Jijie Forsythe

Cute Outfits I Got from Amazon Vine Voice!

2023-07-10T18:10:00.002-04:00

The midriff show convertible dress.

This is a cute summer night dress, it shows some skin but still cute. Material is linen. The upper half ties to the skirt. you can also wear the skirt with another top if you wish to.

Shop the dress here!

The feminine dress.

I love how this dress hugs my curves. The color is also beautiful. Very simple, classy, elegant and oh so feminine. Great dress for a date!

Shop the dress here!

The adorable plaid.

This dress is really adorable! Cute for just walking around to shop, very forgiving and a lot of stretch if you are going out to eat or going to a picnic or a bbq at a friend's backyard!

Shop the dress here!

The rust stunner.

I wore this to church yesterday and someone came up to me (I am new to the church) and told me my dress is stunning and I look stunning. She said it more than once and went out of her way just to tell me that my dress is beautiful when I got up to leave.

Shop the dress here

The most flattering bodycon dress.

I am not one to wear bodycon dresses because I am chunky and I have rolls that are very visible if I wear tight clothes. This really hides the rolls. If you get this in black, even better. This was the only color available for me to choose from.

Shop the dress here

The cutest overalls.

I wore this to a work training a couple of weeks ago and several people from the class asked me where I got them because they are cute! The color is more yellow in person and also longer if you are 5'2" like me, but it shrinks so don't worry if you think it's too big at first, I thought the same too.

Shop the dress here!

That's all I have for now. I will be back for more cute things to share with you! Hope you enjoy them if you decide to purchase them!

ABBE Glasses Review

2020-09-21T20:02:00.002-04:00

Are you curious about ABBE Glasses? I was too. Then they sent me one to try for myself!

I love the pair I picked -- except for the fact that they are a bit snug around the temple area because I didn't check the width. Something to always consider when buying online. But I love this style so much. A little more grown up.

I got the pair called SAVVY which come in black or silver. I got the silver.

These don't hit my cheeks when I smile either, just like the Firmoo pair. This is always a problem when I choose glasses.

Buying online is also very convenient. Even if I take hours browsing, I will not have people waiting for me to be done.

The anti-glare coating really allow people to see my eyes behind the glasses too, which I like especially because I like to wear eye makeup.

They are really lightweight but not too flimsy either. I think quality is good. I am person who shops at Walmart, so if you're a fancy one, you might be complaining. LOL.

This is my first pair from them and will definitely consider buying in the future.

Overall they're great value for the money. Just make sure you are careful in choosing the width of the frame.

When you go to your doctor for your prescription, make sure you ask for you PD (pupil distance), they won't give it to you if you don't ask.

If you want to try them try the BOGO offer they have here: https://www.abbeglasses.com/glasses/free-eyeglasses.html

Here's a video of it on my channel.

I hope you find this helpful!

Jijie

Reasons Why I love Firmoo

2020-09-09T18:08:00.001-04:00

Hi, my name is Jijie, filipino, with high cheekbones with love for affordable things that are fashionable as well.

One of the hardest things to shop for me are my eyeglasses because of my high cheekbones and my constant hunt for a better deal.

Then Firmoo came along --- the online eyeglasses store that solved this for me!

Let me tell you why I love Firmoo.

1. AFFORDABLE

They really are affordable! You really can check out at under $50, unlike the other ones I have seen. You start off very low and yet after all the add-ons, you will pay almost $100 at checkout!

2. CONVENIENT

I love the convenience of just browsing through all their eyeglasses and being able to filter them to the style and shape that I want so it narrows down the choices. Although I must admit, it is still a LOT to choose from but for me it's not as high of a pressure because I don't have to choose it right there and then, I can leave it in my cart and come back to it to see if I still like them. Also, I don't have to go to the store, I love being able to shop online!

3. TRENDY STYLES

They have trendy styles, but they also have the classic traditional style for those who like to keep it low key. So many to choose from!!!!

4. MY CHEEKBONES LOVE THEM

Yes, you have to carefully choose to make sure that the pair you choose will not be touching your cheekbones. Based on experience, the big frames with the nose pads usually are a good choice for me even when they are huge! The only time I have gotten a pair that hit my cheeks was 2 pairs ago, which they replaced for me when I emailed and complained about it. They promptly told me to choose a different style.

A lot of people will say they are cheaply made and no good, I say they are not bad at all for the price you pay. If you are not hard on your things -- that is you don't throw your glasses around and sit on them accidentally all the time or throw them around or adjust them like a mad person, they will last!

I have owned several pairs from them. I have not owned one that broke from normal use except for the very first pair that I got (I didn't know what to expect, I bent the nose pads so many times from adjusting that they snapped off, now I know not to do that again). By the way, they replaced them as soon as I sent an email that the nose pads broke while adjusting.

Overall, I have very good opinions about Firmoo. They have a good customer service -- that is the best thing. They won't think twice to replace a pair if they broke, based on my experience. And I ALWAYS get compliments about how cute my glasses are!

ADDITIONAL INFO:

If you plan to buy from them -- when you go to get your eyes checked for prescription, make sure you request to get your PD (PUPIL DISTANCE) because they won't give it to you unless you ask for it. Some even would have you pay for PD because they know the reason why you want your PD is because you will buy eyeglasses online.

If you would like to purchase from them they are offering A FREE PAIR EXCLUSIVELY FOR NEW CUSTOMERS ONLY, just use the code AUFFF.

✘ This deal includes one hot frame & single vision 1.50 lenses; shipping fee is needed. Upgraded lenses will cost an extra fee.

✘ One pair per person. Item number for my frames

Visit Firmoo or purchase here: https://www.firmoo.com or https://bit.ly/2U80c3x

#eyeglassesfashion #eyeweardesign #vintageeyeglasses

How to Keep Plants Watered While on Vacation!

2019-12-23T08:33:00.005-05:00

If you are a plant lover, going away on a vacation that is longer than 1 week is a torture when you think about how to keep your plants watered while you are away.

I went online and searched for video tutorials on this topic and could not find any that actually walked me through the process, what strings or ropes to use, how to place the ropes or position the plants. I saw a lot of pictures and diagrams but nobody showed it -- someone who actually tried it.

So I did it. And I decided to share on my vlog to be helpful.

This was a first for me, so I didn't expect everything to be perfect, there were some things to be learned.

What I found was:

1. If you use natural fiber ropes, it will soak up and over water your plants. Therefore: use natural fiber for thirsty plants and use Nylon for plants that don't like a lot of water.

2. You do not need a big pot of water. Put just enough water (however much you would need for a normal watering session.

3. Still on the fence on this -- I need to try this: Do not elevate water pot to avoid over-watering.

Here is the video I shared on my Youtube Channel. I hope you learn from it. And I can't wait to do it again on my next vacation. Don't forget to read the comments, some people have shared some valuable thoughts that will help you.

Jeulia Ring Review

2019-07-30T14:49:00.002-04:00

I was delighted when Jeulia contacted me asking if a collaboration was possible. I said yes with a smile! Of course, I was already a big Jeulia fan on Instagram and have been browsing through their site and choosing which ring I wanted when I'm ready! The email was a nice surprise.

Here are some photos I took of the ring and also a video review for you to watch.

I love the ring I received despite the size of it -- I prefer a smaller stone but still in love with the rings.

The ring is made with sterling silver. Cushion shape, 2.65 ct in weight and 7mm in size. Made with man-made white sapphire (or the Jeulia stone). I would say I was hesitant about the quality, particularly about the stones falling off after a few washes but they held up pretty well! And no, this is not a "vacation ring", this is an everyday ring for me.

It is a set of a wedding band and an engagement ring. The dainty wedding band goes in the middle. I don't own a diamond ring, but I am rocking this ring set like I own one, because to be honest I will never buy a real diamond ring. And I honestly don't mind the size anymore.

I have been wearing it everyday and no stone fell off. Beautiful and sparkly until now.

Well, because of how happy I am, I am sharing this on my blog. I have never shared a product review on my blog before. Be sure to check out the video, I talk more in-depth in the video about my thoughts about this set. I really hope my video helps you.

In case you need a discount, USE MY CODE: JIJIEZN15 and get 15% off your purchase!

Jeulia provided me with a code for my readers or followers to use. It's an affiliate code, you don't have to use it if you don't want to. I get a little commission if you checkout using the code.

I would appreciate your feedback, let me know if this was helpful to you.

Link to Jeulia's website
Jeulia Double Halo Cushion Cut Sterling Silver Ring Set:

xo
Jijie

#honestjeuliaringreview #jeuliaringreview #jeuliajewelry #affordableweddingrings #whitesapphirering #cushioncutring

Ambassador Program Scam on Instagram

2019-07-10T11:22:00.001-04:00

I have had a conversation about this with a few of close Instagram friends. And I feel I need to write about this.

I have been telling them don't fall for it, IT IS A SCAM.

If you are a micro influencer, you will be flooded with "Ambassadors Needed" ads on Instagram stories and posts. That's probably the reason why you are searching the web aboutthis. I did the same.

The first Ambassador Ad that I clicked on was a TESLA watch. The watch was said to be $300 USD if you bought it, but if you apply to be an Ambassador, you will get the watch 100% free using a discount code they provide you upon acceptance.

I went through the whole process, applied and got accepted the same day. They hype you like you are privileged to make it into the program.

Sounds really good right? Well, except when you check out you get hit by the $20 USD shipping charge! For a watch that weighs a few grams, you are charging me $20?!

This was the reason why I started my research and clicked on all the "Ambassadors Needed" ads I saw on Instagram and found the same pattern. You will get a code and you will pay a hefty shipping charge. Or get 70% off as an Ambassador, but the price usually costs too high for the products they sell -- almost 10 times higher. These are products you can find on AlieExpress or Wish for less than $5 USD!

This is what the Tesla site looks like now.

They shut it down and probably moved on to a different product and brand because this was found to be a scam.

My advice:

As small influencers, we do like that title of being a Brand Ambassador, it sounds good to know that a brand is willing to work with us knowing how small we are. They know this! So they target people like us. The money maker is not you promoting the brand, it is YOU PAYING FOR THAT SHIPPING, because I guarantee you those products costs $5 dollars in China.

My rule of thumb is:

Do not pay for shipping or even 10% of the price tag. If the company wants you to promote their products, they will send it with no obligation except for you talking about it or unboxing it.

I hope this helps you.

xo
Jijie

A Succulent Story

2019-06-22T00:04:00.001-04:00

I have not written anything in a while, I just wanted to say hello if anybody's following.

Last week my cactus died. I was watering my plants and noticed that it was leaning too much so I took it to the kitchen to check the roots, and sure enough, it had rotted. I was sad, I shed tears for the cactus, I had it for 6 years!

My dear husband came home from the grocery store that weekend with this beautiful one yellow cactus to replace the one that died. It's gorgeous.

Anyways, I just wanted to tell that story because I wanted to write something. I have been trying to hold back on the watering because that's how I kill them.

Hope you have a wonderful weekend!

xo

Jijie

Hermit's Cove, Aloguinsan Cebu, Philippines Review

2017-10-26T18:39:00.000-04:00

First of all, I will show you photos of this place that I took. If you stumbled upon or are reading this post, you must be looking for a review about this place, so I will give you my thoughts about this place. It's not my intention to persuade anybody one way or another, it is just to help those who are undecided about whether or not they should visit this place.

If you would like to use any of these photos, please contact me. Do not use without permission. Or purchase them through Twenty20

cottages. more like tables and a bamboo bench. it is tight in there.

right end of the beach while standing in front of the cottages

left end of the beach and the 82 steps coming down

right end of the beach

I'm hoping you made it this far. With all those beautiful photos, I would like to tell you, do not let the photos fool you. I like my photos to look good, I work on them to make them look like so.

Onto my thoughts.....

1. This is a government program of some sort.

The workers are residents of the area which I think is a good source of livelihood for the people here. They will give you an orientation of some sort if you're there for the first time. And you can't take anything with you (like corals).

2. It will cost you 100PHP/head and 5PHP per bucket of water you use. (As of Sept 2017).

We went under the impression that it will cost 20 pesos per person, because of word of mouth (without knowing that they went ages ago). Anyway, this 100 per person, you will be assigned a cottage (in photo), with no additional charge.

3. It is quite a hike going to and from the beach area.

Photo included -- they say it's 82 steps. This is not too bad if you're going down and you didn't bring a lot of stuff with you. They will help you carry stuff to and from the cottage but you will get winded out. By the time we got in our vehicle, I said "never again".

4. There are dogs, a lot of them -- and they want food.

I didn't think to take photos of them because I was annoyed by that fact. The staff tries to scare them away but they still come back.

5. They will cook or grill for you at a charge.

The lady told us 150/kilo of meat that you let them cook.

6. Low tide will be a bad day to go.

We went blindly and did not even check tide levels online. Well, we unfortunately went during a low tide -- pretty much all day. The water will be super low, you will not be able to swim, you will be crawling around, you will hit your knees with rocks and corals.

7. This is a very small beach.

Aside from it being too small, you are not allowed to swim outside the Styrofoam floaters that serve as markers. If you go beyond it, they have a megaphone and will call your attention.

Conclusion and Recommendation:

1. I would recommend go as light as possible. Take disposable plates, cups and utensils so you don't have to carry them up on your way home, because I'm telling you -- you will complain.

2. Check and make sure you go on a high tide because it's not worth the distance if you just end up crawling around instead of swimming.

3. Not good for older people because of the steps. For teenager and young people, yes.

4. I don't like paying 5 pesos for a bucket of water.

6. Between the distance, the water and the price of water, I would choose black sand over a white sand any day.

Thank you for reading. I hope you enjoy it if you do go. Have fun!

My Journey to American Citizenship (K1)

2017-04-27T15:35:00.002-04:00

The little tiny flag they gave us after we took the oath.

First off, I came to the United States on a K1 (fiancee) visa and became a citizen on March 20th this year. I have included a video of this experience (at the end this post) basically just talking about things that happened and my experience as a whole. Please feel free to ask any questions.

Here are a few photos of the oath taking day, which is the official day that you become a citizen. You cannot claim to be a citizen until after you take the oath; even if you passed the interview and the test. You are not a citizen until after the oath and after you have given up your green card and received your naturalization certificate.

Also, while everything was being checked out (as far as the spelling of the names on the certificate, that you have to proof read to make sure everything is spelled correctly), only the applicants were allowed in the room, but as soon as everything was set and ready the families were allowed inside the room. It was a big crowd so the families had to stand. You will be allowed to record and take pictures all you want, you can move around and stuff to make sure you get good shots. My husband took these pictures.

Here is my timeline:

K1 Visa to Permanent Residency Timeline

May 2009 -- K1 visa petition filed *we were notified the same month that it was received

September 2009 -- Petition was approved notice received
November 2009 -- Interview appointment (also got my medical done same trip to Manila)

December 2009 -- I arrived in the United States

January 2010 -- Application for Employment Authorization and Adjustment of status filed

February 2010 -- Biometrics appointment

April 2010 -- Permanent Residence Application was approved (2 year green card received)

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I-751 (Conditional Residency Conditions Removal) Timeline

January 2012 -- Application to remove conditional residency filed (I-751)

* (less than a week later) we got a notice of extension of residency while waiting for the results.

February 2012 -- Biometrics appointment

October 2012 -- Request for removal of conditions approved (received 10 year green card)

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

N-400 Application for Naturalization Timeline

July 2016 -- Application for Naturalization/Citizenship filed

August 2016 -- Biometrics appointment

February 2017 -- Naturalization/Citizenship interview

March 2017 -- Oath taking ceremony

You do not take the Oath by yourself, you will take the oath with many other people who are also scheduled to do it. Approximately took about 45 minutes to an hour. It would differ from office to office but the USCIS Mount Laurel location does same-day oath taking, the will ask you if you want to take the oath the same day -- 3:00 PM everyday is their schedule.

I hope this was helpful to you guys, and if you have questions, please ask away. I'll be happy to answer them.

Check out the video if you don't mind me blabbering about it.

Homemaker: Manager of my Home

2017-04-22T14:46:00.000-04:00

I just stay at home.

This is my usual response every time someone asks me what I do. This happens every time I meet someone new. This question always comes up: What do you do? My answer is always: I stay at home, I just stay at home -- those two are my options.

I have been thinking about it lately, why do I feel uncomfortable every time I get asked this question? Why do I feel that I am supposed to be doing something else other than stay home and take care of my home? Could I just be feeling the pressure that all other wives are busy running errands, taking care of children and working outside the home at the same time? The answer is yes. I feel that people who ask me this question want a different answer and would then tell me "Don't you get bored?" or "I can't do, I would go insane".

I STAY AT HOME... AND I LOVE IT! EVERY MINUTE OF IT.

I am a homebody.
Even back in the Philippines, before I got married and was working, I enjoyed every minute of just being home, I loved taking my time to do my chores whether it's cleaning or cooking or organizing. I am homebody. I get drained so easily being around chaos and noise outside my home.

I have lived both.

I have tried working part time, nothing big or corporate, just something I tried to get me out of the house a few times a week. Did I like it? At first. But when the excitement was gone and I hated getting up a certain time in the morning so I could get to work on time and having to take care of my home when I get home was such a chore. All the more it proved to me that I wanted to just stay at home and take care of my own.

What I learned:

My desire to work was not because I wanted to, it was because I wanted to tell people that "I work at/for so and so if and when I get the question "what do you do?". In reality, I love being home. I love having this much time to myself. I love being able to study, learn anything I want to and take care of my home at my own pace. Believe it or not, I am not bored at home. I feel like I don't have enough time during the day!

I did fight my husband many times because I insisted that I needed to work because I needed something to do, that I was bored and all other things I could think of but when I did finally get it, I was miserable because it really was not what I wanted to do or what my husband wanted me to do.

I am a keeper of my home. A Homemaker. I am proud to be, it a beautiful thing, a calling.

While I am home with no children to take care of I also need to be careful that I am accountable to God for how use my time alone. I need to manage and take of my home and grow not just spiritually but also in other areas of my life -- developing a skill and studying to better myself in the things that I love doing.

"She watches over the affairs of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness."
Proverbs 31:27

I hope you enjoyed this and that I have encouraged you if you are someone struggling with the same feelings. I have resolved to say with confidence that I do manage my home. Hope you will too.

How I Make Money Online

2017-04-01T21:03:00.004-04:00

Nobody likes to read a book online anymore, so I will get to the point. I make a little online, and here are the things I do.

These are sites that actually paid me. I am an Android user.

Disclaimer: This won't make you rich but you will have something to look forward to and help you save so you could buy that eyeshadow palette or foundation that you have been wanting to buy but can't justify the cost. Here it goes.

Click on names -- they are links.

1. Google Opinion Rewards (you could only spend within the apps store)

Download the app, you will be notified if there are surveys available (very short surveys, 7 questions at most and you get rewarded. This is good if you like buying apps.

2. Swagbucks (this pays with store gift cards or paypal)

This is a paid-to-click site. They have a whole bunch of activities you can do to earn SB's or swagbucks. 100 sb is equivalent to $1. I find you qualify more in the surveys if you have children. There is also a mobile version, where you could watch videos and earn up to 500 sb per day.

3. Gifthulk (pays with store gift cards or paypal)

This works the same as Swagbucks. I only play Guess the Card everyday and it adds up after a while. I don't redeem as often as I do with Swagbucks.

4. Inbox Dollars (pays with Tango that you can then use to buy store gift cards)

Similar to Swagbucks and Gifthulk, this site is also paid to click. I only do the paid email. They send an email and you click the pink Confirm button and you get 2 cents. I get about 4 emails everyday, which accumulates after a while and all I have to do is click. The key is not giving up. It feels pretty sweet when you get that 30 dollars.

5. National Consumer Panel/NCP (pays with store gift cards starting at $25)

You scan anything you buy and transmit once a week. If you don't have a smart phone, they will send you a scanner so that you can scan, otherwise you will use an app to scan everything to buy. The more you transmit the higher your score is and the more points you make.

6. Microsoft/Bing Rewards (pays with gift cards)

Sign up, use Bing instead of Google to search and you get rewarded. There is also an app that you can download that lets you earn more. There is a daily limit on how much you can make everyday but if you already do search, why not get rewarded for it?

7. Job Spotter (pays with amazon gift card)

Download this app on your phone. Simply take pictures of any Hiring or Help Wanted sign. Make sure it's legible and not blurry, submit. If it gets approved after they verify that they are indeed hiring, then you get 50 cents for every submission. Pretty cool, right? I made about 15 dollars while walking in the mall with this app. This app is owned by indeed.com.

8. Smart Panel (pays with amazon gift card or paypal)

This is the easiest one for me. Download Smart App on your phone and to one other device that you have to qualify. This doesn't bother me, it runs in the background. You get a sign-up bonus and 5 dollars for every month that this app is installed. It collects data on your online behavior and activities. I only have this on my computer that don't have any information that are not sensitive.

9. Cross Media Panel (pays with store gift cards)

This is owned by google. It works the same way as Smart Panel but does not require to be installed on two devices to qualify, you can have just one device. You make 1 dollar per week per device and you can have up to 3 devices.

10. Twenty20 (pays with paypal)

I saved this for last, just because this where I make the most. This is a crowdsourced mobile stock photography site. You upload your pictures and you get paid if your photos sell. If you want your photos to sell I recommend you really take good quality pictures that are in demand. You can use your phone to take pictures or use a nice camera. Photos with people or hands in them do best on this site.

Thanks for reading, I hope you enjoyed this and would try them as well. Hope this was helpful.

Here's my youtube video about it if you would rather hear me talk. But they are pretty much the same.

xoxo Jijie

The Ark Encounter by AIG

2016-10-12T20:30:00.001-04:00

3 Months In on A-photo-a-day Challenge

2016-09-02T16:33:00.001-04:00

It's been a while since I last posted. This a look-back post for my photo a day challenge. I have been learning a lot, making friends and falling in love with this art even more. So, I am just going to share with you 3 photos of collages from the months of June, July and August.

I play by the rules of the challenge: which is to take a photo a day, because my goal is to improve and to practice, I have disciplined myself to take a photo a day and not pull up photos I have taken many years ago. Although, a couple of days here and there, I would have to do a throwback, 99% of these photos are my clicks everyday since June.

Here's my June:

With a couple of throwbacks. Looking at it, I am not that happy about my color choices during this month. Too many browns for my liking, but I hope to improve and make conscious choices when I shoot.

July:

I love this month! My colors are pretty and filled with whites. It's easy on the eyes.

August:

I tried a few things this month. This collage does not include the photos I have taken with my mobile phone or the throwbacks. Generally, still a few shots here and there that doesn't reflect how I want to shoot, but I am getting there.

Come join me on Instagram if you are interested in photography and would like a community of great photographers doing the same thing. Link should be on the top right corner.

Thank you for reading!

xo Jijie

Just Because

2016-08-17T22:59:00.001-04:00

I put this together a couple of months back, and I just thought I'd share it outside of facebook. This is one of my favorite songs, I did not sing it perfectly, but hope you enjoy it.

How I Edit My Photos For Instagram

2016-06-30T15:44:00.001-04:00

Yeah baby, that's my phone, I know she's a beauty. LOL. I bought it for the camera.

Firstly, I am an Android user (Droid Turbo) cause I'm cool like that, I use a canon 5D Mark III on days that I am not out running around or if I feel like bruising my neck during my long walks. Today, I am sharing exclusively about the photos that I take with my Canon, and share with you the steps I do to get them to Instagram. Follow along, hopefully you will learn a thing or two that you can apply in yours.

Please note, I don't use instagram filters because it will mess up my white background/border.

And make sure: Your photo crop dimensions are the same every single time: always crop to the original dimensions. If you are taking photos with your phone, you will then have to resize them to 6:4 ratio (because my phone takes wide screen and it took me a while to figure out the dslr crop original ratio. I know it's sad! Don't even talk to me about it) to copy the dslr original crop ratio.

Shooting
I learned not too long ago: the trick to having a sleek, clean, crisp looking IG feed is color coordination and uniformity. So, as much as possible, AGAIN --- IF possible, I try to shoot with white background, or clip my backgrounds so it appears white, I know it's a no-no to lose details, but I like it. It's my style. I like to overexpose.

I stay away from shooting portrait style, because I don't like how it looks on my feed with the other photos. I still do it, but every time I go through my feed I get the urge to delete. EEERRRR... But, you do you.

Editing
I edit in Lightroom, and tweak the lighting and contrast to suit my taste, I don't use presets, but I try to be consistent. I watermark my photos upon exporting.

Pre-posting Prep
We all know Instagram is only for mobile devices, so I email the photo to myself -- I use gmail because it allows for bigger file size, then I download it to my phone. Now I can take it to the app I use to fit the square!

App

Android: Square Droid (there's a lot of apps for IOS out there, so if you are using iPhone, you have so many options, good for you! You go girl!).

After downloading the photo, I then open on squaredroid, resize it to 95%, change border to plain white. (The app automatically detects colors in the photo and selects one to use as border, but I want my feed to look clean, so I use white, the same white every single time, and the same percentage (remember it so you don't have to figure it out the next time you do it). And then post it to instagram!

To recap the steps: shoot, edit, watermark, send, download, resize and and pick border color and you're ready to post.

Now, I can post on IG quick. It used to take my about 20 minutes to figure out how what I used on the previous one, until I figured out why and they don't match.

I hope this helps you and that I was understandable. I don't know anymore, sometimes my husband doesn't understand me. So I question my English sometimes. LOL.

Alright bye! Let me know you were here, talk to me! I like talking to you guys, girls, child...

See you when I come up with something again. Ciao!

XO

Jijie

How Photo A Day Helped Me Improve

2016-05-03T12:13:00.001-04:00

Yes, I finished the month of April, I started out strong but some days I was just not feeling the process and everything I have to do to get one shot to share, and thought to myself "there's no contract, I don't have to do this, I will quit. But no, I didn't quit, I finished the month! Yay!

The challenge of taking a well thought out subject that fits the prompt, adding a few elements here and there to make the composition not look like a snap I took in a hurry with my phone without much planning is one of the things I really struggle with, to the point where I took about a hundred photos just to get one that really made me happy. Therefore, this photo-a-day has turned into a stressful hobby instead of something I enjoy.

So, this month, my plan of action is to read and be familiar with the prompts. I have printed a blank calendar that will go on my fridge, and I will brainstorm ahead of time. As far as the execution of the plan, I am going to limit myself into 10 shots and be done.

I am doing this photography challenge to help me improve, so that when I am faced with real life subjects, I know how to compose, I know my lighting, I know what and how. However, while practicing, I need to keep this in my mind; I cannot be taking 100 shots of the same thing! I am making it a goal for the rest of the year to limit myself to 10 shots per prompt, (because I won't have that luxury when I am actually photographing people in real time). So, 10 well thought out shots and stop. This is going to be hard but I am determined to stick with it. I don't want to be snap happy.

I hope this encourages you to do the same. If picking up your camera everyday is a hard thing to do and you're serious about photography, this challenge will push you to do it, even though there is no contract or agreement that you must finish it, in your mind you always think "I am not a quitter".

So, I am going to conclude this with a collage of the shots I took with my real camera (there was one day that I took one with my smart phone because I was running around and wouldn't be able to post the same day if I took it with my dslr) and then a few of my favorite shots.

I hope you enjoyed reading this and if you are interested in the challenge I'm in, check out www.bethadilly.com. She is an awesome photographer, I adore her style.

xo

Matte Lovin' | How To Make Photos Matte in Photoshop

2016-04-20T21:36:00.000-04:00

I took a short walk today, mainly so I could take photos of the flowering trees before they're all gone. I have been practicing on my matte edits, and thought I would share how I do it. It's very quick, simple. So here are my shots for the day, cause maybe I'm a showoff... LOL. And keep scrolling down to read on how I processed them.

Now on the HOW:

I use Adobe Photoshop CC -- pretty much a rental ($10/month) of Adobe Photoshop and the latest version of Lightroom. Although it could be done with the Dehaze tool in Lightroom, I prefer to do it PS because I have better control of the midtones and highlights.

1. Add Levels layer mask.
The key is to underexpose the photo a little bit. I find that it does magic to noisy photos! It does wonders. Love love love this technique for those grainy photos! See for yourself.

2. Adjust Sliders.
The most important slider is the bottom left. Slide it to the right just enough so the photo doesn't get washed out. BUT if the photos get too washed out, move the top middle slider to the right and if that doesn't do it, move the bottom right slider to the left. And you're done!!!

Well, there you go. I hope you learned something. There's a lot of ways to do it, but I find this super easy. One layer mask, 3 sliders and you're done!

Thanks so much for reading!

xoxo

Photo A Day Challenge | March 2016

2016-04-05T15:21:00.001-04:00

I think I am hooked.

When 2016 started, I vowed to pick up my camera every single day, to practice and to improve in the technicalities of photography. I want to develop my style, and have my pictures look the same, a signature that people will recognize just by looking at my photo. Well, I took about 3 pictures in January and I could not get motivated to shoot anything or even take my camera anywhere to take pictures when traveling. That's when I decided I needed help. I went on instagram (I was not an instagram regular before March), I searched "photoaday challenge" and I came across, fms (fatmumslim prompts). So, I did a whole month of photos everyday, except one day. I took pictures with both my DSLR and my Droid Turbo (love this phone).

I was able to take one everyday except for day 27 -- flying which I opted to throwback because I had nothing flying nor was I creative enough to get around the prompt.

On this post, I want to share the highlights and my favorite photos from this challenge.

If you would like to see more of the photos I took during the challenge, check out my fb and instagram. I might be posting some "How I shot it" on some of the photos I took last month.

Hope you enjoy them!

HOW I SHOT IT

2016-02-07T17:17:00.000-05:00

Today, I just feel like sharing something I did to make my shot a little interesting. If you have been practicing for a while you probably know this trick already. It's a peek-a-boo style of photographing something. I've seen people use crystals and jewelry -- anything sparkly and shiny, put it against your lens to where it won't be able to focus on it, it becomes a foreground of some sort. It creates an interesting look. To me anyway. Flowers courtesy of my sweet husband. I hope you learn something and use it to practice detail shots. Here's two of my favorite shots.

These photos were shot with Canon 5D Mark III with the kit lens (zoom lens). Focal length was 67mm and 75mm, ISO 2000, F/4, 1/200 sec shutter speed.

Here's how I shot it:

Lots of natural light. Of course window light is the best. I stood to the left of the flowers, against the wall -- like I was peeking through the drapes.

I used this little angel tree hanger/ornament (?) that someone gave me last year. It lights up and changes colors every second. Next picture tells shows you I was holding it with my left hand right in front of my lens to create the light bokeh. And all you have to worry about is making sure your tact sharp. The camera is pretty heavy, but with this technique anything ordinary all of a sudden looks fancy. I mean I shot a 5-dollar bouquet from the supermarket.

I love discovering something like this and actually trying it myself. Hope you enjoyed and try it yourself too, if you are into photography yourself.

Wintery

2014-01-17T18:47:00.000-05:00

Light Scoop Review

2014-01-07T21:03:00.000-05:00

If you are in search for something that will make you built-in flash usable. Check out Light Scoop. It's one of my best finds and I have to share what it does.

This is the light scoop. It bounces light, this is only good for indoor photos of course where you have something to bounce the light to.

Here is another view, this goes on the hot shoe where external flash is supposed to go on.

Manual

And finally, I wanted to take sample photos using just the built-in flash and one with the light scoop.

Before: This to me is just unappealing. I don't know about you.

After: Or with the light scoop. It may not be as bright as I wanted it be but I prefer the softer looking light.

This product is on Amazon.com for 19.95 where I got mine from. Overall, I am very very satisfied with this product and I do recommend it. The photo taken with the light scoop was not edited, I just added my watermark and converted raw to jpeg. If I bumped up exposure on lightroom a little bit, this photo would look stunning. Go get one if you don't have one.

Thank you for reading!

Fall Collection

2013-11-03T19:44:00.000-05:00

I love fall. The colors, the mild cool weather. Although it is a sign that my least favorite season is coming, I am so glad I get to see how wonderful God's creation is, He gave me eyes to see the beauty around me. Here are some of the photos I have snapped through the month and I hope you enjoy them. For those of you that are so used to these colors, this probably means nothing. But for the people who only see green trees all year round, this is such a beautiful beautiful sight. When everything around us turns into sunny bright colors.

Mother in law's backyard

Sand dune in seaside state park

Fallen leaf on our car

Colors changing by the front porch

Mother in law's drive way

Drive way

Back yard

Malaga Lake

Malaga Lake. In love with the reflection.

Bridge to Philadelphia

Philly buildings

6Abc balloon ride

Schuylkill river

Old Bridge on the Schuylkill river

Hubby took this pic. Because I love trees that are like this.

Brandywine, Delaware

Brandywine Chapel Grounds

Brandywine Chapel driveway

Front door rose

Hubby

Why I Love Fall

2013-10-22T23:05:00.000-04:00

I love Fall. Enough said.

Thank you for reading!

Missed Sunset

2013-10-16T10:26:00.000-04:00

I love sunrises and sunsets. My husband and I attended a conference over the weekend at Harvey Cedars, NJ where sunsets and sunrises and are visible, without any buildings blocking the horizon. The last night of the conference, after I ate, I looked out the cafe window and said to my husband "it looks orange outside, is the sun setting?" he said: "I think the sun doesn't set until 7:28 tonight." (It was about 6:00 when this happened). Just to be sure, I got up and saw the fire ball sinking down the horizon. I can't tell you the urgency I felt picking up my camera bag and said "I have to catch the sun set". I felt like a woman trying to get to the border while the enemies are shooting at me. I was running in the sand to get to this view and didn't look up, I was running fast too.... And then, I got there. Then sun was gone!!!!! I was so sad and upset at the same time! It's not everyday that I see the sun set, and when I get the chance to see it I wasted the time running towards it.

So, here you go, some sunset halo. Hope you like it too. Pretty cool looking afterglow.

I guess you would call missed sunset, dusk? :)

And I don't know why my texts has this white highlight and I can't figure out how to remove it.

Apple Search

2013-10-05T19:53:00.003-04:00

I came from a tropical country. I have never seen how apples are grown, and I have only had one kind of apple before I came to the States. For some reason, the apples in the Philippines are always called "FUJI", whether they are fuji apples or not, I would never know. But when I came to the States I have been wanting to visit an orchard -- I called apple plantation, lol, then my hubby corrected me, they are called "orchards".

So today, October 5, 2013 is the first day I came close to an apple tree and took pictures of them.

If it's allowed, I would have taken a bag full home. Lol. But I figured we would get shot or something. Here's a few I took today, home you like them. And I don't know what kind they are, let me just call them fuji apples because I am a filipino, that's why!