Photography

  Call it a New Years resolution, or just a hobby I have been talking about pursuing and now just getting around to for serious.  For my wedding gift, my husband got me a fancypants Canon EOS Rebel T3i.  Photography has always interested me and I had been thinking about getting one myself for quite some time.  Ain't he thoughtful?!

   I was speaking with a friend the other day who also got the same camera recently and told her I still hadn't taken it off of automatic yet and she was horrified.  She said it was such a waste of the camera and it really made me want to finally devote some time to figuring this thing out.  So, here I go, on my journey to a new hobby.

   I am completely overwhelmed trying to not only find quality tutorials and tips but also remembering everything as I go.  I know this is not something you can just study and get overnight, and I am excited to practice and master this camera.  I'll be posting some trials to document my (hopeful) progress.

   So far, I have found this blog, iheartnaptime.com, and look forward to finding others.  If you know any - please feel free to share in the comments!

D met me at Central Park with a huge surprise.  He gave me my wedding gift, the camera, and this was the very first photo I took it! 

Yup, That New Years Post

Happy New Year!  Once again, one of my resolutions is "to blog more".  It's therapeutic for me and I enjoy it.  I'm trying to be positive and less lazy and that will be reflected in this blog now - by not only more posts but more positive ones too.  Cheers!

My cousin looks like Amy Poehler and other lookalikes

Someone sent me this one of Gabe Lewis & Paul Ryan.

Mac Miller and this guy could be brothers. 

Just something about Quentin Tarantino & Randy Quaid. 

Kira V. Miranda

A person I know in real life versus MTV's Real World's Miranda. 

New York State

And continuing, some things in the shape of the State of New York! 

Plate Art: http://www.etsy.com/listing/82950697/new-york-state-shaped-map-made-out-of

Wall Hook: http://www.etsy.com/listing/92256094/wall-rack-key-hook-wall-hanging-state

Skillet: http://felionstudios.com/pans/northeast/

Paper: http://www.tropicalscrapbooking.com/SS-P154/new-york-state-shape-paper-by-stamping-station.html

Pills: I’ll skip this link

And let’s not forget the obligatory “I Love New York” products! http://www.spreadshirt.com/i-love-new-york-C3376A5736994

Ohio!

I saw a really cute gift guide on apartmenttherapy.com that was state-centric and wanted to make my own.  Ladies and gentleman, Ohio!

Word Map: http://www.etsy.com/shop/mollymattin

Cutting Board: http://www.etsy.com/shop/AHeirloom

Laser Clock: http://www.statehouseshop.com/browse.cfm/4,3878.html

Tru.che Necklace: http://www.etsy.com/shop/truche?ref=seller_info

Cookie Cutter: http://www.sears.com/r-m-international-ohio-state-cookie-cutter/p-SPM6286581202

Glasses: http://www.statehouseshop.com/browse.cfm/4,907.html

Ice Tray: Mystery 

And a New York one is on the way! I know you're excited!

Not Two Javier's

The person on the left is NOT Javier Bardem.  The person on the right is.  (The person on the left is Jeffrey Dean Morgan.)

Wish List 2012

Circle Scarf, American Apparel, $28. 

I got this scarf in grey last year and I've worn it more than any other article of clothing I have ever bought.  It is so comfy and versatile, I wish I could have one in every color.  Fortunately, that's an option!  

Chuck Taylor, Converse, $70

Many people have certain staples in their wardrobe.  Sometimes staples wear out and for a product under $100, there's no excuse for when they turn smelly and gross to not replace them.  If you know someone with a staple item, perhaps you can provide them with that task.  Personally, my staple is my Chuck Taylor's.  Make the pair you get something special with the customized option! 

Madison,Warby Parker, $95

If I took a shot every time I heard someone mention Warby Parker this season, I'd be wasted. 

Retro Pop Phone, Overstock.com, About $18.

Always thought these were funny and a perfect gift.  For the goofballs.  

iPower Case, C. Wonder, $58.

Practical & nerdy.  

Elite Israeli Chocolate Bars, IsraeliProducts.com, $1.99

I did a couple stints in Israel, among other places and with each trip, I usually have a favorite food or product I'd love to be able to bring home with me or have at my disposal once I am home.  In my case, these chocolate bars with pop rocks in them are a favorite of mine.  Find out what the product is and get that for whoever you are buying a gift for.  It doesn't have to be food either.  It will not only make them extremely happy but also remind them of a great memory and show that you really pay attention to the details!  

Day 11 - Hawaii Honeymoon

We woke up around 8AM and walked about a mile along the beach to Queens Surf Cafe. It's this hidden little breakfast nook on the water that David's aunt told us about. 

Then we sat on the famous Waikiki Beach for one last time and took it all in. 

 On the way to the airport, we happened to pass Leonard's, a place famous for their malasadas, fried dough balls, and stopped for some treats for the plane.  

At the airport, the excitement wasn't over.  I haven't mentioned yet about how slow Hawaiians are.  The security line was out the door.  Literally out the door.  And while we waited outside that door, we watched two women being arrested.  It looked like a smuggle job gone wrong but we can't be sure.  

When we got on the plane, we popped some melatonin to prepare for the redeye flight.  David was out like a light but I couldn't sleep because the stewardess was laughing so loud and talking to the other attendent the ENTIRE time.  I watched multiple people complain to her and she never stopped.  Just another disappointment on Hawaiian Air.  But hey, if there's no such thing as a perfect vacation and that was one of the biggest complaints - I guess it wasn't too bad.  And on another plus side, I finished an amazing book called The Book Thief by Markus Zusak. 

So that my friends, was #drmthehoneymoon.   We are really looking forward to returning on an anniversary trip!  

Day 10, Hawaii Honeymoon

It was depressing to leave the Four Seasons.  What an incredible hotel!  We got on our little Go! Airlines 18 minute flight and returned to Oahu. 

We finished the road trip we started in the beginning of the trip and swung by the east/south side of the island, by Koko Head, Halona Blowhole and then Diamond Head Crater for a quick hike. 

The Blowhole 

From the top of Diamond Head 

For a late lunch, we raced to Hanks Haute Dogs and made it just in time.  They close at 4PM!  We got the Andouille, Chicago and Chili dogs. We then checked into Aqua Bamboo and went for a walk to exchange a shirt at the Stupid Factory, my new favorite store, and watched our last Hawaiian sunset.

Diamond head in the back - the place we were standing on top of in the previous photo.

Dinner was at Sansei, a highly recommended sushi spot.