In the middle of a firepit night...

...but will be back with a full post shortly.

Instax -- what I've learned so far

My mom has been asking to see the pics I've taken from my new camera, so I thought I'd share my photos (along with what I've learned).

1.  I learned that animals don't make great subjects.  This was my first attempt.  Lola was looking at the camera.  Instead, I wound up with a shot of her ear.  Nice.

2.  I learned how close is too close. 

3.  I learned that I have a gorgeous view from my front porch, and blue skies show up quite nice in an instant photo.

4.  I learned that it's still fun to take self pics! 

5.  Finally, I learned that if Mike (1) orders dessert and (2) that dessert is cake, it is definitely a photo-worthy moment.  Seriously, moments like this only happen every hundred years or so.  (And yes, he shared!) 

And I'm so glad my Mom gave me 60 instax shots with my camera!  :)

Happy 4th!

Tonight, we watched the fireworks.  I got one good pic.  It looks like a flower, so that makes me smile! 

Have a safe and happy 4th of July! 

Thursday was a great mail day.

Seriously, I felt spoiled.

When we got home from whatever random trip to Lowe's/Walmart/grocery store, we checked the mailbox at the bottom of the drive, and this was waiting for me.  I think it was just last week that I won a giveaway on Chris' blog.  Chris makes the prettiest aprons, so I was really excited!  LOVE the fabric she used -- especially that pink floral!  Plus, she packed some nifty scrap supplies!  Thank you so much, Chris! 

When we got to the house, there were not one, but TWO packages from my parents!  Mom sent my birthday gifts out this week.  My Instax and plenty of film was in one box...this camera is fun fun fun!  I'll share some of the pics I've taken once I get a chance to scan them. 

And my aqua vintage camera was in the other.  You might remember this camera from this post. It fits perfectly into my rapidly growing collection.  Aqua cameras are cute!

And, this was my "card".  So perfect! 

She picked it up for me because this toy from long, long ago still has a prominent place on our bookshelf. 

Thanks Mom and Dad!  You always make my birthdays so special!  Love you!  :)

Where do you like to shop?

As I mentioned in yesterday's post, my answer is not Abercrombie, not Hollister.  Unless, of course, I'm looking for the perfect Kelly Kapowski denim bra top.  Haha!  (If you didn't read yesterday's post, you won't get this.  So you should really read yesterday's post.)  :)

For our next challenge over at TAAFOMFT, we want you to tell us about your favorite place to shop.  Me?  I'm crazy for Maurices.  I get so many of my clothes from there.  And they have awesome short-girl pants.  :)  There's one back in my hometown, and then a few years ago, one opened up close to where I currently live.  Even better, the store manager remembers me from the Maurices back home. 

So head over to the blog and join us for this challenge!  

Shopping trip

Today I went out with Ashley and Cindy for a full day of shopping. Just a few observations from the day:

• Sometimes it's possible to find a great skirt for $2.
• Talking about the first 20 minutes of Up will make Ashley cry. Which will then trigger a similar but slightly less severe response in me.
• First trip to Chipotlé. Yum!
• I am not a trendy clothing store kinda gal. Abercrombie? Blah. I've never even been in one until today. It made me feel very old.
• On the other hand, Ashley and I found the perfect Kelly Kapowski denim bra top at Hollister. We also had trouble hearing each other.

• Most of the time, I think I would rather buy scrapbook supplies than clothing.
• Chocolate-dipped softserve is melty melty melty.
• I'm pretty sure there was a time in my life when shopping didn't make me so tired.
• Mike will invariably use my absence as an excuse to rearrange part of the house.

And speaking of shopping, I have a fun shopping-related layout to share with you tomorrow!

Toy Story 3 has been put on hold until Friday.

But for good reason...we decided last minute to head north to pick up some IKEA furniture.  But first, we made a stop here:

I used my birthday money from my MIL to get some new paper, a couple of mini albums, and a few embellishments.  I kind of fell for the pet line from  Basic Grey.  (And ugh!  I can't get the photo to turn the right way.)

Then, off to IKEA.  We bought a dresser, two night stands, and a small chest.  So far, one night stand is complete.  I share pics tomorrow.  (Oh, and the pic is showing Mike's reaction to one checkout line being open.)

And now I'm really tired from being on-the-go all day, so goodnight!  :)