Let it Pour

What is better than a rainy day, a good book & a cup of tea? Add to that a heating pad the purrs and you have an ideal of what my weekend will be like. Enjoy yours!

 

all photos & content © Lara Rossignol

Love Where You Work

For me a happy & oragnized work space in directly connected to ability to be productive. I have been lucky to have space for an office in most of the places I have lived and I can safely say that this new office is my favorite so far. Ironically, a mishap during my move with the table I planned to use as my desk changed my plan completly. First I had to find a new desk, I looked at many vintage options before deciding to go with this new but very affordable option by CB2 and from there it just all came together.

This past week, I updated my desktop computer setup with a Mac Mini, which replaced my older Mac Book Pro previously attached to my 30" monitor. (It's now available on eBay!) A very affordable option I was excited to discover. I also added the orange file cabinet for much needed storage part of the same line as my desk. 

 

I found the cabinet on the left at Urban Outfitters who has a handsome line of mid-century repros at decent prices. I recovered the front, which was just a bland burlap, with a groovy fabric by Laura Gunn. Then I added some length to my desk with a vintage children's desk I picked up at one of my new favorite shops, The Sniveling Sibling in Eagle Rock. 

Many of you are familiar with the green medical cabinet, one of the few office pieces I brought with me from Georgia. I had not really expected to find an affordable two bedroom, so I over downsized a tad. So I got to do a little shopping to complete the space. I found some pieces online, like this wonderful typewriting table (etsy) and the chair (ebay) which I would love to get recovered one day. 

all photos & content © Lara Rossignol

Multi-tasker

Who doesn't like furniture that is both functional and beautiful. When setting up my office I wanted a storage piece that I could also use to display my small collection of photography and my growing collection of glass. I hunted through Craigslist for midcentury consoles but most were too big, then I found this one that was actually two pieces, each the perfect size for my living room and office. If I move and have a space big enough I can then use them together.

The glass is a mix of vintage finds, iKea, Home Goods & a few pieces by my friend, glass blower Kristen Malone. The large poster is from a 70's Diane Arbus exhibition found on eBay. The print to the left is Matthew McConaughey shot by my pal, Davis Factor, then a little estate sale portrait and finally an original print by Barbara Morgan of the dancer, Martha Graham. An amazing gift from my lovely parents.

Speaking of art, I am selling this lovely painting in my Etsy Shop some of you may remember it from this post. One of my many Scotts finds, it is dated 1960 on the back and I think has a wonderful haunting quality. Sadly, I just no longer have space for it.

 

all photos & content © Lara Rossignol

Urban Gardener

I use a little corner of my porch to hone my container gardening skills, I hunted long and hard for the right thing to hang above my potting table. It is a handmade birdie note card holder I can use for seed packets & postcards, though even bare it has loads of charm.

I was about 11 years old when I first became enchanted with the ideal of soil and seed and things that grow after reading The Secret Garden. Required reading for all little girls imo.

My potting table is one of those lucky finds that makes me believe in serendipity. It also does doube duty as a make up table for photo shoots. It is now being offered at an incrediably good price, more than 50% less than what I paid a year ago, which was still cheap.

Kawaii Garden Essentials

1. Pretty wire baskets from Ferm Living 2. Affordable Fiskars Garden tool set 3. Love this lovely Rifle Co. Botanical Notebook Set 4. No matter how small your space Apartment Gardening teaches you how to make the most of it. 5. Of course Orla Kiely has created some crushable garden accessories, yes please! 6. However if your thumb is anything but green then how about these whimsical decals! 7. A handy heavy duty cart by Northern Tool & Equipment 8. Of course a good potting soil is esstential!

 ❀ Have a Happy Weekend ❀

all photos & content © Lara Rossignol

On the Cheap

One of my best friends and her daughter came down from Seattle to visit & hit the Rosebowl Flea, where we hunted for some inexpensive, one-of-kind dresses for Anna. She is a high school senior and bares a haunting resemblance to her Mum. We were not much older than she when we met on our first day of college. Our lockers were right next to each other and with a mutual love for ska & rockabilly, the rest is history.

This fun little number probably from the mid 70's was just one of three for $15. I found the Lulu Guinness purse on eBay.

This  pretty orange cream-cycle dress, may have been hand made.

This may be my favorite of the three, another 70's number Marcia Brady might have worn.

Who doesn't love a good bargain? She also scored a great vintage army jacket and I was pretty happy with my haul as well.

Shopping the Rosebowl Flea 

Searching for treasures So Cal style at maybe one of the most popular hunting grounds in the country is a monthly event that attracts thousands. I do suggest you get there early or else you may end up parking blocks away. My other tips; dress in layers, no matter how cold the morning, it warms up fast and you may want to shed a few as you go, bring water & maybe snacks, the on sight vendors are quite pricey and a rolling cart is a very handy thing indeed.

Held the second Sunday of every month, the next one is this coming weekend. There is an admission fee and the earlier you go the more it cost to get in. I usually go at 9am when it drops to $8. I also recommend the Pasadena City College Flea Market held the first weekend of the month and it's free.

 

all photos & content © Lara Rossignol

Hello 2013

Lets all look forward to a wonderful year ahead! 

all photos & content © Lara Rossignol

Deja Vu

 Just after finishing college I sublet a large loft space in Downtown L.A. right near the railroad tracks, just south of Little Tokyo. Like many artist districts it has been re-invented with a variety of interesting eateries and shops. I was recently treated to a tour of my old hood by my good friend, animation story artist Jenny Lerew.

Wurstküche

With a line out the door, our first stop was Wurstküche, a unique Sausage Grill with a simple set up. You head to the busy counter and choose your sausage, which can range from a classic Brautwurst to exotic options like Rattlesnake or Crocodile. Also pick your toppings, add a side of belgian fries if you like and choose from a long list of beers and/or unique sodas. Then find a seat in the roomy dinning area and they bring it all to you. The sausage is on a delicious bun and they provide 5 different mustards to compliment it. I tried the Filipino Maharlika, described as "sweet pork with natural seasonings"... so good!

Poketo

Next stop, the wonderfully currated shop Poketo, brimming with kawaii goodness.

I love this kind of eclectic mix, where every where you turn there is something interesting or colorful or useful or all of the above.

Pie Hole

Did just the name "maple custard pie" make you want book a flight to L.A.? It might just be worth it. How could I resist a shop called Pie Hole or a pie with maple and custard in the same title? I couldn't and I didn't and I'm glad of it.

Apolis

Now fortified with pie & coffee we made are way over to Apolis: Common Gallery.

At first glance it appears to be an upscale men's store but it is much more than that. With a focus on a global market, they seek out artisans from around the world to create unique goods for their brand. They also use this retail space as a gallery for lectures, art & film.

Storefront

 Finally we checked in at Storefront, a huge warehouse space filled with an interesting assortment of vintage  grooviness. Owned & curated by Set Designer Coryander Friend, who has created a unique gallery feel, mixing artwork, rare furnishings & unusual industrial finds.

all photos & content © Lara Rossignol

How the Finch Stole Christmas

Of course, the big question when you adopt a rescue animal is: Who rescues who? The answer may never be clear, all I know is my heart has grown 3 sizes since Mr. Finch entered it. Pets are pretty amazing, they give so much joy while expecting so little in return.

If you're still on the hunt for some last minute gifts, may I suggest a donation dedicated to a friend, colleague or loved one to the very worthy Rolling Dog Farm? An animal rescue that goes above and beyond, taking in disabled animals that are almost impossible to place, reminding me of  The Island of Misfit Toys. I first heard about them on the Today Show and give a donation every year in honor of my amazing clients. You can even dedicate your donation in memory of a person or pet and no wrapping or mailing required! 

 So taking a cue from Dr. Seuss & the Grinch:

"Maybe Christmas he thought, doesn't come from a store. Maybe Christmas perhaps, means a little bit more?"

A Happy Holiday to All!

all photos & content © Lara Rossignol

new school

I've been asked questions recently that made me realize a lot of people are confused about what many of these new gadgets & gizmos actually do. Though I am no expert, I do have a basic understanding of the differences between two of the most popular and maybe most misunderstood devices, tablets and e-readers. Why would you need both or either? It really depends on you and your needs, so with this post I will try to shed a little light.

Tablets

 The iPad, iPad mini, the Kindle Fire, Nexus 7 & the Nook HD are among most popular & best reviewed. These are basically small computer devices that operate with apps and can do everything most smart phones can do (except make actual phone calls) but with a larger screen. They function as a portable entertainment device allowing you to watch movies, play games, surf the internet, write and receive emails, read magazines & books and listen to music. Some also have cameras but the size makes them a bit awkward to use as an actual camera. They all come with wireless capability and can connect to your home internet or any wireless hotspot. Connecting via cellular satellite usually requires an upgrade and monthly charges to your cellular plan. Many plans now allow you to add a tablet device to your current plan for about $10 a month but this may not include data. Unless you're a frequent flyer, I think just wireless should work fine for most folks.

They can also be effective tools for visual presentations. I use mine to supplement my printed portfolio, showing new work and project specific images at meetings. What a tablet can't do is completely replace a computer, at least not for me. It has no external usb or firewire ports and does not support software such as photoshop, so you are really limited to what is available as an app to work with. I also find the backlit LCD screen, though great for photos, difficult for long term reading, after about 15 minutes I get a headache. 

I have read a lot of reviews and all seem to perform very well, so it really comes down to budget and your operating systems preference. The iPads use a Mac OS system, most compatible with Macs, they also offer the largest variety of apps. The others are android based and though you may have less apps to choose from, they are for the most part cheaper, considerable so. The Kindle Fire is the most affordable, starting at $159, while an iPad mini starts at $329. Either way, you do need a computer to set up & update your tablet. For the budget conscious, you can now get pretty good deals on older models of the iPad. Keeping in mind, it is still a pretty new product, my first generation is only a little over 2 years old and works just fine.

E-Readers 

The Kindle, Kindle Paperwhite, Nook & Kobo are the most popular on the market and all now include many options like touch screens & built in lights.  While a tablet does a multitude of things an e-reader is meant for just one, reading. This simplicity along with being very light weight and their unique screens are the reason many avid readers prefer them for that task over tablets. Most e-readers use "e-ink", a very different technology than the LCD screens tablet or computers have. The screen is not backlit making it more like a printed page and easier on the eyes, you can also read in bright sunlight, not so easy with LCD screens.

They are also super lightweight, another big plus for me. You don't really need a computer to set up your e-reader, it can operate as a solely independent device. Like the tablets, they come with wireless, with some you can upgrade to get cellular type service but unlike tablets, this does not involve an extra monthly fee. At least not yet. The basic models are now so inexpensive, if you read a lot and don't like a backlit screen then it is well worth it. For many, this and a smart phone are all you really need.

Lovely e-reader sleeve by Borsa Bella.

Groovy Gadgetry Gift Ideals

With less than a week left till Christmas, here are some last minute online techalious gift ideals; 1. Orla Kiely Phone Case 2. Very cool little retro alarm clock by Kikkerland 3. An extra fun iPhone 5 case from Trina Turk 4. Pelle Switcheasy iPad Cover 5. Coach leather iPad sleeve 6. A leather, vintage looking camera case by Fossil 7. A Roku, allows you to stream movies directly to your TV 8. This little Sony-Cybershot point & shoot takes big pictures with 16 mega pixels & full HD 1080/60i for video.

all photos & content © Lara Rossignol

Top Hat

 I like when a restaurant finds a system that works and sticks with it. The Hat, a 62 year old chain is such a place. A large menu ranging from hot dogs to their "World Famous" pastrami dip, keeps it simple by packing all items to go but providing plates and all other necessities for patrons to dine in. So even at peak hours with a line out the door they keep it moving.

The whole world can't be wrong so I went with the pastrami dip and since I had no ideal that even a small sized order of fries was HUGE, I ordered one of those. The sandwich did not disappoint, the bread was soft and warm, dipped in some kind of juice it was really tasty with lots of pickles and mustard. They have several locations, including one in Pasadena on Lake. 

 

all photos & content © Lara Rossignol

Chart Charm

I found this beautiful Jung-Koch-Quentell botanical chart at the Rosebowl Flea Market last weekend. I had not been really happy with the painting I had over the book case in my living room. The scale was off and the image of my Grandmother, though a favorite just didn't fit with the decor.

I think the scale is perfect and the colors are amazing. Originally made in the early 60's, these were educational tools for schools, they are now very collectable. Beautifully printed in Dusseldorf, Germany by Lehrmittelverlag Hagemann and backed with linen. I especially love the use of wooden rods to anchor the chart.

I got a great deal from Jill Kelly Mitchell, who found it in Paris and lives in San Francisco so it made quite the road trip before landing in my little living room. She also sells her wares on Etsy. A quick google and I found the exact chart being sold for several times what I paid. Just be aware, there are a lot of reproductions on the market. If the rods are black, rather than a natural wood color, then it is probably a reproduction. Still a great find but should be considerably cheaper.

❧

If like me you're inspired to learn more about this interesting & unusual art form, you may want to get a copy of this gorgeous book, The Art of Instruction by Katrien Van der Schueren. 

 

all photos & content © Lara Rossignol

Pie Kawaii Holiday Gift Guide

Christmas is just a little over two weeks away so here are Pie's picks for some unique gift ideals. Just beware, some are so kawaii you may want them for yourself. There is a great holiday sale going on over at Lesley Evers, 30% off  many items, plus free shipping. How about one of her new line of signature silk scarves. One size fits all!

Official Kawaii-ness!

1. Yes, I am featuring two of these speical edition Diana cameras cause they are both just too groovy to choose between. This is the Metropolis and below (8) is the Latitude. 2. Love this Fossil Key-Per tote 3. Sagaform teapot 4. Fun owl pasta bowl set from Rachel Ray 5. The prettiest wasbi style tape from Cavallini 6. A must read for those interested in fashion & photography, Grace: A Memoir 7. Love this funky phone from Modcloth 9. A lovely Sagaform storage container (perfect for biscuits or tea cakes) to go with your teapot 10. A cozy Pendleton plaid blanket, I love its vintage look.

For anyone on your list that loves to accessorize their gadgets, I love love LOVE this iPhone Hard Case by Gelaskins. You can create your own custom design, as I did above or choose from their stable of unique artists including new designs by Charlie Harper. The print quality is gorgeous and they have them to fit iPhones 3 thru 5. They also offer a wide array of device skins and right now if you order 3 items you get a 4th free!

If you want to give or get a lovely coffee table photo book this season, then this is the one. A luscious printing of work created by my very talented friend Diego Uchitel.

  I bought this very well priced Brother Sewing Machine last year, with the ideal that this old dog might learn a new trick. Though my grandmother tried to interest me in it, I never learned much past repairing a button or hem. My sister in-law used it to make 3 sets of curtains for me, including the lovely jade set above. My only contribution was threading the bobbin. So I'm planning to take lessons at Sew L.A., a very cool shop in Atwater Village. They offer one day workshop style classes for beginners through advance levels.

Near the top of my personal wish list is this lovely retro Cavallini label set. With over 100 labels this set is perfect for any ephemera fanatics such as myself.

Few people would be unhappy to receive a lovely box of something tasty. Especially if that box is from Cacao Atlanta Chocolate Company. Owner Kristen Hard travels the world for the highest quality organic ingredients and each piece is handcrafted to perfection.

And though it will not be released till May 31st you can now pre-ordrer the book I did with nail artist Madeline Poole. I am pretty excited to see the finished product. 

 

all photos & content © Lara Rossignol

The Skinny on Skinny Laminx

If you are searching for some amazing textiles to add a unique edge to your interiors let me point you in the direction of Skinny Laminx. One of my favorite Etsy shops ever and featuring all original designs by South African based textile artist, Heather Moore.

I fell in love with her cushions while searching for something fresh and colorful for my new space. The patterns almost look like letter press and also have a wonderful organic quality.

Her cushion covers (you buy the insert separately) are beautifully made and printed on a lovely, washable cotton/linen. The colors are vibrant and best of all unexpected. For example a deep, delicious orange or a chartreusey, lemon yellow. They are also very well priced, a true steal at just $38 each, I found inserts for under $10 at Joanns.

 How groovy is this tea towel covered with vintage tea cups, whimsical and practical all at the same time.

I am also enamored with her new line of paper goods, which includes wall decals, gift tags, ornaments and these fabulous postcards. Tea? Yes, please.

all photos (except 2nd tea towel and postcards) & content © Lara Rossignol

Living Large

If I had a dollar for every inquiry I get about my equipment, I could have bought another one of these babies by now. In my former life, shooting film, I used Nikons and Hasselblads but chose Canon when I made the switch to digital 8 years ago. It was not a hard decision, I didn't have a huge investment in equipment, often renting what I needed and Canon seemed to have made the most strides in pro digital gear. I must stress that just buying a better camera will not make you a better photographer, even though many seem to think so.

I am in love with my Canon 5D Mark II which I bought back in February, upgrading from a 5D, which I had simply out-grown. You can now get pretty good deals on both of these excellent SLR's since Canon recently released a Mark III. Unless you are a full time Pro, I highly recommend saving your pennies and buying used or getting a slightly older camera body, or opt for one of the lower level models such as a 7D, Rebel or 60D, all of which perform well. It is the lenses that you want to invest your money in. This is what will really determine the quality of your images, well that and an understanding of light, composition and some innate talent & technical ability.  

Canon's best lenses are their "L" series and part of what makes a good lens is the maximum aperture, the lower the number, the better the lens. My favorite, used on both images above is the Canon EF 50mm f/1.2L the "1.2L" being key in knowing this is a quality lens by the letter L and 1.2 is what allows me to open up the lens and get a beautiful shallow depth of field. 

On the top of my wish list is their 85mm 1.2L lens. Fixed lenses (rather than zooms with multiple focal lengths) also tend to produce less distortion and are my personal preference. Though I do have a good 24-70, I often use. It really is all about the "glass".

I am also always on the hunt for a good camera bag that is also, dare I say, stylish! I just discovered some fantastic options by Kelly Moore. I especially love this one called the Libby with a built in memory card wallet and space enough for your gear and a laptop. If you travel a lot with your gear as I do, you might also like this excellent option by Think Tank.

If you're not quite ready for an SLR then I highly recommend Leica's d-Lux 5 a super compact point & shoot with the heart of an SLR. I was able to test one out a while back and just loved this top of the line point & shoot.

 

all photos & content © Lara Rossignol

Glamour All the Way

I shot a very fun fashion story for the newest issue of Fit Pregnancy Magazine which is on stands now. Just cause you're pregnant does not mean you can't look beautiful and glamourous this holiday season and Fashion Director Kathryn McRitchie found some amazing options, like this pretty maxi dress by Isabella Oliver.

We shot at a beautifully restored mid-century house in Pasadena filled with amazing light. Our model was less than two weeks from her due date but not afraid to don a fabulous pair of Jimmy Choo shoes!

Another pretty dress by Isabella Oliver and Kendra Scott earrings are all set off by gorgeous hair by Georgina Penate and make-up by Kim Carrillo.

 Check out the new Dec/Jan Issue of Fit Pregnancy for more photos and full details about these looks. You can download the Kindle Fire edition here. Cover photo by Victoria Pearson.

 

all photos & content © Lara Rossignol

Modern Classics

Mashed Sweet Taters with Ginger This is an easy but wonderful side dish, that was a big hit at a Christmas dinner I made. I first saw it made by Sara Moulton on her show years ago. It is basically mashed potatoes but using sweet potatoes (either white or red) and fresh ginger. In some area the red colored sweet potatoes are called yams.

  Make it!

1. 2 or 3 large Sweet Potatoes 
2. fresh raw ginger
3. 1/2  a stick of unsalted butter
4. half & half (about 1/4 cup)
5. salt

 Peal and cut your potatoes into cubed pieces, place in large pot and fill water so potatoes are covered. Ad a little salt and bring to boil. Boil till pieces are tender, about 20 minutes. Drain and then put into large bowl. Add butter and half and half and mash(I prefer mashing by hand). When you get the mash consistency you like, grate in some of the fresh ginger. You do not need a lot, about a tbsp at the most, a little more salt, mix well and serve. This should serve 4 to 6 depending on the size of the sweet potatoes. 

Homemade cranberry sauce is one of my favorite side dishes with roasted turkey and so easy to make it amazes me how many people use canned. I use this simple recipe with a few simple modifications. I use raw sugar and instead of water I use cider, this year I am trying cherry cider from Trader Joe's. I also add the juice and zest of one orange and a generous dash of Grand Marnier.

If I made a list of my top 5 favorite pies, I am certain pumpkin would be on it. I even thought I had perfected making them till I saw a few tips from a chef that had me re- think my technique. He recommended making the filling the day before and letting it refrigerate overnight for the best flavor and also said to only use a rubber spatula to mix the filling never a whisk! I use the classic Libby's canned pumpkin recipe with one major difference, instead of plain evaporated milk, I use Eagle brand sweeten condensed milk. It makes for a richer flavor and a better texture. I also suggest you cover the crust with foil for the first 30 minutes of baking. You can make your own but I highly recommend the Trader Joe's frozen crust. 

Make it!

• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 2 large eggs
• 1 can (15 oz.) LIBBY'S® 100% Pure Pumpkin
• 1 can (12 fl. oz.) Eagle Brand sweetened condensed milk
• 1 unbaked 9-inch (4-cup volume) deep-dish pie shell

MIX: In a large bowl combine; sugar, cinnamon, salt, ginger and cloves in small bowl. Beat eggs in large bowl. Stir in pumpkin and sugar-spice mixture. Gradually stir in sweetened condense milk and then refrigerate overnight.
 
BAKE: Remove pumpkin mixture from fridge while you prepare pie crust in a pie pan, pour in pumpkin mixture and cover edges with tin foil. Place in a preheated 425° F oven for 15 minutes. Reduce temperature to 350° F; bake for 40 to 50 minutes or until knife inserted near center comes out clean. Cool on wire rack for at least 2 hours (do not put right into fridge, that will make your pie sweaty.) Serve immediately or refrigerate, I prefer mine cold & topped with whipped cream. 

Leftover Love!

Cornbread Stuffing with Poached Egg

This is one of my favorite ways to use leftover stuffing. Re-heat the stuffing either in the microwave or sauté it in a little oil or butter, add 1/4 cup of water, cover and let it steam till heated through. Then top it with a poached or fried egg & sprinkle with some Old Bay seasoning for a little kick. 

❦ Have a Festive Thanksgiving! ❧

all photos & content © Lara Rossignol

Yes, please.

Lemon Creme Brulee from Proof in Atwater Village

Viet's Lemon Grass chicken Bah mi.

Coffee Bean's Pumpkin ice blended drink. 

 

all photos & content © Lara Rossignol

Wrap it Up

Some of you will remember the post I did on textile designer Melody Miller. Well Melody's star just keeps rising, her newest collections are selling like hotcakes! For my new apartment she made me two pillows (lucky me!) using fabric from her vintage chic Ruby Star Shining line.

You can even add some Ruby flare to your modern gadgets with her line of skins & cases via Gelaskins. 

Melody lives in Atlanta and is married to a former student of mine, the talented photographer Greg Miller. 

Still one of my favorite Pie projects ever, here is the mini mag we did with her daughter Iliana as the model.

She has also just released this kawaii book on unique and creative gifting bling, Ruby Star Wrapping.

 

all photos & content © Lara Rossignol

Badge of Honor

I created this badge for my blog to encourage people to give what they can to help victims of Hurricane Sandy. By giving today to the Red Cross, American Express will match your donations! Verizon is also matching text donations for the first million raised. Verizon customers can donate $10 by texting REDCROSS to 90999. What could be easier?

Feel free to grab this badge I designed for your own blog or Facebook page.

content © Lara Rossignol

Pies Picks: Favorite Camera Apps

As mentioned a few weeks ago, I have finally updated my 1st generation iPhone for the new iPhone 5 and a big reason for that decision was the 8 mega pixel camera it includes. To always have this at your disposal was too good to pass up. And with so many amazing camera apps available, the truth is it's a superior tool than some point & shoot cameras. 

After a week of testing a variety of options, I have picked these four as my favorites. All but Instagram are new for me. I often combine favorite functions from several of these to get a final result. I have chosen the same subject (my super photogenic Smeg) for easy comparison to illustrate my choices.

Lo-Mob

Lo-Mob is my top favorite because of it's unique frames, effects and easy to use interface. You can change the crop to fit the frame you like and keep or remove filters and vignetting. All 3 of these and the image at the top are the same photo just cropped & processed in different ways using this app. $1.99

Instagram

Instagram is probably the most popular photo app, due mostly to its social applications, though personally I keep my account private for copyright control. I rarely use it to take pictures (I prefer to use other apps or to import images taken with my cameras) it is a very good processing app. Between the blur/tilt-shift function and their unique filters, it can yield some very pretty results. Again, this is the same image as previously shown above, processed with blur & the "Nashville" filter. Best thing, this app is Free!

Incredibooth

Incredibooth is a fun photo booth style app, that takes 4 images in quick secession and in a choice of 4 styles. Easy to use, it is by the makers of Hipstamtic. 99¢

Cameramatic

A really nice all-around camera app, especially if like me, you like composing in a square frame. Cameramatic lets you create a beautiful high quality base image. They also have a nice selection of frames and filters. $1.99

Honorable Mention: Vintage Camera

I'm also including this Vintage Camera app, purely for having my very favorite black & white filter. I was not too impressed with the other filters but I probably just need to experiment a bit more. I think it's free unless you choose to upgrade for 99¢. 

It also has the most kawaii icon.

 Have a Creative weekend! ✄

all photos & content © Lara Rossignol