book review, books

Understanding Exposure

A long time ago, Chris purchased a DSLR camera. To be honest, this fancy camera sits in a closet in our basement mostly unused. It gets packed for trips but we never end up taking it out of the car with us, as our iPhones seem to capture 99% of our pictures. A shame, really.

And while I am being honest, I will go ahead and tell you that I have no clue how to use the said fancy DSLR camera. Not even a little. Like I don’t even know if I know how to turn it on or snap a picture with it. The thing is, I want to. I want to start taking more pictures of our every day lives, and better quality pictures in general. That is why I got Understanding Exposure by Bryan Peterson.

Understand Exposure

Understanding Exposure is obviously about exposure, but so much more! You learn about exposure, white balance, finding creative exposure. There is a section on aperture, shutter speed, light and it’s importance, and all kinds of information about flash. There is even a section dedicated to special techniques that talks about polarizing filters and multiple exposures.

This book includes beautiful photography that demonstrates the skills that you are learning. There are comparison pictures to show you the difference in lighting, filters, motion, shutter speed, etc. The book explains how you can use all these skills together to create beautiful pictures.

One of the most interesting parts for me was the sections dedicated to starlight and light painting. The stars out here away from the city are so amazing at night and I never tire of looking at them. To be able to capture that on camera would be amazing!!! And who doesn’t like to have fun with light painting?!

There is so much to learn about photography. I am not trying to become a professional by any means, but I certainly feel more informed having read this book. I think there is something in it for everyone, whether you are just starting out like me…or if you are a little more advanced but have room for improvement.

You can learn more about the book here, and meet the author here. Add it to your TBR list with Goodreads here.

I received this book from Blogging for Books in exchange for an honest review.

confessions

Confessions

–I have a few things to do around the house and I keep putting them off because…..well because I don’t feel like it! LOL! I need to get my motivation back!!!

–Cereal and milk is a perfectly acceptable dinner.

–So is ice cream and a waffle cone bowl. Dairy and carbs, it’s legit.

–I research the shit out of nearly everything I buy anymore. Looking for a new face wash? I will spend days combing through blog posts, pinterest, reading reviews on websites, etc. And that is for a face wash. Imagine how bad I am on big items!

–Yesterday I pulled out a New York and Company dress circa 2005 and wore it because, why not? Remember when they used to be called Lerner? I honestly haven’t shopped in there in over a year because I just don’t find anything that fits right or that I like anymore but I used to love that store!

–Have you noticed that every house on Fixer Upper ends up with the same, super open floor plan? It has me questioning my priorities in the floor plan I want for our next house!

Confessions in ecard

Confession Ecards, Free Confession Cards, Funny Confession Greeting Cards at someecards.com:

http://some.ly/xo8aRCm:

I'm not fussy. I just want people to do shit the right way.:

I'm so glad that I was a teenager in the 90s. Internet wasn't that popular back then, so there is not trace of anything I did.:

Funny Pictures Of The Day – 32 Pics:

 

More Coffee Less Talky

 

Link up with Kathy and I and spill all your secrets!
[inlinkz_linkup id=633669 mode=1]

beauty, products, reviews

Bloom Vox Box

I was so excited to receive the Bloom Vox Box in the mail from Influenster!!! There were a few of my already favorite products, and a few new ones for me to try out so I call that a huge win.

Sunbelt Bakery

IMG_8739

I am always down to try a new granola bar, especially when the words chocolate chip are  involved! These are chewy and delicious!

Cutex Advanced Revival Nail Polish Remover Pads

IMG_8690

Who can’t use these?? I haven’t actually used remover pads in a long time and I have got to say I am a renewed believer in them! They just make life so easy and I already have these on my list to restock! I was bad over the last two months, and I have just kept re-touching and re-touching my toes with the same polish. We are talking layers and layers you guys. With one Cutex Pad I had my toes back to perfect with just a swipe or two of each toe!! I was so amazed!!!

Not Your Mother’s Plum For Joy Thickening Hair Lifter

IMG_8740

It is no secret around here that my hair is super fine. And by super fine I mean thin, not cute fine. I was really excited to try out this thickening spray to see if it would make a difference. I just spray it a few times in the palm of my hand, rub together then scrunch in my hair. I then blow dry it and I have got to say, I can tell a difference. Not only does it have a little extra bounce, but my hair just looks better when I used this. Did I mention it smells good too?? Because it does!

NUXE Huile Prodidieusse Multi-Purpose Oil

IMG_8730

It seems like oils are all the rage these days and I was fascinated that this can be used for face, body and hair. While I can’t say that I have tried this on my face or hair yet….I have tried this on my skin a few times and the oil is a thin formula that sinks in quickly and makes your skin feel so soft. I cant quite place what the smell reminds me of, but it is a pleasant one. This has Vitamin E and six botanical oils: Borage, St. John’s Wort, Sweet Almond, Camellia, Hazelnut and Macadamia.

Secret Outlast in Complete Clean

IMG_8741

I have tried just about every deodorant on the market and Secret is one I keep coming back to. It just works! The scents are always appropriate, it goes on easy and dries quickly and it doesn’t leave residue behind when I am trying to get dressed. Plus it lasts all day and into the next morning work out for me. What more can you ask for?!

Sinful Colors

IMG_8728

I was no stranger to Sinful either. I mean, who doesn’t buy every color when they walk by the display? At those prices you can afford to! This shade is part of the limited edition collection Denim & Bling from Kylie Jenner! There are 20 matte denims, holographic glitters and angel shimmers. So pretty!

Of course, I received this box from Influenster for my honest review and opinions. I really did like everything in this box and I can see myself buying a few of these products soon when my samples run out! Have you tried any of these?

weekend shenanigans

Weekend Shenanigans

And just like that the middle of May is here!!! Weren’t we just asking how it could possibly be May already and now it is half gone?

Friday started out with lunch at Chicken Salad Chick. One of our Friday Lunch CLub girls is back after being out of the country for a few months, so it was great to get to see her!

chick salad chick

Friday evening on my way home, I stopped by American Cookie Company to pick up Chris’s birthday cake that I ordered. Pay the up-charge to front the whole cake, it’s worth it!!!

IMG_8713

Saturday morning I cooked up a big birthday breakfast for Chris, and we hung around the house watching tv, playing video games, etc. We then decided to head out for a late lunch at Hickory Tavern. We split some crab dip, and then I had a side salad and a cup of loaded potato soup which was amazing!!!

Loaded Potato Soup

We then headed over to Paramount to meet up with Chris’s parents on their patio and sip drinks and enjoy the amazing weather we were having. I couldn’t resist a root beer float!

IMG_8723

Saturday night, Chris’s parents had the family over for a birthday dinner. The food and company were amazing, as always.

Sunday was a day of meal planning, running errands, grocery shopping and then parking it in front of the TV to relax and eat some Moe’s BBQ that I picked up on the way home from the store.

I hope the birthday boy enjoyed his weekend! I know I did. Chris ordered some super fun floats for all of us for our beach trip in July, and now that is all I can think about. It seems so far away!!!

I hope you all had a fabulous weekend! Linking up with Biana.

friday favorites

Friday Favorites

Favorite Song: Krewella – Alive

Favorite Recipe: Oven Baked Buffalo Chicken Tacos!?!?!? GET IN MY BELLY!!!

Oven Baked Buffalo Chicken Tacos - These super easy oven baked tacos are loaded with creamy buffalo chicken mixture and then topped with extra shredded cheese! Perfect recipe for taco Tuesday or any day of the week! So much flavor without all of the mess.:

via

Favorite Lust: I just really want a pair of navy sandals. Maybe something like this

Or these

Favorite Quote:

 :

Favorite Links:

–NASA found more than 1,200 new planets, some that have the potential to have an Earth like atmosphere. There really could be life out there! The sad thing is, if they came to our planet and saw the shit show that is our society today, they would probably pack the fuck up and move on.

12 Things Women With Great Hair Do Every Day. I want great hair so I am going to be sure I follow all of these!

–Nissan and Infiniti drivers out there, have you heard about the recall on many models of cars due to air bag issues? You can enter your VIN here and see if your car is included.

Cancelled shows for 2016, the only one I watch is Grandfathered so I am not too terribly sad.

Favorite Funnies:

I want this.:

Funny Pictures Of The Day - 94 Pics:

funny quotes give money to the homeless:

Chris when he looks over at me during a part in a TV show that is sad and sees that I am crying….

Me…”no”

While watching the political candidates…

We can all relate…

How my office feels half the time…

How I look at any give time…

When someone mentions tacos..

A huge shout out to this guy who is going to be 30 tomorrow!!! Happy Birthday, Chris!!!!! xoxoxoxo

Chris and Nadine

Linking up with Amanda. I hope you have a fabulous weekend!!!