Family day and such

I'm aware I've been posting more of life posts than fashion, makeup, etc. That'll all change after my delivery, I promise. With being pregnant, I don't feel so pretty. Anyway, today was great. I spent time with my parents and my son. I had to go to my clinic for a pregnancy check-up, first. I scheduled my delivery! Now, I have to be going to appointments WEEKLY. Ugh. What a drag.

I'm extremely sensitive "down there". Today was a surprise for me. I had no idea that once I reached thirty-six weeks into my pregnancy, I have to get a Strep test. Yup, they swabbed the opening of my vag. I was calm about it but, in thought, I wanted to scream. I just hate the feeling. It's entirely uncomfortable if it isn't sex you're having. What matters is I got it over and done with. I still have to drop by the lab, tomorrow for a blood draw and urine sampling. So many things to accomplish before Savannah arrives! Not only am I stressed now, I'll be stressed when she arrives! Good Lordy...

After everything was done, I was glad to get out of there! I was also glad my mom asked where I wanted to eat for lunch! Who can pass up FREE FOOD? It was difficult to choose a place. This island is pretty small and we knew almost every restaurant we could think of. Finally, my mom remembered a place she's been wanting to Visit. Booyah's. Yeah, the name is a little funky but, the food and price is worth the dine-in!

I didn't want to go home after our meal. So, my dad suggested we visit my grandparents for a little bit. I haven't seen them since my son's first birthday! I love to kill time. I'd rather be out and about than at home.

This is their abode. I also took a few shots of my dad's sister's paintings they put up around the place. She's off-island. I wish I had some to put up in my apartment! They're all so beautiful.

And, of course... my son being as active as ever. He kept playing with the screen door. He didn't want to let my grandfather out. Every time we'd tell him to stop, he'd lie on the floor. Some kid.

Last, but not least, food! My grandmother sure makes delicious food! Even after the lunch I had, I still wanted to bite into that freshly steamed salmon with bread stuffing on top, mixed greens w/ grilled chicken strips, and fresh French garlic bread! It was amazing, as usual! This is also why I love visiting my grandparents. They ALWAYS have the best dishes! Day: Made.

New everything!

It was a surprise when my mother-in-law came over with some things for my son and my daughter on the way. She barely has any time to visit us. Anyway, I loved everything she got for my little princess! I can't wait to let her use them. For now, I'm going to have to wash most of these. I still need to shop for more things, such as:  bottles, a breast pump, newborn diapers, wipes, a few more newborn outfits, mittens, and more! I'm extremely excited for my daughter's arrival! August is coming to a close, which means I have less than thirty days until she's wrapped around my arms! I love her so much and yet, she's still a mystery! I'll keep you all posted on her arrival and other things related to her.

As for my blog, I had a little change-up. If you were trying to visit and wondered why my blog was private, I've been working on it. I wanted to go for something a little more professional yet, cute and intriguing. I was inspired by fashion magazines! Everything graphical is new, including the navigational area. I'm proud of myself for this hard accomplishment! I was literally working on this design all day! Well, the layout coding is still the same. Just new graphics, a few new codes, font changes, etc. I hope you all love it! It's definitely an eye-pleaser for me! Let me know what you think!

More beach photos

Monday Beach Day!

I prefer going to the beach on a weekday because, weekends are packed! EVERYWHERE! Those from our island reading this, you know it's true. This afternoon, my mom came over and took my son over to their place. By the way, we're sort of neighbors. Anyway, she calls me up and tells me to pack his beach clothing and other stuff because, they wanted to take him to the beach. My parents know how much my boy loves the water! I thought it was a good opportunity to go out and actually use my camera outside of my apartment!

I tagged along. I couldn't wait to see how well my camera takes photos outdoors. I've never owned a Canon so, of course, I was curious. I've always owned and loved Nikons. I wanted to learn to love a Canon, as well just by observing it's performance. I took so many photos, but chose only my favorites. Here are a few: 

Weekend clean-up

In my last post, I mentioned how the carrots and tomatoes gave me so much energy the next day. Well, it really did, which I am thankful for. Being in my 34th week of pregnancy, I've been feeling a lot heavier, hungrier, lazier, and moody. Also, I had really poor diet. After eating my light snack, got some sleep, I woke up wanting to clean up my entire two-bedroom apartment! It was tiring but, it felt really nice. My body was aching a lot but, it's just the result of my lazing-about these past weeks. I'm really happy my place is all cleaned up. My son can mess up any home in an instant! A clean home, is a happy home!

My little breakfast nook is more like my little work area, now. It's cleaned up from all the clutter that was packed on. Now, it's just my lovely, clear glass vase with faux hibiscus flowers, Glade Decor Scents glass holder topped with an old yellow Lilly hair clip to give the room a more island-like feel, and a stack of old fashion magazines that I plan to cut up or something, soon. My son had ripped a few pages including the cover. Now, they all look messed up. The leopard printed flex-band in the background is nothing. I just put it there because, I saw it lying around while I was cleaning. I needed to place it somewhere, quick until I could get to clean up the rooms. That was my day. I haven't taken my nap so, I can't wait to sleep all this off.

Before I go... (Photo-heavy)

I just wanted to share a few photos. I also took these with my new camera! No more iPhone photos, guys! Oh, before you think I probably don't know how to work a DSLR, you're wrong. I've owned two Nikons before. First, a D3100, later, upgraded to a D5100. I wanted to try out a Canon, this time! And if ever you knew my older blog or was a fan of it, I used to be Loveshinelana@Tumblr.com! I sure do miss all those photos... I deleted my account due to stress and that I had sold my cameras because, I thought I wouldn't need them, anymore. My mistake.

My stylus pen I use for drawing! It's so cute. I got it for $1.99 usd at a local boutique.

Just chilling and learning a few basics to my new camera.

My kitchen table is my new work area after I had it cleaned up. It was cluttered! I realized I'm always in this part of the apartment than my own room. I love it.

After such a long day, I made Chinese crab and corn soup for my little boy and I! Don't mind the chip on the bowl. It was my grandmother's. Pretty old.

Happy Wednesday, indeed!

My husband surprised me when he called and said I deserved a new camera. So, he told me to transfer money out for the camera I've been wanting for months, now! I sent the money out on Friday so, the transfer was pending due to the upcoming weekend. I was in hell those past few days! The transfer completed Tuesday night! TUESDAY NIGHT! This is why we usually NEVER do transfers on weekends but, this was a surprise and we weren't keeping track of the days.

This morning, I woke up early for a nice shower with my little two year-old. The Troop Store opens at 11am on weekdays. My son really wanted to get out of the house. So, we left a little early- before 10am. We got some breakfast and drove around to kill some time. Finally, eight minutes to 11am and the store was already opened. I was excited to just purchase it right away! It was nice just holding the box, knowing it's all mine!

The day was moving quite slow as I got home, learning more about my camera. I hate slow days, really. Well, I can officially mark off a Canon EOS Rebel T3i off my wish list! Hopefully, I can achieve the last two for this month. If not, I've got my whole life ahead of me! I can wait, just like I waited for this bad boy!

I'm also glad I won't have to keep taking photos from my iPhone, anymore!

Freebies!

I'll do a more advanced download but, for now, just an image brush pack! I was supposed to start a new section called Freebie Fridays but, I couldn't wait to post these up. From now on, I'll be doing Freebie Fridays. Today is an exception since these are too cute! Enjoy them!

A fresh salad with chicken

I haven't had home-made salad in a while! I've been buying the ones from McDonald's and I hear it isn't so healthy. I have no idea why but, I think mine is almost just about the same minus the delicious cheese! Well, it's what I had for dinner but, this time, I bought Ranch dressing instead of the usual salt and pepper. My cravings are always changing up.

Who needs a tablet?

I've always wanted to get myself a Wacom graphic tablet. I loved reading blogs that had their own personal touch to it. Well, that want and extra money that could've been spent is no longer needed! I found a better alternative! Well, I wouldn't say it's 'better' than the real thing but, this app is still amazing. Oh, I also don't have an iPad... yet. My husband actually has an iPad Mini but, I won't be able to get my hands on it till he returns home. Anyway, back to my amazing find:

They have a free version available, as well but, I prefer to buy the full version. There are more tools and options, convenient choices for your editing pleasure, and just a lot more fun. I had the free version for a couple of days. I noticed that the free version had a much rough than a smooth line. The full version provides a much better experience! If you can't afford a tablet, I suggest you get this app if you own an Apple device. The app is also available for Android users!

It's not that I can't afford a Wacom tablet, I just don't feel like spending all that money on something I can find for an affordable price and works just about the same way. You can also import your photos in this app and draw on them! It's totally worth $1.99! You won't regret it.

A 'sweet' night! (Photo-heavy)

Bought a few things I craved for, tonight. Well, I don't plan on eating them all in one night, of course! That would be plain torture for my body! Let's get down to it!

My mom was being generous and decided to get me dinner from Shirley's. This is my husband's favorite item on the menu! Shrimp and mushroom smothered in oyster sauce and the typical fried rice.

Don't mind the dirty floors! My son loves to crush his snacks and create a mess, everywhere! I really am in love with Silk's chocolate soymilk! I promised myself I'd buy a box, and I did! Freezing up a few, right now. I can't wait to taste the lovely sweetness, again!

It's not much but, I just needed my dose of sweetness! I really wanted to try three items out since I've already had the soft eating liqourice, before. Amazing, by the way!

Let me start by saying how much I hate liquorice with a burning passion! But, after trying this, I was in love! I actually first had this a year ago. My husband and I were looking for stuff in the Troop Store and I saw a rack of these with different flavors. The packaging caught my eye. My husband likes liquorice so, he told me we should just try it out. Hesitantly, I grabbed a bag- Strawberry flavored. Got into the car, afterwards and tried it. I was amazed! The disgusted look turned into a crazy-in-love look! I recommend these any time!

I've always heard good reviews about the Pumpkin Spice Latte from Starbucks that are only available in the fall. I'm not sure if that's true since, we don't have a Starbucks franchise opened on this small island. I usually trust these reviews so, I found an ice cream alternative! I tried it and instantly loved it! It's amazing! I'd love to have the actual latte, in the future!

One of my friends posted a photo of a box of the Sprinkle Cupcake Treat and saw how cute it was! I was also wondering if it'd be worth the buy. I'd give this a 3/5. It's alright. If you have a strong sweet tooth, this is the treat for you! My son enjoyed a box!

Well, that ends my post for the night. I hope you enjoyed this photo-heavy post! I know I did!

Note: Photos above were taken via iPhone 5, edited through the VSCO Cam app, and uploaded to my computer.

VSCO Cam action look-alike (PS)

So, just today, I came across a blog by Hannah Rose Beasley. She happened to have a tutorial on her blog of how to achieve a similar look and feel to one of the filters on the VSCO Cam app for Photoshop. She also provided a pre-made action, here. I tried it on several photos of mine and they all came out amazing! Above, are a few examples of the action's wonders! The bottom panel of the image is the original color of the photos, non-edited. I had also purchased the bundle presets in the in-app store of the VSCO Cam app for $5.99. Originally priced at $16.99! That's a steal! It's literally my favorite photo application on my iPhone.

You can get the app free with a few filters already installed but, to get more and fascinating filters, you'll have to purchase them. I was only planning to purchase a few for $0.99 until, I scrolled through all the filters and wanted them all! So, I thought, 'What the hell? Might as well just get the bundle!' I'll have photos up on my public Instagram. You can also use Afterlight ($0.99) and/or Land Cam ($0.99) for vintage editing! I'll probably have a post up of all my favorite photo editing applications for Apple devices.

If you use Photoshop, I hope you'll enjoy editing your photos with the provided link for the action! I know I did. Since I'm always on-the-go, I use my iPhone to edit. Don't forget to follow me on Instagram, as well! Thanks and enjoy!

My pride and joy

Here's a post for those who've asked for photos of my children. My daughter is still on her way. For now, just photos of my son, Londan until my little girl is born somewhere in September. These are instas of my son from my personal/private Instagram account, @loveshinelana. You can follow me, if you'd like but, I only follow back people I know in person and the occasional fashion IG'ers. 

Everyone asks why his name is spelled out L O N D A N. Well, I made it more of a name than a place, and more of a boy's name rather than a girl's. As you can see, 'Dan' is in there. I usually call him Danny boy! I wasn't fond of the name, Landon, as well. My husband and I came up with it together! It was shocking how we thought of the same thing. "Great minds think alike." 

He just turned two on July 16th. He's pretty tall for his age. He looks more like his dad than me. Although, his eyes are a hint of mine. He's our precious bundle of joy. We can't wait to see our daughter, Savannah! September better rush in! I'll post a photo of my husband and I later on in time. I should probably just create an 'About Me' page...

Any more you'd like to know about my little family, feel free to ask. Anything rude, you'll be ignored and/or blocked/banned from visiting my blog. I don't take any BS about my family, lightly.

Bat-winged Sweater Shirt

Something I promised along with my contact lens review but, I decided to do that one for a better day. I haven't been going out, lately so, I have no absolute reason to put them on. However, I did try this one on to see how well it fits. It was sort of large, which I like! I'm still pregnant so, I can tell this is going to be a perfect fashion statement after birth. It's really comfy, not itchy, at all. The material is a light sort of wool-ish fabric so, it's not heavy or too hot when I wear it out. I love how it's a bit snug on the arms. When I lift them, they look like wings! Haha, like a flying squirrel!

I got this at the same place I purchased my lenses. It was $22.95usd. I spent about $50.00usd that night and got a $10.00 voucher off my next purchases! Yay! I'll probably go back when I decide I want something. For now, back to more bed rest!

I apologize for the horrible HORRIBLE bed spread! I have two rooms in my apartment. This room, mainly used for extra things that couldn't fit around. I just threw on whatever bed sheet I could find.

Enjoy the day

 I had a pretty good day, yesterday. I had a play-date set up for my son. It was really fun and it took away all the stress I was undergoing. First, we had lunch at Tony Romas. The lunch specials were affordable and really delicious! I had the rack of ribs with buttered broccoli, tossed salad, chicken noodle soup, baked potato smothered in sour cream, bacon bits, and cheese. To wash it all down, lemon iced tea! I'm going there for lunch all the time when I get the chance, now! It was all worth $10! I wish I took a photo of my plate! Oh well, it was difficult with two kids running around while trying to eat.

After lunch, we visited the home of whom my son was having a play-date with. They needed a diaper change and whatnot so, we decided to stop by since we were going down that road. It was a beautiful three bedroom, two-story duplex! I loved it so much! I can't wait to visit, again! We stayed for a couple of hours then, left. The two kids fell asleep in the car. We dropped by the troop store so I could pay off this bill for my husband. He's in Afghanistan so, I have to do most his work, for now. Haha!

Wondering where else to go, we checked out Tropical Blendz. It's some kind of vegetarian restaurant. I actually really liked it! The menu was delicious from the way it was described. I was kind of in a rush so, I just got myself an iced cappuccino, a vegan chocolate chip oatmeal cookie, and yogurt with granola and fruit. They were ALL delicious! I've found a new place to go before or after the gym!

I ordered a couple of caramel apples from a sweet shop called Sweet Escape. We stopped by to pick them up. As I waited, I bought four cupcakes. Still waiting, the store owner apologized and said the apples were rotten! She gave me back what I paid for and gave me a second batch of cupcakes for FREE! I was sad about the apples but, hey, I got my money back and free cupcakes! Not too shabby!

Day well spent, indeed! My son and I got home, tired and exhausted. Well, he was still asleep so, I was tired and exhausted! All in all, I enjoyed my Friday. I hope to do that again, soon!