anything but dull

Amazing Things posted an entry titled "21 examples of dullness in construction", hopefully they were talking about the brain capacity of the construction workers because these photos are anything but dull.

picture at your wrist

I love photography and I'm constantly looking for unique ways to display portraits. I love these cuffs found at Smoy.net. They are fun and a great way to personalize your style. In this day and age, unique personalities and art has become the front runner in trends, which is why I believe so many people will love this product! You can customize each cuff, with one or more pictures depending on the design that you choose. Smoy also makes the Brooklyn Belt where you can showcase your pictures around your waist. The colors choices are great as well. Calm and neutral colors with the Soho4 PhotoCuffs or rockers can choose a glittery bold color with the Chelsea PhotoCuff. You can change your photos anytime, depending on the occasion; new boyfriend, new baby, or your best friend's birthday. Pictures are secured between the layers of the photocuffs with a clear plastic cover to protect them. Prices begin at $17 and go up to $35. Small price to pay to be unique.

6 million dollar home

No, I don't really have a 6 million-dollar home with four walls, a roof and lots of other fabulous amenities that would come with having a house that freakin' expensive, but I do own one of the best camera bags out there that just happens to be called the 6 Million Dollar Home. I'm not making any sense, am I?? That's because it doesn't make any sense, and that's the genius of it.

The makers of Crumpler Bags give all of their products sarcastic and punny names, I believe in an attempt to get away from the traditional blah-ness of product descriptions. The descriptions for each type of product are hilarious!

My personal favorite bag description on the site is the backpack called The Salary Sacrifice. Its description is a play on the words "salary" and "celery," which really does make you laugh at the price and think it's totally worth it:

"Okay, that’s it: we’re all gunna have to make some cut backs. No more celery for anyone. That’s right. You guys are gunna have to dig for big green sticks some place else. Hey, don’t stalk off when I’m talkin to you . . ."

They have a full line of products from computer bags, messenger bags, camera bags and accessory bags, which, all kidding aside, are amazing products. I covet my camera bag and absolutely love the quality of it ... and it is nice to be able to casually say to people at social events, "Why, YES, darling! I do in fact have a 6 million dollar home! Waiter!! Please get me another Dirty Martini!"

sleep now forever

Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep is an infant bereavement organization that allows photographers to volunteer their time to families who are going through unfortunate circumstances. It's a wonderful organization that I have been a part of for nine months and it's a very humbling in so many ways. It is a way to give back and allows the family who is experiencing such a great loss to have a cherished gift of something they will never be able to get back. This world-wide organization has volunteers in every state and in many countries. It's hard to imagine the loss that someone goes through when losing a child and no ever thinks that they will be affected, but when these unfortunate moments do happen in life, it's nice to be able to have a place that the parents can turn to in order to eternalize their little bundle and to one day find closure and comfort in the images a photographer has created for them.

find the artist in you

Deviant Art is one of my favorite websites for artistic resources. If you are in a creative slump and need some ideas or just a little inspiration, then this is a great site for that! I've downloaded tons of stuff for photoshop. They have brushes, textures, backgrounds, stock photos, almost anything. There is also a lot of art that you can purchase if you are looking for something in particular. I mainly just use it for the photoshop resources, but it has a variety of things to offer.

gerry to the 2nd degree

This site has some amazing photography and design. The layout of it is beautiful but until you get the hang of how he wants you to maneuver it, it can be kind of...dizzying. You'll see what I mean...but trust me, it's worth it. (Tip: moving your mouse up makes it zoom in, down-zooms out and clicking on an image brings it up in another tab. Good luck!)

-Mandy