Experimenting with Freelensing // Photography Post

Last weekend while I was hanging out with Molly, we decided to head to the park and play with our cameras + my new lens (guess who finally got the 18-55mm!). While we were there I decided to try out some freelensing with a lens I had for the film camera I used for Molly's graduation pictures.

These definately aren't the best freelensing shots known to mankind, but considering that this was my first attempt and I didn't even do any research on it before hand, it could have turned out worst. *winks*

Have any of you ever tried freelensing or select focus lens like the Lensbaby Spark? Do you have any tips? I really love this style and want to experiment with it more in the future!

Photography Wish List

1. A lens hood for ever lens I have! I don't need them often, but when I do, it'd be nice to have!
2. White balance lens cap. This would save hours of editing!!
3. A pretty cover for my camera strap. I'd love to not have the "Canon 60D" in big red letters on my camera strap (in other words: "I'm a good camera, steal me!") This one from Etsy is gorgeous.
4. A remote for my camera. IFB recommends this one.
5. 50mm f/1.8 camera lens. I used to have one, but it brook a couple weeks ago. Time to replace it!
6. Another Jo Totes bag! I already have the Rose in teal, but I really want the Missy in pink! They don't make it anymore, but I'm still hoping to find it on Ebay or something, sometime!
7. The 40mm f/2.8 "pancake" lens. This is very similar to the 50mm, lens, but a bit wider with a lower f-stop. I kinda love it, though, after seeing the review on Our City Lights!
8. The 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 kit lens from Canon. I didn't get it with my camera since I bought the body + 50mm lens separately, and it's certainly not the best lens out there, but I really love the wide angle look of it for certain pictures, and a lens that wide is hard to find for a reasonable price.

One of my Nineteen Before Twenty goals is to practice more photography, and I really want to try experimenting with more gadgets instead of just sticking to the same old lens day in and day out. These are just a few of the things I would love to have in my camera bag by the end of the year!

Lately {Minus the music + TV}

1. Heart shaped tea infuser

2. Packing supplies for Lauren and Hannah's packages

3. Went ice skating for the first time in years this past week!

4. One of my favorite stores in the world - Aerie! 

5. My dad bought the four of us girls each a thing of Godiva chocolate. Yummy!

6. My new MAC lipstick!

7. Details from what I wore yesterday (except I ended up not wearing those sun glasses. Lol!)

8. Look who finally watched her hair yesterday! Score!

9. My dad's peanut butter filled, chocolate covered jalapeno pepper.

Since I've mostly just been listening to Owl City on repeat in preparation for seeing them live at the end of the month (eep!!), I won't bore you with that this week; and since I've very bummed about my two favorite TV shows at the moment, I'll wait until next week to fill you in on that. *winks* 

Hope you're having a great Monday so far!

xo, 

Katie Burry

Odds and Ends // Photography

Last post about my vacation, I promise! These are just some photos I took that I wanted to share, but didn't fit in anywhere else. I had so much fun practicing photography in a new environment. I'm definitely falling in love with my camera all over again. ♥

Happy weekend, all!

xo,

Katie Burry

My Trip in Instagrams

1. Wearing my mustache necklace from Emily on the train.
2. My new wallet from Hannah + the worst coffee I've ever had in my life in the diner car.
3. I love St. Louis so much. I want to live there someday.
4. I had some hilarious conversations with Maddie via text.
5. Next time I go down to Mo I am coming back with a camo hoodie and/or tee shirt so Lauren and Hannah and just put that in their pipes and smoke 'em! Lol. JK. I totes love those girls! (But seriously, I need something camo!)
6. The bathroom was busy so I blow-dried my hair in the kitchen using Photo Booth as a mirror. Now that's country attitude ingenuity for you!
7. Sitting in the car with my new Dollar General sunnies + my $.75 candy bar while I wait for my uncle.
8. Riding in the back of a pickup on a sunny day is bliss.
9. Malted milk bars from the vintage inspired general store in my favorite town in Missouri.

Edit: Thank you all so much for the kind words on my last post! Reading them as they came through my email all day really made my day! ♥

xo,

Katie Burry

Just Sittin' in the Sun

Sorry for the silence on le blog all week! If you follow me on Instagram you’ll know that I was super busy cleaning/painting my room/getting ready for my trip/on my trip. But a couple awesome guest posts from some lovely ladies next week so stay tuned for that!

In mean time, enjoy these pictures of my aunt and uncle’s adorable kitties! I had so much fun playing with them yesterday!

xo,

Katie

We Left That Change Somewhere Behind

A week from today I'll be back there, and I can't really explain to you how exciting and terrifying that is.

I feel like a lot of times you guys only see half of me - the girly, clothes loving, hipster-like girl.

There's more to me than that.

I love shooting my dad's handgun and can't wait to own my own.

Country music will always hold a dear place in my heart.

I prefer flannels and boot cut jeans on guys more than any other outfit.

I love old cars and want to learn about them.

I'll be using Mason jars long after the hipsters have moved on.

I'm not a city girl, and I don't want to be pegged as one again.

I don't want other people's ideas of me to define who I am anymore.

xo,

Katie

2013 Photography Goals

I know I said that today I was going to post my list of five things to do each season, but since I haven't completely finalized my list/finished the graphic, you get to see my list of eight photography goals for this year! It's part of my 19 Before 20 goal to learn and practice photography.

1 - Already done! I am on top of this list!
2 - Working on it - definitely working on it.
3 - Molly and I are planning on taking Bella Pops photography class this spring and I'm so excited!
4 - Already did this one last week! So far I hate it, but I know that's just because I'm not used to it yet.
5 - Adobe is definitely going to help with this one. I'm also thinking about taking a college class this year.
6 - My camera fell off the seat while I was driving last month and now the auto focus is broken.
7 - My 50mm lens is great, but taking food/close up shots with it is really hard since you have to be so far back, so I want to get a second, multi purpose lens. I'm thinking maybe a wide angle lens.
8 - I've got into a bad habit of rushing through my photography because I need to do it, but don't want to take the time to do it well and enjoy it and that has to change
9 - The reason for this whole list. I still love photography, but I'm not in love with it - if that makes sense.

Have any of you made goals this season? What are they?

Lately {Holidays + New Things}

1. Playing draw something with Maddie. My drawing skills are out of this world, y'all!

2. Designed a template for Molly's new blog, the Dahl House.

3. My NYE outfit

4. New Years Day feast.

5. I think I could live on bread and cheese.

6. I stumbled onto the mother load of sales at Maurice's last week!

7. Dreaming of summer + loving my new candle.

8. These are the coolest socks I have ever seen in my life! Thanks to my mum for buying them for me!

9. And finally, my new Dahl Clothes dress! It was a Christmas gift from Molly and I'm so excited to style it up!

1. Brave // Josh Groban

2. Part of Me // Katy Perry

3. I Knew You Were Trouble by Taylor Swift dubstep version.

4. Did I Make the Most of Loving You // Mary Jess

1. A new favorite from Josh Groban. The style of the song reminds me a lot of You Are Loved, and the lyrics/message is so moving!
2. What can I say? Sometimes Katy Perry speaks to me...
3. I'm not ususually a Taylor Swift fan, but I can't seem to get enough of the dubstep remixes of I Knew You Were Trouble! It's so unlike me!
4. For those of you that don't know, this is the theme song for Downton Abbey. The premier of season three was last night. SO. EXCITED.

1. Downton Abbey Season Three

2. Duck Dynasty

1. Like I said, the premier of season three was last night and I am more than ready to get back into that drama-filled goodness of a turn-of-the-century-soap-opera!
2. I don't really remember how my family started watching this show this week, but we did, and I have to say that it's actually really good! I just love country people!

Just a Holiday Every Night

 "But when I close these heavy lids after dark
Each sweet dream is a target
And all my shots are so consistently wide of the mark

"‘Cause the angriest bark is always worse than the bite
Like the ache in my chest that my heart didn’t invite
But if the prettiest romance isn’t perfectly right
That makes every love lost just a holiday every night."

~ Paper Tigers by Owl City

Lately {Food + An Abundance of Owl City and Katy Perry}

1. Red velvet + a chocolate long John + coffee for breakfast on election day. ♥

2. The problems with wearing bright red lipstick and drinking Starbucks.

3. Birthday cake ice cream and chocolate ice cream with magic shell - two of my favorites!

4. Maddie found an easter egg gumball still hiding in our house!

5. I put up a shelf in my room all by myself! I'm so proud! (Even if it is a bit crooked)

6. I wore chevron Forever 21 flats to work on Saturday - just in case y'all were wonderin'

7. Drinking Italian cream soda pop Friday night.

8. The necessities of a good manicure (tried the ol' Pam method of drying nails, but the jury is still out on the result)

9. Finally jumped on the Afterglow bandwagon + the last rose of summer.

1. Part of Me // Katy Perry

2. When Can I See You Again // Owl City

3. Hot N Cold // Katy Perry

4. Dreams and Disasters // Owl City

1. I've really kind of fallen in love with Katy Perry's music. So many of her songs are just so uplifting and encouraging - and this is definitely one of them. ♥
2. I just can't stop listening to this song yet. The music is so wonderful, and the lyrics are so upbeat and happy and encouraging ("life's too short to take it slow" I agree!)
3. Guilty pleasure. I accidentally bought a non-edited version one (what does "radio edit" mean if not "no swear words"!?) so I skip the B word.
4. Another really, really encouraging song during a less-than-peachy time. *winks*

 

1. The Amazing Spider Man

2. Once Upon a Time season 2

1. This movie was fantastic! Not that I didn't know that it would be, but I just felt like that needed to be said. Andrew Garfield is - IMHO - the best Peter Parker ever, and despite how much I love Bryce Dallas Howard, Emma Stone is my favorite Gwen Stacie. (I love Emma Stone!) She's just too cute!

2. This weeks episode was really good, and I loved learning more about Red, but I felt like it just wasn't as "OMG WHAT WILL HAPPEN???" as usually. Am I crazy, or do any of you agree with me?

Lately {Wreck it Ralph + Betsy Johnson Dresses}

1. I finally got When Can I See You Again on my iPod! So happy!

2. Got my very first Little Black Blag box with two Betsy Johnson bracelets in it! I love 'em!

3. My Urban Outfitters haul! Total spent: only thirty bucks! Score!

 

1. When Can I See You Again // Owl City

2. Part of Me // Katy Perry

3. Hot N Cold // Katy Perry

4. We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together // Taylor Swift

1. Ok, I know that every time a new Owl City song comes out I'm like "it's a new Owl City song so of course I like it" but I really just want to talk about why I love Owl City so much. All of Adam Young's songs are just so happy, upbeat and encouraging. It echoes exactly how I try to look at life, and I love that.

2. Confession time: I had never heard this song before watching the movie, Part of Me. I know, where have I been? Under a rock!? But I'm making up for it by listening to it nearly non-stop now. It's such an encouraging song, and really puts into words a lot of what I've been feeling lately.

3. I bought this song on iTunes, since it said it was a "radio edit" but after buying it I realized that the "b" word is still in it. Boo! How is that a radio edit!? So now I just mute it when that part comes up since a) I already bought it and b) it's a fun, catchy song to listen to on the way to work.

4. This song is back on my playlist owing to the fact that it's also a very good vent for how I'm feeling lately.

 

1. Part of Me

2. Sherlock season 2

3. Wreck it Ralph

1. My mom and Maddie and I took the opourtunity of my dad being out of town to finally watch the Katy Perry movie. I. Loved. It! I've liked Katy Perry's style for a while now, but after seeing what an incredibly strong lady she is, I'm even more of a fan!
2. I finally got around to finishing season two of Sherlock! Yay! It was a really good episode despite feeling a bit rushed (but then, I thought all of the episodes in season two felt rushed), and I really liked getting a chance to see John and Sherlock's friendship again. I have to admit, though, that the ending didn't really hit me until the next day. So sad!
3. Loved it! I figured it would be pretty fantastic considering a) the preview looked great and b) there was an Owl City song in it, and it was really good! The little girl was super-duper cute, and the plot-line was really good - and don't even get me started on the soundtrack!

Lately {Veggie Tales + Makeup}

 

 1. A cake pop after work.

2. These three things are like gold to me!

3. The rainy day was gorgeous but it def made my outfit photos interesting!

4. This is what it took for me to get outfit photos in the rain (yes, that's a grocery bag)

5. All packed for my weekend - including four pairs of shoes!

6. I loved the cosmetic mirror in the hotel room!

7. I felt so classy with a cup of coffee in my hand and a clutch under my arm!

8. There were life sized Veggie Tales characters in the Sunday school rooms of the church my uncle's wedding was at. The six year old in me was thrilled!

9. A minty chocolate pop rose at the wedding reception. They were so delicious!

 

1. Good Time // Owl City and Carly Rae Jepsen
2. That Don’t Impress Me Much // Shania Twain
3. Fairytale // Sara Bareilles
4. Captains of the Sky // Sky Sailing

1. I know, I know... would I stop listening to this song already? I just can't help how good it is and how much I love it!
2. This was a favorite song of mine a couple years ago, and I recently rediscovered it. It's just such a catchy song and I really love listening to country music sometimes.
3. This song was also a favorite song of mine several years ago, and despite it being a bit depressing, I still sort of like it. Sara Bareilles is extremely talented.
4. I heard this song playing in H&M last week while I was doing some shopping and I just feaked out! Sky Sailing is one of my favorite bands ever but I've never heard it on the radio! I was practically running around the store going "Mooooooom!!! It's Sky Sailing!!!" Luckily the store was mostly empty. *winks*

1. Once Upon a Time season two
2. Kitchen Nightmares
3. Doc Martin

1. Just watched the second episode last night and it's so good so far! I was a little worried about how it would be with the curse broken, but it's still soooo good! I can't wait to see the next episode!

2. Maddie got me started on this show and now my whole family is addicted! Basically this extremely successful British chef, Chef Ramsey, comes into failing restaurants, takes over, and tells the owners what to do to fix the place. It's really good!

3. Another British show. It's about a doctor from London who moves to a small, island town called "Portwenn." He's kind of grumpy and grouchy, with sort of a Sherlock-esque personality, but it's really good and interesting. We're on season 2 of 6 and right now I'm just really hoping that the doc gets together with his lady friend! ♥

Lately {My Room + Magic Returns}

 

1. I wore a really cute outfit to work on Wednesday, but - due to a dead camera battery - I couldn't get any outfit photos. Boo!

2. I am completely addicted to caramel flavored candy corn.

3. My new dress + adorable note from Kaelah!

4. My pretty bed ready for me to get in it. ♥

5. I've always wanted a vanity, and now I finally have (a mini) one!

6. My new dress from the Forest Bootery. I'm in love with the collar on it!

7. Matchy-matchy!

8. Writing notes to myself before bed.

9. Just when I thought froyo couldn't get any better they make cake batter froyo!

1. Work of Art // Rachel Platten

2. We are Never Ever Getting Back Together // Taylor Swift

3. Get Back // Demi Lovato

4. Call Me Maybe // Carly Rae Jepsen

5. Good Time// Owl City

1. Yes, this is still on my playlist! What can I say? When I like a song I like it for a looooong time!

2. And yeah, so is this one. Taylor Swift is good for dealing with drama.

3. I used to loooove this song a couple years ago, and I'm definitely rekindling my love with it the past few weeks! ♥

4. This one snuck it's way back onto my playlist. *winks*

5. Ok, so in all honesty, I haven't really been listening to this song this week, but it came on at work yesterday when I was just exhausted/not feeling well and I swear it was like a miracle! ♥

1. Doctor Who Season 7

2. The Help

3. Once Upon a Time Season 2

1. Finally finished the fall part of season 7 of Doctor Who. I thought that the season finale was the best written episode of the bunch and was very well satisfied with the way they summed everything up. I have to admit, though, that I'm still wary of Oswin - I wasn't a particular fan of her in the Asylum of the Daleks... What did you all think? Leave me a comment - I'm dying to discus it with other Whovians!

2. I love this movie - a lot. Emma Stone is so fantastic and the entire movie is just so well written/acted. And since Bryce Dallas Howard is also a favorite actress of mine,  having her in there can only make it more awesome! (Even if her character is pure evil.)

3. Am I the only one excited about the return of Once Upon a Time?? I thought last season was fantastic, and I have really high hopes for this season. I'm a really curious/a little unsure as to how the whole "magic-in-this-world" thing will pan out, but that's probably just because I've become sort of used to being disappointed in my favorite shows lately. *winks*

P.S. Do you all like the new fonts in this post? I decided to switch it up and use something other than Lullaby for once, and so far I really like it! ♥

Lately... (BBC Shows + Cleaning My Room}

1. I love that - for the most part - my hair looks great when I get up in the morning. Especially on days when I over sleep...

2. You don't really appreciate how long it takes to heat something up in the oven until your microwave is broken. So glad we got a new one!

3. I found these notebooks in my room. They're all filled with school stuff I haven't needed for months. This is why I'm cleaning out my room, y'all!

4. My little sister packed me a lunch for work and this is the bag she used! How adorable!! ♥

5. My dad helping me with a special room project. I can't wait to show you all it!

6. I don't know how this is comfortable, but she looked soooooo cute!! ♥

7. Trying on dresses in Deliah*s. If this had been longer I'd have been tempted to buy it. :(

8. Froyo with Maddie!

9. I've gotten back into the habit of taking outfit photos regularly and I love it. ♥

1. Work of Art // Rachel Platten

2. I Am the Doctor // Muray Gold

3. We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together // Taylor Swift

4. The Avengers Theme // Alan Silvestri

5. Dreams and Disasters // Owl City

1. This song is still on my playlist because a) I love it and b) it makes me feel inspired/encouraged. ♥

2. Doctor Who was on again on Saturday night and I wore a TARDIS t shirt on Sunday so of course I had to listen to this song on the way to work!

3. This song got me through some very difficult drama earlier this week. So thanks for that Taylor.

4. TOMORROW, Y'ALL! Need I say more?

5. Another really encouraging and inspiring song - plus it includes Adam Young!

1. Doctor Who season 7

2. Wallander

1. Still watching Doctor Who season 7, although I can't say that I'm anymore impressed than I was after the second episode. It all feels very rushed (and at the same time it feels like they're just killing time till the Ponds leave...) and I'm very disappointed that the Ponds leaving will not be a two parter. Steven Moffat I'm ready for you to quit Doctor Who...
2. A BBC mystery show featuring Tom Hiddleson. It has to be good, right!? (In all seriousness it is a fantastic show and Tom Hiddleson really is an incredible actor! Can't wait to see him as Loki again this week!)

Lately {Hair Changes + Iron Man Headphones}

1. Part of the walk from my car to the shoppe where I work. I work in one of the loveliest towns around. ♥

2. Some of the inspirational photos I took when I got my hair done on Friday.

3. One of the temporary tattoos I wore this week for National Suicide Awareness week.

4. The salon I went to served tea in mustache-decorated mugs. How perfect??

5. Delicious strawberry + cucumber limeade at P.F. Chang's.

6. This is a really great reminder after how bummed out I've been feeling lately.

7. Froyo is the best desert ever. Fact!

8. Ready to watch Psycho and The Birds at the outdoor theater with my aunt and my cousin the Z Dog.

9. Iron Man headphones! Every eighteen-year-old girl's dream. ♥

1. Work of Art // Rachel Platten

2. We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together // Taylor Swift

3. Sailboats // Sky Sailing

4. The Avengers Theme Song // Alan Silvestri

1. I found this song because it's the theme song for Jane by Design. It's so catchy and sweet sounding! It also reminds me a lot of a Carly Rae Jepsen song...

2. Let's just say that I'm having one of those months and leave it at that, ok?

3. Ethan's the one who pointed this song out to me - and how epic is it that Adam mentions Audrey Hepburn in it?? Besides that it's a gorgeous, sweet tune. ♥

4. This song makes even driving to the store feel like a mission to save the world - oh, and did I mention that the movie comes out a week from tomorrow? I know, it's awesomeness. *winks*

1. Jane By Design

2. Doctor Who Season 7

1. Saturday night/Sunday Morning I stayed up till 7am finishing season one of Jane by Design (I know, crazy right??) My biggest complaint? That there won't be a season two.

2. Watched episode three last night. Didn't like it as much as the first two - and is it just me or is the Doctor getting really arrogant/dangerous again?? I'd say it was time for a new Doctor but apparently the 11th will last through 2014, so I'm not exactly sure what's going on there...