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

Locally Grown

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This great little eatery opened in my neighborhood maybe 6 months ago but I only decided to try it last week. Just a little corner shack on Foothill Blvd, adjacent to a Japanese restaurant I have also never tried. Zina's serves healthy Mediterranean style food. I tried a falafel "wrap" and it was served with some tasty pickled cabbage. The falafels were nicely spiced and wrapped with lettuce, tomato, red onion and a good zingy, tahini. I also liked the unsweetened ice tea, I suspect they make fresh. Great service too, I paid 11.00 total with tax & tip.

 

all photos & content © Lara Rossignol

Time Travel

Someone once told me that life is like a roll of toilet paper, the closer you get to the end, the faster it goes. I have found this to be true and the fact that it has already been a year since Mr. Finch & I made the trek from east to west, just proves it. I must add, even though I do miss my southern friends, I am very happy with both my choice and where we've landed.

✹ Have a Happy Weekend! ✹

all photos & content © Lara Rossignol

All Hallows Fair

If you are anywhere near Atlanta, then you might want to check out this weekends Country Living Fair in Stone Mountain hosted by Country Living Magazine. I was able to attend it a few seasons ago and am reposting a few unique and spooky finds that might inspire your own Halloween decor.

 My eye went right to these exquisitely made pieces by Letty Worley, she makes her unique creations from salvaged vintage relics, trims and mohair.

Some are even functional like this needle holder on the left. Others are just wonderful pieces of art. All are signed and one of a kind.  

With Halloween just a week away, many booths included spooky inspired wares. Among my favorites were Cottage Farm Chic a dealer at Lakewood 400 who had these fun little pumpkins.

as well as these sweet witches...

and even a few tricks with these crowd stopping 3D photos. 

 A witchy birdhouse with enough whimsy to display all year round by Willow Nest Farm. 

Sweet little tags from the Ribbon Emporium and a carved owl by one of the many artists showing at the fair. 

 If your little witch is in need of some good transportation, this dealer did it old school, handmade brooms created on site were selling like hot cakes. You had a choice of natural or finished wood handles.  

How about a knock from this pair of trick or treaters?

 I was particularly drawn to these unique hand painted dolls by Cart Before the Horse. Made with muslin they use multiple layers of paint, sanding each layer down and repainting till they get this wonderful result.

Can't make the fair? Have no fear you can check out their etsy shop. True art pieces that are created by husband & wife team, Dylan & Jo.

 

all photos & content © Lara Rossignol

Patch Picks

I have not bought much for my new place in the last few months since my initial mad rush to get it camera ready for the Flea Market Style shoot. However I did splurge on some of the new Patch NYC items sold by Target, much of which is now on sale. This little fox candy dish is my favorite piece and sold out quickly, so I was lucky to find one. 

I also could not resist this leaf covered coffee pot. 

So of course I had to have the leaf dessert plates to match.

On another, more personal note, my adorable nephew Matthew is getting married today! I am not exactly sure when he grew up, since it seems just yesterday I took this photo. This is the wondrous gift that is photography, the ability to stop time, you might even call it a super power. 

✻ Have a sweet weekend! ✻

all photos & content © Lara Rossignol

All in One

This is a super easy to make one-pot pasta dish. Use a medium to large saucepan and prepare the pasta according to package directions, I like Capellini which take just 3 minutes to cook. Drain the pasta (do not rinse it) put the saucepan back on a medium flame and add a little olive oil, let it heat a bit (you can also add minced onion and/or garlic at this point if you like) then add back the pasta, stir, sprinkle in some salt and a bit of crumbled goat cheese (or whatever cheese you like) and then add about 1/4 cup per serving of your favorite bottled Marinara sauce and if you like spice, a little Sriracha is always good. Stir and keep on stove until sauce heats through and cheese is melted.

Plate and top with a little more cheese and I also added some mashed avocado mixed with fresh lemon & horseradish. Mixed greens in a light vinaigrette is also very good on top.

 

all photos & content © Lara Rossignol

Kawaii DIY

I am waiting for my new iPhone 5 to ship, my only upgrade since the original first generation was released five years ago. I really had no choice, they are no longer doing updates for my phone and it is quickly becoming obsolete. And though I hate to admit it, the draw of an 8 mega pixel camera always at my disposal was just too great. So while I wait I've been looking for cases and discovered this addictive DIY option by Casetagram, which allows you to pull from your online images or upload from your computer to create a personal, one of kind, kawaii case.

 After browsing the gallery, I noticed themes can be very effective, so I tried one with some signage photos I've taken. You don't have to actually order a design to save them to your personal gallery, to order it will run you 39.95 including shipping.

 There are several layouts to choose from including a single image, so you could create your own design in photoshop and upload it as a single image. This is what I did above on the left or just use one single favorite image. They also do other devices including iPads.

You can also make your own book style covers for your e-reader or iPad with M-Edge's "design your own" option. I love my Smeg so much I thought why not carry it with me! I thought there design software was very easy and you can even add type or preloaded patterns. Also $40, the turn around was pretty fast for a custom made item and it feels like a little piece of art. 

For more fun gadget cuteness check out my new pinterest board Techalicous.

❃ Have a creative weekend ❃

all photos & content © Lara Rossignol

Pies Top Picks for a Sleepless Night

I have always loved a good, scary book. I read The Exorcist when I was just 12, already bored with what the children's section of my local library offered. I began looking at what was on my Mother's shelves and in the adult sections. It was there I discovered writers like Thomas Tryon, Stephen King and Mary Shelly. Now when October rolls around, I am often on the hunt for this genre to feed my warped soul. Here are my picks, a mix of classics and some new discoveries and all are available in both book & kindle format. 

Warning: Read at Your Own Risk

☠ ☠ ☠

If ghost and complicated plots are up your alley then look no further. Waters is most well known for her lesbian/victorian fiction, which is so well written two were made into acclaimed mini series. The Little Stranger is quite different in both period and plot. Though a touch slow at first, it is well worth the effort.

I can't remember when I read The Collector or even if it was before or after I saw the excellent movie based on it. I only know I've never forgotten this unique and chilling book. A titillating character study of obsession taken to the extreme. Not your typical horror story, the shivers are in the telling.

On a scale of 1-10 in creepiness, Rosemary's Baby is a solid 9.9. Even if you have seen the movie, a fairly faithful adaptation, the book will still surprise you. After reading you will want to watch the movie again. I know I did.

I discovered Elizabeth Hand's Generation Loss, which searching out women horror writers. When I discovered the main character was a photographer it really peeked my interest. I found it to be an unrelenting, coarse journey that is part thriller, part character study and part horror story. I liked it a lot.

Also discovered during that hunt, Sara Gran, another strong female writer not afraid of the dark. I read this book, Come Closer in three sittings. Beautifully written, this tale about a women possessed by a female demon creeps up on you slowly, like a chill up the spine. So good.

This book was a big deal back in the seventies and personally gave me many nightmares, which might be why I  remember it so fondly. A so-so film version was made directed by the great Robert Mulligan back in 1972. I would love to see it attempted again, with the right treatment I am sure it could be brilliant.

Probably more haunting than horror, I first picked up this book in my teens (with this same great cover above, who could resist it?) but I never finished it. I gave it another go earlier this year and was blown away. Now one of my all time favorite books and at the top of my required reading list. It propelled me into reading every one of Jackson's novels (many of which could be on this list) and even her biography. 

No list would be complete without least one Stephen King book and though I have read many, the first and still my favorite was Carrie. Probably one of the few where the film is better known than the original and a new version is due out next year. This book made such an imprint I can still remember exactly where I found it. I was in 8th grade and checked it out via a bookmobile as my school at the time had no actual library.

I just finished this devilish tale of possession inherited. Yet another female writer, Ania Ahlborn originally self published Seed, it was snapped up by 47 North. A division of Amazon specializing in horror, fantasy and sci fi and a great place to find new writers. I was originally attracted by the cover's design and then after reading the stellar reviews I downloaded the sample. It is free to borrow if you have an Amazon Prime account and just 2.99 for kindles if you don't. I was not a bit disappointed and have already pre-ordered her next book, The Neighbors.

✄ ✄ ✄ 

top montage  & content © Lara Rossignol

Showtime

While visiting my friends in Texas I was treated to a fabulous performance by 4 year old Maxfield & Jack. Can you say... "photo opp"? Both are transplanted New Yorkers who know how to work a crowd. They perfected this routine by performing it in Times Square back in the early 90's. Wink, Wink.

 Jack (who works for cheese, literally) is sporting a summer buzz cut to better withstand the Texas heat as he perfects his twirls. 

A little live action filmed by Heather Hatt & editing by yours truly (just ignore the man behind the curtain...)

Now for the big finale! Drum roll please...

The Hoop Jump!

and if that were not enough kawaii fun...

... may I introduced Minerva Valentine, the tiniest clown in Texas. 

✯Have a super star weekend!✯ 

all photos & content © Lara Rossignol

Go Green

The wonders of avocados are well documented. Though high in fat, it is one of the healthiest fats we can consume. It is even fantastic as a topical beauty aid for hair and skin. However, I am a simple girl and usually just add them to a salad or sandwich, though I also make a mean guacamole.

 I use a little finely chopped onion, fresh cilantro, lemon juice (this will also help keep it from turning brown) and season with Sriracha, salt and pepper to taste. You can also add tomato, fresh minced garlic, chopped jalapeño or a dash of horseradish for some extra kick. Mix it all up and let refrigerate for a couple of hours before serving for best results. Above I added a smidge to a Wasa cracker with hummus and cheese.

They can also make an excellent substitution for mayonnaise. Here I used them in a classic deviled egg recipe, really tasty. You could also use them to replace the mayo in chicken, egg or even tuna salad.

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all photos & content © Lara Rossignol

For~Evers

Every once in a while, if you're lucky, you find a client that you were made for. A perfect match and when your talents combine it is magic. Every time I work with Lesley Evers I get this sense that it was meant to be and the proof is in the pudding. I have also learned that orange is a tricky color to photograph.

Lesley is introducing these gorgeous swing coats, lined with her signature silk designs. A former artist, Lesley designs most of her own unique, retro inspired textiles giving her line its distinctive edge. In this shot, the dress, the coat's lining and the scarf are all her own invention.

It takes a strong team to pull together these shoots which are done in & near Lesley's home just outside of San Francisco. We lucked out from the get go, finding a great SF based hair & make up artist, Joshua Conover. Lesley works with her own small team on the styling and I think we really hit the bullseye with the lovely & high flying Kaitlin Madewell via Scout Models.

We chose to go a little different route with this shoot, using bright colored seemless and a pretty diffused lighting. You would never know this was all done in Lesley's back yard. You can see more from this shoot on my site. Meanwhile, be sure to check out Lesley's new site and she is offering free shipping through the end of September! 

 ❀❀❀

all photos & content © Lara Rossignol

Old School Kawaii

I am a sucker for an authentic retro diner like Pann's, just minutes from LAX, it does not just rely on its good looks. It is also known for exceptional food & service. So when I had to meet up with a new client near the airport last week, it was the perfect choice.

Famous for their chicken & waffles, I took a break from juicing to indulge and I'm not sorry one little bit.

 Pann's is often mistaken for the diner used in Pulp Fiction but that was actually the Hawthorn Grill, owned by the same family. The interiors are very similar, hence the confusion and Pann's has been used for many other films, including Bewitched. It was designed by Helen Fong in the "Googie" style of the famous firm Armet & Davis Architects. They are also famous for many other of L.A.'s diner landmarks including Johnie's and Norms.

 Some of you may notice Pie has a new look... hope you like it! I needed something a little more in synch with my new website. I played with a couple of banner images, here was my 2nd choice. I used some of this tutorial to create the chalkboard look.

 

all photos & content © Lara Rossignol

Legendary Ladd

A few months ago I was very excited to get to work with three time Oscar nominee, Diane Ladd. She is one of those rare actresses that can meld into a role so seamlessly that she becomes that character to the core. From Wild at Heart to the wondrous HBO series Enlightened with daughter Laura Dern, she has shown a range that leaves you in awe. 

A consumate character actress who has stolen many a film with her twist on a supporting role. Born and raised in Meridian, Mississippi she can play an authentic southern bell but with a biting edge and authenticity no amount of voice coaching can master. A former chorus girl at the Copacabana in New York, she worked her way up through numerous TV shows and B movies before landing her career changing roll of Ida Sessions in Chinatown.  

That same year she would earn her first Oscar nod for her scene stealing performance as Flo in one of my all time favorite movies, Alice Doesn't Live Anymore. 

These are the must see Ladd films, three of which she was nominated for. Rambling Rose also earned her daughter (who made her debut in Alice) an Oscar nomination. Making them the first and only Mother & daughter to be nominated the same year.

In Enlightened, Diane plays Helen, a widow who's adult daughter (Laura Dern, of course) has a breakdown and returns home after attending a rehab. In this clip, Ladd gives a beautifully subtle but layered performance, mostly without words, opposite the always remarkable Barbara Barrie. I never heard of this show until Laura won a Golden Globe for it last year. I was able to watch it on HBO-Go and devoured the entire season in a weekend.

A distant cousin of Tennessee Williams, Diane also holds a Masters in Psychology and recently wrote an entertaining, semi biographical/ semi inspirational book called Spiraling Through the School of Life. While Enlightened returns in January on HBO with a new highly coveted Sunday night time slot.

Hair & Makeup by Eric Barnard for Aim Artists. 

all portraits & content © Lara Rossignol

Up in the Air

Multi talented Abigail Kliewer may not be a world class juggeler but she sure looks world class in this funky and fun outfit styled by Kate & Shiffy. Her shirt, leggings & boots are all from Homespun Vintage. The shorts & hat by Grow Kid Grow and topped off with a snazzy bow tie from Brooks Brothers. Hair & make-up by Eric Barnard. These are a few of my favorite shots that did not make the cut into one of my two fashion shoots for the new issue of Babiekins.

This kawaii set of  juggeling balls are from Eggy, the freckles belong to Abigail. 

 I loved how the light was peaking over the backdrop o our last shot. While Landon took on a "Max" via Where the Wild Things Are persona. His head gear, perfect for Halloween & cold climates, is by Spirit Hoods, T-shirt & vest from Eggy and pants by Home Spun Vintage.

casting by  Gayle A. Means all photos & content © Lara Rossignol

Reboot Part 2

I was very sucessful with the first phase of my juicing reboot and have now moved onto the 2nd part. 1-2 small healthy meals a day, supplemented with fresh smoothie style juices. I have lost a total of 15.4 pounds in just a little over 3 weeks. Through this process I have been able to kick a life long addiction to diet soda, I have actually eliminated all artificial sweeteners from my diet. I feel great, plenty of energy and now I plan to add some regular exercise into the mix.  

So what is a "smoothie style juice" you ask? I've been using a Nutribullet which is a bit more like a blender and has many benefits as an alternative to straight juicers. You are using the whole fruit/veg and so you need less, you also get the fiber and it's much, much easier to clean. However, I still like certain things better juiced, Primarily the veggies and apples. So I'll make a large batch of my green juice in the juicer and then add it to my Nutribullet concoctions, which require a liquid to blend properly.

One of my favorites above is very easy and tastes great. I use fresh strawberries, watermelon, 1/2 a banana, 1/2 cup of 0% greek vanilla yogurt, 1 tsp chia seeds and 1 tsp organic sugar or Truvia, then you add cold water or you could add green juice and blend. You can really use any fresh fruit you have handy. 

all photos & content © Lara Rossignol

Cover Charm

I had fun shooting this cover story for the new issue of Matchbook Magazine with the ever so chic pair, Current & Elliott. Designers, consultants and highly sought after stylist. They have worked with many high profile clients like Kate Spade & Emma Roberts.

all photos & content © Lara Rossignol

...it Pours!

The beautiful new issue of Babiekins is finally live and it's online and free! I really love working with children. There is just something so easy and honest about their presense. You can also have a lot of fun with the concepts and styling. We used vintage table cloths for backdrops for this shoot I did with stylist Shiffy Kagan and her daughter Sara wearing a dress from Homespun Vintage. Inspired by a bunch of peonies I found  allowing the brilliant hair & makeup artist Eric Barnard to get very creative.

Abigail Kliewer is one of the stars of this fun shoot I did with Shiffy and her sometimes partner Kate. I love their unusual parring of a delicate dress from Eggy with vintage boots from Homespun Vintage and a handmade head band. Eric did the hair for this story too and a special thanks to Gayle A. Means who helped me with the casting. 

I also put together a new online kids portfolio for my reps and updated my site. Click the link if you're on an iPad.

I also have a cover story coming out (any minute) in the September issue of Matchbook Magazine and just came back from the bay area and a really fun shoot with Lesley Evers. Oh and did I mention I shot a book project for Chronicle that comes out in the spring? There are also quite a few other projects in the works! For a freelancer, rain is a good thing.

all photos & content © Lara Rossignol

Extra! Extra!

I am beyond excited to have my new home featured in the Fall/Winter issue of Flea Market Style magazine. As most of you know, I moved from Atlanta to So Cal last year (whew! has really been 10+ months since I hit the road?) and landed in a groovy little mid-century apartment near Pasadena. Shortly after the eidtors at FMS contacted me and asked me to shoot it all for their next issue. Only published twice year, it is jammed packed with stories and photos that will make any junkin junky smile. I am honored to have my little apartment included.

Look for this pretty farmhouse dinning room photographed by John Granen featured on the cover. You should not have to look too hard, it is carried by some Barnes & Nobles, Ralphs/Kroegers and even Lowes. Or you can order one online here she even ships internationally.

Here is a reminder of what I started with when I first moved in.

Smaller than my old place but full of light and interesting mid century details, my living room makes me happy every time I'm in it. My article is ten pages so this is just a glimpse and I have to say the entire magazine is beautifully art directed by Stacy Wiley. I love these pillows by Skinny Laminx they play off the curtains (made by my fabulous sister-in-law) using a Lotta Jansdotter fabric.

I just love this corner, from my vintage medical cabinet, to the typewriter & table to the fabulous Melody Miller pillows and of course the amazing photo.

I found it on Etsy, circa 1960s, it is hand colored and it came all the way from Spain. So very Pedro Almodóvar! My ideal was to re-photograph it and then retouch it (the seller said it was not in great shape) and have it blown up to a large canvas. I had this done by Easy Canvas and they did a fantastic job. You just upload it to their site and choose your size, style etc... You can do this with any photos you want to display and it is very affordable. 

Now run out and get your copy!

 

all photos (except cover) & content by Lara Rossignol  © Flea Market Style Magazine

Cover Crush

Had to show off my cover for the super kawaii Babiekins Magazine Issue 10. It should be available online early next week and along with the cover there is a full fashion spread inside featuring more of the adorable Sara Kagan and styled by her talented Mom, Shiffy Kagan and with hair & makeup by Eric Barnard. I worked with the same team for another fun fashion feature that will be in the same issue. Sara is wearing a stunning dress from Home Spun Vintage. So excited for it to go live!

all photos & content © Lara Rossignol

Pie Reboots

I have needed to make a big change for a while and last week I watched a movie called "Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead". It is about how two guys changed their lives by committing to a 60 day juice fast. It was very inspiring and also educational. After thinking about it for a few days I thought this might just be what I need to kickstart a healthier eating plan. I did a lot more research, watching youtube videos (of which there are many), reading blogs and articles and finally I decided to give it a go. My idea is to do 10 days of just juice and then to add in one or two healthy meals.

The first thing you have to do is get is a juicer, this can be daunting, as there are many, many choices and the prices can go from affordable to very expensive. There are also different kinds, so do your research. I went with this Hamilton Beach model, which is one of the cheapest I found. It had a majority of good reviews and I was also impressed with photos showing how dry the pulp was. Meaning it had a good juice yield. I have been very happy with it, it is a task to clean but I have just learned to make my juice in batches so I only have to use it twice a day. Just one juice at a good juice bar can cost $8 or more, so they really do pay for themselves in just a few uses.

 It has not been easy but once I got past day 3 it got a lot better. Now 6 days in, I have lost 11.8 pounds and I feel great. Surprisingly, giving up food is not as hard as giving up coffee and diet soda. I have avoided watching food shows for the most part. I hope to re-educate my palate and get rid of artificial sweeteners. I highly recommend doing lots of research and to check out the blog and forums on this site before you begin such an extreme endeavor. It is also a great place to find juice recipes and support.

This is my variation of the most popular juice, that many juicers swear by and it makes about 3 servings. The "Mean Green" or sometimes called "Super Green" is a mix of veggies and fruit. I add a little more fruit to make it palatable and you can vary the ingredients to your own taste. Spinach instead of kale, carrots or beets if you like... some add avocado or seaweed! The lemon is important as it helps cut the bitterness of the greens and cucumbers are great, as they yield a lot of juice. No need to peel but do remove stems and pits, except with grapes, those can go in stems and all. Also, juices always taste better cold!

I like this fruitier blend, for my second 3 serving batch. I have also tried it with ginger, which adds a nice kick. You can really try anything that sounds good, I have done variations of this using plums and celery. I may also try adding some greens, grapes and lemon, really anything that is fresh and in season. Organic is also your best choice, but they can be expensive so you can get a veggie wash to clean off the pesticides and wax commonly found on non organic produce.

 Just be sure to drink lots of water and by lots, I mean TONS! Headaches are common during the first few days and usually due to dehydration. This has been the hardest part, no matter how much I drink my tongue is dry. I found the water spiked with electrolytes very helpful, some people drink coconut water. The other down side of juicing is the process eliminates a lot of the fiber, so you may want to add a fiber supplement. You can also use a blender after the initial fasting process, which will retain and break down the whole thing. They are also easier to use, so I just ordered a Nutri Bullet for the long haul.

all photos (except juicer) & content © Lara Rossignol