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Showing posts with label fun. Show all posts
Showing posts with label fun. Show all posts

4.07.2012

just to make you laugh

You know I don't usually do photoless, one-sentence posts. But this? I had to make an exception. :P


If you scroll all the way down, you can turn off my blog's background music, or just click to watch the video directly off of Youtube. :)

3.23.2012

blogoversary giveaway no.4

This last giveaway is sponsored by well... me. The winner will get to pick and three of the below prints as his/her prize. And no, I'm not going to tell you just how lovely my photos are because... *ahem*... that's for you to decide. ;P

This giveaway is open to residents of the US and Canada only.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
And I promise I am working on a normal photos+words post, which will be published sometime next week. ;)
Did you see The Hunger Games!? I haven't yet. The only thing that consoles me? I know the people who have seen it (which may or may not include you) are equally jealous of me, because they wish they could erase the movie from their minds and have the fun of watching it again. You are jealous, right?

3.21.2012

Blogoversary Giveaway no.3 // Sponsored by Dee

Dee of Rabbit and Me is sponsoring this week. She sells some lovely handmade cards, as well as jewelry, over at her shop. Be sure to check it out! :)

She donated these cute blue rose pins for this giveaway. I thought that was really sweet! <3

And guess what?! This giveaway is open to international readers. Pretty cool, right? ;) You can enter below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway
Have a lovely Wednesday! <3

3.20.2012

In Which You Get to Ask Away

So I've really been thinking of creating a FAQ page recently. Well, actually for like four months now. ;P
I don't know if you look through FAQs, but I do. They introduce you to the person behind the blog through a series of, sometimes totally random (my favourite!), questions. I think that's awesome.
Wanna ask me something? Please post it in a comment below! I'll be filming a vlog, as well as writing a page... both dedicated to answering your questions. ;)
Ask away!

interview // katie of clair de lune

I'm so very delighted to have you over at my blog today, Katie! :) To start off, just tell us a little bit about yourself.

Where do I start... My name is Katie, and my face is most often behind my camera. When it's not, there is normally a smile present. I love my piano a little more than I should. Birds are my current obsession. I live in the country so I spend a lot of time outside with my notebooks and favorite pen, soaking in the quiet. Anything art, writing, photography, coffee, and books have my attention. You will often find me at my local thrift store.


Thrifts stores are amazing! I'm not much for the clothes, but oh, the books... all the titles you can find! What do you think inspired you to start on your photography journey?

Blogging did, I think. I saw what others did with their cameras, and that inspired me to pick up mine and start snapping away.


Me too actually, for the most part at least. What would you say the majority of your photos are (portraits, macros, etc)?

Landscapes and nature in general, for sure. Nature captivates me. I also have quite a few pictures of people "in the moment". They make me feel as though I'm freezing time.


Nature and people... I love them both so much, that I end up combining. :) What camera/equipment do you use?

I use a Nikon D3000 and a 18-55mm kit lens mostly, although I do own a 50mm f/1.4 macro film lens that I have to hold in front of my kit lens to take a picture. It gives a peephole effect that I absolutely love. I'm also borrowing my uncle's 52mm film lens that has an amazing glaze effect, giving a vintage feel to the photo


Both the 50mm & the 52mm sound really cool! Do you prefer manual or auto focus?

Auto. I'm lazy, and I will admit it. Sometimes my camera won't focus on exactly what I want it to focus on, so I switch to manual. That's the only time though.


Yeah, manual can sometimes be frustrating (especially when little kiddies are involved ;). Do you edit your photos? If so, with what?

I used to edit every one, but I've ventured away from that. I do love editing and enhancing my photos, and for that I use Paint.net, but it takes up a lot of time. Other than changing from color to black&white, not much editing is done.


Same here, pretty much. I also sometimes make adjustments, with PS. If you could go anywhere in the world with your camera, where would it be?

I would love to go everywhere. If I HAD to choose... it would be either Paris or Ireland. Paris because, well, it's Paris. Ireland because I have a weird fascination with that country, in all its green rolling hills, stone castles, and delicious accents.


Stone castles? Need to visit. What are several of your favourite shots ever taken?

The first is a picture of my neighbor who is 2. He is precious, and he likes to run around my house with blocks in his hands while wearing socks so he can slide across the floor.

The second is of the bushes around the pond in my backyard. I'm not sure why it's a favorite. I suppose I just love the colors.


The third is a favorite because it's of the window sill in my kitchen. The colors are so pretty, and it reminds me of everyday life.


They're all so pretty! Love the pansies in the last one! Have you ever sold any of your prints?

No, not yet. I'm hoping to have my photography shop open by the end of May or beginning of June.


I'm planning on opening an Etsy shop soon too! Can't wait to visit yours! What are some tips you can give to newbie photographers - something you desperately wish you'd known when you first started out?

Oh, the life of a beginner. Truthfully, sometimes I still feel as though I'm a beginner. There are so many things I don't know, or haven't tried. I do wish I realized the purpose of photography when I first started. Photography isn't just about taking pictures, it's about freezing a moment in time to cherish and relive afterwards; it needs to speak emotion and memories. But as far as taking pictures, practice practice practice. Know your camera, the settings, and how to adjust in different situations.


Thank-you so much, Katie! That was really fun! :)
If you would like to look though some more of Katie's photos, you can visit her over at clair de lune. Her blog is amazing! So click on that link, ok? Now. ;)

3.09.2012

Blogoversary Giveaway no.2 // Sponsored by Kristy

This week's giveaway sponsor is Kristy of KristyBee Photography! :) 
Have you visited her shop before? If you haven't, you really must. Her photos are amazing! <3

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They all have this really unique & dreamy vintage look...

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...which I immediately fell in love with.

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(The bokeh in this one? Simply stunning!!)

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And guess what? She's offering two of her 5x7 prints (winner's choice) to one of my readers!

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Excited?! You must be... admit it, you are. ;) You can enter via the Rafflecopter gadget below, U.S. residents ONLY please.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Just to clarify, all giveaways will be ending on March 30th, and I'll be picking winners on the 31st.
Now excuse me as I go off to feel sorry for myself. Hosts can't enter giveaways, you know? ;P

3.06.2012

Pinspirational Tuesday

Click here!
I'm linking-up to 'Pinspirational Tuesdays' today, hosted by Jessica @ Diary of a Beautiful Soul, with a few of my favourite, recently pinned, pins. :)

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The medieval look? <3
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That's really sweet! <3

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Raindrop bokeh! Wow!

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Lol! How cute is she?! ;D

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Glitter. is. amazing.
 
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 There you go. That's all there is to it! ;P

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Yes! <3

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 One of my favourite parts! :D
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I wish I could say otherwise, but this really looks like me.

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ummm... this too.

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the hair... it's perfect.

All images/photos via my pinterest pinboards.

3.05.2012

dear...

dear itunes,
  Why won't you let me have a multiple artist album? It's really annoying!

girl who spent half an hour trying failing to figure it out

dear government,
  No, thank-you. I really don't need more money. In fact, if you could stop printing it, that would be great.

girl whose money was stolen

dear math,
  I know you're just trying to help, and to be honest, I kind of like you. But you can be so irritating sometimes...

girl who has a math test tomorrow

dear library,
  Can you please get another Downton Abbey dvd? I've had this one on hold for ages.

girl who can't wait to watch it

dear kindle,
  Can't wait for you to arrive! My iPod is really no match for you.

your future owner

dear homer,
  I'm sorry to have to tell you this, but every time I pick up Odyssey, I start feeling sleepy. Was it originally intended as a bedtime story?

the girl who almost fell asleep

dear march 23rd,
  I await your coming with anticipation.

girl on fire

dear ninety-nine followers,
You are all amazing. Returning your lovely comments and getting to know you is one of my goals.

3.01.2012

Blogoversary Giveaway no.1 // Sponsored by Lauryn

I wish I could inform you that March found me strolling through the backyard, taking pictures of cherry blossoms and budding lilacs, but sadly, that is not the case. In fact, it snowed today. *sigh* Oh, I know spring is on its way... I just desperately wish it would hurry up. But let us ponder on what today is, instead of what it isn't, shall we? And it is day one of my blogoversary party! Exciting, is it not?! ;)
To start off, I decided to post this lovely giveaway generously sponsored by Lauryn of FlourishByLauryn!


Her shop is filled with all kinds of pretty items...
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...from cute little bobby pins...
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...to lovely necklaces...
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...to gorgeous rhinestone hair pins! <3

You can imagine just how delighted I was when Lauryn agreed to sponsor a giveaway with this camera charm necklace!
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Isn't it the cutest thing you've ever seen?! *swoon*

I believe you would all like a chance to win, right? ;) Well, I won't keep you waiting. Type away lovelies! :)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

p.s. Notice a change in my writing style? I think historicals are rubbing off on me...

2.29.2012

Official Blogoversary Announcement

February 29th. How rare the day... just perfect for a special announcement. ;)
March 25th, only twenty-five days from now, is the day, one year ago, on which I first posted on this blog. It's so hard to believe! Was it really me who took this photo (notice the heavy edit)? There is such a big difference between my photos then and my photos now... an obvious sign of growth, which I am proud of (though I know I still have much to learn). :)
In honour of both the combining of my blogs & my photo blog's blogoversary, I've decided to host a sort of 'party' on my blog. There will be several giveaways, as well as guest posts/interviews featuring several of my favourite photo bloggers, & a little something else. ;) I do hope you'll join in and spread the word!




Be sure to keep an eye out for the lovely giveaway I'll be posting tomorrow! *wink*
Have a glorious evening!

2.24.2012

A Tag & Some Randomness

Friday evening finds me happy and content, with a finished research paper on the history of the camera safely tucked into my essay folder (referring to a computer folder here, by the way ;). Did you guys know that Canon was founded in 1937, almost twenty years after both Nikon (est. 1917) and Pentax (est. 1919)? I didn't. 0_o
So anyway, I just remembered I got tagged a while back by Ashlin of My Hiding Place, and since I really felt like posting (new design. it got me all excited ;P) I thought I'd go on and do it! Thank-you for tagging me, Ashlin! :)


~The Rules~

If you are tagged, post 11 random things about yourself. Answer the questions I (the tagger) asked you, then create 11 new questions for the people you tag, and go to their blog and let them know they've been tagged.



~11 Random Things About Me~


1. I'm not a particularly big fan of chocolate. I could probably go on without it for a year and not even notice. Probably...

2. I'm getting a Kindle in about two weeks.

3. When I upgrade my camera, it's going to be to this.

4. I tried filming a vlog on my iPod once, but deleted it. My voice sounded so weird. Totally not me. I'm always like that on video though. Don't know why.

 5. I could listen to Downhere all day & not get tired of it (and yes, I have done it before).

6. I won a book in a giveaway last week! Can't wait til it arrives! :)

7. Ever since I was little, I've always thought of the numbers from 1 to 10 as being 'girls' and 'boys'. 1, 3, 5, 6, 8, & 10 are 'boys', while 2, 4, 7, & 9 are 'girls'. Weird, I know.

8. I'm addicted to using ampersands. I mean, admit it. This (&) looks way better than this (and).

9. I haven't visited Pinterest at all this week (except for that amazing handbag photo I pinned via Etsy yesterday). I miss it.

10. My blog design's colours (orange & gray) are inspired by the gray/black leaves & orange oranges on the kitchen curtains. Not kidding.

11. If everything goes on as planned, I'll be done with most of my major school subjects by the end of April... except math. I'll have to keep doing it through May. I can't wait to get Algebra 2 off my head!

~11 Questions from Ashlin~


1. When and how did you become a Christian?
 Hmmm... well I can't exactly say 'when'. Ever since I was a little girl, I've always prayed, always known God had chosen me as one of His precious possessions. Because really, what reason is there for you to live if you don't have a purpose in life? God is the only one who can give you that. I'm just glad and thankful He picked me, unworthy sinner that I am, and made me His daughter.

2. How many siblings do you have and what is your "place"
(i.e. oldest, second born, middle, ect.)?
Oldest and I have two wonderful little siblings. :)

3. Do you prefer skirts/dresses or pants/shorts?

I hate tights (super glad I don't do ballet), so skirts & dresses are definitely not my thing. Even when it's too hot for tights, I highly prefer pants/shorts (I try to get them below the knee if I can) over skirts/dresses.

4. If you could choose from any occupation, which would you like best?

Next to being a mom/homemaker? Probably graphic designer and/or photographer.

5. What book(s) of the Bible are you currently reading in your devotions?

 I just read Esther this morning, now it's on to Job. 

6. Which movie genre is your favorite?

I like period dramas. They're amazing! Some of my favourites include Little Dorrit (2008), Pride & Prejudice (BBC), North & South, and Emma (2009).

7. Which of your birthdays is most memorable?

I could never say. I really liked my last one though. ;P

8. If you could live anywhere in the world (or galaxy) where would you live and why there?

Does this include jumping into a book? Because if it does, I'd love to live in the Kingdom of Arrethtrae.

9. How many pets have you had in your lifetime?

One. It was a blue beta fish named Charlotte (actually male, but since I named it before I found out the gender, I just pretended it was a girl ;P). I had it for three years and it died a little over two years ago. I buried it in the backyard. It even had a grave marker, a blue garden stepping stone (custom made by me), which my mom accidentally removed while gardening last year. I know where the grave is though; seven shoe lengths toward the house, away from this bush-like tree we have. I know, I'm making a way bigger deal of this than I should. Did I mention it died the day my little brother was born?

10. Would you consider yourself an avid reader?

More like avidly avid. :D

11. Why did you originally decide to blog?

I found a few blogs by Christian girls which I really liked. I then got inspired & created my own blog. :)

~11 Questions by Me~


1. If you could meet with any fictional character ever, who would it be?

2. If you were offered a vacation to Middle Earth (or another favourite fictional world/place) in exchange for carrying a whole bag full of all kinds of creepy crawlies, five miles on foot, would you do it? (sorry. I know I'm being mean here ;P)

3. What's your favourite band and/or favourite musician?

4. If you could have anything, ANYTHING, what would it be? (only one thing. wishing for 1000 wishes isn't valid.)

5. Have you ever dreamed of meeting one or more of your internet friends? If so, who where they, and what did you do when you met (if you remember, of course)?

6. What are the top five best books (or book series) you've ever read?

7. Can you do a standing bridge?

8. What's your favourite quote (or one of your favourites)?

9. How often do you listen to music (i.e. every day, every week, several times a month, etc.)?

10. What's your favourite song?

11. The weirdest, most embarrassing thing you remember doing/thinking/believing as a little kid:

12. Quick! What's the first thing that pops into your head when you think of the colour blue?

I tag...



And now, it's your turn! :) If you'd like to do it but weren't tagged, feel free to join in! Just let me know in a comment. ;)

Have a lovely weekend! <3

2.23.2012

Of Blue Eyes & Chubby Cheeks

**WARNING!!! Major amount of cuteness ahead! May result in symptoms such as the constant repeating of 'Aww!' and/or 'So cute!'. Scroll down at your own risk.**

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So I really thought spring was on the way. Almost no snow in January, that definitely calls for an early spring, right?

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Wrong! Over the weekend, billions of tiny, amazing-bokeh-making snowflakes fell from the sky.
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Me? I ran out with the siblings... and Eirwyn (notice, I named my camera ;).

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I took a whole ton of photos.

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As you can see. ^^I love this one!^^

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^^Snow? Why, it tastes just like ice cream!^^

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^^Me: Are you cute?^^

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^^Boyan: Yeah...^^

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^^Very careful observation.^^

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This is 'the house'. Well, it was 'the house'. It toppled over a couple of days ago. (Those green branches inside? They're 'flowers'. ;)

~~~~~~~

How is the weather where you live? Snowy? Cold? Springy? :)