New Year {Goodbye 2010 - Hello 2011}

Where does the time go? It's almost 2011...seriously? Where did 1995 go? Did I miss it? Wow. Time is passing before my eyes way too fast. As I sit here and think about all of the things I listed in this year's (2010) resolutions and try to be optimistic that I will set attainable goals for myself for this year (2011), I know that I do the best that I can (at most things). But, I'm happy with my life, for the most part. There are things I wish I could change, but I know that some things are out of my reach, for now. God has a plan for me, right? Life will happen. I take it all in stride.

With all of that said, it is t-minus 3 hours and 52 minutes to 2011. I want to attempt to start a 365 day blog, or maybe a 182.5 day blog. That's at least every other day. That's a big deal, right? I want to use my camera more, take a photography class and photography editing class. I want to make everyone around me smile more...to include myself! I have other goals I'll set for myself, I just need to figure out what they are, prioritize and make things happen. I want to be happy and want for others to be happy around me. Nothing huge for this year, I want to make the best of my life and not kill myself along the way. I mean that figuratively - do not call 911.

I hope that everyone has a happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year. May all of your dreams, wishes, resolutions come true - better yet, make them come true!

Goodbye 2010 - I gladly welcome 2011!

Let It Snow!

It wasn't a white Christmas this year, but it was a white day-after Christmas. We all woke up this morning to big snow flakes falling and falling. It was peaceful, nice. This was the first year, since we've moved to Camp Lejeune, that my husband was here to see the snowfall. He's been deployed or on duty, always something with the military. I like the snow, to an extent. Being from West Virginia, I had the chance to have all four seasons in one year to include snow, lots of it! My husband is from San Antonio, he has one season all year long. Although, sometimes in Texas, it's just hot instead of really hot.

Here are a few pictures from our outing today.

Caleb is ready for the snowball fight!

Our winter wonderland

Gabrielle sneaking a bite.




Enjoying our family time.

 

Cloe...chasing the snowballs that were being thrown at her.

Fix-It Friday [#81]

I simply love the picture contributed by Michelle Johnson with iheartfaces this week. I love the composition of the picture. It's a great capture. There are so many great edits to this shot that are posted at iheartfaces.

Here's the original photo (like I said, already a wonderful picture):

This is the recipe I used to edit:
First a created a duplicate layer and then used two actions by Florabella. I first used Soft Urban from the Luxe collection, I adjusted the opacity to 54% and then I used Sweet Haze from the Color and Haze collection, I adjusted the opacity for this one down to 61%. Both actions were set as pass through on the blend mode. I then used the sharpen tool over her beautiful lashes, then her lips and flower in her hair to bring out a few details. Then I burned the edges with the burn tool.

For a great website to teach yourself a little more about photography, go to iheartfaces and start reading! If you want to check out my complete blog and learn a little more about me, check me out here.

Fix-It Friday [# 80]

Dear Blog,

I have missed you. I'm sorry that I have not posted to your wall in quite some time. Life seemed to have gotten in the way. I will do my best to not let it happen again.

For my photo post today, I am posting my edit for iheartfaces Fix-It Friday. Below is the original photo, which I am not the photographer, and my version of the edit.

The first photo is the original photo. I think it's already a fabulous photo. I love the frame. And great idea for later use.  ;)

 Below is my edit.

I opened the camera raw. I slid the recovery slid over to about 75. I then adjusted the exposure to -10, it was a little bright. Then I used a strong contrast on the tone slider. I opened the picture in CS5, added the Starlet action and adjusted the opacity to 27%, from Florabella's Luxe action set. And then added Pioneer Woman's sunshine action and adjusted down to 11%.

Check out iheartfaces for fabulous photo tutorials.

Kelly Moore Bag

Ever have one of those moments when you just want something? You do not necessarily need it, but you want it. That's how I feel about one of Kelly Moore's bags. I have a bag for all of my camera needs. And, I have an even bigger bag for that bag so that I can carry my tripod along. But her bags are so stylish and chic. I just want one, that's all. I think I like this bag because it's functional yet stylish at the same time.



 She has others on her site. I just like this one...and the red one....and the gray one....I have issues. Check her stuff out and show her some love!