Advice Needed - DSLR Camera Shopping

So, my birth month is rapidly approaching (yes, I said month!), and the hubs has been asking for my birthday/Christmas wish list. Of course there are a few trinkets and such on there, but I've really had my eye on a DSLR camera!

Or a puppy.
(but that got vetoed.)

Ever since I've started this humble little blog, I've been dying to learn how to capture beautiful photos of my own and share them. If I got a DSLR, I would have a blast learning the ins and outs of a big girl camera.

But first I have to know which one to go for.
This is where you come in...

1 //  What DSLR camera do you recommend and why?
2 //  Do I need to add specific lenses to my wish list too?
3 //  What about editing software? Any faves?
4 //  How did you learn to use it? Tips/tricks?


I would love to have a camera that could beautifully photograph food as well as everyday photos.
Any help, advice, or recommendation are gladly welcomed!

{eeek!}

Wedding Woes: {Dress Help!}

Alrighty shopaholics... I need your help!
Adam and I are going to our good friends' wedding next weekend. I was going to recycle my black sheath dress that I got on sale last year from BCGB, but due to Adam being in the wedding... I need a dress for the rehearsal dinner too!

Now let me tell you, due to the hundreds of weddings we attended last year... I have plenty of bright, floral patterned dresses. But none of them will work for a winter wedding in freezing January.

Needless to say, I've been on a sale hunt. If I can find one at a decent price, I may wear the black dress to the rehearsal dinner and the new one to dance the night away in! But I need major help!

{ Here are my finds so far... }

#1



Ann Taylor Ruched Dress in Nocturne



#2


Banana Republic Large Polka Dot Dress


#3


Ann Taylor Colorblocked Belted Sheath Dress


#4


Express Pleated Wrap Dress


#5

(Sorry, the photo wouldn't behave!)

LOVE this eggplant color Max & Cleo one-shoulder dress, but $158?

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Obviously, I would dress an options up with awesome jewelry, black tights and my chunky black booties that I love! But I am not completely sold on any of these options... anyone have any suggestions on where to shop cocktail dresses?!

I'm probably going to hit up TJMaxx, Marshalls, and Nordstrom Rack after work...


Help!

Date Nights for Dummies

Let me just start off by saying that I've been spoiled rotten... Yes. Adam is a date night genius and I'm the dummy. For as long as I can remember, Thursdays have always been "our" night. No friends, no fam, no outside conflicts or plans. Just the two of us enjoying an evening together and catching up on "Madam" (Meg + Adam) time.

It really doesn't matter if he comes over to my place, we make dinner together and watch a movie, or if we go out on the town. I live for Thursdays.

Ladies, my boyfriend is a total stud. He always has the best ideas and I have to actually fight him to ever get the slight chance on me paying for something we do. He's too good to me.




All of this being said, BF got back from a long work trip last night, and I was just a little overwhelmed by how much I missed him while he was gone. I couldn't get enough hugs throughout the evening with our friends, and my heart leaped everytime he said "I missed you." Now with Thursday approaching I want to do something special and plan a fun date.

This is where you come in.

Unlike my creative other half, I lack the think fast know-how skills. It's really easy to fall into the same routine and plans (...don't get me wrong, I absolutely love movie night/sweat pants/snuggling like the best of them), but he deserves something low-key and special... help!

I wanted to surprise him with an evening visit to the Louisburg Cider Mill, but unfortunately the darn place closes at 6 p.m. I love making him dinner, not doing anything too fussy, but fun! We're a very simple/easy-to-please couple.


{ What ideas do you have for me for a fun evening? }

.:::.:::.:::.:::.


Meanwhile, while trying to do a little fun research I came across these great sites (here, here, and here) full of more ideas in case you're like me and need some fun inspiration too! Ideas that stuck out so far...

+ fondue for two
+ living room picnic
+ visiting the playground
+ feeding the ducks at a pond by my house
+ urban spoon everything (how spontaneous!)
+ board game night
+ outdoor smores + wine
+ try a new restaurant
+ progressive dinner

.:::.:::.:::.:::.


Anything awesome come to mind? Send this girl a few pointers!

Denim Distress + Splash of Random

First off, I am in need of some fashion advice...
I'm pretty sure I've been a GAP girl since the day I was born. Everything usually fits me well, I love their design aesthetic, and it lasts me for years! Unfortunately, I have a few pairs of jeans that are either worn out or too snug, so I dropped by GAP last week to explore.


Too baggy. Too tight. Too long. Too awkward.
That's pretty how my GAP denim extravaganza went.


I've been considering making a denim investment, especially after reading Rachel's post on Citizens of Humanity. I want a dark wash with nice lines that will hold up. I would love to find a pair that fit my body perfectly, but I've come the realization that a good pair may cost more than my usual $59.50.


{ So yes, where do you buy your jeans? }



{ Citizens of Humanity: "Kelly" }
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On to that splash of random that I talked about...


1) Best. Dinner. Ever.

I was invited out to dinner at Capital Grille with Adam and him parents last night for his Dad's birthday. I have to tell you that I think this was one of the best meals I've ever had. I ordered the petite fillet mignon with crimini mushroom sauce, and BF and I split a huge vat of garlic mashed potatoes. Yummm!






In case that didn't clog our arteries enough, we split the world's most amazing coconut cream pie and a complimentary flourless chocolate espresso cake with his parents. I don't think I've ever been happier to change into my stretchy yoga pants than I was last night.

To top it off, I woke up full... ugh. Hello detox day!


2) Photo Texts

About a month ago, my 2 best friends {who live about 3 hours away from me} and I started sending each other "getting ready" photos. It all started when I sent this picture to my dear Courtney, because I wanted to showcase the gorgey earrings she gave me for being in her wedding.




Despite the bad lighting, it's fun to send/receive photos, get outfit ideas from each other, and feel like you're catching up! I was proud of the little number I threw together for work yesterday. It's shocking how put together you look when you try?!




You should try it out with your gal pals! What a fun way to see each other - whether near or far!


3) Bella Beast's B-day

My sweet little baby Cockapoo is turning 3 on Monday... where have the years gone?! I sure love my big baby so much, and I couldn't ever imagine my life without my snuggly girl!

I've been browsing around to try and find a doggie cake recipe on Pinterest, but only found homemade doggie treats... waa waa. I may try this Peanut Butter Birthday Cake recipe - she loves the PB! Has anyone ever made a doggie cake before? Tips? Advice?





Well, I promised random and oh boy, did I deliver or what?! Lots of crazy shenanigans going on in my noodle today! Hope y'all are having a great week so far!

Let me know what random things are on your mind!





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PS - In case you missed the Mingle Monday blog hop yesterday, go check it out! Get your blog some exposure and find some other great blogs!

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