oh please!

Last week I asked for your opinions about post processing. How do you do it and what do you use. I got some really great responses back from all of you, and it solidified what I already thought I wanted to do. I needed to upgrade from Photoshop Elements 3 to 9. (Geesh, was I behind on that one). I have gotten to know old PSE3 pretty well and have been able to get along thus far, but I know that there are some bells and whistles I have been missing out on in the newer version and I feel like I am ready to make that jump. I also decided to spring for Photoshop Lightroom. Between the educational discount and the fact that I am actually going in halvsies with my Dad-in-law, it made it an easy and affordable decision.

do you see the teeth?!

That brings me to the next step... finding a few actions and presets that I really like. If I find a few I will probably invest in purchasing them until I figure out how to make my own. Of course when looking for presets and actions I start to hit up some of my favorite photographers and fellow bloggers. What are they using, what is it about their images that I love? One of those photographing-mama-bloggers happens to be Keli Hoskins of Kidnapped by Suburbia. Her girls are adorable and she captures life in such a wonderful way. Her blog often makes me giggle, she can be silly without being abrasive or rude. I like that.

balance act

So when I clicked over to her blog today you can imagine how excited I was that she is hosting a giveaway.... I could win a $50 gift card for some really nice Lightroom presets. What a nice way to start of having some new software. Yes, part of my motivation today to post is to get an extra chance at winning, but I also thought if you didn't "know" Keli yet, you should. So go on over and say hello. Don't worry she's nice and will more than likely take the time to say, "hi" right back at ya. Oh, and cross your fingers, because darn it. I would love to win that giveaway!

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(these photos really have nothing to do with this post. I just liked them and wanted to put them up- today seemed like as good as any to do just that.)

hand,bag

I won this bag from Heather over at Shivaya Naturals
the other week. It is super sweet and will be perfect for the holiday parties this season. It is created by an Oakland CA company called Off Hand Designs.
There is a velvety soft wrist part, a beautifuly lined inside complete with two little pockets and it has a cool way of opening and closing without a snap or a zipper (I will take more pictures when I have some decent light and time).
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If you are stopping by from Corner View- howdy hi! I am going to admit that I just don't know how to upload photos from my cell phone. and if I did they are sorta crap since my phone is the cheapest of the cheap, (read: Free).

And the winner is...

The random number generate chose 8, so Katleen! this Friday the 13th is your lucky day!! I think I have your addy but just in case can you email me with it? Also let me know which journal you would like. Kathleen's favorite treat are Ting-a-lings. She sent me the recipe and said I could share it with all of you as well, enjoy!

How to make Ting-A-Lings

1 lb. sweet milk choc.
2 sq. unsweetened choc.
5C corn flakes
salt

Melt choc and mix in cornflakes.
Drop on waxed paper and dry.
Store in airtight container.

Thank you all for playing along. I loved to read all your favorite holiday treats. Some of them I also love, (like hot cocoa) and others (like roasted chestnuts) are only part of my holidays in the lyrics of songs. I have found a few new sweet blogs from this contest as well! so that is always fun.
I do hope you will consider picking up a journal or two for your holiday (or baby shower?)gift giving. Blurb really does do a swell job on the books and you won't be disappointed!

Have a lovely weekend friends! I will pop in on Sunday for a much neglected, "Quotable Sunday" post.

journals and a give-away

Hi all, happy Monday to you.
I know I promised oceans views and they are coming soon, promise! But first I am really excited about something and I want to share with you- I have decided to create custom journals that include my photography in them! They are up for sale over at Blurb.com right now. I have ordered several books (for family gifts) and let me assure you that Blurb does a fantastic, professional job on their orders. Each journal includes 40 pages with at least 3 of my photos (black and white) on the inside pages. The photos mingle in with lined pages for your to fill. These might just make a perfect stocking stuffer *wink*.
A little about what you will find if you hop on over to the site...

There are two journals that are primarily food-centric. One is for keeping notes on your kitchen adventures, meals, meal planning, grocery lists, restaurants you have visited or would like to try. This would make a fantastic hostess gift for your holiday hosts or that foodie in your life. The other journal would be perfect for the new moms and dads out there- it is a baby's first food journal. I know I liked to keep track of what I fed the Kid-O, how I prepped his first foods, the reaction it got upon first taste and if there were any adverse allergic reactions (we had none, but my sister-in law quickly realized that peanuts and tree nuts were out for her little man). This would make a nice addition to a baby shower gift, maybe a basket full of feeding utensils and the journal?



The other two journals are inspirational notebooks- Each would be a perfect place to keep track of the joyful moments in your day, those things that you are grateful for or perhaps a place to track that new year's resolution journey you are about to embark on or to keep a list of goals. Perhaps you just keep it in your bag so you can jot down little things throughout your day that you don't want to forget (call mom, practice yoga, read this book, make reservations for Friday night date with hubby). Maybe the photos I have included will spark a poem or a short story.

Interested? go have a look, here is the link.

Because I have been really luck in the past few weeks with giveaways- I have failed to mention that I won an I heart NYC t-shirt from Cate atTribecca Yummy Mummy and a sweet little bag from Heather at Shivaya Naturals. I am going to hold a give away and one lucky reader will win a hard covered journal of their choice.

To enter, leave your name and a working email address as well as telling me your favorite holiday kitchen delight. If you would like to be entered twice, mention and link to this giveaway on your blog (email me about it so I know to put your name in twice). I will close the contest doors on Lucky Friday the 13th~ good luck!!