Photo Works/Diana F+: Round 1

So I got my first batch of photographs developed! I found this great place in Temecula called Photo Works. Apparently they are the only place in the Temecula Valley that develops 120 film, and they sell it for about $4 a roll! Leroy helped me, and aside from thinking he knew how completely clueless I was- he was awesome and very helpful and really knew what he was talking about when answering all my bizarre questions. I took two rolls of film in and honestly, I'm surprised anything came back. After you take a picture with this kind of camera you kind of look at it like, hmm... did you actually do anything? All you do is push the lever down- similar to a slot machine, you hear a little click, and apparently it takes a picture! It's crazy really, having a camera that you don't have to charge or use a battery (except for the flash).

So here is a sampling: the first five pictures were taken with Color Negative 800 film, and the "dreamy" old-school looking pictures at the end were taken with Color Slide 200 film.

I am in love.

This is just awesome- mid yawn

Two pictures: one slide

                              

This is crazy... do you see the sky and mountains?
And my cat looking out the bedroom window? 

   

                            

                            

Easy Organizing: The Bathroom Counter!

I came up with this idea when I didn't have a medicine cabinet in my old studio, but I still use it even though I do have a medicine cabinet now! It's great when you have a lot of little bottles, or small things you use everyday- when the act of walking to the medicine cabinet and pulling it open is just too much. I actually keep all my make-up in the top tier for easy access. My boyfriend uses it too! The tiered pastry/cake holder came from an antique store, as well as the plates, and I stuck some Mucha cardboard postcards in the back- really just  because I needed a place to put them. Fabulous!

Easy Organizing: Jewelry

I have a lot of necklaces... and I find the best way to keep them organized, and easily accessible, is to hang them. I found a nice long, sturdy stick, string and a decorative tack (I love these upholstery tacks from Joann's- I use them any time I need a tack!) I didn't think I had enough space for all my necklaces on the wall, but it ended up fitting perfectly behind my bathroom door.  I like it's vibe... too easy.

200 Peruvian Lilies

200 Blooms of Peruvian Lilies from proflowers.com, oh my! 

I just wish I had one more vase! 

The tall blue vase is actually on clearance right now at Joann's in Temecula for only $7! They had it in a bunch of colors too, I need to go!

The Perfect Pair: Artichokes

I love artichokes. I love them so much I will eat a meal of only artichokes. And tonight, besides eating an early snack of soup, I boiled two artichokes on medium for about 35 minutes (cover them just about half-way with water, so they will stand on their own) and I ate them with the best artichoke dip ever: about 3 parts mayo to 1 part yellow mustard. To someone who is hesitant: please try, and then tell me how great it was. YUM! 

the dip should look similar to this

Dream Headboards

I made myself a padded fabric covered headboard because my bedroom was in serious need of improvement. After moving in with my boyfriend I realized I had to stop using all my floral sarongs from Hawaii to decorate my bare walls; so this left me with two things: white walls and a lacking bedroom. I made the headboard in about two hours and my whole bedroom looked so much better- and to be honest watching TV in bed has never been so comfortable. I want to start making headboards for whoever needs so please, don't be shy.  

Before & After:

Before: blah

After: ahhh

Edelweiss: My First Blog

What is a blog for, if not to write about your favorite things. So for my first blog here is one of my new favorite things: The Diana F+ Edelweiss Edition Camera by Lomography.

Isn't she beautiful? I got her for Christmas just yesterday.

I am not that into photography. Don't get me wrong I appreciate a good photograph, but I can not tell you what shutter speed to use in what kind of light... or what a shutter was until this afternoon. I still have yet to figure out how film speed affects my pictures, and if anyone wishes to explain- pray tell! However, I really enjoy reading about how to use my new camera and looking at all the cool pictures my new camera can take. Here's a few examples from the Lomography website:

Anyway, I already went on a walk today and used a whole roll of film! I even practiced using the flash inside on my cats... they might not have appreciated it. Can't wait to get my pictures up here once I find a photo lab to develop them at. CVS definitely doesn't take 120 film- and when I find out who does in the Temecula Valley I will tell.