Photography

{#OurProject52} Sunrise

Ahhh….the sunrise. I will admit the sun rising is something that I haven’t seen much these days because I have truly been enjoying my lazy, hazy, days of Summer and not waking up until well after the sun is in the sky. Don’t feel jealous because I’ve been keeping late night hours not going to bed until 3a or later in the morning. Always a trade offs…Always!

When I think of sunrises my mind automatically drifts to the beauty of the sun rising over the ocean at the beach. While the beach has been calling my name unfortunately I haven’t yet been able to run to it with open arms. Hopefully in a few weeks I’ll be able to sneak away for some recharging before the Summer is over.

On the weekends I have a habit of getting up early to check on my babies and look at them as they sleep in the early morning. Sometimes it seems that the still of the morning is the only time that I get a few quiet moments to myself.

Tips: I think this goes without sayig. When trying to capture photos of the sun avoid shooting directly into the sun without the use of a tripod.

Head over and see the sun rising over at Everyday Eyecandy!

Project 52


Toyota Hybrid Prius
Featured Living

{Toyota Hybrid Prius Review} Top 5 Things a Mom Needs in a Compact Car

I drive an SUV and my husband drives a gas guzzling classic 1972 Cutlass. Nearly a year ago I was forced to say goodbye to my paid for Chrysler crossover. I had grand plans to transition from that crossover into a car but instead was forcefully upgraded to an SUV. While I love my SUV for travel and transporting kids, I have really been longing for a smaller, gas efficient car.

For a week I had the pleasure of testing out a Toyota Hybrid Prius and all of the reasons why I think our family needs a small, fuel efficient car were verified with the Prius. I fell in love with that little car. Let’s just say it took $15 to fill  up….and if you are cruising at a constant speed you can actually almost get 100 mpg.

Toyota Hybrid Prius

 

Yes. Your eyes do not deceive you.

To say I didn’t want to give the car back is an understatement. Here are my top 5 reasons why I think every mom could appreciate a compact car.

1. Fuel: If you’ve ever watched my vlogs you know I spend a ton of time in my car. From lessons, to school, to activities I am always moving and in an SUV moving = $$$.  On average I can easily spend $100 a week in gas. I received the car with a full tank and traveled nearly 500 miles before I had to refill it.

The car also runs solely on electric when traveling under 25mph

Toyota Hybrid Prius

 

2. Bluetooth: When you are always in your car there are creature comforts that make a busy life more comfortable. One of those things for me is music. The car allowed Bluetooth connection not just for hands free phone but also allowed you to stream music. This was big for me because I have Rhapsody and I was able stream my playlists through the radio in addition to the Satellite radio option.

Toyota Hybrid Prius

 

3. Trunk Space: I have no idea how I accumulate so much stuff in my daily travels but the short time that I had the Prius I had to transport a few things and believe it or not the trunk space did not disappoint not to mention the seats fold down for additional room. Because the trunk of the car was glass, the cover was able to pull over my items to hide them from plain sight.

Toyota Hybrid Prius

 

4. Keyless Entry: I LOOOOVED this feature. My car is newer but not that “new new” that is keyless entry. With my phone in one hand, a toddler hand in the other while trying to juggle a coffee cup and bags I just simply touched my finger to the handle and voila! Pushed the button and the car started. No digging for keys.

Toyota Hybrid Prius

 

5. Easy on the Eyes: I don’t care how functional a car is if it isn’t cute then what’s the point. That could just be my logic. I thought this was the cutest little car. I loved the color and the small size that allowed me to easily pull into parking spaces and I even was able to snag an electric car only space. I plugged in and went shopping. Going electric has its privileges obvs.

Toyota Hybrid Prius

I was a little concerned about the space but the children fit comfortably into the back, Trina and I even took the girls on a day trip and two booster seats fit comfortably.

After my time with the car if financially feasible I think having a small car is a must have in every family. Now if I can just dig up the coins to get myself one I’ll be doing good!

This month all of the Fab Top Five got the opportunity to test out vehicles. Be sure to stop by and see what each lady drove and their Fab Top Five Drives topic!

LaShawn @Everyday Eyecandy

Kita @ Kokoa Mag

Bernetta @Bernetta Style

MJ @ Fab Haute Mama

Featured Photography

{#OurProject52} Negative Space

I’m a huge fan of negative space in photography by default. I love to utilize the rule of thirds with my subject positioned either to the far left or right automatically creating negative space to either side of the subject dependent on where it is placed.

Negative space is really an easy and effective way to really draw attention to the subject you are photographing. It puts the focus there.

IMG_7347

In theory I THINK negative space is supposed to be solid colored as in a background but seeing that photography is subjective and I like shooting outdoors my interpretation will almost never follow that rule. I encourage you to use your own creativity and eye when practicing this technique.

Be sure to head over to see LaShawn. I know we are in the Summer slump but drop in when you can. We would love to see what you are capturing!

Project 52

http://everydayeyecandy.com/2015/06/tips-for-negative-space-photography/

Fashion Featured

My New Favorite Dress

I can’t stress enough how important comfortable fashion is to me….especially when the temps start to dial up. Since I am slowly reconstructing my wardrobe (more on that later) I’m determined to steer clear of any trendy items and specifically spend on items that are classic and are of good quality.

Gap Striped Relaxed T shirt Dress

 

 

Went to my cousin’s house a few weeks ago and fell in love with this dress. Hers was navy blue and white. As a stroke of blessings would have it, one of my favorite girls called me on the phone telling me about this amazing sale Gap was having. I ventured over and there was the dress. *cue angels singing*

Gap Striped Relaxed T shirt Dress

Unfortunately it wasn’t in my preferred color but style and price trumped color. The dress was marked down to $19 with an additional 40%. I paid $11 for this dress and the original price was $50.

Gap Striped Relaxed T shirt Dress

WIN. SCORE. DID THAT.

Love my dress. The jersey fabric is amazing  so I plan to take good care of and get good wear out of this simple dress.

Found an unbelievable deal lately? Do share!