32 Before 33: Learn Photography & Valentine's Day Recap (Sort of)

I've never been the type of girl that was overly excited about Valentine's Day. Even when I was younger I thought it was silly for girls to walk around school with all that crap. I mean, what do you do with a teddy bear that has "Valentine's Day 2002" sewn into the foot years after the fact?

Or even in 2003? Do you throw it away? Where does little teddy end up? So I was never a teddy bear or candy girl but I have always loved beautiful red roses. I also really love the inexpensive carnation daisy bouquets you can get at Walmart and the grocery store. They really make my one hundred year old military base housing kitchen look so much better.

Because my husband was sweet enough to buy me a camera for my birthday last week and roses this week for Valentine's Day I thought I'd put the two together. I was initially shooting in auto then I fumbled my way to a menu that allowed you to select some advanced auto options. For these photos I used the "bright photo" setting in my camera and I altered the setting just a tad. (I do realize that photographers will want to know all the numbers behind my pics - I'll start jotting them down to get some feedback from you all.)

I took these pictures in my somewhat dark but bright at the same time kitchen. For the background I used two white poster boards that were positioned in an "L" shape.

I also played around with another setting that allowed the camera to blur the background. The shot below ended up being one of my favorites.

The rest of these pictures have what I assume photogs refer to as noise? (Cause that was a question...) I can't remember what setting these were done on or what I may have done differently but they came out like they had been filtered.

Over the weekend I picked up a tripod. I'm still on the hunt for a wireless shutter. They have been sold out every where that I'm willing to drive to. I may have to break down and order it one on Amazon but I kinda want it right now so I'll try one or two more places before Amazon gets me for $35. 

My ultimate goal is to be shooting in manual mode so I'm trying to ease my way into that from the beginning. I actually took pics of the Valentine's Day dinner I made but I wasn't happy with how they turned out. I made garlic butter salmon, steak and salad. It looked delicious in real life but not in my pics. Any tips for me? 

My Natural Hair Story with Dove Hair

One of the best decisions I made in 2015 was cutting my hair. Like, for real. I recently shared my new love for short hair here on the blog. I cut my hair because after years of relaxers, braids, sew-ins and hair color my damaged hair needed a redo.

I have always embraced each of my hairstyles but with each style I would experience some type of damage. During a recent trip to Target I found the NEW Dove Hair Regenerative Nourishment Collection. I began using it before I got my haircut to restore my hair from the damage of all the sew-ins and braids I'd been rocking.

While looking for a stylist to cut my hair, Dove Hair products really gave me the confidence I needed to change my look again. My hair started to look stronger and fuller. Having babies wreaked havoc on my hair too. Can any other Moms relate to that? My hair got so brittle and limp after baby number two.

As I was writing this post I remembered some of my hairstyles from the past. I loved them all and I'm happy with where my hair journey has brought me. 

I thought it would be fun to take a walk down memory lane with my hair to show you how I arrived at my pixie cut. I'm pretty sure I'm #teamshorthair for the rest of my life. Let's have a little throwback Mom Hair Monday...

At age five my frizzy hair was fragile. As a little girl I remember loving whenever my Mom would give me bangs. I loved bangs...

In the third grade I got my first perm. The damage from that resulted in me getting my very first haircut in the seventh grade. I grew my hair back out and it was healthy but thin. I literally had one hair style for about a decade. Here I am doing karaoke at a New Year's Eve party with my layers on full display. I was "singing" Beyoncé's Crazy in Love (of course)...

After years of wearing my hair in the same layered look I made the decision to cut all of my hair off and embrace my natural hair. I was pregnant with Savannah and wanted to show her how to love her natural hair. There was something about becoming a Mom that made me want to love all the parts of myself and that meant my curly not so easy to deal with fragile hair...

Since becoming a naturalista I have worn my hair in every style you can imagine. I've done twist outs, box braids, sew-ins, blow outs, afros, ponytails and the list goes on. I have loved each hairstyle but I haven't necessarily loved the damage that came along with them....

These days I'm wearing my hair in a pixie cut that I am absolutely loving. I haven't had to worry about the damage that I've experienced from some of these other hairstyles. My pixie cut is cute, easy to manage and between appointments with my stylist Dove Hair restores my hair from all the heat styling it's being put through...

I feel most beautiful when I know my hair is looking good. The Dove Hair Regenerative Nourishment Collection allows me to take my hair from curly to straight without worrying about the damage that can come from styling. The conditioner is so creamy. It really coats and protects your hair.

The Dove Hair Regenerative Nourishment Collection smells amazing. My favorite product is definitely the Serum in Oil. It's light and a little bit goes a long way. This collection from Dove Hair is available at Target. The next time you're at Target, grab the new Dove Hair Regenerative Nourishment Shampoo, Conditioner and Serum in Oil. Your hair can thank me later!

Have you seen this new line from Dove Hair?

This post is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group® and Dove Hair, but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #MyHairStory #DovePartner  http://my-disclosur.es/OBsstV

32 Before 33: Learn Photography

Today was so busy. I chaperoned a field trip for Savannah's class. It was our first field trip. I think she had a blast. We both did.

After the field trip was over I came home to pump, eat lunch and take a break before school pick up. During my break I decided to research cameras. Something about having another baby made me feel like it was time to invest in a grown up camera. I also want to be able to create pretty pictures for this blog.

I took a photography class my senior year of high school. The only thing I remember from that class was struggling to develop film in the dark room. We did some pretty cool lessons in that class though. We once made a camera out of a box. I recall being impressed.

After going back and forth between Nikon and Canon I decided to go with Nikon. My budget for a camera was pretty modest. Like with anything else I wanted to get the most for my money so I decided to get a bundle that included the camera, a bag and two lenses. (As I'm writing this I realize that Best Buy didn't give me my free Shutterfly 8x8 book. They will see me tomorrow.)

At my price point I feel that this was a great choice for a beginner. 

The camera also came with access to the Nikon School and image editing software. I plan to get a tripod and a shutter remote soon. One of my goals for 2016 is to send out Christmas cards so I need to perfect the whole tripod, distance and remote use thing. 

It took me some time to get the courage to spend this much money on myself. I'm looking forward to learning a new hobby. Hopefully the images will get a lot prettier around here.

Have you invested in yourself lately? Know of any photography groups I should look into?

Army Wife Life: Things To Do Around JBSA (San Antonio)

Our time in San Antonio is coming to an end. I can't say that I'm sad about it either. I was starting to get that itch to move again. We've been stationed in San Antonio for almost four years and it has seemed like a lifetime.

I'm not even about to sit here and make it seem like this duty station has been one of my favorites. It hasn't been. I have talked about my love of Texas (or lack thereof) before. Military families normally love San Antonio. Many couples come back here to retire. Good for them. We won't be retiring here.

The one thing that I do love about San Antonio is that our time here resulted in three beautiful babies. Because of them, San Antonio will always have a special place in my heart.

Whenever you move to a new place it takes time to create your own sense of community. As soon as we get to a new place I immediately try to find a hair salon, Chinese restaurant, church and activities for us to enjoy regularly as a family. 

Here are my favorite spots for military families (and everyone else too):

San Antonio Zoo - It's small but it does the job. There's a carousel and a train ride. Your ticket to the zoo does not cover these rides. They offer a military discount for the zoo.

Sea World San Antonio - The splash pad is awesome. If you live close to Sea World consider getting a pass for your family. Aquatica and the splash pad will be worth your money. Military discount available.

McKenna Children's Museum in New Braunfels -  Lots to do and it's not overwhelming large. We've been many times and my kids have loved every trip.

San Antonio Rodeo - Every February the Rodeo comes to town and it's pretty fun. It's a fair like atmosphere with tons to do and see. Kids will love it. We always go during the day on $1 Fridays. There are some good musical acts at night, don't miss out. This is one of things about San Antonio that I truly enjoy. It reminds me of the county and state fairs that are all over the East coast in the Fall.

Downtown San Antonio - There's a mall, tons of restaurants, The Alamo, a movie theatre, souvenir shops etc... Be prepared for lots of walking. The riverwalk itself isn't that stroller friendly but it's doable. You'll have to pay to park. Try to go during the holiday season to see the Christmas lights, it's beautiful.

Phil Hardberger Park - We had a play date here once and it was perfect. Playgrounds, walking trails and plenty of shade...

JBSA - Ft. Sam Houston Quadrangle - Admission is FREE and you can feed deer, peacocks and chickens. There might be other animals too. The animals roam freely so be prepared for that if your little ones don't like being up close to animals.

JBSA - Ft. Sam Houston Splash Pad - Call before you go to make sure the splash pad is open and operating.

Splashtown San Antonio - Military discount available. I wasn't expecting much from this water park right off the interstate but it was lots of fun. We were exhausted after a few hours. I would absolutely go back.

Wu's Chinese Restaurant - New York style Chinese food located off Judson. It's the best near Ft. Sam and Randolph. I have tried every Chinese place around the bases so please don't waste your time going any where else.

Maven Hair Studio - Ask for Tamika - She does every thing from relaxers to color to natural hair. She's responsible for my natural hair pixie.

San Antonio Botanical Garden - Kind of pricey for what you get but it's pretty. We went during their Lego exhibit and the kids enjoyed it.

Mi Tierra & Bakery Decorated beautifully and the food is amazing. I get the enchiladas. All the shops on Produce Row are fun to check out too.

I'll continue to add to this list as I go through our pictures and remember our time here. This is a great start for military families arriving to the area. Have you visited San Antonio? What was your favorite thing about this city?

Oh. And be sure to check out San Antonio Mom Blogs for ALL things San Antonio. Every month she shares a list of things to do in the city. You'll find everything from free nights at the museum to festivals in the surrounding areas.

Thought Bubbles 2052016

The Carolina Panthers are going to the SUPER BOWL!!!....

When they win I hope Cam dances ALL up in the camera...

I finally saw The People v. O.J. Simpson and it was really good...

I still need to watch Lila & Eve...

My little NICU Grad is growing up so fast...

Lately I've been listening to a lot of Anita Baker and Big Tymers...

Everybody get your roll on... Caught up in the Rapture of you...

My Birthday is on Sunday and all I want to do so far is eat Chinese food on Saturday and watch the game on Sunday (with nachos and wings)...

Chuck E. Cheese was at school pick up yesterday and it caused quite the cluster...

Kids were screaming and begging parents to take them to see the mouse at his house...

Well played PTO...

I was recently presented with an award from the United States Army for being an awesome wife...

They also gave me a tote bag. I think I'll regift that to my husband to use as a diaper bag though...

I really hate that Periscope has turned into such a big classroom...

I miss interacting with people without it being a lesson...

Looking forward to receiving a Calphalon Dutch Oven in the mail soon...

Blogging has its perks...

Watching them play gives me the most overwhelming feeling of happiness...

My goal for the day is to sanitize the floors and paint my nails...

Beyoncé is back in the halftime show. Wonder how many people are hating that...

I'm here for it. Make that money Bey...

Grown Woman is pretty much my anthem for the year...

Watching that video makes me feel like the gym is a necessity...

A new blog series all about me getting in shape after #grandfinalebaby will be starting soon...

Join the Operation Snap Back™ community on Facebook to stay motivated about your own fitness journey...

I may pop up on Periscope later on today to lighten up the mood over there...

No expert advice. Just me and these kids...

Who do you have winning the Super Bowl? It better be the Panthers...

Black History Month 2016

This year for Black History month I decided to focus on three themes voting rights, famous inventors and black women who rock. I chose these themes because I wanted the kids to have something to relate what we're learning to their everyday lives.

So far this week we've read Lillian's Right to Vote. We talked about how important it is to vote during the elections to make your voice heard. I thought this was a very timely theme since we'll be voting for the next President soon.

Our family has been voting for things (like what's for dinner and what movie we want from RedBox) all week. They're young but I think they got the idea behind voting and I know Savannah understands the price that was paid for us to be able to vote. Lillian's Right to Vote is an amazing story that teaches children about the 15th Amendment, 19th Amendment, the march from Selma to Montgomery and the Voting Rights Act. We'll be adding it to our library.

Today we learned all about George Crum and how the potato chip was invented. These kids love chips. I read George Crum's bio while the kids ate chips. On Friday we will make our own just like George did. Savannah and I made a rhyme to help her remember today's lesson...

This month we'll be learning all about Garrett Morgan, George Washington Carver, Madam CJ Walker, Benjamin Banneker, Lonnie G Johnson, Serena Williams, Misty Copeland, Sheila E, Diana Ross and President Barack Obama. I'll be sharing our lessons here all month!

How are you celebrating Black History with your family?

32 Things to do Before 33 : BIRTHDAY Countdown

Remember when I did the 31 things to do before 32? Well I didn't actually do it but I blogged about wanting to do it. My year got kind of thrown off when I got pregnant and I forgot all about my little list of things to do.

Thank God for do-overs. And birthdays.

Here I am again celebrating another birthday (on Super Bowl Sunday, #keeppounding)! I'll be 32 on February 7th and I am very excited. For some reason I get excited about my birthday now more than I ever did when I was younger. This year is especially special because the Carolina Panthers are playing in Super Bowl 50 (and Beyoncé is back in the halftime show!)! 

I was born and raised in the Carolinas so I'll be watching the game and celebrating my birthday at the same time.

Anyway - I thought I would create another list of things to do before my next birthday. A mix of some of my old goals and new goals too - here is all I want to do, see and experience before turning 33...

1. Watch the sunrise
2. Learn photography
3. Go to a concert
4. Learn to braid
5. Journal 

6. Get a massage

7. Paint my nails every week

8. Cut my hair

9. Volunteer for a good cause

10. Speak in public

11. Be kind and Give grace

12. Complete 32 random (or not so random) acts of kindness

13. Social media fast

14. Plant a small garden in containers

15. Read a novel

16. Read a self help book

17. Complete Bible Study

18. Color more

19. Paint a picture

20. Fix sewing machine and use it

21. Send a letter (or two or three)

22. Mail out Christmas cards

23. Discover a new place

24. Stand next to the ocean (or an equally beautiful large body of water)

25. Join a Pilates class

26. Practice Yoga

27. Take a dance class

28. Run a 5K

29. Take my husband on a date

30. Host a Thanksgiving dinner

31. Pray more. Worry less. Love hard.

32. Watch the sunset

Have you ever done a birthday bucket list before? What would be on your list?