My Little Gum Drops

"Funky is the new black" .....

2009-10-23T18:56:00.001-07:00

-Sarah said. In her latest article titled "Sarah's sizzling suggestions" "Photo newbie Sarah Lockwood scans the inter-web for fun, funky and interesting gadgets for fellow greenhorn togs"
I'm going to read you that much.... you can read the rest in the November issue..... Fore me is so exciting to see it on the magazine shelves, I feel like buying coffee for everyone at B&N and show everyone page # 40, yea right there.... that's me!!! ..... but I won't because my kids face will fall off and they will never forgive me.

Thank you so much Sarah for the feature, I'm looking forward to your next article!!

Well, here it is......

A very special thank you to Adam Scorey Deputy Editor DSLR User/Photo Pro

**** Note.... I just got my batteries recharged after an awesome Wedding Workshop hosted by Ray Santana, Kenny Kim, Tofurious, and Becker.... I have a lot to say about that. (said in my best Forest Gump accent)

Digital Photographer Magazine

2009-10-07T17:23:00.000-07:00

I'm beyond excited about the article where My Funky Camera was featured. It was included in series of product reviews. The section (very assertively called) "Add some funk" Accessories for the fashion-conscious, also featured camera bags and colorful cameras.

I didn't know there was going to be a rating..... I was so happy to see I got 10 out of 10... pheewww!!

A special Thank you to Josie Reavely, reviews editor.

Here is the article, I love the muffin top Crumpler.... too bad they don't sell it in the US.

Thank you so much for your continued support. All this would not be possible if it wasn't for all of you, and for that I'm very grateful.

I will have new styles added in the next few days, and a new item that has been in the works for a while..... tested by adults and children.... yea you know what it is. :)

Some of you asked about my Grandma.... she's doing Ok... just OK. She's getting chemo and she has some bad days, but she's hanging in there. She's a 20 year old woman trapped in a 95 year old body. I can't wait to see her.

Putting on the nurse hat!

2009-07-05T09:56:00.001-07:00

**My Funky Camera will re-open July 20th**

I'm really not a nurse, I actually get queazy when I see injuries. This time is different. My Grandma is 95 years old. She's the cutest sweetest Grandma in the whole wide world. Last week she said she felt a lump on her hip so my Aunt took her to the Dr. After a series of tests he said she needed emergency surgery because she had a tumor. She went in to surgery to have it removed and we are still waiting on the lab results. She seems to be doing Ok.... prognosis unknown. :(

I immediately packed my stuff and booked a flight to be with her and help her in every way I can.

I can get WiFi at her house, but I will have limited access to email, I may just catch up on all your blogs.

I hope everyone is having a great summer. I know mine just got a little better because I get to see my Grandma.

I ❤ Amateur Photographer

2009-04-30T16:43:00.000-07:00

When Richard Sibley contacted me about a review for Amateur Photographer, I was very excited. I couldn't really believe it, it didn't really register until after the second email, where he had more specific questions about my products.

That's when I got oh so very excited and anxious, because he said he really liked them, and they would be in the April 24th issue!!!..... Ohmygosh!!! **** a real magazine, in the UK ****

I tried not to think about because I get very nervous and I can't sleep.

Then I started calling Borders, B&N and they didn't carry the Magazine.....I was so bummed!!!

Today I looked around for digital magazines and I found it!! Here it is!!!

Today I got an email from Mr Sibley again after all my horn tooting on my facebook and Twitter... and he said he is sending me a copy of the magazine...... How nice is he???

I'm so excited!!!!!

Thanks so much Amateur Photographer... you made my day!!!!

Gabi

Spring Break!!!

2009-04-03T18:17:00.000-07:00

And we really NEED a break. The store will be close form April 3rd to April 10th.
In the meantime I want share the current giveaways where I participate as a vendor, so you have a chance to win a camera strap!!

They are different from each other, therefore, I highly recommend you check both of them out.

Click here

I will send out a newsletter when I comeback with a special discount code.... you may want to sign up for the newsletter on the sidebar.

Here is a picture of the new styles, neck straps and wristlets!!

I hope everyone has a great spring break. I know some states already had it, but for us it starts TODAY!!!

I have some explaining to do.

2009-03-05T08:54:00.000-08:00

First, I'm sorry I haven't been around much, I have been very busy, not just with work, but life in general.

I want to answer a few questions I get over and over regarding the camera straps.

Some people seem to think.......

I purchase camera straps and cover them with what you see.

That is not true.

I make every single camera strap. I have been contacted many many times by various makers and distributors of GENERIC camera straps. Some even send me samples with out asking.... I have a box full of them. (I cloned the name on it for obvious reasons) See below.

I despise these straps, they are cheaply made, very stiff. The hardware is brittle, the strap is very thin, and the velvet backing is just horrid.

These are the horrible samples they've sent me

Fugly uh??

I have also been contacted by brokers overseas to have them made in China or India. But I have too much pride, and I like making them. When the time comes to outsource, I will work with someone local, and help the local economy and NOT a broker overseas.

I cover my camera straps with ribbon and fabrics, and glue them on.

Not true.

Every camera strap is sewn, not glued.

I purchase the finest trims out there. All the designs you see on the camera straps are woven or jacquard designs, NOT printed. Some of the designs are by some of the most prestigious textile designers.

In my opinion printed ribbons are for hair bows, and wrapping presents, not for professional photography equipment.

Why did you discontinue some designs?

Simply because some of them are discontinued by the manufacturer to make room for new designs. Instead of me stacking up on old designs, I purchase the new designs to bring you a fresh look. So next time you visit the site, you'll see a new one and maybe, just maybe you'll buy another one. :)

I don't have enough stuff for Machos

I have some stuff for the male population, I keep my eye out for more masculine designs and bring them to the site. Girly designs are much easier to find and readily available.

If you want me to be completely honest with you, men are harder to please than women when it comes to fashion. What I think is manly enough for a camera strap, my husband will completely disagree, but then again finds himself walking around with my camera and Leopard fur strap attached to it with no problem. ;)

Put me on your waiting list for X product

I don't have a waiting list of any kind. I wish I was organized enough to manage something like that. It would simplify my production line wouldn't it? But I don't have time to keep up with something like that.

If you see something sold out, it will comeback. I can email you.... that I can remember, but there is no such list. If you don't see the picture of the product, then it's gone for good.

You don't make lens cozies anymore.

True. Lens cozies are super easy to make. The problem is that they are custom made and that takes time. With hundreds of lenses available, it's very hard to come up with a general size and have it fit your lens properly. I don't pre-make them so I have to retire them to use my time on things I can work on at my own pace.

Sorry!

The good news is... You are going to LOVE what I have coming up. I had it ready to go before Christmas, but the teachers at my kids school asked for it and I sold all them before I could take pictures.... stay tuned!

If you have read this far THANK YOU!!

Have a great day!!

Gabi

Finally a break!!!

2009-01-26T06:16:00.000-08:00

I've been so busy lately, I have neglected my camera, my blog, my kids closet.....etc.....

Soccer season started, the girls got haircuts. Sunday, we decided to go out and have some fun this weekend to the kids favorite spot Miami Beach. There is so much to see.

Even dogs ask for money.

Don't look at this last one too much, it's kind of annoying

Sigh!!! a new year!!!

2009-01-04T17:25:00.000-08:00

We spent the holidays at home this year. My husband just got back from his year deployment so we decided to stay home. This is the first time the girls got excited about Santa....... I very reluctantly followed along the letters, the questions...etc..... I hope the news breaks out before next Christmas.

Christmas eve was as usual very warm we just hung out and chillaxed outside.

Christmas morning was the exciting part.

New Years was equally relaxed. Just us, Skype, Wii ...... and an online Mario Kart tournament against the Canadians!!!

They gave up after only 2 hours and 20 minutes.... boooooooooo!!!!!

We still miss you guys a lot!!!!

I wish all of you the best of the best for this year. Health, Love, and World Peace!!

You made do it!!!

2008-12-19T06:31:00.001-08:00

I have received so many emails from procrastinators that after some good old arm twisting I decided to offer some gift certificates just for camera straps and just through December.

If you are a self admitted procrastinator, this is for you!!! CHEERS!!!!

Holiday closing & Whisky

2008-12-13T15:02:00.001-08:00

I decided to close the store for the Holidays because my husband will be home and our family is coming to visit. The original dates where from 22nd to the 29th. Unfortunately TODAY I'm so sick. I decided to close today. I'm very sorry but I have to. There is no way I can catch up.
I have been delaying shipments because dear USPS has been having issues all week. Tonight I'm printing lots of labels again and hopefully there will be no issues on Monday so I can send out what was ordered today.
I'm very sorry if I have inconvenienced anyone with this change of plans but there is really not much I can do.
On a sweet note. This little doggie on the picture is our little 1 year old rescued Russell Terrier. Someone (not a very nice person) kicked her out of the only home she's ever known and she bounced from house to house for a few weeks. We have a good yard and loving kids so we decided to adopt her. We already have a teacup Chihuahua and they get along very well. Her name is now Whisky. Our Chihuahua's name is Tequila. HA!!!

I hope everyone has a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukah, and everything else we celebrate. I really wish the best for all of you.

Gabi

Have you Elfed yourself?

2008-11-19T06:37:00.001-08:00

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

This one is dedicated to my Sooner Boomer friends!

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Toys for Tots.... and free stuff!

2008-11-16T07:07:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone. I wanted to let you know that You Can Make This is on this great mission again.

"Twirls for girls" is a campaign in conjunction with the "Toys For Tots" program. They are very happy to have people like you sewing little twirl skirts for the dolls that are donated each year. This is the second year and last year was incredibly successful. When your donation is paired with the official donation form they will know that those skirts are to be matched up with the donated dolls.

The twirl skirt pattern is available FREE at You Can Make This along with the submission form. Download it today, make some little skirts to donate and some to for your little girls too.

They also have a special section where proceeds from those ebooks go to various charities. Check the out here, they are all very cute and easy to make.

I hope everyone is having a great weekend!

Gabi

Get a load of this.

2008-10-25T14:12:00.000-07:00

I really don't know who to give credit to for the following images, but hands down, they are so clever. Photoshop Ninjas!!!

Windows Vista re-start button for those who don't use Mac...LOL

No offense but I jumped off the PC boat and I haven't looked back.

Built in umbrella, handicap mode, photoshop touchscreen, and dual mounts for Nikon and Canon. Can't we all just get along?

The only features missing on this camera are the GPS and Iphone connection.

This one is what we all need.......I wonder if they make it in L grade.

Disney Trip with Daddy

2008-10-14T13:13:00.000-07:00

Daddy was able to take a short break from his Korea deployment and we decided to go away to Disney and celebrate Oli's Birthday.
We drove up to Mouseville and we got there craving some good BBQ. Since we are no longer in Oklahoma, where you can get the REAL THING we settled for Sonny's BBQ.

Day 1 off to dinner.....
I hate it when he does this, I feel like a punch in my stomach as I gasp!

Just so you know, I'm happy with this and a beer.

Day 2, we get up early for a Beauty appointment for the Birthday girl....and sister..... at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique... Notice Sofia with a big smile thinking..."It's not my birthday but I still get a makeover...he he he"

The feeling of being ripped off quickly faded when I saw their happy faces.

I love it when he points his camera at me, at the same time....At least he doesn't runaway uh?

Then Oli said...."Take a picture of me with my hat"..I thought...what hat?....Duh!! The hat!!!

It took Daddy a flash back to pull his hands off of Pee-wee Herman's hand prints...LOL....We still like Pee-wee, right?

We had a special character lunch with JoJo and Little Einsteins, How sweet, they signed a card for her and sang Happy Birthday!!!

OOOOOOhhhhh THE CLAWWWW!!!!!

Their autograph book is now FULL, it even has all the pictures for each autograph....I'm such a good Mom uh? now we are finished with Disney for the rest of their lives..... yea right!!! they said!!!

Yes, we love it that much!

And all things Herbie too!

And they keep doing it!!

Day 3, we went to Animal Kingdom..... not many pictures except for the bug eyes and all things Jamaican.

I know you can't stop looking at Oli's tonsils, but ........ Notice my Leopard camera strap??? How appropriate for Animal Kingdom uh??
Sadly Daddy had to go back to Korea. Hopefully he'll be back soon.We miss you!

I got all kinds of Canadian all over today!!!

2008-10-10T20:51:00.000-07:00

Over the summer my lovely niece from Canada came to spend some time with us. We had such a great time, the days went by too fast. We miss her a lot.
Today I received a package from her with my favorite Canadian import, a hat....I hope is for me..... some Roots tees and a necklace... which Oli hopes is for her...LOL

While she was here she baked a cake for her Mom which we ate in front of her...via Skype!!

They did Yoga at the Lulu Lemon store in Aventura.

We shopped....a lot!!!

And she patiently stood still in front of my camera...... unlike "other girls"

We miss you!!! We hope you comeback next summer!

XXXOOO G~

Summer 2008 in pictures

2008-10-04T10:04:00.000-07:00

Every summer we go back to California to spend time with our family and friends.... mostly my college friends. We take sooooooo many pictures is hard to keep up. Here is our little vacation in more pictures and less typing.

First, I had to get a new antenna ball. Then we ate at in-n-out pretty much everyday.

We went to the San Diego Zoo, Sea World...again..... We took a quick trip to Mexico, where, in my opinion is the hottest place on earth. See for yourself!!!
For those who like to know these things, most of the pictures where taken with a 5D and 35L lens. Some "obvious" shots where takes by the kids with a little powershot SD 1100.

This post is dedicated to my #1 blog stalker... yes, I have at least one, and she checks everyday to see if I have posted more pictures.... yes, there is more to come just for you Michelle!!!

Bragging a little.... just a little.

2008-09-04T13:35:00.000-07:00

While on vacation in California (pictures to follow) I received the most fabulous sterling photo locket necklace from Bragalittle. I have never seen anything like this before, and when Kristy asked me for a picture I didn't think she could fit all my kids.... well my 3.

This is the picture I sent her.

I tried to ignore the manhole cover doormat, but it's there.

This is what she sent me back.

I wear it every day, and I get stopped all the time..... most of those times I have all my 3 with me too.

Thanks so much Kristy, I love it!

www.bragalittle.com

Music anyone?

2008-07-27T11:21:00.000-07:00

What do you think about music on this blog? Is it annoying?

Some of the blogs I stalk have inspirational music, some just classical music. This site where I got the music has maybe 2% of the songs I have on my iTunes. I'll keep looking. You won't see me cutting rug to any of these songs, but I sing them out loud with my kids........sadly they call some of them "OLD SCHOOL"....Yikes!!!!.

I'll leave you with some fun underwater shots taken with my little SD 1100

My Funky Camera will close tonight for until August 16th..... time for some R&R with our family.
Until next time!
G

My not so imaginary brother.

2008-06-22T08:42:00.000-07:00

So, I closed the store for just about 2 weeks because my brother and his family came to visit us for the first time since they moved to Canada. When all came back to normal (what is normal around here?), friends, family, virtual friends (we all have them), and even some customers, asked me to share some pictures..... well some even said..

"I think you have an imaginary brother who you think came to visit you because of all the non sense you share, pictures of him are no where to be seen" gasp!!!

He is real, he was here with his wife and daughter, we went to the beach, Disney, shopping, etc...

Ok, more showing, less talking.

Notice he has a camera on his hand.......

This is what he got...... (yes, my ninja pose, and yes, I take pics with sunglasses on)

We did this back and forth, every time I picked up my camera......

Ok, enough of that...... Here are some fun pics, the rest you can see here

"No dancing around in the roller coaster"...... said Oli ....and she didn't, she just lost her cool.

My sweet nice....

I hope everyone is having a nice weekend.

Almost American

2008-06-13T12:05:00.000-07:00

So I took my citizenship test this morning at 8:30AM. I passed it!!!! I'm officially not brain dead yet but not officially American. I memorized all 100 questions and answers....yep I know them all..... The officer asked me 4....aaaggghhhh!!!

So I thought I would take some pictures to document the event, and they sent me right back with my little point and shoot and my cellphone too.

I took this picture by my car before returning to the building.

I have been harassed by many people about my "IMAGINARY BROTHER" who came to visit and that's why the store was closed for a little bit.... HE'S NOT IMAGINARY ... I will post some pictures later.....I promise!

I'm going to see THE CURE tonight......I'm so excited!

Have a great weekend!

My PPA Magazine

2008-06-05T13:33:00.000-07:00

So, I was chillaxing outside, after a long day of "last day of school" from hell. I took my PPA magazine out with me.

I started snooping through the magazine, read a few articles and when I got to page 65 I thought..."?????hhmm...this girl looks so familiar" Does she look familiar to you???

Then I looked a little closer and ....uh?? "I made that strap"......wait a second, wait a second..... THAT"S AUDREY!!! I got so excited!!!!! Not only I made it, but it was one of the first ones I made, and She got it while I was in Chicago. I remember during the workshop she told me "you better bust your ass making more because I'm going to spill the beans".....and she did, right here She had me sweating bullets....It doesn't take too much for me to sweat bullets lately uh? With the HUGE help of Bobbie, who put together the site for me in like....2 hours... literally, I was able to sell them online to all her blog readers and more.

Thanks so much Audrey. If you read this....check your mail box, you need a new one!

Now.....I just realized that June is the 1st aniversary of My Funky Camera I got to come up with something good. How could I forget that??? I have my senior moments once in a while, but to forget the actual anniversary???? Unforgivable
There are so many people to Thank who have helped me along the way. I wish I could mention them all in one post.

Thanks everyone!!!!!
~~~Gabi~~~

Back to work

2008-06-02T10:19:00.000-07:00

When did I say I was going to open??? oh!.....the 25th right? Well, since I had a slight delay, the Shipping special is extended until Wednesday. I should have told everyone that the special was going to last a week, be cause they day I reopened, I sold out of a lot of them. (I was sweating bullets!!!!)
I'm working on-restocking before the shipping special is over........If I get sidetrack (with "life") I will extend it for those who have emailed me, and those who thought about emailing me.
Here is a pic of the new style, it's so pretty and the texture on the flowers is just amazing.

Voting is over!!!!

2008-05-20T06:11:00.000-07:00

I will contact the winners during the week!!!
Have a wonderful holiday weekend!!!
G.

The contest is here!!!!!

2008-05-12T19:08:00.000-07:00

Thanks everyone who sent me a picture I LOVE them all. Here they are... all of them. I thought I was going to get a crazy amount of them, but I guess not everyone wants free stuff...he he he

Looking at these pictures was so much fun. Some people sent me more than one but I couldn't leave the out so I made a little collage so they wouldn't miss a chance.

One of the is called "perfection" can you guess???

I got a cute beach baby with a funk strap cloned on to a boogie board. Even a turtle all funked up!!! There is even My Funky Camera outside of the White House, in the Green Room, and with President Reagan!!!!!

There is an abstract pic, silly kids, a professional girl too, and a dalmatian photog!!!

Can you guess who has a paper camera strap????

Vote and send all your friends to vote.

1st place a camera strap of your choice.

2nd and 3rd place a wristlet that is not available in the store.....no one will have it.

PICTURE #1

PICTURE #2

PICTURE #3

PICTURE #4

PICTURE #5

PICTURE #6

PICTURE #7

PICTURE #8

PICTURE #9

PICTURE #10

LAST DAY TO VOTE IS MAY 19TH
THANK YOU!!!!

My Funky Camera First Photo contest ever!

2008-05-03T19:02:00.000-07:00

Do you want a free camera strap or a wristlet? Send me a picture of your My Funky Camera strap. Be creative, make it fun. We'll vote right here on the blog and you can be one of the 3 winners. The only rule is that at least one My Funky camera strap has to be in the picture.

If you don't have one, hack a picture from the store and use it in your picture or print it out and include it in your picture.

Deadline is Sunday May 11th...... Mother's day!!!!

Look at what you could win......

Send your picture to myfunkycamera@aol.com

Remember, deadline is Mother's day.

Have a great weekend!

Project Childhood

2008-04-07T16:02:00.000-07:00

This is more than a photo contest with a cause. April is Child Abuse Prevention Month... Let's celebrate Childhood Together!!!! Visit PROJECT CHILDHOOD

I'm very proud to be in the prize package along with TypePad, BluDomain, Jlee albums, and many other awesome contributors. Keep checking the prizes HERE as the prizes keep piling up!! Do you want to win awesome prizes and support this cause at the same time??? Go check out Project Childhood and see how you can help make a difference in a child's life.

**side note**

I will pick out the winners of the "giveaway idea" this weekend so stay tuned....you guys are GENIUS!!!!

"I'll also quote some of you....soooo funny"

Seniors

2008-04-04T17:04:00.000-07:00

Not senior citizens silly, but high school seniors. I once had a friend ask me if I would take her son's senior pictures, but I really had no idea what she wanted or what she expected until I saw the pictures she got somewhere else. They where taken in a studio, and the poor kid was sitting on the floor, aqua blue paper background, with a giant white 2008 next to him........

*****WHAT DA????******

then I saw his friends pictures, and they where all the same....my jaw dropped.... to top it off, she paid $190dlls for a little 4x6 "proof book" of 16 textured proofs of the same blue background with....don't forget....the giant white 2008.

I've always wanted to tap on that market but I had no idea how to start, what to offer etc.....

My good friend Natalie Bacon is a freaking GENIUS, she is the queen...I think so....of the senior market. She has always been willing to answer questions in our photography group, and now she put together a guide for us!!!! She even gets in to using Myspace as a very important marketing tool..... exterminating the stretched out arm shot of yourself, one Myspace at a time!!!! ....who knew??

SENIOR SOLUTIONS

I've been reading up on mine and it's very complete. She covers everything. Forms, templates, contracts, tips, poses, what to wear, packages, prices, products that sell, and a whole lot more. The most important part to me is marketing. Where to start and how to keep them coming. I really like it. If you have been contemplating the possibility of photographing seniors, here is your answer. Get it now so you are ready for SENIOR SEASON 2009.

I will be getting myself a Myspace soon!!!

Well, so much for posting more uh?

2008-04-03T15:48:00.000-07:00

Life gets on the way sometimes. This time in a great way!! My husband was able to take a few days off to spend Easter with us and it was very nice to have him home.

Because of the time change between Korea and Florida, he spent a few days pacing around looking like he didn't know what hit him, and sometimes just getting up too early.

Our first Sunday morning!

We have an overstock of laptops as you can see.
I also had a great Birthday with all my loves....

We got some good Korean treats. Chili pepper chocolate, some sort of Milky Way, and money!!!

Worth about a dollar each.

I have a giveaway coming soon, and a new email system that I'm trying to figure out, so comeback soon!

**G**

Little runner

2008-03-12T06:57:00.001-07:00

This little girl is a runner. I have learned that if you chase the kids, they run more. So, when I found the perfect spot for her picture, I had to wait for her to comeback to me.

I was challenging that day, not only because she runs all over the place, but it was cloudy, a little drizzly, and the baseball field gives a terrible orange color cast.

This is just a little sneak peek for Mom. Your proofs should be here today.

Sharing sessions

2008-03-09T13:45:00.001-07:00

People ask me...."Why don't you don't share your sessions on your blog?"...

My answer...."cuz... (confused face)..I don't know"

This is dedicated to the Grandmas and the Great Grandmas who can't wait to see this little angel.

Welcome baby G to this world!!!

More sharing this week, and from now on!!!

iGabi

2008-03-07T12:26:00.001-08:00

After a series of unfortunate events, I found myself with no computers, no camera, no lenses, etc..etc...and the need to continue my work and move on. I had entertained the idea of switching to Mac, so I took this opportunity to do so.

Yes, I got on the Mac wagon, and fell in LOVE with it fast. I took me one week to figure out what everything means. I have yet to find an equivalent to Windows Live writer.

I was so happy to find that I'm not brain dead ...yet....I can still figure things out and learn new things...maybe I should go back to school and learn Adobe Creative Suite before I get rusty. My Big brother came to my rescue when I started whining about how much Mac's version of Photoshop was going to cost me. So he got me Adobe Creative Suite......He's such a nice guy.....We miss him a lot, he lives in Canada, and I haven't seen him since last summer. :(

So here is the beast waking up from his sleep for the first time. I figured he was going to say welcome only once so I had to snap a picture.

On a side note. I also made a new logo for My Little Gum Drop. Even though I don't make baby gifts anymore, I still sell the Ebook instructions for the items I used to make. Banberry Place is another place place where you can purchase them. They also have beautiful European fabrics, trims and notions. This is the logo I made for them.

~*Gabi*~

I've been busy...Thank goodness!!!

2008-02-12T19:12:00.001-08:00

I have been slower than ever re-stocking My Funky Camera but I'm working on it. I still have sessions to shoot, and sessions to work on, proof, etc... The day just doesn't have that many hours. But if I wasn't busy, I would be going nuts.

Here is just a little sneak peek at what I've been working on for you.

Yes, I had to crop this picture because my kids hate the Tide T-shirt

Love the Underwood #5....it works!!

Aren't these Lens Cozies so cute???

Thanks for stopping by!!

~*Gabi*~

"Take on me" A-Ha

2008-01-15T18:42:00.001-08:00

The girls chit chat about all kinds of randomness with Daddy. Oli puts on the Chicken Little costume and does a little dance. They eat breakfast while they watch themselves chew on the monitor, sometimes forgetting that Daddy is really watching.

But comes the time when they want to touch him and they say things like, " I wish you could just come out of the computer" Or Oli would say "Can I just get in the computer and go with you? It breaks my heart, but what can you do? I'm keeping up with the latest in communication. Big shout out to SKYPE!! We got a little Wi-Fi phone that works at IKEA too!!! (you never know, when you are at IKEA and you may need to talk to Daddy right?) Logitech for the best webcam in the world! And of course Windows Live Messenger HUGE THANKS!!!!!

And the video made decades ago.....

Who would have thought that I would think about now.

I've received so many sweet emails from everywhere, and they mean so much to us. Some of them where from Moms whose Husbands are also deployed. Thanks everyone!! I want to share a blog from one of them. We have so much in common. Most of us feel the same way. Most negative feelings come and go. You just have to tell yourself "this too, will pass. Tomorrow may be better"

Letters from Tim

Is longer really better?

2008-01-13T09:45:00.001-08:00

I don't know, but everyone wants longer, so now they are all longer now . I started making the camera straps longer a few weeks ago. The feedback was very good, so I decided to make them longer. From about 22 inches to 26 inches (the wide area only). The skinny adjustable part is the same.

Happy New Year! $1.00 Shipping all January

2008-01-02T12:12:00.001-08:00

You may wonder, Why??? Because I didn't know how to set up the site for free shipping, that's why!!! I figured, 1 dollar would be good, but free would have been better right?? Why all January???? Because I need to slowly get back to work. Even if it takes all month, I will get back in to "work mode".

Here is the new camera straps....I have more items coming up, but that's a surprise!!!

Thanks everyone for the emails!!!

My Funky Camera

A little bit of Christmas spirit.

2007-12-17T16:08:00.001-08:00

We took our sweet time getting our fancy (not) Christmas tree out. We have the most fabulous collection of ornaments. Some are old, some older!!! Nothing new, except for the latest happy meal treats.

It's a little tilted from all the knocking down over the years.....if no one knocks it down this year, we going for a real fancy one with fabulous ornaments next year.

This is our fancy collection of ornaments.

My crafty attempt to make my husbands plane in to an ornament. Here is the E-3 AWACS .

Last but not least, what we did over the weekend. The girls wished they could "move in"

Some of those gummies already "moved in"....they are all gone!!

I want to wish all of you a Wonderful Holiday Season and a Happy New Year!!!

A special THANK YOU to everyone who took the time to send me an email regarding my husband. I really means a lot to everyone in our Family, specially him. He sends his best wishes to everyone. Thank you!!!!

My Funky Camera will re-open with new products, giveaways and lots of surprises.

Until next year!!!!

A little late Thanksgiving post......Being Thankful

2007-12-01T20:15:00.001-08:00

Yes, I'm Thankful too. I've read so many blogs (...not that I'm a blog stalker or anything like that, but I have my favorites) about being Thankful and giving Thanks. I always say Thank you to every customer, client, Teacher, everyone!!!! I'm Thankful that I can say Thanks!!! I appreciate every email, suggestion, request...everything.....you keep me on my toes.

I'm Thankful my family is healthy. My kids *heart* their schools. We have a home. We have friends. My phone rings......just everything!!! I'm thankful for everything my parents taught me. Thankful for what I've learned on my own. Thankful for having the time to learn new things. Thankful for being able to teach my kids new things and most importantly to be THANKFUL. I really hope they learn to be thankful. Even if things don't go the way you wanted them to be, focus on the good things and be thankful for those.

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving but it was over too son! :-(

My parents where here and Daddy, we miss you so much. :-(

Birthday girl

2007-11-26T18:12:00.001-08:00

I could not miss this little girl's 1st birthday. I had all kinds of ideas for her birthday pictures, but she had other plans. Thanks to Mommy, we got some bubbles to get her to relax a little. Other than that she wanted to do her own thing. What do I do? Just let her be.

LOOK!!!....new look!!!

2007-10-18T08:34:00.001-07:00

I wanted to officially blog about the new look MY FUNKY CAMERA got. I'm not a scrapbooker. I don't do digi scrapbooking either.....although I wish I did, but I'm one of those people who does not need one more reason to be in front of the monitor.....

I have been called a mouse potato before, and that really got to me.....naaahhhh!!!!

I want to send a HUGE THANK YOU to Bobbie from MJ GRAPHIC DESIGN who really let her hair down building the site for me......she was worried it was "too funky"!!.....is there such thing? Thanks Bobbie!!!

The Graphics are a Shabby Princess Design. If you don't do digi scrapbooking.......Don't start.....it's highly addictive, and they have so much free stuff your imagination will run wild when you see what they have to offer!!......it's that awesome!!!

Yummy!!!!!!

2007-09-20T13:40:00.001-07:00

I have to start this post with something that happened back in December 2006. We all get together and my Sister decides to tell us that she's getting married in August. (Remember the Wedding that we all went to in California??) After all the congratulations, hugs and "finally"...yes some people said...finally!!!! ..she tells me...with a straight face...."You need to lose 50 lbs, you have 8 months". Keep in mind it's December, and we are eating tamales and refried beans. Sure!, I thought to myself, I can do that. I saw some short clips on a TV show called Bridezilla and how some of those women really lose their cool on National TV when things don't go their way, I was concerned. I have to admit I didn't go home ready to shed some pounds. Then the phone started ringing with her asking me how I was doing and sneaking the big question....have lost any weight yet? ..... After the Chicago trip I thought..."I better figure this one out" Long story short...I did it, I lost all the weight, and I could not have done it without her continued support....calling me asking me "so?? how many pounds so far??? You have ...this many...weeks now!!" For that, I thank her. Was it motivation or fear of her losing her cool?... I don't know, but 50 lbs lighter, it doesn't really matter.

Now after being miserable not eating tortillas, tostadas, chips, bread of any kind, pasta, anything with sugar, coke, fried food, etc......the list can go on..... I had to make a cake for my Husband's birthday. It had to be Chocolate.

Do you have any idea how hard it was for me to NOT use my finger to clean that container of chocolate frosting???? Should I? Shouldn't I ?? No I didn't do it. I figure if I'm going cheat, I'm going to have a piece, that would be my treat for the day.

I can't finish this post by showing the final cake picture with the sprinkles on top. No candles because they would melt by the time we finish lighting them up...ha!!!

Now you may wonder...50lbs?? I'm not going to torture you with some before and after pictures...I still have some pride left....But I have to show you something else.

According to H&M in their dressing room section, you can make your own body model. Interesting uh??

Until Next time!!!!

My funky camera giveaway.

2007-09-10T16:12:00.001-07:00

It all started with the idea of having a giveaway...yes just free stuff for fun. When I had the idea of this fun product I decided to give some of them for free. The initial plan was to print the emails on my list and cut them in to strips......way too many, too much work. I decided to print them.....3 pages FULL of them....well the 3rd page was 1/2. I was going to give away 5 items. It quickly turned in to 6. The plan was to drop a marker on the sheets and wherever it landed will be the winner. I'm an equal opportunity parent, and in the world of 4 and 6 year olds, picking 5 people was not fair. To them it meant that one of them got to drop the marker more than the other......a few times it landed on nothing, but that didn't count. I had to pick 6 winners because I could not discard any of their non asserted attempts. I have to say that the letters where blurred on purpose.....you never know who is reading....we'll keep it between friends. All the winners have been contacted....the new product will be revealed as soon as I get all the pictures uploaded. All I can say is that is comfy, and fun.

Thanks to everyone who participated. Some of you sent me some Blog worthy lines.....you didn't have to, but you made my day every time. Thanks so much!!!! As for the next give away... More surprises coming up!!!

The Wedding..........

2007-09-04T08:29:00.001-07:00

Finally. This post is dedicated to the members of my family who could not make it, but sent their best wishes to Diana and David. We missed you a lot!!!!

We spent about a month in San Diego.....I could go on and on about everything we did while we where there, but I have to keep in mind that other people ...not just my friends and family from ...literally...all over the world read these entries.

We all went to bed late the night before, and had to get up really early because the Ceremony was at 10 AM....yikes!!! The first in line to get ready was of course the bride. Who kept looking at me asking...."when are you going to start getting ready?" Yep that's me taking the picture...not getting ready. That's my little one...also not ready.

Now she is ready...so was I.

Like my camera strap????

AAWWWW!!! Look at these girls......they look like they know what they are supposed to do don't they??

We are all ready to go.....Mass started at 10 AM.....we left the house at 9:56...Good thing I drove...she made on time.

The reception was held at a swanky hotel in La Jolla called La Valencia. This was our view.

We ate until we could not move.....Love the feeling!!!

Now she is taken, and can't stop starring at her engagement picture. On the background with David is Jr. and Hugo...Best man or men.

My Husband and my Brother who came all the way from Toronto Canada.

My Parents who live in Cincinnati posing with my kids.

Daddy's girls.

My sister and I.

Finally, David says SALUD!!!!

Diana and David met in High School. Then College and life separated them for years, but always kept in touch. Now a little over 10 years later they get together again to be married......they have some good stories to tell their 5 children.......I hope they have 5.....I hope.

We hope to visit again soon. We all had such a great time with family and friends. Their few friends are really like family. They are very lucky to have good friends.

Besos y Abrazos a todos!!!

Gabi

Post long overdue...warning..it's long.

2007-09-02T19:29:00.001-07:00

I'll start with our summer trip to San Diego California. Many of you know that's where I went to College and I also met my lovely husband. My sister lives there, and my in Laws live in the central coast.

One of the highlights of the trip was taking the kids to Sea World to see the beautiful animals they have there. One of our favorite ones is Shamu.

One thing you need to know if you've never been to Sea World.....at the shows, if you sit on the first rows .....you are not only getting a great view, but a nice salty 55 degree shower.

I also notice that Oli and Shamu have the same teeth. If Shamu had a thumb, I would say she sucks her thumb too.

We had a little encounter with a Walrus who had a crush on my sister. He would come up as soon as she tapped her fingers on the glass.

He has good taste!!! Don't you think???

Moving along...we also went to Coronado. If I win the lottery, I would buy a plane, and a house in Coronado.

If I don't win the lottery, plan B will be to find a "gold magnet" I'm not showing you my bunions, or corns... but the shimmery sand they have there.....here in Florida we have fake sand....pretty, but we know is man made.

We also celebrated my little guy's 15th B-Day!!!! All he wanted was a custom skateboard, and some In-N-Out burgers and that's what he got.

I will tell you about the wedding tomorrow.

Gabi

Pinkie and Black

2007-07-20T13:02:00.001-07:00

Pinkie & Black is a new line of girls clothing. I had the honor to be asked to have my little one model the Midnight & Rose twirl skirt. Boy was it twirly..... it also causes unstoppable twirliness......is that a word??

They have 10 collections to chose from, and they are all so fashionable.

Go and get PINKIE-FIED!

Yes, she ate the entire lollipop. It took her 2 days, and she's been bouncing off the walls.

Windows Live Writer

2007-07-15T18:23:00.001-07:00

I've heard about it, I've seen ads for it. I'm the worst blogger in this planet, I should not even call myself a blogger, but.....THIS may save the day!

You can use it Off line, save your drafts, insert all kinds of links without the actual http link.......spell check as you type!!! No more going back to edit because you can't spell!!!

If I could only figure out how to upload the pictures.

Ahhhhh!! Oli and her Bitty Twin I brought for her and Sofia from This Trip?

Gabi

Cutiepies

2007-07-12T12:58:00.000-07:00

I had the honor of photographing these sweet kids wearing a custom design by Kori. http://www.cutiepiescouture.com/

A quick shot of big sister who helped so much. She really knows how to make her little brothers smile.

More Chicago Pics

2007-06-16T07:35:00.000-07:00

The Wienermobile!!!
While walking around Chicago, I heard a familiar song. I thought It was my stomach crying for some attention, but when I turned around, there he was, the one and only Wienermobile!! You can't see them but there where people inside waving at everyone taking their picture... Perfect Kodak moment....in my case...Canon moment.

This is my room view, I was fascinated with the round twin buildings across from my Hotel. I would LOVE to visit Chicago again.

Yes, It's true!....I'm the world's worst blogger.

2007-06-02T15:04:00.000-07:00

To my defense, I'm the best blog stalker, reader, follower, etc...!!!!
I attended a workshop in Chicago and met a group or wonderful photographers. This workshop was awesome, I knew it would be, but I really got more than I expected. Just look at my picture...Did I learn something or what???? Wait until you see the ones of a recent session.
Audrey really put light in to a lot of things that I really never thought of before, so I have a lot to think and review.....I'm good at thinking, not so good at reviewing.

Recognize this place????

Here are some cool chicago shots. Click on the picture to see ME!!!

"The Bean" Is a very cool thing to see until you see yourself on it. I look like I'm about 200 lbs......I'm really not 200lbs, I'm about 3 grams lighter. LOL

I also went to the American Girl Place.....I have to say...is very American!!!!! That company is raking money!!! I did what every other American would do and walked out with a set of twins....the ones in the center look like my little girls.

Until Next time.......I promise I will post more often.
XXX G

I finally mixed my two passions

2007-02-23T09:55:00.000-08:00

Sewing and Photography!!!

Cut, sew, cut some more, sew some more, turn, sew a little bit more.

My funny girls!!!

2006-11-27T06:23:00.000-08:00

It looks like Cinderella missed the 12 O' clock deadline. Her horse turned back in to a dog, and she's not looking very good herself.

Halloween...!!! My kids LOVE candy, they would do ANYTHING for candy...I wonder who they get that from!!

Nachooooooooo!

2006-11-26T19:35:00.000-08:00

"Chancho, when you are a man, sometimes you wear stretchy pants in your room, it's for fun" It sounds very funny when a 5 & 4 year old pair of girls say it at the same time. My good Friend Wendi has 4 boys, and finally she had a baby girl. When I had the girls she used to say to me that everything was going to be "sugar and spice and everything nice" And it has been until Nacho Libre came along. They re-named the good old Spider man mask in to "Nacho, El Luchador" They take turns to be Esqueleto.

I'll start by introducing our family

2006-11-15T18:46:00.000-08:00

I guess the picture should have been a little bigger. I'll try later. This is my first "professional" picture. I say professional because I used my backdrop, and my lights. I set the timer on my camera, and ran to my spot. From left to right; Sofia, Goyo, Me, Gabriel and Olivia. Thanks for checking in.