Friday Im In Love

I am sad that this will be my last official Friday, I'm in Love post! I have had a lot of fun sharing things with you and I might have to bring it back on some sort of regular basis!

I am always sharing with you handmade, and home-based businesses that I LOVE and shop... but sometimes it's hard to find all your "daily" items in that venue. So I thought I would end with a few "everyday" items that make my day happier, healthier, greener and cleaner!

Bear River Valley Cereal

OMGoodness! I am so happy that I found this cereal! Ok. First, on its ingredients list. is whole grain, pumpkin, yams, blueberry's, carrot...hello veggies and fruits in the morning for my kid! Second, Free of artificial flavors or preservatives. No high fructose corn syrup. No hydrogenated oil. Third, 75% LESS Packaging materials!! RESEALABLE BAG! Oh and "We purchase wind-generated electricity credits for 100% of the electricity used to make our cereals because working with Mother Nature just seems like common sense to us." direct from the website.  I love stand up companies that make a good product, and put thought into how they effect the environment! Plus, my kid thinks its a "treat" because it has marshmallows, which we would never do in any other cereal! OH! They have other flavors also... chocolate, frosted wheat's... gluten free options... and best of all found in my regular Safeway store! (they hide them by the granola!)

I have mentioned this next one before.  But it seriously is the best purchase I have made for $5 this year!

Magic Tap

Ok, to be fair the website say's $19.99 I found mine on the "as seen on" rack at Walgreens for $10, and had a $5 store coupon from the rewards card. I am not sure I would be so in love with it as a $20 purchase... who am I kidding it keeps me from getting up at dinner to refill milk glasses 3 times, and it allows my kid the freedom to get her own breakfast so I can enjoy my coffee. So  what a price for some peace right? LOVE THIS! I will even take cleaning up a few spills in my fridge as it drips occasionally and my kid presses the blue handle with her finger for "kicks" occasionally.

And my last product to share today... tho I have a TON that I wish I could fit in, is from Wildtree

WILDTREE Dealer / or find your own vendor at Wildtree.com

This is from the direct sales company WildTree. They were started in 96 by a mom who had two young children with dietary restrictions. The offer "the highest quality herbs, spices and culinary blends that are free of preservatives, additives, fillers and promote a healthier lifestyle. We believe in the value of making cooking a quicker, easier, more healthful project for those who are short on time." (from website)     There are many products from them that I adore. This one is a personal favorite because while it lists to mix with milk/mayo I use Greek yogurt for a healthier twist and my kid uses THIS to dip veggies into rather then the over processed, "other" options. Plus when I order from my friend Christine (linked you to her FB page above) I get to help another woman in business make money!  I love THAT!  

Disclaimer: I am not a review site. I purchase all of these products and have not received any money or product discounts/ or freebies in return for my thoughts and personal review of them.                          

Time to click: Top 5 Safety Accessories

Today is all about safety!  I bet you didn't even know there was such a thing as camera safety did you?!

Well, I am here to tell you how to keep your new camera safe! Here are my top 5 things to purchase for EVERY camera.

1. A GOOD Camera strap: I know I told you to use what came in the box, and compared to the alternative of nothing... PLEASE use the one in the box! However, I also know if your wearing it around your neck, over your shoulder or simply around your wrist.. your going to want something comfortable if not fashionable as well! Pick up a good strap, and if needed add a slip cover to it to make it something you will be happy using!

I like the handmade covers like this, esp with a built in storage for lens cap / memory card so I don't have to dig around my bag all the time. Remember its the STRAP that is important, the cover is just "pretty". I wish I could remember where I found this one... its a great handmade store on etsy or storenvy! Be sure to check there before buying a mass produced one!

What makes a "good" Strap?

Well that kinda depends on the person and camera. For most p&s camera's a simple wrist strap which is small and compact is a good fit. A wrist strap should attach securely to your camera and slide over your wrist but not be so lose that it would fall off your wrist (or get in the way of your shooting) I personally like something a little thicker with a band to tighten or loosen... like this one shown. (Also great for bridge cameras or people who don't like to wear something around a neck or shoulder.)

 As an alternative, or for people who like larger cameras' a "hand" style strap that fits over your hand as your shooting (sometimes attached to the bottom of an SLR, sometimes just to one side) You can pick up these in different styles, colors or materials... from leather to neoprene. 

 A neck or shoulder strap should be well padded. Typically the ones in the box are made from a nylon webbing and while durable, they are not very comfortable. Personally I like the neoprene padded straps that curve like this one from Lexar shown...It is harder to find a custom cover for these, but it can be done! The curve is WELL worth it! Also, I find that wearing it around my neck causes strain and gives me headaches so I have a longer one (called a sling strap) where if I will be shooting all day it can be worn across my body from my left shoulder, to right hip. While I don't have an image for this - I just found a manufacture who designed one just for women with the padding going down farther in front. http://joby.com/camera-straps/ultrafit-sling-strap-for-women/

 Be sure to fit the strap to you.  It doesn't do you much good to have a great strap if it isn't put on right! BTW, if you shop in your local photography store the salesmen/women will usually help you with this if you need!
 

Now, I swap my straps more then the average person, but I find that I don't like a strap when I am using a tripod, and use a smaller hand strap for small portrait sessions for ease... and my sling strap for events where I am walking and talking... so it would be crazy for me to reattach each strap all the time. Instead I have something that looks like this with the quick release snap on the left. It attaches like any other with the slip knot on style image on the right. With this attached I can then leave the strap off it all together with just small attachments hanging down, or attach either the hand or the sling to the same quick release making it fit my needs. Very handy!

2. A Camera bag that fits! Lowepro, Caselogic and Tamrac are simply 3 camera bag companies that offer great bags. They make them in every size, with hard cases, or extra padding... get one that fits your camera, and has room for your accessories! if you have a DSLR give yourself room to grow to add flash, lenses, etc. Also, make sure you have a secure place to keep an extra battery and memory card!

(I will mention I think both are great quality, but Lowepro started in Boulder, CO and has a great Green Product / ECO plan.. so I am partial to them!) I linked those two sites, but there are tons of other manufactures you can check out as well. There is a camera bag for everyone... even this that slides inside of a large purse to make a protective and discreet camera bag. It really needs to fit your lifestyle and gear

3. UV FILTER: If you own a camera that will allow you to add a filter over your lens, get one! Any and every DSLR lens you own should have a UV filter on it. Some bridge cameras will allow for this also, and the new "bridge" style that are slimline with changeable lenses like the new Nikon 1 systems. Here is the deal, on average you will spend from 15 - 25 dollars on a good quality UV filter... depending on brand and quality,  look for something that is "multi-coated" and your typically in good shape. While they have been used in the past to correct things like lens glare and reduce haze, improve contrast by minimizing the amount of UV light reaching film, lenses have gotten better and digital sensors are not as sensitive to UV light... so you no longer need it for its original purpose. Which has many old school photographers pitching them all together. However... now they are primary a PROTECTIVE device. I mean would you rather pay $15 for a new filter if you drop your lens on a rock... or replace your $400 plus lens when you crack or scratch the front glass element?

A protective filter (or UV/Haze Filter) protects your front element from sand, scratches, most impact damage, and even from cleaning and normal wear on the lens coating itself... you just replace the UV filter when you notice the wear or damage and keep your lens in great condition!

To find the right size filter... look at your lens, or each lens to find the mm size you need. You will find this usually on the side or front of your lens. (not to be confused with the focal length that you find in the description of your lens) For instance I have one 50mm 1:1.8 Nikkor lens.. which is the TYPE of lens not the lens size. The FILTER size is 52... which is found next to the serial number. A good cheat, is to look at your lens cap, it is usually printed on the back side!!!! Your filter will screw on to your lens and your lens cap will fit right onto it. If you get into using other filters, those will go in front of your UV - so it can stay on ALL the time!



4. Lens Cap Keeper: Every camera comes with a lens cap... some are even built in! BONUS! These are fantastic for protecting your lens (even with a filter!) really its your first line of defense, if your not actively taking a photo, your lens cap should be on. However for those of you who have lens caps that remove completely... be sure to pick up either a pouch to put it in that would attach to your camera strap, or a lens leash.This will keep it handy and safe, and not sitting on the fence post, rock or otherwise lost when you remember to put it back on!

Lens leashes are only a couple of dollars making them a quick and inexpensive option.

These next ones attach to the strap... and your cap hangs,clips, or gets tucked inside of  it (like the pouch shown hanging from the strap image above)... fun, but depends on the strap you have if it would work for you.... and btw caps don't come with the hang tags so you have to get them attached or buy special caps for the image on the left....

Now this next one I came across while searching for some sample images for you... SUPER awesome it was running a Kickstarter campaign to get funding for production... if you have a DSLR and don't use your tripod this is nice and handy, the groves are designed to hold any lens cap regardless of size, and it's tucked out of the way under your camera body. Here is the kickstarter link as well.

5. Damage Protection.

First, I want to disclose that I am not a salesperson. I don't get kick backs on any of my suggestions in any way. I want you to know that I am a FIRM believer in CERTAIN types of protection plans. Lets clarify why and what is helpful to you.

Manufacturers Warranty: This the the warranty card you get in your box. They can be anywhere from 30 - 90 days (typical of video,  memory cards, and some times extra battery chargers) to 1 year of LIMITED Warranty. Let's face it - it says limited for a reason. It usually lists what it covers as defects in materials or workmanship. Meaning if it works when you take it out of the box, chances are nothing is defective. Sometimes this will even exclude parts or labor cost, repair service from  non authorized personnel (meaning not their repair facility) and of course it specifically will tell you that they are not liable for any punitive damages and such... meaning if you shoot a friends wedding with your camera and it failed - even if the repair is covered they are not going to pay for a new wedding so you can re-shoot it... it's called limited liability, they are only responsible for the camera or lens - not the emotional, perceived, or physical cost of anything effected by your loss.  (NO WARRANTY will cover this... not on memory cards, or equipment... nothing... it's just part of the business and why I always say have extra cards, batteries etc available... just in case)

Be sure to read your warranty card - you almost always have to register your product. I suggest you take the time to do it (yes even on cards, etc) just in case. Especially if this is all the protection you have. 

Extended Warranty: This gets tricky. You have to read very carefully what these cover. This can usually be purchased from your retailer. Sometimes your credit card or insurance agent will offer you these types of plans as well. You just have to read up on them. MOST are simply an extension of the manufacturers warranty.. covering manufacturer defect. If you don't know already, it is very unlikely that a manufacturer will find a real defect in a camera after 1 year. Like I said, if it worked out of the box, typically your issue will be something not covered. 

However. Some Extended plans, or DAMAGE PROTECTION plans offer you full repair or replacement if your item is damaged due to impact, water damage, sand, child... whatever.... it really is rare but I know the retail giant Wolf/ Ritz offered this and I have seen others online as well like one offered by Amazon. It would pay to check into it! Damage protection means if your kid dumps it in the toilet, or pool, or you back over it with your car... it would get fixed as long as it wasn't lost or stolen. 

Lost and stolen can sometimes be covered under your insurance or credit card protection plans so be sure to look into that as well! 

I highly suggest you check into extra coverage, especially if you have something that covers accidents. They DO happen. Really, even if you pay $20 extra for 3 years on a $200 camera - its a fraction of what you would pay to replace it, so it makes good sense. Repairing cameras can be very expensive, and can take a long time! I have seen camera's out for repair that had to wait on a part of over 3 months! CRAZY! But, when a repair can cost 50% to 80% of your camera's price... paying a small amount for the protection plan really does become logical. ( Look into SquareTrade when purchasing digital equipment online, I have it from some amazon purchases and it covers accidents!)

If you don't have the option for a damage protection plan... then get out a jar and start putting $1 - $5 in it every time you take photos.  Then you have a repair or replacement fund when you need it!

There you go my top 5 accessories to keep your camera investment safe!

The Teacher Gift.

I am not particular crafty.. I mean I LOVE the idea of crafts, I love doing crafts... but there is a lot of cleaning up to do before when setting things up, and after... and heaven help me if it's something that needs "prepped" so my kid can help as well!

However, this year our teachers have been extra special for us. So, doing some research and talking to some other teachers... I found a craft made by a child was usually something that meant more to them then the $5 coffee gift card. Seeing as how I spend so much quality time on Pinterest, I set out to find just the right "bright idea".

I actually saw it on the ABC show "The Chew" making ornaments out of melted peppermint candies. Now I had seen the platters before - but an ornament that seemed like something that was practical and could make a cute gift! The could eat it , break it up and put it in coffee, or hang it on the tree to enjoy! Perfect! We could make them for all the teachers, and admin staff as well! Wonderful! Simple, easy... fairly inexpensive right?

thecatholicbeat.sacredheartradio.com

Turns out, not that easy. I went to 3 stores to find the peppermints - first - WHY would stores not have big bags of these around for the holidays? I swear I see them ALL the time! I ended up having to get several smaller bags... to keep from having to go to yet another store... in the holiday season.

I tried it first on the slipmat... epic fail, as my slipmat gets used for too many crafts, I guess. It ended up making the white look burnt... so back to the store for wax paper.. which was suggested.... only to have it stick to the peppermints, and nearly smoke me out of the kitchen. One MORE trip to the store for parchment. *sigh*  I know, why do I not already have these basic things... I am going to blame my lack of desire to bake anything. So again... layout everything... and... miserable results. I couldn't cut them with our cookie cutters, even when warm, they cooled too fast, and would break as I was trying to use varies knives, and pizza cutters... btw, were on day 3 of this "simple" project, now.

So after this last fail, I simply gave up! I mean, this is sad enough I didn't even photograph it for you!!! EPIC FAIL!

Would my kid go for a gift card? Please... no. No amount of begging on my part would get her over the disappointment of NOT making something special for them. Great.

So off to the far reaches of Pinterest I went again yesterday, searching for something I might be able to do with things from around the house! When I found... Frosty Hot-Cocoa! Well, the name was different, but its a make your own cocoa mix, in a recycled jar that is dressed up to look like a snowman. Bonus. I had two jars with lids that I had been holding onto, and luckily the ingredients for the mix as well!

So I dug out a recipe I liked better then the one on that blog, I used this from Alton Brown.

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 cup cocoa (Dutch-process preferred)
• 2 1/2 cups powdered milk
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 1 pinch cayenne pepper, or more to taste

Only I used a pinch of cinnamon, so it wouldn't be quite as spicy but still add a bit of "hmmm what is that" to it. Split it up between the jars and proceeded to think "whew!" done!

Well, not quite, I then proceeded to spend WAY too much of my last day without a child before Christmas on trying to create a top hat out of construction paper, pom poms.. and other craft items I am too embarrassed to admit to. I finally went to Hobby Lobby and was SUPER lucky in finding a couple craft hats made of felt that would fit when glued to the lid! (and spend WAY too much on them) While I was there I picked up some ribbon for the scarf. 
By the time I picked up the little one from school I had google eyes and a pack of foam beads in different shapes set up with the scarfs tied and hats glued, so she could just decorate.
Here is one of her creations.

So all in, not counting gas it took me the better part of 3 full days, around $20-$30 in supplies depending on if you want to count the things I bought but didn't use, and the gift bags we purchased for the unmade candies, and such... and I have learned a very valuable lesson.

Next time, just get a $15 gift card for each of them. No, not really... but I did learn that I need to work better at my time management, and schedule our crafts and gifts better and be a little less "ooohh" over Pinterests version of "easy". This year has been one big time suck after another. I could have used an extra 2 days this week!

So lesson learned, I am going to order these for our next round of gifts, ahead of time like I should have done for Christmas!

To keep your lips kissable for Valentines!

And smellies with a beach theme, along with some flip flops or a fun beach book for End of Year gifts!

Btw - if you don't shop with the  Streeter's You should! She is awesome! Be sure to check out her blog, and shop here - and find your own "easy" present for your kids next holiday party too!


P.S. I am starting to work towards doing more "Pin"spiration  posts... and this week I am happy to join the link party from

All I want for Christmas

I want a lot of things for Christmas... important, meaningful things. However, I thought I would post a couple of wishlist items, that I have found around the internet... been inspired by, made me giggle, or perhaps I just LOVE.

I really want the new purple ones... I know color doesn't matter... but how hot would they look!

It's just a photoshop thing!

Since I am old school and HAVE really done darkroom stuff... this is HYSTERICAL (to me)!

What you thought it would be all photo related? I need some really fantastic shoes!

A statement jacket, that isn't a jacket

A purse that is not a purse! Steller for traveling!

 And while this is listed last.. that's only to put emphasis on it! I LOVE LOVE LOVE this bag! It would be the perfect outside for the camera insert... and Zeeuh is such a great small business to support!http://zeeuh.storenvy.com/products/581406-kelly-bag-fiesta-floral

10 Days of Thoughtful Photos: Day 10

WOW! How fast did that go huh!?

Crazy!

Well here it is, our last Thoughtful tip for making great Holiday (or anytime) portraits. I decided to end with a popular one... and oddly enough the one no-one ever seems to mention or ask about! Posing.

What do you do with all those arms, legs and funny family faces!?

First, I am going to give you some basic posing composition techniques. This will help you create a basic pattern in your image, making it more pleasing to the eye. These are CORE poses: meaning many other poses are off-shoots from these, and you can add or subtract people, or combine them in order to create your unique portrait.

 1. The Stair: Place subjects so that they are stagger eyes to chin. This basic pose can continue in a line for as many subjects as you want. It is the most popular for groups of 2 or 3, but I have done up larger groups (laying on a floor and stair stacking them up).

2. The Triangle: If you add a 3rd person to the stair and instead of continuing to go up, you go down... you create a triangle.  Adding in other people, and creating more triangles.. Like the drawing shows, they are all each group of 3 makes a triangle.

3. The Line: This pose can be done with some variation, but works great for walking, laying down or vertical lines for stacking small groups to show size. Yes, there is some variation in the head heights, that's ok, it simply isn't as dramatic as the triangle, creating a less "posed" image.

By working with these 3 core pose compositions, you can combine them to be able to fit your needs.

Combine a Triangle with a Stair!

Now that you know some core poses, here are a few final posing tips to a great portrait!

1. Be aware of your surroundings, especially outside. No one wants a tree or light pole coming out of their head!

2. Always do SOMETHING with hands. Fold them, hold them, tuck them in pockets. If you don't give your subjects something to do with hands, they WILL go over someones shoulder, or around a back... yes, even on Grandma's bottom occasionally. Give those hands a place, and you wont see wondering "the things" hanging out on shoulders (because you can't tell WHO's hand it is) or have those other embarrassing moments captured.

3. Remind your subjects to sit up straight. Yes straight back, good posture, and shoulders slightly back does make a huge difference!

4. Tip tops of heads closer to each other (just slightly) so it doesn't seem as posed!

Now, if you haven't been loyal and read each of the 10 tips, be sure to go back and review the ones you missed! With these top 10 Thoughtful Portrait tips, you are sure to have a great holiday portrait! I know I can't wait to share mine! I will be doing a reveal hopefully early next week of our card!

Perhaps I can come up with a prize for the best (non-professional) holiday photo as well! Hmmm keep your eye out for that contest!

And the Winner IS.....

If you remember when I first started this blog I offered an UNBELIEVABLE $100 product photography gift certificate prize giveaway. If you have been with us since the beginning you know that Kim over at Chronically Kim - The Queen of overdoing won that prize. She was so sweet and excited and after looking at her designs in her shop at Bluebird Bijoux Designs I was equally thrilled! I couldn't wait to do some killer photography for her shop!

After talking to Kim, I learned that she was looking at opening a sweet shop, and wanted to know if she could use her credit for that... I must admit I did a little happy dance! Not only would I get to do some great photography, help out a new shop opening... but I would also get to be one of her taste testers as well!!!! YUMMMM-O

Kim, over-doing it yet again, has put together some rather scrumptious treats! As I sit enjoying my coffee I have pulled out my box of "goods" now that the shoot is over and I get to enjoy them... all by myself! *happy dance* - now it wouldn't be very polite of me to have coffee with you and not show you some of these treats, now would it! Here are a few from the product shoot I did for her shop.

Oreo Stuffed Chocolate Chip... super sweet and everything you love about both!

Key Lime Spritz - These are delicate and just enough key lime flavor to remind you of Key West!

Chocolate Crinkles- This is a serious tie for BEST cookie ever! Its like the best brownie ever... only a cookie!

Covered Pretzel Rods- I had this with my coffee and seriously I want a TUB of these! This one has a layer of caramel then chocolate, then drizzled chocolate... so sweet, salty, gooey... GOODNESS!

I have to tell you... heavenly does come to mind! Plus, since I am not much of a baker - I know have a connection for those treats for school bake-sales, and presents... and I can NOT tell you how excited that makes me!!!!

Plus, added bonus for both Kim and myself, even with creating some custom props - which will ONLY be used for her shop, photography, edits, watermarking and all.. She STILL has $$ left over with me for MORE photography! (and that means I should be getting more goodies as well!)

I am going to finish my coffee... and maybe two or three more samples! But, if you liked these photos - do me a favor and check out Kim's new shop it opens TODAY, and I know you will LOVE her treats! 

Packing Products

I work with a LOT of shop owners from out of town.. mostly because I am BRAND new to this town! I don't even have 90 days logged in yet! So, I had a new client ask me "How do I send you my items?" Well... here is the short answer. "Carefully!"

Ready for the long answer?

Typically, my clients use USPS services. Much of how you need to pack your items depends on how fragile they are. My client Pam, who ships jewelry to me from Craft Gal Creations in Chicago was nice enough to allow me some extra time with her products so I could put a small "how to" together for the more fragile items for you! (Thanks Pam! Everyone should check out her shop!)

Pam makes wonderful natural stone jewelry, along with some very fragile glass and beaded items.

She takes the time to pack her box with padding on all sides, extra tissue, or bubbles depending on what she has on hand.

She puts her items separated inside each box and padded inside with cotton fluff - I suggest on extra fragile items you put cotton (or other padding) on both top and bottom of the items.

Note: If you have items such as a necklace, wrapping it in paper or plastic between the cotton helps to keep the cleaning time down for me as those little tiny hard to see cotton snags around a bead suck to clean off! Sometimes even after cleaning items I don't see them till the lights and macro lens hit them!

The boxes help separate items - and the inside packing helps to keep them from breaking on the box. It also allows Pam to send me extra notes, or special requests on a items.

Obviously, not all items need to be sent with such care. T-shirts, hair bows, and other soft items such as crochet and knit items can simply be put into the box. I do always suggest that you inclose a packing list so I can verify how many items arrived from you.

I hope this serves as a nice quick reference guide for packing. If you don't already, I would like to encourage you to check out some green options for packing supplies. Re-using boxes, and other supplies! It's just the right thing to do!