Beautiful pictures - I want a hobby

I can't help it, I love beautiful things. I am drawn to skylines, architecture, paintings, etc. I could visit a museum every day of the week if I had the time. I am even more impressed with how these beautiful sites can still be appreciated given a skillfully taken photograph.

I had a nice camera for a New York minute right after I got married...and we so used it when our daughter was born. Then time went out the window. As a working Mom a have little of it to spare. The camera collected dust, the lens got damaged, and I also craved much more than what my camera could offer.

Now I am carving out a bit more time for myself, if only to have a sense of sanity and tranquility once in a while. and photography is calling, nay...screaming and yelling my name.

In order to know what I will need to start up this hobby of mine, I needed to go look at what I want to do.

These are a few of the images I most want to be skilled at taking.

Image from http://thepleasuremonger.wordpress.com/

Image from http://thepleasuremonger.wordpress.com/

Image from http://thepleasuremonger.wordpress.com/

Image from http://galmeetsglam.blogspot.com/

Image from http://atlantic-pacific.blogspot.com/

Image from http://cupcakesandcashmere.com/

Also, I went looking at tutorials for picture taking and found this wonderful blog http://jenncuisine.com/ and it has both stunning pictures as wonderful advice. Like this one on exposure http://jenncuisine.com/2011/03/amateurs-food-photography-vi-the-histogram/

Image from http://jenncuisine.com/

The tutorials are great http://jenncuisine.com/resources/tutorial-collection/, and I can't wait till I make a camera purchase and start snapping away.


What hobby would you like to have?


Rossana G-A



FTC Disclaimer: I am not compensated to write this post.

Running in cooler weather

I hate that I get so much cooler weather during the year here in Northern California. I know, I know, people love the weather here, and I do too, but not when I have time to run either really early or really late when the sun is no longer around to warm anything. And because I used o run in Texas I don't really have the appropriate workout clothes. I plan to change that shortly. On my radar are a few things.

1. A jacket that is warm enough for cold weather, but that still lets you move enough to run. It also happens to run a bit over here, so a hoodie and water repellant are also a must, although I would probably do a U-turn back home so I don't get soaked. This Lululemon jacket is on the top of my list so far.

2. Gloves. I have some, but mostly to keep warm and they are plush. I need some a bit sleeker and breathable...yes, palms sweat even in cold weather if you are exercising. These Lululemon gloves also have reflective surfaces to help drivers see you when you run, and they have touch-screen friendly finger tips. Check, check, and check.

3. I had been holding out to find a running jacket with a taller collar. The air can get so cold that it hurst to breath it in when running and breathing so heavily. Lululemon had some years ago, but I didn't buy it at the time as I didn't need it in Texas, and then they didn't make it again. I think I now know why they don't make them anymore. The started making running scarfs. Great idea!! This one is also very versatile, and can be used for more than just running.

4. Leg warmers. Leg warmers??? Yes, leg warmers!! Why, you may ask? Because I get really really cold....yep, I am weird. And I also happen to think I can use them casually. I get cold when I wear boots as well, and these guys can be scrunched up to go unnoticed under the boot line, or even pull them up to add that little extra flair to your outfit.

So there it is. I haven't gotten them yet, but they are on my list. And as the weather keeps getting cooler I will probably be mor inclined to run and purchase them.

What do you use to keep exercising when the weather doesn't cooperate?


Rossana G-A



FTC Disclaimer: I am not compensated to write this post.