Guest Post//Alexandra's Photography Tips

Photo courtesy of Sarah Croswhite.

Hi there! My name is Alexandra, and I run a little photography blog where I share my work, as well as every day musings and lots about my Border Collie, Bonny. Also, the above photo of me was taken about 2 years ago. [I wish my bangs were still that length.]
Chloe asked me to share a few photography tips, and so I'm going to give you some of my best ones that have yet to fail me!

(c) Alexandra Wallace, 2012.

First off: If you're going to be taking portraits for the first time, take them of one of your closest friends. If you're photographing someone you're close to, it shows. And if you can get a genuine smile out of them, then you've got a winning photo. The best portraits are the ones that show someone's true inner beauty.

(c) Alexandra Wallace, 2012.

Everyone has their talents, hidden or well-known. Your subject will be in their comfort zone if they're doing something familiar. I took the above photo of my friend Ashley, who's been dancing for years. Her movements are beautiful, and it was amazing watching her in her element.

(c) Alexandra Wallace, 2012.

If you've seen my photos, you know I've got a thing for natural light and flares. The best suggestion I can give you, is to go out one evening as the sun's going down, and take some photos. Whether they're of people, flowers, trees, cityscapes - you name it - everything will glow.

Feel free to come visit me at my blog, and let me know how these worked for ya! Wishing you all a wonderful day,
-AW
www.awphotographyblog.com

Outfit: What Rompers Are Good For

I have always had a hard time liking rompers. I remember so many times I would pick up what I thought was an amazingly adorable dress, but then put it back after realizing it was a romper. The other day I realized that rompers are good for bike rides. They are just as breezy as a dress, without the worry that a big gust of wind will reveal your everything.

Romper-Thrifted

Camera Bag- Ebay

Sandals- Thrifted (Bass)

Flower Hair Clip- F21

This was our first bike ride of the summer and boy was I happy. Actually, Dominick bought a bike about an hour prior to these photos. We were beyond excited to try out our new bikes.

I love my new camera bag. It holds everything! I will do a "What's in my camera bag" post soon.

Xo Chloe.

Cheap Dates: Sewing Party

Amanda is officially my "cheap dates buddy." We are always finding new things to do that cost close to nothing. We both like to save our money.

      Where: Amanda's house

      Cost: $0 (Unless you need to buy fabric and clothing)

      Outcome: Fun and relaxing

Amanda and I both had clothes we needed to alter. This would have been really productive but something went wrong with the bobbin and the stitches kept coming loose.

Amanda's cat, Mr. Finn, was very interested in what we were doing. He had his eye on that thread for awhile before jumping up on the table and knocking one down to play with.

While you are altering your clothing, a movie makes some good background sound. Amanda picked these two out, but we ended up watching The Labyrinth. Oh, and make sure you have snacks!

We realized that we did not have any pins, so we ran to Meijer and Amanda bought these cute shape ones.

Our sewing party is Finn approved! 

Xo Chloe.

My Billie Giveaway Winner!

The winner of the My Billie Custom Blog Design giveaway is....... Pony Chops! Congrats! We will be emailing you!

Xo Chloe.

P.S. How awesome is this blog design? Check out Hey Little Apple Blossom!

DIY Ideas

Oooh, this would be cute for an outdoor party (In the area no one will be walking through. Think of all the shape possibilities! 

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I used to love making embroidery thread friendship bracelets! These cute little bobby pins bring me back.

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Oh my goodness, how adorable is this! There are not enough crafts that make objects look like kissing couples. 

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I am most definitely going to try this floral bag DIY. I could easily thrift a bag to use.

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My blog buddy is full of great ideas! I love how she used her new washi tape!

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This is the most impressive shoe storage solution I have ever seen, and I think it may just be the perfect solution for me!

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Xo Chloe.

Life in an Instant

I have been taking more photos lately with my Instax camera lately. I kind of accidentally gave up on the 52 Weeks of Instax Project which makes me sad. I want to come up with my own project for next year.

Left//My beautiful sister, Gwen. Right//My sister and myself after doing crafts.

Left//My friend Daniel's glorious beard. Right//Dominick and our friend Alec jumping in the pool.

Left//Dominick and I went over Nick, my coworker's house to play Mario Party! Right//Dominick loves his Ocarina.

Do you have an Instax camera? If so, do you have any extra lenses for it? I have been considering buying the fisheye lens and the telephoto lens.

Xo Chloe.

DIY: Travel Journal

I made Dominick a travel journal for his birthday since we are going to Niagra Falls next month. He really liked it, along with the suitcase and Ocarina I got him.

I filled this journal with little activities and pages to fill out, here are some of my ideas.

I drew it out in pencil first then went over it in pen, because I mess up a lot!

Have fun making your own travel journal!

Xo Chloe.

Stuff I Luff #22

Oh. My. Sweet. Goodness. I need this afro baby pouch.

This little felt brooch is adorable! I love how it is made to look like an antique cameo.

This wooden mason jar necklace is so dainty.

How awesome is this scissors pouch, it would be perfect to hold crafty tools!

Eeeeep! This ring and jewelry holder reminds me of Pinocchio!

I am so in love with these matryoshka doll pouches! They have a hand-drawn/cartoony feel that I adore.

Xo Chloe.

My Camera Wishlist

1//Lomography Guvnor La Sardina
2//Liquid Image Underwater Camera Mask
3//Lomography LomoKino
4//Lomography Shiawase Fisheye

What's on your camera wishlist?

Xo Chloe.

Outfit: Amanda in the Garden

My friends have such great style, so I am going to be featuring them more often. Meet Amanda, one of my closest friends.

Isn't she adorable?! I went through her closet the other day and she has the cutest clothes! I can't wait to play dress up next time I go over her house.

Xo Chloe.