Photography Class Week 2 August 12th

Lesson/week 2 was about being creative. She reminded me that it is important to live life and to have fun. It is amazing how often we forget those simple things. I let myself get carried away with pleasing other people when it came to me taking photos. I want to be able to find my passion again and have fun with it! She suggested climbing out of our comfort zone. Shoot from different angles and be daring. I chose to submit a train photo taken awhile back. I completely jumped out of my comfort zone for the photo and am proud of myself for doing so. I had to climb rocks to reach the tracks and got down on the ground for an interesting angle. Her comment was, " Great shot!!! and OH MY GOSH. You be crazyyyy! I totally flip out on train tracks, but crap...there's not a lot of room to get off that track! Funny, once we were shooting on the tracks and I was all "You guys, I hear a train" but they said it was just a tractor (we were way out in the country) and about 10 min. later guess what....TRAIN!!! :)". 

Summer Adventure on a Budget Part 3 August 10th

SEATTLE BOUND!

That was the intent for our third summer adventure weekend. The last time we had gone to the city, I was close to death and did not enjoy it as much as I would have liked to. I wanted to be able to give it another try and actually enjoy myself this time. Our first stop was to check out a restaurant that we have been wanting to go to for many years. Adam from the TV show Man vs Food had once gone there and tried to eat the famous 12 egg omelet. It is a little hole in the wall that is located on a busy highway. Parking is awful, but doable and free. There is almost always a long wait to get seated, we only had to wait 30 minutes or so. However, you have to wait outside so you may want to make sure to go when it isn't that wet out. Ha, in Seattle? Good luck. Once we got inside, I was surprised to see the walls covered in artwork. It was neat to see how creative people can be. The restaurant itself was nothing to write home about. It seemed a little dirty and I am sure it doesn't have a good grade from the health board.

The husband was too chicken to order the 12 egg omelet and decided to go for the smallest offered, the 6 egg. It comes with toast and all you can eat hashbrowns. I ordered two pancakes and a side of sausage. When the food came about 20 minutes later, we were shocked. The pancakes were bigger than my head! And the omelet must have weight close to ten pounds. I was only able to get through 1 1/2 of the pancakes, I even shared. And he couldn't even eat the entire omelet! The portions were huge and the food was really tasty. I would definitely go back as it was a fun experience. $30 including tip

After waddling our way to the car with full stomachs, we made our way downtown.  Throw in a 30 minute detour because we got lost and we finally arrived. We found parking close to the market that we wanted to go to. Our first stop was to visit the gum wall and take photos. I love how gross and different it is there. I even got gum on the bottom of my shoe!

We then made our way to the first Starbucks ever. Where we had to wait in line for over an hour. I normally wouldn't have waited that long, but it is a once in a lifetime thing..I wanted to be able to check it off my list. Once inside, you get to choose from a list of cups that they have available. That's it. There are no tables to sit at or anything neat to see. Not quite what I had expected. We did end up getting a cup with the original logo on it. $13

We then wandered the Pike Place Market, looking at everything from the comic book store to the shoe museum. We picked out some fresh flowers and got a smoothie to cool us down. $20 Oh and that parking garage that we found? It only cost us $6! Score. The last time we went to Seattle, we spent triple that.

The husband deposited 50 cents so that we could see the famous "The worlds largest collection of giant shoes!". People gathered around us to see what was behind the curtain. 

One the way home, I talked the husband into stopping at our favorite donut place. I could literally lay on the floor and eat there until I had frosting coming out of my nose. $17 The last pit stop was to grab some hamburgers, shakes and a movie before heading home. $18 Although we didn't really stick to a budget for the weekend, we had an amazing time. It was fun to spend time together and not have to worry about anything. Weekend total: $104 which isn't that bad for an entire day in the city and all that we were able to fit in.

Heaven

Family Ocean Vacation, Minus Me!

I have not been as vocal about my family as I have been in the past here on my blog. I suppose that it's because I try not to give the issue more attention than it deserves. I am tired of shedding tears and having sleepless nights because of their blatant disregard for my feelings. During July, I had opened up to my sister in law about the hurt feelings that I currently have and have had over the years. She was great about dismissing most of what I said and did a wonderful job at defending my addict of a sister. Not surprising. Because it was my nieces birthday, she had suggested that I go to their house to visit and spend time together. After all, she thought it was my place to try harder  at "being a part of the family". Trying to be the bigger person, I headed over to their house. Wouldn't you know, that she was a no show. Definitely proved to me how important it was for he to spend time with me and be able to catch up. However, this did not throw me for a loop. I brushed it off as I expected nothing less from her.

What did throw me for a loop, was finding out that just a few weeks later, they would all be going on a family vacation together. To a cabin at the ocean that we have been going to since I was born. As a family, together. Without me. I seriously lack the words to describe how this made  me feel. I have been busting my ass trying to care for my mom and make sure that she is doing ok. Yet, she runs off on vacation? Without telling nor inviting me? Ouch. This is the first time ever that my family has stayed at this cabin without me. I have not been on a vacation in over four years! I would have given anything to be able to sit at the beach for even a day. But yet, my family is there...for a week...enjoying the ocean without me. Great job at making me feel like I belong in this family.

To make matters worse, I got to enjoy seeing photos  throughout the week of their vacation via Instagram from my sister in law. This one in particular is my favorite. I love seeing them have dinner around this table together without me. I have many memories there and this rubbed me wrong in many different ways. Maybe I should print it and hang it above my fireplace?

By the way, I don't even have a fireplace.

Photography Class Week 1 August 5th

Since owning my first DSLR, I am continually trying to teach myself more about photography. There is a lot to learn! I have attended one class, that was very informative. However, there is an amazing photographer that offers classes online for $150. As much as I would love to take one of her classes, I can never justify spending that much on myself. At the beginning of August, I had received an email stating that she would be offering the beginners class FREE OF CHARGE! I could not sign up fast enough. I also made the best friend do it along with me. Although we would not be offered all the perks of a paying student, we would still be offered tips and tricks and advice for four weeks.

The first week was about finding your style. We were asked to jot down the things that we enjoy taking photos of. What colors did we like? What makes us happy? We were then instructed to pick one of those items and take a picture to be turned in at the end of the week. As we had our trip to Seattle planned, I knew it would be the perfect place for taking a photo for class. I decided to submit the following photo for lesson 1. It was artistic and colorful, just like my photography style. The comment she gave me was: "Oh my! I had no idea there was a gum wall there! What a cool shot and I love all the detail and color here! GREAT composition too.". I was overjoyed with her response and felt very proud of myself. 

Cookies & Cream Cupcakes

I recently came across a new line of Hershey's boxed baking goodness. I made sure to purchase one of everything that they had available. I could hardly wait to choose which one I would make first. I become a little obsessed when it comes to baking. I love seeing the mixer twirl, licking my fingers and the aroma in the house when I pull the treats out of the oven. I decided to try my hand at the chocolate cupcakes with fudge filling. Did I mention that the box comes with everything that you need? Well, minus the water, eggs and oil. The directions said to make the cupcakes as normal. {Side note- Are you ready for what I am about to throw your way? I have a secret for baking the perfect cupcake. A secret that I have shared with very few people. I have decided to share it here with YOU because you are probably the only person who is going to read this haha! When baking cupcakes..only bake them for 13 minutes. That's the secret. THIRTEEN MINUTES. You can thank me later.} When filling the cupcake liners, only use enough batter to cover the bottom. Then generously place the fudge filling on top. Place more batter on top of the fudge, just enough to cover. Bake according to directions and BAM! You have yourself some fudge filled cupcakes.

I then topped the cupcakes with the new Hershey's Cookies & Cream frosting, that came with cookie crumbles for the top. Could it get any better than this? I am pretty sure that more frosting made it into my mouth, versus on the top of the cupcakes. The frosting tasted like the inside of an Oreo cookie with a dash of heaven. I would give the cupcakes a seven out of a 1-10 scale. I loved everything about them, besides the fudge filling. It had a weird taste to it, almost like plastic or something? I wasn't a fan. I would have rather picked my own filling to add. The frosting on the other hand? I will be placing that on everything! Pancakes, chicken nuggets, salad...whatever. It will now be a staple in our kitchen.

*This was not a paid review* 

Coupons

I have mentioned before that I have an obsession with baking. However not great for my waistline, it does not cause harm to myself or those around me. I am here  today to admit another one of my obsessions.

Hello, my name is Melissa and I am addicted to Bath and Body Works.

I love everything that they have to offer. I feel at home when I am visiting one of their stores. I am always greeted with a smile and I even get to carry around a special bag for filling with merchandise. I have an unhealthy amount of hand sanitizer and enough soap to bathe an elephant. When my soap pile gets low, I feel a tightness in my chest and start to breathe heavy. What would I ever do with a foam soap next to the sink?! My life would probably come to an end. I have wallflowers plugged in all throughout the house and love burning oils at the end of a stressful day. {Eucalyptus is a natural stress reliever.} I will admit that the store can tend to be a little on the expensive side. That is unless you have coupons! There are many different ways to receive coupons to their store. I belong to their mailing list as well as the email list. Coupons are sent to both, multiple times throughout months. One of the best discounts is given at the bottom of their receipt. Make sure not to throw those away! You can go online or call to take a brief survey. At the end of the survey you will be given a code that is good towards ten dollars off when spending thirty or more. Annnnd the code NEVER expires! {Make sure to stockpile these receipts as you can use more than one on Black Friday. You're welcome.} 

As my pile was starting to get low, I ran to the closest store baring coupons. I even brought along the husband, who else was going to carry my bags? Joking! Although he would never admit, he also loves shopping at the store. He uses all their soaps, enjoys the fragrances and has a small obsession with their decorative items. I threw things in my bag faster than my feet could move. Did I fail to mention the best part about Bath and Body Works? They are willing to split your purchase into different transactions so that you can utilize the most coupons. Ahhhmazing.

I got this entire selection for $60.68! The kicker is that without coupons, it would have been $136! That is over half off! Nothing feels better than getting a good deal.

13 soaps, two body sprays, 6 wallflower refills and 3 candles! 

*This is not a paid review* 

Summer Adventures on a Budget Part 2 August 3rd

Our second summer adventure had started with a nice game of Bingo. The weather was not great, so we decided to do something indoors. We do not play Bingo often, but do enjoy it. It takes a little over three hours for one game, my ADD starts to act up towards the end. It cost $36 for the both of us to play. The Bingo hall is located on the Indian reservation, so there is smoking allowed inside. Even though we happen to be smokers ourselves, it can get a little overwhelming. We made sure to get some drinks and snacks to have during the game. Nachos, soda and a slushy from the little cafe inside the Bingo hall: $10.

I have won twice playing Bingo in the past. The first time brought $26 because I had to split the winnings with a number of people. The second time brought $100! It would have been triple that, but again I had to split it with other winners. The husband had never won before. Just a few games in, he had Bingo! The excitement in his eyes was electrical. He said BINGO so loud that it echoed off the walls. Unfortunately, six other people won too. He ended up getting $29. I was SO proud of him! He felt on top of the world for finally winning.

I had to sneak this picture as you are not allowed to take photos in the Bingo hall. 

We continued on playing until we reached the final game. I had even contemplated leaving early as I was getting antsy in my chair.  The husband had pointed out to me that he only needed one more number to get Bingo again. Wouldn't you know that the next number called, was the one he needed! Someone else had called Bingo and everyone began to leave. We started waving our hands and even the guy behind us stood up and pointed our way. Finally someone had come over to verify his Bingo. We must have waited 20 minutes for someone to come back. I figured that he won another $20 or so, hey, he would be leaving with $50! Not bad. When the lady started walking towards us, I noticed a hundred dollar bill in he hand..he won $120?? She approached him and said, "Congratulations, you won $625!". I immediately jumped out of my chair and have her a hug. WE WERE RICH! We both were shaking and couldn't believe what had just happened. Someone else had won too, so it would have been over $1200 had he been the only winner. We still cannot believe that he won that much.

After Bingo, we went to Cabela's as the husband had never been there before. I like looking at the fish and clothes. He looked at all the other manly stuff. It was neat to see how in his element he was there, he was making friends left and right. $10 (I got a shirt)

Jimmy Johns was for dinner and then we headed on home for the night. $20

Normally we do not do much on Sundays besides chores and getting ready for the following week. However, with that money burning a hole in his pocket, he wanted to go do some shopping. I wasn't feeling well, but decided to tag along. We went to a used CD store as he was on the search for some Pink Floyd. Who knew that those were so hard to find? $30

On the way home, we stopped for some fish and chips and also grabbed a donut for afterwards. We were going for the healthy route that day. We stopped by the local marina to have our lunch. I love sitting by the water, enjoying a good meal together. It is one of my favorite things to do. $30

We spent a little more than we had planned for the weekend, but still came up positive in the end! AHEAD $518