lisa42

I'm a 40-something mom who loves photography and writing and never wants to go back to a day job. Been there, done that, and I'd much prefer to stay at home and write articles online.

I started out with a degree in journalism and worked as a small-town reporter for awhile. I quickly discovered, however, that weekly news reporters don't make enough money to live on. So I moved into public relations, which paid better, but it didn't have any soul. So I got out of that, too. Then I worked for an Internet company for 11 years before the company went downhill and I found myself trying to make a living with my online writing.

Now I write articles on Squidoo and HubPages. I also run a few websites, including Christmas Letter Tips.com, Santa Letter Templates.com and Underwater Camera Reviews.org.

I haven't led a terribly exciting life, but I have been known to jump out of an airplane to celebrate my birthday, dig ditches in Guatemala with a volunteer group, politely decline a holy man's offer to eat cow dung ashes in India, and almost freak out when left alone in a Chinese police station for over an hour with no passport.

Now I'm a mom of two kids and most of my travels are US-based. I hope my online ventures make it possible for me to stay home with my kids and never go back to the 9-5 grind. Viva la Internet!

In the Spotlight

Why a DSLR is the Best Camera for Pictures of Kids

For parents looking to get the best photos of their children, compact point-and-shoot cameras can't live up to the job. Here's why a digital SLR is the best camera for taking photos of children.

In the Spotlight

Weatherproof Cameras Aren't Just for Rain

Take a look at a new generation of cameras that can withstand water, freezing temperatures, dust and accidental falls. There's far more to these than simply being weatherproof.

In the Spotlight

Get Closer with a Super Zoom Compact Camera

If you're looking for a camera that will help you get close to the action, these super zoom compact cameras have optical zoom of at least 20x, and some of them can still fit in a pocket.

In the Spotlight

Digital Cameras with Time-Lapse Mode

New digital cameras with time-lapse mode are making it easier than ever to create the illusion of motion by stringing together a series of still images. Learn more in this article.

In the Spotlight

A Compact Superzoom Makes a Great Bird Watching Camera

If you can't afford thousands for a DSLR and a good telephoto lens, consider a compact superzoom camera for bird watching.

In the Spotlight

5 Extreme Cameras That Are Leading the Pack

If you're still relying on a simple compact camera or smartphone cam, you might be missing out on cool new cameras that are making it possible to take photos that once were nearly impossible.

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  0
  Christmas

  More Fun Sites Like Elf Yourself

  11 years ago

  If you enjoy putting your own face on dancing elves, you'll enjoy these sites that give you more options for fun holiday videos.

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  4
  Christmas

  Make Your Christmas Letter in the Shape of a Christmas Tree

  13 years ago

  Need a creative Christmas letter idea? Try making a Christmas letter in the shape of a tree using Microsoft Word.

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  1
  Santa Claus

  Printable Christian Santa Letters

  13 years ago

  Santa Claus is a fun character for children during the holidays, but the emphasis on Santa and gifts can district from the real "reason for the season." If you're looking for a way to let your kids enjoy the magic of Santa without losing the focus...

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  3
  Choosing Christmas Gifts

  Snowman Soup Recipe and Poems: Great Christmas Gift Idea

  19 months ago

  Snowman soup is a cute Christmas gift idea! It's hot chocolate, marshmallows, and a cute poem in a mug. Perfect for just about anyone!

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  8
  How to Write

  How to Start a Love Letter: Romantic Salutations You Can Use

  15 years ago

  Many people would like to write a love letter to someone special, but don't know quite how to start. How should you begin a love letter? There's really no right way. There are many phrases you can use to get get started, and once you get past the...

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  11
  Christmas

  7 Fun Ideas for Creative Christmas Letters

  19 months ago

  Stumped about what to put in your annual Christmas letter? Time to think outside the box. Let's get creative with what to put in Christmas letters!