Momathon Blog

18 Days of Instagram Filters: Day 17 with 1977 Filter

Instagram's 1977 filter adds a faded pink hue that turns almost any image into a retro photo with plenty of glam and a hint of Disneyesque fantasy. A few of the many photo opps for the 1977 filter include: Transform an average winter landscape with the 1977 filter to turn the image into a scene from a Snow White movie. Or play around with cityscape photos for a dreamy vintage look. The filter even works in low light situations when you want to capture that quartet of fine ales you are testing at a brew pub.

A Man, a Pink Tutu, and a Great Cause: The Tutu Project

Bob Carey, a stout middle-aged man, doesn't make me think of a ballerina. Yet back in 2003, he started creating quirky self-portraits wearing a pink tutu. When his wife was diagnosed with breast cancer that same year, his humorous photography became a type of therapy for the couple and even helped bring a smile to the other patients they met at chemo treatments. As his collection of photos grew, the The Tutu Project began.

To raise awareness for breast cancer, Bob traveled the US taking photos wearing only his signature pink tutu. This autumn, Bob will self-publish a collection of his pink tutu photos in the book Ballerina and the goal is for his book to help raise awareness about breast cancer and raise funds for women with breast cancer:

The net proceeds from the sale of the book will go directly to breast cancer organizations, including Cancercare.org and the Beth Israel Department of Integrative Medicine Fund, that make significant differences in the lives of women with breast cancer and in the people who love them. Our goal is to raise $75,000. But we need your help to seed the book project so it will take root and grow—and positively affect these families.

To find out how you can sponsor this project and receive a special edition 20-by-24-inch signed tutu print plus a copy of the book Ballerina, check out The Tutu Project. You can also follow the @TheTutuProject on Twitter and on Facebook.

Tutu photo by Bob Carey at The Tutu Project.

Lovely Links from the Garden

Sunny and warm here today, so I'm outside on my deck thinking about gardens and backyard parties. The hydrangea above is in a container on my deck—out of reach from the deer (and bears) that wander through my yard munching on everything. My neighborhood in the foothills of the Colorado Rockies has a "no fences" rule, so the only safe place for plants is container gardens on the decks. 

Here are a few of my favorite links for plants, backyards, and summer fun. 

• I am so ready for my first barbecue party of the summer after seeing Nicole's party plans. How about you?

• A true garden party needs a few retro aprons. I adore the dottie angel aprons, striped straws in lemonade, and cupcakes Melanie features in her post from Seattle today.

• You scream, I scream, we all scream for homemade ice cream!  Gotta try the yummy recipe via Erin and Bi-Rite Creamery.

• An upside-down tomato planter is on my to do list for June.

• One of my puppies will eat nearly every thing... So I love this handy Pet Poison Help app to determine which plants I should keep out of reach.

• For more gardening ideas, check out my garden posts and photos here, on Pinterest and Facebook.

Photo illustration above by me, Chris Olson and features plants in my garden—Instagram Valencia filter— and a lovely fence photographed by D Sharon Pruitt.

 

Congrats Class of 2012!

 

 

You can find more quote and sayings artwork here.

Image above by me, Chris Olson.

California Dreamin'

Is it summer yet? I'm feeling the call of the beach...

1) I could live in the Sherpani website. 2) Imagine. Enough said. CHANEL surf accessories. 3) I want both the pillow and the van—Big Sur Needlepoint Pillow by Jonathan Adler. 4) I heart California by Evivart on Etsy.

18 Days of Instagram Filters: Day 16 with Nashville Filter

The Nashville effect on Instagram is a mix of a cozy kitchen and nostalgic playground filter. It adds a soft purple-pink hue to images. Perfect for sharing images with a retro vibe on Facebook and other social media.

I used the LUX feature with Nashville to bring out details in garden photo in the upper right. The LUX feature boosts the details and contrast in images of plants and building exteriors when photographing gardens, neighborhoods, cityscapes, etc.

For more information on the LUX feature plus a handy list of how to use other features including the focus, frame, and more, check out my link here.

Images by me, Chris Olson, using an iPhone 4 + Instagram with Nashville Filter (#Nashville)

If yo

You can find other posts in this Guide to Instagram series here:

Day 1: No Filter

Day 2: Amaro Filter

Day 3: Rise Filter

Day 4: Hudson Filter

Day 5: X-Pro II Filter

Day 6: Sierra Filter

Day 7: Lo-Fi Filter

Day 8: Earlybird Filter

Day 9: Sutro Filter

Day 10: Toaster Filter

Day 11: Brannan Filter

Day 12: Inkwell Filter

Day 13: Walden Filter

Day 14: Hefe Filter

Day 15: Valencia Filter

Your Instagram photos can help shelter dogs

If you like to take photos, grab your iPhone and stop by your local animal shelter. Snap some cute pics with Instagram. Then post them on Facebook and Twitter.

The adorable dog featured below is a rescue dog named Benny. For more information on adopting this dog, go to this dog rescue link. xo

Happy Mother's Day!

Wishing all of you a Happy Mother's Day. And to my mom:

I'm all grown up, but I will never be too old to need you, Mom. You bring kindness, grace, and humor to each day. Love you to the moon and back! xo Chris

 

18 Days of Instagram Filters: Day 15 with Valencia Filter

If you like to take outdoor photos, chances are you will have plenty of opportunities to use the Valencia filter on Instagram which adds a subtle brown tint to images. That said, I found this filter versatile enough to use with shots of my favorite shelter dogs at an adoption fair and even bakery goods for a picnic. I don't feel I need to use the LUX feature very often with this filter because of the built-in contrast provided by the Valenica filter. I will use the LUX feature to add a nice contrast with brick and other building materials when photographing house exteriors, cityscapes, etc.

For more information on the LUX feature plus a handy list of how to use other features including the focus, frame, and more, check out my link here.

Your Instagram Photos Help Shelter Dogs
The adorable  dog featured below is a rescue dog named Rosie. For more information on adopting this dog, go to this dog rescue link. #german_shepherd

Images in this post by me, Chris Olson, using an iPhone 4 + Instagram with Valencia Filter (#Valencia)

 

 

 You can find other posts in this Guide to Instagram series here:

Day 1: No Filter

Day 2: Amaro Filter

Day 3: Rise Filter

Day 4: Hudson Filter

Day 5: X-Pro II Filter

Day 6: Sierra Filter

Day 7: Lo-Fi Filter

Day 8: Earlybird Filter

Day 9: Sutro Filter

Day 10: Toaster Filter

Day 11: Brannan Filter

Day 12: Inkwell Filter

Day 13: Walden Filter

Day 14: Hefe Filter

 

Remembering Maurice Sendak

But the wild things cried, “Oh please don’t go - we’ll eat you up - we love you so!”
And Max said, “No!”
The wild things roared their terrible roars and gnashed their terrible teeth
and rolled their terrible eyes and showed their terrible claws 
but Max stepped into his private boat and waved goodbye.” 

~Maurice Sendak
Where the Wild Things Are

 

Maurice Sendak's books will live forever, but we still miss him so!

(Image by Chris Olson featuring the fern photo by the awesome photographer D Sharon Pruitt.)

18 Days of Instagram Filters: Day 12 with Inkwell Filter

 
The Inkwell filter using the Instagram app will not automatically turn your images into Ansel Adams photos, but the filter glams up even bad lighting by adding a high contrast effect to images. Perfect for giving photos a classic black and white vintage vibe. Play around with the LUX feature to add more drama and boost the contrast.

Inkwell works well with photos of pets, floral close-ups, and landscapes. 

Images by me, Chris Olson, using an iPhone 4 + Instagram with Inkwell Filter (#Inkwell)

You can find other posts in this Instagram series here:

Day 1: No Filter

Day 2: Amaro Filter

Day 3: Rise Filter

Day 4: Hudson Filter

Day 5: X-Pro II Filter

Day 6: Sierra Filter

Day 7: Lo-Fi Filter

Day 8: Earlybird Filter

Day 9: Sutro Filter

Day 10: Toaster Filter

Day 11: Brannan Filter

It's So Etsy: Pastel Flowers Print Is My Fresh Pick for Mother's Day

Bree Madden's photography makes me want to jump on Travelocity and book a trip to the coast. She captures scenes I love—the ocean, beaches, flowers, and birds—in the softest pastels that make me smile. I think her photos would make the perfect Mother's Day gift. You can  find her amazing photography on Etsy at Maddenphotography. You can find Bree on Twitter here.  

The Pastel Flower print featured above is a signed 8x10 print by Bree (also available in a variety of other sizes) and sells on Etsy for $25.

Find more of my posts about lovely Etsy items here.

You can find my free Mother's Day gift box PRINTABLE here.

18 Days of Instagram Filters: Day 11 with Brannan Filter

 

The Brannan filter on Instagram has a soft "vintage meets modern" effect. It brings out the grays and greens in a photo. Don't use Brannan if you want bright colors to pop. Instead, try it with photos of your dog or a landscape/cityscape. Fun to use on your next vacation.

I stumbled on a very cool use for the low-key Brannan filter—this filter is great for bringing out the beauty in dogs or cats with dark fur. Often the adorable faces of black labs are lost in a photo. Try the Brannan filter with or without the LUX feature. See my photo of the sweet lab mix, Lebowski.  

{ Your Instagram photos can help shelter dogs: If you like to take photos, grab your iPhone and stop by your local animal shelter. Snap some cute pics with Instagram. Then post them on Facebook and Twitter. }

Images by me, Chris Olson, using an iPhone 4 + Instagram with Brannan Filter (#Brannan)

You can find other posts in this Instagram series here:

Day 1: No Filter

Day 2: Amaro Filter

Day 3: Rise Filter

Day 4: Hudson Filter

Day 5: X-Pro II Filter

Day 6: Sierra Filter

Day 7: Lo-Fi Filter

Day 8: Earlybird Filter

Day 9: Sutro Filter

Day 10: Toaster Filter

 

18 Days of Instagram Filters: Day 10 with Toaster Filter

I call the Toaster filter the "Date Night" filter. Use it to add a retro "Mad Man" look. The high exposure center works well to give a 60s vibe to family gatherings, picnics, etc.

Images by me, Chris Olson, using an iPhone 4 + Instagram with Toaster Filter (#Toaster)

You can find other posts in this Instagram series here:

You can find other posts in this Instagram series here:

Day 1: No Filter

Day 2: Amaro Filter

Day 3: Rise Filter

Day 4: Hudson Filter

Day 5: X-Pro II Filter

Day 6: Sierra Filter

Day 7: Lo-Fi Filter

Day 8: Earlybird Filter

Day 9: Sutro Filter

Day 10: Toaster Filter

Day 11: Brannan Filter

Day 12: Inkwell Filter

Day 13: Walden Filter

 

Writers and Instagram

Do you use Instagram? Sharing photos via this app is easy and addictive. All week I have been using the app's 18 filters to try out the various effects on different images. I tend to gravitate to a few favorites like Lo-Fi and Hudson, but each one has a special quality. 

Why is Instagram gaining popularity so quickly? Perhaps it is the simplicity of the app that catches us by surprise and hooks us in. As Clive explains according to GalleyCat:

“There’s something weirdly hypnotic about following the lives of your friends through nothing but images. Given that Instagram’s user base is very international (for now, anyway), the most-popular page of photos is like a constellation of slices-‘o-life from around the globe. About half the people I’m following are total strangers in Russia, Korea and Argentina who take strikingly cool pictures.”

Last year during a panel discussion sponsored by Blogads, New York Times Magazine contributing writer Clive Thompson explained the appeal of this simple photo sharing app. At the same time he explains why writers should use the photo-sharing app in their daily lives.

 

18 Days of Instagram Filters: Day 9 with Sutro Filter

Bring out the purples and browns in photos for a sepia effect with Instagram's Sutro filter. Sutro changes photos by desaturating and toning down the intensity of the colors. If you want to add a dramatic effect to even ordinary things, try the Sutro filter.

 


Your Instagram photos can help shelter dogs

If you like to take photos, grab your iPhone and stop by your local animal shelter. Snap some cute pics with Instagram. Then post them on Facebook and Twitter.

The adorable dog featured below is a large rescue dog with a big heart named Rocko. For more information on adopting this sweet dog, go to this dog rescue link. xo

Images by me, Chris Olson, using an iPhone 4 + Instagram with Sutro Filter. (#Sutro)

You can find other posts in this Instagram series here:

You can find other posts in this Instagram series here:

Day 1: No Filter

Day 2: Amaro Filter

Day 3: Rise Filter

Day 4: Hudson Filter

Day 5: X-Pro II Filter

Day 6: Sierra Filter

Day 7: Lo-Fi Filter

Day 8: Earlybird Filter

Day 9: Sutro Filter

Day 10: Toaster Filter

Day 11: Brannan Filter

Day 12: Inkwell Filter

Day 13: Walden Filter

 

18 Days of Instagram Filters: Day 7 with Lo-Fi Filter

If you like a dreamy quality to your photos, try the Lo-Fi (Lomo-fi) filter on the Instagram app. With a hint of a blurry effect and saturated colors (especially greens and yellows), this app is great for enhancing floral shots, landscapes and even food styling. For more examples of my Instagram photos with Lo-Fi filters click here.

Images above by me, Chris Olson, using an iPhone 4 + Instagram with Lo-Fi Filter.

You can find other posts in this Instagram series here:

Day 1: No Filter

Day 2: Amaro Filter

Day 3: Rise Filter

Day 4: Hudson Filter

Day 5: X-Pro II Filter

Day 6: Sierra Filter

18 Days of Instagram Filters: Day 6 with Sierra Filter

 

Instagram recently added the warm Sierra filter to its app upgrade along with the LUX feature that makes photos more vibrant and brighter. At first glance you might think this filter gives photos a faded vintage feel similar to Valencia. However because you can combine the filter with LUX to bring out the details and even brighten darker photos, the Sierra filter is more versatile. I think the Sierra filter has a more subtle effect on images that will "soften" the image rather than fade them. I like using the filter with photos of food, flowers, pets, and nature. The food and floral photos were taken on my weekend trip to a favorite bakery and flower shop.

Images above by me, Chris Olson, using an iPhone 4 + Instagram with Sierra Filter.

You can find other posts in this Instagram series here:

Day 1: No Filter

Day 2: Amaro Filter

Day 3: Rise Filter

Day 4: Hudson Filter

Day 5: X-Pro II Filter

Painting DIY: How to Make a Chalkboard Wall

 

Benjamin Moore Paints

You can create a fun and functional chalkboard wall in almost any room with durable chalkboard paint that's designed to be erasable and washable. Be inventive! You can paint a small section of the wall to resemble a chalkboard or paint the entire wall for your kids (or you) to draw large murals. With this paint you turn any rectangular area into artistic scribble space. 

Benjamin Moore Paints

 
Helpful hints:

1) How much paint do you need for a specific room or wall? Use the Paint Calculator.

2) Pick the perfect color with a sample-sized can of paint that lets you test drive your favorite colors:

Find the perfect color using the online color samples, then go to the store to verify your choice with paint samples—or you can even order a sample online and have it shipped to you.

For example, look at the paint color samples online at Benjamin Moore. Remember your laptop monitor is not able to show the "true color"—the color you see on your laptop will not look the same as the paint color you will paint with. That's why ordering 16 oz. "sample color" paint cans will let you test out several colors at your home. Each sample paint can covers approximately two 4' X 4' or eight 2' x 2' areas.

Are you ready to paint now? Follow the step-by-step directions for painting a chalkboard wall below.

How to Add Depth of Field to a Photo with Instagram

In my Instagram post yesterday I used the X-Pro II Filter. Today I'm explaining in detail how to apply depth of field (DoF) feature in Instagram. See the graphic above for step-by-step directions. Be sure to try it out, it's fun. If you don't like the 3-D effect, you can go back to the normal focus by clicking on the "x" icon.

Images above by me, Chris Olson, using an iPhone 4 + Instagram with X-Pro II Filter.

You can find other posts in this Instagram series here:

Day 1: No Filter

Day 2: Amaro Filter

Day 3: Rise Filter

Day 4: Hudson Filter

Day 5: X-Pro II Filter

 

18 Days of Instagram Filters: Day 5 with X-Pro II Filter

Instagram users on Flickr love the X-Pro II Filter. And I'm a fan too. When you apply the X-Pro II filter to an image the result has a "vintage" feel. Plus I like the intensity of the colors—especially the blues and the reds.

Focus

In the photos above I used both the circle (radial) focus and the line (linear) focus to blur the surroundings of the subject and make the subject area seem closer than the background. When you apply depth of field (DoF), all you have to do is click on the Instagram tab that looks like a water drop or rain drop. Then select either the circle or the line icon to be the "in focus" area in your photo. You can manipulate the blur feature and change the location and size of the circle/line in focus area. Try it out, it's fun. If you don't like the 3-D effect, you can go back to the normal focus by clicking on the "x" icon.

Images above by me, Chris Olson, using an iPhone 4 + Instagram with X-Pro II Filter.

You can find other posts in this Instagram series here:

Day 1: No Filter

Day 2: Amaro Filter

Day 3: Rise Filter

Day 4: Hudson Filter

Images above by me, Chris Olson, using an iPhone 4 + Instagram with Hudson Filter.

You can find other posts in this Instagram series here:

Day 1: No Filter

Day 2: Amaro Filter

Day 3: Rise Filter

Day 4: Hudson Filter

 

 

 

Weekend Snack Attack: Piñata Hot Sauce

If you think it's fun to see the explosion of a pinata, then check out Piñata Hot Sauce.

This hot sauce starts out sweet then hits you with heat. A Brooklyn-based husband-and-wife team, David & Renee Pardo, created Piñata Hot Sauce. 

"Piñata is for the hot sauce fan who prefers to add flavor to a dish rather than overpower it with heat. Pineapple and honey sweetness balance habañero intensity to compliment salsas, steak, chicken and fish. But don’t be fooled—it’s still got kick!"

– David & Renee Pardo, Co-Owners, Jefe del Salsa Caliente

Ingredients: Pineapple (good for digestion!), vinegar, mustard, red habanero peppers (adds intensity), onions, honey, garlic, salt,

Buy it: 

Piñata Hot Sauce - Too Hot For Pants: Pinatahotsauce.com

Piñata Hot Sauce: Amazon.com

Note to Self: Dream More

Hello Weekend! Nice to see you again.

Image above created by me, Chris Olson. Want to see more Note to Self images, check out the series link or click on the posts below:

Surround yourself only with people who are going to lift you higher | Note to Self

Love the life you live | Note to Self

Go Ahead, Be Awesome | Note to Self

18 Days of Instagram Filters: Day 4 with Hudson Filter

Day 4: Hudson Filter

The Hudson filter has a subtle vignett-y appeal with cool, blue tones. For a long time I only used the Hudson filter with outdoor shots. I especially liked the way a blue sky became more vibrant. Today I tried to put the filter to the test of enhancing images of dogs, specifically adoptable shelter dogs. I was really surprised how well the filter worked with pets as the subject.

I played around with the Instagram tilt and shift feature to highlight the faces of the two dogs on the lower right and left portion of the grid above. To use this feature, just tap the tear drop icon at the top of the Instagram camera interface, next select either the line or the spot effect, then tap or drag/rotate the image to preview how this feature adjusts the in-focus area.

If you like to take photos, grab your iPhone and stop by your local animal shelter. Snap some cute pics with Instagram. Then post them on Facebook and Twitter.

The four adorable dogs featured above are rescued dogs—Dixie, Amber, Sable (recently adopted) and Rocko. For more information on these dogs, go to this dog rescue link.

Images above by me, Chris Olson, using an iPhone 4 + Instagram with Hudson Filter.

 

You can find other posts in this Instagram series here:

You can find other posts in this Instagram series here:

Day 1: No Filter

Day 2: Amaro Filter

Day 3: Rise Filter

Day 4: Hudson Filter

Day 5: X-Pro II Filter

Day 6: Sierra Filter

Day 7: Lo-Fi Filter

Day 8: Earlybird Filter

Day 9: Sutro Filter

Day 10: Toaster Filter

Day 11: Brannan Filter

Day 12: Inkwell Filter

Day 13: Walden Filter

 

Three Cheers for Homemade Ice Cream @ Sebastian Joe's

A neighborhood isn't complete unless it has an coffee shop and an ice cream store. Combine them into one and—well, do I need to explain—you have the perfect destination almost any hour of the day!

Every time I make the pilgrimage back to my home state of Minn-e-SO-tah, I have to go to Linden Hills because this neighborhood has it's very own lake, charming shops, and the best ice cream ever scooped in Minneapolis! After a walk around Lake Harriet just head one block east to the family-friendly Linden Hills, here you'll find Sebastian Joe's Ice Cream. The menu is simple but delicious: bakery goods, fresh roasted coffee and espresso, and the most original ice cream flavors! My personal faves are Praline Home Companion (this is the home state of Garrison Keillor!) Nicollet Pot Hole, and Banana Chocolate Chip. And you might as well bring your laptop or iPad and stay awhile—there's free WiFi. If you want, pull up a chair by the cozy indoor/outdoor fireplace. 

 

18 Days of Instagram Filters: Day 3 with Rise Filter

Day 3: Rise Filter

If I want a soft, warm light to leak into my shot, I often use the Rise filter created by Cole Rise. It's a great filter for landscape and nature shots. I think it also works well indoors for capturing the warmth of a kitchen and even product shots. 

Do you have any favorite Instagram filters? I would love to hear about your faves, just add them to the comment section. Or connect via Momathon Blog on Facebook.

Images above by  me, Chris Olson using an iPhone 4 + Instagram, Rise Filter.

You can find other posts in this Instagram series here:

You can find other posts in this Instagram series here:

Day 1: No Filter

Day 2: Amaro Filter

Day 3: Rise Filter

Day 4: Hudson Filter

Day 5: X-Pro II Filter

Day 6: Sierra Filter

Day 7: Lo-Fi Filter

Day 8: Earlybird Filter

Day 9: Sutro Filter

Day 10: Toaster Filter

Day 11: Brannan Filter

Day 12: Inkwell Filter

Day 13: Walden Filter

 

18 Days of Instagram Filters: Day 2 with Amaro Filter

Facebook acquired one of my personal faves, the photo sharing app Instagram with a cult following of some 30 million users. I thought it might be fun to chronicle the 18 Instagram filter options—including the "no filter" option—with one photo a day for 18 days.

Day 2

Amaro: The Amaro filter on Instagram adds a country or old west style to photos. I added the LUX photo enhancing system (new on version 2.1) which adds vibrance to the photo by bringing out more details. All you do is click on the little sunshine icon to turn on LUX. I think using the LUX with the Amaro tones down the vintage-y vibe. (#amaro)

Below is a comparison of the image with LUX and without LUX:

Do you have any favorite Instagram filters? I would love to hear about your faves, just add them to the comment section. Or connect via Momathon Blog on Facebook.

Images above by  me, Chris Olson using an iPhone 4 + Instagram, Amaro Filter.

You can find other posts in this Instagram series here:

You can find other posts in this Instagram series here:

Day 1: No Filter

Day 2: Amaro Filter

Day 3: Rise Filter

Day 4: Hudson Filter

Day 5: X-Pro II Filter

Day 6: Sierra Filter

Day 7: Lo-Fi Filter

Day 8: Earlybird Filter

Day 9: Sutro Filter

Day 10: Toaster Filter

Day 11: Brannan Filter

Day 12: Inkwell Filter

Day 13: Walden Filter

 

18 Days of Instagram Filters: Day 1 with Normal Filter

 

Yesterday Facebook acquired one of my personal faves, the photo sharing app Instagram with a cult following of some 30 million users. I thought it might be fun to chronicle the 17 Instagram filter options plus the "no filter" option with one photo a day for 18 days.

Day 1

Normal: Also known as "no filter." Sounds boring until you consider that stylized filters are cool, but purity can be awesome. 

Do you have any favorite Instagram filters? I would love to hear about your faves, just add them to the comment section. Or connect via Momathon Blog on Facebook.

Image above by  me, Chris Olson using an iPhone 4 + Instagram, Normal Filter.

You can find other posts in this Instagram series here:

Day 1: No Filter

Day 2: Amaro Filter

Day 3: Rise Filter

Day 4: Hudson Filter

Day 5: X-Pro II Filter

Day 6: Sierra Filter

Day 7: Lo-Fi Filter

Day 8: Earlybird Filter

Day 9: Sutro Filter

Day 10: Toaster Filter

Day 11: Brannan Filter

Day 12: Inkwell Filter

Day 13: Walden Filter

 

Artists: Wall Art Design Challenge at UncommonGoods.com

 

Do you dream of selling your artwork at UncommonGoods? Now is the perfect time to enter your original artwork in a contest sponsored by UncommonGoods for a chance to produce a limited edition run of prints to be sold by UncommonGoods this summer.

GRAND PRIZE: $500 + 5% royalties on a limited edition of 100 prints

DEADLINE: April 26, 2012 at 11:59 PM

HOW IT WORKS: According to UncommonGoods: 

We'll pick our favorite entries to share with customers on our Community Voting App. Our guest judges will choose a winning design from among the top vote-getting entries. We'll announce the winner in May. Your art should tell a story, be intelligent, and show your creative individuality. Take a look at some of our other art for inspiration. We don't have a set aesthetic - we want to see yours.

QUESTIONS? UncommonGoods is an online retailer that specializes in handmade, eco-friendly and uniquely designed gifts and accessories. You can find out more about the mission of UncommonGoods.com here. Find the contest rules on this pdf. You can send an email to: art-contest@uncommongoods.com

(Diptic image above features the following artwork as seen on UncommonGoods: PLACES IN AMERICA WALL ART, SONGBIRD BOX PRINT, DO WHAT YOU WANT WALL ART, YOU SIMPLY GLOW WALL ART)

Canine Photo Stylist and Lovely Links

My little guy Gizmo has a knack for stepping into the shot at the last second—and sometimes he makes the photo even better. What do you think?

Lovely links:

• I'm a Photoshop geek, but I also love my easy-peasy photo apps. Today Facebook announced they bought Instagram—the mobile photo sharing app with over 30 million users. According to the NYTimes.com article, Facebook CEO Mr. Zuckerberg wrote. “Now, we’ll be able to work even more closely with the Instagram team to also offer the best experiences for sharing beautiful mobile photos with people based on your interests.”

• Getting psyched to tackle a Monday is often tough for me—especially after a lovely holiday weekend. I am thinking setting out a fun outfit the night before might help. Love this clever Monday Work Wear {Anything Goes} post by the always stylish Erin at Apartment 34.

Image above by  me, Chris Olson. 

 

Note to Self

Wishing you a lovely weekend. Happy Easter! Happy Seder! 

Image above by  me, Chris Olson. 

Go Ahead, Be Awesome!

Are you a perfectionist? As a card-carrying "over thinker" I know my tendency to be self critical happens all too often. I need to tape the message above to my mirror. 

If you are looking to get out of a rut and reclaim your awesome-ness, check out these inspiring links:

I believe awesome-ness is contagious. Look at the awesome collections Erin Loechner features daily on her blog Design For Mankind.

Creative awesomeness needs to be shared. Do you like to create things and dream of turning your craft into a career? Check out the the books Craft, Inc. and Creative, Inc. by the super creative Meg Mateo Ilasco and Joy Deangdeelert Cho.

Gretchen Rubin's best-selling book and her blog The Happiness Project offers insights on how to find happiness in your life.

Image above by me, Chris Olson. 

Green Grass Bookshelf

The clever people at Boon Inc. have created an adorable book shelf that doubles as a piece of art. Kids and adults will love displaying their favorite books in the Turf, Front-facing Bookshelf. Great for all sizes of books. Books face forward for easy selection. Easy wall-mounting, hardware included. Dimensions: 4.75" x 15.75" x 10.25". BpA-free. Phthalate-free. PVC-Free.

Image above by me, Chris Olson.  Photos: Boon, Inc.

Polka Dot Pazzazz in the Bedroom

Sleeping in bedding with a cheerful print will bring you good dreams, I'm sure. Bought these sheets for my parents recently. Love the fact the Dot to Dot bedding by Garnet Hill comes in a wide range of bright and pastel polka dots. Sweet dreams! (Bedding, $28 - $98)

Image above by me, Chris Olson. Bedding by the marvelous Garnet Hill.

Go Outside! The National Day of Unplugging Begins at Sundown

If you are like me, then you probably will have a hard time "unplugging" and living offline for 24 hours. The National Day of Unplugging runs from sundown today, Friday, March 23, to sundown, Saturday, March 24. It's a day to recharge without technology. Instead of connecting on Facebook, pinning or tweeting, we are challenged to connect with each other off screen. Here is how it all started according to the National Day of Unplugging Pledge on causes.com:

With roots in Jewish tradition, this modern day of rest was developed by Reboot as a way to bring some balance to our increasingly fast-paced way of life and reclaim time to connect with family, friends, the community and ourselves. Shut down your computer. Turn off your cell phone. Stop the constant emailing, texting, Tweeting and Facebooking to take time to notice the world around you. Connect with loved ones. Nurture your health. Get outside. Find silence. Avoid commerce. Give back. Eat Together. 

Ironically to find out more about the annual tech detox day you will have to go online... You can check out the National Day of Unplugging  pledge or go to National Day of Unplugging 2012 « Sabbath Manifesto or like the day on Facebook.

Here is my compromise. I know I can't go cold turkey and avoid all tech. Instead join me and spend more time outside—with friends. And why not. It's the first weekend of spring. That's a good enough reason to leave my laptop and iPad behind and enjoy the beautiful world outdoors.

That's me in the photo above enjoying a walk with one of my favorite four-legged friends. So go soak up some Vitamin D outdoors. Find a friend and take a walk. Enjoy!

Image above by me, Chris Olson. 

Fresh Picks: For the Garden

 

Time to get outside and play in the garden. Thanks to the inspiration from my dear friend and garden guru, Kathy, here are a few of my fresh picks to get my garden in shape.

1) Protect your hands and your manicure with the leather Monogrammable Gardening Gloves from Red Envelope.
2) The versatile heather plant is a multi-tasker—perfect as foundation plants, ground cover, in borders, or in rock gardens. 
3) The ergonomic Felco Pruners work hard in the garden without hurting your hands. I love the fact Felco has pruners for lefties too!
4. Perfect upgrade to your garden trowel, the Japanese Hori Hori knife at Terrain.
5. Gotta love the price on these cute LANTSTÄLLE plant pots by IKEA.
6. And don't forget to take a break and admire your work on the Arched Back Bench from Terrain.

Image above by me, Chris Olson. 

Wordless Wednesday: I'd Rather Be Skiing

March in the Rockies is spring skiing heaven with new snow almost every day. I'm in my studio, but I'd rather be skiing...

Image by the ski bum mum, Chris Olson.

Four Tips to Pick the Best Sofa

With all the choices and styles available, buying a new sofa can be daunting. Finding a sofa with great style and quality construction is key to making a good furniture investment that will last for years to come. Always go to the store showroom to give each sofa a test drive. To make the evaluation simpler, just follow the four tips in the image above to narrow your list of choices. 

Image above by me,  Chris Olson. Sofa  featured is the Klyne Sofa from Crate and Barrel. 

Wear This: Spring Break Style

Daffodils are blooming and spring break is in full swing. Time to soak up some Vitamin D outdoors! I try to pack light for a vacation and that is exactly why I love a dress that can multi-task—the Elevator 2-In-1 Dress  goes from beach wear to something you can wear out shopping or for dinner. I also think the Impossible Bikini top is so smart—it's a comfy swim top that offers the support of a halter and without the pain that comes from cranking down the neck tie.

Enjoy the sunshine!

1) Elevator 2-In-1 Dress $62

2) Lux Leather Flip $90
3) Diamonds Necklace $99

4) Three Little Bears Hoody $65

5) Bare Necessities Bag $45

6) Bronwen Bracelet $39 (on SALE now)

7) Everyday Essentials Daypack $75

8) Impossible Bikini top $49, Bottom $44

All items are available at Title Nine

(Image above by me, Chris Olson. Photos via Title Nine)

Happy Thoughts from Winnie the Pooh

Wisdom by Winnie the Pooh. Art by me, Chris Olson. The role of Pooh played by my handmade and much-loved Honey Bear.

You Have Permission to Act Your Age

At 90 years young, fashion and design icon Iris Apfel gives all of us permission to act our age—and perhaps most importantly—to also be proud of your age.

Known for her round oversize glasses and pairs of bangle bracelets, Apfel obviously loves expressing herself creatively through fashion and creating a signature look.

Although we may live in a youth-obsessed culture, a shift is beginning to take place in fashion and beauty. The self-proclaimed "geriatric starlet, " Apfel has become a hot new rock star in the cosmetic's industry with the limited edition Iris Apfel collection with MAC Cosmetics. Apfel also has her own line of jewelry, scarves and beads at HSN.

(Image above by me, Chris Olson. Photos: MAC Cosmetics)

Wordless Wednesday: Go Outside and Play!

The middle of the week can seem like the slowest day possible. That's when my dogs remind me to go outside and play. So if you can, be sure to grab some vitamin D outdoors!

(Image by me, Chris Olson.)

Spring Ahead: Daylight Saving Time Begins Sunday

Daylight saving time begins this weekend. Don't forget to turn your clocks ahead one hour on Sunday, March 12, 2012. 

A bit of daylight saving time trivia

Leaving out the plural "s" on daylight saving time sounds strange, but according to the grammar experts at The Washington Post the term is not plural.

Daylight saving time is NOT observed in Hawaii and Arizona.

In case you were wondering... The clocks featured in the image above: Retro Turquoise 9 1/2" Square Wall Clock via LampsPlus.com, Black Wehrle German Commander Alarm Clock via Crate and Barrel, Dropped Numbers 23" Clock via CB2, Wooden Hedgehog Wall Clock via The Land of Nod, and Tangerine Creamsicle Modern Wall Clock (sold out) via Uncommon on Etsy.

Image by me, Chris Olson.

Sprinkles Cupcake ATM Sweetens Your Day 24/7

 

Craving your favorite Belgian dark chocolate cupcake with creamy vanilla icing or maybe a fragrant lemon cake with lemon-vanilla frosting flecked with zest? Sprinkles Cupcakes now has you covered 24/7 with their new Sprinkles Cupcake ATM outside their bakery in Beverly Hills. 

Where to go:

Sprinkles Cupcakes, 9635 South Santa Monica Boulevard, Beverly Hills, California 90210

(Image by me, Chris Olson)

I Spy Style: ABICI Bikes Handmade in Italy

Riding a bike will always improve my mood. Plain and simple, bikes make me happy. I'm loving the retro style mixed with hi-tech features of the stunning ABICI bikes handmade in Italy. Pure pedal power.

Collage above by me, Chris Olson. Bikes by ABICI.

Wordless Wednesday Bouquet

Hello Wednesday! Woke up a bit tired today even though I know I got more sleep than yesterday. I think a little tiara bling would be a very nice way to start the day. Or better yet, a nice purple bouquet.

(Image above by me, Chris Olson with photography by the amazing D Sharon Pruitt.) 

Note to self: chopsticks wisdom

Hello friends. Hope you shared a nice weekend with family and friends. The weather today is unusually warm—skipping right over Spring and into Summer. But, snow is blowing my way come Wednesday. Long sigh...

I thought the clever saying on my chopsticks was perfect for me. How did the restaurant know about my vast talents in chopsticks? I try to use them correctly, but I need more practice. Another good reason to go out to eat more often.

I am still on my Camera Awesome kick. You can read more about my adventures with camera apps here. The photo above by me using my iPhone was post processed using the Awesome app and the Denim effect. 

(Photo by me, Chris Olson)

Tea for two

A dear neighbor had a birthday tea party for me yesterday. Of course the tea and treats were delicious. Her pretty chickadee plates from Crate and Barrel are perfect for spring.

A wonderful whimsical birthday card by my big brother

 
My brother Eric has been creating amazing illustrations since he was in kindergarten. My mom says one of his elementary school teachers loved his work so much she let him draw all day instead of doing his schoolwork. Not sure if this was the best teaching method, but fortunately he managed to pass that grade and go on to excel in almost anything he tried. Fast forward a couple of decades and he makes his living creating amazing things in his art studio. And one recently landed in my mailbox—a wonderful whimsical birthday card featured in the photo above. Since he knows I am a slave to several adorable dogs—even providing special doggy car seats for my canine crew—the card he created makes me smile.

Eric's illustrations have been featured in so many places I've lost count—from designer clothing sold at Target to fine china at Pottery Barn to book covers like A Book of Ages and Role Models. His illustrations have appeared in the New Yorker, McSweeney's, Rolling Stone, Vanity Fair, Spy, Oprah, the Atlantic, Harper’s, the New York Times, Travel & Leisure, Gourmet, Wig Wag, the Believer and other publications. You can check out his work on his blog er-h and his illustration website.

Move over Instagram, make room for the Camera Awesome app

I've experimented with loads of photo apps to turn your iPhone or smartphone a better camera. The new Camera Awesome free app from SmugMug joins my list of personal faves for camera versatility and high performance, a list that includes the Instagram, Adobe Photoshop Express, and Camera+ apps. All of the apps listed here are free except the Camera+ app that costs $1.99. However, I will warn you the app is so much fun it is very tempting buy extra bonus features for the Camera Awesome— each set of nine additional (totally awesome) effects is 99 cents. The Hancock effect adds a layer of script and you can see it above.

The photo included in the post today was taken and/or processed with Camera Awesome. I tried to pick a very ordinary subject—a string of lights—and see if the app could "Awesomize" it. And, yes, that is the term the app makers use. Since I am a Photoshop geek, I wasn't sure if this iPhone app would be as versatile and tweakable as a I wanted. Turns out it was a great deal of fun to use. The so-called boring string of lights (I stood on a chair to take this shot) turned out kind of magical with the Hancock filter. I have to add one thing that I really love about this app, you can upload any photo in the app to post process. Here are my thoughts on the new app:

Camera Awesome 

• Camera app works with the iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S (an Android app is in development)
• Full-featured and full-powered camera app
• Free app comes with 36 free effects: presets, filters, textures, and frames
• Option to upgrade and buy more presets, a total of 297 presets available
• Image stabilization, burst mode, camera timer, and more
• Fast burst option for active shotss—camera can capture photos in quick sequences
• Works in video mode 
• All your photos can be shared on social media through the easy built-in sharing feature
• Option to use SmugMug photo archiving at full resolution 

Keep Calm and Have a Cupcake (and Hug a Puppy)

Hello Friends! Hope you are having a lovely weekend. Remember to keep a happy thought in your heart.

Photos/Images by me, Chris Olson.