It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas

This one is for my good friend Carrie - she informed me that there is about 100 days till Christmas and she wants to be able to take some tree pictures.

So I looked back through my December 2011 pics and thought I would share some of the exposures.  I have learned a lot since then, they are far from perfect - but - they work for me.  The biggest recommendation I have is to practice!!!

This one was my first attempt in November 2011.  It was hand held so a bit shaky, focused on the tree  vs. Mikey.  I tried to expose to the right of the tree I think.

1/25 sec at f/1.8, ISO 640

A tad bit underexposed - but - hey - I like it!

1/100 Sec @ f.2.2, ISO 6400

1/100 sec at f/2.2, ISO 4000

1/80 sec at f/2.2, ISO 4000

Because my aperture was at 2.2 there was no bursts in the lights.

 1/80 sec at f/2.2, ISO 4000

Brianna - exposed off her face: 

1/80 sec at f/2.2, ISO 4000

Hay hanging ornaments. Exposed off her face. 

1/100 sec at f/2.0, ISO 4000

The higher the aperture the more the burst: 10.0 sec at f/22, ISO 320

0.5 sec at f/22, ISO 3200

 

Playing - I have lots to learn on outdoor: 10.0 sec at f/22, ISO 1000.  The shutter speed was super slow to make up for the higher aperture to try and get some sparkle. 

Christmas Morning: 1/100 sec at f/2.2, ISO 6400

And this one is for you Carrie!!!  An old image - but relevant for tonight!!

1/4 sec @ f/2.0 ISO 100 - I was going for a lower ISO for a crisper image - and took this on the tripod.

DIY Step stool for the kids

Well - I had another crazy productive weekend.  I should learn to take a break...

I had built my middle child a step stool when I did her bedroom. And it always makes it's way into everyone else's room.  So I thought I would make these stools here.  I just adore Ana White.  I am really working on turning my house into a homemade house....But anyways.

Here are the step stools I made - they are perfect for getting in and out of bed - brushing their teeth - trying to get their clothes on a top shelf.

So this one is Haydens - the first one I built. She wanted it Pink.

I did this one today - out of scraps - FREE!!!  Whooo hooo.  She wanted green - it goes with her room.

Then a little sneak peak to Mikey's room - this is the accent color in his room.

Then here is a quick sneak peak at one corner in his room.  I am super excited!

Oh - and we got a dog pen built for our new puppy!  We kind of winged it - and it worked out great.

Bins for the Mudroom

I just realized now that I didn't post pictures of the mudroom we did.  So here it is - with the bins I made.

It started as a pantry with doors - and it drove me crazy!!!  So the doors came down and everything on the inside was built.

It has been done for a while, but wasn't finished.  So I made the bins and added a shelf to add more shoes on the bottom.

Before it was just a big huge square and the shoes were always all over the place.  Now there is a shelf to help organize them!

Then the bins - there is 5 in total.  I got the idea from the amazing Jamie at That's My Letter with this plan.

I think I am going to monogram them with everyones initials.

I painted them the same color as our front entry to bring the two rooms together.

I am happy that it is done. Well almost - a little trim to replace. But - we are