Going retro

In this day in age with everything digital and so much technology it's easy to forget where things originated from. Today anyone can pick up a digital SLR camera, strap it around their neck and call themselves a photographer.  I don't want to be that kind of photographer.

So I'm taking a step back. I've decided I want to learn photography in it's rawest form. I am looking forward to learning true photography with my "new" Argus C4.

Here's a little history I found on the Argus C4.

Argus  sold over 300,000 Argus C4 35mm rangefinder cameras in the 1950s. It had one of the best implementations of a viewfinder with superimposed rangefinder, an easy film load concept and a hot shoe for attaching and connecting a flash without cable. It had a modern design, but no interchangeable lenses. But the Geiss company of Chicago customized C4 cameras for interchangeable lenses which were made by Enna in Munich, Germany.
Info via Camerapedia

Birthday Success!

I had posted a while back about my inspirations for a "In a Flash" birthday for my daughter. Well it was a success. They party went even better than I planned. It was so much fun and such a great way to celebrate another passed and a great year to come.

Hope all her wishes come true.

 

Happy Easter!

Greatest man in history, named Jesus, had no servants, yet they called him Master. Had no degree, yet they called him Teacher. Had no medicines, yet they called him Healer. He had no army, yet kings feared Him. He won no military battles, yet he conquered the world. He committed no crime, yet they crucified Him. He was buried in a tomb, yet He lives today.

Remembering what Easter is really all about.

Clever Idea {cupcake lights}

Love when I find a cute, clever, and inexpensive idea. Now I can't wait to go back to Ikea! Check out the details here. 

Must do list {tin can organizer}

Crafts + Organization = LOVE

This is going on my must do list ASAP.

Find the how-to's at hgtv.

Mojitos

Trying to use up some mint from my herb garden. Can't wait to try some new mojito recipes.


These are strawberry mojitos . They look like summer.

Here's another that looks so good. This asian pear mojito is actually a knock off to P.F. Changs mojito recipe but it's definitely worth seeing if there just as good because they are pretty pricey.

Obession {black and white strips}

I was scrolling through all my saved inspiration photos and realized I've got quite a collection of rooms with black and white strips. There is something that I am just instantly drawn too when I see a room with them. Their classic and really go well with many different styles, other colors and patterns. I wanted a place to put them all in one neat and organized place. So here you go.

What I love about this one is the soft color palette. Not much going on other than black and white but yet it looks still so inviting. The natural fiber baskets, the pictures and oversized letter sitting rather than hanging and the the children's chalkboard easel give the room a very comfortable and inviting feel.



 What I love here is the open shelving all the way to the striped vase sitting on the counter. I love that they used color in the decor pieces which can easily be changed out and using edible decor, lemons, limes, pears, apples. Any fruit or veggie with a vibrant color is one of my favorite ways to decorate my kitchen.



This would look so cute in my bathroom. This pattern is actually called Chevron but who's being technical?

Love all the shelves! I just wouldn't want to dust them though.

Roman shade are probably my favorite window treatment. They always just look so neat and tidy. The stripes add such personality to the room. Also loving the daybed and baskets! That would be my spot for reading.

Really cool idea to paint on the actual floor. Might be a good option instead of refinishing the floors.

Always love finding ideas for bedrooms for shared rooms. Maybe because I grew up always sharing a room but I've always wanted to design a room with two kids in mind. I have a boy and girl so it won't be happening. Oh well. I'll just enjoy looking.

                                              

 What a fun playroom! Who knew chalkboard paint could looks so good on walls.

Very cool sunroom. Love the use of rustic with glamerous. The exposed wood beams paired with a delicate chandelier.

 The strips help the lenghthen the room 

would work great in a small apartment or

house. 

I just love the breakfast nook in this kitchen. I would love to have breakfast there every morning. The black and white checkered flooring is also a fave. It's just classic.

images via decor pad, design sponge and apartment therapy

Spring {photo shoot}

Makes me want to be a kid again.

All photos taken my Ruth Auditore. Please do not use without permission.

Etsy finds

I saw this a while back and I've thought about it ever since. That's always how I know I really like something, when I think about even months later. I thought it would be perfect for nursery but since I don't have one of those anymore I wasn't sure where I would put it. But I'm sure I can find a place.

the wheat field

This would be perfect for my daughter. She is definitely my little assistant.

amy tangerine

I *heart* this necklace.

bellehibou

No ordinary cupcake

I've been researching cupcakes lately, yes researching, and I've found some very  interesting recipes. I am not sure if it's the time of the year or if I just find cupcakes irresistible but I now have a dozen or so recipes that I want to make. Thank goodness for all the birthdays, I mean a least I'll have a good reason to be making cupcakes, right?


At first I thought that was a sliced strawberry on top. Nope. It's bacon. I have to tell you I've got a little obsession with bacon. These sound so delicious to me. Check out the recipe for these French Toast with Maple buttercream frosting cupcake and then topped with bacon.

image via Life is better with cake

Bella has been asking me to make cupcakes topped with donut for a few weeks now. Of course I thought she was just being a sugar crazy kid but when I saw these Coffee donut cupcakes I thought it really wasn't such a bad idea. These are topped with swiss meringue coffee buttercream and then a mini krispy cream donut. Um yes please.

image via Life is better with cake

  

I had this idea a year ago. My son, I'm sure like most kids, loves his pb&js. I thought it would make such a great cupcake. Well someone else did too. Can't wait to try these Peanut Butter and Jelly Cupcakes and I'm sure my son can't either.

image via My Baking Addiction

Ok one word. Nutella. No more needs to be said. The recipe can be found at My Baking Addiction.

image via My Baking Addiction

in the garden {spring 2011}

Just some pics of what springtime is looking like around here.

Pictures taken by Ruth Auditore