My Creative Makeover: Self + Art Class at the iArtist Collective

Some of my favorite shots from Self + Art class

You've seen it a million times. The mother getting a makeover on TV after spending so many years putting her children first, and letting herself go. She hasn't bought new clothes in years, and her hair is an unruly mess. For a few moments she is the center of attention. She is pampered and plucked and made to feel like queen for a day. She once agains feels like her old self.

Not too long ago I let my inner-artist go. I used to design jewelry for a living (and I was good at it) so my work day would be spent doing something creative that I loved to do. Once kids came into the picture I no longer had the time to dedicate to jewelry so I found other creative outlets and crafts that I could spend a few minutes here and there on. But then life got in the way, and my studio got dusty as I was spending what little time I had to myself on other things. I had no creative outlet, besides snapping photos of my kids here and there (ok, not just here and there, but they weren't of the quality of photos that I wished they were) and it made me feel like something was missing.

Week 1 assignment: My little elven fairy in the woods

Over the summer I discovered a community of amateur (and professional) photographers like me on Instagram. I had used IG in the past here and there, but had no idea as to its true potential. My creativity was sparked by participating on Fatmumslim's photo-a-day contests (see this past post for more details) and I was meeting people from all over the globe who shared a common interest in photography and other creative things. Through IG I reconnected with a dear friend from high school who told me about this amazing online iPhotography (meaning with your phone) school she and two other friends were starting - the iArtist Collective. Sounded like just the thing I needed to get my creative juices flowing.

I decided to take the Self + Art class given by the uber talented photographer Carolyn Mara Borlenghi. I will be honest, I wasn't going to take this class at first. I was scared of it. I was scared at how talented Carolyn was and felt I had no business being in her class with my amateur photography skills. But you know what? I needed a challenge. I needed someone to push me creatively. I needed someone to spark that passion in my for something artistic again.

Pants off dance off :)

And damn did she light a fire within me! I know that sounds so cheesy, but this class changed me in some way. It changed the way I look at things through my camera - whether on my iPhone or my DSLR. It changed the way I look at things around me. I feel like when I am driving now I see potential photographic masterpieces all around. I am not afraid to get out of my comfort zone either...I am comfortable pushing my own artistic boundaries. I took off my pants and danced in front
of a camera for crying out loud! And I think it is one of my favorite photos I have ever taken.

Each week she gave us assignments that excited and scared us at the same time. Once we completed the assignments we shared them with the rest of the class online and were given amazing critiques that helped each of us all grow as artists. Each time I posted something new I got a rush of anxiety - will they like it? Will they hate it? What will they say in their critiques? I felt like I was back at school again, but I loved every second of it!

Carolyn's class gave my creativity the polish and pluck that it so desperately needed. My inner artist has been given a makeover! It was an experience that I will never forget, and one that I can't recommend enough.

If you are interested in taking an iPhotography class with the iArtist Collective please visit their site for more details! 






- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

not about anything

When I got pregnant I heard all the time how breastfeed would take all those extra pounds, I would loose it and never look back.
Now breast feeding never really worked out for me and the food in America is so yummy I'm still looking like a chubby 9 month pregnant women.
How does anyone do it? I work from 9-6 Monday to Thursday, I leave home at 8.15 and get home usually 6.45 by then I'm so tired and just want to chill plus any classes at gyms are over and done with, on Fridays my hubby works and I have alone time with my bg so we try to get out and do fun things but no gym, no gym ever it feels like.
I used to be really big (well I'm only one size away from that really big) and joined ww, it worked great for me, I had a goal and I had a firm week to week thing, but ww is a lot of involvement, the cooking, the counting, the meetings, and all that took up so much time, it made me think less of those snacks in between coz I had to plan everything. I'd love to get back to that, but I have no time now.

What did you all do? Seriously though, with very little time, no family around to help out and a young baby.
what happened to me?
where did I go?
I have gained pounds and a little wonderful amazing girl, but where did my will power go?

Do you ever feel lost and then ashamed for that feeling?

I always try to be honest with anyone who asks me about who things are at home, with baby and all, If things at the moment are good, I'll say just that, but if they are not so good I'll say that too, no one else seems to though, everything is always peachy.
I have been reading this blog www.motherhoodwtf.com
it's so funny, open and honest and it makes me feel better about life and the world.
I do picture this women as tall, slim and very very pretty coz that's how she sounds, but nice, a little bit scary, but she sounds nice....
I am hoping that my postings on this blog might not be as funny but they are open and honest, I think we need more of that in this world...
lots of love to you all.
xx

A Chair of Her Own

Every mom deserves a comfortable chair. 

Preferably one that sits in a private room; a quiet room with a beautiful view and a door that closes completely. 

Also a chair that looks good. 

A chair that curls around her back and props up her legs; then relaxes back, propping knees above heart. 

A chair that rocks gently. 

A chair that is rather difficult to get out of, so that once settled, she is forced to relax for just a bit longer. A chair that makes it difficult to pop up and down several times in one minute to retrieve small items for the small people nipping at her heels for snacks and drinks and potty breaks and entertainment and nap-time and attention. 

A chair so sophisticated that her children actually show respect toward it; they play around it and only when brave ask for permission to climb into it and immediately label it "mama's chair." 

A chair that when feeling generous, a mom can share with her baby. A chair that pitches the baby in a perfect position to engage face to face; to share smiles; gaze lovingly or rock back and forth together. 

~~~~~~~~~

This chair exists, I found it and it is called the Vifah Rocker. Can you picture yourself here? You should mamas, you deserve it! I bought mine on YLiving and it has changed my world. I steal "me time;" I sit; I relax; I sip iced water; I call girlfriends; I sit a bit longer. And it's all because of this chair! It is magic. But I have a patio. So if you don't have outdoor space please find an indoor equivalent and share your story!

Disclaimer: I don't work for or have any connections to Vifah or YLiving. Find it here! http://www.yliving.com/vifah-outdoor-wood-slat-rocker.html