Dark Side of the Lens

Hey guys! We left California yesterday and I have to say it was probably the most sad I've ever been leaving a place. (Now it's back to 100 degree weather, bleh) We spent last night in Phoenix, AZ with some family and today we are finally heading home! I was trying to catch up with a little blog reading and found this video so I though I'd share. It's amazing and beautiful. 

Roasted Tomato Puree (freezer edition)

While alone last week, I stayed up making tomato sauce and jelly! It was nice to relax and cook without a baby to look after. And now I have some homemade sauce/jelly stocked up to use the next few months, can't beat that! I'm starting to learn about canning but I'm not quite there yet. So I'm starting off with freezer versions! This is really simple to make doesn't take much effort, just a bit of cooking time. Here's how I made Roasted Tomato Puree: 
Ingredients13 Organic tomatoes Olive oil Salt Pepper 
First, rinse off your tomatoes and cut an "X" on one side. I think I did the bottom side. Then place them "X" side up in a baking dish.  Drizzle with olive oil and salt and pepper if wanted.Bake for 350 for about 40 minutes or until starting to turn brown.  Allow to cool. Cut out centers... And puree in blender. I could only fit about 3 in my blender at a time which was perfect. 3 medium tomatoes makes about 2 cups which was just right for my 2-cup Platex containers!   I let mine sit in the fridge overnight and then froze them the next day.  This would work great in my taco soup or enchilada casserole. I used one the other night to whip up a quick spaghetti sauce and boy was it good!!! Perfect for those hurried nights when you want something healthy but fast!
I've got about 4-5 containers and can't wait to see what I can make with them!! I'll definitely share when I come up with something good. 
I kind of combined recipes I found on the net. Here are some more sources for info on making tomato sauce/puree, 1 & 2. 
P.S. California is great so far! The weather has been incredible and so refreshing. It's crazy how much of a difference it can make, we just want to be outside all day! Well, I hope all of you are enjoying your weekend! 

Links: DIY

While I'm out of town, I thought I'd share a few DIY links I've had laying around. Whenever I see a cool DIY, I like to save it in a post and eventually I save enough to make an entire post of DIY's!! 
I like to think I'll get around to doing these someday.... and when that day comes, I'll know exactly where they are (: 
DIY A-frame tent
 Hand stamped business card ideas Braided Rug TutorialCustom pair of tap pants  25 Scarf TutorialsDesign your own leggings  Granny Square Tutorials

Summer DIY ideas (mostly shorts!): 
-DIY american flag shorts made with bleach
-Ombre bleached/distressed jean shorts
-Studded shorts
-Bow pocket on jean shorts
-Acid washed jeans

Sponsor Change

Hey sponsors! I've got a few changes in the making.
First, ads will now run for only 60 days. Because I have so many, I had to take the time down. I will email sponsors towards the end of 60 days to see if you want to renew or not. 
Second, the large sponsor spot now includes a feature post! So those that are willing to pay $5 for a large spot will now be featured some time during the month, to show them off a little ;) 
Also, I want to give a shout out to my sister! She saw my "Goals" post and has been spreading the word and  sending people to my Facebook page for more likes. I've gotten 30+ likes in the last two days! Thanks sis, you seriously rock (: 

Buffalo Bayou Photoshoot, Part 2

Here's part two!

Outfit one: bathing suit cover
Outfit two: top, skirt
Outfit three: top, shorts
Outfit four: top, shorts

And in case you wanted to know, I've decided to keep my store open since I'll be back on Tuesday. (:

So yesterday was Eliza's birthday and it was awesome! It was filled with playing, family, rainforest animals and ice cream cake! She is officially 3, guys. Crazyness. And tomorrow we leave for Californiaaaaa. I'm beyond excited and kind of overwhelmed with packing. This will be our first real road trip without any of our parents so we're making sure to be extra prepared. We've got lists and lists and more lists! Wish us luck!

P.S. Do you like the new header?! 

Goals & Dreams for 2012

I don't think I ever posted an official "goals" list for 2012. Part of the reason is because I have several... woops? Anyways, I found one last night and am surprised to have actually accomplished a few! 
Here were some of my Goals & Dreams, some personal, some blogger goals, and some business: 
1) Finish school- hmm, don't think this is happening this year2) Create 3 e-courses- Don't think this is going to happen either, I haven't even finished my first one! 3) Guest post on 5 other blogs- Done! (1, 2, 3, 4, 5)4) Start doing paid advertising on my blog- Did that too (: 5) Have at least 12 guest posts- I don't think I have 12 yet but I'm on my way! 6) Get 200 twitter followers- not yet7) Send out 6-10 products to other bloggers (for free)- I need to work on this one! 8) Get 200 followers on my blog- Did this too! Probably my proudest accomplishment, eeeee (: 9) Get 300 Facebook "likes"-almost! I'm at 214

Buffalo Bayou Photoshoot, Part 1

A few weeks ago I had the privilege of doing a photoshoot with an actual photographer and model! This was a first for me. Usually it's me photographing and friends modeling, which is fun and they usually turn out good but this was just awesome. I LOVE how they all came out. I worked with this lovely gal named Rebecca and model named Gaby (SO pretty). Warning- photo overload! All of them were awesome, I had such a hard time picking out my favorites.... so here's most of them (:  Outfit: top, shorts Outfit: top, shorts 
     Outfit: top, skirt Outfit: bathing suit coverup
Questions: Would you guys rather I put pictures from photo shoots up like this or in an online magazine/lookbook type thing? 
Also, I will be putting the store on vacation mode tomorrow night for about 2 weeks. So if you want to buy something, do it now!! You can still use SUMMERVACA to get 30% off! 
And one more thing, Eliza turns 3 tomorrow!! EEeeeeeee