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Showing posts with label Homefront Team. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Homefront Team. Show all posts

Friday, June 4, 2010

{Aperature and Actions, Oh my!} Photography Resources

Thank you to all that commented and offered to help when I shared that I was wanting to learn all about taking better pictures. I have been reading about shutter speed, aperature, what all the buttons on my camera do and about using Photoshop correctly...
{my brain is a tad bit swampy after taking in all that information!}


I have fallen in love with using different "actions" to correct my shoddy photography and have even been playing around with the camera on the Manual settings. {Oh my!}


from my first mini photo shoot on manual (and unedited!)...


Look Ma, I figured out to change the shutter speed and capture water splashing!

Now if someone could just tell me how to get a rapidly-approaching-3 year old to sit still or atleast face me when I try to take pictures, I would appreciate it!

Favorite photography resources {so far!}:

The Pioneer Woman "What the Heck?" series: aperature, shutterspeed and more

The Pioneer Woman Photoshop Action Downloads

Coffee Tea Photography Blog: home of my favorite "Little Perk" action (to just add a little bit more color)

Momtog.com: I want this UNmanual for digital photography so much!!!

Laura Evans/photography: my favorite fine art photographer of the moment {She is a fellow military wife, runner and has an amazing eye for everyday things in life. Love her!} This print is my favorite today!

Friday, February 5, 2010

Friday Favorites

Valentine's Day is around the corner! You have made your handmade cards and are wondering what sweet things to get for the loves in your life? Make sure you don't forget a little something for you!



1. Fruit Punch Mod Square Soy Candle by Lilac Ave

2. Newborn/Preemie Cotton Flapper Beenie by Two Sea Side Babe's

3. Pink Leopard Memory Board/Bow Holder by Memories to You

4. Baby or Child Heart Applique Shirt by Monster Bug Blankets

5. Wild Pink Half Apron by Jen Haruff

6. Caramel/Belgian Chocolate Apple with Valentine's Sprinkles by Nicole's Handmade Treats

Some of these items have upcoming deadlines for Valentine's delivery! (One of these is coming to my house!)

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

I am one of THOSE people...

I own a Toyota Prius, we cloth diapered our son, use cloth wipes for wiping noses, and I am thrilled that so many people have been reducing their waste by purchasing cloth napkins from my new store. Recently, when someone found out these things about me, they said to me "So, you are one of THOSE..." I responded "Proudly!" Since I am not sure EXACTLY what was meant by that, I have my ideas and felt that the topic needed a little discussion.

My desire for Camp Cupcake (and my home!) is to share "Sweet Sustainability." But what does that mean? Some of my friends can tell you that I have often gone a little overboard showing how easy and cute cloth diapers can be. My husband can tell you about all my crazy antics to get him to use only kitchen towels instead of paper towels. I believe strongly that many people don't make an attempt to be green because they think that it is a) too hard or b) have some crazy idea that it is some ugly burlap way of life. I have made it my personal and business goal to share how fabulous green can be! To be honest with you, I am not sure that the world will implode from global warming (and since the world will die by a large Mayan lizard god in 2012, it probably won't matter-ha!) I have read what seems to be quality research that supports doomsday fears and research that speaks against it. I don't know if I "believe" in alot of what many of my fellow "greenie's" talk about. My reasons for being eco-friendly is much more simple: I don't believe in waste. It may seem ironic for someone who wants to grow her business in 2010, but I believe strongly in the phrase "Waste not, want not." I, personally, want to WANT LESS in 2010. I want people to buy products that allow them to waste less...whether that is by creating less trash at dinner time or by putting less waste back into the eco-system.

How can YOU live green? Use reusable products. Use products that are ALREADY made and in the consumer marketplace (VINTAGE goodies would be my personal favorite way to do this!). Recycle what you DO use. UPcycle by reusing items in a new way (be crafty!) Go old-school in your cleaning (No need to buy pricey high-end "green" cleaning products: baking soda and vinegar are REALLY efficient and SO inexpensive!) And, yes, I will say that supporting handmade is a good way to "go green." Resourceful handmade artists often produce less waste than large commercial operations. And they are incredibly creative with their ideas to help YOU produce less waste.

Some of my favorite "green" products right now:

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Memory Lane...

Recently, I asked a fellow Etsy Homefront Team member what type of uniform was in this pcture, because I didn't recognize it. (While my mother would point out that my dating history should be evidence of some sort of expertise in uniforms, I will confess that I can't read rank, rate or any other pertinent information that I am probably supposed to know...) My husband has changed uniforms more times than I can remember...but I will always be a little nostalgic about that young 21 year old sailor in a dixie cup hat that I fell in love with...


Returning home from our first deployment together-we made USA Today's top pictures of the year with our kiss!





Last "ship" deployment...I guess I can get used to the tan and the new hat...


What all the cool (hot?) sailors are wearing today...
My sailor has reenlisted in that dixie cup, traded a uniform for tshirt and jeans when the Navy put him through college, put on the shoulder boards that came with an officer's commission and traded the "haze gray" Navy for the the "brown water" Navy. No matter what uniform he has worn, he proudly follows in his grandfather's footsteps...and the footsteps of all the men and women who have worn the many uniforms of the Armed Services.
May we remember all of those in uniform as we approach this Christmas, particularly if they are away from home during this time. And may we also remember the families, who may not wear the uniform themself, but look forward to the day that their loved one returns home wearing theirs.

Saturday, December 5, 2009

I am a business lady who lunches...

or at least drinks coffee. For those who have known me a long time, this is a new phenomenon. I still only appreciate my coffee with equal parts creamer, whipped cream and with chocolate sprinkles on top, but caffiene has truly become my friend on the mornings after late nights sewing...

I am part of the Homefront Team on Etsy and I am super happy to be apart of such a smart, supportive, and talented group of people who happen to also be military spouses. They announced their "Bits and Pieces Challenge" shortly after I became a member and I knew I wanted to participate...but what to make? What better than the perfect pair of patchwork accessories to celebrate being a new business woman (who relies on alot of coffee!)


Coffee Couture with a little patchwork pouch

the cozy is reversible and my new business cards fit perfectly inside




Made from Moda Momo Wonderland fabric scraps from a baby quilt made months ago...

If you think my little patchwork creation deserves to win, just go to the photos on the Homefront Team's Facebook page, click on the photos and leave a comment to vote for me. However, there are some VERY talented ladies that have created some amazing entries, so check out them all before you vote...