Twenty Little Toes

Just Busy...

2010-08-05T17:49:00.001-04:00

I have been so caught up with life these days. It seems like snatching myself away even for a few minutes is impossible. I usually blogged when my boys took a nap, but lately they aren't the only ones napping around here :)
Some days I take upon the luxury of snoozing along by their side. On other days, I'm up nesting. I have an urge to get the house in order. This might be because of reasons other than the coming baby. I'm expecting house guests soon and they include my Mother-in-Law, who is flying down to help me with my two little chimps:)

On a completely different note, I am excited, absolutely thrilled, over the moon about this-

You can see my entry for "Urban" if you scroll down a bit.

Below is my entry for this week. The theme is "Animal Kingdom". I caught this handsome guy at a 17th century market fair that we went to a couple of weeks ago and decided to do a "portrait edit" for him:).

And yes, I would love to do a portrait for your poultry too:)

Here is the original picture.

I used GIMP to add a black texture in the background that I got from ShadowHouse Creations
Then I opened it in Photoscape
and adjusted the exposure, gamma bright.
I played around a little more with saturation and hue. OK, I'm sure you can tell that really don't remember the steps so accurately. Sorry about that. I did this a week ago and just didn't remember to jot it down.

Hop over to Karli's blog and check out other great edits:)

Color Splash Sunday

2010-08-02T15:29:00.000-04:00

This week, the theme for color splash sunday was "your choice". I had this picture that I edited last week and I thought it would be a perfect time to share it:.

Urban

2010-07-30T15:57:00.001-04:00

This week's Yellow House Challenge is hosted by Ashley from Ramblings and Photos.
In that honor I thought I'd share a series of photos from my albums.

New York, New York!

On a side walk in Orlando

Somewhere in DC

From over the Hudson River

From the Empire State Building

Somewhere in New York City

Times Square, through the sunroof

Streets of DC

I think this suits the theme the most. Nothing can be more urban than Times Square.

The last one is linked to Yellow House Photo Challenge.

Prickly Or Smooth?

2010-07-30T14:23:00.002-04:00

Last week I decided to enter a photo for Macro-Friday on Laura's blog. I had so much fun with the macro-shot that I clicked another one for this week. I went to her blog to post my link and found out that I had been picked as the winner!!
A big THANK YOU to Kalri from Bonnie5 for picking me as the winner for lasr weeks macro-friday.
Now here is this weeks entry.

Can anyone guess what it is?

More From The Botanical Garden

2010-07-28T08:06:00.000-04:00

Why Did I think

2010-07-27T16:28:00.000-04:00

That I would have this kind of trouble

Only with a girl.

Well, so much for that thought.
.
And, that color.

Touch-Up Tuesday

2010-07-27T15:31:00.001-04:00

I got a chance to go to a botanical garden last week. It was a lot of fun with the kids in tow. The three of us had a great time. I got this shot while I was there.

This is edit # 1

It's pretty simple. I opened it in Picasa (that is where all the photos that come out of the camera are usually stored)
- Tuned the lights, highlights and shadows
- Adjusted the color temperature to the warmer side
- Applied soft focus

This next one is an experiment and I think it came out pretty OK. I got inspired by some drastic editing *my own term but, you know what I mean:)* that I saw and was urged to try it out. Tell me what you think of it!

Now let's see if I can remember what I did. I used Photoscape for this
- I reduced the hue to -25
- Reduced the saturation to -43
- Increased the brightness and contrast
- I applied the photoscape diagonal-line texture
- Lastly, I chose the Note02 frame.

I Like That One!

2010-07-26T12:51:00.000-04:00

Jewelry at the Fair

Macro- Friday

2010-07-23T12:14:00.000-04:00

My sons love finding bugs and I love photographing them, we make a great team!

Expecting Mommy

2010-07-21T22:19:00.000-04:00

Now that I'm out of the closet with this pregnancy I can breath openly on my blog. It wasn't like I could hide it forever. Someday, the closet would have become very cramped for my growing belly.

So here are few fun facts
- I'm officially 23 weeks today. I know your eyes are wide open right now, I guess it is a slightly late announcement.
- It's a SINGLE baby. We had to get used to that fact that there is "only" one this time.
- Yes, I do have a belly. I like it better than a small baby bump. Atleast now I don't get urged to give explanations to strangers that I didn't have too much lunch.
- Yes. we know the gender, it's a g...b..., I think I'll save that for later! I'll let you guys guess a bit on this one:) Yeah, I know I'm cruel like that.
- Recent craving, dark chocolate

Ryad And Nael Have Been...

2010-07-20T12:55:00.002-04:00

waiting...

...and pondering

and thinking hard about the right time to tell you all...

                                                                                  ...that

                                               They are going to be Big Brothers!!!!

Can you believe it?! We couldn't when we heard and after the initial "surprise" phase we are ready to welcome a new one into our family with arms wide open! I'll shed the details over the following posts.

Fix-It Friday

2010-07-09T13:20:00.000-04:00

This will be my first Fix-It Friday attempt. I think the picture given this week has so much potential and I'm excited to show you what I did with it! Do take some time to give me your honest feedback, I would really appreciate it:)

Here goes..

The original-

I opened it in Picasa. I tuned the brightness, highlights and shadows till I saw what I liked, added some warmth, some glow and a vignette. Then I took it over to Photoscape and added the circular frame and this is what I got -

Edit # 1

Edit # 2

I brightened it and increased highlights by a wee bit. I opened this one in Gimp and used SracthBox4 layer at 60% opacity.

Eidt # 3

This one was a new experiment. Although I have to say it turned out interestingly different from what I was achieving to do. I opened it in Photocsape to lower the saturation, brightness and color. Then I decreased the backlight by 40%, added middle bloom, added a vignette and finished off by adding a circular frame!

A Swim In Colors

2010-07-08T13:11:00.003-04:00

Both my boys love balls of all shapes, sizes and colors (don't all boys do?).

The original picture is this one down here :)

A Visitor

2010-07-08T12:09:00.001-04:00

I have no idea what this critter is called, but today, nap time was postponed because of it

Getting comfy on the balcony furniture

Hmm, not the prettiest pair of eyes I've seen but, my boys were fascinated.

Mommy Still Has To Learn A Thing Or Two

2010-07-07T17:47:00.001-04:00

It's moments like these that make you realize that it takes simple things to win a child's heart.
I was racking my brain the whole week on which new toy to buy for the kids.
I wanted something that was not very expensive (since they outgrow their toys faster than they outgrow clothes) but that would still keep them engaged (preferably for hours).
Something that was fun but didn't require my supervision.
I wanted something they could play together and not necessarily have to take turns while playing.

And then I saw them happily playing like this -

Used Paper Napkins. Have you bought your kid one yet?

Now that's Mommy's kind of recycling.

Challenge Me This, Challenge Me That

2010-07-06T17:31:00.002-04:00

I have been busy with life lately and haven't been able to read or comment on the blogs I love.
I decided to do an edit and enter into a few of my favorite blog hops.

Here is the SOOC (meaning, Straight Out Of The Camera) shot -

Edit# 1

I used good ol Picassa for this, nothing fancy-shmancy. Increased the brightness, tuned the highlights and the shadows. Increased saturation, splashed the URL and done!

Edit# 2

Exported the first edit into Gimp and applied selective coloring.

Edit# 3

Used the first edit and layered it with antique layer.

All of the above are a part of Karli's

Show off your creative editing and learn how others do theirs!

Edit# 2 is a part of Amy'sLove selective coloring? Enter yours and check out the other entries.

Edit# 2 is also a part of This week's theme is selective coloring with B&W or sepia.

Which one do you like the best?

Whew!

2010-07-06T12:48:00.033-04:00

What a week!
Holidays were always fun before we had kids. We would relax, read a book or two and also find time to travel or even get pending work done.
Life was moving in slow motion before our twin boys came along some 19 months ago. It seemed as if we had all the time in the world (actually we did have all the time in the world!)

With kids, we live life is in a time lapse. We try and do all that we did before and more.
Life moves fast, even faster when you have kids.
That is why we don't miss any opportunity to have fun!
I'm sure none of you missed that oppurtunity did this past 4th of July.
What did you do? I would love to hear how you spent your three(or even more!) fabulous days.

We made our way to DC to see the fireworks against the patriotic backdrop of the Capitol Hill and the White House.
We were super lucky to find a good parking spot. Parking on a normal day in DC is a pain and more so on the day when the so many tourists flock the city.

We reached the lawns of the Monument around 8:30

We hung around. Smiled a little, played a little.

Soon found a good spot. Settled down and waited on the sunset and for the show to begin.

Ryad and Nael loved all the bright colors in the sky. Ryad even raised a toast with his milk bottle.

More sights from DC

Two More Awards !!

2010-07-01T12:05:00.001-04:00

OK, I can really get used to this! I love it when somebody thinks of me while passing on a blog award. Initially I thought nothing of it but slowly I realized how simple and sweet the emotions behind it really are.
It's no big competition that you've won but just a sweet message from a fellow blogger that you really appreciate what they post.
So Thank You so much to

Mama Hen from Mama's Little Chick for passing me on this award. She loves being a mom to the cutest little girl. Do check out her cute blog.

& Becky from Our peaceful home for passing me on this. This one was a pleasant surprise!

Now comes the part I love. This is where I get to tell a few bloggers that I truly love what they do with their blog-

I would like to pass the Cherry On Top Award to

Melissa from 4 Ladies and a Patient Man - I love, love love her photography. She is an inspiration!
Sara from Unofficial Mom - From discussions on adoption to stories and pictures of her cute baby. Love visiting her blog.
Chelsey from Paper Mama- There is always something happening over at her blog. Check out her blog for cool photo challenges.
Heather from Our Life In a Click - A blog I've recently started following. I love that she offers variety on her blog. Every time I visit there is something to new to read.

& the Versatile Blogger Award to-

Jeremi from Ella and Zoe - Her twin girls are too adorable for words and her blog revolves around her life with them.
Natalie from Mommy of a Monster and Infant Twins- Amazing writer, I truly enjoy reading her posts. If you decide to make a visit you will not be disappointed.

Secret MomThoughts - A blog that I've started following recently. A SAHM who has a beautiful family. Check out her project 365!
Congratulations everyone. You guys are super, keep blogging!!

Yellow

2010-07-01T10:40:00.001-04:00

Splash of Summer

2010-06-30T19:01:00.000-04:00

I took the boys out for a walk around the neighborhood and we happily felt summer descend on us.

We passed the pool which was filled with laughter.
We passed blossomed rows of flowers while little critters were making the most of the blooms.
We passed fountains, four of them!
We passed green grass drenched with sunlight.

We played with the flowers

Got down and observed nature

Got a few ugly stares that reminded us to mind our own business

Stretched our hands...

and felt a little Splash!

The last picture is a part of Skinned Knees Photo Challenge.

Touch up Tuesday

2010-06-29T12:08:00.000-04:00

Lately, I've been itching to do something new. The past week was kinda crazy and I just couldn't find the time to broaden my photographic horizons. I've finally managed to try something I've never done before, playing with backgrounds!
I used Gimp and Photoscape for both the edits
Which one do you think is better?

This is the original picture.

Edit # 1

Edit # 2

Summer Fun

2010-06-28T12:58:00.001-04:00

The smell of the warm, buttery popcorn
The shrieks from the roller coaster that just turned upside down

The encouraging cheers from the game stands where someone is trying to win a stuffed toy for their loved one
The contended smiles at the smooth spinning carousel
The long lines made in anticipation of a fun time
The hustle and bustle to see the exotic jewelery up for sale
That is the town festival that we took Ryad and Nael to a few weeks ago. It's our town's way to welcome summer and good times that are to come.

I'll have to admit that the lines were long (don't all lines seems longer when you are with kids??) and the boys soon got exhausted. We didn't even get a chance to use all the tickets we bought. We chucked the thrill rides in favor of the kiddy rides, where one parent gets to ride or free with one kid. That way all four of got a chance to ride together. It didn't swing and sway as much as the roller coaster but I have to say that, the sweet smiles that looked up at us made it as thrilling.

The Ferris Wheel was the only "big ride " in which we all could sit together. I had a blast just looking at thei kids' preciously curious faces :)

I just love the carnival food!! Ryad and Nael seemed frazzled by the "fluffy pink stuff" when they were offered their very first cotton cand.

In the end we went home tired and ready for a long family nap. This post is linked to Mama Hen's Cherished Moment Monday!!

Now for this :

Thank You to Wasabi Mom and Mama Hen for passing me on these awards respectively.

I like the sound of that!!

Yeah Baby!!

As a part of the deal I get to share 5 things about me with you guys. Bear with me a little more. I'll try not to bore you to death.

I majored in English Literature.
There was a time I was very active in theater and singing.
I love belly dancing and have taken formal classes for it.
I love pickles, even when I'm not pregnant!
Before I started this blog I had hoped to start a food blog. I still hope I'll be able to do that soon.

Now for the drum roll. Not for me, but these awesome bloggers who I'm passing the award to .
I pass The Versatile Blogger award to

LeAnna from Thoughts and Whatnots
DASH Photography
Sovina from Wedding On The Cards
Dr Mom from Confessions Of A Dr Mom
Mama Hen from Mama's Little Chick

I pass the Your Going Places Baby award to

Wasabi Mom from 1Wasabi Mommy
Karli from The Bonnie 5
Tanvi from The fabulous Life of Not-So-Rich And Infamous
Colette From Jamerican Spice
Summur from Braley Mama

Color Splash Sunday - How People Enjoy Food

2010-06-27T07:33:00.000-04:00

This week's theme at CSS was picked out by moi! So, it had to be something related to food ;). I really enjoy my breakfast. Which I almost always have to share with my twin boys {or do they share it with me?}.
The three of us snuggle into a chair and enjoy this bowl of Honey Nut Cheerios every morning.

A big thanks to Katie from Desperate for Coffee for the inspiration for this photo :)

ThanksgivingThursdays

2010-06-24T17:54:00.001-04:00

My sweet bloggy friend, Mama Hen is hosting Thanksgiving Thursdays. She blogs about real things that are close to her heart. I visit her blog almost everyday because I get inspired reading what she writes :)
Now, she is inspiring everyone to count their blessings. Not only count, but make a list and put it on their blogs!
So here goes me -

1. I'm thankful for my family:) I don't know what I'd without them.
2. I'm thankful for the Internet. How did people live in the 80s?
3. I'm thankful for my camera, a gift from my hubby, it helps me capture so many beautiful moments of my kids, as they grow.
4. I'm thankful for Mother Nature. Her beauty nurtures our souls. So lets strive to preserve her.
5. I'm thankful for my red recipe book, filled with family recipes. I just wish I used it more often lately.

So that's all from me. Head over to Mama Hen's for more Thanksgivings:)

Ten Things and a Touch Up

2010-06-23T17:09:00.001-04:00

My bloggy friend Tanvi tagged me in her post where I get to talk about 10 things that turn me off. Goody, here goes.

1. People who can't decide on their priorities

2. "Copy & paste" comments

3. Slow Computers. I've got to deal with this a lot lately. I mean they are s---l---o---w.

4. Absence of a dislike button on Facebook :)

5. Lack of self respect and also over confidence. Both extremes turn me off.

6. Over-competitive and nosy relatives

7. Double standards

8. Some of the clothes people wear during summer. Please guys, nobody needs to see..um, all of that!

9. Lyrics in some of the pop songs these days! Sheesh! can we keep things a wee bit more creative?!

10. Lastly, when I run an errand at the local CVS just before dinner and the smell of the no-good-for-your-heart-and-mind-but-oh-so-tempting-junk food from McDonald's fills the air spanning the entire zip code!

Now for the touch-up Tuesday pictures (don't check your calendars, I know it's Wednesday. Does the "I have twin toddlers" excuse still apply?)

This is the SOOC. I took this close to sunset, so, not so much of great light.

Here is the color-splashed version

Happy summer!!