How to Make Animated GIFs Using GIMP (FREE!)

In the comments on a previous tutorial, someone recently asked where to get Photoshop Elements 7.0 software to make animated GIFs.  While Photoshop Elements 7.0 is likely still available for purchase, I realize some may not want to purchase it just to make animated GIFs.

When I first became interested in making animated graphics for websites many years ago, I found GIMP.  It's very similar to Photoshop (in some ways, better!) but it's FREE!  Well, I guess that counts as one of the ways it's better!  haha!  So, I put together this tutorial in case others may want an alternative to costly software.

Until next time~~ (^.^)v  

Fade to Black Nails and Miscellaneous Update

As a fun experiment, I created this gradient nail polish look using a beautiful shimmery blue OPI nail laquer over a black base.  Clearly I don't have the best nails for this look, as they are a bit short!  haha!  Even so, the potential for something interesting is there.  And, it could make for a quick tutorial!  We'll see.  No matter, the kiddos said these nails are like a sunset and that they're "cool lookin'"!  What more need be said?  Haha!  To create the gradient, I painted my nails black, then (with a makeup sponge) sponged on the blue very lightly mid-nail, gradually applying more layers of blue as I worked up to the tip of the nail.  On top of that, I applied a special effects clear polish that has little flecks of transparent blue glitter in it.  To seal the whole thing, a clear topcoat.

In the meantime, I've been attempting to clean out some vid files from the laptop.  It's getting somewhat cluttered in here.  Some of the YouTube vids may go onto DVDs or onto an external drive.  Time consuming this task is.  But, if more vids are to get made, I'll need the space.

Soon, very soon, there are plans to start working out again.  It's been a while!  Due to illness (and chaos) I've gotten out of shape and need to get to it!

Yesterday, I made an attempt to ease back into action by biking and taking a brisk walk.  Unfortunately, during the adventure, I discovered my bike's condition is slightly poorer than my own when a gear failed, cracked and fell to the street.

  
A minor setback.  (o.O)

Until next time~~  (^.^)v
 





    

Palmolive Soft Touch Review!

As promised, here is my review of the Palmolive soft touch dish soap I received complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes.

Of the two versions I was given, Vitamin E and Coconut Butter, I tried the Vitamin E.  I chose this one probably because it is pink, which made me think it would have the best fragrance.  Although, after further inspection, I found both versions to have a lovely delicate scent.  Which seems to be the case with all other Palmolive dish soaps I've tried, making Palmolive one of my favorite brands.  Yes, fragrance is kind of a big deal with me!  haha!

So how well does it work in cleaning dishes?

Quite well, actually!  I didn't need much of the Palmolive soft touch to get even greasy dishes and plasticware clean.  It rinsed off nicely, leaving no residue.  With the Ajax brand dish soap I used previously, I needed quite a bit more product to get similar results and had difficulty getting the dishes completely rinsed.

Is it really gentle on the hands?

Yes!  With other products I've used, I would need to slather on the hand lotion after washing dishes.  The products were simply too drying.  But, after using Palmolive soft touch, my hands felt remarkably soft.  The skin wasn't tight or itchy.  I didn't need the hand lotion afterwards.  It was so good, I put some in my bathroom soap dispenser.  It's a great hand soap, too!

Overall, I think Palmolive soft touch dish soap is a wonderful product.  What impressed me most about it is though the consistency is thick, creamy and soft, it cuts through grease and food particles on dishes and rinses completely clean after.  It surprised me, because I thought there was no way something that felt so gentle and slippery could have the strength to take the grease off of plastic without leaving a trace.  But it does!  And the scent, while not overpowering, is quite pleasant.  I'm spoiled!  haha!

Thanks Influenster for giving me the opportunity to try Palmolive soft touch Vitamin E.  What a fantastic product!