Take3: The Sunny 16 Rule, Lenses, and Free Photoshop Actions!

January 11, 2012

I took a few semesters of photography in college, and we went over darkroom, aperture, lenses and lighting, etc. However, since we got our new camera last year, I have yet to sit down and read the manuel on how to work a DSLR. Its a whole new world I need to master.

{Pinterest via Just Kissing}

{via redbubble}

I am definately a visual learner so this image immediately caught my attention. Its an easy way to translate what f-stop your camera should be on when you are snapping your subject.

{via Kevin and Amanda}

Also for those of you looking to take your photography to the next step, this is a great post on how to choose a lens for your camera.

{via The Pioneer Woman}

Also, I get a lot of questions on what I do to my photos. I use photoshop actions from a range of places. The pioneer Woman’s set was the very first I ever started using. They are fantastic! You can download them here for free. Its an instant way to improve your photo. She has many other helpful tips to check out!

I think that is all I will give you for now:) You can check out more photography tips I posted here and here. I have a lot to learn myself. My husband is the one who takes most of the photos here on the blog and I do the photoshop editing. Lucky for me he is more skilled than I am…

My Katniss Everdeen Moment

January 10, 2012

I have this really cool little brother named Paul. He is my kids favorite Uncle.

When we were in St. Louis, he wanted to practice his archery so we all piled in the car to see what this was all about. He gave me a lesson, and I must say….
I had my Katniss Everdeen moment.

I think if I had one of these in my backyard it would fast become my stress relief outlet.

It was quite exhilarating.

{My sister Jana (aka Primrose), and her amazing scarf..}

{My beautiful sisters Angela, Jana, and Madeline}

My sisters make everything an adventure. They were climbing trees and causing a scene in the archery fields at Forest Park. It was all very entertaining:) Can’t imagine life without them.

Paul was very patient with us. He has such a big heart.

So, speaking of Katniss Everdeen, The Hunger Games movie comes out in 71 days…just an FYI;) I tore through the trilogy last year. Definately the must read of 2011. However, now I am in need of some new must reads! Let me know any books you have read recently that were fantastic. Not just okay…. but FANTASTIC!

The True Beauty Files: A link up party for the Modern Modeste!

January 9, 2012

After much debate, consulting friends, readers (and you all came up with some fantastic ideas), and my very wise sisters, I finally decided to call this series…

THE TRUE BEAUTY FILES

A lookbook for the Modern Modeste

(title coined by the lovely Katie of NOLA, and tagline by the lovely Grace Hester)

I want this series to not just be a lookbook on modest fashion, but a parallel to interior beauty as well….as stated in my favorite Audrey quote below, “the true beauty of a woman is reflected in her soul.” So my hope is that as each of you link up, we encourage each other that not only is modest hottest;), but that the way we dress as women can be a fantastic representation of our dignity, value, and self-worth. Are you with me??

{Dress: Francescas, Boots: Gift from Husband, Earrings: F21, Bracelets: c/o Poshlocket, Necklace worn as a Bracelet: BMB, Watch: Fossil (similar)}

Here are the simple requests:

~Link up your outfit posts that represent classy modest fashion. It can be from this past week or this coming week. (The link option will be open till next monday.)

~Add a button or link in your post that links back to this original post.

(For those of you who already created your posts, no problem!)

Thank you for all the positive feedback and support on this! Can’t wait to see what you style mavens come up with! Cheers!

fyi: Button subject to change…

“The beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears, the figure that she carries, or the way she combs her hair. The beauty of a woman is seen in her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart, the place where love resides. True beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul. It’s the caring that she lovingly gives, the passion that she shows & the beauty of a woman only grows with passing years.”

~ Audrey Hepburn

A Little about IHOD

January 7, 2012

The mind of an creative is never at rest…
Lucky for me, I found a way to outsource all the inspiration and creativity that runs through my mind on a daily basis. IHOD is a design and lifestyle blog, where I share lookbook posts, DIY’s, shops and artists, design elements, and of course tidbits about my family (the loves of my life).

FAQ’s:
How do I balance blogging, designing, and being a mother?
Well the truth is, I never have it all together! You can get a good feel for the real me in this post or this post.

Who takes the photos for your blog?
If a source is not specified, I took the photos. My super cool husband takes all my outfit posts and sometimes our family snapshots. I couldn’t run this blog without him. Get to know the man behind the camera here.

What camera do you use?
We use a Canon EOS XS with a 1.8 50mm lens. Its fantastic!

Did you design your blog? Did you pick up graphic design along the way?
My major in college was actually studio art with a specialization in Graphic design. I am lucky that it goes hand in hand with blogging! I did design the blog space here on IHOD. I am no coding expert so it has been a work in progress. The main area of graphic design freelance work I focus on is branding and magazine layouts!

Thanks for reading IHOD blog. I love hearing from you so be in touch! I hope by visiting, you have found something to smile about:)

Anna

Get in touch: email | twitter | facebook

Style Files: Heidi Merrick + J. Crew Spring 2012

January 6, 2012

{Heidi Merrick Spring 2012 via Eat Drink Chic}

{J Crew Spring 2011 Arrivals}

Hooray for these brights on the menu for spring 2012!

I am head over heels for Heidi Merrick’s line up!

Even in these winter months I wear these colors because I find it just lightens the mood:)

Today is the 12th day of Christmas, which means we have to take down our tree tomorrow:( Have been dreading it being such Christmas fans over here! I guess thats why I was looking to spring wear to cheer me up;) Happy weekend ahead!

Free To Do List Printable: Making the Most of Today

January 5, 2012

{Due to low ink on my printer, the colors here are more muted than they will print!}

With the start of a new year, I find myself making constant lists:) Its a time to get yourself motivated an organized. I re-designed the last to-do list I posted a while back, in the pink and gold tones I am really loving. I hope it will help you with all your goals for the new year!

You can download yours (two to a page) here!

Goal #1: Write More Handwritten Letters

January 4, 2012

{via Brooklyn Bride}

{via Mary Kate McDevitt}

One of my 12 goals for 2012 is to write more handwritten letters.

I had a great dose of inspiration to get me going.

These are just a few handwritten notes I received over the holidays from cousin Maggie, friend Marisol, and blogger buds Elisse and Brandi. A handwritten note can say so much about a person’s character don’t you think??

“Nonetheless, nothing expresses respect for another like a handwritten letter, and no love e-mail, text message or cell phone call will ever be carefully bundled into a memory box and savored for years to come. In a world that thrives on acceleration, the handwritten letter calls us to a time more deliberate, elegant, and gracious.” -Tom Barlow

P.S. Thank you all ever so much for the clever, witty, and fantasticly awesome title suggestions for the new modest fashion posts! Head over to the fan page to help vote for the final 5!!