Say Cheese It's Picture Time!

The time has finally arrived (bom, bom, bom). I finally have my latest "want" a new DSLR camera! If you have been following my blog you know I have been pining and saving for a new camera for over a month now.

It's been very satisfying to see my savings board go up each week with my tutoring sessions and the hubby's computer repair job money that he kicked in for my "gift." (This camera counts as my birthday gift this year!)

After we saved almost all the money, the time came to decide what brand and model to buy. Now, I am not educated enough in the ways of photography to debate the pros and cons of Nikon vs Canon. All I have to go on is facts about what I read, customer/consumer reviews, and opinions of friends who have DSLRs.

We decided to go with the Canon T3i Rebel. According to the Canon website, "Photographers looking for an easy-to-use camera that will help them create their next masterpiece need look no further than the Canon EOS Rebel T3i. The next in a long line of phenomenal compact DSLRs, the EOS Rebel T3i continues the Rebel tradition of easy operation, compact design and no-compromise performance. Featuring Canon's newest DIGIC 4 Image Processor and an 18.0 Megapixel CMOS Image Sensor - plus cutting-edge technologies like Full HD video recording, Live View shooting, Wireless flash photography and even a Vari-angle 3.0-inch LCD monitor - the EOS Rebel T3i offers the best of EOS photography in a compact package."

Now a lot from that direct manufacturer quote I don't understand, but maybe one day I will; however, let's focus on the bigger picture I got my camera!! Woohoo.

Now I have to figure out how to use it properly. I want to take this mom-a-razzi class offered by Amanda Star Photography. She's a local photographer who caters to moms who want to "stalk their kids in style" by learning how to use camera to capture awesome memories.


In the meantime, I will have to do some learning on my own and just have fun taking pictures with my new "toy." Here is the first picture I took of my Little Miss. How about that crazy wild woman hair? Come on how cute is she? Plus, I think that the picture came out pretty well. I can't wait use it more.

Here is another picture I took of the hubs holding Little Miss' hand. They way she is pointing her fingering makes me think she giving him a talking to!

Well, I think that's all for now dear reader.  Until next time, keep it simple, but significant.

Lunch Date with My Love

How sad is it that I don't remember the last time my hubby and I went out without Little Miss? When was the last time we went out without other people and it was just us? Now hear me out--it's not that we haven't had the opportunities here and there but when given the choice of going out or staying home I have chosen to be a homebody couch potato. There's no shame. I've been tired. My hubby has been tired so home is the best option for two working parents.

This past Sunday we decided to take an outing for lunch since Little Miss was spending the day with my mother in law. So the sweat pants came off in exchange for a pair of jeans and neat top. I fixed my hair and put on some make up for this long over due date. Now if you recall, I've written about the importance of date night before and my opinion has not changed.

I got to pick where we were going for lunch so I chose Chili's. I haven't eaten here since July and it's a place that I know the hubby can eat at with all his pickiness. I ordered our meal because I speak "waitress" from my years of waiting table during high school and college. I ordered because I was trying to avoid the prep cooks messing up the hubs ordered due to his "special instructions."

Our meal arrived after we gorged ourselves on bottomless chips and salsa. I had big mouth sliders and he had chicken fajitas buried under jalapenos.

It was a delicious meal and a lovely start to our afternoon. Of course, I didn't finish my portion of the meal so I got to bring home a doggy bag! I am glad that we splurged on ourselves and reconnected a little with some laughs and lunch. It's just another simple, but significant day in the life of our marriage.

Weekend Rituals

Who doesn't like relaxing weekends and lazy days? I know I do....A LOT especially after a long school week, driving, tutoring, and being a mommy. It's the life I live day in and day out and I love it! Here's a little glimpse at my weekends.

I usually like to lounge in my PJs for a good chunk of the morning and enjoy my breakfast and morning staple of coffee.

I absolutely adore my weekends with Little Miss! We usually chillax on the couch together watching cartoons. She drinks her milk and eats breakfast while mommy helps, watches or does the same.



Of course, there I do chores over the weekend too. My biggest task is to wash, fold and put away laundry. I'll admit that I usually get the washing and folding done, but sometimes I'm not quite successful and getting all of it put away. More often than not, the clothes that need to be hung up in the closet get laid in a pile on the dresser and don't make it to the closet. It's a perpetual "cycle" of (haha laundry humor) clean, but not put away clothes.

When I have some time to myself, I enjoy the occasional cup of tea and a lounge on the couch and read my latest book.

When Sunday's roll around, the hubby picks up my papers and I sort through inserts and clip coupons for my coupon binder.

Not all weekends are full of rest and relaxation, sometimes we have to "go-go-go" because there are places to go, people to see, and obligations to fulfill. I truly believe that it is important to stop and take time for yourself and have a little fun. It's all about simple, but significant choices for yourself and family.