2 FAVORITE PHOTO APPS FOR YOUR SMART PHONE

March 24, 2010 is the day I started Project 365. The project is simple: one photograph, everyday for one year. I began keeping my Project 365 in an album on my Facebook page. In the midst of trying to think of creative ways to keep my project interesting, I began the search of photo applications for my current iPhone in order to give my photographs an interesting look.

Just a little background on camera status: I currently have a basic digital camera, but I mostly depend on my phone for my Project 365 photographs. However, I am crossing my fingers that the hubs will wrap me up a Nikon D40 beauty for under the Christmas tree this year...

I am also a huge fan of the Holga, Fisheye, Lomography look that plastic film cameras can offer, but going through the process of developing the film can set you back; specially if you are after a quick result for a project like 365. By the way, check out urban outfitters amazing selection of plastic cameras. While searching, I came across two great photo applications-- one for the iPhone and another for the Android.

1. Hipstamatic for the iPhone: "Digital photography never looked so analog." I love this application. It costs $1.99 and you can add additional cameras, lenses, and flashes to your library on the Hipstamatic for $.99. You end up with a huge variety of photographs you can produce at the quick touch of a button that have the same charm and life of the ones by plastic cameras of the past. Bonus: by using the Hipstamatic web site you also have the option of getting your photos printed!

2. Retro Camera for the Android: "Instant Nostalgia." While the Hipstamtic has tons to offer for the iPhone, Retro Camera does the same for the Android. It is an excellent alternative for the Android phones, plus it is FREE. Cannot beat that. You have a choice of five cameras and five settings of vintage vignetting as well as film scratch and cross processing effects. 

Doesn't this just make you want to find an old downtown area and go all hipstamatic-retro all over the place? Wishing everyone a happy weekend!

THESE ARE A FEW OF MY FAVORITE THINGS

We all have our vices, and like the best of them...I am guilty as charged. The following eight items are things that are essential to my everyday life. These are tools, and frankly comforts, that I have grown to adore like a little girl who loves her Barbie collection, dream house and all!

1// Macbook Pro: Sure, I love the Macbook for its sleek look and user friendly operating system, but most importantly, I love my laptop because it is my portal into creative resources, home ideas, connections, inspiration, starting up a small business, bills (uuh not so much), vendors, photography...really I could go on and on. 

2// Younghouselove.com: By far my favorite blog in the universe. I check it on a daily basis and get too excited when they have a new post on gourds or a room they designed. I love to see how they do renovations and projects in their home. Both (husband and wife) blog for a full-time job! Doing what you are passionate about full-time? Count me in!

3// Pointed-Toe Flats: I think I am going on my 7th year of wearing these on a consistent basis. Do not worry, not the same pair. Although my dear friends, Jenny and Anica, would contest that they literally had to hold me down and throw out an old pair that was way past their expiration date. Now, I try to get in a better habit of changing them out and keeping them fresh. Right now I have six pairs, including a great blue pair I nabbed from Plato's Closet for $3.00.

4// Photoshop: The fact that I spend approximately 25 hours a week on this program for CFA corporate, Maiedae, and other projects tells you exactly why it is on this list. 

5// Moleskine Graphed Journal: I'm never without this handy little notebook. I keep everything from MaieDae ideas, church notes, books to read, goals, date night thoughts, to To-Do lists, etc. Check out my blog on Art Journaling for more information. 

6// Urban Decay Eye Primer Potion: This stuff is too neat to pass up. I originally was introduced to this product in Sephora about two years ago with Jenny. This is how the magic happens: you put it on your eye lids before you apply your shadow, liner and mascara. Then, you apply your make-up and it will stay put exactly as you have it for the entire day. No creasing!! It is amazing and worth every penny. Not to mention, it makes your eye shadow appear more vibrant. Three cheers for pigment!

7// DroidX: I used to own an iPhone and while I loved my time with it, I had to make the leap and transfer over to Verizon in order to form a family plan with my husband. I decided to get the DroidX, and although it takes a little longer to get used to, the more I learn how to utilize it the more I really love it. Smart phones are amazing for the pure fact that you can have your music, social networking, pictures, camcorder, calendar, email, phone, and much more all on one device, at your fingertips. 

8// The Nest Magazine: Although magazines as a whole would be in this category, The Nest is by far my favorite and most anticipated magazine. It only comes out quarterly, which makes me sit on the edge of my seat even more, but I love how it features organization tips, home decor tricks, recipes, newlywed tips, and numerous other ideas for being a young adult. They recently released this magazine to the newsstands so you can pick one up at your local Target or Walmart.