The End Has Arrived

It sure feels that way and I love it.

Today is my sweetheart's 22nd birthday. I know, we're young. Over six years together and I can't believe how amazing he's been to me. I hope his birthday is as excellent as he is. This morning I got up at 6am to go buy cake mix and bake him a cake while he was sleeping. 

My front-heavy graduate course load is nearing it's end. Today is my last day! Well, it's my last day with twelve credits at least. There will still be classes but the worst is over and I'm excited. I'm ready to start cooking and reading. 

Around the internet, I'm loving:

• Looking at Pioneer Woman's recipes
• Perusing beautiful photos on Pinterest
• Playing with Instagram on my iPod Touch (if you have it, friend me so I can see your photos! I'm allisonmseward)
• Diigo keeping track of my "must try" recipes
• Playing Words with Friends (sewardam to any who play)

I'll try to keep Instagram photos to a minimum but while I've been busy these last couple of weeks it's been much more convenient than carrying my Nikon around. Hopefully I'll be back in amateur photographer mode soon.

Tomorrow I'll be catching up on all the blog posts again. Looking forward to hearing about your weeks!

Friendship Bracelet

I got my friendship bracelet in the mail today! I was so excited. My partner, Brittni, must have done this before because she had a fancy way of braiding off the bracelet. She also decorated my envelope which I only decided not to show this morning because it has my full address, but trust me, it was cute!

Thanks Leigh for hosting the swap! This lil ol' blogging world is a pretty sweet place.

Summer Hopes

{via}

Ah, sweet summertime. I have so many hopes for you.

I want to canoe, raft, camp, hike, and generally enjoy the great outdoors.  Sometimes though we just can't have what we want when we want it. I know in a couple of weeks I'll have more time to enjoy the beautiful outdoors so I just need to learn patience!

We're hitting 90 degrees in my part of the world though which is hot, hot, hot for outdoor play unless it's a water activity. Maybe we'll raft down the Shenandoah River. Ah.... A girl can dream. 

Hope it's not too hot in your part of the world!

Plus I just found this Notebook-inspired engagement session. I'm kind of in love... you know, Allie & Noah - it's no coincidence. 

What's your favorite part of summer? And does anyone else want to try making this watermelon salsa? I think I must.

{via}

Millie Bag

Today I received my Jo Totes camera bag in the mail and I've been using it plenty already.

I ordered the Millie style in gray and have been asked my opinion on it because most people have reviewed on the Rose bag.

Here it is!

Likes:

• Size
• Color
• Length of Strap
• Weight (light)

Dislikes:

• Clasp being on bottom
• Size

Yes, size was on both lists. It's great for everyday usage but let me warn you that if you're looking to carry more than one camera body with lens and one extra lens it won't fit.  That's ok with me but I want you to be prepared. Also, when you put your items in the bag it already feels like it's bulging. 

The clasp being on the bottom of the bag surprised me periodically throughout the afternoon but I guess some might feel more secure that way.

The shoulder strap is plenty long and easily adjustable which I love and with the pad the strap doesn't dig in at all.  I also love that my Kindle can fit right in the front pocket!

Still, fits in well, very stylish, and very light. Easy mobility and took the weight well. Of course I'm used to carrying my camera around in purses anyways so it's a great fit for me!

I love the gray and pleated front. Very stylish!

To Adore: Camera Theme

Every once in a while I like to browse the internet looking for handmade items (hello Etsy!) or to just find cute accessories in general. These all make it onto my wishlist.

These camera straps.

These Camera Bags.

This Keep Calm print.

This iphone skin. {If I had an iphone I would do this.}

... and these camera lens mugs. LOVE THEM.

What's on your wishlist?