end of the silence and a new toy

this weekend was a very exciting weekend.  first of all, billy and i attended the break the silence party for silent clark.  it was so exciting to get to hear him speak after 100 days of silence.  the whole event was such a celebration.  billy recorded clark’s first words and put it up on youtube.  here’s the video in case you want to check it out.

 

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in other exciting news…i got a new toy!!!! 

i have been wanting to get a new, real camera for a while now.  i have a point-and-shoot and while it’s great outdoors i can never get a good interior shot.  since i’m an interior designer it’s kindof important for me to be able to take photographs in interior settings. 

i finally bit the bullet and purchased a camera this weekend.  i am so thrilled with my new toy too!!!

in case you are interested this is what i got…

the EOS Rebel XS 18-55IS.  i ended up getting the kit that came with a lense. 

i also got an additional telephoto zoom lense (EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS). 

this is the first camera that i have ever had with a detachable lense.  i’ve previously only had point-and-shoot cameras.  i’ve also only kept those point-and-shoots on auto.  it’s going to be a total learning experience trying to figure this whole lense thing out but i’m enjoying it so far.  i took random pictures around the house all day long.  i also found taking photos of my dog sweetie to be really fun.

isn’t she such a great little model!

ok. i guess i got a little carried away with the doggie photo shoot.  i did take some photos of more than just sweetie though. 

i haven’t shared any recent photos of my guest room because i was waiting until i had a new camera.  here are a few sneak peaks of some of the things i’ve added.  hopefully i’ll get a chance to take the photos of the rest of the room soon.

and one of my favorite photos that i took today was of a candle holder on my coffee table. it was my favorite because i was halfway across the room when i took it.  it looks like i was right beside it.

randoms…

i can’t resist just one more pup pic.

i’m already thinking about the next lense that i want to save up for.  its this tamron wide angle lense.

did you all do anything fun this weekend??

LiveJournal Tags: new camera,cannon camera,sweetie,silentClark

Maple Pecan Coleslaw

So the title of this recipe may not sound 100% appealing to all of you; however this is one of my favorite coleslaw recipes of all time.  Even if you don't like coleslaw, I think you will find this one to be a winner.  The following recipe is my adaptation of a Nigella Lawson coleslaw recipe.  It's the perfect mix of sweet and savory.  A superb accompaniment along-side some smokey barbecue ribs or try it on top of a pulled pork sandwich - deeeeelish!!

Maple Pecan Coleslaw

Serves 8-12

Ingredients:

1 medium-size head of cabbage

4 carrots

3 stalks celery

6 green onions

1.5 cups mayonnaise

4 tablespoons maple syrup

4 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (you can use white wine vinegar or rice vinegar too)

1 cup pecans, chopped

Salt and Pepper, to taste

Directions:

Shred the cabbage.  You can do this with a knife or use your food processor.  You could also purchase pre-shredded coleslaw cabbage (though buying a head of cabbage is much more economical).  Place shredded cabbage into a large mixing bowl.

Wash and grate carrots.  Dice celery.  Slice green onions (white and green parts).  Place carrots, celery, and green onions in the bowl with the cabbage.

In a smaller mixing bowl combine mayonnaise, maple syrup and apple cider vinegar - stir to combine.  Pour dressing over the top of the cabbage, carrot, celery, green onion mixture and toss to combine.  Add chopped pecans and salt and pepper, to taste.  Toss again to combine.  

Allow to chill in the refrigerator overnight or for at least two hours to allow flavors to come together.

Cottage Mama's Note:  This is another recipe from Matilda's Summer Garden Party.  We used this slaw to top our pork sandwiches at the party - YUM!

guest post at this photographer’s life

today i’m guest blogging over at this photographer’s life.  i’m sharing how i created this silhouette horse art with blayne’s readers while she is on vacation.  hop on over and check it out if you get time.

have a great weekend everyone!  stay cool.  it’s going to be a hot one.

LiveJournal Tags: guest post,this photographer's life