Wednesday, September 25, 2013

Case of the Crafties

It is just me, or does arrival of fall make you go in crazy craft mode? 

When I feel that chill breeze breaking through summer heat, I have this strong desire to create something. 

In the past two weeks I have baked banana bread, made the pillow case covers from my last post, and knitted this mug cozy. 

I was looking on Etsy to buy one, but then I thought "I bet I can make that!"

I found this free knitting pattern and finished it in 2 daya. The pattern wasn't too hard, but you really have to pay attention to it. I think it turned out nice for my first one!




I don't know how long it will last, but I've been eating really good lately. Lots of fruit, veggies, and eggs. I LOVE mango. Yummy! 



At the thrift store I bought a giant stuffed tweety bird for the dogs. It lived for about 20 minutes before Evie pulled out all the stuffing. I can't believe how much stuffing they squeeze in toys! 


Hope you are having a great week! 

Wednesday, September 18, 2013

Give me some color!

We have a lot of brown in our house. Brown couch, brown coffee table, wood floors, brown kitchen cabinets....

I finally decided to add some color to our house. I think pops of color can boost your mood and even make a space appear more welcoming. I get intimidated by matching colors and patterns. I don't think I have a good eye for it. But I dove in!

First I made my own pillow case covers. They are removable, so I can change them up when I get bored. I had a few pillows at home, and I bought 2 pillow inserts at Joann's Fabric. They are so easy to make! This video explains it pretty well.




We don't have any lamps in our house, so I thought what a great way to add color. I bought this lamp and the shade (not pictured) for $8 at a thrift store.  


I had trouble deciding what color looked best. I panted the lamp yellow first and left the shade white. It was just too much. Then I painted it gray leaving a few yellow strips. Didn't like that either. This is what is looks like now. I still might add fabric to the shade instead of the yellow.


At the thrift store I also found this wood basket for $2 and this frame for $3. The color on the frame wasn't too pretty, but I knew when I spray painted it, the design on the frame would really stand out. 


The basket has been transformed into a red toy box for the dogs.  


I bought the frame specifically for a vintage hat advertisement that I bought a few months ago. It fit perfectly and is now hanging in the bathroom. I love it! 


I also found this candle holder at a thrift store. It was an ugly brass/rusty color. When I first bought it I painted it white, but now it is a beautiful red!


My other recent thrift store finds include this rusty/antique looking lantern ($3) and 3 chinese bowls. I grabbed the bowls as soon as the staff put them on the shelf right next to me. I think I paid $7 for all three. They are beautiful and have chinese markings on the bottom. 






Wednesday, September 11, 2013

Breeanna the NEW Photographer

I have always loved photography and the chance to freeze memories forever. Last December I decided to take my photography to another level by starting a business. First, I put ads on Craigslist to do free photo shoots so I could build up my portfolio. After that, I started placing ads charging for my work, and to my surprise I got responses! 

I have done a few weddings, family, senior, and engagements. I would say my favorite photo shoots are engagements sessions. The couples are so in love and it's just a fun happy shoot!

Right now, my photography is just a side business. I don't make much money, but I love doing it and gaining more experience. 

I'd love if you visit my website at Breeanna Lee Photography and let me know what you think! 


































Saturday, February 9, 2013

My New Lens!







I've been keeping an eye out for a used lens.
Woke up this morning, checked the Craigslist ads, and there it was.
Met up with the person 2 hours later and had myself a Sigma 70-200 f2.8 lens.
Once I got home, I had to test it out.
Luckily, my model is very beautiful!
I am so pleased with the quality of pictures from this lens. I read a lot of reviews and decided on the Sigma over the Tamron lens.
I would have chosen the Nikon over both, but the $2000 price tag is just not possible yet.
The Sigma lens is a bit heavy, but its autofocus is so fast and quiet.
I'm starting to photograph weddings (one on Valentines Day!) so this lens will be so great!

I shot these photos in RAW and didn't have to edit them at all.


(For those new to my blog, my lovely model's name is Evie. She is a Belgian Malinois).



Tuesday, February 5, 2013

Wish List


It's fun at times (or all the time) to go window shopping online. Here are some things on my "don't really need, but would love" wishlist. 




Love this painting. I could totally see this in my living room. I might have get it. You can buy a print here.



Beautiful chair from Anthro. Way out of my budget, but I can dream.

I wear flats almost every day. Would love to add these to my collection.



I'm on the look out for a new camera bag. This one is so pretty and affordable.