Taking a moment

To step back.

To appreciate.

To admire.

To absorb.

To enjoy.

Sometimes that's just what you need in this busy world,

whether it be nature, the world around you or your loved ones.

What's one thing you've taken a moment to absorb lately?

I was lucky enough to have this beautiful view which made me realise,

I am more than blessed to live in such a beautiful city. 

Time flies, when.....

Can you believe it's almost September?

I can't...  the year is flying by,

it feels like I took the above photo just a few weeks ago.

But now the Autumn yellows and oranges have turned into spring colours as flowers start to bloom.

But the faster winter goes,

the happier I'll be :P

 I haven't had any school work to do for months now, 

It's weird.. I feel like I've already finished.

Really, I'm just waiting for my final exams.

I'm ready to do them now!

I cannot wait to get them over and done with!

This week is another relaxed week for me.

I'm hoping the sun feels like shining all week so I can get some photography done! 

(Fingers crossed!)

I have a few cool products I'm yet to review that i'm excited to share

(hint) 

and some work for clients that needs to get done.

So tell me, 

what do you have planned for this week?

anything exciting?

Cherry blossoms and anticipation

Spring is weeks away but i'm anxiously anticipating its arrival. 

Today was a little bit of a preview. 

I walked out of the house shocked to find that I didn't actually need the second jacket I picked up on the way out.

You see, me and winter don't get along.

I can't stand the cold

and in winter I can never seem to keep warm.

The past couple of weeks the cherry blossoms have been blooming in my area,

for me this means one thing - Spring is coming! 

I adore cherry blossoms,

I love the variety of pink and purple hues

and the dainty little flowers

So of course I had to capture them :)

For me, spring means flowers, new life, warmer weather, lunch in the sunshine and colour! 

So tell me, 

what does spring mean for you? 

and what are you anticipating?

100.

let's start by recognizing that this is my 100th post :) 

hooray!

It's Sweet Saturday yet again, 

but this Sweet Saturday is a little different than what I was hoping to do. 

You see, I had planned to bake up something special to share with you.

But my body had other ideas...

I got really, really sick

and baking or eating anything was the last thing I wanted to do.

Plus, I'm under strict eating instructions.

:( 

But that got me thinking. 

Who said sweet has to be sugary?

There are plenty of sweet things in life that don't involve sugar or butter or eggs.

Like friends who send you gorgeous flowers (see above),

my puppy who is always happy to see me,

having an amazing family and boyfriend,

getting great comments from people who read this blog.

You name it! 

So I want you to do some thinking,

and tell me.. 

What's the sweetest thing that's ever happened to you?

And don't worry,

that baking post will be coming soon!

As soon as I feel up to it :)

092.

I love Autumn colours,

it's the only thing I look forward to in the cooler months. 

I even have two gorgeous Japanese Maple trees in my backyard

that only change colour for one day 

and then drop all of their leaves. 

I'd been waiting for the maple tree to change.

....and waiting

and waiting... 

and then we left for Forster.

I told my mum the maple tree would change while we were gone

and what'd we come home to find? 

A naked maple tree. 

drats

 

Luckily there's still plenty of trees with gorgeous autumn leaves in my neighbourhood

But I guess I'll be waiting till next year for that maple tree.

086.

Just a quick post to let you know why I've been MIA lately.

I haven't fallen off the face of the earth and I definitely haven't quit blogging.

My computers, however, have decided to band together and go on strike.

If you ever needed a reason as to why technology is evil, I think I just gave you one.

But hopefully, my technogenius dad (Hi Dad!) can do something to fix them.

That, or I may become one of those anti-technology people who live in the middle of no where and knit with sticks from the forest.

Okay.. I don't know if people actually do that.. but theoretically speaking yes.

I've been pretty busy lately. I've been to the launch of a new Sony product that's absolutely perfect for bloggers (will share ASAP), I've been trying to find delicious healthy recipes to share with you, I've been working through the mountain of products that have turned my office into a storage space and of course I've been balancing it all with school work.

So here's hoping that you'll be seeing ALOT more from me soon.

But do tell me, What's been happening in your world?

078.

I apologise for the lack of posts lately, you see, I've been having computer issues. Lots and lots of sweet, sweet computer issues. Sooooo sweet...

Sometimes I really really dislike technology. Sure I love my DSLR and the internet as well as blogging - but computer viruses drive me absolutely mental. Especially as it stops me from getting to the thousands upon thousands of photos stored on my computer.

But luckily I am back to having a fully functioning computer that is virus free!

which means, I'm back to blogging!

Don't forget that...

so scroll down to my last post and make sure you enter!

All you have to do is comment, and then send me a copy of your comment in an email.

Now I want you to share with me,

What is the one thing that drives you mad?!

076.

I love Autumn weather. 

Lately Sydney has been having some of the most gorgeous blue skied days,

today was no exception so I decided to spend it with my family at Carss Park.

We decided to have some lunch at the Carss Park Cafe & Grill out in the sunshine

and the food was fantastic, as was the view. 

I love being outside, I get stir crazy being inside for to long.

Whether it be to go for a simple walk or for a picnic with friends,

I'm all for it. 

I've also got some exciting news!

My very next post will be my first ever giveaway!

 So you've got to keep your eyes open so you don't miss it.

The prize is perfect for an Autumn picnic,

but i'm not letting you know what it is just yet.

So tell me, lovely readers

What's your favourite thing to do on a Sunday?

Brunch? Lunch? Laze about?

068.

 

Meet Donald and Daisy - brother and sister.

These two cute puppies are owned by a close family friend who we're going to call Sparkles

 

Donald and Daisy are named after the Disney characters, 

Because like me - Sparkles is obsessed with Disney.

They're "cavoodles" - A cavalier cross poodle.

You wouldn't really guess them as being brother and sister as they're so different,

Like the photos show, Daisy is the bubbly energetic one 

and Donald is like a meek and mild old man.

I went over to Sparkle's house with a mission,

a mission that I completed.

 

To take the photo you see above. 

Luckily I had my zoom lense, because as soon as I walked two steps further from where I took this shot,

the dogs came running up to the gate to greet me.

I loveeee working with animals, 

Sometimes It can be extremely difficult - Because like children, 

they don't always want to do what you'd like them to..

But it's a great challenge.

I have an (almost) 2 year old puppy who recently has decided she doesn't like her photo taken anymore.

She's incredibly cheeky and smart so as soon as the camera gets close to her face she'll bury her head in her paws

or run around crazily to get away from me. 

(She's awfully cute though)

So tell me, 

What's your favourite animal?

062.

 

taken at eveleigh markets

 Lately i've spent alot of time on product photography, 

something that's totally out of my comfort zone.

 But i'm loving it, 

I love to learn about new techniques and I love adapting to new things,

This is probably the main reason I enjoy photography.

I don't think there's is any photographer in the world who knows everything.

Photography also makes me face my fears, 

I'm freaked out by spiders and bugs - bees especially

But i'll do anything to get that shot, 

even if it means crawling through gardens and twisting myself into awkward positions.

I'm also exploring new places,

venturing into areas I never would have thought about before.

I'm loving having a passion that is so satisfying. 

And the best thing of all?

Comments from all of you, 

You make me smile

and laugh

So now I want to know something about you, 

What's your passion? 

060.

 

Carman's Natural Bircher Muesli.

Now, I'm a bigggggg muesli fan

so when I received a box full of muesli products from Justine at Carman's Muesli I got excited.

I've had carman's muesli bars before, but never their loose muesli. 

So this morning I sat down to a bowl of Carman's Natural Bircher Muesli 

 mixed with greek yoghurt and topped with blueberries and a drizzle of honey.

The box suggested adding grated apple and keeping it in a sealed container in the fridge but I was out of apples! 

 

But the muesli was delishhh,

As it's untoasted it wasn't crunchy however their was crunch from the tiny pieces of almonds, hazelnuts and pecans as well as sunflower and sesame seeds.

The dried fruit is what made it for me, probably the best part of any muesli in my opinion.

There were sweet bursts of raisins, sultanas and dried apricots. 

The muesli was jam packed with flavour - especially what seems to be Carman's signature spice, cinnamon.

Now i'm no cinnamon fan but I really loved the warm cinnamon taste. 

  

And the best thing of all?

All of Carman's Muesli Products are preservative free and 100% Australian Made and Owned

So you know exactly what's going in your stomach!

You can buy Carman's Muesli products at all good grocery stores :) 

It's definitely a 10/10 for me :) 

So now I want to know, 

What's your favourite breakfast food?

 And do you have a recipe involving muesli you think I should use in my upcoming reviews? 

There will be plenty more reviews of Carman's Muesli coming up soon and I'm hoping to make some interesting recipes with the products - Rather than just muesli in a bowl :) 

Kristy received Carman's Muesli courtesy of Carman's Fine Foods,

If you'd like a review of your own products send an email to ksayerphotography@gmail.com

059.

 

another still life inspired post.

saturday I spent the day at multiple markets,

after a breakfast at Brasserie Bread I left for Eveleigh Farmer's Markets where I actually left empty handed.

to fulfill my farmer's market cravings and to curb my earlier disappointment I decided on a quick visit to EQ markets.

the Farmer's Markets at Moore Park EQ is probably my market of choice - mainly because its the closest to home. 

and the second reason is because there are THE BEST TOMATOES EVER!

yummmmmmmmmmm.

the Tradiro tomatoes from Ricardoes Tomatoes never fail. 

the first time I bought some, my boyfriend had to take them off me.

they are that good. 

i'd say better than candy but candy falls into a different category :P

 So now I want to know, what is your favourite market? 

What do you recommend? :)

 

oh and,

lately I've been thinking...  

yes, I know... ha - ha 

am I boring? or something? 

058.

just messing around with light,

'tis all.

Summer is coming to an end, 
so I want to know.. 


What are you planning for Winter? 
Any baking plans? 
Or holidays?

057.

 

 Today I spent the morning at the Sydney Royal Easter Show's Showbag Launch, 

And so did the kids from The Children's Hospital at Westmead and from Royal Far West 

as well as a whole bunch of mums, dads, grandparents and people from the media.

 

The morning started with a petting zoo for the kids, who were the SRES's official show bag testers.

There were chickens, ducks, calves, lambs, calves, a pony and even a donkey. 

  

 

the event then moved inside where Michael Collins, General manager of the easter show 

revealed the predictions for the top 10 showbags of 2010 

What are the predictions for the top 10 showbags of 2010, I hear you ask?

NUMBER ONE: Dora The Explorer Showbag -  

Complete with backpack, handbag, slippers, cooler bag, sipper cup, belt, hair ties and a head band

-$22.00

NUMBER TWO: Barbie Fab Life Showbag -

Which comes with a barbie: backpack, umbrella, cap, watch, headband, pouch, tumbler, bracelet and window stickers -$20.00

NUMBER THREE: Buzz Lightyear Showbag -

A buzz backpack filled with inflatable wings, a glider plane, glow stickers, bubble stickers, a play back and a protecter torch

- $25.00

NUMBER FOUR: Nova DIY Show bag -

Which comes with a lanyard, air freshener, sticker sheet, wrist wrap, carmex click stick, video ezy voucher, AMF and M9 laser skirmish voucher, biggest loser berry yoghurt bar and a choice of either a backpack or a satchel and a choice of two items - a cooler bag, thongs, towel, mp3 speakers

- $18.00

NUMBER FIVE: Dare Showbag -

Complete with a dare backpack or duffle pack, an ice back to keep the two iced coffees cold as well as a choice of two of the following - scarf, speakers, tshirt or cooler bag

- $17.50

 

NUMBER SIX: Socceroos Showbag -

Which has a soccer ball, sports bag, towel, flag, drink bottle and wrist bands 

- $20.00

 

NUMBER SEVEN: Sesame Beginnings Showbag -

This bag comes with a change bag, first year wall chart, bucket hat, feeding set, bath book, rattle and sipper cup

- $20.00

 

NUMBER EIGHT: Freddo Showbag -

Full of freddos (milk, milk top, crunchie, strawberry, peppermint) a stationary set as well as the choice of a; Freddo sipper, tumbler, money tin or library bag. 

- $5.00

 

NUMBER NINE: Coca Cola Backpack Showbag -

A coca cola backpack filled with, a yoyo, trucker cap, gridiron ball, frisbee, mini radio as well as a diet coke and regular coke

- $25.00

 

and last but not leasstttt....

 

NUMBER TEN: Bertie Beetle Black Triple Deal -

The classic bertie beetle showbag on steriods - This showbag is actually three showbags in one; filled with bertie beetles, lollipops, tattoos, kit kats, smarties, redskins, milko sticks, a postcard, stencil set and a bertie beetle egg cup. 

- $6.00

 

 

time to breaaaathhhheeeee.....

and that wasn't even all of them

 

 

Michael Collin's challenge to 2010's showgoers? To unleash their inner superhero. 

Of the 302 showbags unveiled at the launch 1/3 are under $10.00, 

Meaning our wallets won't have to leave empty. 

There are the old classics such as Bertie Beetle and the new favourites like LA ink and the Backyardigans. 

There are definitely showbags for people of all ages - and I definitely have my eye on the Darrell Lea Bags

 

 from the M&M's super bag 

 

the stars of some of the show bags even paid a visit

 

 as well as the TMNT and Carebears there was Batman, Freddo and My Little Pony,

the characters played with the kids while they ran around excitedly choosing their showbags.

 

 

from what I saw, the "Showbag testers"were estatic - some overwhelmed by their sheer number of showbags, 

Looking at their mum's and dad's like "can I really have this?!"

the Easter show is just 5 weeks away 

and by buying your tickets online you can save heaps - 15% on family tickets. 

so have a look at the Easter Show Website 

where you can find information on everything that's going to be happening

as well as information and pictures of ALL 302 showbags 

 

 

Thankyou to Kate for inviting me to the Showbag Launch - It was a pleasure attending the event.

If you'd like me to attend one of your events and blog about it, email me at ksayerphotography@gmail.com

 

I want to know your favourite easter show experience! Comment and tell me all about it :D

056.

 

this raisin bread was a bit of a fail,

in my eyes at least.

After spending a few hours proving the dough and waiting for it to bake.

I woke up the next morning and put 2 slices in the toaster,

I waited just a little more for it to toast. 

I opened my mouth to take a bite and... chewchewchew..

The raisin bread sucked.

Despite the recipe assuring me it was full of flavour,

It wasn't :( 

Now this is a reason why you should judge a book by its cover,

While this raisin bread looked kinda pretty

It didn't taste pretty. 

 It was bland.

But that only means I have an excuse to try again :P

Baking fails aren't too bad.

So tell me, what was your worst cooking experience?

055.

 

just something a little bit different.

i took a walk today, in the heat (bad idea) and stumbled across this vespa.

so i messed around with cross processing and warm vintage tones. 

for some reason I associate warm rich colours with italy.

and vespas of couse. 

I am loving all the comments on my posts,

you all really do make me smile

so thankyou readers.

:) 

do tell me though, where's your dream vacation spot? 

mines italy, especially due to the food :P 

051.

Yesterday I mention how I received an award from Anna at Diary of a Ladybird

However I still needed to narrow down my list of recipients.

So this morning, I sat down with my breakfast (see above :P) 

And browsed through alot of blogs

But I narrowed it down to 8!

So here are my eight recipients for One Lovely Blog Award

 In no particular order, of course :)

• Betty from Betty's Bites
• Jenny from Panda & Cakes 
• Steph from Raspberri Cupcakes 
• Betty from The Hungry Girl 
• Belle from Ooh Look 
• Kath from A cupcake or two 
• Suze from chocolatesuze 
• Lisa from Spicy Icecream 

Thankyou all for entertaining me and making me crave all sorts of things, 

your blogs are fantastic!

To accept this award you have to post it on your blog with the name and link of who awarded it to you.

You then have the opportunity to pass it onto eight others whose blogs you have recently stumbled upon.

Don't forget to contact them!

I hope everyone has a spectacular weekend, and please, don't stop blogging!

You keep me entertained :P