A Beautiful Mess App Review

I love checking out all the things A Beautiful Mess does. I have the A Beautiful Mess photo editing app on my phone and thought I would do a review on it. I edited these four photos (pictured above) on it by adding text and doodles and then collaged them together in a grid using the app.

Pros:

• Fun scrapbook style that is good for blogs or digital scrapbooking
• Good for adding text and doodles to photos
• Paid and free options for doodles and text
• Collage feature

The highlights of this app are the fun text and doodle elements you can use. It is fun to play around with. I am not sure if I would use this for professional photos, but the editing options are nice for social media and blogs. There is a paid version of doodles with craft items I would like to try out.

There is also a collage feature that has square collage options and fun shapes like triangles and hearts. I played with the collage feature for fun with some patterns I found on Pinterest:

Cons:

• Can’t change the text or doodle size
• No undo options
• No custom color option
• Lack of editing features

The things I didn’t like about this app are it doesn’t have some of the features a lot of photo editors have. You can’t adjust brightness or play with levels. It was also hard to customize options. For example, you can’t change the text or doodle size and there were also no custom colors when choosing a text color (for example, you can’t enter a HEX code). They do have filters though which are the same as their other app Party Party. I could not find an undo button when editing photos which was kind of annoying because I would have to start over when I messed up.

Overall, this app is for fun and quick editing. It is something you would add doodles to after editing or a way to make a collage out of multiple photos. In combination with other apps, this app add a bit of jazz to your photos.

Have you ever used this app? Let me know in the comments. 

Can You See the Texture?

This is the second challenge in the A Beautiful Everyday Photography online photo class. You can see my first week here. This challenge asks you to explore textures in your environment or workspace. These are some other photos I took with my phone. I took a bunch of photos outside, but for some reason they got deleted on my phone so these are just some texture photos I retook around my house. 

I decided to edit them so they are all black and white because I thought that helped show the texture in the photos better. Let me know which photo is your favorite.

Pancakes and Booze Art Show

Move the Needle will be vending at the Pancakes and Booze Art Show on February 24th-25th.

It will be held at Reggie’s in Chicago. If you are in the area, stop by and visit my booth. I will give half off any item if you mention you heard about the show from my blog.  You can RSVP on Facebook here.

Here is some more info:

• 80+ Emerging Artists Exhibiting
• Live Body Painting
• Free Pancake Bar
• 21+ EVENT
• 8PM-2AM both nights
• $5 GA (Cash at the door)
• $10 VIP skip-the-line
• Live Audio Performances

You can check out the Pancakes & Booze website here.  You can also follow them on Instagram here.

Interview: Vegan Cheese from Three Girls Vegan Creamery

Three Girls Vegan Creamery is an organic, plant based and dairy free creamery. They make artisan cheeses from nuts and aged to perfection.

Describe what you sell in your shop.
We do not have a storefront YET! We are planning a crowdfunding effort on Indegogo in April to help us setup our very own facility. Right now we are working out of a family restaurant’s commercial kitchen in Madison, CT. It is an Italian restaurant and they began offering vegan options with our Mozzarella “di Bufala”.

You have three people who run your shop. How did you decide to work together?
The Three Girls Vegan are a mom and two daughters. We have been a team forever.

Why did you choose Etsy as a platform?

Curiosity. We have always heard great things about Etsy. To test the waters we just posted a few of our items. So far it has been fun and we have met some wonderful people!

Why did you become vegan?
We are 100% Italian and were raised on a traditional Italian diet. Once we went vegan, it was the cheese that was the hardest to give up. We began creating the recipe for the Mozzarella. We ferment and culture to make authentic cheese, but instead of using any animal products, we use the cashew as our cow. The process of creating the Mozzarella recipe took over 9 months and more attempts than we care to remember. It was so important to make a mozzarella that was perfect in a caprese salad but also melts, stretches and is ooey gooey when in a lasagna or on a pizza.

What is your favorite thing to cook?
We have veganized all of our traditional Italian dishes. We make Mozzarella en Carrozza sandwiches, eggplant rolotini with almond ricotta and grated parmesan and romano topped with mozzarella. We make fried calamari from oyster mushrooms, crabcakes from artichoke hearts, homemade gnocchi with creamy alfredo. All dairy free, animal free! This is our culinary activism. We have converted 6 family member to veganism because the food is so good!

What other vegan products or companies do you like?

We love to support as many vegan products as possible.

Do you sell wholesale or consignment in other shops or restaurants?
Yes, we sell wholesale to several Connecticut, NY and MA stores. You can see a listing on our website (http://ift.tt/2lfYYlj) store locator.

Do you do craft/food shows?
We do a local Farmers Market monthly. We are super duper excited to be a sponsor at the upcoming New England VegFest in Worcester, MA on April 30th. We will be serving our famous Mozzarella en Carrozza Sandwiches!

Do you have a blog or use social media?
Yes, we are on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and of course our website. @threegirlsvegan

What do you hope for in the future for your shop?
We are praying to raise the funds necessary to open a small shop. We will always remain small batch artisan and need our own place to grow!

Three Girls Vegan Creamery also sent me some products to try – Assorted Aged Cheese Wheels and Mozzarella “di Bufala” Pearls and Assorted Aged Cheese Wheels. I love that these products imitate traditional cheese that can be used in Italian and other dishes. I have never tried a vegan mozzarella that was not shredded or a cheese wheel that was vegan.

The Assorted Aged Cheese Wheels were cashew based. The flavors were Pistachio/Cranberry/Fresh Thyme/Pumpkin Seed, Vegan Maple Bacon/Pecan/Herb and Old Fashioned Fireball. The texture was great. I liked the Old Fashioned Fireball the best. 

The Mozzarella “di Bufala” Pearls was cashew based, fermented and cultured. It had a great texture that is the same as regular mozzarella. I really liked the mozzarella cheese and think it is something I would buy in the future. I did not think try cooking it so I do not know how well it melts, but I enjoy it would taste great in any recipe or that calls for fresh mozzarella.

I did not cook anything with these ingredients this time, but I think I will buy from in the future and try out some recipes. Let know what types of recipes. 

What I’ve Learned from Love

I did this art journaling entry a while ago about things I have learned from love and I thought I would post it for Valentine’s Day. These are some of the things I wrote.

Trust what you feel and go with your gut. It doesn’t matter what other people think. There are some times when you should listen to other people, but you should listen to your own heart and do what makes you happy. If you are in a relationship with someone your friends don’t approve of, sometimes it just makes sense to do it anyway.

Take risks. I remember reading a quote about how even if you take a risk, you will still regret it more if you don’t take a risk. Don’t be afraid of rejection.

Love yourself first. You must love yourself before someone else can love you.

Love comes when you least expect it. Love is kind of mysterious and you can’t always predict when it is going to come. Do not wait for love.

You can have more than one soulmate. Let go of the past.
People have different definitions of a soulmate, but I think you can have different soulmates. Don’t hold on to past relationships. They might prevent you from something better that is coming along.

Relationships don’t usually work out so enjoy the ride. Nobody is perfect and everyone makes mistakes. Most relationships don’t work and not everything will last. It is about the journey.

Sometimes it is the fantasy you are in love with. Movies and TV shows about love are different than the real thing. The fantasy might appeal to you more than the real person.

You are loved by someone even if you don’t see it. There are all types of love in the world. Whether it is love from a significant other, a friend, family or even an acquaintance – somebody out there cares about you.

What have you learned from love?

How to Do a Chocolate Bath Spa Treatment

How about bathing in a bath full of chocolate for Valentine’s Day? Chocolate is a common spa ingredient that softens and rejuvenate your skin.

Ingredients:

• 4 tablespoons cocoa powder or dark chocolate
• 1 cup bubble bath or unscented shampoo (optional)
• 1/2 cup powdered milk or soy milk powder
• 2 tablespoon cinnamon
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 4 drops peppermint or chocolate fragrance oil
• Handful of large marshmallows (optional)
• Chocolate scented candles (optional)

Instructions:

1. Mix cocoa, powdered milk, cinnamon and vanilla.

2. Run a hot bath. If you want to create bubbles, add bubble bath or unscented shampoo. You can even use dish soap.

3. Pour the powder mixture in to a hot bath. Finally add the drops of peppermint or chocolate fragrance oil and marshmallows. The marshmallows will dissolve in the bath.

4. Light some candles (this is optional, but I think it sets the mood). Chocolate scented candles are perfect, but you can’t use whatever you have. Play some romantic music if you have it. Soak for 20-25 minutes and rinse off in the shower.

5. You can also choose not to do a full bath and instead soak feet or hands in the mixture for 10 minutes. Just put hot water in a large bowl and add the mixture using the instructions above. This is perfect to do before a manicure or pedicure.

Let me know if you try this out.

Interview: Photography from Helene Smith Photography

Helene Smith sells photography in her Etsy shop, Helene Smith Photography. Her photography is of nostalgic, mid-century-style snapshots of Americana.

You have a lot of photos from Chicago and Michigan. Where is your favorite place to visit?

I haven’t been able to travel nearly as much as I would have liked to over the years for various reasons, but I actually really love to take weekend trips to rather small towns and find hidden little gems to shoot.

Your photos have a feeling of nostalgia. How do you get this feeling in your photos? Do you think it is something that comes naturally or is it a look you try to capture?

I have always been drawn to beautiful old things and beautiful odd (old and new) things and even things that are not beautiful, things that are ordinary and overlooked.

My work also looks a bit vintage because I try not to use any (if any at all) filters (effects). I might lighten a shot a little if it’s hard to see, but part of what I am trying to convey is exactly what I see so I don’t want to change it too much and that’s becoming rarer these days. So many photographers want to play with effects. Effects can be alot of fun, but that’s just not me. That’s not what I am trying to convey in my work.

How do you promote your shop?

I have a Facebook Fan page and I also use Twitter and Pinterest, online. Of I’m selling my work at an upcoming event, I will also try to put posters up at local businesses. And I still use email for special events.

Do you ever do craft shows?

Yes, I have done craft shows/art fairs for many years though usually just a few a year – holiday time and maybe a few in summer.

What do you hope for in the future with your shop?

There’s just so much I would like to do. I have so many photos that I’d like to add to my online collection, but it’s just a matter of time (each listing takes a bit of work when it’s new). I’d love to offer additional photo items like photo calendars and maybe some lockets at some point. Eventually maybe photo compilation books as well, specific to Chicago or Grand Rapids. On the other hand, I am a purist and I don’t want to clutter up my shop too much with much more than prints. I used to sell photo cards as well, and might add them back, too.

How to Organize Your CDs and DVDs

How many CDs and DVDs do you have? Why not toss out old media you don’t watch and organize the rest of your collection?

Swap Items

I used to use a site called Swap where you can build or get rid if of your DVD or CD collection. I pretty much got all the DVDs I own now from swapping them. Amazon also works well for selling or finding CDs and DVDs. You basically just pay for shipping for used items if you find them cheap enough.

Find Gems

Are you looking for rare items or autographed memorabilia? Check out Discogs for music fans where you can find rare CDs and vinyl. I have found some good deals off eBay. I have sold some autographed CDs there also and able to make some pretty good money.

Arrange Your Collection

If you have too many discs, I like this idea from Hi Sugarplum. Store CDs and DVDs in sleeves out of their case and put them in a wire basket with alphabetical tabs.

CDs or DVDs are great to display also. Pick your favorite items or autographed copies to frame or display. I have an old autographed Michelle Branch album sleeve from a CD in a photo frame. The album sleeve is opened up so you see all the artwork in the frame. A shelf is also is great for holding CDs. In my old bedroom, I glued down blank CDs to the bottom of a shelf and arranged my music CDs on the top of the shelf.

Let me know in the comments your favorite CD or DVD in your collection. 

Bookbinding Inspiration

Here is some journal inspiration from other journals I’ve found on the web. I sell journals in my shop and sometimes I like to look at other bookbinding for inspiration.

See more journal inspiration here.