Through the Lens

On one of my many quick day trips to Norman recently, I decided that an impromptu "learn your camera better" session was in order. So I called up my long-time friend and partner in crime to join in on the fun. Janelle and I took off driving through south Norman until we found the perfect unfenced field to wander through. And it could not have been prettier!

We are both amateur photographers and spent the evening discovering spot metering and playing around with different exposures. Our cameras are still smarter than we are most of the time, but I think we are finally catching up!

And anyone who knows one or both of us also knows that we rarely take pictures without a few crazy faces creeping out. Let's just say that if we ever do become movie stars like we used to think we would, there will be plenty of people getting rich by selling our embarrassing pictures.

Great Gatsby {Styled Shoot }

I recently had the privilege of participating in a style shoot with the talented Jami Leavitt and Whimsy & Wonder Events. We drew inspiration from the Great Gatsby era and added some vintage flair of our own. I planned to post these much sooner, but as they say, better late than never! Enjoy.

Location: Golf Club of Oklahoma

Attire: Red Hot Designs 

Things I Don't Buy (Part 2): Shower Cleaner

Anyone who has ever cleaned a bathroom tub knows that one of the most dreaded things to try to remove is soap scum. It's that icky film in the bottom of the tub that makes it look dirty and dull. And it's also that coating on your faucet that makes OCD people like me a little stressed.

I NEED SHINY FAUCETS.

There are a million cleaners in the store that can remove soap scum for whatever price they deem their "miracle product" to be worth. But what's in these that makes them work? Chemicals. Loads and loads of chemicals. Personally, I'm not a fan of fearing chemical residue when I'm trying to get clean. I'm also not a fan of letting my niece, nephews and fur baby bathe in a tub that could be laced with who knows what. 

SO, I ventured onto Pinterest to solve my housecleaning problem (like I do with most household problems). And I found a solution that works! Plus, it's free of any crazy chemicals that warn you to avoid skin contact. 

Here is what you'll need:

• an empty spray bottle

• Dawn dish soap (I like the Apple scented kind)

• white (or apple cider) vinegar

• water (optional)

Instructions: 

1. Combine ingredients- 2 parts vinegar, 2 parts Dawn and 1 part water (the water is optional)
2. Shake until mixed well
3. Spray on tub, tile and door/curtain 
4. Let it sit for about 10 minutes and then rinse off (for hard soap scum, wipe over with a scratchy sponge before rinsing)

Variations:

• I have heard of people adding some lemon juice to the mixture to help cut through the soap scum and give the bathroom a fresh scent (the vinegar smell is offensive to some).
• Several pins I saw recommended heating the vinegar in the microwave before mixing it together with the other ingredients. Not sure what this will do, but maybe it helps!
• Baking soda is also in several recipes, but be sure to carefully and slowly mix it with the vinegar first to avoid a nasty explosion.
• If you don't like the smell of vinegar or lemon, you can add some drops of your favorite essential oil to the cleaner to make your bathroom smell the way you like!