Aussie School Shop Hits Facebook
Mar/100
Don’t be the last to become a fan of Aussie School Shop on Facebook (if you hurry you could be the first!!!). You may like to add to our discussion topic whilst you are there. Just click here to get started.
If you become a fan and are registered on our site, we will credit your account with 5 tokens, which will enable you to list for FREE, 5 items that you would like to sell.
- Aussie School Shop Facebook Page
Sunrise family business 10% discount
Mar/100
Sunrise is helping small business connect with Sunrise Family members, so Aussie School Shop has just signed up! Simply register with Sunrise,let us know your membership number, and we’ll set your account up with a 10% discount on your listing fees.
Sunrise firmly believes that small business is the backbone of Australia. It employs more than 4-million Australians and 98% of us use a small business everyday. Despite that, small business is facing more challenges than ever before.
Businesses on the register will offer Sunrise Family members 10% discount off their total bill. There are currently more than 200,000 card carrying members of the Sunrise Family and with membership free, that number is expected to climb rapidly.
Businesses on the register are included on a dedicated website where customers can search via type of business and location. We will also have the opportunity to receive national exposure on Sunrise with free on-air pitches. This would be just the boost our business needs…so click on the Sunrise Family Business logo above, and register today to start saving.
Leave a comment to let us know what you think of this initiative.
Web Posting Photo Tips
Feb/100
Don’t let being a novice with digital photography stop you from listing your items for sale on our website. If you’re selling school uniform for instance (ie blazer) a good description; listing any faults, may be all you need, as anyone involved at the school will know what it looks like.
If you don’t have a digital camera you can still take the images on film, then have the photos transfered at a photo shop to a CD. You can then save the CD contents onto your computer. (Enlist the kids help if needed for this step – most teenagers can do this with their eyes closed). Alternatively you could also use a home scanner to save photos to your computer.
A Digital camera with only 1.2 mega pixels is all you need to get good results for loading photos onto the web. This sized camera can be quite cheap these days, you may even pickup a preloved one from our site. Remember, whatever system you choose, practice will make perfect. You will become better at taking photos and saving them to your computer just by getting to know your systems through repetition.
Here’s a few tips to get you started:
Use a sheet to lessen distractions - angle your chair to reduce shadows
Photograph Item in Natural Light
Crop Item to Show Detail - you can crop as close or far as you like
Most computers will have a basic photo editing software installed. Mine has Microsoft Office Picture Manager. To use this program for simple editing just Right click on your photo and select “Open With” then click this program from the menu provided.
- For simple editing click on the tab titled “Picture”. The first choice in the drop down menu is “Auto Correct”. Click “Auto Correct”. If you don’t like the results simply click the Undo button (a curved arrow) to the right.
- Next click the “Picture” tab again. Click “Crop”. By (Left) clicking and holding down the mouse button grab hold of the elbows at any corner of the photo and drag it in. You can grab hold of these elbows at any corner. Once you have cut out distracting background click “OK”
- Click the “Picture” tab again. Click “Resize”. On the left side you can elect a predifined width & size (select Web – Small 448 x 336 px from the drop down menu) then “OK”. If you want to keep the photo in the original size as well, go to “FILE” elect “Save As” (locate your ‘Upload folder’ in the drop down menu) select the Upload Folder, then name you new photo and “Save”. Your photo in the Upload folder will now not exceed the file load size allocated pictures on the web. To double check the size of this new photo you have just created simply put your mouse over it (right click) then select “Properties” – a list of information about your photo is provided, including it’s size.
To further simplify the process, you may like to invest in a portable card reader (which you insert your camera’s memory card into). This will alleviate the need to plug your camera directly into your hard-drive and save time finding the right leads. You can pick up portable card readers from Big W, Dick Smith etc for $20 – $40 depending on the shape of your memory card.
I hope this has helped to make the whole process easier for you. Happy snapping.
Feel free to add you own tips.
Farmer’s Markets
Feb/101
I’m excited! Our local area, Sunbury, is about to have it’s “own” farmers market…
The Sunbury Farmers Market will be held on the second Saturday of every month, from 9am to 1pm at the Gatehouse Cafe, 1 Macedon Street, Sunbury. There are expected to be around 40 stalls. The first market will be on Saturday, February 13.
click to go to www.farmersmarkets.org.au
I love buying produce picked fresh, often organically grown, and sold by the grower.
I’m just hoping that one day soon, these events will be so popular, that we can shop weekly at a farmers market. It’s getting back to basics and reducing food miles (km’s?) that really appeals to me.
Why not review a farmers markets in your area of Australia? We’d love to read your comments.
myschool website
Feb/100
The Federal Government’s My School website launched on Thursday has created so much controversy. The profiles of around 10,000 Australian schools can be searched, with the results based on the Naplan tests for students in years 3, 5, 7 and 9.
I’ve taken a look at the site and can see only one benefit – finding schools if you’re relocating to a new area! There is so much more involved in evaluating a school’s performance and suitability for your child, than one based on a nationwide test. The funds spent on creating and publicising the myschool website could’ve been better spent on teacher’s aides and literacy/numeracy programs.
Take a look for yourself and we’d love to hear your opinions: Go to www.myschool.edu.au or click on the chalk image below:
myschool website
Student Study Space
Jan/100
If you’re at home during the long hot days of Summer (with bored kids), why not encourage them to organize a bit of a clean out of their rooms. Not only will you find things to sell and make some extra cash, you can help make room to set up a study space or update an old one.
We have some ideas to get you started… First, decide what form the makeover will take. Do you have the time and desire to clear out the room and complete a full transformation, or are you happy to tackle a small area? If considering a re-paint, look for the low-nil odour or natural paints available these days that give you peace of mind for air quality, especially in a child’s bedroom. It’s a good idea to involve your child from the start, to work out their needs and colour choices. Should black be chosen, perhaps you could frame an area and paint it in blackboard paint as a message/reminder board. Calming, neutral colours on walls are easy to live with, and are simpler to co-ordinate with bed linen and accessories. However, it’s only paint, so don’t be too alarmed!
Think of alternative uses for even large pieces of furniture in your home or in the shops.
Multi-use storage cabinet with glass & solid doors (to hide mess/keep dust out)
This wall unit was bought to house books, magazines & stationery behind glass to keep the dust out! Try to find a wall unit such as this one, that has an area to hide clutter and a glass display area that makes it easy to locate items quickly.
Look to reuse items you already have around the house. For example, this pot plant container matched the style and colour of the study area and makes a perfect rubbish bin!
Rubbish bin 'pot plant container'
Look for unusual containers for stationery
-
Fabric Document Trays from Officeworks to keep paperwork under control.
Restored cabinet colour-matched to a door from the dresser, then new handles replaced the ugly ones!
video games/DVD storage shelves
A cabinet with a desk area & heaps of storage, that completely closes away when not in use is great when space is tight.
a Wii 'gun' made from K'nex following details from www.instructables.com
Display favourite belongings neatly on an Ikea shelf
Element skate board deck displayed on wall
Trophy shelving & skate deck display
This magazine holder from Target can be propped against the wall & moved from room to room.
DIY CD Display Board. This rack was made in an afternoon using recycled 'finds' from the local tip!
Gifts that keep on Giving
Dec/090
I was the lucky recipient of a World Vision Smiles Ecard this week. By following the prompts from the email, I received a personal message from a generous friend who had donated a chicken & chicken feed to a poor rural community. I was surprised at the variety of gifts available. Check it out for yourself at World Vision, it is a gift that will keep on giving all year through and I know I appreciated mine.
You may like to send a Kiva gift certificate to family or friends this year instead of the same old presents/or racking your brains any longer for those that are hard to buy for. It is a quick, innovative gift idea that enables the recipient to choose who they would like to suport, by lending an Entrepreneur $25 US (that you have purchased on their behalf).
Just don’t forget to mention they can join the Aussie School Shop team and re-lend once the original loan has been repaid.
We would love to know if you have came across any of these “special” types of gifts. Just leave a comment to spread the word….
Debutante dresses to buy, sell or hire
Dec/091
Do you have a debutante about to take her first steps? Or perhaps you have a gown or suit languishing in a wardrobe that could make you some cash!
Families feeling the effects of spending more than seems reasonable for their school formal are looking for ways to reduce costs and waste.
When you consider that the gowns are comparable in design to buying a wedding dress, it is not unusual to see price tags ranging from $300 -$1,000 plus. The guys get off lightly by comparison, with many schools charging around $85.00 for suit & shoe hire. The costs really start to mount up when you pay for reception tickets, beauty treatments, shoes, jewellery, limousine hire, photography/DVD services and dry-cleaning.
Before you begin shopping around, discuss the costs involved with your son or daughter and set a limit together. Suggest to them that they can add their own savings from gifts, pocket-money or their part-time job. It’s amazing how well you can stick to this limit once they realise they may have to fork out some of their hard-earned cash!
Here’s our list of 10 tips to save money:-
Ask your teen to contribute using some of their own savings (giving them a reality check on costs).
Search for pre-loved outfits using on-line websites & community notice boards.
Shop early – if your chosen dress is out of stock it can take up to 16 weeks to make. Winter coloured shoes will hit the stores by early February leaving you high and dry to find those “special” white ones.
Borrow bridal books from your local library for styling ideas on hair & makeup.
Book a mobile hair-dresser/makeup artist – ask for a group discount.
DIY hair, makeup & nails with friends & share a ride to the venue together. Take lots of fun photos!
Go for a naturally made-up look without a spray tan, keeping your dress stain-free.
Swap perfume/jewellery. Return any borrowings promptly with a thankyou note & a box of chocolates.
Create a digital scrapbook and hold off processing until a special price is advertised.
After the event, list the dry-cleaned dress/suit & accessories for sale or hire online, to recoup some costs.
Remember to enjoy this traditional celebration that harks back to the days of a lady being ‘presented to society’.
Education Tax Refund 2010
Nov/090
If you are planning on claiming the Education Tax Refund on textbooks for the financial year:
Education Tax Refund 2010
July, 2009 – June, 2010, you’ll need an invoice/receipt.
Education Tax Refund 2010
All that is required is some very basic information that will satisfy the ATO.
We have provided an invoice/receipt template for you to print out, ready for completion on collection of your books. Organised sellers could complete this form in advance of textbook pickup/drop off.
To print an invoice, simply click on this link: standard invoice
P.S Don’t forget to check your school fee invoices for any additional work book charges in addition to your book list purchases.
For full details, take a look at our archived post on 8.7.2009 ”Are You Claiming Everything You’re Entitled To? “
Top 10 Tips On Buying/Selling Second Hand School Books
Nov/090
Through our years of experience we have learnt a few tips to help along the way when it comes to making the change over of books as painless as possible.
Set up a file to save your current book list that will be needed at the end of the year to make selling easier.
Remove from any new books the CD and keep in the file. Do not leave them in the book as they get damaged/lost. These CD’s are generally used at home and are great if your child has homework and forgets their text book.
Buy a good brand of contact and take the time over the holidays to cover every new book. You may wish to buy book covers that work just as well. (You will feel like you’re 16 again if the kids aren’t interested!)
Once the contact is on, use a name label inside the front cover. You may use your label printer options to do multiple copies at the same time. You may want to sandwich the label between a smaller piece of contact.
To add a photo when selling books all you need is a 1.2 mega pixels digital camera. Make sure you set the correct picture size on your camera (refer to your manual if necessary – normally under picture size). Select the lowest resolution setting (ie o.3m) if you are using your pictures only for uploading into our site. MAKE SURE YOU PUT IT BACK to normal sizing once you have finished, so that future family snaps can be printed. Use the close-up focus (tulip icon) to ensure your item is in focus, then just crop & enlarge the picture if needed later on in your computer using photo editing software. Turn off the automatic flash as it can create glare.
To use our site ensure you have purchased the minimum site balance of $5.00 credit (by EFT, Paypal) before you start your listing process.
Shop around to find the best deals for new books. Often your local newsagencies/rival book companies can be cheaper than your school’s book supplier price.
When ordering books online compare delivery charges from each supplier as they vary significantly.
Ask your kids to bring books home through the last few weeks of school so you can photograph them & check their condition so you don’t need to rush.
Pass on information about our site to anyone from your school to increase the activity/availability of books etc using the refer a friend icon, or the good old word of mouth.
helping others
kiva blog
- Help Kiva win $200,000 in the Members Project!Kiva has the opportunity to win $200,000 in the Members Project campaign organized by American Express and Take Part. You can vote for Kiva once a week until May 24th!Please read the steps below to place your vote for Kiva!Step 1: Click here to visit the Members Project campaign website.Step 2: Click on the blue "Join Members Project" button on the […]
Site Counter
social bookmarks
Bookmarks:
