will be different, but in time you will get used to where everything is and enjoy the new features.

If you are in the South Florida Area, be sure join my Client Facebook group as I post local events there... and even if you aren't local, I offer screen shares and online webinars to learn about Forever storage, Artisan, Historian and Forever Print...

https://www.facebook.com/groups/916679348379796/

Black Friday & Cyber Monday Specials

Better late than never, but here are all the specials being offered today and through the rest of this month in some cases.  If you miss a special, reach out to me - I may be able to honor it or help you save $ in other ways

Lovable Labels - adriana.lovablelabels.ca 

These are the best gifts for the families who have everything and need help labeling their stuff - great for families with children in daycare, school, summer/winter camps and those with family members in Assisted Living facilities.  We also have some great products for organizing stuff in your home (pantry, electronic cables, toy boxes, etc)

Forever - www.forever.com/ambassador/adrianamederos

Do you like giving the BEST gifts? Personalized photo gifts are the best to receive... Forever can help - create photo books, canvas, calendars and holiday cards online with our new Forever Print offering.  Save 40% all print with promo code BLACKFRIDAY18.  If you still need to make your holiday cards, please consider giving Forever a try.  Bulk pricing available when you order over 50 cards.

Check out the great specials and let me know if you have questions about any of it.

        

This ornament is super cute and I can personalize for you in MINUTES - just ask!

Creative Memories - www.creativememories.com/user/cmc4life

CM offers some of the best scrapbooking products for traditional scrapbooks.  The tools are like no other. Note the ordering deadlines for holiday delivery