Thursday, July 30, 2009

My new Flickr account.





Hey guys,
I decided to put together a flickr account. I definitely can't post all my pictures on here- too much work! And just in case anything ever happens to my computer or hard drive I want them to be saved somewhere else besides on facebook- which severely lowers the quality of the photos.

Here is the link:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/juliadelbalzo/

Have a look around, and please add me as a contact if you have one! I love love love looking at others people's work- it helps me learn and i find it all quite inspiring!

I am in the process of putting lots more pictures on. The ones I put up here are a few of the ones that are already up. I've used a variety of different cameras and I've been in a variety of different places, so I hope you all enjoy!

Thursday, July 23, 2009

This just made my day

Lomography



I've recently been doing a lot of research on Lomography. Lomography is a type of photography involving these plastic cameras whose photos yield certain visual effects such as light leaks, color saturation, and vignettes. The cameras had a cult following in the 60's and they still have one today, except now the cameras are a bit more expensive, and so is the film.

The one that's really caught my eye is the Holga camera. I love the antique affect that the pictures have without the use of photoshop or any sort of photo alteration programs on a computer. The photo above is one that I didn't take- I wish I did though- on lomography.com

When I have the money I am going to become a lomography fiend!

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Book Review!




I recently finished reading How to Lose Friends and Alienate People by Toby Young. I was intrigued by the book because Toby Young was actually a guest judge on Top Chef last season, one of my absolute favorite TV shows. He would always come up with the weirdest comments, and even though the descriptions were entirely outlandish, they always made sense. Reading his memoir only proved to me that these comments are actually backed up by an intelligent, yet ridiculous, mind. Basically Toby talks about his time spent in New York City trying to be a big fish in a big pond and how he fails miserably. Not only are his experiences rather interesting, sort of a male, true life version of The Devil Wears Prada, but really funny and youthful. Toby has no problem being self-deprecating and sarcastic.

The memoir included a little extra something for me, though, because Toby is a British man who came to America and experienced the subtle, yet highly influential, culture differences. Since I just did the opposite journey myself quite recently, it was interesting to see how a Brit felt when encountering American culture, especially Manhattan culture. While I found Londoners to be incredibly kind and accommodating, Toby found Americans to be really snobby and impolite, which doesn't surprise me in the least.

The stereotype that British people are stuck up really seemed quite wrong once I spent some time in England. Sure they are extremely sarcastic and have a really dry sense of humor, but so do I! I almost felt like maybe my humor fit in a little bit better there. Toby, unfortunately, never really felt like he fit in. While many Americans, like myself, are always really excited to come across a Brit in the United States, apparently there are fewer of us than I thought! Toby felt like he would be applauded for his charm, yet found that Manhattanites were not really phased, or interested in the slightest, with his nationality.

Even if you haven't experienced the culture differences for yourself, this book is a great read. It all takes place in Manhattan and is a description of one hilarious anecdote after the next. Even though Toby describes himself as a total putz, you can't help but root for him the whole way through. I won't tell you how it ends though- that would ruin the whole thing! Do read it, its wonderful!

Monday, July 20, 2009

Justifying my deceptively healthy habit!

SELF magazine online posted this article that not only justifies having a coffee habit, but also whole-heartedly supports and encourages one!

in fact, it even says that my one daily cup isn't even enough! they say that even four cups is alright and actually good for you since it dramatically decreases your chance of getting many unpleasant diseases.

also, apparently its a good thing to drink coffee before exercising. it helps you work out longer and with more energy. i'd heard that before but wasn't sure how true it was. the key is to wait at least an hour after drinking the coffee to work out, or else you get those painful stomach cramps.

the only thing there is to worry about is drinking way too much, or drinking it late at night. what the article also stresses is the importance of paying attention to what you put in your coffee. If you put a lot of sugar and milk you are adding lots of extra unhealthy calories.

anyway, I LOVE COFFEE!

Sunday, July 19, 2009

cute camera bags!




I came across the link to some awesome camera bags!
Not only are these a lot less bulky and a lot more fashionable than the camera bag I bought at best buy, but there's a place for other valuables that women always need to carry around. The price is a little steep but it seems like a good idea!

(via A CUP Of JO)

Thursday, July 16, 2009

Jack's Mannequin- completely gratuitous picture posting






sorry guys, its been a long week in the cubicle and i just feel the need.

also, i just found out i'm set for life on jack's mannequin tickets :)

p.s. i took the middle two photos at his last show in Boston.

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

a dilemma

So, I have this little inconsequential situation.
I love cats, but I am severely allergic!
I decided to google hypoallergenic cats, and look what came up!
So, I am not sure what sort of sketchy maneuvering went on during the creation of these cats, but from what I can tell there has been some sort of genetic alteration that removes the dna which gives the cats the allergen in their sebaceous glands.
Look at these cute little guys!



I know some people may not support this sort of thing, but for people like me who love kittens but can't even be around them, this seems to be a great thing! I would love to some day have a place of my own and I would love to have a cat to come home to, and quite possibly even a puppy, which is an option, too. luckily i am not allergic to dogs, but in case i was allerca has a solution to the problem.

These cats are REALLY expensive, so I doubt I will be getting one anytime soon, but a girl can dream, right?

This one, however, kind of scares me, it grows up to 25 pounds in weight.



How do you guys feel about these allercats?

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

TOMs shoes

Thank You - TOMS Shoes

Shared via AddThis

I just ordered a pair of TOMs shoes. Not only are they super comfortable and very versatile, but for every pair that you buy a pair is given to a child in need. I got these:

Monday, July 13, 2009

browsing at work

i love etsy.com
i want pretty much everything on it, and i love the idea that everything is handmade.
i just found these earrings that are adorable



i'm a big fan of leaf and feather jewelry
etsy is definitely worth checking out- i bought a really pretty flower headband from one of the sellers.
if you order off of etsy there's a good chance no one you know will have the same thing as you!
originality for the win :)

Sunday, July 12, 2009

For all the photography geeks out there.

So I am kind of dying for a polaroid camera. just a simple one, like this one.



For all that I know, there's one hidden in all of my old trash in the basement, because i KNOW we used to have one. I definitely had one that used to print out stickers, which was pretty awesome.

Even so, my number one priority is to get a wide-angle lens for my sony DSLR. but I will definitely wait for my birthday for that since it's so darn expensive. it will be totally worth it though.

The one thing that's kind of ridiculous is that one container of polaroid film is more expensive than the camera itself!
observe here.

Something about polaroids photos look so unique and classic and they make everything look ten times more hip, yet dainty.

What else I really want to find and I haven't been able to find in the drugstores anymore is a black&white disposable camera. those pictures always come out so awesome for some reason, and i haven't been able to find one for the life of me. they used to be all over the place but i don't even think they make them anymore.

when i have more dispensable money i'll satisfy some of these cravings.

Re-doing my room

So since I am in New Jersey for a while and will probably be back for a bit once i graduate, I figured it was about time to do a little redecorating in my room. I am still just as in love with the paint color as I was when I got it after moving in back in 2001/2002. I added some red sheets with my comforter and kept my silver curtains, but I printed out a bunch of 8x10's of photos I've taken and also a bunch of 4x6's and hung them up in some cool frames.

here's a picture of the bed section- i am still working on the rest of the room.



Also, one other thing i am currently enjoying is my new straw hat from TJ maxx that was only 12.99 and came in handy at the beach. Here it is



happy summer! today was a beautiful day. i think im going to go back outside and keep reading.

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