photo a day challenge - may 2013

it's seriously time for next month's list!? these photo a day challenges have become a wonderful part of my daily routine. i really enjoy creatively deciding how to use the prompts and i love seeing how others interpret them through Instagram as well.

if you've thought about playing along but are worried about things like time, not knowing what to take photos of, or that you haven't played every month, don't! it doesn't matter if you miss a few days either. the point is to have fun. so i hope some of you all join me!  here's the list...

and as always, feel free to follow me on instagram (@alohaneener)

where does the time go?

i've been a little absent lately, i know.  a working mama in the third trimester with a demanding toddler and a full schedule needs a break every now and then.  things have been good, just busy. i do most of my blogging after a certain funny kid has gone to bed but lately i've been so exhausted at her bedtime that i can't keep my eyes open long enough to put together my posts.  and while things are by no means slowing down, i do feel a kind of groove returning.  it's not like i'll be getting more sleep/rest in the coming months so it only makes sense that i adjust, right?!

so what have we been up to lately?  in addition to the routine stuff...

attending festivals (avocado festival, encinitas street fair)

taking school pics (a post on this coming soon)

planting our spring/summer garden (basil, tomatoes, basil, strawberries, basil, squash, basil, pumpkins, basil, spinach, and some other fun things. and did i mention basil?  it's the one thing we're having the worst time growing and the hubby is determined to succeed this time so wish us luck)

home improvement projects (seriously, some i can't imagine anyone being interested in but some that will be documented in future posts)

and planning for this incredibly busy upcoming month (visitors, mother's day, a quick visit to see some family, a 3rd birthday! and more)

aaaand i'm tired again just looking at all of that.  hope my recent silence hasn't driven away all 5 of my readers!

fashion friday - tunics

tunics by alohaneener 

Orla Kiely , $485 / Lemlem party shirt / GRIZAS , $190 / Tunic, $71 / Darling tunic, $90 / Dorothy Perkins / Sleeveless top, $62 / Warehouse sheer shirt, $43

poem in my pocket

did you remember that it's national poetry month and today is poem in your pocket day?  i mentioned it here last week.  well, i'd like to share my chosen poem.  it's just a little excerpt from dr seuss's "Did I Ever Tell You How Lucky You Are?"

It's a troublesome world. All the people who're in it

are troubled with troubles almost every minute.

You ought to be thankful a whole heaping lot,

for the places and people you're lucky you're not!

i mean, doesn't that just say it all?!  that seuss was so wise...  don't forget to share your poem today!

today...

i feel very pregnant.  i feel like i'm carrying a bowling ball in my belly.  i am tired.  these are not complaints.  i'm simply sharing a few feelings i'm feeling today...

tuesday's treasury - tiny bubbles

     

'tiny bubbles' by whimspirationphoto

Silver bubble earrings ... ateliershinji $9000	Tiny bubble soap glass ... Outpost8 $15	White Bright Bubble Mob... littledreamer... $68	2 Large CHALKBOARD Spee... ChalkStyle $14.99
Bubble Ring (Medium Ros... KCDbyKyleChan $38	Tummy time baby bubble ... GordonQuilts $175	Bubble Tree Necklace - ... queenspark $22	Llama Watercolour PRINT... WaterInMyPain... $15
Pink Bubbled Glass Knob... ShabbrusticCh... $8.95	Hippo Bubbles - African... RoocciArt $22	Real Blue Morpho Butter... Athenianaire $28.99	Merida Brave Party Favo... celticbubblew... $28
SALE- colorful charm st... ManualMateria... $16.99	Jumbo-bubble-gum ,iPhon... MemeUniqueDes... $13.99	Green Oval Bubble Ring,... DonKatChaLLC $9	Unique Thought Bubble P... OSusannahs $42.99

Treasury tool by StylishHome.

 

tuesday's treasury - light my fire

     

'light my fire' by whimspirationphoto

AVANT GARDE adjustable ... killerdarling $30	Abstract Canvas Art Pai... wostudios $129	Bottom the the Barrel -... SabrinaBJewel... $18	Flame mask in leather o... TomBanwell $42
Sterling silver ring wi... Giousouri $38	Canada Street Fire hydr... IndyPhotoGirl $6	Vintage Fire Red Crysta... EraExpression... $35	Fused Glass Stud Earrin... leadlightbyet... $15
Fire Red and Gold Chain... themintcollec... $44	Felted hearts fire red ... KatKeRosCorne... $12	Photo of fire red sky b... RiskLoveFreed... $30	Felt Campfire Plush Pla... Kklaus $93.5
Letterpress Thank You C... RubyPress $85	Tiny Fire Opal Zircon S... MakiYDesign $15	Fire Red Dragonfly 8x8 ... DigitalDeviat... $20	30% OFF SALE - Knit Sca... DreamList $18

Treasury tool by StylishHome.

 

national poetry month and poem in your pocket day

have you seen this video?  a friend of mine posted it on her facebook last week and i, like many other people, was blown away by this 3 yr old.  the memorization alone is fantastic but the conversational way he presents the poem is what fascinates me.

april is national poetry month.  i've always had a soft spot for poetry. from dr. seuss to shakespeare, from dirty limericks on the bathroom wall to clean and simple haikus, poetry has helped shape me.  i've recited Rudyard Kipling's If for a scholarship pageant, found humor during a long deployment in the crude rhymes scribbled on the bathroom trailer stalls, and lulled my baby to sleep with the sweet and silly songs of Theodor Geisel.  people seek comfort in the poetry of bible verses and entertainment from the lyrics of their favorite songs.  when i was in college, i came across William Cullen Bryant's Thanatopsis.  at first glance it seems to be a morbid poem about death but it is actually a comforting reminder that we're never alone.  Thanatopsis remains one of my top poems of all time.  poetry is part of all of our lives.

to help celebrate national poetry month, april 18th has been designated poem in your pocket day.  the idea is to select a poem to carry with you and share with others.  if you can't do it literally, think about sharing one virtually through social media using #pocketpoem.  i'll be participating (though i haven't chosen a poem yet) and hope you'll share yours!

fashion friday - henna

henna by alohaneener 

Matthew Williamson dress, $1,810 / Print top, $20 / White tee, $15 / Sophia & Chloe teardrop earrings / Matthew Williamson oversized scarve, $570 / Black and White SAA Paper Hand Fan (henna motif)

new sponsor and a giveaway! - out of the bag creations (CLOSED)

*this giveaway has ended.  congratulations to ashley wagner and mrs. g!*

my love of owls is no secret to anyone who reads this blog.  a little while ago, a friend surprised me with a set of sweet felt owl magnets.  i just loved them and the shop they came from.

out of the bag creations belongs to Amanda, a fun and creative mom of 2.  her shop features handmade gifts, jewelry and digital photography.  check out her etsy shop, become a follower and then come back and enter to win a set of felt owl cards.  she's graciously offered 2 sets of 4 cards so i'll be picking 2 winners!

felt cards

you have multiple chances to win (leave a separate comment for each entry!)

1. share this giveaway on facebook, twitter or pinterest and leave a comment telling me where you did

2. favorite or follow out of the bag creations on etsy and leave a separate comment telling me you did

winners will be announced Friday, April 12th.  and in the meantime, Amanda is also offering whimspiration readers a 20% discount when you enter OAKTREE20 at checkout.  good luck!

Blurb

i'm always looking for interesting/cute/fun ways to display my instagram photos. a lot of companies are realizing the huge potential for marketing to the instagram crowd.  recently, i came across a discount for a Blurb book.  Blurb allows you to create bookstore quality photo books for personal display or for you to sell.  i won't be selling this personal family book i created but i do like the idea that i can take some of my real photography and market it in these easy to create books.

for this instalife photo book, i used Blurb's easy to follow directions for connecting my instagram account to upload photos.  you can then edit, rearrange photos and choose what photo to use on the cover.  then you pick a cover type and paper stock.  these 7x7 inch books start at $12.99 for 20 pages.  i like displaying this one on our mantel and may just have to add a few more...

tuesday's treasury - april is autism awareness month

     

'April is Autism Awareness Month' by whimspirationphoto

Burlap Autism Awareness... onceuponaflow... $30	Bean Bags - Brown Bear ... BrightLifeToy... $30	Autism Awareness Brooch PINSwithPERSO... $20	Natural Leather Autism ... puzzlepieceje... $20
Autism Awareness Neckla... MelissaMarieR... $19.75	Autism Quote 8 x10 prin... PaperTherapyS... $15	Note Card Set designed ... scrappycath $10	Sweet Blue Birds Singin... kimmieluwho $10
Woo-woo: I value differ... zfjADE $25	Sensory bin for spring ... littlebins $16	Buy 6 Get 6 Free - AUTI... CandiedCakes $8.99	Go Beyond - Autism Awar... onTheSpotStud... $20
Autism Infinity scarf KruseKreation... $15	Made to Order -- Weight... SensorySoluti... $99	SALE Autism Puzzle Awar... AThomasBracel... $7.95	Puzzle Ring Autism Awar... ICandyCrystal... $20

Treasury tool by StylishHome.