My New Favorite Camera Bag

When I find something I reeeaaally love, I try to share it with you guys. I got a new camera bag not too long ago, and just had to show it off because I've had a lot of compliments on it. This post is not sponsored in any way...just a shout-out for a cool product I fell in love with. I snapped a few quick iPhone shots on the deck last night (couldn't find the old point and shoot). Here's my new camera bag! Don't you love the pattern?

As you can see, it's actually a back pack, which I love because I can take it on field trips, outings to the park, etc. and not worry about it getting banged up the way I do with my JoTotes bag. 

It comes with an insert of padded dividers for keeping your camera and equipment organized. They are completely removable, turning the bag into a real backpack. They are not as sturdy or thick as the padding in my JoTotes bag, but I can fit a lot more stuff in! I will probably add some padding around my Nikon just to be on the safe side. 

This is what I can fit in my bag so far:

1. Lens cleaner and camcorder TV hook-ups
2. Remote control shutter
3. Photography ebook from Kristen Duke
4. LCD wipes and extra lens cap
5. Extra camera battery, extra SD cards, mini tripod
6. Nikon
7. Zoom lens
8. Camcorder

Another cool feature is that the top of the backpack unzips and you can access items that way too. There's another zippered pouch there at the top where I keep the charger for our camcorder.

The bag also comes with a coordinating water bottle holder that's lined with that thermal stuff to keep your drink cool. I tested it with a large, half-frozen water bottle on the day of Natalie's field trip and it was a true life saver. Burning hot temps + out in the sun + ride on hot bus + pregnant mom = no fun. But my water stayed cold and kept me from passing out!

I'm not a huge fan of the one-shoulder design. It felt kind of awkward when I was toting it around. But I definitely love the idea of a backpack for my camera stuff!

I believe this bag, called an "Organizing Pack" on Thirty One's website, is available only as a hostess exclusive. Mine was a gift. But definitely worth hosting a party online or at home if you know a rep!!

How do you carry your camera equipment?

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Adding On {Three's Company}

I feel kind of weird posting this, as it's been a secret we've been keeping...but I have some news I wanted to share with my dear readers today.

Yep, we're "adding on" two more feet to the T household, literally. 

For the sake of keeping things real, I'll share more later this week. Things haven't exactly been a walk in the park, so to speak, and I know that's been reflected in my personal life and here on the blog. 

For now, I just wanted to share our news with you. I have a cute video of the creative way we told the girls (who were over-the-moon thrilled), so I'll have to show you guys that next time. 

Have a great day!

If you enjoyed this post or found it helpful, I'd love for you to click your "Pin It" button to add this post to Pinterest, or a +1 for Google+. And I always appreciate kind comments!

Featured Project Ideas {Link Party Features}

Happy Monday! How's your week starting out? As promised, I'm back with some Features from the weekend link party. There was a fantastic line-up of creative posts: Home Decor, DIY, Crafts, Recipes, Party Ideas, Tips and Tricks, and more. It's an awesome spot to find stuff to add to your Pinterest boards! Without further ado, here are some that I spotted this weekend:

~Home Office via Meredith and Gwyneth, the New Yorkie

~Creamy Tomato Basil Soup via The Salty Kitchen

~Adding Storage to the Kitchen via Living Laughing and Loving

One More Day to Link Up!

Happy Father's Day to all the dads out there! How are you celebrating the dads in your life? I'm giving everyone one more day to link up to this week's Weekend Bloggy Reading link party before I choose Features. I've been running this party for several years now, and I'd love to see it grow a little more. I'm also busy enjoying some summer fun, so this gives me an extra day. I'll have a post with lots of Featured Project Ideas up tomorrow morning.

If you haven't joined the fun yet, please hop over to the party and add your best post of the week. We have Home Decor, Crafts, DIY, Recipes, Tips and Tricks, Party Ideas, and so much more! Lots of fun ideas to Pin and tuck away for future use.

If you've already linked up, be sure to browse some of the other projects. If you haven't added a link back to me within your post, please take a minute to do that. I've had to bypass several dozen really fantastic projects  for Features because the bloggers didn't link back to Serenity Now within their posts. It's good for both of our SEO, guys!

Hope you've had a fantastic weekend. 

Share Your Best Post of the Week--Link Up!

Happy Saturday! What are you up to today? I just wanted to offer you guys a quick "weekend update." Please pop in to link up YOUR best post of the week at my Weekend Bloggy Reading link party. Today's the day to link up because I'm busy rounding up more Features! I'd love to know which ones caught your eye.

All kinds of posts are welcome here: We have recipes, party ideas, room makeovers, crafts, printables, tips and tricks, home decor, DIY, fashion advice, and more! The code for the button is near the end of this post, or you can add a text link back to me within your post.

This is just a quick "sneak peek" snapshot of all the awesome projects that have been shared at the party this week. You can click the party link above to check them out and share your own project! I'd love to Feature you in a post!

If you haven't linked up yet, hop on over! Be sure to browse some of the amazing projects that have been shared.

If you missed this week's posts at Serenity Now, here are some links for you:

• Chipotle Inspired Chicken Burritos
• A Day at Wakefield
• Summer Reading List
• Featured Project Ideas

Features coming soon!

::Weekend Bloggy Reading:: Link Up!

Welcome to my Weekend Bloggy Reading link party. This is the day of the week where other bloggers stop by to link up their best post of the week, and readers get to browse tons of fun project ideas. If you're new here, don't forget to "Follow" or subscribe so you don't miss future parties and projects! Please be sure to read my guidelines before you add a link--it's good for both of our SEO!

This party is a great place to showcase your very best post of the week (home decor, crafts, party ideas, recipes, DIY, tips and tricks, etc.) and to see what else is out there.

Here are a few of my faves I spotted around the web this week:

sources listed below

~Outdoor Farmhouse Table via Vintage Charm

~Dining Room Buffet via My Blessed Life

~Refinished Pew via DIY Playbook

~Driftwood Vase via Simplicity in the South

~And Me? I'd love it if you have a moment to click over. This week featured:

• Chipotle Inspired Chicken Burritos
• A Day at Wakefield
• Summer Reading List
• Featured Project Ideas

Time to link up your best post of the week!

Summer Reading List, 2013

I planned on photographing something to share with you all today, but summer busy stuff with the girls got the best of me yesterday. I thought it would be fun to share some of the books on my Summer Reading List for 2013. I'd love to know what's on your list!

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society- Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows

This is my current read for Book Club, and I love it! Set in post-World War II Great Britain. 

Ladies' Night- Mary Kay Andrews

My favorite author! Can't wait to download this one to Kindle! She adds humor and style to every book.

Revenge Wears Prada: The Devil Returns- Lauren Weisberger

Loved the first novel; hope the second one is as good!

The Husband List- Janet Evanovich and Dorien Kelly

Complete and total fluff. I'm okay with that. It's summertime.

The Great Escape- Susan Elizabeth Phillips

Looks like The Runaway Bride, no?

The Witness- Nora Roberts

A little bit romance, a little bit thriller. 

Sad Desk Salad- Jessica Grose

It's about a blogger, so....

Best Friends Forever- Jennifer Weiner

I've enjoyed a few of her books, so hopefully this one is good too. 

What's on your list to read this summer?

Bring your best post of the week to share tomorrow at the link party!

If you enjoyed this post or found it helpful, I hope you'll click your "Pin It" button to add this post to Pinterest, or a +1 for Google+. And I always appreciate kind comments!