In the latest installment of 5 Fab Faves, I find myself on the hunt for another great camera bag. I have owned at least seven and each has had its pros and cons. Biggest con for most of them has been the quality of the product and their inability to hold up to the rigors of daily use. While surfing recently, I came across some potential contenders. But the question still remains,  is there a perfect camera bag?

• Jo Totes. These bags are stylish, reasonably priced and come in a variety of styles and colors. The site says, “Jo Totes provide ladylike bags for women to safely carry their cameras and a lens or two on a daily basis, at photo shoots, and while traveling.” I like that I could carry this bag everyday. That is pretty important for me.
• Kelly Moore. Kelly Moore is a talented photographer who has created a line of bags geared towards men and women. They run around $159 – $249. They are stylish, come in great colors and I would not mind having one of each.
• Porteen Gear. Etsy has some great shops and this one is no exception. You can pre-order bags which will deliver to you in 2-3 weeks or customize a look. These bags are around $125. I love their funky look and they are definitely my style.
• ONA. This is another line of stylish bags that cater to both men and women. There is only one style for women at the moment and the bags are start at $329 for a leather camera bag that looks more like a purse. I would definitely carry one of these…the brown one to be specific.
• Epiphanie. These bags are all the rage right now and with good reason. I blame Epiphanie for my not being able to carry a purse that does not have dividers. These bags range from $164 – $184. They work well as everyday bags and come in a variety of colors and styles.

What better way to start October than with a list of five things I enjoyed in September:

1. School of Rock is a music education program that offers lessons in guitar, bass, vocal, drums and keyboards for kids. Participating locations are offering a free week until October 31 to try out the program. Music classes are expensive and you can not beat the opportunity to try it out free for a week. Use the code: SORBLOG for the free week.
2. Vision Boards. I like the guidelines Christine Kane shares for creating a vision board. They are fun to make and helpful in creating a visual to meditate on your goals.
3. The Perfect Protest. Brene Brown, whom I had the honor of meeting at Evo (she is beyond awesome, by the way) has new book called the Gifts of Imperfection. I have not read it yet, but I am in the process of reading I Thought it Was Just Me and loving it. In her post, she challenges you to let go of perfection by photographing your protest and sharing.
4. Inspiration Boards. Annie Packman’s site is so pretty and visiting here makes me happy.
5. 750 Words. Can not remember if I mentioned this site before or not, but it is similar to the Artist’s Way morning pages. It is a nice space to get some words out and keep it moving with your writing.

I thought it about time I share some of my favorite things in a 5 Fab Faves post and what better way than to do it with things that are helping me  live the dash. I am doing it by filling up my spiritual tank, writing, creating, shooting faces and laughing. Enjoy!

• Joyce Meyer’s Love Life Women’s conference I will be road tripping with the Women’s ministry from my church later this week for the conference. I am excited about this experience.
• 750 Words I am on a 14 day writing streak at 750 Words. It is a daily writing site inspired by The Artist’s Way morning pages. After you reach your 750 words, it analyzes your mood, overall theme and words while you were writing. It is a clever site and a daily stop for me.
• Cloth Napkins This is a nice way to get rid of fabric scraps. Handmade napkins are one of my favorite gifts to give, plus it is an easy way to get back into sewing after so much time away from it.
• I Heart Faces I love photographing faces and this site celebrates just that. There are weekly photo challenges, tutorials and a growing community of photogs.
• Glozell This is one of the funniest videos I have ever seen on YouTube. The first time I saw it, I was in pain from laughing so hard.

]]> http://www.art-slam.com/2010/09/5-fab-faves-living-the-dash-edition/feed/ 0 http://www.art-slam.com/2010/06/5-fab-faves-creativity-edition-2/ http://www.art-slam.com/2010/06/5-fab-faves-creativity-edition-2/#comments Thu, 10 Jun 2010 15:17:09 +0000 Lucrecer http://www.art-slam.com/?p=1472

The days are flying by it seems and I find it necessary to pause every now and then to just breath and soak in what is going on around me. I have not done a 5 Fab Faves list in a while, so here are a few things that are making me giddy with creativity:

• Evo Social Media Conference. I will be speaking at the conference later this month during the craft workshop. I am not sure if I am more excited to be in the midst of some super creative crafters as we share the panel together or seeing old friends. Either way, it is going to be a wonderful adventure.
• The Beauty of Different. I was so honored to see a preview of Karen’s book in the very beginning stages. This is going to be one dynamite book.
• Journal Spilling. I intend to do a more extensive review of this book, but I had to share what a thrill it has been diving in and playing around with the techniques Diana Trout shares in her book. If you are looking to take your journaling to another level, this book is for you.
• Paper Flowers. These make me want to find reasons to put flowers on EVERYTHING!
• Alma. A neat animated short about a creepy doll shop. I absolutely love this. It makes me appreciate animation more than ever.

• Rollip – you can create Polaroid images like the one above at this site. I think it is a wonderful idea. Granted, I would love to have the film to go in my old school Polaroid and shoot myself, but I do not.
• Journal Spilling – Diana Trout’s book is simply amazing. I have been enjoying my copy of the book and especially love the wit and humor she uses when she writes. This book truly makes working in an art journal doable for beginners and offers something new for seasoned creatives.
• Bakerella – This site is clever, cute and I love seeing what new creations she has come up with. Mini cakes on a stick…love!
• Wacom Bamboo Fun – I know I mentioned it earlier in the month, but now that I have had a chance to use the new tablet and the touch technology, I am beyond impressed. It is slick looking, smaller than the previous tablet which makes it portable and there is a place to store the pen. I love it!
• Gap Body Gear – I received a surprise in the mail from Brand About Town for attending the Shutter Sisters Suite this past July. I had no idea what was coming and was delightfully surprised to find some of the softess lounge wear I have ever worn. I would like to thank them so much for giving me a great excuse to wear my cami, t-shirt and fold over pants anytime I like.

• Life’s Companion – If you are looking to take your journaling to another level, this book is great for that purpose. I like that it makes me give purpose to my personal ranting and I actually end up with solutions and insight I would not have normally had from mindlessly writing.
• Writer Mama – This book is great if you are serious about having a writing career while being a parent. It has great advice for getting started writing and pursing publishing opportunities.
• All New Square Foot Gardening – Seriously, this book makes it so easy to start growing flowers or veggies in your yard.
• Style Statement - I love the concept of this book and the in-depth questions it has that assist you in defining your style statement and even how to embrace it in your everyday life. Only thing, this book could have been so much shorter if they would have gotten to the point quickly.
• Idea Spotting – Full of interviews, quotes, tips, creative exercises and success stories, this book is great for helping you generate your next big idea. I love any kind of book that gets my creative juices flowing.

Related Posts:

• Friday Lovefest
• Fitness Edition
• Food Edition

• Sugar Jones wrote a wonderful post about how our friendship started and how special it is even now. I love her to pieces.
• My interview on Sisterhood, the Blog Radio with Ananda Leeke. She is a true kindred spirit I am so glad to have met at BlogHer this year.
• Susannah Conway’s Unravelling e-Course. I have been enjoying this course and loving the wonderful women who are a part of this. I am learning so many new ways of seeing myself.
• Satya Jewelry. I have finally decided on the necklace I want to purchase. It is all so pretty.
• Lucy Activewear. I love all of it. I could live in yoga clothes. Seriously. This is my clothing goal for 2010.

Related Posts:

• The BlogHer Edition
• One of the Best Things About Warmer Weather
• Cornflake Love

1 & 2. Lensbaby and Shutter Suite

After coming back from BlogHer, I have been revisiting all the things I enjoy doing with renewed interest and an openness to learning something new. I won a gift certificate from LensBaby as part of the Shutter Sisters‘ ShutterSuite and I decided to order the Optics Kit. I am in love with the Plastic Optic. It gives my pictures a moody, dreamy look, yet everything is in focus. It works well for portraits and still life shots.

3 & 4. Bill Me Later and Zappos Household CEO Confessional Booth

I have been writing like journals are going out of style. Moleskine’s are my favorites because of the quality of the paper and the variety of journals you can choose from. I have to thank Bill Me Later for allowing me to test out their shopping experience and purchase a supply of Moleskine journals. They are awesome and make it so easy to purchase online. I had an opportunity to participate in Bill Me Later and Zappos Household CEO Shopping Spree contest. I went into the confessional booth and revealed what it takes to fill my shoes. You can see my video here and I would love it if you would vote for me.

5. Kodak Zi6

I could not have been any more thrilled to find in one of my swag bags a Kodak Zi6 Pocket Video Camera. This little camera is awesome. I am always concerned about sound and picture quality from pocket cameras and Kodak did not disappoint with this one.  I have to thank them for the camera and Nancy Martira from Ketchum for explaining all of the great features.

Related Posts

• Fitness Edition
• 4th of July Edition
• 1st Ever 5 Fab Faves

Since starting back running, which I am enjoying more each time I go out, I have a few things that have made my new fitness routine a lot more enjoyable:

• Running Skirts. Just found this website recently after wanting to find more running skirts. I love them because they look great, they do not get in the way of my walking or running and they feel amazing. Runningskirts.com is a sister run business and their skirts are too cute for words.
• Nike+ sensor and Nike+ website. Love, love, love my Nike+ sensor and the website. I can track my runs, calories burned, set up challenges and goals and makes notes about the conditions of each of my runs. It also helps me keep track of my personal bests for a 5K, mile and so on. Love it.
• Slimperfect Swimwear & Activewear. I am in love with this live of activewear, which fits nicely into my obsession with running skirts. Slimperfect is running a BlogHer promotion through August 1 of 50% off already reduced prices. Make sure you enter the special code, “BlogHer” at check out.
• Runner’s World website. Great resource for beginning runners and those who have been doing it for years.
• Nike Air Track Star 2 Running Shoes. These are the shoes I wear for my workouts. It feels like I am wearing nothing when I have them on.

Other 5 Fab Faves Posts:

• Eco-Friendly Art Supplies
• Food Edition
• Inspiration Faves

• Washi Tape Frames, Kitschy Digitals – Danielle never disappoints with her color digital designs. I am going to enjoy playing with these frames.
• Tiny Bunting Banner, Katie.Cupcake – Now I have something to do with all of that ribbon and scraps of paper. Love this and the pinwheels.
• Inspirational Pantene Commercial – I saw this and was blown away by the spirit and the message of the commercial. I have been getting all kinds of inspiration sent my way lately.
• Brave. Know. Love., post by Liz Lamoreux – Besides the beautiful soul mantra necklaces, this post really touched me.
• Practice Kindness Window Cards - Everyone can use a kind word every now and then.

Other 5 Fab Faves Posts:

• The Food Edition
• Eco-Friendly Art Supplies
• Art Journaling
• Kids Crafts

• Stubby Pencil Studio – Everything on this site is cute as heck. I especially love the recycled sketchbooks.
• Earth & Rowan – Natural Art Materials
• EcoArt Works – Earth Friendly Non-toxic Art Supplies
• Eco Art Supplies – Safe, Sustainable Art Supplies
• The Real Milk Paint Company – Environmentally Friendly Paint Supplies. I so must try the crackle paint.

Check out these 5 Fab Faves, too:

• 5 Fab Faves – Art Journaling
• 5 Fab Faves – Kids Crafts
• 5 Fab Faves – The Food Edition

• Tammy’s Art Journaling 101 post. This is a well put together post with a lot of great information. Definitely worth checking out.
• Suzan Buckner’s blog. Lots of eye candy and colorful creations.
• The Creative Life, 52 Week Project. Regardless of whether you use digital products with your artwork, the challenges are a fun way to expand creative.
• Rhian Cooksey’s Green Grass video on YouTube. Love.
• Ruby.Claire. I am blown away by her work.

India.Arie
This is her best album ever. Each song inspires me and makes me so happy. My favorites so far are Therapy, Pearls (originally by Sade…India’s version is beautiful), River Rise, Yellow…every single one. Seriously, get the CD now. Target has it on sale for less than $10. It is worth the full price.

Organic Wear Makeup
I am a sucker for amazing packaging and I really like theirs. Plus, anytime you can find makeup that does not break you out is a good thing.

Heart Hair Clips
These are so viciously cute.

Envirosax, Botanica Series
As much as I use these and tell people about them, you would think Envirosax would give me one of every bag they make. Guess I can dream.

Sherbert Colorblock Headphones
The colors flashed me back to the 80′s. I don’t know if that is good or a scary thing.

I actually want to show kids doing the projects, not me doing them and telling you how easy it is for kids to do them. Me doing the crafts defeats the purpose of the Kid Slam. So, after I am done with my travels, I can actually sit down with my little people and get to Slammin’.

For this installment of my 5 Fab Faves, I have to share some of the great Valentine Day finds I have come across:

• Felt Flowers made from recycled wool sweaters. I love these. Love it even more that I now have a good excuse to go to Goodwill and buy sweaters.
• Crayon Hearts from all those broken crayons.
• Candy Valentine Butterfly is just cuteness all over the place.
• Heart Tree…I heart a puffy heart.
• Crochet Heart Garland will make me pull my crochet hooks back out and make some for my middle child. She will love hanging them in her room.

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Of all the holiday decorations I have, the advent calendar is not one of them. Last year, my middle child made one out of paper chains. She wants to do that again, so that will be a weekend project. I was window shopping at one of my favorite stores and saw yet another advent calendar. That got me to thinking that I want to make one for my kids. In my research, I found some pretty cool calendars.

Family Fun Advent Calendar

Standing on the Edge Advent Calendar, complete with instructions

Crafty Rachel’s Photo Advent Calendar

Allsorts Advent Calendar Pockets

Craftzine Yo Yo Advent Calendar