Being a busy graphic designer on the go, I'm always on the prowl for more mobile functionality in my design projects. I recently purchased the Adobe Photoshop Touch (PST) app for iPad hoping this was the next level interface.

Eyes Wide Open:
After just two days, I learned enough to share a detailed review with the intent of helping my fellow professional designers make an informed decision, not to discredit Adobe, iTunes, Apple or anyone else mentioned, or not mentioned.

For just $9.99, it's a great product for most PS users. It's perfect for designing from scratch and includes the core tools and features that PS is known for. It does lend great mobile functionality.

Here's a few things you need to know that the reviews and Adobe forums don't tell you.

Keep reading if you perform any of these tasks; intake complex image files created by other sources (especially via email), preflight images or layouts, qualify large high-quality print files, or anything of this nature.

FILE IMPORTING:
The app does not 'import' email attachments. You have to save the attachments to your photo gallery then open in PST. The photo gallery doesn't recognize eps, psd, tiff or ai files. There's no method to get these files from email into PST. It doesn't retain clipping paths in jpg files. So you're very limited.

CREATIVE CLOUD (CC):
Adobe forces you to work in CC. There are no options to import a file outside of your photo gallery when using iPad. If you're on your PC, yes. But then you wouldn't need the app. From iPad, your only option is to 'import' a file from your photo gallery to CC (limitations detailed above) or open an existing file from CC into PST. That's it!

LIMITED FILE SIZE:
The app does allows up to a 12 megapixel file. The app will downsample any larger file to 4000x3000mp which means you throw away precious data! If you work on web-based files, this is not a problem. This is a 'mega' problem for print-industry designers if you design product packaging, do page layout, advertising, marketing pieces, etc. Though PS is not your typical interface for these tasks, it's helpful to be aware of the limitations.

SAVING / SHARING FILES:
The only option for saving a file from within PST is 'save'. Files are stored locally then synced to your CC account in a default format of .psdx. You can share links to files via email from CC or PST from which your recipient can download the file. PST will email an actual file attachment in psdx, jpg, psd or png format. CC gives you 2GB free space, which isn't much in Design Land. For emergency, on-the-fly, until-you-can-get-back-to-your-computer designing…it could be helpful. But, honestly, who really designs like that? CC sells monthly memberships for those that require more space. I can gear the ka-ching from here!

FTP:
Neither CC nor PST communicates with FTP interface, including WeTransfer, DropBox, YouSendIt, Box, etc.

TECH SUPPORT:
I called Adobe PhotoShop support to troubleshoot:
1. The Adobe PS experts weren't aware this product existed.
2. They had no supportive documentation to troubleshoot this app.
3. The reviews for tutorials are very poorly rated, though I did not use any of them personally.
4. Adobe doesn't sell this product. It's available through Apple iTunes only. Adobe points to iTunes. iTunes points to Adobe.
5. Adobe recommended I use the forums for help, which I had already scoured and found nothing on importing emailed attachments to PST or CC.

SUMMARY:
Yes, it's only $10 and, like I said, great for most users. The tools and functionality are very generous for the money. For those of us living the complex design life, it may not be such a good match.

Happy creating,
Linda

Anyone will tell you how much I love to knit.

Call me a nerd, but I'm in awe of the entire process:
• Using my hands to create beautiful things
• Watching a piece take shape
• A single strand forming a solid fabric
• Two simple stitches brought together in limitless combinations creating gazillions of unique designs and shapes...

You get the idea. Lol. I'm always on the prowl; scheming, planning, dreaming about my next piece, even while my current object is in process. God forbid I can't cast on the next piece immediately.

My flavor of victory dance goes something like this:
• "Ta-da! It's done! It's done!" (showboating to husband for happy praises)
• Grabbing cell phone to snap some artistic pics of the finished piece
• Posting pics with similar 'ta-da' message on Facebook and Twitter
• Updating project page on Ravelry, including pics and helpful notes about the pattern, techniques, precautions, etc.
• Then…immediately casting on my next piece (ahhhh, that's the ticket)

Yes, completing a piece successfully is happiness! Sharing it with others and getting their pat of approval, awesome. Pursuit of the next piece, exhilerating! Anticipation, right? Starting the next…a total rush! Ok, I admit...I'm addicted. ;)

Happy knitting,
Linda

I'm a huge advocate for always doing the right thing, especially when it comes to product and customer support. In fact, I carry around a virtual soap box everywhere I go.
Don't get me started. *wink*

Some best business practices that work:

• Actions speak louder than words.
• Under promise and over deliver.
• Don't be a jerk. (Ok, maybe I snuck that in…but still, great policy, right?)
  

And how about the one that may have started it all..

• The customer is always right.
  

With a recipe like this, you'll certainly be a winner. Healthful, easy and delicious, all in one. Make them ahead, vacuum seal and freeze for even quicker meal prep.

Adapted from Clean Food Recipes to Detox and Lose Weight by Shae Harper, a free e-book from Amazon for Kindle readers. This book contains lots of quick, easy and healthful recipes which I intend to fully explore.

1 cup cooked adzuki beans
2 cups cooked buckwheat
1 carrot, chopped
1/2 tsp. dill
1 tsp. cumin
1/2 tsp. chili powder
1/2 tsp. coriander
1 tsp. Himalayan sea salt
Dash of black pepper

Preheat oven to 350°F. Place all ingredients in a food processor and blend to combine, leaving the texture somewhat chunky. Form mixture into 4 patties and bake on a Silpat non-stick baking sheet (or parchment paper) for 10 minutes. Flip the patties and bake for another 10 minutes. (I like my burgers crispier so I bake them for 15 minutes each side.) Serve on top of a salad or gluten-free bun with your favorite clean-food toppings.

Enjoy your clean-eating journey.
Linda

I love to snack! Well, who doesn't, right?!
Two years ago, I vowed to eat as many clean, whole and high-antioxidant foods as possible, which started me looking at food differently. I seek out foods which contain ingredients from my preapproved list. Eating to live, rather that living to eat, can be very satisfying and yummy with just a little readjusting and creativity.

One of the most important ingredients in my daily intake is flaxseed. I use the oil in my green juices, sprinkle ground flaxseed on my hot cereal—even make homemade snacks with it.

My latest discovery, flaxseed crackers! Crispy, crunchy, a bit of saltiness, easy to make and sooooo good!

RECIPE:
The original recipe can be found on CleanGreenSimple.com. Kudos to Jessica for figuring out how to bypass the need for a dehydrator!

Other savory ingredients that I think would work are grated Parmesan cheese, caraway, sunflower or pumpkin seed. I added 8 Tbsp of chia seeds. Those are also part of my daily diet.

For a sweet snack, I'd leave out the garlic and onion powders and use any of the following; cinnamon, brown sugar, vanilla, ground or fresh diced ginger, diced dried apple, dates, raisins...let your imagination, and taste buds, go wild!

HELPFUL TIPS: These are the steps I used. You may find them helpful, too…or not. :)

• I used my trusty Silpat baking sheet liner. Non stick—guaranteed!
• Pat the dough onto the sheet with your fingers.
• Use the bowl of a large metal spoon to finish spreading it out.
• Score dough with a butter knife. Its dull blade won't cut your expensive Silpat or tear a parchment liner.
• Dip the spoon and knife blade in water between swipes to keep dough from sticking or breaking.
• Rotate cookie sheet half way through the baking process to brown all edges evenly.
• Once baked, and slightly cooled, use a dry, dull-edge metal spatula (or butter knife) to separate the crackers.
• Once completely cooled, store in an airtight container in a dark, dry place.

We all need a fresh reboot every so often. Here's a simple, refreshing formula for an occasional detox.

Use fresh ingredients. Clean the skins well. Cut them to size as needed and add to the water bottle. Let steep in the fridge for 24 hours and enjoy.

(Makes 6 patties)

These croquettes are loaded with antioxidants and nutrients and amazingly delicious!

I always have a batch of mixed grains in the fridge, ready for use in a quick meal. I blend brown rice, barley and quinoa for their antioxidant and nutritional value.

The egg and Parmesan hold the croquettes together. All ingredients are already cooked except for the egg. Cook the patties long enough so the egg is thoroughly cooked.

For the cooking fat, I used 50% real butter and 50% ‘I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter’ spray to lower calories.

I use the excess-water method for cooking the grains. They always cook perfectly and the excess water extracts the naturally occurring arsenic from the brown rice. I use more barley than rice for its lower-calorie and higher-nutrition value.

Mixed Grains:

• Bring a lot of water to a boil – triple the volume called for by cooking instructions.
  
• Salt water and add garlic powder. This will help flavor the grains while they cook.
  
• Once water is boiling, add ½ cup brown rice. Cook for 15 minutes.
  
• Then add 1 cup barley. Cook for another 15 minutes.
  
• Then add ½ cup quinoa. Cook for another 15-20 minutes until all grains are to your desired tenderness.
  
• Once done, drain well in a strainer. Let cool completely. Grain mixture can be stored in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
  

Croquette Ingredients: (makes 6 croquettes)

• 1 bunch asparagus spears, cooked and finely chopped (I used PictSweet frozen spears, microwaved - easy peasy!)
• 2 cups cooked mixed grains (above)
  
• ½ cup chopped mushrooms (raw)
  
•  ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  
• 1 whole egg + 1 egg white, beaten
  
• 1 Tbsp chia seeds
  
• Onion and garlic powder to taste
  
• Salt and pepper to taste

Place cheese, chia seeds, onion and garlic powders, salt and pepper in a bowl. Toss well. Add in the mixed grains and toss well again. Add the chopped asparagus and mix well, then, fold in the beaten egg and mix gently until all ingredients are well coated.

Heat butter spray combo in a non-stick fry pan. Spoon 3 croquettes into the pan. Cook on medium heat. Rotate the patties so that all edges on the first side are equally golden brown.

Gently turn the croquettes over. Use a fork to hold them on the spatula during the flip so they don’t fall apart. Cook the second side. Again, rotate so all edges are crispy. Make sure egg is thoroughly cooked through the thickness of the patties.

Once done, remove from pan, plate and devour! Spoon the remaining 3 patties into the pan. Repeat the cooking instructions, as above.

To download this recipe, 'right click' here, and save to your computer.

Enjoy!
Linda

Finally finishing a WIP (work in progress) after a long hiatus feels great, regardless of the project type. This beauty had been sitting idle since August due to my heavy work load.

It took a while, despite my unforeseen break, knitting on a size 2 needle, making enough teeny little stitches to fit an adult human. But, finally, it's done, it fits perfectly and it's ready to wear once it's done blocking.

The long-anticipated moment has arrived.
My reward process…
1. A victorious Snoopy happy dance
2. Modeling it for my fella (who gladly indulges my joyous moment)
3. Updating my project on Ravelry and posting pics
4. Sharing it with my knitting community on Twitter and Facebook

But, I quickly move on to my next project. Like a yarn shark, I've gotta keep my knitting needles moving. I savor the creative journey as much as, well, maybe a tiny bit more than, triumphantly adding an FO (finished object) to my collection. The only thing that brings me greater joy is gifting FOs to others.

What's your ultimate reward?
Being done? Enjoying the finished piece itself? Moving on to the next project? Whatever your thrill, take time for a triumphant Saturday Night Fever strut. You worked hard and deserve to celebrate.

Happy knitting,
Linda

Food styling is a true art but never an exact science. Rarely can one get a perfect specimen on set without some post-retouching needed.

Photo retouching is a mixture of art and science. Not only does the subject have to look technically correct, it also has to look irresistible and believable to the consumer.

Example: I was shooting this dough cutter. I build the set, get lighting and camera angles set up perfectly. And away we go, right? …but, BUT… WAIT!

The cutter won't cut. *GASP* I realized we have the wrong kind of dough. This item is intended to cut a firmer, stiffer, drier dough like that used for making pastry. We have ooey-gooey pizza dough. It will never work!

Do we cancel? Reschedule the shoot? Heavens no! Never fear…retouching magic is here. I chose to carry on with the shoot and, once done, retouch the image.

I had to magically change the look of the dough so it had the quality of a pastry dough. None of the cuts actually went through our pizza dough so I had to digitally create them. Yes, I scattered a bit too much flour on the set. No worries, Photoshop magic took care of that powdery mess. A little cloning here, retouching there…add in a bucket-load of digital magic for the slices and, voilà, we have a worthy glamour shot of our pastry dough cutter!

In summary, retouching is a way to get the gorgeous product photo of your dreams, especially with ornery product and uncooperative props or when Murphy's Law gets comes a'knockin. Click here to view more retouching magic I've performed.

Happy Photoshopping.
Linda

It's been quite a while since I blogged. I've been busy with work projects but have kept my needles in the game, knitting items for the less fortunate.

I support an incredible local charity with a worldwide reach. Emily's Hats for Hope Initiative, launched one year ago, is changing the world, one hat at a time. In one short year, Emily and her supporters have made, collected and distributed more than 4,000 hats to those less fortunate, both locally and around the world. One simple act can make a longterm difference. Get involved.

Learn more about Emily and her Initiative at http://EmilysHatsForHopeInitiative.org/

Here are just a few of the things I've knit for Emily's initiative.

I believe in marching to my own drum but thinking of others. Live life, play hard and pay it forward.

Happy knitting,
Linda