I have been incredibly busy the past 2 weeks. With Christmas, and family, and Jon, and work, I have barely had time to breathe, let alone blog or read blogs or edit photos or be creative in any way/shape/form.
The condo is coming along nicely, as are wedding plans, although both are coming along slowly. It's a good thing I have absolutely no interest in becoming a full-time wedding planner OR interior decorator, as I don't seem to be any good at either one.
I have been scheduling some blog posts for the fortnight during which I'll be out of state... In 2 different states. I am going to try to check in, since I'll have my laptop with me and will have access to internet, but I know I won't be reading blogs.
Speaking of reading blogs, I'm a little backed up from the holidays. I am going to try to catch up this weekend while Jon is at work, but no promises.
Okay, I am now off to lunch with a friend. Be back soon(-ish)!
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Merry Christmas!
I just wanted to pop in quick and wish all of my bloggy friends a very merry Christmas and happy holidays! I hope everyone stays warm and safe and healthy this season.
I'll leave you with a couple photos of me and my older brother when we were kids, because now Jon and I are off to Mass.
Peace and love to everyone! ♥
I'll leave you with a couple photos of me and my older brother when we were kids, because now Jon and I are off to Mass.
Peace and love to everyone! ♥
Thursday, December 23, 2010
YouCapture - Holiday Magic
Yesterday, Ashley over at Ramblings and Photos posted some experimental bokeh. I think that, due to all of the holiday lights that are strung around our houses, many of us photog bloggers have been experimenting with light and shadows and such the past few weeks.
I already posted my favorite holiday bokeh photo from my camera (Samsung point and shoot) and from my dad's camera (Nikon D80), but I haven't posted my bokeh shots from my iphone.
Here is my favorite:
I aimed the iphone at the tree and started shaking it horizontally. After shooting several images, I processed this one using the instagram app. I love how the light looks like little candy canes.
I am linking up with YouCapture today because the theme is Holiday Magic (or light).
I already posted my favorite holiday bokeh photo from my camera (Samsung point and shoot) and from my dad's camera (Nikon D80), but I haven't posted my bokeh shots from my iphone.
Here is my favorite:
I aimed the iphone at the tree and started shaking it horizontally. After shooting several images, I processed this one using the instagram app. I love how the light looks like little candy canes.
I am linking up with YouCapture today because the theme is Holiday Magic (or light).
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Simplicity and Shutter Love
Shutter Love and the Simplicity Photography Challenge both have good themes this week. Shutter Love's theme is Reason for the Season and Simplicity's theme is LOVE. I have one photo (taken with my iphone and processed with the instagram app) that is perfect for both themes:
Love IS the reason for the season.
This is a wooden Nativity scene that my mom's friend brought back from Germany when she lived there. I fell in love with it when I was a child, and so my mom always let me put it in my bedroom. Over time, since it was always in my bedroom and in my Christmas box, ownership passed to me. Now, it is on Jon's dresser in our bedroom at the condo.
If you remember, I also posted a photo of a large Nativity scene on our mantle, as well as a JMJ statue that was handed down from Jon's grandma. That's 3 Nativity scenes in our condo, as well as one little Baby Jesus figurine that I keep on my desk.
His love surrounds us.
I am also linking up to Happy Monday because this week's theme is Christmas Decorations, and the Happiness Project.
"For God so loved the world
that he gave his one and only Son,
that whoever believes in him
shall not perish but have eternal life."
-John 3:16
that he gave his one and only Son,
that whoever believes in him
shall not perish but have eternal life."
-John 3:16
Love IS the reason for the season.
This is a wooden Nativity scene that my mom's friend brought back from Germany when she lived there. I fell in love with it when I was a child, and so my mom always let me put it in my bedroom. Over time, since it was always in my bedroom and in my Christmas box, ownership passed to me. Now, it is on Jon's dresser in our bedroom at the condo.
If you remember, I also posted a photo of a large Nativity scene on our mantle, as well as a JMJ statue that was handed down from Jon's grandma. That's 3 Nativity scenes in our condo, as well as one little Baby Jesus figurine that I keep on my desk.
His love surrounds us.
I am also linking up to Happy Monday because this week's theme is Christmas Decorations, and the Happiness Project.
Monday, December 20, 2010
TMMaPC - Christmas Past
2 Moms Made a Photo Challenge is back! They are starting up again, using the theme of Christmas Past to get us all reminiscing.
I went back to 2007 for this photo of Jon, my fiance, and our little stuffed turtle, Shampoo. Our first stuffed baby.
I also put together this sweet collage of some more photos from December 2007.
1. I love this photo of Jon peeking over my shoulder. I love it even though I am out of focus and my camera at the time was a POS point-and-shoot that was being held together by sc0tch tape.
2. I worked for a party company, and we used to dress up as elves to do face-painting. This is me with another elf and our boss's daughter.
3. I loved painting my own face!
4. Winter wonderland
5. Carolers at a party
6. Our family Christmas photo. I'm not sure why I picked a gray sweater and a pink tank top. It looks awful.
7. A tree in a nearby town. I worked at the ceremony doing face-painting. I remember driving home with ice and sleet all over the roads. I had to pull over and scrape my windshield while wearing an elf costume.
8. Winter river scene
9. My boss's son that I tutored for a year until he was able to switch from a self-contained class into a literacy-based class.
10. Shampoo's Christmas outfit. Yes, I used to dress him up. Just wait til I have a real baby.
I went back to 2007 for this photo of Jon, my fiance, and our little stuffed turtle, Shampoo. Our first stuffed baby.
I also put together this sweet collage of some more photos from December 2007.
1. I love this photo of Jon peeking over my shoulder. I love it even though I am out of focus and my camera at the time was a POS point-and-shoot that was being held together by sc0tch tape.
2. I worked for a party company, and we used to dress up as elves to do face-painting. This is me with another elf and our boss's daughter.
3. I loved painting my own face!
4. Winter wonderland
5. Carolers at a party
6. Our family Christmas photo. I'm not sure why I picked a gray sweater and a pink tank top. It looks awful.
7. A tree in a nearby town. I worked at the ceremony doing face-painting. I remember driving home with ice and sleet all over the roads. I had to pull over and scrape my windshield while wearing an elf costume.
8. Winter river scene
9. My boss's son that I tutored for a year until he was able to switch from a self-contained class into a literacy-based class.
10. Shampoo's Christmas outfit. Yes, I used to dress him up. Just wait til I have a real baby.
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Color Splash Sunday - Red Apple
Color splash photos are those that have been converted to black and white, but one object has been left colored. Sometimes, it's easy to just isolate your colored object and you're done. Other times, more editing is required, such as adjusting color levels/light/shadow/etc.
I recently switched to an open themed link-up, so there won't be any specific themes for your photos. Any photo is fine, as long it has selective color and you haven't posted it before. You can read more about CSS guidelines by clicking here.
Color Splash Sunday will take a break next week, since it is the day after Christmas. Enjoy your holiday and spend time with your family! Please join us again on Sunday, January 2.
Friday, December 17, 2010
Fix It Friday #81
Disclaimer: This is not my photo. I did not take it.
Copyright belongs to iheartfaces and the original photographer.
They seem to be giving us more full-body portraits lately, rather than the facial shots. It's nice to have the landscape and scenic shots, but this one just has way too much negative space on the left side of the frame. That always irks me, even though I know a lot of photogs like it.
My B&W edit:
My color edit:
Macro Friday #30... And some great news!
__________________________________________
GREAT NEWS!!
First, the back story.
Both my grandma and my mom attended a high school that was an all-girl academy that closed in the late 70's. The building, which features a gorgeous chapel, is standing unused (but still cared for) on a college campus.
Starting when I was a baby, my mom would go back to her old high school every year to meet up with her friends. I've been running all over that building, particularly the chapel, for longer than I can remember. I've always dreamed of getting married there, the only part of my wedding that I truly care about (besides the groom!).
Fast forward to now, when I am planning my wedding. I had called back in August to find out how I would go about booking this chapel. However, the owners of the building had decided to sell it. It had been listed on the market at a highly unreasonable price for several months, with no offers, save one. The administrators of the college where this building is located desperately wanted to purchase the building, but the price was just too high. Negotiations went back and forth, tensions were growing. The owners were anxious to sell, but the Board of Trustees had to be careful that they didn't go over budget.
Then, yesterday, BREAKING NEWS! The Board finally approved the purchase; the college is buying the building! The final price is still being negotiated, and then there are piles of paperwork that much be completed before the sale is finalized.
Still, this is exactly what I have been waiting for! Now that it's official, and I know that the college will own the building by July 1, I can rest easy. I've already gotten approval from the college president. I can get married in the most gorgeous chapel I have ever seen (with the exception of the Basilica, but I've never actually been to Vatican City).
Here's one of our engagement photos. We are standing on the steps that lead to the chapel. 8 months and 2 days from now, we'll be standing there again, as husband and wife.
Hosted by Cecily and Lolli
Thursday, December 16, 2010
A Very Merry Christmas Link-up - Food
Sereina Charise started this link-up: A Very Merry Christmas. Week 3's theme is Christmas Foods and Tasty Treats.
My photo doesn't really look like Christmas, but it's tasty, for sure!
This is a photo of Christmas dessert at my house: homemade German chocolate cake and homemade pumpkin pie, both courtesy of my mom! She is an amazing baker (a quality that sadly didn't get passed down to me).
My photo doesn't really look like Christmas, but it's tasty, for sure!
This is a photo of Christmas dessert at my house: homemade German chocolate cake and homemade pumpkin pie, both courtesy of my mom! She is an amazing baker (a quality that sadly didn't get passed down to me).
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Wednesday Words
I've been super busy lately.
--At work, I've started reading applications, in addition to making contact with all of my New England students and meeting families when they come to visit campus.
--At home, I've been slowly decorating the condo and making it feel like home. Jon and I still have a lot of rearranging and organizing before we can finally say, "We're done." I do want to post some pictures as we finish each room.
--Being singly responsible for the upkeep and cleaning of the condo was overwhelming at first, but I've made a schedule for cleaning and I've been doing a pretty good job of sticking to it... so far!
--I am not quite done with my Christmas shopping, but I made a good dent in the list. I have been sticking to Target and small business shops to save money and support the locals.
--As for the wedding, I have made some progress, although there are still some decisions that I amavoiding still pondering. One of my main problems is that I haven't picked a photographer yet. I'm not sure if I am being too picky, or if I am just holding the decision off because it's such an important one. I mean, these photos are going to be the one thing that I will be able to pull out to bring back the memories. I want to love them. I want to know that every penny will be well spent towards capturing the most important day of my life.
I did order the save-the-date cards, about 2 months later than I had planned. I also started sending some out, but I am holding most of them back for January because I don't want them to get lost or misplaced in the Christmas card shuffle.
I used printsmadeeasy.com to make my save-the-date cards. I picked a template, uploaded my own photo, and customized the text/colors to what I wanted.
I specifically used red, lavender, and white text because I want my save-the-date cards to match the theme for the wedding. I have some OCD tendencies and I feel like it's awfully awkward when save-the-date cards don't match the wedding theme or invites.
I really loved that I was able to completely customize this card. They have a huge variety of styles and fonts that you can use to create the exact card you are looking for. They do postcards, business cards, invitations, banners, flyers, everything! And their customer service reps are incredibly helpful. They contacted me to reduce the cost of my order and ensure that my artwork was correct. They also sent me a preview of my artwork so I could proof it and save it. And the cost, WOW! My cards were 33 cents each! They printed and shipped the cards within 2 days of my order, and I received them about 3 days after that. The cards are exactly as I ordered them, and the cardstock that they used is durable for shipping but also easy to write on.
*PME (printsmadeeasy.com) didn't offer me any compensation for this review. I am just really happy that I used them!
ATTN: I am still looking for guest bloggers for January when I am going to FL and TN to spend time with my friends and Jon's family. Your post doesn't have to be anything long or deep. Just a couple paragraphs to keep my fellow readers entertained. :) Email me if you are interested. yma367 at hotmail dot com.
--At work, I've started reading applications, in addition to making contact with all of my New England students and meeting families when they come to visit campus.
--At home, I've been slowly decorating the condo and making it feel like home. Jon and I still have a lot of rearranging and organizing before we can finally say, "We're done." I do want to post some pictures as we finish each room.
--Being singly responsible for the upkeep and cleaning of the condo was overwhelming at first, but I've made a schedule for cleaning and I've been doing a pretty good job of sticking to it... so far!
--I am not quite done with my Christmas shopping, but I made a good dent in the list. I have been sticking to Target and small business shops to save money and support the locals.
--As for the wedding, I have made some progress, although there are still some decisions that I am
I did order the save-the-date cards, about 2 months later than I had planned. I also started sending some out, but I am holding most of them back for January because I don't want them to get lost or misplaced in the Christmas card shuffle.
I used printsmadeeasy.com to make my save-the-date cards. I picked a template, uploaded my own photo, and customized the text/colors to what I wanted.
(The blank space at the bottom left is where I put the location of the reception.)
I specifically used red, lavender, and white text because I want my save-the-date cards to match the theme for the wedding. I have some OCD tendencies and I feel like it's awfully awkward when save-the-date cards don't match the wedding theme or invites.
I really loved that I was able to completely customize this card. They have a huge variety of styles and fonts that you can use to create the exact card you are looking for. They do postcards, business cards, invitations, banners, flyers, everything! And their customer service reps are incredibly helpful. They contacted me to reduce the cost of my order and ensure that my artwork was correct. They also sent me a preview of my artwork so I could proof it and save it. And the cost, WOW! My cards were 33 cents each! They printed and shipped the cards within 2 days of my order, and I received them about 3 days after that. The cards are exactly as I ordered them, and the cardstock that they used is durable for shipping but also easy to write on.
*PME (printsmadeeasy.com) didn't offer me any compensation for this review. I am just really happy that I used them!
ATTN: I am still looking for guest bloggers for January when I am going to FL and TN to spend time with my friends and Jon's family. Your post doesn't have to be anything long or deep. Just a couple paragraphs to keep my fellow readers entertained. :) Email me if you are interested. yma367 at hotmail dot com.
Monday, December 13, 2010
Happy Monday - Bokeh
How exciting is this: Last week's Happy Monday theme was selfies, and I made it into the top 5!!
Exciting!
And now for this week's Happy Monday theme: BOKEH! I spent a couple hours Saturday night with my dad's camera and tripod to get some bokeh shots. I am still learning how to get the light to do what I want it to do, but I captured some beautiful shots. I am just dreaming of the day that I can afford my own DSLR and do photo shoots on my own time, whenever I want.
Here is one of my favorites. In the foreground is a music box with a little train that goes in circles. Or, a little train that USED to do in circles, until I decided (when I was about 6) that I wanted it to go faster.
I am also linking up with Trendy Treehouse's Shutter Love because this week's theme is Dreaming, and Simplicity's Photography Challenge, because the theme is Simple Beauty.
Exciting!
And now for this week's Happy Monday theme: BOKEH! I spent a couple hours Saturday night with my dad's camera and tripod to get some bokeh shots. I am still learning how to get the light to do what I want it to do, but I captured some beautiful shots. I am just dreaming of the day that I can afford my own DSLR and do photo shoots on my own time, whenever I want.
Here is one of my favorites. In the foreground is a music box with a little train that goes in circles. Or, a little train that USED to do in circles, until I decided (when I was about 6) that I wanted it to go faster.
I am also linking up with Trendy Treehouse's Shutter Love because this week's theme is Dreaming, and Simplicity's Photography Challenge, because the theme is Simple Beauty.
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Color Splash Sunday - Pink Flower
Color splash photos are those that have been converted to black and white, but one object has been left colored. Sometimes, it's easy to just isolate your colored object and you're done. Other times, more editing is required, such as adjusting color levels/light/shadow/etc.
I recently switched to an open themed link-up, so there won't be any specific themes for your photos. Any photo is fine, as long it has selective color and you haven't posted it before. You can read more about CSS guidelines by clicking here.
Friday, December 10, 2010
Macro Friday #29
This is the last of 3 black and white macro photos that I forgot I edited. They all still have that cloud watermark I had added in photoscape before I got pse back. Please look past the cloud to the spiderweb underneath.
And now for my favorite link-up!
Disclaimer: This is not my photo. I did not take it.
Copyright belongs to iheartfaces and the original photographer.
SOOC:
My color edit:
My b&w edit:
I was sorely tempted to amp up the sunflare for my color edit, but the rustic feel won me over in the end. I also wanted to emphasize their faces more because they weren't really popping, even with the placement of the frame. The focus needs to be on the girls, not on the landscape or the sun.
Thursday, December 09, 2010
A Very Merry Christmas Link-up - Lights
Sereina Charise started this link-up: A Very Merry Christmas. Week 2's theme is Lights.
Jon and I live in a 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom condo with a connected living/dining area. We don't have room for a big tree yet because we haven't exactly finished unpacking yet. In the meantime, I have this 3 foot tree that used to be my grandma's. I put it up on our makeshift dining room table (which means that we eat on the couch).
I was able to convince my camera not to focus on the tree, and thus, I created this shot of some fuzzy bokeh. Not too shabby, considering my point-and-shoot's limitations.
Jon and I live in a 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom condo with a connected living/dining area. We don't have room for a big tree yet because we haven't exactly finished unpacking yet. In the meantime, I have this 3 foot tree that used to be my grandma's. I put it up on our makeshift dining room table (which means that we eat on the couch).
I was able to convince my camera not to focus on the tree, and thus, I created this shot of some fuzzy bokeh. Not too shabby, considering my point-and-shoot's limitations.
Wednesday, December 08, 2010
Black and White Wednesday - Apples in A Row
Black and White Wednesday is run by Lisa over at
The Long Road to China.
Click here to go directly to this listing.
1. If you could go to any country for free, where would you go and why? Just one?! I'd have to say Germany. Out of all the countries that I want to go to, I think that is the one that I am least likely to visit, so going there for free would be great. Part of my dad's family came from Austria and Germany, and I'd love to do a WWII tour.
2. If you were a time traveler and could only go back in time or forward in time, which would you choose? That's easy. Back! First, I'd go to the 60's to spend a year there, then I'd go the 50's for another year, then I'd stop at the turn of the century for a few months before visiting some decades in the 1800's.
3. What was your first job? Babysitting, not even including all the times I watched my little brother or my cousins. I started babysitting for other families when I was 12. I babysat for various families and kids of all ages up until I was 21. My first taxed wages came from a large furniture company that I won't name because I don't want to give them any advertising. I started working for the furniture store when I was 17, but babysitting was still my main source of income until I graduated from college.
Bonus!
Why isn’t the number 11 pronounced onety one? I'm sure it has something to do with Latin or another language. But I feel like oneteen would be more likely, right?! Oneteen, twoteen, thirteen, fourteen, etc...
Tuesday, December 07, 2010
Clicked & Captured - Warmth
Hannah over at Click and Captured started up a new photo challenge.
This week's theme is warmth, so I am using this photo of a JMJ statue that Jon and I inherited from his grandma. I took it on my iphone and processed using the Instagram app.
For so many reasons, it warms my heart to see this statue standing on our mantle. First, I love that we have something of his grandma's, especially because it's something that meant a lot to her. She had this on her dresser, across from her bed, so she could see it every day. Second, it is now located on OUR mantle - mine and Jon's. I love being able to say "our" when I talk about stuff in OUR condo. I love that I am madly in love with this man and we have a wonderfully happy future waiting for us. And third, this the true meaning of Christmas; the birth of the Son.
I'm also using this for Faith's Simplicity Photography Challenge (theme - your favorite photo) and for Leigh's Happiness Project.
This week's theme is warmth, so I am using this photo of a JMJ statue that Jon and I inherited from his grandma. I took it on my iphone and processed using the Instagram app.
For so many reasons, it warms my heart to see this statue standing on our mantle. First, I love that we have something of his grandma's, especially because it's something that meant a lot to her. She had this on her dresser, across from her bed, so she could see it every day. Second, it is now located on OUR mantle - mine and Jon's. I love being able to say "our" when I talk about stuff in OUR condo. I love that I am madly in love with this man and we have a wonderfully happy future waiting for us. And third, this the true meaning of Christmas; the birth of the Son.
I'm also using this for Faith's Simplicity Photography Challenge (theme - your favorite photo) and for Leigh's Happiness Project.
Monday, December 06, 2010
i heart faces Challenge - Selfie
I am also entering this photo into the Happy Monday Photo Challenge, which is now being hosted by Allie. The theme this week is self-portraits to coincide with i heart faces.
Sunday, December 05, 2010
Color Splash Sunday - Orange Candy
Color splash photos are those that have been converted to black and white, but one object has been left colored. Sometimes, it's easy to just isolate your colored object and you're done. Other times, more editing is required, such as adjusting color levels/light/shadow/etc.
I recently switched to an open themed link-up, so there won't be any specific themes for your photos. Any photo is fine, as long it has selective color and you haven't posted it before. You can read more about CSS guidelines by clicking here.
One of my favorite types of candy!
Saturday, December 04, 2010
A Very Merry Christmas Link-up - Decorations
Sereina Charise started this link-up: A Very Merry Christmas. Week 1's theme is Decorations.
My parents have this Nativity scene that used to belong to my grandparents. I've always loved it and it was my duty to set it up on the mantle at my parents' house every year.
Now that I am living in a condo with Jon, I (jokingly) mentioned to my parents that I should take the whole scene with me. While my dad seemed a little put-out, my mom agreed. Apparently, it was her plan all along to pass it down to me! I had no idea.
I was overjoyed to set it up on the mantle in the condo.
There's Mary and Joseph, and an angel, as well as a donkey and a cow. There is also a shepherd boy with his lambs and Three Kings Bearing Gifts. Baby Jesus is safely hidden away until Christmas morning.
This Nativity scene has been a tradition in my family, and it makes me excited for the future. I am anxious to have my own children to pass the tradition onto.
My parents have this Nativity scene that used to belong to my grandparents. I've always loved it and it was my duty to set it up on the mantle at my parents' house every year.
Now that I am living in a condo with Jon, I (jokingly) mentioned to my parents that I should take the whole scene with me. While my dad seemed a little put-out, my mom agreed. Apparently, it was her plan all along to pass it down to me! I had no idea.
I was overjoyed to set it up on the mantle in the condo.
There's Mary and Joseph, and an angel, as well as a donkey and a cow. There is also a shepherd boy with his lambs and Three Kings Bearing Gifts. Baby Jesus is safely hidden away until Christmas morning.
This Nativity scene has been a tradition in my family, and it makes me excited for the future. I am anxious to have my own children to pass the tradition onto.
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