Fun with new brushes
Posted by Laura in Awesome Art, My Life on June 20th, 2009
I subscribe to Smashing Magazine’s RSS Feed and today they posted a wonderful free set of Photshop Brushes.
I havent taken time in ages to do anything in PS outside of work related projects until today. These brushes tempted me to play for a bit.
I was surprised when a grunge brush loaded with a warm yellow created crumpled paper on my black background. The new pretty swirlys brushes from Smashing placed on another layer with overlay blend mode made them crumple along with the paper. In the lower right the brush I used reminded me of a Japanese Chrysanthemum. While fiddling for a while, I decided this was definitely discarded wrapping paper that a wonderful gift had been lovingly wrapped in. Notice up at the top left, the gift giver wrote on the paper "love".
I titled this "What’s Left of Love" click on the pic to see the larger version.
Foodscapes: Amazing Food Art by Carl Warner
Posted by Laura in Awesome Art on April 13th, 2009
Mountains made of bread, Rocks made from cheese, truly incredible!
Foodscapes: Amazing Food Art by Carl Warner
The Cost of Beautiful Hair
Almost everyone, to some extent, has had to make a modification or change in their lifestyle because of our currently shitty economy. I know I have. My big luxury has been having my hair done at an Aveda Concept Salon. The experience often included complementary aromatherapy, hand & scalp massages and always herbal tea or even champagne which was nice, but most of all I went there because I got great service. For 10 years I’ve had a wonderful hairstylist and paying for her ‘wonderfulness’. Dianna was the best stylist I have ever had but I began waiting longer between appointments because it was so darn expensive. Color and cut $130, color, cut and highlights, $180. (before tip) I calculated over the course of a year I was paying her around $1650.
As much as I didnt want to change, I had to find a more affordable place to get my hair done. Graydon suggested I try his Elizabeth, she cuts his hair for $20 at a Fantastic Sams type place and he’s very happy with her. I decided what the hell, I’ll give her a try. Well, Graydon was right (Isn’t he always?), she did a terrific job! I really was impressed, and instead of a $75 cut, it was $20.
Additionally, I have found a talented colorist to touch up my "regrowth" every 5 weeks. My sweet Graydon has partnered with L’Oreal and he keeps me blonde. Today was his greatest challenge to date when I requested highlights in addition to my touch-up. He was awesome, I swear, between him and Elizabeth I look just as good if not better than before (see above photo *grin*). Graydon + Elizabeth for color/cut/highlights $42, Dianna $180. Life is good in La Verne.
My Ipod
My Ipod is so old! I bought it 3 years ago at the Apple Store online, (refurb, it was old even then) for $49. I haven’t used it much.
Yesterday I bought my very first download from the iTunes store, Adam Lambert’s studio version of Mad World. Awesome song! He’s an amazing singer.
Speaking of iPods, Toms on his 3rd one. I’m still on my first. For being a computer nerd, I’m not very techy. I have no real desire to upgrade my iPod, I have no desire for an iPhone or cool Blackberry, I have a 19.99 no bells or whistles Trackphone I will activate as soon as my 2 year contract with Verizon expires in May. If I was rich, I’d buy a Jitterbug (dont laugh). They have them at CVS for $99 and they are so cool…Huge keypad, Huge display. That’s all I want. I don’t text. I type emails all day, why do I want to text? If I have something to say to someone I’ll call them.
Speaking of texting, Ive been getting text spam. Scripture! Somebody wants to make sure I make my way to heaven via texting? Bless their heart. They must really love to text.
Why Boys Need Parents
Posted by Laura in Tickle My Funnybone on April 9th, 2009
Being a Mom of a boy and the wife of a big boy made me really appreciate and agree Why Boy’s Need Parents
When I look at these photos I realize…
• Why God created menopause; No longer do I have the patience or energy to mother a young boy.
• Tom, with all his challenges, was a well behaved child.
• Why are some things so damn funny when it’s not your problem?
It’s Spring!
Best day I have had in years! I decided not to work, which I have been doing weekends for as long as I can remember. First off, Graydon and I drove Tom to Bocce practice then went to Costco for a few things only Costco has. Their outstanding sesame salad dressing and some sox that live longer with steel toes boots than normal sox. Fetched Tom, came home, peed and then went to Lowes and Home Depot looking at storage sheds, a big one since we have too much crap that needs to be stored. They have some that look like little houses that are darling. Windows and shutters and the works. Graydon has decided he will build his own. No comment from me. The cool part was I bought 2 gigantic bags of Mineral Grow potting mix and 54 good size impatients. Now I have 8 hanging redwood baskets filled with color and 3 big pots filled with same. Tomorrow we are going to buy 2 more bags of soil and some zuchinni and crookneck squash and plant them in the lawn dinghy. Graydon will power wash the patio furniture and I will scrub the cushions. It’s suppose to be 82 tomorrow so it will be a grand day for a BBQ after our hard work. I’ll take a pic of our accomplishments, it looks too awful now to show, but tomorrow it will be beeeeeautiful! This is our first 3 day weekend pre retirement. Damn, I’m loving it. Dinner tonight is crab legs, fresh asparagus, and stuffed baked potatoes. Angels vs Padres spring training game and I’m enjoying a Skye screwdriver. Life is good in La Verne
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Ansel Adams I Ain't
