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Friday 10: Things to do with your photos

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When I was a kid, half of the fun after a trip was getting a giant stack of photos back from the store. Digital cameras mean near-instant gratification now, but I find that sometimes our photos end up languishing in iPhoto.

So today's Friday 10 is all about ideas for what to do with your travel photos. I didn't include a lot of DIY projects this time around. I just wanted to show some simple ideas for making the most of your photos and memories. 

A before and after of one of my Ottawa photos using Pixelmator. Some croping and color correction goes a long way, even for a beginner. 

A before and after of one of my Ottawa photos using Pixelmator. Some croping and color correction goes a long way, even for a beginner. 

#1 Fix 

Take some time to go through your photos and treat them with the love and respect they deserve. Crop out any odd stuff and do some editing. Get creative. This is a chance to relive your trip a little, too.

If you're not comfortable with editing, take a look at Skillshare for online classes. I've been taking Tyler Brown's "Photo Editing Basics:  Make Good Images Great without Expensive Software." I haven't finished the course yet, but I've already learned a lot. What's great is that you don't need expensive software, and he shows you how to do everything on multiple programs. 

What can you use to edit? Your computer probably has a basic photo management application already (like iPhoto on Mac), but it's nice to have more features. Photoshop is the gold standard, but it's expensive, even with the new $29.99/month Creative Cloud option. I highly recommend Pixelmator ($29.99) for Mac as an alternative. GIMP is a free option, but I found the learning curve was steeper and, therefore, more frustrating than Pixelmator. 

Some other options:

#2 Backup

Even though I back up my computer regularly, I always feel like I need to have a separate, safe space for photos. External storage is pretty cheap these days, whether it's an external hard drive or a USB key. But it's also worth check out some cloud options like DropBox, iCloud (for Apple users), Box, and Onedrive (from Microsoft). These can be great for sharing with family and friends, too. 

#3 Print

Whether it's from your local photo shop, big box store, or online, it's so easy to print photos now and it seems like we do it less and less. You can even have Instagram photos printed by companies like Impressed and Printstagram these days. I don't do this nearly enough and I really miss flipping through physical photos. Theres nothing quite like having a hard copy to frame or put in a scrapbook or display (like on this wood block from Artifact Uprising) to me. 

DIYed photo canvases from our Villefranche trip

DIYed photo canvases from our Villefranche trip

#4 Transfer

I love a simple DIY project, so after I saw this tutorial from A Beautiful Mess, I decided I needed to make three canvases for my dad's birthday one year. It was a nice way to put some photos to use in a unique, personal way. I find that a lot of professionally printed canvases are expensive and look a little too perfect. The ones I made have little imperfections and scratches that give them character. 

The middle of the transfer process takes lots of rubbing to get the paper off, but it's fun to see the final product being revealed. 

The middle of the transfer process takes lots of rubbing to get the paper off, but it's fun to see the final product being revealed. 

I've seen other tutorials for glass and ceramic transfers as well. It would be neat to take some simple vases and put an interesting landscape like these on them using Lazertran paper. 

Or, if you're not a crafty person, you can have it done for you by a professional. A lot of online and box stores like Walmart, Shutterfly, and Costco all do canvases. But I really love, for example, this custom wooden box from Artifact Uprising for holding photo prints or other precious items.

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#5 Business or Calling Cards

I know it might seem outdated, but I still like the idea of calling cards. I used some of my favorite photos to make my Histoire Travel business cards through Moo. They are beautiful, professional quality, and whenever I give one out, I let the person choose their favorite from a selection. It gives me an idea of what they like and acts as a conversation starter.  

One of our photo books from MyPublisher

One of our photo books from MyPublisher

#6 Make a book

There are so many options out there now for beautiful, custom photo books. My dad is actually the one who got me interested in photo books. He always spends a ton of time editing photos and creating a lovely book after trips. He almost always uses MyPublisher and often gets a great buy one get one deal. 

I've been falling for everything at Artifact Uprising lately (as you might have noticed throughout the post) and their books are no different. They have lots of super stylish choices, so I think I will try them out soon. 

I also stumbled across Albums Remembered while looking for high-quality photo books for our wedding and engagement photos that will stand the test of time but don't cost thousand(s) of dollars. Their books are a bit different because they flush mount and use photographic paper on thick pages. I think they would make a great luxe option for those extra-special trips and travel photos.

#7 Stationary

How about sending notes and thank-yous with your favorite photos instead of generic ones from the store?

One options is custom postcards like these from Artifact Uprising and these from Moo. Not only are they great to send, but I love the idea of displaying them, too. I've been planning on putting the postcards I've collected on some twine with mini clothes pins near my desk after being inspired by Young House Love's postcard shelves. Theirs is a little more polished looking, but the twine great for apartment dwellers!  

Another option is getting folded cards from an online printer like Catprint or Vistaprint. I recently used Catprint for stationary and loved their customer service and products. I find the quality of their paper is higher than Vistaprint (you can order a free sample from each to compare choices) and they offer a free hard copy proof if you need one.

#8 Calendar

Artifact Uprising's custom wood calendar is my favorite option. It's simple, beautiful, a nice size, and really showcases the photos. 

Cocograph | Prices vary depending on size and volume. One 2 oz piece is $14,  3 bite sized (0.5 oz) pieces are $12, and 25 bite sized (0.5 oz) pieces are $87.50

Cocograph | Prices vary depending on size and volume. One 2 oz piece is $14,  3 bite sized (0.5 oz) pieces are $12, and 25 bite sized (0.5 oz) pieces are $87.50

#9 Chocolate

Put your photos on chocolate with Cocagraph. 'Nuff said. 

Pottery Barn | Gallery in a Box | $126-$299 USD

Pottery Barn | Gallery in a Box | $126-$299 USD

#10 Gallery

I love a good gallery wall. Depending on how much you like to search, it can be fun to buy up single frames at stores and antique markets. We went the easy route and bought a Gallery in a Box from Pottery Barn for our trip photos. It came with different layout suggestions and paper templates of each frame. We taped the templates on the wall to see how they looked, poked a hole in the paper with a pencil to mark where the hanger needed be hammered in, and had the frames up in no time. It took all of the guesswork out of the process. 

Bonus: Take better photos

Skillshare just launched a School of Photography where you can take classes and learn from pros about how to take better photos whether its landscapes, cityscapes, or food photography. The classes are affordable ($9.95/month or free for your first 30 days) and you can go through them on your own time. I've been loving their offerings so far. 

What do you do with your photos? Let me know in the comments! 

Have a happy weekend!

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You don't have to go far to travel

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We got a little nostalgic on Saturday and spent time looking through old photos. It didn't take long for us to realize how adventurous we've been this year even though we haven't taken any exotic or expensive trips.

It reminded me that you don't have to go far to travel. There's a concept in Zen Buddhism called "beginner's mind." It's about approaching life and experiences with a sense of openness.  

 

“If your mind is empty, it is always ready for anything, it is open to everything. In the beginner’s mind there are many possibilities, but in the expert’s mind there are few. ”
— Shunryu Suzuki

I like to think this applies to "traveler's mind," too. If you only consider travel something that takes you far away, or requires vacation days, or a packed bag, or reservations, or whatever restriction, maybe it's time to shake things up.

Sometimes it's about putting your preconceived ideas away and looking at your surroundings with a beginner's mind. Do the stuff that you always say you're going to do "someday." Maybe it's a museum you keep putting off. Or that tourist site you secretly love but only see when you have out-of-town guests. Start exploring some of the more obscure, smaller attractions in your area. Take a drive. It doesn't really matter what it is, because the point is to be open to everyday adventure and see a place with a fresh set of eyes.

So with all of that rolling around in my mind, we drove an hour out of the city to Scotsdale Farm on Sunday to have our engagement photos taken. We almost drove right past it. The sign is small and it doesn't look like much from the road. I don't think it's one anyones top sites in Ontario (except the other couples who were there having their photos taken, maybe). But a long tree-lined driveway brings you to over 500 acres of beautiful farmland and woods to explore. The Bruce Trail and Bennett Heritage Trail run through the property and connect it to Silver Creek Conservation Area. 

We met up with our photographer and investigated the interesting nooks and crannies next to old farm buildings, ran through tall grass in golden fields (yes, it was ridiculous and fun), and wandered a forest path. It was warm, the sun was shining, and the trees were showing some fall color. We saw older couples hand-in-hand and families with happy kids and dogs. I don't think we could have asked for a nicer day or a nicer slice of Ontario to spend it in.

After we finished the photos and were pulling out of that long, tree-lined driveway, I told S that it felt like we already had a collection of special little places on Ontario. I love that we can visit them easily and that they mean as much to us as the cities and sites we love abroad. 

I truly believe that travel is part mindset. It can be so easy to get caught up in aspirational pictures (I'm looking at you, Pinterest) or friends' Facebook posts of beautiful, exciting places to see. But a "traveler's mind," a sense of adventure, and some curiosity can make any trip, near or far, special. 

So, I challenge you to be a tourist in your own town. Go see that place. Take a hike (heh heh). Eat at that restaurant. Go back to that museum you loved as a kid. Whatever it is, try to see it for the first time all over again. 

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Friday 10: Carry-ons for the flight and beyond

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Carry-on luggage has been something of a hot button issue lately. American, Delta, and United reduced their carry-on size limits over the summer to 22" l l x 14" w x 9" h. 

Fees for checked baggage are the norm now, too. Two Canadian airlines, West Jet and Air Canada, recently started charging $25 for checked bags under the guise of making it cheaper for those who only travel with carry-ons. 

So what's a traveler to do? Fork over the fees or try to pack everything in an ever-shrinking carry-on? 

I fork over the fee! Unless I'm going on a short trip, I don't like to fit my whole trip into a carry-on. And as much as I like to pack light, I hate trying fight for overhead bin space.

Instead, I pack a small carry-on of my on-board essentials and a change of clothes. That's it. It's easy to travel with. No need to worry about checking anything at the gate. No fighting for space. 

So what does my ideal carry-on look like? Small, stylish, simple, zips/closes completely, and, ideally, is reusable on the trip. Today's Friday 10 is a list of some that fit the bill for me. 

#1 The Scout by Bradley Mountain

A beautiful, simple day pack made of waterproof Martexin Duck Canvas and leather. Not only is this easy to wear in the airport, but it would be a perfect day pack. I'm picturing going to a market, packing it full of goodies, and going on a hike. Entirely sourced and made in the USA. Also comes in Olive. 

#2 Rain Zip Tote by Bookhou

I love the pattern on this tote! It's eye-catching without being too loud. The bottom is a medium weight charcoal grey waxed canvas that gives the bag extra durability. The interior has a couple of roomy pockets. It zips fully, which can be difficult to find in a nice tote, and comes with a detachable leather cross body strap. Bonus: It's made in Toronto! Bookhou also makes some different sized totes in other cool patterns and solids. 

#3 Dry Bag by Winter Session

Yes, another waxed canvas bag because I love waxed canvas. It's durable, classic, and it only gets better with age. Winter Session makes this functional, handsome dry bag with some nicely placed exterior and interior pockets--including a phone and laptop sleeve.  Also comes in Olive.

#4 Twill Snap Backpack by Everlane

Another take on the classic backpack, this time by Everlane. Simple, versatile, easy to wear and use. Includes a padded laptop sleeve that will fit a 15" Macbook. The price is also pretty fantastic for something that will be in style for a long time. I love the leather details against dark navy color, but it's also available in a variety of other beautiful colors. 

#5 Filson Rolling Carry-On

The only rolling carry-on on my list. It's a splurge, but this Filson looks great and is built to stand the test of time. It's got business and leisure covered and fits the new carry-on size restrictions perfectly (for now, at least). Currently available in Tan and Otter Green.

#6 Westmore Collection Laptop Duffel by Hex

Something a little different from your usual laptop bag or briefcase. The pattern is subtle but warm and the leather details look beautiful while still being functional. This duffel also has padded, fleece lined compartments for your important devices, including an exterior phone pocket and interior laptop pocket. The laptop pocket is designed to fit a 15" Macbook Pro. The exterior is water resistant. More colors and patterns available from Hex here. 

#7 Courior Bag by Heritage Leather + Apolis

Heritage Leather and Apolis teamed up to make this bag and it doesn't get much more classically beautiful than this, in my opinion. American leather and 10 oz water repellant army duck. Adjustable shoulder strap. Holds a 17" laptop. Also available in navy, army, and earth. 

#8 The O.G. (Overnight & Gym) by Lo & Sons

Lo & Sons | The O.G. | $295 USD

Lo & Sons | The O.G. | $295 USD

My current carry-on is very similar to this, but it doesn't have all of the extras that make this one just about perfect. There's a padded laptop pouch! A padded tablet pouch! A separate compartment for shoes! I love me some compartments. Head over to the Lo & Sons website for a video of the bag in action. My only gripe is that they don't ship internationally. Shown in army green, but also available in black, navy, and espresso. 

#9 Overnight Bag by The Little Market

The Little Market's overnight bags come in a variety of happy, bright, beautiful patterns made from fabric that's handwoven by Guatemalan artisans. Maybe $240 seems a bit steep for this tote, but what I love about The Little Market is that they are committed paying artisans living wages for their unique, handmade pieces. Read more about their values here and check out what else they have to offer. (I'm a little bit in love with this striped seafoam towel)

#10 Le Pliage by Longchamp

Longchamp | Le Pliage | $145 USD

Longchamp | Le Pliage | $145 USD

I tried not to like Longchamp's Le Pliage for a long time. Who wants to pay $145 for a simple nylon bag? But somehow it's grown on my over the years because it's simple, iconic, and functional while still being stylish. It fits a ton of stuff and then folds down into a neat little pouch. After the flight you can toss it in your purse and take it with you or use it as a purse.  I admit, I'd happily wear and use one now! Available in 12 colors. 

Do you have any favorite carry-ons? Would your rather pack a big carry-on than pay a checked bag fee? Let me know in the comments. 

Hope you have a beautiful weekend!

P.S.: You might want to check out my post on 10 weekender bags, too!