August, 2011

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Photo Trip

Thursday, August 18th, 2011

Last night we had to run to town for a few items. As we were riding through town, I noticed this lovely bell tower on one of the churches. I thought how nice it would be just to have a trip that is all about taking photos of whatever we come across. So that is what we are doing Saturday.

When we lived in town, I took a lot more photos of landmarks. Since we moved three years ago, I have been mainly taking photos of Rae and nature. So I’m excited to take a trip that is just about taking pictures. We will probably just drive around town since there are a lot of places I’d like to photograph locally. Then maybe when the weather cools off, we will venture further away from home.

This is something we’ve been wanting to do forever, so it finally feels good to set a date.

A New Lens

Wednesday, August 17th, 2011

Soon my DSLR Canon Rebel will be four years old and out of the good warranty. To celebrate four fine years of service, I’m thinking of retiring it – i.e giving it to my husband – and buying a new camera. It makes sense to choose another Canon since I already have a couple of lenses and really want to buy another one soon.

I love my Sigma telephoto lens and hate the small lens that came with the camera. So I’m in the market for a smaller lens. I thought about checking into renting a lens before buying one to make sure that is the right lens for me. But I worry about not using it enough in four days to offset the cost of rental. If two of those days are work days, then most of the day will be gone. I would really need a longer time to evaluate a lens – which could mean I might rack up the money to buy one in rental fees.

I’ve just begun to think about a new lens – like today. So it will probably be a few months before I actually buy a lens. Any suggestions on a small range lens for a Canon Rebel?

Back to School

Sunday, August 14th, 2011

Well we have finished the first week of school. Here is our first first day of school photo.

We went outside and took a few photos. It was hot and humid – so my lens kept fogging up. I was really beginning to think it was a bad idea to take photos outside. But a few turned out really cute. This one is my favorite. She’s a natural in front of the camera.

The ins and outs of working from home

Wednesday, August 10th, 2011

Even though there are many benefits attached to working from home, there are in fact a few steps required in order to make these benefits possible.

Such steps include establishing a good working environment and one that is separated from that of your home life. Create an office and utilise this space wisely, close the door of this office in order to block off any distractions such as television, other members of the household and also food temptations.

Having an office space that is separate from the rest of your home will allow you to shut the door on that work space when you are finished for the day, which in turn will allow you to enjoy your weekends and evenings. This way you won’t feel like you are at work when you are at home.

The best thing about working from home is that those who do so are able to cut out the commute, this doesn’t however mean you should get into the habit of commencing work later that normal, nor should it mean taking extra breaks or partaking in other distracting household chores.

Another must-have investment for your home office is a work telephone; many clients may come to the conclusion that because you work at home you will be in to answer their calls at any time, even after office hours. You should therefore invest in a separate phone line and one that comes complete with an answering service informing clients that your office hours are now over.

Working from home has an assortment of pros if tackled in the right way; one of the main benefits is the savings made on child care and fuel. Having the ability to work the hours to suit yourself and still being there for your children is every parents dream. Workingmums.co.uk the online community is a great place for mums to discover franchise opportunities which will suit their needs. Visit the site to discover more on working from home opportunities.

First Day of School Photo

Friday, August 5th, 2011

Monday my daughter starts school. She will be in kindergarten and is very excited. I’m very excited, too. I want her day to go very well. On my Facebook page, the wall is full of people taking first day of school photos of their kids. Monday we will take our first first day of school photo.

We will have to take it at home since we aren’t allowed to get out of our vehicle when we drop her off. This will really stall the carpool line if everyone was allowed to get out. Some pictures have kids with their backpacks standing beside the car of waiting for the school bus. We dropped off her backpack with her school supplies already, so she won’t have that school accessory. We may have to improvise. She will have her lunch box, so at least you will be able to tell she is going to school.

We still have a few days to plan out some photos.