Picture Pretty

Free Shipping Sucks Me In Every Time

August 12, 2011

B super loves it when I order things online. Normally I get home before him and when I go on Amazon he comes home to cardboard boxes strewn about, packing slips on the floor and me pretending like nothing is amiss.

Hey, what did we get?

We?

……….

Then he rolls his eyes and asks what beautiful thing I ordered for myself and then I sheepishly admit that I couldn’t help it! I really needed another silicone spatula! Amazon Prime gives us free shipping! What is a girl to do? Order the new spatula, that is what.

But on Monday the best box in the history of boxes is coming to our house. Not even the world’s greatest spatula that could create the tastiest stir fry in the entire world could beat out this box.

Don’t worry, I ordered a lens as well. Ok fine, TWO lenses. What? Amazon Prime…..it….had a deal! (55 mm & a 55-250)

Anyway, I’m super excited because now my Dad can stop criticizing my pictures and you guys…well….you will have so much fun looking at my new pictures, right?

Is this thing on?

Ah well. A girl can dream.

Hobbies, We All Need Them

July 26, 2011

By Daisy

Seeing as how I’ve recently taken up cycling and I’m quite…..not very good….at it, I thought it was the perfect time to add another hobby into my life.

Self, I said to myself, what is another expensive hobby with great levels of frustration but occasional glimpses of triumph for you to torture yourself with?

The obvious answer I think, is photography.

I’ve been saving for my very own shiny DSLR camera (so I can say adios to my point and shoot) and my Mom, knowing I was very close to hitting the “order” button on my Amazon cart signed us up for a photography class when she was in town with my Aunt. The class was an amazing learning experience, even on a borrowed camera and I learned SO! MUCH! INFORMATION!

Of course it doesn’t hurt that I arrived at the class with the basic ability to turn a camera on and use the auto setting to take a single photograph of something in front me. I don’t think we can even attempt to classify that as advanced beginner.

Of course with my new found knowledge I was quite sure I was coming home with a memory card full of keepers. Framed images decorating our hallways (we only have one hallway so please, keep in mind how very fanciful this dream really was) and me telling friends “Well you know, you just have to take some classes and keep an eye out for great shots!”

Ha. Ha. Ha.

Behold, my mediocre yet not-shot-on-auto photos!

I think the good news for all of us is that I plan on taking more classes.

The bad news being you are probably wondering what will be left to write about if I’m always chronicling bike riding and photo taking.

I’m sure I’ll find something. I mean after all…..

…we will always have Rhett Butler.

Sweet Home Chicago

May 12, 2011

By Daisy

A few weeks ago my Dad informed me that my photos on here really stink. He put it kindly, to be sure:

You probably shouldn’t post any more photos on your blog until you get a nicer camera. Your photos are….not red hot.

I promptly informed that was awesome, I was a Canon girl.

(Yes, my parents read and apparently critique my blog. I really should have thought this out a little more.)

Anyway. I’m completely ignoring his advice and sharing some (crappy iPhone) photos that show the swirling weather in my fair town. Sure, everyone always clutches their chest when you mention the big “C” word and then spits out “BUT THE WINTER THERE IS JUST HORRIBLE!” Typically this person lives in Boca Raton, has no idea what constitutes “snow” and has zero idea what they are talking about. Fargo has a tough winter. Chicago has winter. There is a huge difference.

Anyway. Chicago in the spring is a teeter totter of weather patterns- a mix of spring, summer and even wintery days. You never know what you are going to get- you have to leave a few sweaters out but your skirts should be close by as well. Also your UGGs, your rain boots & your flip flops.