WITH MY CAMERA

10 things Tuesday!

2012-02-14T11:57:00.000-05:00

Adele, Vogue magazine.

2012-02-13T12:28:00.000-05:00

Unless you were living under a rock last night, you probably saw Adele's amazing comeback performance at the 2012 Grammy Awards. It was flawless, amazing and perfect, just like Adele. If you haven't seen it, I highly recommend watching it here:

I've had a bit of a girl crush on Adele for a while now. I admire her her singing (of course) and her ability to put her entire heart and soul into her music. You can tell she's singing with every single ounce of her soul and just putting it all out there for everyone to see. She's incredibly beautiful and don't even get me started on her makeup- she is queen of the cat-eye eyeliner. She's perfection in my opinion and these new photos for the upcoming March 2012 issue of Vogue couldn't be any more beautiful. The photographs are gorgeous- I love everything about them.

Just me (and a lens flare!)

2012-02-12T00:51:00.002-05:00

I took these pictures today during that amazing "golden hour" of perfect, gorgeous sunlight that happens ever day. If there was a way that I could have every single picture I ever take, be during this magic hour, that would be perfection! I was really happy that I got such wonderful lens flares even though I took these with my iPhone.These photos were taken while I was doing the photo of the day for the February photo challenge that I am taking part in.

Remember when I used to take self portraits ALL OF THE TIME? Pictures of me, literally every day, sometimes multiple times a day? Remember when I did the 365 days of 30? I used to take so many self portraits that I have folders on Flickr specifically categorized for self portraits by year: 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, and 2010.

I know that some of the reason my self portraits died down because of my relationship with Mike. I think it was a natural occurrence- my time was now taken up by him and also most of my pictures now involved him. Then of course then came Riley and now 99.999% of all pictures are of her and I'm happy with that...for the most part. That brings me to the other reason why I don't take too many pictures of myself anymore. I'm so uncomfortable at my current weight right now (aka the heaviest that I've ever been in my life) that I can't bear to see pictures of myself. I'd lost a bit of weight a couple years ago when I was working two jobs and was a) always on my feet and busy/moving and b) I didn't have time to eat because I had two jobs. Then I started dating Mike and as tends to happen in relationships, you go out to eat a lot together, you get comfortable, you get lazy, etc. and I started to gain the weight back that I had lost. Also, Mike loves to cook, I love to eat- you do the math ;)

Now that I am at my largest size, I am having an extremely hard time feeling comfortable with myself. Granted, having been a big girl my whole life, I've never been 100% comfortable with myself, but this is definitely a low point. I will say that I have started to make an effort to change my lifestyle and be a lot healthier with my eating- making better choices and things. I've started to keep track of my eating habits and count my calories. I have started to drink a lot more water and I've almost cut out my diet soda habit completely. I do need to find more ways I can be active though. Since we've had Riley in our lives, I can say that I am 100% more active than I used to be- I walk her a lot, for long distances- multiple times a day, but I haven't noticed that it's made any difference in me, weight-wise. With my back issues, I can't really jog and using the elliptical machine for more than 5 minutes at a time starts to bother my back and hips. I wish I had a pool- that would be ideal for me! We were thinking about getting me a bike, but we're worried that me being semi-hunched over like that while riding, will be bad for my back. I am determined to find something though- even if that means I just have to keep walking- I'll just walk faster and longer. I'm not trying to make excuses for myself, but doing most exercises really hurts my back, so it makes things a bit more difficult for me.

It's time once and for all, for me to do what I have to do and make serious changes about my life. It's what is best for me and best for my family. I want to be the best Kerry I can be, be the best girlfriend to Mike and the best mama to Riley, and I can't be the best if I am not feeling good about myself mentally and physically.

Now comes the hard part: committing to this 100000%. Let's do this!

I decided on a more personal blog post because I wanted to link up with The Paper Mama for her Self Photo Challenge! I really liked opening up with you guys. You should check out her post/challenge and blog about yourself too- though you don't have to get as personal as I did of course ;)

Right now I am...

2012-02-10T15:37:00.001-05:00

This is Miss Riley being lazy and sleepy the other night, laying all over the couch.

Right now I am...

Obsessing over: getting a new purse. I can always use a new purse and I've been wanting a new one for weeks now. I keep looking around at different places but nothing really catches my eye. Well, nothing I can afford- if someone out there wants to buy me a Louis Vuitton bag, I wouldn't be mad ;)

Working on: a mini name banner that I want to possibly use in a photo-shoot tomorrow

Thinking about: the photo-shoot tomorrow- it's a Valentine's Day themed shoot with a 6 month old baby, so it should be really cute and really fun.

Anticipating: the weekend- what it will bring, what I will do with it, how I'll spend my time.

Listening to: the Liquid Swords album by GZA

Drinking: water with peach tea flavored Crystal Light. I'm trying to drink more water and sometimes adding the Crystal Light helps- you just need that tiny bit of flavor!

Wishing: That I knew what the next 6-12 months are going to bring for me and my family. Certain things are so up in the air right now, that it feels like it's hard to breathe.

Love this!

2012-02-10T10:22:00.001-05:00

Tuesday is Valentine's Day and like always, the Internet is inundated with Valentine's Day products/ideas/inspiration, so I bring you a third Valentine's Day themed post. Are you celebrating Valentine's Day this year? Mike and I don't ever make a point of celebrating it to be honest. We feel like every day should be Valentine's Day in a relationship and you shouldn't be "forced" to be romantic just because society tells you that you should. I can honestly say I got very lucky in the boyfriend department because every day is like Valentine's Day for us. We're not perfect and we have our not-so-good days, but for the most part, things couldn't be more wonderful. You just have to make a point of making the every day, little things special and important. For those of you that are celebrating next week, I wish you a really happy day and for those of you that aren't, happy Tuesday ;)

I'm dying over this heart-shaped padlock from The Lonely Heart's Etsy shop

This adorable miniature glass anatomical heart from Kiva Ford's Etsy shop

This statement (image found on Tumblr)

This recipe for heart-shaped bacon, because BACON! (via the Paper Mama)

This cute tutorial on how to make your own heart sweater (via A Beautiful Mess)

These really neat painted lockets from Khara Ledonne

This statement (found on Tumblr)

This gorgeous print by Paul Octavious (via Design Sponge)

This photograph (found on Tumblr)

This journal page (found on Tumblr)

This e.e. cummings poem

These really cute free Valentine's printable illustrations from the Paper Mama

Kirsten Dunst, Vogue Italia.

2012-02-09T10:00:00.000-05:00

I'll admit it, I am definitely not a Kirsten Dunst fan at all (sorry!) but when I saw these photographs taken for the new issue of Vogue Italia, I must say that I loved them. How gorgeous are these shots? The scenery, the colors, the lens flare! Good job, Vogue Italia!

Michelle Williams, Polaroids.

2012-02-08T14:00:00.000-05:00

I'm not very familiar with the clothing brand "Band of Outsiders" but today I came across a series of Polaroids they shot for their line, featuring the actress Michelle Williams. I love Michelle and I love Polaroids so obviously I love this shoot! You should check out their site- there are so many MORE Polaroids to look at. (I'm jealous of their film stash!)

Wordless(ish) Wednesday.

2012-02-08T09:50:00.000-05:00

I thought I'd show every one pictures of Riley (no surprise there) and pictures of where she gets walked every day and where she gets to play. I don't think most people realize that she has A LOT of free space to run around in. Our property itself is 3/4 of an acre and our backyard borders what used to be railroad tracks. The tracks stopped being used years ago, they were removed but the rocks stayed behind. Grass and weeds have grown over most of the left-behind rocks & things, but it's also created a sort of wide trail between the rows of houses, for blocks and blocks. Riley gets walked up and down "the tracks" as we call it, at least 6 times a day. She is very lucky to have all that free space- almost always off the leash.

(I couldn't resist zooming in on that picture- she looks hilarious!)

That open gate in the fence- that's our yard.

Our backyard.

She loves to prance around me while I swing.

10 things Tuesday.

2012-02-07T15:23:00.006-05:00

A glimpse of my weekend.

2012-02-06T15:23:00.002-05:00

This weekend was a busy one at the YankBall household. On Saturday we had our very first doggie play date. I was looking forward to it all week and kept telling Riley she was going to meet new friends and have so much fun; since we're not having kids, I am taking what I can get with Riley! ;) We went over to our friends Kenny, Roxy and Dennisse's house to play with their dogs. They have 4 dogs: Beans (a Boston terrier), Mia (a rat terrier mix), Butters (a mutt) and Reggie (another mutt). At first, 5 crazy barking dogs felt like total chaos- it was nuts! After they settled down though, sniffed each others butts and settled down, they all seemed to have a great time. Riley being such a high energy breed was non-stop the entire 4 hours we were there. She definitely worse herself (and the other dogs) out! After we left our play date, we went over to Mike's sisters house because Mike's nephew wanted to celebrate his Uncle Mike's birthday (which was last week). That was really nice- we enjoyed a nice dinner and who doesn't love ice cream cake? Sunday of course was Super Bowl Sunday and while I am not a football fan, I was looking forward to this years Super Bowl because we had a Super Bowl party to attend, with all of our friends. The best part of the night: playing with baby Lucca! He's so cute and I love any chance I get to see him. Lucca and I have a Valentine's Day themed photo-shoot next weekend and I am really looking forward to that.

How was your weekend? I hope it was as nice as mine!

Love this!

2012-02-03T12:01:00.000-05:00

With Valentine's Day still creeping up on us, I bring you another love-inspired post. Enjoy! (I also tweaked my blog layout a bit too!)

This gorgeous tattoo

This beautiful print (I wish I knew the source!)

This cute illustration (which for the record, Mike and I sleep like the 4th one sometimes. I KNOW.)

This really creative and really sweet present that Stuck With Pins made for her boyfriend

This tattoo flash

This illustration by Cassandra Warren

These dysfunctional Valentine conversation hearts

This really cute and funny free printable illustration from The Paper Mama

This funny handmade Valentine

The "True Love" series by Sebastian Domaschke

Teddy Roosevelt’s diary entry from the day his wife Alice died.

This statement

This photograph

This pillow from Sew English

“I will remember the kisses, our lips raw with love,
and how you gave me everything you had
and how I offered you what was left of me.”

- Charles Bukowski

January 2012 Photo-A-Day Challenge

2012-02-01T12:00:00.001-05:00

Those of you that follow me on Instagram already know that I took part in Fat Mum Slim's January Photo-A-Day Challenge. I enjoyed doing this so much that I think I'll continue on with her February photo challenge. For those of you that don't follow me on IG, here is my January 2012 Photo-A-Day project:

10 things Tuesday.

2012-02-01T09:58:00.000-05:00

I did this yesterday but I was so busy that I totally lost track of time and forgot to post it.

Love this!

2012-01-27T11:01:00.004-05:00

Another Friday is upon us and today I bring you some love-inspired links and images in honor of Valentine's Day that is quickly approaching. Mike and I don't personally celebrate Valentine's Day but I still love all the cute, mushy things that the holiday brings.

Artwork by Coulson Macleod

These cute Valentines Day cards from Amy Marcella (via Design Sponge)

This wedding in Italy (via A Cup of Jo)

The Old Loves Tumblr (via Miss Moss)

These really cute Valentine's Day cards from Rifle Paper Co. (via Design Sponge)

This wooden sign from William Dohman

This arrow ring from MijuAndYou

This Love Struck tattoo flash by Olivia Britz

These arrow earrings from Melanie Favreau

This cute embroidered couples portrait from Cara Carmina

This simple yet beautiful Tuscan wedding (via A Cup of Jo)

This illustration (found via Tumblr)

This illustration (I wish I knew the original source! I love this one!)

(image found via Tumblr)

"Is this love" by Bob Marley

(image found via Tumblr)

This quote from Dreams for an Insomniac

(image found via Tumblr)

Carl and Ellie from "Up" will always be my favorite.

"Noticed" by Mute Math. This is one of the first songs that became one of "our" songs when Mike and I started dating. He was leaving for a trip and told me to listen to this song and read the lyrics. He said he'd been wanting to share this song with me for quite some time but held back until we were officially a couple. This song still gives me goosebumps when I hear it. "All this time oblivious to what you make so obvious. I can't believe I never noticed my heart before..."

The anatomy of anxiety.

2012-01-24T15:53:00.003-05:00

It's been a very long time since I've made one of my altered Polaroids. Today, this seemed very fitting.

10 things Tuesday!

2012-01-24T15:10:00.001-05:00

Love this!

2012-01-20T10:22:00.001-05:00

Happy Friday! This week seemed to fly by for me, with work, family and friends. I have a nice weekend ahead of me, starting with a NASCAR event with Mike's parents tonight. Tomorrow we have a wedding to attend, which Mike is one of the groomsmen and I can't wait to see him in his tux! I don't think we have plans for Sunday but I am hoping we don't sleep in too long and can make it out to the farmer's market. I am sure that at some point, Mike will want to take Riley to the dog park too. What do you have planned for the weekend?

I've been a huge fan of Rachel Bilson for years, thanks to The O.C.- she's so cute and funny and adorable and just likeable! This new video from Funny or Die is hilarious!! It's in response to the critics, talking shit about her new show. I've definitely renewed my girl crush on Rachel after this. Brilliant! "Summer Roberts back up on the track again! Peace'd up out the O.C., Ben and Brody- deuces!!!!"

DIY Missoni inspired nails (via the Beauty Department)

Artwork by Cassandra Warren

This hilarious wedding video, where the groom is doing a choreographed dance to Justin Beiber's "Baby"- so worth watching! I can totally picture Mike doing something similar at our wedding, but of course to Lil Wayne, not Beiber. (via Spookular)

This darling little lakeside cabin (via Spookular)

This great double-sided sleep mask for when you're on an airplane- this would be perfect for Mike, who pretty much falls asleep on a plane before it even takes off (via Swiss Miss)

This adorable Lady and the Tramp themed engagement photo shoot- can't you picture Mike and I doing something this cheesy with Riley?

This cozy little attic nook/bedroom (image found on Tumblr)

Words to live by (via Pinterest)

These moleskine pages (remember when I used to do my collages and mixed media moleskin art?)

This print (image found via Tumblr)

This installation piece by Farhad Moshiri

"All you need is love...and a dog" (found via Tumblr)

Wordless Wednesday, part 2.

2012-01-18T10:37:00.001-05:00

Riley enjoying herself with her new friends at the dog park.

Wordless Wednesday, part 1.

2012-01-18T10:18:00.000-05:00

Riley enjoying herself in our backyard.

10 things Tuesday!

2012-01-17T16:18:00.000-05:00

Obessed: yellow & gray

2012-01-13T15:12:00.000-05:00

I have an obsession with the colors yellow and gray TOGETHER. I just think that it's such a simple, classic and beautiful color combination. I just HAD to share with you some of my favorite images from my "YELLOW & GRAY" pin board.

This gorgeous chevron-striped pillow

This beautiful bedding set

This gorgeous wall treatment and decorations

This beautiful wedding theme

This room with the turquoise accents (I'm definitely getting so many ideas from this color palette for my bedroom- as my walls are currently around that same shade of turquoise)

This gorgeous wallpaper and matching bedding

This entire color scheme- the bedding, the rugs, the chair

I even painted my nails last night, to match this new obsession.

Riley and her ears.

2012-01-13T12:35:00.000-05:00

My baby girl Riley will be 8 months old tomorrow. I can't believe how time has just flown by since we've had her. She's been with us for 6 months now and it honestly feels like just yesterday I was driving to West Palm Beach with my sister and dad to go pick her up and bring her home. Riley has most certainly turned my life upside down- but in the best way possible. In honor of my baby girl turning 8 months old, I bring you photographs of one of my favorite things about Riley: HER EARS. She has the floppiest, craziest, funniest ears in the whole world and I love it! I mean seriously- look at those awesome, long, floppy ears!

I love my Riley so so SO much! And I hope after all of these photos, that you find her ears as funny and adorable as I do!

Love this!

2012-01-13T10:00:00.000-05:00

How has everyone's week been? I have had a relatively "easy" week and am looking forward to my weekend! Mike and I have bachelor and bachelorette parties to attend to this weekend but money is still pretty tight thanks to Christmas, so I've opted not to go to the bachelorette party and let Mike have his fun with the boys. Besides, I'd much rather spend the money to go get my hair colored to be perfectly honest. My roots are awful and I want to look good for the wedding we are attending next weekend! I hope that you all have great weekends and I am leaving you with some pretty neat things I've seen online this week!

These really amazing photo diptychs and triptychs from Elementem Photography (found via Fab.com)

This really beautiful view. Could you imagine waking up to this view every morning? Heaven! (image found via Tumblr)

This really cute Ball jar print from Emblem Studio on Etsy. I am obsessed with anything Ball jar-related, obviously.

This really neat (and DIY) way to have hidden storage in plain sight (via Design Sponge)

This yoga video that makes me wish a) that I did yoga and b) that I was this flexible and c) that I had her amazingly toned body (dat ass!) A girl can dream though...because I don't think my back would EVER allow me to be that flexible, even if I practiced yoga for 20 years.

These beautiful wedding photos that I see on Tumblr all the time. I wish I knew what blog/photographer these came from.

The new song Jay-Z just released in honor of/inspired by the birth of his daughter. I get goosebumps every time I listen to this song and I'll even admit that I might've gotten a little misty-eyed the first time I heard this. It's definitely worth listening to and if you follow along with the lyrics in this YouTube clip, you'll definitely be touched!

This climbing wall at the Iloiha Fitness Club. I'd definitely consider climbing in an environment like this ;)

These beautiful paintings by Eugene Lushpin

This funny little meme makes me laugh every time I see it.

This cute photograph of Paris (via Pinterest)

This really great Polaroid inspired poster from ReStyleshop on Etsy (via Pinterest)

10 things Tuesday!

2012-01-10T10:46:00.000-05:00

Love this!

2012-01-06T11:50:00.001-05:00

I've been scrambling to find things for this weeks post. I've been so disorganized this week! Whenever I'm off from work for more than a couple of days, I get very behind on my blog reading and blog posting and it takes me a while to get back into the routine. (I tend not to get online when I'm home/not working, as I am online 8+ hours every day, at work!) That being said, here are some great things I have seen this week:

These gorgeous photographs of Mila Kunis, modeling for Christian Dior (via WWD)

This video of a kid and his grandma jamming away to a Tyga song. I wish my grandmothers were still alive because I would definitely be doing things like this!

The new Iris Apfel line at MAC; the colors look so gorgeous- I can't wait to see these in person

This great MSNBC article "5 beautiful reasons to love Venice." It's no secret I'm obsessed with Venice, but this article does a great job of describing just WHY Venice is so amazing, especially where photographers are concerned.

"It's the kind of place that's spectacular in every shade of light."--Olimpio Fantuz

These really great amazing Vizsla prints, that obviously I need in my collection right away!

Roman Ondák's Room of Heights (via Jamie Hartley)- Every visitor is encouraged to mark their height on the wall and after several months a dark band encircles the gallery.

This cute post from A Beautiful Mess, about how to decorate your walls using Instagram photos

Ever wanted to buy something expensive for someone and not be able to afford it? For 99 cents, this store will take a Polaroid of any item in their shop and mail the photo to the recipient with a note. "In light of these economic times, we are offering a 99¢ polaroid of any over-priced product in our store (packaging included)." (via BB Blog)

I don't know why it surprises me that this website even exists: ISBABYONCEBORNYET.COM

Wordless Wednesday, bits of my December.

2012-01-04T10:39:00.001-05:00

(as always, click pictures for bigger images)

Right now I am...

2012-01-03T21:40:00.004-05:00

Riley started chewing through her sweater, so today we put her in an old, too-small-for-us Goonies tshirt. Because it's been pretty chilly here in Miami the past couple of days we've been trying to keep her warm.

Right now I am:
Obsessing Over: My hair. I really need to get my roots done/my highlights redone but thanks to Christmas, I'm currently broke. I worry/stress about the appearance of my hair so much more these days. I can't figure out why though. #FirstWorldProblems indeed.

Working On: Editing pictures that I want to use for a blog post tomorrow while the boys put together Mike's new grill/smoker that he got for Christmas.

Thinking About: Trying not to think about the fact that Mike leaves tomorrow afternoon. He'll be gone through Monday. And so it begins. I am now a racing season widow.

Anticipating: Trying to spend some much needed quality time with my sister this weekend (Marissa, are you reading this?)

Listening To: Currently, the Michigan vs. Virginia Tech football game. Mike and Kennett clearly have control of the television remote this evening.

Drinking: Nothing at the moment, but I think I am going to get up and fix myself a decaf chai as soon as I am done with this post.

Wishing: That I wasn't so damn lazy when it comes to certain things.

10 things Tuesday!

2012-01-03T12:06:00.001-05:00

2011: a year in photos

2011-12-30T20:08:00.001-05:00

This is my 2011 year in review, brought to you in photograph form, courtesy of my iPhone and my being obsessed with taking pictures of every single thing. For the record, it was extremely difficult to narrow this down to 4 pictures per month! Enjoy!

In January Mike and I, along with a group of our friends, went to a Miami Dolphins football game; I also got my wood-grain heart tattoo.

In February my sister had a picnic at a park, I began my obsession with taking Polaroids at the Farmer's market and Mike and I went and watched the sunrise.

March was rough; I ended up in the hospital because of my back problems and endured the worst pain I've ever felt in my life. I also cut my hair/got bangs as a treat to myself after everything I went through. Mike and I also made our annual trip to the fair, where thanks to my back, I couldn't right anything. I still had a great time though!

In April I began a series of spinal shots to help with my back issues, Mike and I went to the I Am Music tour (Lil Wayne and the Young Money family) and we also took a weekend trip to our favorite spot in Fort Myers Beach.

In May Mike got a long board to ride, while accompanied me on our daily walks around our neighborhood (for my back) and we took yet another weekend trip to Fort Myers Beach, this time with his family.

June started off badly when Mike sliced the tip of his finger clean off. I also got tattooed at the South Florida Tattoo convention, had a maternity photo shoot for some friends and then also attended a baby shower for those same friends.

July was amazing, because Riley joined our family!!! Who knew a puppy was going to change our lives so drastically? We both fell in love with her immediately and Riley has a mom and dad that love her and spoil her and feel so lucky to have her!

August brought us yet another Lil Wayne show- the I Am Music Tour II, our 2 year anniversary and a newborn photo shoot- the same family I did the maternity shoot for in June.

In September, I volunteered to be part of a coastal cleanup at one of the beaches/parks here in Miami. Riley had her first experiences at the beach (both during the day and night) and we got a mini-pool to play in/relax in with her as well.

In October I got tattooed again, celebrated my 35th birthday (with a present from Tiffany's thanks to Mike), took Riley on her first vacation to Daytona Beach and also started attending the farmers market again (of course with Riley in tow).

November was a busy month for Riley; she got spayed (poor baby!), she got her first sweater and had her first swim in a lake. As for me, I got to attend the Watch the Throne concert featuring Kanye West and Jay-Z.

In December there was Art Basel (and lots of new graffiti for me to photograph), decorating the Christmas tree, the usual Riley antics and my very own backyard swing for Christmas, courtesy of Mike.

Thanks for reading my blog every one! Thank you to every single one of you that reads this blog and thank you for the ~~few~~ comments! I love getting comments- it lets me know that people are actually reading this thing ;) I hope that you all have a really great, happy and safe New Years Eve and I look forward to spending 2012 continuing to blog and write to you guys.

XOX,
Kerry

Love this!

2011-12-30T16:03:00.010-05:00

Tomorrow is New Year's Eve and Mike and I still have not decided what (if anything) we are doing to celebrate the new year. We've got a few party invites, but we haven't really settled on what to do yet. What are you all doing with your evenings? I can't believe it's going to be 2012! When I was little, I swore that we'd be living like the Jetson's by now! I hope you enjoy this weeks slightly smaller post, as I haven't been online that much this week, to find interesting things to post:

I love this messy hair and of course the eye make-up (image found via Tumblr)

This drawing by Rik Lee. I love Rik's style. I've been following his blog/Tumblr/Facebook for a while now. I'd love to add one of his prints to my collection one day.

This great Oscar Wilde illustration by Emily McDowell (via BB Blog)

This darling collection from the Doble Ele Etsy shop (via BB Blog)

I've seen most of these photos already but I couldn't help but have tears in my eyes when I looked through these again. 2011 was a hell of a year! "The 45 most powerful images of 2011" via Buzzfeed

This really cute and easy to make DIY Instagram calendar from A Beautiful Mess

This great Venice, Italy themed shower curtain (via A Cup of Jo)- really cute London and Paris ones too!

10 things Tuesday!

2011-12-27T12:18:00.000-05:00

Love this!

2011-12-23T17:15:00.000-05:00

I can't believe that Christmas is upon us once again. I feel so unprepared for Christmas this year. I just did a lot of my holiday shopping just last night! I did do a lot of online shopping this year (gotta love Etsy!) but unfortunately, I am going to have to hit one more place today and finish up with a couple gift cards that I still need to get. Anyway, here are some great things I found online this week to share with you all:

This watercolor by Samantha Hahn

These really cute wood grain wallets and pouches from QuietDoing's Etsy shop. You know me- I'm a sucker for anything wood grain! There are different styles- with cameras, sugar skulls and lots of other cute things.

These pieces by Sara Ford

Mastin Studio - Shooting with Film from Mastin Studio on Vimeo.

This great video about why film photography means so much to this photographer. You all should really watch this! (via Kirk Mastin) "Film has soul. Film has feeling. Digital has it’s purpose but film satisfies me. That is why I shoot film at every wedding to create timeless photos for each couple."

Art by Gustavo Rimada

This metal SX-70 camera replica from Ghana and the Impossible Project; I am so tempted to buy this to add to my camera collection

These gorgeous pictures of Dakota and Elle Fanning, for the December 2011 issue of W magazine

Typography by Kyle Letendre

The "Shit Black Girls Say" video parody, of the "Shit Girls Say" video (both are hilarious!!)

This "No words needed" print from sparklehen's Etsy store (I definitely plan to add this to my collection soon)

This graffiti, found on Tumblr

Throwback Thursday.

2011-12-22T13:05:00.000-05:00

I am going through my old Photobucket account and I found all of these old pictures of Mike and I, from when we first met, first became friends and started hanging out all the time. I'd forgotten what a paparazzo I used to be back then! I used to take pictures CONSTANTLY- of anything and everything! I'm glad that I used to be that way though- now I have a visual diary of that time in my life.

These are the first pictures that Mike and I ever appeared in together- his 22nd birthday party, January 2005. He looks about 12 here! Please notice the gross cigarette in my hand too- so glad I gave that up!

Mike and I had our first ever kiss during a drunken party moment and thanks to an ex friend of ours, the moment was captured on camera. (circa April 2005)

Another drunken party moment, circa April 2005. Mike and I had our second make-out session during this party. It was thanks to this particular make-out session that I made the transition from "Mike is just a friend" to "omg omg I am obsessed with this guy and I can't stop thinking about him."

October 2005, Mike drove over to my house at about 4am during a tropical storm. Neither of us could sleep (with all the storm noise) so he braved the weather to come over and hang out with me. Our tongues are green because we were munching on Fun-Dip candy.

The first ever dashboard picture. This picture started the Dashboard Series.

This was taken about 5 minutes after the first time I ever told Mike that I had feelings for him, circa November 2005.

These were taken at the first concert we ever attended together, circa December 2005. This began our habit/obsession/tradition of attending as many concerts as we possibly can together. (I can honestly say I don't miss my septum piercing or my 00g stretched ears, but I do miss that '5' necklace! I wonder where it's at these days...)

2005 turned out to be a great year for me. I met Mike and little did I know that he would turn out to be my best friend and the love of my life.

Wordless Wednesday.

2011-12-21T15:02:00.009-05:00

I finally got around to editing the small batch of photos I shot when I attended Art Basel this year.

10 things Tuesday!

2011-12-20T14:12:00.001-05:00

(there was no post last week due to me being sick with food poisoning!)

Love this!

2011-12-16T11:00:00.000-05:00

TGIF! I feel like this week has been especially long and has dragged on so slowly, but that could be because of the "food poisoning v. 2" I had to deal with this week. I got food poisoning on Monday night/all day Tuesday and I haven't felt right since. That being said, I still was able to find lots of awesomeness on the internet to share with you!

This photograph by Sam Cannon

This image/graphic found on Tumblr, because I am still obsessed with Niggas In Paris/Watch the Throne

This Tree of Life print- isn't it gorgeous?

These pillow cases, even though they're over-priced (these would be pretty easy to DIY, don't you think?)

This amazing photograph of Senganmon Rock Gate in Japan, by nextBlessing on Flickr

This necklace is definitely something I want now- a lower spine and pelvis: AKA the two body parts that plague my life with daily pain! Seriously though, I love this and it's so fitting for me! (via Moon Raven Designs)

These gorgeous travel themed pennant necklaces from RandPapelJewelry's Etsy shop; these are so lovely! I'd love one that says Venice (of course) or even Miami because I love where I live.

How cute are these rings from The Harbinger Co?

Don't these photographs of Paris at night fill you with an immediate sense of wanderlust? (via Abi Porter at Vanilla and Lace)

This long hair and bangs I saw on Pinterest- I miss my hair being longer and I wish my hair would grow faster! I take vitamins and drink lots of water but my hair seems to grow so slow.

Flashback Friday.

2011-12-09T16:40:00.005-05:00

Seven years ago this week, I was roaming around all over Italy, pretty much all by myself. (I say pretty much because I was there alone/without anyone I knew, but with a tour group.) I can't believe that it's been SEVEN YEARS. I still remember it like it was yesterday. I remember walking off the plane into the Fiumicino airport in Rome and being a tiny bit scared and anxious but mostly extremely excited. Going to Italy had always been a life-long dream of mine and I finally decided that I would stop "waiting for it to happen" on its own and MAKE IT HAPPEN. First I had to save money- I saved $50 from each paycheck for two years to be able to go on this trip. Then I planned...I ultimately decided that going on a tour (as I was going on this trip alone) was my best option. Not only was it my first trip to Europe, but I figured that having the tour company handle most of the details for me, was the easiest way to do things. I went with a tour from Trafalgar and honestly, it was the best decision I made. They took care of all the accommodations, most meals and plenty of excursions in each city we visited. I would most definitely travel with a tour group again. To save more money, I traveled during the last week of November/first week of December, as winter is the office season for traveling in Europe. It was quite cold to be honest (at least for this Miami girl!) but not so cold that you couldn't enjoy yourself outside. During my 2 weeks in Italy, we visited 12 different cities. We went to Rome, Florence, Ravenna, Assisi, Sorrento, Siena, Pisa, Positano, Capri, Pompeii, Verona, and my favorite- Venice. I wish I could have a video of all of the things I saw and experienced. I took over 2,000 digital pictures and 11 rolls of film and somehow it didn't feel like it was enough. The architecture, the art work, THE FOOD. I had some of the most delicious food in my life on this adventure. One of my favorite meals to this day was in a little fishing village on the island of Burano, off the coast of Venice. Fresh seafood risotto, fresh fish, fresh pasta...it makes my mouth water now just thinking of it! I still dream of Italy and would give anything to be back there again. One of my favorite things to do is watch all the Travel channel specials having to do with Italy and reminisce. Venice especially, will always be one of my favorite cities I look forward to the day that I get to take Mike there with me and have him experience a Venetian sunset, one of the most beautiful things in the world.

Me, in Venice (someone on my tour shot this- that's me in the corner, taking pictures of course!)

Love this!

2011-12-09T14:55:00.001-05:00

Another Friday is upon us- one Friday closer to Christmas. There are only 15 shopping days left till Christmas- are you all done Christmas shopping yet? I am definitely not done, that's for sure! However thanks to online shopping, every day I do a little here and a little there. As a matter of fact, before I started working on this post, I bought a couple things off of Fab.com. (If you haven't shopped there yet, you're missing out! They have so many cute things for sale, in every price range. Click here for an invite!) Here are a few of my favorite things I came across this week:

This fantastic photo display- which I'd love to try out one day (via Tumblr)

This great makeup brush cleaner tip- because I know I'm guilty of not cleaning my brushes often enough (via ColemansInLove)

The entire Merriweather Council Etsy shop- I seriously want everything! I love all of the wall decorations so much, but the custom necklaces are my favorite- they're just amazing!

This really great seashell triptych by Lisa1970

James and Aubrey Sneep Peep from Geoff Boothby / Landshark on Vimeo.

This video sneak peak of James and Aubrey's wedding (I've been a follower of James' blog forever and I also follow both James and Aubrey on Instagram so this video is extra sweet for me to watch!) They have such a beautiful family- I can't to see more wedding photos and videos from their special day.

This illustration of hanging spoons; not only does it remind me of my hanging series of Polaroids, but it also reminds me of my sister, because she collects spoons (via Tumblr)

This ridiculously insane game of Words With Friends, with a 1,469 point word!

These beautiful, new pictures of Angelina Jolie, in the latest issue of Marie Claire magazine

This hilariously amazing picture from the APlaceToLoveDogs Instagram feed (I would love to shoot Riley and Mike this way!)

10 things Tuesday!

2011-12-06T11:22:00.000-05:00

Right now I am...

2011-12-05T22:58:00.008-05:00

I've seen this on both Sometimes Sweet and Daily Doily and I thought I'd do it too!

Obsessing Over: Finishing Christmas shopping. I'm only about halfway done!

Working On: Home-made Christmas ornaments

Thinking About: Mike leaving tomorrow morning. Hello pre-race season traveling. (Not looking forward to the start of racing season come January!)

Anticipating: What pictures I'm going to shoot at the bridal tea/shower this weekend. (Nervous, but at least it gives me something to do at the party. Can we say socially awkward?)

Listening To: Currently, the UFC fight on the television that Mike is watching. In general, it's still pretty much Watch the Throne on repeat, ever since the concert!

Drinking: Nothing at the moment, but I wouldn't mind a skinny peppermint mocha. I tried one for the first time recently and I liked it a lot.

Wishing: That the next few days will pass quickly and that both Riley and I wont miss Mike too much! Also just wishing to have a nice holiday season with Mike and my family. My mother will be visiting from Orlando and I hope that it all goes smoothly.

How about you? What are you currently up to? Are you up late like me? Or are you reading this in the early morning?

Love this!

2011-12-02T11:55:00.000-05:00

Can you believe it's already December? December is one my favorite months; the weather here in Miami finally starts to cool down, the Christmas decorations come out and of course good ol' holiday shopping! I love shopping for loved ones- I try and put a lot of thought and meaning into gifts. So far I've done shopping for my dad, sister and Mike. I've got a long way to go! We're most likely getting our Christmas tree tonight, which I am looking forward to decorating. In the meantime, here are a few of the cool things I saw online this week:

This really pretty holiday decoration, made using spruce branches, from Ballard Designs (I personally want to try this with our left over tree branches when we trim it to size, etc.- it looks easy enough! I could do a YB!)

This really cool Vizsla blueprint (they have a lot of breeds to choose from, both dogs & cats) from the Animal Blueprint Company

This great print by Zara Picken

These new prints from Curtis Kulig; hearts & graffiti- two of my favorite things!

This Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind print from Nan Lawson (one of my all time favorite movies)

This tattoo based on a Chinese legend (except this tattoo has it wrong, it should be HER pinky and HIS thumb) "According to Chinese legend, two people who are destined to be together are attached by an invisible red string bound from a male's thumb to a female's pinky finger. An invisible red thread connects those who are destined to meet, regardless of time, place, or circumstances. The thread may stretch or tangle but will never break." One of my favorite Polaroid diptychs I've ever shot was based on this legend. I never thought of getting the red string tattooed, but I'll admit, now the idea has definitely caught my attention!

This hilarious tattoo flash set by Mike Adams and Tron, featuring those funny cartoon meme guys

This bokeh dress from Ermie (via From Me, For You) I love me some bokeh, so this dress is pretty awesome to me

This photograph by Paige Place (I can't wait to see this in person this weekend and shoot it myself!)

This short video of Riley I shot this weekend when we took her to a lake

Art Basel.

2011-11-30T11:56:00.004-05:00

I am a follower of the Street Art News blog and the past two weeks they've been posting like crazy about all of the new Art Basel murals that have been going up around Wynwood/Miami. Art Basel 2011 officially opens tonight, going through this weekend. With each new post on Street Art News, I get more and more excited to go see as many of these murals as possible. I can't wait for the weekend- I can't wait to explore Art Basel.

(The following photos are all courtesy of Street Art News)

10 things Tuesday!

2011-11-29T11:53:00.000-05:00

Love this!

2011-11-25T16:46:00.001-05:00

It's the Friday after Thanksgiving and I am sure like me, you all are still in a Turkey/food coma! Who out there is brave enough to venture out to any of the Black Friday sales today? I personally avoid the malls as much as possible from now til Christmas. I'm looking forward to Cyber Monday though and Small Business Saturday.

Here are some of my favorite things I saw online this week:

This great wallpaper, that is perfect for procrastinators like me

This trailer for W.E., the new movie directed by Madonna, partly about the love story of Wallis Simpson and King Edward. I've always been fascinated by the story of Wallis and Edward, so I am very much looking forward to this movie.

These really neat nightlights made from old cameras (via Neatorama)

The cloud photographs taken by Rüdiger Nehmzow, while strapped into an airplane with the doors open (via A Cup Of Jo)

This great print from Lori Weitzel

This awesome DIY tutorial on watercolor painting a dress by Kate from Scathingly Brilliant. I love how her dress came out and I would love to try making my own version but I'm pretty sure mine would never look that cute and would look like a dirty dress, rather than a gorgeous masterpiece ;)

This awesome piece by Audrey Kawasaki, she made this as a wedding gift for her friends. I would LOVE my own custom Audrey piece as a wedding gift- how perfect is that?!

Thankful.

2011-11-23T21:50:00.007-05:00

thankful [thangk-fuhl] feeling or expressing gratitude; appreciative.

Today is a day for giving thanks, for showing appreciation and gratitude for all that is good in your life. Today I want to personally thank the people who genuinely make a difference in my life and make my world a better place.

I am grateful for my best, closest friend Rhiana, who is the best friend a girl could ask for. She is an amazing wife and mother as well as an amazing, loving and supportive friend. She's the Blanche to my Rose, the Thelma to my Louise, the Rachel to my Monica.
I am also extremely thankful for Megan, my wifey, my love, my friend. She means the world to me and I can't wait for us to have our San Francisco road trip one day!
My world would be nothing without my wonderful sister Marissa. I'm fortunate enough to have a beautiful, intelligent, creative sister that is also my best friend. We're so alike in so many ways we might as well be twins ;) There will never be anyone I love like my sister.
Another huge part of my world, is my father. He is amazing in so many ways and nothing I could write here would do him justice. Suffice it to say that my sister and I are the 2 luckiest daughters in the universe, to have a dad like ours. They broke the mold when they made David Ball.
I am so appreciative of my Janna-Banna. She's one of the most important people to and I am so lucky to have a friend like her in my life. She's an extremely supportive, caring, loving friend and I think the world of her.
I am extremely grateful to have Holden in my life, not only as a close friend but as one of the most amazingly talented tattoo artists. He has an amazing ability to take all of my crazy ideas and turn them into beautiful art. He is such a genuine, loving soul and being in his presence always makes me feel happy.
I am grateful for life-long friends like Ethan and Leah, who thanks to Facebook, no matter how far away we are from each other, I still feel close and connected to them.
I am grateful for Danny, who keeps me sane every day at work and never fails to make me laugh. He's the best work-boyfriend I could ask for.
I am so appreciative of people like my friend Whitney and her boyfriend Dave, who are two of the most creative and talented photographers I've had the pleasure to come across and they both inspire me every day.
I am grateful for old friends that become new friends again, like Diana- who I am so glad to have reconnected with.
I am thankful for friends like Mallory, Yoly, Dawn, Kyleigh, Amanda, Marian, Linda and Judy. Wonderful ladies that are always supportive, loving and caring and have been putting up with my shit for years ;) Each of them will always hold a special place in my heart.
I am grateful for my friend Michelle, who is now one of my closest friends which is ironic considering she and I didn't like each other very much when we first met! She is my personal cheerleader, a great listener and full of so much love, I'm lucky to have her.
I am also very thankful for having two very special people in my life, Chuck and Debbie, who are the best in-laws anyone could ever ask for. I am grateful to be part of their family and their relationship is one I aspire to have.
Of course I am also extremely thankful to have my puppy Riley in my life. She's only been part of my life for about 4 months and I don't know what I ever did without her! She's brought so much happiness and love to my life and she has definitely completed my little family. She makes me the happiest puppy mama in the world.
Saving the best for last, I am extremely grateful, appreciative and thankful for Mike. He's my boyfriend, soul mate, best friend, husband, my everything. Supportive, loving and caring don't even do him justice. He is above and beyond, the world's greatest boyfriend and partner in crime. He completes me and completes my life and I couldn't imagine my world without him in it. I am a very very lucky lady to say the least!

I hope that everyone in my life, those that are close to me, those that I love, know how much I truly do love them and how much I am truly thankful for them EVERY DAY, not just on Thanksgiving.

10 things Tuesday!

2011-11-22T10:39:00.003-05:00

Love this!

2011-11-18T10:00:00.000-05:00

Don't you feel like the closer we get to the end of the year, time goes by that much faster? I can't believe we're already in the middle of November and that Thanksgiving is next week! Have you started Christmas shopping yet? I for sure haven't- but that's the procrastinator in me. Well, that and I am also broke ;) Here are some of the best things I've seen online this week!

These great photos of Michelle Williams in the Elle UK December issue. I love her haircut, she wears it so well!

The photos in this amazing new book "Ocean Soul" from National Geographic (via Huffington Post)

These prints from bSmithereens' really awesome Etsy store. I love all of her illustrations!! How can you not love all of her 80s pop culture inspired prints?

This print from SmallTalkStudio on Etsy- simple and perfect!

How to Be a Girl: Cat Eyes By Magic! from The Hairpin on Vimeo.

This really easy tutorial/video on how to do the easiest cat-eye eyeliner, EVER. (via DesBoobs)

These brilliant gloves by Echo Touch- designed so that you can still use your touch screen devices while still keeping your hands warm! Perfect for the iPhone addict. (via From Me To You)

I'm sure you are all familiar with Kris Atomic's Chronic Bitchface print, personally having seen it all over the blog world when it first came out. She has just released an extra large version of that print- perfect for the bitchface in all of us! As a a lady with chronic bitchface, I can't wait to buy one of these!

This really cute and sweet proposal (via A Cup of Jo)

This latest video to become viral and be seen on every blog and website every where. How can you not love a crying baby that quiets down upon hearing the Notorious B.I.G.?

This picture of Bali I saw on the Travel This World tumblr

Pet peeves.

2011-11-16T11:09:00.001-05:00

I seem to have lots of pet peeves. I guess that makes me a cranky lady that gets annoyed easily? What are some of your pet peeves?

When people wear really ill-fitting body jewelry, especially on their face. Seriously people, consider diameter size when you're buying jewelry! Don't you realize how ridiculous you look?
When you're at the movies and the whole theater is basically empty and people come in and sit RIGHT NEXT TO YOU. Personal space people, come on!
When complete strangers come up to me and touch/feel on my arms/tattoos. Gross. I don't know you and really do not want your cooties.
When people don't let you get off the elevator and push their way on, while you're trying to get out.
When you say "bless you," "gesundheit," or "salud" to someone when they sneeze and they don't say "thank you" or anything else back.
When people automatically pull the race card if something goes wrong in their life. Maybe your life just sucks?? Why does it have to be about race?
When people complain over and over again about being broke/never having money, yet they are the first to rush out and get new clothes/new electronics/a new tattoo. Bitch please!
When people take babies to the movies and then let them cry through the whole thing. Look, I understand that you just HAD to come to the movies, but did you really have to bring your baby? And did you really have to sit there and let your baby cry through the whole thing?
When people don't pick up after their dogs at the park or beach. How hard is it to pick up your dogs poop? Yeah it's not fun but be considerate of others! I pick up my dog's poop all the time and wish others had the same courtesy.
When people automatically start speaking to me in Spanish. Yes I live in Miami and yes I DO speak Spanish, but do not assume that I do!
When people eavesdrop and then butt into your conversation.
When people don't use their turn signals.
When the printer runs out of paper and no one bothers to refill it.
When people start honking the millisecond that the traffic light turned green. Give someone a chance to hit the gas pedal!
When websites make you enter a CAPTCHA for every little thing.
When people take up the whole aisle at the grocery store and you can't get around them.

10 things Tuesday!

2011-11-15T10:48:00.003-05:00

It's time again! Here are 10 random facts about me, week 2:

Same-side-sitters.

2011-11-14T11:21:00.006-05:00

How do you feel about couples who sit on the same side of the table at restaurants? Do same-side-sitters annoy you?

Mike and I are most definitely same-side-sitters. I don't remember how or why we started sitting next to each other, but I would say about 75% of the time, we choose to sit next to each other at a restaurant. I had no idea that this even bothered people until I happened to see the secret I posted above, on the PostSecret app one night. Shortly thereafter, I happened to read about it one of the blogs I follow. I then did some Google-ing to see what other people felt about this. The general consensus is that this trait is annoying as hell! I had no idea that people felt so strongly about this- there are even Facebook pages out there dedicated to the hatred of same-side-sitters. A simple Google search yielded blog posts, Reddit topics and Formspring questions from people saying time and time again how ridiculous and how annoying same-side-sitters are. Why is this such an annoying thing to people? Is it because you don't like couples showing affection towards one another? Yes Mike and I do sit next to each other quite a bit, but I can assure you that we do not spend our entire meal making out or anything. We just like to be close to one another. We are a very affectionate couple and almost always are holding hands. I suppose it's both comforting and comfortable for us to sit next to each other. I guess we've been annoying waiters, waitresses and fellow restaurant patrons for years without realizing it. Annoying or not, I doubt we'll stop being same-side-sitters. It works for US!

Love this!

2011-11-11T11:11:00.000-05:00

It's Friday and thanks to the Veteran's Day holiday, I also have the day off, which makes today even better! I hope everyone has a great weekend- I know I'll make the best of a long 3 day weekend. Here are some great things I saw online this week:

This delicious looking grilled cheese sandwich with garlic confit and baby arugula. I love grilled cheese sandwiches, LOOOOOVE arugula and who doesn't love garlic? This sandwich sounds amazing- I'm going to have to try this one out ASAP!

This great water-punch photo, via Photo Extremist.

The motivational messages of inspiration on minimotivation.com

This vintage map of Florida

This really adorable and cute wedding program, from 3LittleFinches
on Etsy

10 things Tuesday!

2011-11-08T14:06:00.005-05:00

I'm starting something new here, something that hopefully will be interesting and fun. Every Tuesday, I am hoping to post a new set of ten random facts about yours truly. Here we go with the first set of 10 things- hope you enjoy!

Love this!

2011-11-04T14:41:00.009-04:00

Here were are again, on another Friday- the first Friday of November. Can you believe it's November already? I certainly can't! It will be Thanksgiving before you know it and then of course Christmas comes quicker than ever after that. Time sure does fly! Here are my favorite things I've seen this week!

This really cute and creative birth announcement from Brooke Schwab. I follow Brooke on Instagram (no idea how I wasn't following her blog yet, but I am now!) and she posted a sneak peak of this yesterday and I immediately fell in love with the cute style. I love how it's got more of a personal touch to it.

These really great ceramic forms, made by Jared Edwards, using Don Ed Hardy's tattoo art (found via Doug Hardy's Instagram)

This awesome art installation using dandelion flowers created by Regine Ramseier.

The beautiful and amazing paper art of Yulia Brodskaya. I would die for that gorgeous paper 5!!

This fantastic video of tigers, leopards and lions totally going crazy over pizza boxes! This is seriously worth watching- my favorite are the white tiger and the lion- check it out!

Have a great weekend everyone!

Farmers Market.

2011-10-31T15:24:00.004-04:00

Last year (thanks to my sister Marissa) I developed quite the obsession with going to the farmer's market. I enjoyed it so much that I got Mike hooked on it as well, and before you knew it, he and I were going to 2 different farmer's markets every weekend (sometimes even 3). He loved going to pick out fresh veggies and herbs for dinner and I loved going to photograph all the different stands and also pig out on the freshly popped kettle corn. I fell in love with taking Polaroids of all the different vegetables and getting shots of all the gorgeous colors. It was a sad day in April last year, when the season ended here in Miami and we stopped going. Much to my delight, farmer's market season is upon us again! This past Sunday Mike and I (with Riley in tow of course) made the first trip of the season to our favorite market. In our opinion, the best farmer's market near us is the Pinecrest Gardens Farmer's Market, located at the Pinecrest Gardens. We want to include Riley in our weekly ritual, so we decided to bring her with us this time (while the market is not super busy) to get her used to it/the people/etc. Needless to say she did great and I can't wait to bring her with us every week! I unfortunately did not bring my camera(s) with me this trip- it was quite the overcast day, so I didn't get to take any photos, just a few iPhone shots. I can't wait till next weekend though- I will definitely have my Polaroid camera with me!

Here are some of my favorite Polaroids from last season:

Love this!

2011-10-28T10:14:00.011-04:00

This week I'm bringing you an extra-large list of things I've loved this week, to make up for not posting last week- I was on vacation! I myself am so thrilled it's Friday and I am looking forward to a weekend with nothing at all to do!

This Dermablend "behind the scenes" video for their new commercial featuring Rico Genest aka Zombie Boy. Rico is beautiful to watch and this video is just amazing- the way his tattoos get completely covered is just crazy!

This adorable little ocotopus, via bunny X productions

These great children's book themed prints by Josh Cooley

I will forever love this Youtube video shot at the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, in the Kuroshio Sea tank. The combination of the great song + the beautiful view make this this a fantastic treat to watch. I could honestly sit at my desk and watch this on repeat all day long. Visiting this aquarium is on my bucket list, for sure. I mean come on, WHALE SHARK!!

This wonderful Polaroid diptych by my friend Whitney Johnson and her boyfriend Dave Tuttle. I love everything about these two images!

This really great DIY camera wrap, courtesy of Design*Sponge. I'd love one of these for my DSLR.

These really awesome paper dolls- I seriously need these in my life! Check out CrankBunny for more!

These beautiful calligraphy necklaces from Crystal Kluge, via Design*Sponge
. Aren't these gorgeous? I would LOVE to have one, but at $195 they're just slightly out of my price range at the moment.

If watching this "Iceland's Midnight Sun" video (by Joe Capra) doesn't make you want to rush out and buy a plane ticket to Iceland, then you must be blind. The landscapes are so beautiful- I can picture myself taking thousands of pictures there. Do yourself a favor and take 4 minutes out of your life and watch this video!

This adorable, customizable tote bag from AuntyCookie, via Design*Sponge. At $15 this would make a really cute and inexpensive Christmas gift, don't you think? I should get one for my sister and one for myself while I'm at it!

Daytona Beach.

2011-10-25T11:14:00.002-04:00

This past weekend Mike and I took a family trip to Daytona Beach, of course with Riley in tow, to celebrate my 35th birthday. We had a very calm, relaxing weekend, enjoying the outdoors and taking advantage of the cooler weather. Daytona Beach is a very quiet, laid back town, with honestly not much to do (unless you happen to be there for a race of course) so we mostly played at the beach with Riley. Riley had a great time on her first vacation and aside from the long 4 hour car ride, I think she had a blast ;) I took about a million pictures of her on the beach and here are my favorite shots:

Her floppy ears were going crazy in all the wind. I loved it!

And then she saw the seagulls and went nuts chasing them- it was great!

I love the reflections of Mike and Riley on the water.

I love this shot of Riley.

On our second day there, we drove to the Ponce Inlet lighthouse to check out the dog beach for Riley.

The Ponce Inlet lighthouse is the tallest lighthouse in Florida.

As soon as we got to the beach, Riley paid no mind to the cold water and jumped right in!

I love catching Riley "in action"- she is so funny!

Riley played her little heart out that day. She has such a good time whenever she's at the beach.

And at the end of the day, it was time to cuddle with mama.

Hope you enjoyed my Riley photo overload!

35 things.

2011-10-18T11:38:00.003-04:00

My birthday is on Thursday and I wanted to do something significant this year, to commemorate turning 35 years old and to hopefully ease the "pain" of getting older ;) I came up with a list of things I want to accomplish this next year, before I reach my next birthday. Initially this list grew to 55 items but I decided to pare it down to just 35 things, one for each year. I plan to post my accomplishments as they happen, so please keep checking up on me and my list!

1. Have a spa day: facial, massage, the works
2. Learn to be more of a positive person, especially stopping the “hating” that I do
3. Road trip with Mike and Riley, to somewhere we’ve never been before
4. Re-launch my Etsy store and make a commitment to be more of an active seller
5. Go camping on the beach
6. Build a fort in my living room
7. Start saving for a trip to Italy (Venice!) with Mike
8. Majorly clean and purge my closet and donate everything to Goodwill
9. Making walking an every-day habit and make a true commitment to it
10. Make a habit of blogging at least twice a week
11. Start saving for my dream camera (a Leica naturally)
12. Plant one or both: a rose bush and a jasmine bush/tree in my front yard
13. Print out more of my photos- I don’t do that often enough
14. Watch a full sunrise; from darkness > dawn > sunrise
15. Participate in a fund-raising walk
16. Visit an art museum and spend the entire day there
17. Explore more of Florida
18. Learn to cook at least 3 new meals (tom-kha-gai perhaps?)
19. Visit another state
20. Get rid of as much debt as possible
21. Do something about my current work/job situation
22. Talk a walk through the pouring rain
23. Take more pictures- with something other than my iPhone
24. Use my film cameras more often (Diana Mini, especially)
25. Go on a picnic
26. Become a healthier person, physically, emotionally, mentally
27. De-clutter my office
28. Visit the Farmer’s Market every weekend this season
29. See snow again
30. Stop using/saying the word “like” so much
31. Plan a really great surprise for someone else
32. Learn to make a cinemagraph
33. Finally invest in a pair of prescription sunglasses (been wanting some for at least 15 years)
34. Get some of my Polaroids printed at a really large scale (at least 12”x12”)
35. Learn to love myself more

Love this!

2011-10-14T09:40:00.007-04:00

Greetings on this lovely Friday in October. We're finally starting to feel a slight weather change here in Miami. The evenings are feeling a little cooler and it's finally not always 95 degrees outside. Here are some of my favorite things this week:

These new pieces by Audrey Kawasaki. I love her paper-cut pieces. They are so beautiful.

This latest viral video- a little girls reaction to a surprise trip to Disneyland. This is so cute and heartwarming and definitely made me want to shed a tear.

How beautiful is this orange claw-foot bathtub? (Via Design*Sponge)

This beautiful portrait of a couple of. I would love to take a photo like this with Mike and maybe even Riley stuck in there somehow.

This picture of my love Riley, that I took this week on our way to the beach.

Cinemagraphs.

2011-10-13T14:57:00.005-04:00

Cinemagraph: an animated photograph

I am amazed, in awe and inspired by the work of Jamie Beck and her boyfriend Kevin Burg.

I could sit here for hours upon hours looking at their cinemagraphs. They are so simple, yet striking to me. Perhaps one day, I will the have the patience to try my hand at making one.

Please visit Inspiration Feed for more info on cinemagraphs and PLEASE visit Jamie's Tumblr to follow her and see more of her and Kevin's work!

Love this!

2011-10-07T10:53:00.008-04:00

Happy Friday! I trolled around the internet this week and here are a few of my favorite things I saw this week:

The Nightmares Fear Factory's Flickr feed. It's HILARIOUS. Please go have a look for yourselves! One of the "scariest haunted houses in North America" has set up a camera and Flickr page to capture peoples reactions while being scared- brilliant!

This great video of David Beckham on the Ellen Show, pranking people in a Target store. I love David Beckham so this is extra great for me!

This darling little canal in Amsterdam. It reminds me of being in Venice. I wouldn't mind a trip to Amsterdam right about now.

This great cartoon by Zac Gorman. He's pretty on point with this!

These two secrets via Post Secret (which I believe were created using the new Post Secret iPhone app).