townabovewater

And the lights were set to twinkle...

2011-11-28T11:43:00.001-08:00

After a wonderful week in Florida, I have come back to Christmas lights everywhere! I know I've said this last year, and I'll say it again. My absolute favorite thing about this season is all the twinkling lights.

After we returned from the airport, I told Mike we just had to go out and walk through the trees in downtown Wayne. We did just that!

Today is the last day of my 40% off print sale in the shop as well as free shipping over on Society6 which includes iPhone cases/skins & laptop skins!

I hope everyone had a fantastic Thanksgiving Holiday. Are you looking forward to Christmas? Are you ready for Christmas?! I don't know if I ever am....but at least Starbucks Gingerbread Lattes are back!!

Black Friday & Cyber Monday

2011-11-18T03:19:00.001-08:00

Starting Friday my shop will be offering 40% off all prints November 25 - November 28.

Whether you are really into surfers this year, vintage cameras, you're a bird nut like myself, or you're looking for that last minute Christmas sparkle to add to decorations - there is something to find and love for everyone!

My favorite thing about this sale? No lines. Oh...my god....the lines!

All orders will contain special goodies, and a discount code for your next purchase.
Happy Black Friday!

-
So many other talented people are offering sales, too. Check out the Female Photographers of Etsy blog for more info.

2011-11-14T15:05:00.000-08:00

The next few days are all about organizing, list making, and digging out summer clothes. Where did I put all of my flip flops??

3 more days until Florida. ( as I sip on a grande Gingerbread latte... )

Here are some Floridian-life inspired photographs, now available in the shop .

1. Runaway 2. Sky In Hand 3. Chippewa (Hole in the Sky)

Apple Cider Rules!

2011-11-05T11:11:00.000-07:00

Need a pick me up? Recently I was told (by a doctor, of all people. What does he know?!) I should lower my caffeine intake. This morning I made myself a hot cup of apple cider, with a twist of course.

Add an orange slice to organic (or homemade) apple cider, and a sprinkle of nutmeg to amp up a cup of yours. The spice adds an extra note of flavor, and it makes you feel super classy. Or takes your mind off of not having the usual coffee (like myself).

I plan to sneak in as much Autumn-loving recipes and activities in these next few weeks, because I'll be spending Thanksgiving in Florida! I'm very excited to see my mom, grandparents & spend time with the new adoptive pup, a retired greyhound named Bull!

My mom is still recovering from her recent hospital stay (happy to say she sounds great on the phone!), which has put our whole family in a sort of tittering over the edge emotional state, so I am anxious to see her and squeeze her face. We have been sharing recipes over the phone (which helps keep your mind off things), and taking ample time to describe techniques & flavors but it really doesn't compare to being in the kitchen with this woman. She can cook her ass off. This trip will surely create long-lasting memories.

PS - Thank you to those who twittered, messaged or emailed good vibes our way. It has not gone unnoticed :)

2011-11-02T06:43:00.000-07:00

My weekend through Instagram.

new stuff

2011-10-27T18:23:00.000-07:00

Just recently I've decided to make another home at Society6!

I love, and I mean I lurrrvvvv offering iphone cases & laptop skins to customers. So much so, I just bought myself my first (and I don't mean like an upgrade, I mean my VERY FIRST) iphone case.

Check out this little beast of a case named Scales!

Sexy, right? I can't wait to get it on my new iphone. Oh, I should probably buy that....

Yeah, I bought the case before the iphone. So?! Don't judge me...

I just finished packing some prints that will be headed in all directions within the US, and that is seriously amazing. It still shocks me that people, strangers even, are loving my prints. This feeling comes in particularly handy when I start feeling like everything I shoot is crap, and I should give up. Then I get a ridiculously nice email, or a special print order & you guys remind me why I'm doing this in the first place. Thank you so much!

Come see me on Society6 and check out the iphone cases & laptop skins featuring my prints!

middle - october

2011-10-17T11:44:00.000-07:00

I had quite a few things I wanted to do in October and I hate to admit, I haven't done any of them. Slacker, I know. I don't even have a right to complain, because I know it. Does it feel like this month is just slipping through your hands? October feels like it doesn't belong to me this year, it's kind of depressing.

This weekend was busy busy (with another wedding just right around the corner!), and I woke up Saturday and thought "Ok, seriously. This is ridiculous, I need to do Fall-like things today." So to the farm we went.

I picked up lots of pumpkins and gourds for our porch, as well as a few big luscious mums & I'm starting to feel a little bit better, a little more like I'm living in this season. Instead of watching it from a distance.

A list seems to be in order. These are things I need to do let's say....before I leave for Florida (and the insanely hot climate) November 20th.

- find a farm, pick some apples
- make pumpkin churros
- drink lots of pumpkin spice lattes
- watch The Frighteners, The Last Exorcism, the original ~~House on Haunted Hill~~
- finish The Passage
- um....work...out

Who is doing awesome Autumn inspired things this month? What are you cooking? What is your Halloween costume? Any good scary movies you would recommend? I need to live through you people!

Silversands & Maroma - Mexico part 1

2011-10-10T05:00:00.000-07:00

Our Holiday has ended. Our Trilly is back home, and I've got a few photos to share with you! It didn't cross my mind until after I started editing that I didn't concentrate on the ocean as much as I usually do. It may have to do with the lushness of the jungle, or the fact that I spent most of my time jumping waves (and obviously that's too dangerous to bring a camera along...), or the ridiculously hardcore ping pong we played, but nonetheless I appreciated it's colors and vastness. Even if I forgot to photograph it :)

To be continued...

Donde estas tu pantelones?

2011-10-05T06:59:00.000-07:00

I totally forget to tell anyone that I was going to Mexico! Opps. A much needed vacation was in order, and it just so happened that our good friends needed a honeymoon destination so wah-la! Montamos un avión a México!

Just dropped by to say a quick hello, and back to the beach we go :)

- T

Winner!

2011-09-04T12:16:00.000-07:00

Congrats to Amanda Zahn for winning our end of summer giveaway! Thanks to all who entered, and please remember I am still offering 30% off in the shop. Thanks again to Kaelyn for offering a free print!

I am going back to enjoying this relaxing weekend Holiday, anyone have Labor Day plans?

PS - Has everyone seen all the Halloween decorations already out in the stores? PPS - I think I need to start compiling my scary movie list for October...

end of summer giveaway!

2011-08-27T08:08:00.000-07:00

With summer coming to a close, I thought it would be a great idea to offer a giveaway! Oh and Kaelyn Michaels is in on it, too.
Here's what you'll win!

8x10 - The Island

8x8 - Emerald Coast

Both prints will be on that luscious metallic paper we just can't seem to get enough of.

And this is how you enter:

1. Follow me on Facebook - Here

2. Follow Kaelyn on Facebook - Here

3. Come back to the blog, and leave a comment with your name (plus email!) and a favorite summertime memory.

The winner will be chosen using Random.org

This giveaway will end September 1st at midnight EST! Winner will be announced the next day.

Good luck to everyone, and I look forward to hearing about all your summer memories!

Candied Lemon Cake - successfully failed

2011-08-08T03:15:00.000-07:00

I seriously considered not posting this recipe because it really was a disaster. But I didn't know that then.

With each successful recipe, I think a lot of bakers will admit there is always one that goes horribly wrong. I've burned a few cookies in my time, which totally frazzles my mood and turns the situation into a competition with the oven.

Here is the recipe (my notes on how I'm an asshole, to follow):

Candied Lemon Cake
original recipe from Donna Hay

candied lemon slices
1 1/2 cup superfine sugar
2/3 cups water
4 lemons, thinly sliced

cake
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
1 cup flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 cup sugar
1 large egg
1/2 cup low-fat buttermilk

Preheat oven to 375˚F. Butter an 8-inch cake pan; dust with flour, tapping out excess.
Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Beat butter and sugar with a mixer on medium speed until pale and fluffy. Beat in egg. Add flour mixture in 3 additions, alternating with buttermilk.
Pour batter into prepared pan, and smooth the batter out. Bake until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, about 35-40 minutes. Let cool slightly.

To make candied lemon slices (from Donna Hay)
Place sugar and water into a saucepan over medium heat and stir to dissolve the sugar. Add the lemon and bring to a boil. Cook for 12-15 minutes or until syrup has thickened and the lemons are translucent. Pour the syrup over the cake and top with the lemon. Allow to cool before serving.

-

ALRIGHT. So. Everything had worked out smoothly in the cake baking department. I love this buttermilk recipe and I use it often. I don't really remember why, but I choose to use it instead of the cake recipe Miss Donna had given (Mistake #1)

The lemons. Dear God, those lemons. They were sliced, ready to go, and it's a given I have only made a syrup (caramel) once before (which didn't ...um...come out right.) but I am tenacious and went along with it like it was per usual.

I gingerly placed the slices into the pan, watched it closely, kept the boil even, and felt pretty damn satisfied with myself. Then in a matter of, oh I don't know, 25 seconds the syrup became way too brown and I had to jump ship and save those lemon slices! It happened pretty fast but I think I caught the whole thing in time. (Mistake #2)

The recipe calls for pouring the syrup onto the cake, then add the slices. No directions on getting the slices out of the pan and where to put them so they don't become sticky and not move from whatever it is you put them on! It was tricky, but I managed clearly breaking a sweat at this point.

Pouring caramel, not easy. Let's leave it at that. It's also really important to know exactly where you want to place a lemon slice, because once it's there it's there for good!

NOW. Cake is done, and it looks like this.

It's kind of gorgeous, and I was so excited while shooting it. Oh - is there more photographs you ask? Yeahhhhh, no. No, there isn't.

I formatted my card thinking everything from this shoot was saved (Mistake #3). There it is, there is the super assholey move.

But we're not finished yet! It's time to eat the cake! I think it was a mash up of mistake #1 and mistake #2 that made it hard to er, well eat. The candied lemons were so chewy and hard, while the cake was light and fluffy, it wasn't quite magical in my mouth. Like most cakes are supposed to be.

I mean my family still ate it, but it was a super let down to me anyway. So if you want to make this recipe (cause after I just destroyed it, why wouldn't you?!) please follow Donna's cake recipe & watch your lemons. If I try it again (errrr...) I think a studier cake, like pound cake, would be perfect.

Louisiana BBQ Shrimp

2011-07-15T09:26:00.000-07:00

I have a feeling I am going to be making this dish all summer. It's just that good, and super easy. It's going to be a scorcher on the East coast this weekend, I hope to find myself in lots of air conditioned rooms.

Louisiana BBQ Shrimp

1 lb. deveined, peeled shrimp
3-5 strips bacon, cut into small pieces
1/4 cup green pepper, chopped
1/4 - 1/2 cup white onion, chopped
1-2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 teaspoons creole seasoning (whichever you prefer)
1 tablespoon flour
3/4 cup low sodium chicken broth

In large saucepan, cook bacon pieces until just about crisp. Remove and let excess grease drip onto paper towel. Add green pepper & onion to pan and saute until halfway cooked. Remove vegetables to a bowl or plate. Season the shrimp with salt, pepper, and creole seasoning. Add 1 tablespoon oil to the pan , sear shrimp. About 2 minutes on each side. Push shrimp aside, place the green pepper & onion back into pan, add 1 tablespoon flour & chicken stock. Stirring, bring to a boil then reduce to a low simmer for 10-12 minutes or until sauce thickens. Add in bacon, stir and serve in a bowl with a french baguette.

The sauce gets it's smoky bacon flavor from reusing the bacon fat to saute the vegetables and shrimp. This is kind of a one pot wonder, and since it's Summer and seriously hot in my kitchen I'd like our dinners to be as simple as possible. I hate sweating in the kitchen, don't you?

I know I'm late in the game but I just started Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. It will be quite a feat if I can keep away from all the spoilers from the movie on social networking sites until I finish the book. I'm 2 chapters in, and I'm already heartbroken about this being the last of the series.

Who has read it? Any suggestions on what I should start reading after Harry Potter? I have a feeling I'll need a rebound book when I am finished.

Into The Forest

2011-07-08T14:00:00.000-07:00

I've been taking the long way home from the studio this week. The roads up and through the encampment trails of Valley Forge are my favorite. Yesterday I got stuck in a thunderstorm, in the middle of a mountain with not a soul in sight.

It was so effing awesome.

Drink Up

2011-06-27T12:08:00.000-07:00

What a long, beautiful, and eventful weekend. My childhood friend is now married. His bride was gorgeous, and the wedding was so insanely beautiful. It couldn't have been a more perfect day. Especially those extra strong Hurricanes we drank long into the night. I have not had a hangover like that in a seriously long time.

One down, two more weddings to go! One bride to be is my good friend Kaelyn Michaels, who is a photographer, and you should visit her shop to see her gorgeous work.

I'm working from home today, thought I'd share this photograph pair (which is presently a contender for my mini food portfolio). It's obvious I have a thing for fruit in my drinks. See other fruit in drinks here.

This is kind of different, and maybe better. Fresh raspberries in a Woodchuck's Hard Cider. Ummmm, yes please. With some pistachios to munch on. I can sit on the porch all evening, drinking these & popping nuts in my mouth. What- Ok. Obviously that was....not at all how I meant to say that. Whatever. I'm not deleting it.

I'm also reading Tim Gunn's Gunn's Golden Rules: Life's Little Lessons for Making It Work. It's hilarious, insightful and the overall lesson is just to be nice to people. Have manners, for crap's sake.

I may swear, more than I should, I know this, but I do believe in having a decent set of manners. I open doors for people (no, not only men need to do this), I say hello to anyone who makes eye contact with me, and overall I am nice to my waiters and tip them generously. It feels good to be nice to strangers, and especially when it seems everyone is in such a freaking hurry and kind of mean this type of behavior is unexpected.

I hope you don't read that last paragraph and picture me wagging a finger, because I'm not. I swear. It's always a good thing to want to better yourself. Being nice to others (animals, too) is a good place to start.

This week I am dog/house sitting. You guys know Chester, right? Just me and him all week, it's going to be glorious!

Solitude

2011-06-21T04:10:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I really wish I lived on an island. Something smallish, with a community of easy going, easy talking people who don't feel the need to rush through their days & drive like maniacs on the road. I'd have a garden, definitely some fruit trees and loads of books (shipped from Amazon, no doubt).
This photograph pretty much sums up that entire feeling of solitude. But in a really, really good way.

By nature, I am a solitary person. It may have something to do with the dueling aspects of being a Gemini. The whole two personality thing could have different meanings, and in my case it can be applied to my moods which then affects whether or not I want to be bothered by anyone. I don't think this is necessarily a bad thing, but it can be misconstrued as such. It's really not that weird to be alone, and enjoy it. I can entertain myself pretty easily, and it must have been a skill I picked up as a kid. I really like driving around by myself, and I really like seeing moves alone, too.

I think a lot of photographers, especially those who enjoy landscapes, can relate to the I'm all by myself, and it's awesome! feeling you get when it's just a landscape or scene, you, and your camera. We (the loners) have a companion that travels with us in silence and that's totally fine.

But admittedly, this feeling doesn't really apply when checking out abandoned buildings. I'm a serious pain in the ass about the whole thing, and there are even rules about staying in small groups when exploring a new floor. It's a safety thing, and more importantly I do not want to come up on a 100 year old crazy spirit by myself.

This past weekend my birthday was celebrated with friends on the beach, and I've got the ocean and sky on my mind today. Is it obvious?

the island - photograph available in the shop

mexican holiday - new print set

the sea life - etsy treasury

Scones to Die for

2011-06-10T15:06:00.000-07:00

I'm back with an impromptu foodie post! Did you miss me? I'll be honest, I've been lurking around the blogs like a ghost. Have you felt that prickle on the back of your neck while updating a post? Probably me. But it feels good to stay connected with all your wonderful blogs. I've received great support for the I hate blogging, I'm taking a break break, and like with anything, sometimes too much isn't a good thing.

It's been ungodly hot in Philadelphia. It makes me ridiculously sluggish, and I only come out of the coolest room in the apartment to either eat, sleep, or watch Netflix. It's terrible to work out in, and I don't even want to talk about cooking. Our kitchen is south facing, and small. It feels like what I'd imagine the inside of pizza box would feel like. Sticky & steamy. Gross.

I promise to only complain a few times about the heat this summer. Maybe. No, I'm probably lying.

Anyway.

I did happen to make some wonderful scones, and they literally are the best ones I've ever eaten. It's a mixup of a sweet & savory all wrapped up in a buttermilky goodness.
So here we go with the recipe, feel free to switch out dried fruit of your liking, or whatever flavor dried meat (or bacon) you might find to be delicious.

Scones to Die for
1 box plain scone mix
1 stick unsalted butter, chilled & cubed
20 dried apricots, cut into small pieces - about one cup
6 ounces cooked maple favored bacon, cut into pieces
2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
1 cup buttermilk, chilled

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Make sure a cooking rack is in the center of the oven. Spray a baking sheet with non stick cooking spray. Set aside.

In large bowl, combine scone mix and butter. It's easier if you have a food processor, if not you can surely use a beater or good ol' fashioned arm power! The mixture should be coarse and bumpy. Add cut pieces of apricots, bacon, and thyme. Stir. Add the buttermilk and mix until a sticky dough forms.

Place about 1/3 cupfuls of the dough onto prepared baking sheet (if you like a more casual looking scone). Bake until the tops start to brown slightly, about 16-18 minutes.

Place on cooling rack for about 20 minutes.

I fed these babies to my landlords (initially to butter them up before I asked to paint the dining room walls dark grey...which I chickened out of.) and they were talking about them for a week! I also got an email from my brother asking to overnight him a scone package. So, major party pleaser.

It's Friday, and this weekend's forecast is scattered thunderstorms. I'm super pumped about that, and fully intend on watching the clouds roll in while reading Harry Potter.

A great weekend to you all!

Time Travel

2011-05-16T18:02:00.000-07:00

I'm only kind of back to say that I'm reading The Time Machine & it makes my life feel lackluster. How did H.G. Wells ever imagine this magical world of his? You should read it, right now. Go ahead, I'll wait.

It only makes sense that The War of the Worlds is read next. I'm half-tempted to walk to the library in the rain to get it in my grasp.

the definition of vacation - aka saying laterz to the blog....for now.

2011-05-06T08:48:00.000-07:00

vacation:

planned time spent not working

few days off

fiesta

"Never say anything that

doesn't improve on silence."

I've run out of things to say for the time being. I've lost myself

in this social networking shuffle (or circle jerk, as I like to call

it) and it's really not doing any good for my good karma.

Taking a nice, long break from the blogosphere seems like the

key. I have been so thankful for everyone who has been so

supportive of my work, and the changes in myself.

I want to know who I am, as a photographer (and as a person)

without the daily influence of blogs, tweets, status updates.

You can still find me on flickr, I really hope by going back

to my roots (flickr!) it will improve my mood, and let me

figure out where my life is going at this point.

I'll catch up with ya'll eventually, but right now I need some

focus in my life. Thanks all!

Tina

Hide-Out

2011-04-23T05:28:00.000-07:00

I've been keeping low key these days...trying to lesson the grip

social networking has on me. It sort of becomes ridiculous when

the first thing I think of in the morning is to check my Facebook &

Twitter.

Damn it! See? I just shamelessly plugged myself.

Anyway...

I love hiding in plain sight. I feel like my camera does me this

service perfectly. It seriously is a stress reliever after a really

long day.

Do you have Easter plans? What's for dinner? Does the Easter

Bunny freak you out? He seriously is the scariest thing.

Ever.

Happy Easter weekend!

{...a place for twiggs}

2011-04-12T12:50:00.000-07:00

Hello, hello!

I am in the middle of a very intense pretzel shoot (oh my) but

wanted to stop in quickly to thank Twiggs for interviewing

me about my fine art shops.

If you've got a moment check it out on her blog and stay

tuned for more great shop owner interviews!

2011-04-10T17:04:00.000-07:00

Nothing is better than a dog.

Seriously. No, for real.

---meet Chester on Facebook

2011-03-24T14:45:00.000-07:00

‎"I've become a simple souvenir of someone's kill. And like

the sea, I'm constantly changing from calm to ill."

Souvenir available in the shop.

Love for Japan

2011-03-17T06:58:00.000-07:00

It's so difficult feeling so helpless. The little bit we can do

could mean the world to someone.

All 3 photographs are offered in 3 different sizes to fit the donation

amount that is comfortable to you.

These are limited editions that I've chosen from my personal

archive.

I will be donating 100% of your purchase (minus shipping) to

Red Cross Relief for Japan

Purchase prints at Love for Japan

2011-03-13T11:10:00.000-07:00

"Yet it is in our idleness, in our dreams, that the

submerged truth sometimes comes to the top."

Virginia Woolf

Paris - a flower show

2011-03-11T06:35:00.000-08:00

The Philadelphia Flower Show was truly magical. Insane, really.

See more photos at flickr
--
I have a lot of movies to see this weekend.
Plus a comedy show.

How about you?

Hmmm, tea?

2011-03-07T11:00:00.000-08:00

Officially, I am a coffee drinker.

But with the decision to cut sugar out of my diet, I wanted to

somehow lessen the grip that the bean has on me as well.

Sorry, Starbucks.

Right now, I have been sipping green tea. But to be

honest, I'm not the biggest fan of this hot drink.

Any recommendations?

This morning, I resorted to a hot water, lemon &

honey creation. That was delicious.

First of March!

2011-03-01T07:21:00.000-08:00

It felt super good to see the sun shining today, on the first of

March. I'm feeling inspired, and hopeful for the warm weather

and I wanted to share that with all of you!

25% off all prints in the shop!

Coupon Code: 25MARCH

(entered at checkout)

2011-02-28T15:16:00.000-08:00

-the delay-

a new surf print now available in my shop.

(printed on metallic paper)

we went walking

2011-02-28T04:20:00.000-08:00

This weekend:

- We walked through West Chester

- Drank an ungodly amount of coffee

- I learned how to channel my anger by

perfecting self portraits in the car mirror

- Started tweeting like it's the cool thing to do

- Watched the Oscars

- Organized 60ish images to be sent to Canada

How was your weekend?

Tiny Tim Cranberry Tarts

2011-02-24T12:50:00.001-08:00

One of my least favorite things about winter (and this list is short, I actually like being

in the cold all bundled up, especially with a cup of something hot and sweet by my

side) is the increase in prices for fresh fruit. Sometimes you get lucky with farmer

markets selling fruit in bundles and bulk (Right now Produce Junction is advertising

8lbs bananas for $2), but most of us aren't lucky enough to shop at these places all the time.

Say hello to frozen fruit.

I personally love frozen fruit. They make great cold treats in smoothies, yogurt,

and melt deliciously when mixed in with hot oatmeal.

This recipe calls specifically for frozen cranberries, or any fruit of your choosing.

Simple ingredients and a fairly easy clean up make Tiny Tim my new favorite tart.

A food stylist we work with quite often is a member of Les Dames D'escoffier,

and gave me their cookbook with amazing recipes from tons of great female

chefs, stylists, and food icons.

This recipe belongs to Jane Mengenhauser.

Ingredients:

For the crust

8 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature

3 ounces regular or low-fat cream cream

1 cup flour

For the filling

1 egg

3/4 cup sugar

2 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 cup chopped walnuts

72 (3 ounces) frozen cranberries

Directions:

For the crust: Preheat the oven to 325 degrees. Have ready a nonstick mini-muffin pan that will

accommodate 24 tarts.

In a bowl, using a food processor or your fingertips, combine 8 tablespoons butter, the cream cheese,

and flour until a ball of dough forms. The dough should be fairly most and come together easily.

Cut into 24 pieces and place each piece into a mini-muffin pan. Using your fingertips, press the dough

over the bottom and up the sides of each cup.

For the filling: In a bowl using an electric mixer on medium speed, combine the egg, sugar, and

vanilla. Mix well, then stir in the nuts.

Place 3 cranberries in each cup and spread some of the nut mixture over the cranberries, filling each cup

so the cranberries are covered.

Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until well browned. Transfer the pan to a wire rack and cool slightly.

Run the tip of a knife around the edge of each tart to loosen, the slip the tarts out of the pan.

Some notes:

My first batch of tarts were baked for 25 minutes and they were really hard to pull out.

I recommend keeping them in an additionally 5 minutes if the crust doesn't look golden enough.

Do not put more than 3 cranberries in each tart. They fruit expands and if the cup is too full

they will spill over and become messy.

The Slides - one

2011-02-21T10:08:00.000-08:00

Remember the box of slides my mom left me? Here's one of my Dad & Mom. I think they are

about 22 years old.

The color, composition and subjects (my family before my birth) are all

breathtaking. My mom is so damn beautiful. I mean seriously, a real fox.

This is just the thing to feed my obsession of everything that is vintage. This is

real life vintage at it's best. It makes me wonder if someone will come across

a CD of images, or lost memory cards of mine. Will it have the same impact?

Will vintage be a word used to describe my life one day?

---

P.S. I just found out I was nominated for Best Photography Blog on The Lovelies.

It means so much to have my little blog noticed, and would mean the world to me

if any of you could vote for townabovewater!

Happy Weekend!

2011-02-19T05:18:00.000-08:00

I'll be enjoying the weird warm weather and fierce winds in Valley Forge.

Not to mention the sweet muddy paths, and oodles of dog walkers!

Pause

2011-02-17T04:23:00.000-08:00

I wanted to address a little thing I did just in case anyone noticed it and became

confused. I am temporarily closing my etsy shop. A min-vacation of sorts.

I think it may be the overwhelming days of snow, and the month of February

in general, but I'm feeling claustrophobic with all the things I have to do

in my daily life. I make lists endlessly, and they never seem to get done.

Yep, I'm a list maker.

I felt that I needed to slow some things down to catch my breath. It's noted

that I could have just kept the shop open and move along like it wasn't

really open, but that isn't exactly fair to those purchasing prints from me. I

don't want to half ass pretty packaging just to ship things out. It has to be

special.

I'm finding that really good, upbeat music has been the key to stabilizing
my wretched moods. Right now it's Rihanna's Rated R. I listen to music in the morning while
getting ready, as well as in the car. It's therapy, really. I am definitely that person you see
singing in her car like nobody is watching. You can point and laugh, I would too.

I know there are a lot of people out there to get into too much too fast and start

losing their heads. Has any of you felt overwhelmed with things to do do?

How do you get yourself back to center?

P.S. I also finally saw 127 hours last night. Oh my god, it was amazing.

2142011

2011-02-14T11:45:00.000-08:00

Mike's handmade Vday card = Win.

*We don't really celebrate this day, but he

went ahead and made the card because he

knew I'd enjoy it regardless. Especially since

I am drawn so lean and tall.*

Hannah's brownie recipe nearly knocked me over.

Shit, this recipe is good. I recommend trying it.

Like....now. Go.

Normally, I would post the recipe but since this is not

one of my own, and Hannah deserves the credit,

I'm sending you over to her!

Brownies To Die For

Birthday

2011-02-02T05:56:00.000-08:00

My new favorite pancake recipe.

I tried out this recipe for Mike's birthday breakfast. He devoured them.

So that's always a good sign.

Ingredients

2 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
2 teaspoons baking powder
3/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
3/4 teaspoon ground allspice
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1 13 1/2-ounce can light unsweetened coconut milk (about 1 2/3 cups)
2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Vegetable oil
Additional pure maple syrup

Directions

Preheat oven to 250°F. Whisk first 6 ingredients and 3/4 teaspoon salt in large bowl. Whisk coconut milk, 11/4 cups warm water, 2 tablespoons maple syrup, and vanilla in medium bowl. Whisk coconut milk mixture into dry ingredients until batter is pourable.
Heat griddle or skillet over medium-high heat; brush with vegetable oil. Working in batches, add batter by 1/4 cupfuls. Working quickly and using back of spoon, spread each pancake to about 4-inch round. Cook until small bubbles appear on surface and bottoms of pancakes are golden, reducing heat if browning too quickly, 2 to 3 minutes. Turn over; cook until golden, 1 to 2 minutes. Transfer to baking sheet. Keep warm in oven.
Place 2 to 3 pancakes on each plate. Top with syrup.

Recipe from Bon Appetit

Happy Weekend

2011-01-28T08:46:00.000-08:00

I finally have made it into the studio! A whole week is gone, all shoots cancelled.

At least my apartment is super clean.

My gorgeous older sister has returned to her roots for a long stay. She has been a

Cali Girl her whole life, and I've always looked up to her. She can sing, is incredibly

smart, and has a warm heart. This will be our first time spending more than a week

or two together. I haven't seen her since....2003? Damn, that was so long ago now...

I'm looking forward to getting to know her all over again.

Here's to sisterly love:

All images found searching Pinterest

show your bones

2011-01-26T05:52:00.000-08:00

well, trouble at home, travel the way you say :: the road don't like me

:: travel away, travel it all away :: the road's gonna end on me ::

warrior

Snow all around me today, and they say it won't stop for hours.

Score!

With Darkness, Comes Light created this morning.

Snowed In - Friday

2011-01-21T07:02:00.000-08:00

It snowed again last night, and I woke up to a dreamy winter wonderland.

I can't complain, I actally like shoveling and taking my time on the back

roads. I think I may be the only one in the Philadelphia region, though.

Here are a few likes from Pinterest

-

No photographs to share from the weekend. It was kind of an awkward weekend,
to say the least. I finally finished Jane Eyre, and I miss her already.

Do you ever wish some fictional characters were real? Do you miss them after a book
is finished? After I read The Story of Edgar Sawtelle I missed the
dogs in the book so much. They became my little family of misfits and heroes in my head.

-

I've got a lot of printing to do today, so I better get moving.
Have a fantastic weekend!

Creeps

2011-01-15T09:26:00.000-08:00

I found this list from the when Tina was a kid box,
and evidently most things haven't changed. All
these things still creep me out.

5 Things That Give Me The Creeps

1. Vacuum Cleaner stores. A whole
store for vacuum cleaners? Really?

2. Small/stashed away motels
advertising COLOR TV.

3. Other people's feet.

4. Carnival Mirror Rooms. Are
you trying to give me a
heart attack at a young age?
5. Ectoplasm (yet, it's still intriguing)

--
It's a Jersey weekend (no, not the jersey shore)!
We're leaving shortly (and leaving Trill alone for
the night. I hope she behaves herself and stays off
of the shower curtain), and I'm armed with my
camera.

Have a great weekend!

collecting, obsessively

2011-01-11T09:22:00.000-08:00

I have an obsession for bottles.

They've finally found a home in our dining room,
atop the bookcase.

It's starting to feel like we're making a home here in Berwyn.
I like living with a graphic designer. We have a lot of design
ideas in common. It's fun to bounce ideas off him and see what
we can create together. Boys aren't so bad, I guess.

London Theatre, anyone?

2011-01-10T03:46:00.000-08:00

$17 vintage linen from JenniesJunque + mad sewing skills =

I am so in love with this pillow! (oh, please excuse the horrible sofa, which we've covered with a blanket. We are getting a brand new sofa in just a couple weeks! I won't be so ashamed of our way too shabby to be chic living room anymore.) I had an old 15x27 pillow with a kind of crappy, brown zebra cover that sat squished between our bed and a side table. Since the dying zebra cover came off easily,
I knew I could find something to to help fix it up and put the new sewing machine to use.

This linen measured 31''x21''. It was a tad short width wise so I added extra linen (with a decorative stitch) to fill it out.

I also have been trying my hand at puckering designs for pillow fronts. Martha Stewart shows a small,

yet not-so-detailed description of how to accomplish this look in Encyclopedia of Sewing & Fabric.

It always seems that her directions are shady and somehow hit or miss. What's the deal, Martha?

Trillz Approved

Happy Friday

2011-01-07T10:26:00.000-08:00

Hello, 2011! Nice to finally meet you.

This week has been especially busy for me. Shooting a catalog before the Chinese New Year

is stressful. It makes me cranky, and hungry. Coffee helps, and we always have find something humorous to laugh about. There was a lot of loud singing this week at the studio. I think we also did

our best Fire Marshall Bill impersonations, too.

I found little time and energy to do much of anything in the evenings, besides watch American Pickers on Netflix and of course escape into Pinterest. It's one of my favorite places to go for inspiration right now. Everything is right at your fingertips!

Here are a few things I've made favorites this week:

I'm also reading Jane Eyre. It's scary! Is it supposed to be? How did I come across this

book so late in the game? It intrigues me to no end, I hope to finish it tonight.

No real plans for this weekend which is a relief. There's a lot of work to be done at home

and it seems I never get a chance to finish projects once I've started them. I make lists

....and then I lose them. The winter slum has officially hit me. It's too damn cold to

sand furniture outside. Get real.

Does anybody have a go to winter project that will keep you busy and your mind from going

into a deep freeze? I'd love to know what they are!

2010 photographs - black and white

2010-12-24T07:47:00.000-08:00

I couldn't end this series without paying homage to the shadow and light that started it all. I've asked my good blog friend Andrea Despot to write up and find the images for this post. You can find her here and here.

Thank you, Andrea!

---

There isn't much about black & white photography that hasn't already been said. But I will say this: It holds a sort of magic, gently forcing you to look at the things you might not notice if the image were in color: shadows, light, tone, texture. It's hard for me to say that I love black & white more, but I have to admit that sometimes it's true! The photos below are only a few of my favorites taken by other photographers in 2010. There are many others I could've included, but perhaps got lost somewhere in my memory of the past year. They may not be the best or most amazing in someone else's eyes, but for me these stand out and I have my own little reasons for loving them as I do. Enjoy! -Andrea

2010 photographs : dear violet and ruby

2010-12-23T06:12:00.000-08:00

photographs found deeply colored by violets and rubies

2010 photographs - sunkissed and demured

2010-12-21T07:45:00.000-08:00

photographs found that have hints of yellows, and deep browns.

2010 photographs - between the sapphires and the emeralds

2010-12-20T14:37:00.000-08:00

photographs found with blues and greens

White Out

2010-12-18T17:19:00.000-08:00

I set the gingerbread latte down on the desk, woke up the computer, and cracked my knuckles readying myself to write this blog post.

Then Santa came riding down the street atop a fire truck.

-20 minutes later-

Oh, Santa. You jokester.

I created a series of posts for next week focusing on my favorite photographs from 2010, then it'll be hasta la vista from me for the rest of the year!

A White Out, if you will.

I intend to enjoy the Holidays with as little stress as possible; to never leave home without my camera. Seriously. Never. Read a couple classic novels, and organize my part of the office (I've begun carrying the laptop everywhere and only entering the office to pay bills.) while also trying to create an inspiration wall.

I hope whatever you do during the next two weeks, you are surrounded by people you love. Drink lots of warm beverages, watch classic movies (don't forget The Twilight Zone marathon on New Year's Day!), and enjoy yourselves!

I leave you with Trill (our new kitty I forgot to tell you about.... sorry. She plays fetch!) and her cool kid mean face.

Stayed tuned for the first 2010 photographs post : photographs found in sapphire and emeralds

on Monday!

Friday

2010-12-10T06:49:00.000-08:00

Mi familia

L to R:

My dad, brother Anthony, MomMom Crespo, Aunt Marilyn, cousin Eddie

Photographer: My mom

I have been given the most amazing gift by my mother.

A tattered, old box of slides of my family before I was born.

It will taken me forever to scan them all in, and I'm okay with that. Discovering my family in a whole new way has been such a great experience.

Seeing loved ones who are now passed away, is the most precious piece of this puzzle.

There are photographs that look like art, and memories that are burned into film that I would have never known about. I've struck gold.

----

Other news:

*gift ideas

*I've got a guest post at City of Blackbirds today - be inspired

*Cayla is spending the weekend with us. I expect a lot of Disney movies, baking,

and perhaps a trip to The Franklin Fountain

*I know he's not the greatest person in the world (an abomination to Obama's nation, he says)

but I love this album

*Everything's Eventual begins here

---

Have a great weekend!

extra bright

2010-12-06T11:27:00.000-08:00

-Want you to see all of the lights-

This past weekend was spent decorating, paper wreath making (easy tutorial here! be wary of the glue gun. blisters!), and spending time with my 2 favorite ladies. We walked with our cameras (which seems like forever since we all shot together!) into valley forge and got lost.

It was freezing. Frosted. Chilly.

20 jumping jacks helped, though.

What was your weekend like? Did anyone see Black Swan?

---

P.S. The last shipping date for my print shop is December 15th.

The Holiday Sale is still going strong.

Don't delay! Buy a print today!

underneath

2010-12-01T13:11:00.000-08:00

I couldn't help myself, I went back to the trees last night.

You can too.

Happy Cyber Monday!

2010-11-29T08:16:00.000-08:00

Cyber Monday has arrived. Come check out the shop for some dealz!
Holiday Sale
$5 PRINT sale!
Visit the Holiday Sale section here and save on large prints, and print sets!

Happy Shopping!

under the lights

2010-11-27T16:01:00.000-08:00

Even the cold couldn't keep me from wandering

under these sparkling trees.

Is this what the Holiday spirit feels like?

Yep, I think so.

Listen up, you turkey!

2010-11-23T12:35:00.000-08:00

I know it's not officially Thanksgiving break yet, but I am signing off a few days early so I can get some things in order in my house before we go home to my dads for relaxation and some grub. We cannot wait for the Holiday to get here, and I am fully prepared to take as much time as I can to dig into some good books and maybe season 3 of Six Feet Under.

We have a new little friend in the house....which I hope to introduce to you when she actually has a name (and not whole wheat, like Mike has been suggesting. No, not 4Loko, either.)

I wanted to leave you with a super yummy and totally EASY recipe for a dessert for Thanksgiving, with the help of the season's most delicious apples.

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups coarse fresh whole wheat (or grain) breadcrumbs

1 tsp ground cinnamon

1/8 tsp salt

3 T granulated sugar

3 T unsalted butter, melted & divided

2 lbs McIntosh apples, peeled, cored, and cut

3 T light brown sugar

4 T apple cider

1 tsp grated lemon rind

2 tsp fresh lemon juice

1/8 ground allspice

Recipe:

Preheat oven to 375ºF.

Combine breadcrumbs, 1/2 tsp cinnamon, salt, granulated sugar, and 2 tablespoons butter.

In a separate bowl, combine apples, remaining 1/2 tsp cinnamon remaining 1 tablespoon butter, brown sugar, 2 tablespoons cider add next 3 ingredients.

Sprinkle half of crumb mixture in bottom of an 8-inch square baking dish coated with cooking spray. Spoon apple filling over crumb mixture, and sprinkle remaining crumb mixture over filling.

Spoon remaining 2 tablespoons apple cider over crumbs.

Cover and bake for 45 minutes. Uncover and bake another 15 minutes or until lightly browned and bubbling.

Serves 8. Serving Size 2/3 cup

Weight Watchers recipe

Nutritional Info:

144 calories, 4.8g fat

1.3 g protein, 26 carbs

I'm making my 4th apple brown betty this week for the big turkey day, as well as this delicious smoky chorizo stuffing that I tore out of a Food & Wine magazine. Mmmmm, I can't wait!

What is your absolute favorite dish at Thanksgiving? Do you wait all day in anticipation of that bird? The perfect pumpkin pie? Or is it the homemade cranberry sauce? Whichever gets your motor running, I hope you get to eat plenty of it!

Giving Thanks

I have so many things to be thankful for this year.

Even though, I've been struggling with the idea that you can not make everybody happy, no matter how nice you are, or the effort you make some people will just never give in. They will continually push against you, no matter how hard you try. I'm sorry, but I just do not have the energy to keep fighting this battle. I'm choosing to focus my attention on those that make me a better person, that want to see me succeed and actually enjoy being around me (wow, what a concept).

So this Thanksgiving, I am especially thankful for the friends who love me no matter what. The ones that give a damn. Because in the end, that's really all that matters. And you know what? I give a damn about them, too. The others...can just fade away.

I'm thankful for Mike everyday, so Thanksgiving is no different. I absolutely love how he makes me laugh, and supports me in ways others never have. It makes me a better person. Not only for myself, but for us. He also lets me make messes wherever I go and not complain....not a bad guy in my book.

I'm thankful for my parents, and my family. I came from a great bunch of people, and I don't think there will ever be a time when I stop learning things from my parents. They are always teaching, even when they don't know it. I love you guys!

I'm also thankful for the little things that pop up everyday that make me smile, or laugh.

I'm wishing everybody a happy and safe Thanksgiving!

PS, are you a fan on facebook? It would be beneficial this Friday if you are :D

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

2010-11-16T07:53:00.000-08:00

With my favorite reason (uh, hello? Thanksgiving...) to sit down and stuff yourself with the most delicious, feel good foods just around the corner I decided to make a plan and switch up how I do (eat) things this year. I'm on a mission to find yummy recipes that

1. stay within my budget

2. do not bust the button on my pants

3. make me say "Mmm!" not "Ughhh, why did I eat thaaattttt."

I tried this recipe out this past weekend and at only 89 calories a cookie,

I believe I've met my favorite little pumpkin fix.

nutritional values:

89 calories, 3.5 g of fat

13.3 g of carbs, 1.5 g of protein

Day Off

2010-11-11T12:37:00.000-08:00

Today was a unexpected day off from the studio.

I worked on the website, freshened things up a bit.

Listened to City & Colour.

Squeezed in a trip to my favorite thrift shop, The Trading Post

& got some pretty things (like the pewter sugar jar and silk scarf above).

Finally closed our storm windows. Ok, I get it cold gusts.

Summer/Fall is officially over.

Ignored the sewing machine.

What has your Thursday been like?

My sewing machine is an old grump

2010-11-09T15:25:00.000-08:00

It's not that I'm jealous of Martha Stewart, she just makes everything seem oh so easy. Listen Martha, a few extra lines of explanations or maybe 3 more step by step photos would seriously be helpful.

Mk, thanks.

I just don't understand how a sewing machine could be so difficult! I've gone through the troubleshooting and in the process knocked over a barely sipped gingerbread latte from Starbucks. That was the last straw.

I put the sewing machine away.

So someone from Meatbagz asked in the previous post to share my burlap chair. Not sure if it was Kate or Mackenzie, but here it is!!

This chair was a super find back in May (yes...it has taken me 6 months to get around to finishing this.) and had very little wrong with it. The original fabric was torn in a few spots, and stained. At that point, I wasn't completely sure what I would recover the cushion and back piece with but I knew I could go over the existing fabric and stuffing since it was in good shape. Which also saved me some dough.

I think I was in Terrain when I spotted a burlap reading chair, it was gorgeous! So naturally I had to knock it off.

What I used:

40'' tall 27'' wide coffee bean burlap - purchased here for $2

Helmar Fabric Glue

Upholstery nails (from previous trim on chair)

Thumbtacks to hold burlap in place while gluing

A knife (...something not sharp) to press fabric

I also cut off the burlap seams (which was "roped" burlap) and used that as the trim on the back cushion

I think overall this project costs me less than $10.

Which is killer, obviously.

Now I just have to convince Mike we need everything covered in burlap, and we'll be set!

Like a nice toaster oven cover :D

2010-11-05T09:28:00.000-07:00

This past week:
Took a trip to the 113 farm

I've discovered Eugenio Recuenco -- you want to go here

Added the dark side (my newest board on Pinterest)

Purchased and cut apart coffee bean burlap bags

Drank strong, delicious coffee

Voted

Brought home Swain Thieves (thanks to Andrea)

This weekend I plan to:

Persuade Mike to buy me a sweet potato muffin from Jasmine's...

Be a proud aunt at Cayla's Girl Scout banquet

Finish the coffee bean burlap office chair

Swoon over Martha's Sewing Encyclopedia and anxiously await the use of a sewing machine.

Finish Nip/Tuck season 6 - aka try and get my life back from Netflix

---

I hope you all have a great weekend!

CHRISTMAS ALREADY?!?!?!

2010-11-03T08:17:00.000-07:00

It's hard to believe that before we get to have our Halloween candy (and eat it too), Christmas decorations and sign squealing "EXTRA SUPER LARGE CHRISTMAS DISCOUNT SALE NOW!" are already littering our towns.

Eh hem...

I love Christmas! Don't you?!

This year I plan to do very special gifts for friends and family that have supported me throughout the year. I also wanted to do something special for those of you, may you be a stranger or not, who have supported my photography and my shops.

This year is the $25 sale!

How it works:

Purchase the Holiday Sale listing, or any 8x8 and as a special gift to you

please choose another 8x8 of your choice, plus another 8x8 to be printed as 5x5

for free!

*Please leave titles of special free prints in "Notes To Seller" at check-out*

3 prints for the price of 1?

Yep. Done and Done.

Don't forget, I can also send your prints directly to a gift recipient

with a special note.

The Holiday sale begins November 4th and ends December 15th!

All Hallows Eve...

2010-10-29T06:16:00.000-07:00

I Dwell in a lonely house I know

That vanished many a summer ago,

And left no trace but the cellar walls,

And a cellar in which the daylight falls,

And the purple-stemmed wild raspberries grow.

O'er ruined fences the grape-vines shield

The woods come back to the mowing field;

The orchard tree has grown one copse

Of new wood and old where the woodpecker chops;

The footpath down to the well is healed.

I dwell with a strangely aching heart

In that vanished abode there far apart

On that disused and forgotten road

That has no dust-bath now for the toad.

Night comes; the black bats tumble and dart;

The whippoorwill is coming to shout

And hush and cluck and flutter about:

I hear him begin far enough away

Full many a time to say his say

Before he arrives to say it out.

It is under the small, dim, summer star.

I know not who these mute folk are

Who share the unlit place with me--

Those stones out under the low-limbed tree

Doubtless bear names that the mosses mar.

They are tireless folk, but slow and sad,

Though two, close-keeping, are lass and lad,--

With none among them that ever sings,

And yet, in view of how many things,

As sweet companions as might be had.

GhostHouse

-Robert Frost-

Have a Happy and Safe All Hallows Eve!

Under The Trees

2010-10-21T15:20:00.000-07:00

Under the trees, I'm at peace with myself.

I'm home.

---

Dread: apothecary

2010-10-18T12:48:00.000-07:00

The anxiety and grief has finally released their grip on me. I haven't been much of any use these past few weeks, and finally picked up my camera (shamefully, it's been weeks) and began to shoot.

Oh....it melted everything away.

Camera, I love you.

available in print

I like this series, do you?

It's a great way to make sense of my glass bottle obsession.

....and an excuse to continue it.

Bake it

2010-10-02T04:11:00.000-07:00

It's about that time again! I pretty much will bake uncontrollably all through the fall season.

How can you not? The weather is gorgeous, and I'm an early riser on weekends anyway so why not make myself useful (and my boyfriend happy) by baking.

This is a great recipe that can change to fit your cravings. The original called for chocolate chip cookies, but I added the cranberries for some bite.

I do believe Kaelyn gave me this recipe, it was written on a calendar page (with sharpie, no less) stuffed inside one of my books. ::shrugs:: It's delicious, regardless.

Our little tropical storm has finally stopped (although you wouldn't be able to tell from the overflowing rivers causing mania in our area), and I hope to have a sunny and relaxing weekend.

Enjoy yours, wherever you are!

Priscilla

2010-09-23T12:55:00.000-07:00

I'm still getting used to this area, and for whatever reason I still talk about Berwyn as if I have doubts.

The truth is, I've been having one amazing experience after another. I've met a few neighbors who enthusiastically talked about food and art with me, and one in particular....shared her life story. I think if I walked away she still would have kept talking, but the point is everyone seems so open and nice. Not at all what I expected moving to the Main Line (the stuffy, I drive expensive cars so I'll cut you off and spend $45.00 on a sandwich type o folks).

Before I moved here, I guess I thought I'd have to be around that certain type of person all the time. Funny thing is, I'm finding these great little nooks all throughout town that are starting to light sparks of love for Berwyn.

Our neighborhood feels like a beach community, which is so fun. Everybody is outside their fences either chatting or walking their dogs (I've met quite a bunch of those, Marshmallow sticks out the most). It's very relaxing and I can feel myself slowly settling in. I still have rising bursts of anxiety, but it's fading away.

We needed house plants.

So I finally stopped by Flowers by Priscilla off Lancaster Ave and see what this funky little shop was all about.

Let me tell you, do not be fooled by the prim and proper website. Priscilla is a fast-talking, quick-moving, straight to the point woman who made an impression on me almost immediately.

I hadn't even look at a single plant, but I knew I'd leave buying something from this magical place.

Picture this:

If a mad chemist had a wife who adored flora and fauna, glass bottles and do-dads so much she opened a little shop. That would be Priscilla.

We talked and she asked my name.

"Tina? Oh! Do you know the song Tina the Ballerina?" and quickly disappeared into the back, behind some flowers to find the song on youtube.

It was a whirlwind for the 15 minutes I was there, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Exactly what I needed this afternoon.

I bought this little guy for our bathroom, as well as these dried seedy things that I have no idea what they are. Any idea?

She never did find that song....

2010-09-09T15:08:00.000-07:00

Hi!!!

::waves::

I think I'm finally getting back into the groove of things now that we're a tiny (and I mean..super tiny) bit settled in our new home. I realized a very important fact about Mike & myself.

We're hoarders.

Not the trash keeping, paper clip collecting, strapping ourselves to chairs so we don't fall in the muck on the floor, kind of hoarders.

I guess more along the lines of pack rats.

A lot of stuff, no where to go with it. We're working on it, though.

I'm not completely ready to feature whole rooms at once (because I've strategically not shown the towering boxes in any of these photos), so here are some mini scenes from our new place at Bridge, Berwyn.

I apologize for small images, I didn't want a long row of single images :/

taken with FXCam on Motorola Backflip

ok, enough with the pillow making already.

2010-08-27T03:44:00.000-07:00

I never considered myself crafty.

Or, domestic. Yes, I can cook, water plants and make pretties with a camera, but furniture finishing? Pillow-making? DIYing? Count me out.

With my old age (that would be 25) I find myself daydreaming about fabrics, wood finishes, and cute containers to hold all my pencils, or kitchen things.

Yes, I officially became that girl.

The funny thing is, I don't mind it at all. I really enjoy learning how to create things for my home, and the whole cheap ticket really is the best part.

I adored this little button up skirt from American Eagle I got last summer. At the time, I was flirting with the idea of wearing more skirts (my wardrobe is pretty basic) and this (which was also on sale!) seemed a great way to start it out.

So fast forward to this summer, and I'm 30 lbs lighter.

Meaning, this skirt just falls to the floor when I put it on.

I loved the button detail so much, I decided I could make it into a pillow.

And that I did.

The fabric is a really, really soft corduroy, grayish blue with great bronzey buttons.

When I finished cutting the first panel, I did toy with the idea of making it a cute strapless top of some sort.

But let's be honest, my sewing machine skills are extremely limited.

It would have been a disaster. I can only make pillows. Seriously.

I can't get over the cute little buttons!

The size is a 18x12 insert. The white pillows behind, I have yet to find a fabric for. They will stay white, but I'm thinking a linen of some sort. I got those 2 from Ross for $4.

Oh! And this new (to me) white comforter is an Ikea down comforter that I think runs for $30-$40?

I got it at Liberty Thrift for $12

The hardest part was the elastic synched waistband, I kind of left a bit of it at the top of the pillow (which is stratigically not shown) so it would be easier to sew closed. It's not perfect, but that doesn't really matter.

Alrighty, now that I've made several pillows for my bed, I think it's time to tackle something bigger. Any ideas? Anything that's not hard like a sofa slipcover?

I'm going to focus on packing and getting things ready for the new apartment in the next week. Things will be a little MIA for a bit, but I'll be back. With new apartment pics, of course :)

Enjoy your weekends, lovies!

Florida is hot. Seriously.

2010-08-24T10:01:00.000-07:00

I am back from Florida, and although refreshed I somehow caught a little flu and I'm feeling pretty miserable today. Luckily it's cloudy and chilly outside, so I can stay in my house and watch HGTV without guilt.

I'm out of shape, and it's sickening.

Not a body out of shape, but a fine art out of shape.

All the images from my Florida trip seem uninspired, and dull.

Ugh, it's very disappointing. It's funny how all this time I've been using my camera differently (more food shots), and when I try to go back to shooting scenery I just fall flat.

Ok, well I do have one photograph that I felt was pretty cool.

It's actually the first one I took when we arrived. Go figure.

I wanted this image to set the mood for how I would photograph the rest of the trip.

But things didn't seem to quite work out that way. I couldn't tell you the reasons, it just wasn't going to happen and I wasn't about to force anything.

Or make any of you look at ugly photos and ask (or beg) to say nice things about them.

That just isn't me.

Where is the groove, and how do I get it back?

I can already hear my Dad "Practice makes perfect, and you're out of practice, so stop whining and go shoot." Thanks ahead of time, Pops.

Things are really busy here (that seems to be the norm, though) and-

OH!

I really almost forgot about my important little news.

........so...Mike and I move into our first apartment September 1st.

!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We're super excited, and admittedly, a little nervous.

I wanted to share some pics but when we did our first walk through, it never even crossed our minds. I think it was because we knew this would be our new home, and there'd be plenty of time for pictures later. So there, I've shared it!

I never lived with a boyfriend before and I'm figuring there's going to be some seriously weird things I'll have to get used to.

Any of you have any tips when it comes to living with the opposite sex?

I'd appreciate a head's up on anything!

Well, back to Design Star & a cup of a coffee.

-T

Thai food is the 2nd best thing in life...well...besides my cat Piggy...

2010-08-13T13:34:00.000-07:00

...and I guess my boyfriend too. But the point is, Thai recipes (which I find to be the hardest to recreate) are so freaking amazinggggg, and addicting.

I found a sweet little coconut based soup from FOOD&WINE (August 2010) that had my mouth watering halfway through the recipe list.

This afternoon I got some free time to test out the recipe, and do a pretty little set up.

Spicy Avocado Cucumber Soup

Ingredients:

2 - 12 oz cucumbers - peeled, seeded, & chopped

2 - Haas avocados, chopped

2 tsp Thai green curry paste

2 tsp sugar

2 tsp grated lime zest

1 serrano chili *I put in two* - seeded & chopped

1 - 13oz can unsweetened coconut milk

3 T lime juice

salt

1/2 cup coconut flakes

cilantro sprigs

1. In a food processor, puree the cucumbers until smooth. Add the avocados, curry paste, sugar, lime zest & chile. Process until blended. Add 1 - 3 cups of water (depending how "soupy" you want your soup. I only added 1 cup so it would be creamier), coconut milk, lime juice and process until smooth. Transfer the soup to large bowl and season with salt. Cover and refrigerate until chilled, about 15 minutes.

2. Meanwhile, toast the coconut flakes in a pan over low hear, stirring, until lightly browned and crisp. This takes about 3 minutes.

3. Ladle soup into small bowls or cups, garnish with coconut flakes, cilantro sprigs and serve.

Servings: About 6-10

I think the soup has a really unique flavor, and the idea of it being served chilled makes it a great late afternoon snack when the August heat just doesn't want to give up.

Also- toasted coconut flakes are now my new favorite snack.

---

I found this super easy to make, and lessened my fear of cooking Thai for myself.

Are there any cuisines that you just love but have the hardest time recreating in your kitchen?

I'm off to enjoy the weekend! And pack a lot of boxes................

2010-08-05T08:56:00.000-07:00

Florida in 13 days.

I. cannot. wait.

2010-07-27T16:34:00.000-07:00

I've had an exceptionally good day, with some great news (hopefully I can share soon!) so I wanted to spread the goodness around.

A sale seemed appropriate.

From today til Friday, August 6th I will be having a BOGO sale at the shop.

Purchase any 8x8 (or 8x10) of your choice, type in the title of your second (free) print in "notes to seller" and zing! You're done!

Any questions, just let me know!

Thank you (times a million) to everyone who has kept this shop going with all your love, support, & inspiration.

Feel like making Whoopie

2010-07-25T07:44:00.000-07:00

...pies?

What? What did you think I meant?

Dirty, dirty minds.....

It has been a whirlwind of weather around here. Agonizing heat during the day, and horribly thrashy thunderstorms at night. I've been at the house alone all week dog-sitting, so of course it needs to be scary outside.

Holiday catalogs generally shoot during the summer, and one of the catalogs we shoot for started this past week. I'm absolutely exhausted, and can't seem to do anything that involves a computer after work.

My evenings have evolved into a lot of grilling with friends, tip toeing around the garden, and playing with food.

Which brings me to the whoopie pies :)

These are from our local shop, but I've been searching for a recipe to make my own.

The pies were piled and set on a light blue & white checkered pillowcase which sat on this adorable wheely table that I got from Goodwill for $3! I will eventually do a before and after of that (...when I decide how to finish it.)

The light was super perfect because a storm was rolling in and the clouds were the diffusers (btw- this was shot in our garage, with the door half open).

They are delicious little cake sandwiches filled with frosting, for those of you unfamiliar with the whoopie mania.

Hope everything is well out in the blogosphere.

I officially booked my tickets for Florida.

Vacation can't come soon enough!

Wix it

2010-07-12T17:08:00.000-07:00

Happy Monday!

It's quite dreary outside, with all this rain and thunderstorming.

I pretend to mope around but secretly I enjoy it.

My website which I built using Wix was recently reviewed on their photo blog!

Ron from Wix was so sweet in letting me know, and I read early Saturday morning.

Like... 5am early.

I think the reviewer nailed me on the head, and totally called me out on my bio (or the lack of one). I'm contemplating hiring someone to write it for me, all this nonsense about myself doesn't seem interesting to me. Overall, I'm super excited about how it was received. It made me feel proud of my little space on the interweb :)

Anyway, please read it if you get the time!

Review Tina Crespo Photography

Ahh, the weekend.

2010-07-09T16:33:00.000-07:00

Strawberries in my ginger aleeeeeeeeee.

Because I roll like that.

Dear Humidity/Heat,
I say this on behave of the easter coasters melting with just a step outside,
please cool it off! Stop forcing our electric companies to shut down, and making our poor, poor puppies not want to play outside with us.

Cheers,
Tina

(A totally immature comment about the second glass in this photo. Don't the strawberries kind of look like a bikini? It made me chuckle. Didn't notice that until after I was done shooting, of course.)

early girl bakes muffins

2010-07-03T05:20:00.000-07:00

It's totally understandable to step into cranky pants at 6:30 in the morning when someone is making a considerable amount of noise in the kitchen. I swear, I'll try my best to be quiet and something (usually large, and heavy) goes flying out of my hands onto the floor. Whoops, my bust.

But when these babies start rising and the smell reaches every floor in the house, I was greeted with smiles and "Mmmm, smells good." instead of "What the hell are you doing baking this early?"

Sweet Banana Muffins

ingredients:

1 cup flour

1 T baking powder

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/8 tsp salt

1 cup mashed bananas (or more!)

1/4 cup sugar (or 2 T of Splenda/Sugar blend)

1 large egg

1 tsp vanilla

1/4 cup applesauce

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease muffin pan or line with paper muffin liners.

In medium bowl combine flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt together.

In separate bowl, combine banana, sugar, egg and vanilla extract. Blend until well mixed. Add applesauce. Slowly combine dry mixture to banana mixture. Blend well.

Scoop batter into prepared muffin cups. Bake 15-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center of a muffin comes out clean. Let cool before serving.

Makes 12 perfect muffins.

*Incase you're curious about the stats*

Calories: 79

Fat: 0.6g

Carbs: 17g

Protein: 1.8g

Time to refill my coffee cup and enjoy one of these little guys out in the back yard.

I hope everyone has a safe and fun 4th of July!!!

xo -T

a photo you've never seen...

2010-06-24T08:05:00.000-07:00

Mexico

2010-06-22T18:17:00.000-07:00

I do believe this is my first time back to the computer since Friday, my birthday.

Oh, because I was running wild all over Philadelphia, losing shoes, and money and getting hastily drunk and eating until my heart's content?

I wish.

I'll keep it simple, and not crowd this space with too many details.
Friday (Birthday) emergency run to the vet for Piggy.
+ horrific sciatic nerve pain.
+ cancelled birthday plans
+stomach flu all weekend
+more back pain
+Piggy getting worse after Friday,
another run to the vet today.

That's ah...that was my Birthday weekend.

I did shoot a cake, though?
It's the prissy little White Cake from Wegman's.
And it's delicious.

Mike and I ate it for breakfast on my birthday.

Ya know, before all hell decided to break loose.

This weekend was so bad, it just has to be comical.

....I'm not exactly laughing yet, but maybe in a few days.

favorite picture you've never seen

2010-06-16T10:12:00.000-07:00

Every photographer has one (or 100). Photographs that have never made it to the surface, for whatever reason. It may be lit incorrectly, blurry, or it doesn't go with the style you're trying to create for yourself.

I have so many of those! It doesn't feel right to keep them hidden on my external hard drive. I'd love to start a weekly post featuring photographs that aren't perfect, but favorites none the less.

I absolutely love this photograph of Cayla.

Who would have all this grace at the age of 5? No one.

Ok, maybe I'm giving her too much credit. She is the goofiest little kid I know, and I've been told she's just like me when I was that age. I give my brother credit for having to go through it all again with his daughter this time.

But boy she knows when that camera is pointed her way.

---

So..Friday is my birthday.

25.

Old.

Quarter Century.

Oldddddddd.

To celebrate, I wanted to do everything that makes me happy.

So that means, lots of mexican food.

Going here because I'm strange and love abandoned shiz.

Also going here because I've been dying for some pistachio ice cream!

Spending the rest of the weekend with family, and perhaps more apartment hunting.

Have a great week everyone!

P.S Thank you so much for the comments on the previous post. I'm really glad to know people have my back, and like the direction(s) this blog is going. It means so much to me!

Minty, baby

2010-06-11T08:45:00.000-07:00

I am totally looking forward to the long weekend ahead of me. Sometimes, you just need a break from everything, kick your shoes (flip flops) off and do what makes you feel good.
I plan on attempting some sewing (yes, sewing) projects with some really great linens I found at Liberty Thrift Store, maybe try a new recipe or two.
The Weight of Water has been in my tote for a week now, I fully plan on reading the whole thing this weekend as well.

Oh! Have you tried this deliciously refreshing drink? All you need is some fresh mint and lime (optional, of course). It's perfect, and cools you down.

An interesting note: I got a kind of strange email from someone who follows the blog. It seems she is becoming disappointed with my "transition" to more food related posts, rather than fine art.

To say the least, I was a little hurt but felt I had to justify myself.

In reality, I don't. This blog is about what I love, and that is (all kinds of) photography. Period.

Yes, I started this with only sharing fine art and shop news, but to be completely honest that isn't who I am all the time, every day. I've said before, photographing food is a love that has recently been renewed (outside of studio clients), and it's evident that I am enjoying myself.

So, without trying to sound like a pucker-face, this is my blog. I'll post what I want.

----

I hope everyone has a great weekend!

Do something fun, new, and what makes you happy.

Summer Apricot Tart

2010-06-07T19:14:00.000-07:00

So, it's obvious I have a thing for tarts.

Recipe (taken from Better Homes & Gardens: Diabetic Meals):

1 recipe cornmeal crust

1/3 cup sugar

3 tablespoons flour

1/4 tsp nutmeg or cinnamon

3 cups sliced, pitted fresh apricots

1 tablespoon lemon juice

2 tsp fat free milk

cornmeal crust:

In a medium bowl, stir together 3/4 cup flour, 1/3 cup cornmeal, 2 tablespoons sugar, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and 1/8 teaspoon salt. Cut in 3 tablespoons butter until the size of small peas. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon cold fat free milk over mixture; gently toss with a fork. Add an additional 3-4 tablespoons fat free milk, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the dough is moistened (dough will be crumbly). Lay onto a lightly floured surface and kneed 7-8 times. Form into a ball.

1. Grease and lightly flour a large baking sheet. Prepare cornmeal crust. On the baking sheet, flatten dough. Roll into a circle 12 inches in diameter. Set aside **I actually did mine about 12 inches long, and 8 or so inches across.**

2. For filling, stir together sugar, flour, nutmeg or cinnamon in a bowl. Stir in apricots and lemon juice. Mound the filling in the center of crust, leaving a 2 inch border. Fold border up over filling. Brush top and side of crust with the milk.

3. Bake in 375˚ oven about 40 minutes or until crust is golden and bubbly.

Cool tart on a baking sheet or wire rack for 30 minutes before serving.

I found this recipe to be very simple, and super tasty. I added a little more lemon juice because I love extra tartness. The crust was great, and I'm thinking of other recipes I can use it in. Of course, you can change up the fruit , too!

_____

It's Monday night, and I'm off to bed early.

Ok...I'm probably watching Family Guy on Hulu..

the stirrings of an obsession

2010-06-01T10:01:00.000-07:00

Blue, green, grey, white or black;

smooth, ruffled, or mountainous;

that ocean is not silent.

-h.p. lovecraft-

Milk Chocolate Pistachio Tart

2010-05-26T04:50:00.000-07:00

Enter, the green monster. The most delicious, creamy, yummy chocolate tart ever.

Original Recipe

To keep it "I'm counting calories and...you want me to eat that?" friendly, I used half and half instead of heavy cream, a Splenda/Sugar blend instead of sugar, and 2% milk instead of whole milk for the chocolately ganache on top. It cut the calories nearly in half, and dropped the fat grams by 10.
...

Time Consuming? Yes, it literally took me all day (damn you unshelled pistachios...).

Worth it? Absolutely
...
I think my family and friends consumed it in less than 24 hours.
Poof! Gone.

...
Props: milk jar 10¢
antique silverware 25¢ each
tart pan 50¢
napkins, plate, old cutting boards all on hand.
There's a sweet little used furniture store where the employees know me by name. I stop by nearly every day after work looking for finds, and this place has some seriously good stuff. I'm planning on buying most of the furniture, kitchen supplies, and other fun things there when the time is right.
Don't ask me the store's name because I'd never tell...
Unless you're from out of state and just visiting, then maybe I'll take you there.
Blindfolded.
:)

What takes up about 11 hours of my day, every single day of the week?

2010-05-25T06:25:00.000-07:00

Food.

For the better part of my day, I am in the studio working with food stylists, prop stylists, and of course the ever talented Maggie (aka Maggle). It's a second home to me, a place where I feel comfortable and happy.

I'm surrounded by some pretty creative individuals, and I count myself as being very lucky.

It only feels right to share something that is such a huge part of my life, with you.

Here's what I'd like to do:

A few posts a month will be dedicated to my love of food photography.
Mostly it'll be me trying out new recipes and photographing them in my makeshift studio (aka the back garage).

How does that sound?
Hopefully good, because I already baked and shot a pretty delicious recipe yesterday :)

Here I thought I was over blogging.
Looks like I just needed to put a little bit more of me into it.

Have a great day - T

The $15 dollar table

2010-05-22T03:17:00.000-07:00

The story begins like this:

So what if your legs are wobbly, you're $15 dollars and coming home with me!

I love DIY projects. I'm a complete thrifter at heart, and the idea of turning ordinary/old/banged up things into lovable pieces for my home makes it even better.

Not entirely sure that DIY love me back, though...

I tend to be pretty impatient, and rush through projects like a frantic mess.

That may have something to do with my left brain-ness or because I'm a Gemini.

Never the less, I'm inspired every single day by people like Holly, Sherry & John, & pretty much anything on DesignSponge. Plus many, many other great blogs.

Mike and I have started our search for ::gasp: our first apartment together. We're very excited to take this next step in our relationship, and yeah I can't help but be giddy about decorating our space. So, I'm getting a little head start on some things. Like giving second chances to used and battered furniture!

I'm pretty proud of this little guy.

And yes, I fixed his wobbly legs.

Before & After

I did some distressing, and I absolutely love the deep magazine tray on top. I may mod podge some pretty paper inside, to give it some color and make it a more durable in case drinks are set down on it, or flower vases are knocked over by kitties.

What kind of paper would you recommend? What about the color, style?

___

I've got a yummy green monster to take on today.

Terrain: the obsession continues...

2010-05-20T04:41:00.000-07:00

::I was very inspired by this beautiful tablescape!::

Terrain

___

I'm cutting out early this week, with Maggie headed to Paris there's a little downtime at the studio.

Downtime as in shooting, because I will be cleaning out every room we've got, and reorganizing.

Which, the nerd in me, freaking loves.

I also hope to finish up a little magazine table project I started, and take a desperately needed trip to the bookstore for coffee and relaxation.

Enjoy your day, folks!

Art Star Craft Bazaar

2010-05-17T03:20:00.000-07:00

This weekend was all about the artsy fartsy crafty stuff.

Of course, I needed to go and begged Mike to come along.

I found a flickr pool of past events, and ohhhhhh my god it got me all excited for our little trip into the city.

It was really amazing, and we had such great weather! All the vendors were super cool and loved chatting it up. Oh! The food was great too, Mike kept going on and on about the vegan chocolate chip cookies. He was on a roll, and very loud about it too.

I found out that JAY McCARROLL (Winner of Project Runway season 1) was going to have his booth selling The Colony at the bizaar. He is so fabulous in person (like you had any doubts...), and was selling really fun items.

I couldn't leave without purchasing his Crack Rabbit Tote, as well as a couple other items(see below).

Here are a few pictures from that day.

___

Mason Jar Dishtowel Open Eyes Press

:::

Overly Vulgar Mini Cards Misanthrope Specialty Company

Mike got this JAWN shirt from Secret Lovers

Yeah, he's a picture ruiner like myself. Probably why I like him.

Here are a few other shops that blew my mind:

Emma Lynne Photography

Open Eyes Press
the Misanthrope Specialty company

___

It was a pretty wonderful weekend, all up until the shooting pain started in my left hip and leg. I'm thinking it's my sciatic nerve, definitely the wrong time to have an injury.

It's the last week of P90X, and of course I go and hurt myself!

How was everyone's weekend?

Birthday

2010-05-14T03:54:00.000-07:00

This Saturday, my little Muse turns five!

Wow, that makes me feel like an old Aunt...

I know she will be asking for lots of Barbies, maybe another go- kart (eh hem, to replace the one she broke while taking the turns too hard. Just like her Daddy.), and most likely, her Nannie.

Happy Birthday Miss Cayla!

Love, Te-Te

---

Have a great weekend, everyone!

unmentionables - olga vayner

2010-05-12T17:47:00.000-07:00

It absolutely astounds me that some of the most beautiful, creative, thought provoking photography could have such few comments in our lovely world of flickr. Sometimes what is safe and cute may be popular.

But can also be boring...

I sincerely doubt you will find Olga Vayner's photography a yawn fest.

The depths of color (or rather, tones in the black and whites) are to die for.

The styling of each photograph is perfection, each piece is monumental.

I urge you to travel to Olga's Flickr Stream and leave this phenomenal photographer some comments.

You won't be disappointed.

Saturday's Diptych

2010-05-08T13:06:00.000-07:00

I'll give you enough time to regain your composure,

to reconstruct a heart that's torn apart from overexposure.

remember to breathe

2010-05-03T09:56:00.001-07:00

flower junkie.

really relaxing weekend.

here comes another stressful week, so i thought i'd post some photos (yes, from Terrain again. I am obsessed!) that brought on some calming vibes.

can ya dig it?

Losing the jerkiness of me

2010-04-25T08:31:00.000-07:00

Lately I haven't been feeling much like myself. Even worse, I haven't felt much like a photographer either.

The blog, and shop have gotten to become more of an obligation than a joy in the last month or so. I tend to feel guilty if I don't post often, especially since I haven't been shooting all that much either.

I started to think it was time for me to take a break.

The last thing I want to do is shoot just for the sake of selling a print.

That was never, ever my intentions when I first started to explore fine art.

I suppose I got caught up in the quantity>quality and it began eating at me slowly.

So a decision, and a list has been made if for nothing but to keep my sanity.

• Start shooting for me

• Clean lenses more often

• Take advantage of any beautiful light outside.

• Be thankful for positive people in my life, and show them

• Tripod Light Stand (a DIYproject that I intended to start over a year ago)

• Speak up about ideas

• Don't be afraid to fail

• Learn how to paint furniture, successfully (Do you know Holly @LifeInTheFunLane? Yeah, intimidating)

• Never forget yourself or your dreams

• Don't be a jerk(!!)

This little list is a start of getting my life back in order.

Have any of you had these sort of roadblocks? How did you overcome them?

The shop will stay open, and I will post to the blog as often as I can but I truly intend on doing things for myself from now on. No more guilty feelings. You may see some photography that you've never seen from me before.

I hope you love it, all the same.

-Tina

Terrain

2010-04-25T06:28:00.000-07:00

Oh, hi. Can I live here?

get a job

2010-04-19T07:24:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow is Job Fair at Antonelli Institute.

Job Fair is held for the soon-to-be graduates of 2010.

They will go through simulated interviews with photographers in the field to prep their minds for the real world they are about to enter.

This will be our (Maggie & myself) second time attending!

This is why we're so excited:

Not only are we representing a working commercial studio, I also get to represent myself as a fine art photographer.

Our goal is to show the students, you can really do anything. You shouldn't have to limit yourself to one type of photography. I really hope we inspire the commercial and fine art students a little tomorrow.

On the real, real:

Even though photography students are mainly wedding & portrait, there are commercial and fine art students there just trying to find their own way. I can tell you from experience that as a commercial student being interviewed by a portrait studio was a little...disheartening. I didn't think I'd be hired from a portfolio filled with food & product shots.

But, it did give me the courage to go on more interviews after college and some of the interviewers had great feedback for my portfolio.

Of course, I'm already nervous. There is something extremely profound about being asked to interview students from where you graduated. It is also very humbling being back in the old hallways, and seeing teachers who really kicked your butt into gear. You feel proud of yourself, to being working in your field, and you want to represent your studio perfectly.

What I love about our studio is the fact that we are real people. We dress casually, we act up (....a lot), but we get the job done, and we do a hell of a good job.

*a little fyi, Mike graduated Valedictorian from Antonelli in 2006 for Graphic Design, he will also be there interviewing the graphic students. I'm a proud little girlfriend because he can do everything.

The students love him because he's young and in his professional career and does freelance designs from home. He's the real deal, and is definitely inspirational!

So, wish us luck! I will chat with you guys later :)

Links:

Antonelli Institute
Mike Hrebin
Antonelli Flickr Group

dear you

2010-04-17T05:05:00.000-07:00

dear fast & furious honda guy that tried to race me yesterday,

just because i drive a mazda, with an insanely unnecessary exhaust

doesn't mean i am going to partake in your game.

yes, i know beating a girl will boost your ego

but it still won't change that POS you're driving.

dear mourning doves this morning,

generally i love your cooing. but today?

what was that?

dear cannoli,

i really, really wanted to eat you yesterday.

really, really, really.

dear itunes shuffle,

you have been amazing these past few days.

please don't stop bringing the good stuff!

dear running kicks,

i can't believe i lived a life without you!

i never thought i could run without feeling

death is running behind me either.

dear bangs,

you look cute. but please grow a litttttllleee bit longer.

dear friends from a distant land,

have you met (and friended!!)

Chester the Dog?

dear future apartment with boyfriend,

i can't wait to meet you.

||

2010-04-15T05:46:00.000-07:00

-a mist in the valley lying -

.losing yourself.

2010-04-12T08:14:00.000-07:00

First Row L to R - ::Elle:: rimel neffati :: Iris Kivisalu ::

Bottom Row L to R - :: Dylan_Murphy :: Ervin Bartis ::

It's pretty undeniable that each self portrait is gorgeous.
I've never conducted a successful self portrait to date.
I find these inspiring, and okay I'm a little jealous.

Found through flickr contacts and flickr "self portrait" groups.