Jessica's Camera Bag

Summer time and the livin's easy!

2011-06-23T19:11:00.001-04:00

Lolo Filter: Car show! I would love to cruise around in this beauty!

Instant Filter: My girls and I at Brookside Gardens enjoying a book (because reading it cool!) with our new Prince Charming.

Instant Filter: Hats at the Belfry in Annapolis

Lolo Filter: Starfish at The National Zoo

Italiano Filter: This is one of Camera Bag's new filters. It creates a soft, aged black and white affect that's really nice.

Do you need a little more gnome in your life?

No...?

You're scared?

Well, if you have read How to Survive a Garden Gnome Attack: Defend Yourself when the Lawn Warriors Strike (and the will) like I have, then I can understand your reluctance. Yes, they can be dangerous critters, but these are safe ones (seriously!). Add them to a photo of your choice with the Gnome-matic app! You can rotate the gnome, size, and place him wherever you'd like in the photo. Pretty funny :o)

Spring Doesn't Cost a Thing

2011-04-25T16:44:00.000-04:00

We recently took a trip to DC for the Cherry Blossom Festival. Unfortunately we missed the peak by a few days, and most of the blooms had already fallen (I blame the rain and finicky weather). It was still a great trip though!

Silver Filter: Washington Monument

Colorcross Filter: Lincoln Memorial and Paddle Boats

Lolo Filter: This community garden at the US Dept of Agriculture made me want to go home and start planting my garden!

Hipstamatic App

Lens: John S

Film: Ina's 1969

Flash: Off

Another picture of the Washington Monument -- I really like the image this particular app and lens produces

TGIF!

2011-04-08T19:19:00.000-04:00

Let me begin by saying that I am so, SO glad that is week is over. That is a gross understatement by the way. Monday definitely started on a very poor note, which quickly snowballed into a very horrible week (there are a few people who can definitely share my pain on this one). Anyway, it's over and I can finally relax a bit so I wanted to finish posting pictures from our trip to San Antonio. We were only there for a weekend, but we had such a great time! The Riverwalk is a lot of fun, if you are ever in the San Antonio area. Oh, and everything is bigger in Texas (or so I hear)!

Lolo Filter: This beautiful horse was standing across from the hotel we stayed, which is right next to the Alamo.

Lolo Filter: Me with a wax statue of the Undertaker (I think that's who it is)

Colorcross Filter: Love this picture. I had to stand off to the side so that I wouldn't pick up my reflection.

Magazine Filter: I'm happy I was able to photograph the Alamo without any people standing in front of it.

Colorcross Filter: These stars could be found on the ground to denote historic buildings.

Photo Booth Fun!

2011-04-02T09:47:00.000-04:00

We recently went to a wedding in San Antonio, and the bride and groom rented a photo booth. What a fun and nostalgic way to document your wedding! Often the photographer doesn't capture all of the guests at a wedding, and certainly not always in a fun way like this. This is a great alternative to buying party favors. This particular booth also came with scrapbook materials, so that guests could leave their photos and a message behind for the bride and groom. All of the photos were digital, and were available for free for download online a week after the event.

These booths often run around $1k to rent for an evening (4-6) hours. I really like Posh Booth in the Maryland/DC area (just based on the online research I did). However, if you're trying to save money and/or you're a DIY kind of person, building a booth may be right up your alley (it's actually fairly easy to do). There are plenty of tutorials and plans out there--just Google it!

Here are our silly photos for your enjoyment :o)

¸.•´¨`•.¸¸.•´¨`•.¸Spring Fever¸.•´¨`•.¸¸.•´¨`•.¸

2011-03-19T12:39:00.000-04:00

Hipstamatic App: John S
Film: Ina's 1969
Flash: Off
My Orchid Plant

Colorcross Filter: My lazy, lazy ragamuffin dog

Colorcross Filter: I stole this from Andy, who took this from the top of the Arapahoe Basin in Colorado

2011? What? When?

2011-01-28T17:53:00.001-05:00

I was really, REALLY behind on posting new stuff. Sorry for the lack of details on the photos. If you have questions about the geographic location of a certain photo, or which filter I used, leave a comment and I'll reply. Happy New Year!! :o)

Life is Good Today

2010-09-30T17:45:00.002-04:00

Colorcross Filter: Chick and Ruth's Delly in historic downtown Annapolis, MD is one of the most unique places I have ever had breakfast. If you're in town, it's a must! What I loved the most about this place is that every morning all of the staff and patrons of the 'delly' stand up and recite the Pledge of Allegiance together. The circle signs pictured below are the names and descriptions of favorite sandwiches of political candidates from both sides--left and right.

Infinicam: This is what our Ravens tailgate looks like. This photo was filtered with a new app I just downloaded called Infinicam (from the makers of CameraBag). I didn't note the filter or camera used to make this image, but I'll make sure I share that info next time I post an image filtered with this app.

Picture Time!

2010-09-13T19:24:00.001-04:00

Colorcross Filter: This picture really doesn't do the size of this caterpillar justice. Meg-han and the Jilly can attest to that. This thing was huge, and will likely become a beautiful butterfly (I wish I knew what kind).

Hipstamtic App
Lens: John S
Film: Ina's 1969
Flash: Off
Kent Island Narrows

Lolo Filter: Car we saw at dinner one night.

Lolo Filter: My boat shoes (Cole Haans)! Very excited about these :o)

Colorcross Filter: Kent Island Narrows Draw Bridge

Cherry.Capital.of.the.World.

2010-07-18T20:35:00.000-04:00

Andy and I hit the road in July, driving to Indiana then further north to Michigan where the rest of my family met us. It was the prime time to be in northern Michigan. We were 30 miles from Traverse City, which was holding their annual Cherry Festival. Traverse is an adorable lake front town with a lot of history and also happens to be dubbed the "Cherry Capital of the World" (Google it!). In addition to the festival, the Blue Angels were in town performing for Independence Day. Watching them fly over the lake was pretty amazing!

In addition to picking cherries, seeing the Blue Angels, and visiting with family, we also took a ferry to Mackinac Island (pronounced Mackinaw, but spelled with an 'ac' thanks to the French). I wish we had biked around the island (it's only 8 square miles around).

Helga Filter: Hat shop in Traverse City

Color Cross Filter: Grand Hotel on Mackinak Island.

Colorcross Filter: Classful = Drinking cherry cream soda from a growler in the car

Hipstamatic
Lens: John S
Film: Ina's 1969
Flash: Off
Mackinac Bridge
This was shot on a boat, thorough a dirty window, and with my iPhone 3G.

Live, Laugh and Love

2010-06-29T18:14:00.001-04:00

Laughter is the closest distance between two people. -Victor Borge

1962 Filter: Pop Tart Kung Fu

Where flowers bloom so does hope. -Lady Bird Johnson
Hipstamatic
Lens: Helga
Film: Pistil
Flash: Off

If all my friends were to jump off a bridge, I wouldn't follow. I'd be at the bottom to catch them when they fall. -Unknown
Lolo Filter: Savage Mill - the "oldest surviving bridge of it's kind"

We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give. -Winston Churchill
Silver Filter: Tipping does make you sexy by the way :o)

I guess I've been busy

2010-06-25T17:32:00.001-04:00

I've been slacking on the posts. To be honest though, I haven't been taking as many pictures. However, I just ordered the new iPhone 4G yesterday, which will arrive mid-July. I'm really excited to try it out with CameraBag! Stay tuned...

Lolo Filter: My new best friend

Lolo Filter: Flower in my garden

1962 Filter: Dillinger car at the BWI airport

Hipstamatic Camera:
Lens: John S
Film: Blanko
Flash: Off

Girls and Mutts Weekend!

2010-05-22T14:55:00.001-04:00

Last weekend, Jilly, Meghan, Duke, Bella hit the road and traveled to Shenandoah for some quiet time in the woods. I think this will be an annual thing--my favorite ladies and mutts coupled with beer, cigars, movies, no cell service, pie, a cabin in the woods, and the Shenandoah River. What more could a girl ask for? :o)

No Filter: Shenandoah River, Bella, and a fly fisherman

Mono Filter: Waiting for Meg and Jill in the car at Wally-World

Lolo Filter: Shenandoah River

No Filter: Duke gettin' his drink on. What a lush, but at least he's drinking good beer.

1974 Filter: Meg smokin' a cigar.

Colorcross Filter: Jilly and Bella in the backseat

Colorcross Filter: I would love to live here

Lolo Filter: Red Barn

Finally...

2010-05-05T19:49:00.001-04:00

... some warm weather! I'm definitely loving that it feels like spring is finally here and summer is on the way. Love it!

Last weekend we went to Annapolis, and it was May Day. It was really cute how shops and homes had baskets of flowers with colorful ribbons outside to mark the unofficial first day of spring. This first photo is of a random house in Annapolis. The second is Bella with her new toy she picked up at the little dog store downtown.

Lolo Filter: Annapolis house

Magazine Filter: Bella with her new toy

Silver Filter: I call this one 'Legs' because Bella looks super tall and very leggy from this angle.

Random Shots

2010-04-25T18:17:00.001-04:00

I haven't forgotten you all. I've just been busy. Here are a bunch of different shots for you to enjoy. Have a wonderful week! :o)

PS I'd just like to point out that Blogger hates me. The spacing and everything is all sorts of messed up, and refuses to let me fix it. Sorry.

Lolo Filter: Cool plate, but DethWsh sounds more like it.

Hipstamatic
Lens: Helga Viking
Film: Pistil
Flash: Off
Headed home from Hawaii. These next two were taken somewhere over Arizona.

Instant Filter: Meghan and Frank the gnome

Lolo filter: Frank the gnome

Back to life, back to reality...

2010-04-14T19:27:00.000-04:00

I returned from Hawaii on the 6th, and have been trying to get myself organized and whatnot. My condo is still uninhabitable. I had to pack up clothes and essentials as if I'm going an extended trip. I'm optimistic the restoration company will begin working on all three condos next week. In the meantime, I'm trying not to freak out too much about my stuff being in disarray. I have other things on my plate, and the condo is kind of trivial at this point (I can't believe I'm so calm about it to be honest).

Anyway, I didn't want everyone to think I fell off the face of the Earth, so I figured I would post some photos I took in Hawaii with my iPhone. Hope you enjoy them!

Mono Filter: Steph and I on the flight from Houston to Honolulu.

No Filter Used: Old Pali Road

No Filter Used: Flag atop of the USS Arizona Memorial

No Filter Used (and yes, it's that gorgeous!): Waikiki Beach looking toward Diamond Head

No Filter Used: Turtles at Sea Life Park

No Filter Used: Foster Point at Hickam AFB

Jet plane in the midst of things going pear shaped

2010-03-28T09:48:00.002-04:00

As a lot of you know, I am in the midst of changing jobs. I decided to take about a month off in-between since I have had a trip to Hawaii planned for months. On Friday I had a plumber doing some work to replace my water heater mixer valve. Unfortunately while doing the work they triggered a sprinkler to go off by using a blow torch to cut a pipe, which was situated very close to the sprinkler. My entire condo is in ruins, and the damage is probably worse for my neighbors directly below--who are not only are having their floors ripped up, but also their ceilings. The damage also extended to the neighbor two floors down from me. However, I'm still going to Hawaii tomorrow. My reservations are nonrefundable, and at this point there isn't much I can do until the restoration company finishes what they need to, and the insurance adjuster comes out. I realize this isn't the end of the world. It's certainly inconvenient, but this is an important lesson I think. Material things don't define people or make them any better than others. Be thankful for what you have (more importantly for the people who care about you) because in an instant things can change.

Pipe they were cutting situated next to the sprinkler (dry wall fell as a result of being saturated with water)

Living room

Kitchen

She's Crafty

2010-03-24T10:29:00.000-04:00

I've been a bit busy over the past week, and a little too distracted to blog. I'm getting ready to go to Hawaii, working on fixing a broken water heater, and I recently resigned from one job and am working on in-processing at a new one. Politics have also been weighing on my mind, but I won't get into that here.

I had a very busy girls weekend. On Friday night I went to Union Jack's with Meg and Jill. I actually had the waitress take a picture of us crammed into a little British telephone booth, but the photo didn't turn out very well. On Saturday I spent most of the day with Stephanie running errands, and then going to the park with Bella. We later met up with Meg and Jill to see Alice in Wonderland in 3D, which I loved. On Sunday afternoon I went to Erin's and we had a 'crafty day' where we spent time at Michael's looking for things to make, and then later fashioning things out of paper. It was fun, and next time I plan on showing her how to make 3D stars/snowflakes :o)

Colorcross Filter: Erin's sun, moon and star creation in a floating frame. She used the template's punch-out sections to cut pieces of different papers (the detail on the papers are difficult to see here, but they are very cool).

Helga Filter: Bella, The Mighty Hunter looking out the window from the stool Mike placed in front of it for her.

Infrared Filter: Bella laying across the stool.

Hipstamatic for iPhone

Lens: John S
Film: Ina's 1969
Flash: Off

Guinea Pig [Dog]

2010-03-17T07:59:00.000-04:00

Whenever I need a photography guinea pig, I turn to the one test subject that cannot complain--Bella. While she does not look thrilled or amused in the photos, I assure you she is quite comfortable and content.

Lens: John S
Film: Blanko
Flash: Off

Lens: Kaimal Mark II
Film: Ina's 1969
Flash: Off

Trying something new

2010-03-16T08:48:00.002-04:00

A couple people have suggested some other camera applications for the iPhone, so this morning I decided to try one out. I downloaded Hipstamatic. This app claims to "bring back the look, feel, unpredictable beauty, and fun of plastic toy cameras from the past." Hipstamatic comes with the John S Lens, the Jimmy Lens, the Kaimal Mark II Lens, the Standard Flash, the Dreampop Flash, Ina’s 1969 Film, and Kodot Verichrome Film. Additional lens are available for download (not sure of the price, but the app was $1.99).

After shooting a half dozen photos with it, my conclusion is that it's very cool! However, it's not as easy to use as CameraBag, and I am disappointed that not all of the lens visible within the app are available immediately after download. There's also a bit of lag time between taking the photo, and actually being able to see it. Unless I've overlooked it, I also don't think you can take an already existing photo and load it into the application to apply a filter. I like how CameraBag allows to me to load any photo I've shot--whether I took it with my iPhone or my Nikon SLR. I also prefer being able to compare original photos with no processing/filters applied to the finished photo. That said though, I do really love the artistic, almost painted, affect the Hipstamatic photos have. I think the app is definitely worth downloading!

Lens: John S
Film: Ina's 1969
Flash: Off

Lens: Kaimal Mark II
Film: Kodot Verichrome
Flash: Off

Plastic People

2010-03-15T10:14:00.000-04:00

I used to watch the 1987 movie Mannequin over and over again when I was younger, but these Old Navy mannequins are kind of creepy. I had my mom take this picture while we were shopping on Saturday.

1974 Filter: Arundel Mills Old Navy

Fix It Friday!

2010-03-12T08:20:00.004-05:00

I decided to participate in a photo challenge this morning. Check out the other submissions on iheartfaces.

Edited with the Lolo filter using iPhone's Camerabag

Another edit using the Lolo filter, but applied after I lightened the image using iPhoto.

Original Photo

Woohoo! It's Friday!

2010-03-12T07:36:00.000-05:00

I'm excited for the weekend to begin! Tonight I'm meeting up with a friend I haven't seen in awhile for happy hour, and my mom is coming to visit on Saturday. It'll be somewhat of a girls weekend :o) Hope you have a good one!

Lolo Filter: Jim Jim Shiraz [The Down-Underdog]

On a Roll

2010-03-09T09:26:00.003-05:00

Two consecutive posts already this week! Don't get used to it :o)

I took a picture of my car yesterday morning, and then applied several filters so you can compare them side-by-side. The CameraBag application has more filter options than the ones featured below, but these were my favorite ones for this particular photo.

Have a wonderful Tuesday!

List of Filters:
1962                                      Helga
Colorcross                                  Magazine
Lolo                                         Silver

*Click image to view larger. Each photo has also been uploaded to the gallery.

Yeah, Yeah...

2010-03-08T08:49:00.001-05:00

I know I've been a slacker. I haven't been taking pictures really, and I could kick myself for forgetting-- especially when I was in Old Ellicott City with Erin last month and in Baltimore this past weekend. Oh well.

This weekend was beautiful! Yesterday we spent a large portion of the day outside. We took Bella to Fort Smallwood Park in Pasadena for a walk, and on the way home we put the top down on the MINI for the first time this year. I cannot wait for summer!

Here are some photos from the park. Enjoy!

Magazine Filter: Dedication sign on the fishing pier.

Helga Filter: Path by the water

Colorcross Filter: View of Baltimore across the water. Easier to see if you click the image to enlarge.

Magazine Filter: Grass and water. If you enlarge, the American flag is visible in the background.

View of the water. I applied a few different filters, and uploaded the individual photos to the gallery.
Silver Filter Magazine Filter Lolo Filter

Collage

2010-02-25T09:37:00.000-05:00

When Snowmageddon hit a few weeks ago, Andy and I spent some time painting the house. The master bathroom is now a rich honey color, which makes the cream tile and white baseboards stand out. The room also now has a kind of circle theme going on between the fixtures and the painting we hung on the wall. I wanted a smaller piece of art with the same circle element, so I started looking on Etsy. I found a print of a collage someone made, and I decided that I could just make my own. The result can be seen below. I purchased a circle cutter, and began using old magazines to cut out a bunch of circles in a variety of sizes. I also used a hole punch to make tiny circles, and very thick scrapbooking paper for the tree trunk. I cut the trunk free hand with scissors into the shape I wanted. Once the collage was complete, I decided that I wanted to frame the piece in a 'float frame' so that the wall color would show through as the tree's backdrop. I found a perfect frame at Target for a reasonable price. Overall, I'm pretty pleased at this piece of art, and it was relatively easy to make.

Colorcross Filter: This photo was taken with the frame on the carpet. I was trying to avoid glare from artificial light. I think framed art like this would make a cool gift, especially if you incorporate a theme of images and words into the collage. This collage has one word on it (fly), and also has images of water, trees, fruit, a road, a dog on the beach, a dove, a girl, a sprocket, and the earth.

Gizmo

2010-02-21T10:42:00.000-05:00

When I bought my MINI Cooper in August last year, I had this quirky problem where the top would open a bit on it's own. I would lock the car and head inside, and in the morning, the top would be open a few inches. This happened three times, and it drove me nuts. I couldn't figure out what was going on. Perhaps someone's car keypad at my condo complex triggered it. My friends joked that I had gremlins in my car, and from that point I nicknamed my car Gizmo.

I had been looking for an image of Gizmo from the Gremlins movie that I could have made into a sticker or magnet for my car. I hadn't found one, so I posted an ad under Alchemy in Etsy. Within an hour of posting a description of what I was looking for, I received a response from Whitney at African Grey Designs. After a few emails back and forth to make sure we were on the same page, I had the design later the same day. Whitney did an awesome job! This post is a little shout out to her and her designing abilities. I will definitely contact her again if I ever need anything special made.

Here's what Whitney created. She was also nice enough to send a few different files so that printing it will be easier. Thanks Whitney!!

*Note: there isn't watermark on the final design

Thanking an Artist

2010-02-19T08:42:00.000-05:00

Musicians don't often make much money, and they do what they do because they love it and they want to share it with the world. Thanks to Project Nice, I had the idea to thank The Gabe Dixon Band. I think they're pretty great, and thoroughly enjoyed their show when I saw them last year. I wanted to write to Gabe Dixon himself, rather than posting a note on the band's fan page on Facebook. However, I was having a hard time finding a postal address or email address. I came across Gabe's personal Facebook page though, and sent him a message. I never thought he'd actually write me back. Pretty awesome :o) It made my day, and hopefully it brightened his day to know that he reached someone with his music.

Here's the note:

And here's the cover of Is This Love that I mentioned

H00ters

2010-02-18T09:17:00.001-05:00

My friend, Erin, and I met up on Monday since we were both off for President's Day. We went to Old Ellicott City for the afternoon. It was a lot of fun, and surprisingly quite empty. We went to my favorite bakery, Sweet (formerly Fisher's Bakery), and ordered crepes and coffee for lunch. They also had cake samples available (yum!). Of course, we ended up going back to Sweet for some goodies to take home.

Aside from the bakery, my favorite store in Historic Ellicott City is a home store called Su Casa. Erin and I both picked up the owl decals pictured below. Enjoy, and happy Thursday!

Colorcross Filter

Lolo Filter

Two bits of news

2010-02-16T12:44:00.001-05:00

I don't have any new photos to post today, but I just wanted to share a couple of things. In January I submitted a photo to an online contest for Homestead Gardens, and my picture won! I received a $10 gift card, which I thought was pretty cool considering 1) my photo was taken with a cell phone, and 2) I never win anything. Additionally, one of my photos from my 'Dear Mother Nature' post will be on CameraBag's online gallery soon. I just emailed them back granting them permission to post it.

Have a great Tuesday :o)

Cupid schmupid

2010-02-14T08:00:00.005-05:00

I'll apologize in advance if you celebrate Valentine's Day. I personally regard it as a Hallmark holiday (even though it dates back to 496 AD). I think the turning point for me was when I realized it was my former mother in-law ordering flowers or picking up something special for me most of the time (for nearly 10 years). I now see Cupid and his little bow and arrows as somewhat of a joke.

Shouldn't people try to show their loved ones every single day how much they mean to them? Granted, I know sometimes it's not possible, but shouldn't we all really try? I don't need overpriced flowers or chocolates once a year to know I'm loved. I want them every day!! haha I'm just kidding :o) In all seriousness though, every moment we have is a gift, and we may not be here tomorrow. Nearly every day Andy asks me, "Have I told you today that I love you? Have I shown you?" It's simple, and says more than roses, candies, or anything he could ever give me.

I will admit that I did buy some cards this year. I sent cards to my niece/god daughter and nephew, and I have cards to hand to Meghan and Jillian when we all meet up for Chinese for lunch (Valentine's Day and the Chinese New Year coincide this year). I also have a card for Andy. I wrote personal notes in each. In Meg and Jilly's, I enclosed a small kilt pin (see below) for a project that I'll blog about another day. I'm not that much of a scrooge that I won't buy cards. I just really dislike the commercialization of Valentine's Day. You know, the what did you buy your sweetheart and much did you spend part? Just something to think about...

Magazine Filter: Valentine cards

Kilt pins mentioned above

Shades of Grey

2010-02-12T08:04:00.000-05:00

I never understood my dogs hate baths so much, yet they will swim and tromp through dirty water. With most of the snow cleared around the house, it was bath time for Bella. You can see she was really impressed. I used two different filters on the shots below.

Original Photo Silver Filter Mono Filter

I said bring it, and boy did she!

2010-02-11T12:12:00.000-05:00

Mother Nature wasn't playing around when she dumped on us again! On Tuesday I felt like Lieutenant Dan in Forrest Gump when he's sitting on the boat mast with no legs screaming at the storm to bring it on. By Wednesday I gave up, and shoveled quietly (except for the brief moment I had a minor meltdown when Andy insisted I go inside and let him do all of the work). We took the ATVs out, and mine died. Andy towed me back to the house at a high rate of speed. It was actually a fun snow day! Over the past week we haven't relaxed much between shoveling, painting, cleaning, and other projects. I'm so ready to get out of the house. We're going to make a break for it shortly.

Be careful digging out. Here are a few photos. I suspect I'll have some additional ones to post later.

Lolo Filter: Here are the books I haven't had a chance to read while we've been snowed in.

Silver Filter: This is a new filter Camerabag recently added. Icicles on the roof.

Lolo Filter: More icicles

Dear Mother Nature,

2010-02-08T15:44:00.001-05:00

When I said I wanted snow, I just meant a few inches or so. My little car cannot handle over three feet. I know you're upset that the world seems to doubt whether you can change the climate on your own, but you really don't need to prove yourself. I believe you. If you could please cancel the 5-10 inches you have planned for us over the next two days, I would really appreciate it. Thanks!

Sincerely,
Snowed In & Stir Crazy

Colorcross Filter: Route 100 Westbound in Pasadena, MD (taken 2/7/10)

Helga Filter: Route 100 Westbound (taken 2/7/10)

Mono Filter: Andy shoveling round 2 (taken 2/6/10)

Mono Filter: Liquor store on Route 1 in Elkridge (taken 2/7/10)

Downtown

2010-02-01T08:22:00.000-05:00

We got more snow over the weekend, which I love despite the shoveling and bad roads. On Saturday evening Andy and I cleared the driveway, and then sat in the hot tub. I think the hot tub is the best when there's snow on the ground and it's blowing around. Parts of my hair were frozen, and my face was chilly, but the rest of me was toasty warm!

On Sunday we had planned to see the Da Vinci exhibit at the Maryland Science Center (it was the last day), but decided to run errands instead. We stopped at City Sports in Baltimore so Andy could exchange something. It was around lunch time, and we decided to pop into a little place called Taco Fiesta where we ordered fish tacos. Mmm :o) The tacos were pretty amazing. They could give Rubio's (the best fish tacos I've ever had) in San Diego a run for their money.

It was a quiet and relaxing weekend. I hope you all had a good one too :o) Despite the oxymoron, I'm going to say it anyway... Happy Monday!

Crosscolor Filter: Building at Harbor East in Fells Point

Lolo Filter: The next two shots are also of Harbor East. Boats, ice and birds, oh my! The Domino plant sign is visible in the first one. I like the way the sun rays can be seen extending through the photos.

Thursday already?

2010-01-28T09:19:00.000-05:00

I've been a little uninspired this week, and apologize for no photos. However, I was feeling a bit politically charged this morning, so I decided to make my first post on Fervor.net.

And... just so you have something to look at, here is another shameless promotion of Bella's cuteness.

1974 Filter: Bella at Christmas time

You can never go wrong with cookies!

2010-01-24T11:00:00.050-05:00

Last week I found a fortune cookie recipe and instructions (complete with photos!) online. I've always wanted to try to make them myself, and I figured what better time than this year. Did you know that Valentine's Day and the Chinese New Year coincide this year?

Anyhow, I gathered the materials that I did not already have at home on Thursday (a Silpat and very thin metal spatula). I also typed up the fortunes on Friday and printed them out. My favorites are:

What do I look like, an 8-Ball?
You will receive a fortune cookie.
Help! I'm being held prisoner in a Chinese bakery.
Good things are being said about you (in bed).
A grown up is a child with layers on.
That's what she said.

I was very pleased at how they turned out. I tried baking two at a time, but it was harder to form them quickly that way. So, I ended up baking each cookie--one at a time. I cut the recipe in half, and still managed to make 13 cookies (I could have probably baked one more). Also, I failed to whip the eggs whites per the instructions because I dumped everything into the bowl before reading past the ingredients (oops), but they still turned out just fine. The whole endeavor took about an hour, and I think it was well worth it! Now that I've practiced, I can make more for Valentine's Day :o)

Crosscolor Filter: Fortune Cookies Take I

Helga Filter: Fortune Cookies Take II

Happy Friday!

2010-01-22T09:15:00.004-05:00

And if you get too tired playing, you can take a nap on the couch (nevermind that the cushions are missing).

Lolo Filter: Couch dumped at my neighborhood playground

This is what happens when I get bored

2010-01-21T08:42:00.001-05:00

Original Photo Infrared Filter

Poor Bella. I don't think she really enjoys these little photo shoot sessions, but she's such a good sport about it. I think she realizes she gets a treat, if she humors me for a few minutes.

This post is sort of a test post to see how it looks posting original and edited photos side-by-side. I think in the future I'll post some photos and then edit with a few (or maybe even all) of the filters so you can see the effect.

Almost Friday! Cheers :o)

My dog ate my homework

2010-01-20T10:30:00.002-05:00

Okay... Not really, but she did run off with one of my 5 lb dumbbells the other day... Anyhow, I gave myself an assignment to take photos while in Virginia for the weekend, and I didn't do it. Instead I relaxed, went shopping, played with my niece and nephew, watched my football team lose miserably, and had a spa morning with my mom. However, I thought I would share a few pictures I took this morning.

How an object looks is often a matter of perspective. This applies to life too. Sometimes we're quick to judge on initial impressions, and we often overlook the simple things. Here are a few ordinary things transformed by the CameraBag filters. Happy Wednesday!

Lolo Filter: My keyboard

Mono Filter: Dummies Book

Colorcross Filter: Brick wall

Ticking the time away

2010-01-14T08:50:00.002-05:00

I feel like I'm just biding my time until the weekend begins. I'm not feeling quite awake yet even though I've been up since 5 am. Time for some more coffee...

Here are some random shots I dug out of iPhoto. I will be headed to Virginia this weekend, and hope to have some new pictures to post. Have a wonderful Thursday!

Lolo Filter: Ridiculous tires riding down Rt 97 South on our way to Annapolis one day this past fall.

Helga Filter: Riding through Harpers Ferry.

Crosscolor Filter: I made these cute little candy cane reindeer for Christmas this year. It's hard to eat them. I get down to the beginning of the curve and then feel bad for ripping its little googly-eyed face off.

Thinking

2010-01-12T10:57:00.001-05:00

Yesterday a simple thought occurred to me. It wasn't a light bulb over the head moment, but just a reminder that life happens regardless of whether you're ready for it. Things change and happen to us--and around us. It's just the nature and cycle of life.

I guess what triggered the thought was a blog I read written by a husband detailing his wife's close brush with death when a large piece of scrap metal pierced her vehicle's windshield one morning while driving into work. We're never ready for these things. There's no possible way we could be. My next thought was of my friend Scott whose life was cut much too short, and how terrible of a blow it was to his beautiful wife and all of his friends and family.

Then I thought of other moments in my life that I wasn't prepared for like packing up my desk and leaving my team behind at work. No warning or anything--just 'hey, you did a great job, but get out.' I wasn't ready for that. I think I took it for granted that I loved my job, and I was exactly where I wanted to be. It's so easy to get caught up in our every day struggle to get everything done and forget the good things sometimes. This morning I forgot to be thankful and appreciative, and I wasn't the nicest person. I need a little string to tie around my finger sometimes so that I don't forget that at any moment everything could be swept away without a warning. It seems inherent, but I think we all need a reminder.

Lolo Filter: This sticker is on the dumpster at my condo. I never really paid much attention to it, but when I looked closely, I saw that is says, "Nomad the Grouch" and has a link (www.freestorebaltimore.org) to an organization that recycles unwanted items by taking them in and then releasing them to new owners free of charge. Pretty cool!

I iz taking over z blog

2010-01-09T09:03:00.000-05:00

Hellllooo. Gud murning! I iz Bella, and taking over Jezzica's blog. She izn't the only 1 who can take pictzurz.

1974 Filter: My self portrit.

Link filled Friday

2010-01-08T09:06:00.001-05:00

I have lots of random thoughts swimming around in my head this morning. That's not really anything new, but here are a few things I'd like to share...

It snowed last night! I was really hoping to be snowed in (wishful thinking), but having to come in to work today is okay too. At least the roads are clean, and it's really pretty outside.

Lolo Filter: Sunrise on my way to work this morning.

It's also Purple Friday! The Ravens face off with the New England Patriots on Sunday at 1 pm (watch it live on CBS). Hopefully this time we beat them and proceed to the next playoff game, and if not I'm just glad we made it to the playoffs (unlike the Steelers haha). Go Ravens!

My final random thoughts are related. Last year Andy and I went to Ram's Head On Stage in Annapolis with Meghan and Jillian to see Dave Barnes and The Gabe Dixon Band (two bands from Nashville, TN). By the way, the Annapolis venue is fantastic! It's small and intimate, and there really isn't a bad seat in the place. I fell in love with Gabe Dixon's music, and have been following them since. I was so happy to discover that Find My Way is the opening song for the movie The Proposal. Check it out below!

On a related note, here's my absolute favorite part of the movie. I was laughing so hard that I was crying.

Baby it's cold outside, but please pass me a limeade.

2010-01-07T11:18:00.001-05:00

There aren't any Sonic's within close proximity of home without making it a road trip, which is a shame because they have wonderful slushy beverages. I would like said slushy beverage now please. Thank you :o)

Mono Filter: Yay Sonic! We found a Sonic on our way to Virginia Beach last summer. I got a limeade, of course.

Freeze your face off cold

2010-01-06T12:04:00.002-05:00

Brrr... I feel like punching Al Gore. Global warming my a$$. It has been so cold and windy here. I want another snow day so I have an excuse to stay home.

Colorcross Filter: My porch in the winter. All of the plants are dead :( This was shot through my french door and the screen, which I think it gives it an interesting texture.

Just not right...

2010-01-05T09:04:00.002-05:00

I apologize upfront to my parents (sorry), but I had to post this photo. Who in their right mind came up with the lovely signage on this truck? Just sayin'... Are they selling Johnson&Johnson products, or oil?

Colorcross Filter: I like taking pictures of funny signs and such. Don't be surprised if more pop up (so to speak).

1974 Filter: To counter the previous photo, here is cute one from New Year's Eve of my friend Kori and her friend's weimaraner puppy.

If you're wondering...

2010-01-04T08:56:00.000-05:00

Whether my third attempt at making the bag turned out... Heck yeah it did! :o) It actually took me no time at all surprisingly (since I knew what I was doing this time). I'm going to be a sewing machine now! I just need some inspiring fabric.

Helga Filter: Taaa Daa! Mission complete.

Third time's a charm

2010-01-03T10:12:00.001-05:00

Last night I tried to make a little clutch bag using the sewing machine (Exhibit A) that Andy got me for my birthday back in October. I had been putting it off. The machine has been taunting me. Every time I walk by it, it tells me it's a better sewer than me. I got this great book for Christmas though called Bend the Rules Sewing by Amy Karol. Making something seems less intimidating and more fun now.

So, last night I gathered everything I needed and sat down in front of the machine. All was going great except that I was having some difficulty understanding how to make the bag's liner (how to sew it to the other part of the bag). If you've ever sewn something, you know that often times you sew things inside out and then flip it so the edges are clean. Long story short, I ended up tearing the fabric because I grew impatient with the seam ripper and decided to just try to pull the fabric apart (I know better). That was attempt bag #1. On the second try, I did end up with a finished product (see Exhibit B). However, it isn't as polished as I'd like it. The edges inside the bag are exposed instead of hidden.

*Insert light bulb*
I had an epiphany this morning. Funny how things suddenly come to you when you're not consciously thinking about them. I realized how the liner is supposed to be sewn into the bag. So, today I will make a third attempt. Wish me luck.

Exhibit A
Instant FIlter: My Arch Nemesis (well, not really)

Exhibit B

Helga Filter: The bag take #2

Hello 2010

2010-01-01T12:39:00.002-05:00

Good afternoon! Hopefully you aren't nursing a hangover. ;) Here's to a safe, prosperous, and happy new year!

Lolo Filter: Champagne, sangria and beer five minutes before the ball dropped. Cheers!

Helga Filter: A perfect end to 2009... We received a dusting of snow early in the morning that stuck around for most of the day. I caught this doe on camera grazing yesterday afternoon.

Lolo Filter: More deer! I actually counted a total of 15.

Goodbye 2009

2009-12-31T07:00:00.017-05:00

This year has been good. There is so much that I'm thankful for. My niece turned two, and I am now an Aunt twice over with the birth of my nephew in May. I finally got my dream job (yay), although it was pulled out from under me recently (not so good). I made new friends, became closer with old ones, and restored a friendship that had fallen by the wayside. I feel closer to my family, and am in love with a great guy (I think he likes me too ;)). I even marked a couple places off my travel list. I feel I've learned a lot about myself, other people, and the world.

I've been thinking a lot this week... reflecting on life. I suspect many people are doing the same. It's what people seem to do when something comes to a close. I don't really believe in New Year's Resolutions. It's not the resolution part. Setting a goal and taking steps to achieve it is great, and I applaud anyone that does it. You're halfway there in defining what you want and setting up a plan to get there. I just think it's silly to wait a whole year to make a resolution. However, having said that, I'm going to make an exception this year.

Aside from all of the goals and plans I've filed away in my head for 2010, I am making a single 'New Year's Resolution'. This coming year I will no longer be keeping someone else's secret. Now, wait. Breathe. Don't go screaming down the hall thinking I'm going to tell the whole world everything you've ever told me :o) Not that you have any secrets or anything, right? What I mean is that I'm not longer going to let something someone else did to me hang over my head like a shadow--as if it's my problem. I think the best way to let it go is to release it. I've been trying to do that for some time now, and somehow it always comes back.

So... I'm just going to come out and say it. I'm was a victim, and now a survivor of domestic violence. All of my closest friends and family know this of course, which is my primary readership here. However, I am publicly making this statement now. This is something that happened to me without my consent, and by no fault of mine. I refuse to let his image be my burden to protect anymore.

Sigh. I feel much better now. Hitting the 'Publish Post' button will be my next challenge.

A special thanks to Erin... After talking to you tonight, I finally felt empowered enough to do this. Some people might think my statement isn't a big deal (it is to me though). Others might pretend they didn't read this. Either way, it's off my chest now.

Mono Filter: Bella wishing you a Happy New Year! I wonder what her resolutions are...? Probably to stop me from photographing her wearing ridiculous hats and such.

"And once you dig in, you'll find you'll have yourself a good time..."

2009-12-30T09:27:00.001-05:00

I'm listening to Lenny Kravitz, if you couldn't tell. His music makes me instantly happy. :o) I'm very clumsy this morning. Not sure what is going on there. I'm sure my neighbors weren't my biggest fans when I got the vacuum out early this morning to clean up the make-up that slipped out of my hands and fell on the bathroom rug. I also somehow managed to overfill AND knock over my spill proof coffee mug (the lid wasn't on yet, and this isn't the first time I've done this). Oh well. I'm just going to roll with it. I've never been that coordinated. We won't even discuss what happened when I went skiing in Colorado a couple years ago.

Mono Filter: Word of advice... Never come between a girl and her Mac.

Magazine Filter: Sushi man! I love to torment my goldfish with this nutcracker I found in Homegoods.

How this came to be

2009-12-29T09:21:00.008-05:00

I thought I would write a little bit about why I started this blog. I guess I probably should have given an explanation in my first post.

Better late than never, right? Besides, the header pretty much sums it up:

This blog was created out of love for the iPhone CameraBag application (not to mention I drank too much coffee one morning and was struck with a sudden burst of creativity). Enjoy! :o)

I'll elaborate though...
I used to have another blog called non·sen·si·cal Jess, which mainly consisted of my random and nonsensical (hence, the blog name) ramblings for about a year. I'm not sure what happened. I certainly didn't run out of stuff to say. In fact, most of my thoughts I kept to myself. I think I just got bored with it. So, I simply quit writing. Only a couple of the six people who read it grumbled. I kind of missed it though. I was much more consistent writing on the blog than I was at keeping up my journal.

After I stopped blogging, I would sometimes look back at old posts and be reminded of the unwritten things (what was going on in my life at the time). I wanted that back, but with a creative twist. So, I looked to photography to help me out. I have always loved photographs and taking them. I know I'm not the best at it, but it's fun. Photos capture a single memory in time forever. They are timeless. I especially love photographs that are quirky, unpolished, and imperfect. Photos with personality! Enter the amazing CameraBag application whose filters transform everyday snapshots into something artsy.

I have a couple of cameras that take much better pictures than my iPhone, but I like the challenge that using the phone presents. For example, I cannot zoom in or use a flash when taking a picture with my phone. Getting a great shot with the iPhone, and then improving it with one of CameraBag's filters makes the picture that much more unique (in my opinion). This blog is very much an outlet for myself. Photos make me happy :o) If you've stumbled across this, I hope you enjoy it too.

Helga Filter: My niece, Abigail. I love this picture. It was taken last summer shortly after my nephew was born.

Magazine Filter: I should have mentioned that Bella will be on this blog (A LOT). She's the only one that can't verbally protest for being my photography guinea pig.

Mono Filter: This is a cool shot of Bella with Andy in the background. I got down on the floor for this one.

Back to reality...

2009-12-28T08:21:00.003-05:00

Sigh
Christmas is over. I hope you all had a wonderful holiday :o)
I don't have much to say today (surprising, I know), and I didn''t really taken any pictures over the last few days. So I'm posting some older ones.

Mono Filter: Duke and I last summer. I took this for Jilly.

Lolo Filter: Graveyard in Virginia

Lolo Filter: Kori making a fish-face at the O's game last summer.

Let's face it...

2009-12-22T09:08:00.000-05:00

It's fun to humilitate your pet with ridiculous clothes, hats, costumes, etc. (please don't come after me, PETA).

Helga Filter: Jilly's rat terrier, Duke, so sleepy that he let me put his stuffed duck on his head and take a picture.

Helga Filter: Bella humoring me again. She kept trying to eat the hat, but after fighting me for 5 minutes she finally sat still and let me take the picture. After this shot, I'm sure Bella placed a pet adoption ad online to find herself a new home.

Oscar the Grouch + Cookie Monster = Me right now

2009-12-21T09:58:00.002-05:00

Grrr... I'm feeling gritchy (yeah, you heard that right). I didn't want to get out of bed this morning, or drive to work at all. My neighborhood is a mess because of the snow, and yesterday someone decided it would be perfectly alright to park in my assigned spot for my condo. I left a note on the offending car, which I think was worded quiet politely. To top if off, I think my goldfish, Scushi, is dying (for real this time). Plus my car was having trouble traversing the driveway at work, and the replacement Christmas gift for my brother still hasn't arrived.

Okay.
Sigh. I'm done complaining.
Seriously... These are trivial things.
I'm alive and healthy, and everything is actually good (great even). Sometimes I let myself get spun up, and I have to be reminded that I control my own mood (this is where Andy usually chimes in) and it takes more effort to be a grouch than to smile and be thankful :o) I'm trying. In the mean time, here are some photos for you!

1962 Filter: My MINI Cooper, Gizmo, resting this morning after I made him work to get up an icy and somewhat steep driveway.

Magazine Filter: Ravens v. Bears game last night. Go Ravens! The cleanup effort of M&T Bank stadium was quite amazing. Check it out!

Colorcross Filter: Bella, of course :o) She's become such a good listener. I asked her to sit, and she plopped her butt down on the step. I think she looks like a Boyds Bear here (or a ragamuffin at the least).

This should be interesting...

2009-12-20T07:39:00.001-05:00

Mother Nature was bound and determined to give us a white Christmas for a change. The snow has finally stopped, but there's a ton of it outside (at least 20 inches!). I figured I'd post a few pictures before Andy and I bundle up like Ralphie's brother, Randy, in A Christmas Story. We have some shoveling to do before Ravens kickoff at 4:15 pm. Hopefully the roads won't be bad. I read this morning that the media is welcome to check out the snow removal from M&T Bank stadium. That's probably a sight.

Crosscolor Filter: Bella begging for food (as if I never feed her). I'd like to note my Oscar the Grouch pants.

Cinema Filter: Sunrise this morning across the street. I don't typically use this filter. It elongates everything into a panorama and usually cuts off content I want to keep, but it worked perfect for this shot.

Lolo Filter: I figured a non-snow shot would be nice (quite honestly the white stuff is getting on my nerves already). This was taken in rural Virginia on the way home from my nephew's baptism (before the rain).

Holy Snow, Batman!

2009-12-19T08:13:00.002-05:00

The weatherman might have gotten something right! It looks like we already have six inches, with more snow still falling and the wind whipping everything around. This is going to be a relaxing, movie-filled, pjs kind of day.

Mono Filter: Bella looking longingly (not really, I think she's more confused) at the snow.

Cross Color Filter: Our walk yesterday before the snow. The leash I'm using was made by my amazing friend, Heather, who lives in Colorado.

Lolo Filter: Nativity Scene at a church in Ellicott City last night. We had started to move in the car while I took this shot. I still think it looks pretty cool.

T-Minus One Week

2009-12-18T06:00:00.004-05:00

Christmas is a week away! Finish up your last minute shopping, put on your footie pjs and snuggle up on the couch with some hot cocoa and your favorite holiday movie. Here are a few festive photos for your enjoyment...

Lolo Filter: Santa ornament on my tree

Helga Filter: This makes me giggle. My knee high gnome socks. tee hee :o)

Colorcross Filter: As my friend Meghan said, this photo clearly states, "I hate you mom, and I pooped in your shoes." Bella was NOT happy about the antler situation, but she tolerated it for a few minutes.

Let's get this thing going

2009-12-17T09:13:00.001-05:00

Here are a few photos to get this blog going. My goal is to post a new picture each day for your enjoyment. Comments welcome :o)

Lolo Filter: Red Sox v. Orioles in Baltimore (Summer 2009)

Helga Filter: Driving home from rural Virginia one very rainy afternoon after my nephew's baptism (Summer 2009)

Lolo Filter: This is what happy hour looks like! Margarita and Sam Adams (Summer 2009)