New Camera: Olympus Pen E-PL1

Well, first off, I've loved taking photos and recording video since I was very little. I just like it. Of course, when I was a child, I didn't get to say "can I see, can I see." I smiled, and waited a very long time to take those pictures. Such was the 90s <3 Moving forward then... I have always been the type to take control of the camera lol (people just let me), so it was serious time I invested in a better camera! Originally, I wanted a DSLR. I was going to get the Nikon d3100. My grandma convinced me not to lol. Plus, I was doubting myself anyway. I reallyyyyyyy did NOT like the fact that it, like most dslrs, used regular batteries. That is a no no no. Plus, I honestly had no idea how to use it. I decided to go for a regular camera. Something newer and better than mine, but cheaper and more practical than a DSLR. I was looking at Super Zooms and Bridge cameras, and eventually decided on a Super Zoom by Olympus. It was a lot better than the camera I had now, and I was decently pleased by that. I showed my grandma, and she asked if it was as good as the one I wanted. I said 'no'... but it is good for what it is. She said that maybe I should look for something better then...something i'd love. I was hesitant.. because I doubt I could find something really awesome for a bit more. I was wrong!

I decided to click on the DSLR section of the Henry's website, thinking, maybe, they would have something on sale. THEY DID! I had never considered a mirrorless before then because I had no idea what it was really. However, it seemed to fit the bill. Great quality photos from a large sensor (I found out what that meant through research), interchangeable lenses (albeit expensive), lithium ion battery, hd video, and a good price. With further research I found out that the photo quality was fabulous, and I could use virtually any lens out there (with an adapter). After some more through research (reading forums, video reviews, checking picture quality on flicker etc), I decided to pick it up. Sadly, it was sold out online, and in my city. It was apparently available in a city near by, so I decided i'd call the next day to see if they had it. LUCKILY, by then, the had some in stock! I ordered it right away! Good thing too...because by the next day it was sold out..and still is!

I loved it right away! People complain about the shutter speed being slow (compared to a dslr), but it is good enough for me. Quality is great. I love that it has a flash (I haven't used it yet). I bought this kind of camera so I could have manual control...so I have been learning about aperture, iso, shutter speed....all of that stuff. It is pretty overwhelming. Hopefully, I'll become a better photographer for it though :)

Those are just some random pics i've taken so far! I am still getting the hang of things really lol.! I love the quality of the pics though! All of these photos were taken with certain camera settings. I have yet to master manual one day!

Cheers

- Ashley

Some recent bits and bobs !

Hello! I just thought I'd do a post on some bits and bobs that I got recently. Yes, I got it all from ebay lol! I love ebay :) <3

"Casio" watch

Rose Quartz and Turquoise rings

Cobalt Blue Feather Earrings

Lilac and Yellow "Tibet" Bracelets

 So, I paid about $3.30 for that Casio watch. I truly doubt its authenticity. However, I still really love it! You can get one like it here! It is .60c more, but I bit on mine! The ring on the left seems to be made very well. It is heavy and sturdy. I am definitely going to order the Jade green one I wanted. The ring on the left cost me .56c :D! I think the earrings will be great for a summer day. As for the bracelets, I loved the green one so much, I had to order a few more. I have a pastel blue one coming in the mail! YAY!!! Ps. My new Camera came, and I love it. I'll be doing a post on it soon!!

Cheers
- Ashley

Mini Necklace Haul

Just 3 necklaces I got. The first is a super cool light bulb. The second is some random silver disc I bid on "just because." The last one is something I've wanted since 3rd grade. Ying yangs were pretty popular in the 90's (at least I think so). I just wanted a bit of childhood back, plus I bet there are going to be the next thing... after the evil eye trend etc :)

Cheers
-Ashley

It's Shoe Time!

My sister bbm'd the other day saying she got a pair of shoes that I would love. To my delight, she was right, I adore them. Lucky for me, they didn't fit and weren't able to be taken back, so she gave them to me.

All my shoes are black (well most), and I really wanted a nice pair of nude shoes. These fit the bill! Lace up, cut out, wedge. Adorable! I can't wait to wear them. The weather has gotten pretty cold again recently (and disappointingly), so I have to wait. I really miss that taste of summer we had :( Oh well. Anyway, just thought I'd share!

Cheers
-Ashley

Just ordered this bad boy: Olympus E-PL1

I can't wait for it to arrive. I read soooooo many reviews on it, and it seems like a great camera for someone like me. I originally wanted a full DSLR, but 1. they are really expensive 2. i don't really need it. I just wanted a camera with excellent quality photos. I love taking pictures of events in my life, and I want them to go down in family history. Plus, I always wished I had photos of me, as a child, like the ones that come in the picture frames LOL :P. Anyway, the photo quality is meant to be very good on this camera. And, while it is an older model, it is still competitive (from what i've read). I love the retro style body, and the fact that it has a flash. So many of mirrorless camera's don't (I could think of buying). I can't afford an add on. Reading reviews made me want a viewfinder.. but I don't know if I actually need one. It is really expensive to buy anyway. Well, hopefully i'll love this camera, and everything that it does. If I don't like it, I can return it, and maybe in a few years upgrade (if I need to)!

Cheers

- Ashley

LUST LIST #2 !

I was on the Zara website the other day, doing some internet-window-shopping, and I loved sooo many things. They have such lovely items! Afterwards I scoured the HM website. I love HM so much. Their prices are much better than Zara. Anyway, here are some items I was loving!

ZARA <3

HM <3

I've wanted a nice Trench for a long time now. The make and quality of this one from Zara looks really good. One day I'll have my Burberry Trench though :) I love the simple and classic styles of these dresses. The cuts of them really remind me of the 50's and 60's. Fine, I'll say it-- I mean Mad Men! I loveee that show. Not all of these dresses fit that mold, but I think most do. I love retro/vintage style. Also, I am in love with simple leather bags. I love a nice structured or simple leather purse! The trousers at the bottom just remind me of disco pants (that I will never have because I will not spend that much money on shiny pants). That's it :)

Cheers

- Ashley

Wet N Wild Lippies!

In recent years, I have become a lipstick fan. I use to be a lip gloss girl, but there is something so classic about a lip colour. Much more so than overly shiny, sticky lips. I really love matte lipstick (these aren't matte though). Even with my love for lippies, I don't like to spend that much money on, well, anything. Luckly, I came across wet n wild lipsticks. I used to buy the NYC ones a lot, actually, but these are cheaper!

oops... not aligned right... lol

522a Dark Wine, 514a Cherry Frost, 525d  Retro Pink

Swatches In the same order.

I got Cherry Frost for $1.99 at Zellers, and the other 2 for $1.52 at Walmart. I know they are $1 in the states, but, sadly, they cost more in Canada. I see them on the walgreens website for .69c. I would go crazy if I could get them thatttt cheap. Anyway, I love the colours, they come up very nicely, and last quite a bit. I don't expect to much for such a cheap lipstick, and either way, I don't mind reapplying. I find something quite feminine and demure about applying lipstick. I want many other colours. I know, you are probably thinking... "well buy them. they are cheap." The thing is, they are almost always sold out... or messed with (at the particular zellers I go to).

Some colours I want:

545a Blushing Bali*

549 Java* 

552a Just Garnet

547a Breeze

529a Copper Dust

519a Hot Red

511b Nouveau Pink* I really want this one.. 

508a Black Orchid

502a Dark Pink Frost

I really want to try the matte finish lipsticks (dollhouse pink, purty permisson, 24 carrot gold, don't blink pink are a few), and I will grab some when they are on sale, or I go to the States.

Until then :D

Cheers

-Ashley

Ebay Watches

As you probably all know by now, I am in love with watches :) I don't know how it happened really...as I was never really a fan before recently. However, here I am! All of these watches are from- obviously- EBAY! I love ebay <3. So, without further ado....

Slap watches

Cyan coloured silicone digi

All 3 together

Example of the watch showing the time

Actually, I didn't keep all of these watches. The first two were for my little sis and cousin, and I gave the pink and blue faceless watches to my other sis and bro respectively. I kept the purple for myself. Sadly the clasp is messed up on the purple :@. Most of these watches were only $1! I thought that they were amazing finds. However, the cyan one was $2... a great deal more money lol. I actually ordered another watch 2 weeks ago (I hope it comes soon. It is meant to be a silver casio watch, but I doubt it's authenticy. I will definitely do a post when I get it though :) Until then!

Cheers

-Ashley

LUST LIST #1

We all have the desire for them. The stuff we don't need, but do need!!!! I thought I would share a few pieces that I am absolutely adoring. I have wanted them for a long time actually, but I haven't had a blog for a long time lol! I guess the pieces I want are a bit trendy (I want Lita's so much), but I think some of them can be worn later on as well. Anyway, I want enjoy trends while I can. I will always love things that are classic, simple, and truly elegant (not ridiculously over girly etc things people thing elegant. I mean class when I say elegant), but, I love things that are bold and fun too.

As for Lita's.. I've wanted them for about 3 years lol. I could never get a hold of them, and even then, there is no way I want to pay customs on top of shipping. That would be disgusting and heart wrenching. I did, however, find a pair of inspired Lita's I have yet to wear. Hopefully soon :)

UNIF Hellraisers: AHHH! I love studs and spikes. I think these are amazing, but far to expensive for me. I might make my own pair, or maybe i'll find something more affordable one day.

These lovelys are by Jeffery Campbell. I feel in love instantly. I want studded loafer flats, and leopard flats, and these are like 2 for the price of one.

I really love those Aldo shoes. They are on sale right now, but still too much (in price) for me. They remind me sooo much of the miu miu studded loafers I love!

So those are just a few items on my wishlist right now. Hopefully, I'll be able to get the last pair!!! I am just waiting for them to go on deeper discount!! Wish me luck :)

Cheers

-Ashley

HELLO KITTY HAUL!

I am a hugeeee fan of hello kitty. I don't think I will ever grow out of loving her. If I haven't by now, I doubt I will later. Of course everything is from ebay (where else do I shop?)! 

Not everything was for me. The first two pairs of earrings were for my lil sis and cousin again. I prefer something a little less obvious for myself now, but I still love HK! That is why I got myself the silver pair. I find them not to be as kiddy looking (if you know what I mean). The little baggy of HK heads are adorable. Her bow is made of strawberries! I bought those so I could make little snap clips. That reminds me that I've forgotten to buy a glue gun and snap clips... sigh. I love the necklace a lot. Just the shape of her head, I find, not to be to much. My sister bought me an adorable gold HK necklace for Christmas but then decided to keep it for herself. How nice right? Not! Well, I hope you enjoyed this little haul. I'll probably branch my blog out a bit more later on, but, right now, the haul thing is working for me.

Cheers

- Ashley