Time Savers (This ones for you Mom)

I recently learned about Google Reader. It's one of those great internet tools that I think I learned about a little later than others. Perhaps it's because I've just started reading blogs (that is, surfing through craft blogs for creative ideas). But I must confess I am grateful to my friend that showed me the light. I decided it was only fair to share my little time saver with everyone else.
If you don't already use it - here's how:

1. From Google or your google home page - press more in the top (very top left of google screen) menu and scroll down to Reader. From Gmail - press Reader in the top menu.
2. Sign in to Google Reader using your gmail account.
3. In the left hand column click Add subscription. (Big blue plus sign beside it.)
4. Enter the blog site (ie. cyberrenos.blogspot.com) and press add.
5. The blog will show up below there and will likely have several *new posts. You use this just like an email inbox. Right below the Add Subscription section are two links to show only the updated blogs or all of them. I prefer to use updated so I only have to see what is new to read. When the blog is first added all the entries for the last month are marked as new. Click on the blog and then in the right screen above all the entries click on Mark all as read.
6. If there are problems: try adding it again, it may not have worked. Also check if it's a private blog or not (if it's one you have been invited to and have to log in to - it doesn't have a published feed for Google Reader). Sometimes GR will come up with several sites and ask you which one you mean. Usually the best bet is the one you entered, if it's not there try the one with feed in it.
7. Lastly - it is possible to divide all your subcriptions up into sub-folders. To do that click on Settings in the upper right corner. Then click on Subscriptions. Beside each blog subscription you have the option to Change Folders. Click on that, select New Folder and type in the folder name you want to move it to. (I have mine divided between friends and craft stuff for right now.)

OK Happy time saving and good luck!