DownEast Basics! #spon

Posted on July 31, 2012 by Jamie

Last week I was invited out to DownEast Basics at the Irvine Spectrum for a night of shopping, browsing, and fun with other bloggers.  I had only heard of DownEast Basics one other time, so when the opportunity arose I couldn’t wait to see what they were all about.

And let me tell you, DownEast Basics was my kind of store.  A woman’s clothing store that has a very distinct style to their products.  I also have a very distinct style when it comes to the clothing I pick out, and I coin it with the term “Jamie Style.”  In order for me to purchase an outfit I must get a good vibe, and it must have the Jamie seal of approval.

It was a very good thing that my biggest dilemma that night was deciding what to bring home because I had far too many options to choose from.  DownEast Basics at the Irvine Spectrum is the only location in the Southern California region, and anytime I’m at the Spectrum I’ll definitely be stopping into this fun store.  DownEast Basics also have locations in Washington, Utah, Nevada, Colorado, Idaho, Wyoming, and Arizona.

Because it was summer they had some pretty adorable beach bags floating around the store, and let me tell you, I’m absolutely in love with this orange one above.  I checked the price, and they were pretty reasonable at less than 20 dollars.

DownEast Basics also has a pretty adorable girl’s line.  The store was covered in skirts, and summery swimsuits.  Although I don’t have a little girl I’d be pretty happy with the clothing found here.

Keep an eye out for sales that DownEast Basics holds.  The day we were in, all jeans were 40% off, and if you checked the clearance section you could find some jeans for 20 dollars.  They also had a clearance section full of skirts and shirts to browse through.  Some others walked out with skirts as low as 7 dollars apiece.

That evening I decided on one top, a necklace I absolutely loved, and an undershirt.

The shirt above has complete “Jamie Style” written all over it, and it’s what I came home with.

For those that aren’t on the west coast have no fear you can purchase clothing online via the DownEast Basics website.  

Disclosure: DownEast Basics provided me with a 25 dollar gift card, but from here on out, it’s a store I’ll be shopping out.

 

 


Categories: Fun Stuff, Life | Tags: , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Why YOU should take the time to observe other photographers!

Posted on July 29, 2012 by Jamie

I am a huge advocate of going out on a photography shoot with a group of photographers.  Since I began to get serious about my photography I joined a photography group, and we go on a variety of photo walks along the city.

This is actually where I learned some of my techniques, and now I want to share with you why I think it’s a good idea:

1) Different Perspectives

What I love about going out in a group is not only the fact of shooting together, but afterwards, when we share our photos.  We’re all capturing the same things, yet our images come back so differently.  You ask questions on how they did that, or you realize how they see a subject which varies very different from you.

You come back with different perspectives and the confidence to try something different the next time around.

2) Getting your Questions Answered

Another great way by surrounding yourself with other photographers is learning from them.  Whether by the kind of post processing software they use, learning about HDR, or asking those questions you’ve always wanted to know, but didn’t necessarily know how.  Everyone is there to help each other.

3) How they POST Process

Everyone has a way of editing their photos.  Everyone has a different way of doing it.  Some are really good, some over process, and others are very light.  We learn from others by what they do and works well.

4) You develop your style

If you see a photo you really like, ask yourself why, ask yourself what is it that they did really well, and the next time you’re out with your camera, try it out.   You begin to experiment, and you get inspired by trying something new.

5) Bouncing off Ideas

Light Trails: Easy.  One person can hold the glow stick, colored flash light and make the light trails while the other person takes the photos with their camera.  You work as a team.

Posing: You see an object in which you need a person to hold up such an object.  In a group you have that person available instantly.

People think you’re paparazzi: Okay, perhaps, this is something we get asked all the time since we’re in Los Angeles, but the fun part is coming up with a different story every time we’re asked a question.  Or perhaps we will go forward with our idea one day of people hiring us to be the paparazzi around them so they can be the celebrity for the night 😉 Either/or, it works.

6) It’s More Fun

Yes, photography is very much an individual hobby, but going out with a group people brings socialization to it and makes the hobby even more fun.

Have I inspired you to go on a group photo walk?

 


Categories: Photography | Tags: , , , , , | 7 Comments

Introducing NatureBox and Giveaway Ends 8/10! #spon

Posted on July 26, 2012 by Jamie

Earlier in the week I talked about how I was looking to eat healthier, and by doing that I have been looking into different snacking options.  When NatureBox approached me to do a review, I was interested, but had no idea what it was all about…

On Tuesday, the exact same day that I talked about wanting to eat healthier a package arrived on my doorstep.  I opened it up and look what I found inside:

This was exactly the kind of healthy snack I’ve been looking to bring with me during my days in the car.  NatureBox is a monthly subscription service that provides 5 packages of a variety of healthy snacks. The monthly box costs 19.95 a month.  But if you break it down, it roughly comes down to 4 dollars a bag.  Considering how much the bulk foods section in a grocery section adds up to be, this is a great deal.

I received the July box which included: Zesty Fiesta Mix, Sunny Trails, Lemon Pucker Pistachios, Garden Tomato Crunchies, and Southern BBQ Sunflower Kernels.  Let me tell you, I’ve loved every last snack.  Each month the snacks change up, but one thing NatureBox stands behind is their strict quality standards which include:

No High Fructose Corn Syrup

No Partially Hydrogenated Oils

No Trans Fats

No Artificial Sweeteners

No Artificial Flavors

No Artificial Colors

At this time NatureBox is unable to accommodate to personal dietary needs or personal preferences, however, I still think it’s a great concept, don’t you?

For me, this is a company I truly stand behind.  NatureBox is offering a 25% off discount for any of my readers that want to try out NatureBox for a month.  This discount only applies for a month to month subscription.  Alls you have to do is enter the promo code ZESTY.  If you purchase a 6 month subscription you will receive one month free, and if you purchase a 12 month subscription you will receive 3 months free.

But that’s not all, one lucky reader has the chance to win a NatureBox Monthly Box.  The box you will be receiving will be different from the one I received above, but you will not be disappointed:

Before we get started please take the time to check out NatureBox’s site, and connect with them on facebook and twitter

Mandatory Entry: Leave a Comment, Say Something Nice Please.

Retail Value: 19.95

Optional Entries, One comment per entry below please:

Like Minnesota Girl in LA on Facebook

Like Minnesota Girl in LA on Twitter

Like NatureBox on Facebook

Like NatureBox on Twitter

No purchase necessary, void where prohibited.  All entrants must be 18 years of age or older, and reside in the US.  Winner will be chosen through the use of random.org and notified via email.  All other rules can be found here.  Giveaway ends at 9pm PST on 08/10/2012.

Disclosure: NatureBox provided me with a free monthly box to try out and review.  NatureBox will also be providing a box to the winner.  I strongly stand behind NatureBox and their concept of healthy snacking.  

 


Categories: Fun Stuff, Giveaways | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , | 165 Comments