Pictures, Plugs, and Summer Planning

Life has been so full lately, both with good and bad things. I feel like I’m on one of those merry-go-rounds at the park…spinning really fast, which no chance of slowing down anytime soon. Serenity now, please.

Here’s what’s been top of mind for me this week:

Photography. My first online class was a success and I now know what it means to shoot in manual....I think. I can take a picture but there is still a very long road ahead and so much more to learn. Practice, practice, practice. Something I'm struggling with: When I've maxed out all my manual settings and the photo is still way too dark, how do I use a flash in manual mode? There must be some trick because everything is coming out really over-exposed. As you can see, I’m still a complete novice and obviously have no clue what I’m doing.

My new favorite sandals from Mod Cloth. I need a tan…..bad.

Quieting my brain. Besides work….blogging, email, and social media fill my head from the time I wake up to the time I go to bed nearly 16 hours later. I have a love/hate relationship with my phone. I am contemplating having a "black out" day once a month for the summer where there is no email checking, facebooking, tweeting, pinning, blogging, commenting, internet, or TV....and then documenting how I spent my time and what it felt like to be completely liberated from electronics for the day. Don't you think it would be nice? Should we make this a group activity? Email me if you're interested in participating and let’s blow this up!

Unplug poster by Frederic Terral

Summer Vacation and Family Days. It's true that I am going to New York City in August for BlogHer (with no husband or child) and I do feel a little bit guilty about that. I also miss my boys and want to make sure we do some fun things together while the sun is out. I'm working on a summer bucket list and we are also planning a few fun local getaways. Vacation funds are not endless but spending time together is more important right now.