Camera Lens Update

Just in case anybody was wondering, I am LOVING my new 50mm lens for my Nikon camera.

I was able to test it out while on vacation last week and I'm really excited with the results. 

Of course a little more practice always helps, but I think it was well worth the purchase!

Here are some  pictures

Precious "Turtle"

Party!

Jenn looking demure...and naked...sorry :)

Handsome Grey Dog

Handsome Hubby

Papa Murph

I realize I'm no professional, however it's amazing the difference in clarity one lens can make!  I'm excited to use it more!

By the way I have been back from vacation for almost a week now and I'm still struggling to come out of my Ocracoma.  For those of you unfamiliar with the term, it's the state of mind you slip into when you visit Ocracoke Island...my favorite place in the world. 

Ahhhhh, thank god for Friday.  Enjoy your weekend!



Hair today, gone tomorrow...

My hair is was long.

Like really long.

Longer then it's been in a really long time, and that's long!

(Past Boob Length)

I have been toying with the idea of cutting it for awhile but could never bring myself to do so. 
However, lately I've been hearing about a lot of bad things happening to good people.  People that I love and care about.  I guess the old saying "when it rains, it pours" has some truth to it.
I've struggled to try and figure out what I could do to offer comfort or give back, and while I know it's not much, hopefully it will bring a little happiness to somebody who needs it.

SO, I decided to bite the bullet and chop all my hair off for Locks of Love.  In case you have been living under a rock and are unfamiliar with this organization, they create hair pieces from donated hair for children suffering from long term medical hair loss from any diagnosis. 
If I was going to chop my hair, this was a great reason to do it!

Here's what I'm left with today

A little shorter than I had planned, but it will grow back and well worth the cause!



Help

I need gift ideas for a boy man turning 30

Here's an idea of his likes/hobbies

- golfing

- hunting

- fly fishing

- golfing

- guns

- making money

- Grey dog

- golfing

- yard work (sort of)

- running
- me ;-)

He's a very complex creature can't you tell. 

Any suggestions are warmly welcome!!!!



New Toy

The house projects haven't exactly been abundant lately,

so I bought myself a new toy!

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 50mm 1.8G

So while my tools are resting (hopefully not for long)

 I'll be trying to learn how to use this fun thing!

I still have my long list of things I want to get done in the house:

- redecorate guest room

- clean out "office" room

- clean out closets (UGH)

- move my closet to different closet

- rearrange some stuff in the living room (shhhhh, don't tell Bryan)

 But, let's be honest, my motivation in the summer is close to zero!  Who wants to be in doors when it's SO HOT BEAUTIFUL outside!

Hopefully I'll be back soon with something checked off my list!  And if not I hope I'll at least have some pretty pictures to share!!



Day dreaming

It's been hot here recently.  That tends to happen in North Carolina in the summer. 

The temperature goes up, the humidity rises and the heat index equals hell.

We joined a neighborhood pool this summer which is turning out to be a godsend, however it doesn't stop my wishful thinking.  I would L.O.V.E to have something similiar to one of these pretty scenes  appear in my own backyard one day...

Like I said, wishful thinking...

Happy Friday.



It's been too long...

I have been giving Bryan a break from my projects recently which hopefully explains my random posts and decorating hiatus.  (He gets a little overwhelmed sometimes by my...enthusiasm let's call it.)
It's been long enough though and I think break time is over. 
Plus he's taking a little trip with his brother this weekend which leaves me and Gray Dog together for a few hours with a shed full of power tools just waiting to be used!

I'm thinking of addressing our guest room. 
It needs help.

It really needs a new coat of paint, but I'm honestly sick of painting. 
I'm hoping if I just clear out some of the clutter and add a few visually pleasing elements it will help.
Here's some ideas I have:

This is bad but I can't remember where I saved this image from

From one of my favorites The Lettered Cottage

Hopefully this works out...

Because sometime we need a good quote

"if one dream should fall and break into a thousand pieces,

never be afraid to pick one of those pieces up and begin again.

A bend in the road is not the end of the road."

Look forward to a much needed relaxing weekend.

I hope you have a great one as well.