Amanda Beard - Swim Like a Mom

Thursday

Nov172011

In My Ears

Amanda Beard

Loud Pipes - Ratatat

Moon Mall - Jonny Greenwood

I Follow Rivers - Lykke Li

Auto Rock - Mogwai

Gold Lion(Acoustic) - Yeah Yeah Yeahs

Phenomonology - Nalepa

Hong Kong - Gorillaz

Intimate(Instrumental) - Appaloosa

Broken Drum(Boards of Canada Remix) - Beck

Nothing Else Matters - Scala & Kolacny Brothers

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Thursday

Nov172011

Instant Gratification

Amanda Beard

Stop Sign between Tucson and Santa Fe/FUJiFILM Instax 210

I love instant film. There's something incredibly satisfying about snapping a picture and being able to hold a finished object a few seconds later. There's no downloading, no processing, no converting, no color correcting and no printing. The hermetically sealed film pops out of the camera, the image slowly appears and it's done: shake and bake.

Blaise and I at the Beverly Hilton/FUJiFILM Instax 210

The two most well known maufacturers of non-professional instant film cameras and instant film are Polaroid and FUJiFILM. Polaroid once dominated the market and their name is still as synonymous with instant film as Kleenex is with tissue; so much so that I regularly call my FUJiFILM Instax 210 camera "my Polaroid". Unfortunately, the only current analog offering from Polaroid is their 300 which puts out very small images that are more like quaint little souveniers to give away or slap on your fridge than something you'd put in a photo album or frame. Don't get me wrong, the tiny little pics are cute and fun and there's definitely a thousand uses for them, they're just not my preferred size.

Supposedly, the 300 is a relabeled FUJiFILM Instax mini 7 that shoots relabeled Instax mini film and if you look at the two cameras and films side by side, it's hard to argue otherwise. If there's truth to that rumor it means Polaroid actually makes nothing when it comes to traditional instant film … a tragedy to say the least. Ideally, I'd love to see Polaroid get back in the game by making a larger format again, maybe something cool and retro like their famed SX-70 that allows for more creative control but alas, I'm not holding my breath.

Sacha and I at a bar in NYC/FUJiFILM Instax 7

FUJiFILM, with their Instax 210 did a great job of picking up where Polaroid left off. The camera itself is a bit bulky and very plastic but the picture it takes is a unique landscape format(6.2cmx9.9cm) and the overall image size(8.6x10.8) is very close to that of Polaroid 600. The Instax film is medium in contrast and saturation, as you might expect, but gains a little in both areas when the flash is turned on in low light situations. Also, the 210 has an attachable close-up lens that works great but I'd really like to see it integrated into the camera so I don't have another thing to keep track of.

Having dragged this camera with me on many a trip, I can say I really do hate the 210's clunkyness but love most everything else about it. It's a favorite to take just about anywhere I go.

FUJiFILM Instax 210/iPhone

Another option, and my husband's choice, is to buy instant film from the boutique manufacturer IMPOSSIBLE for an old Polaroid SX-70, 600 or Spectra. IMPOSSIBLE started making film because Polaroid stopped and their products, dare I say, are as creative as anything Polaroid ever put out. However, now that getting film is relatively easy again, finding a good condition used Polaroid takes a little work. Check eBay often or marry a photographer, chances are he(or she) will have a few lying around.

Whatever you buy, you'll definitely have as much fun with it as you would your digi cam or iPhone and you might even take a pic or two that's worth hanging on the wall. If you think I jest, buy a copy of The Polaroid Book by Taschen: It's filled with images that exemplify the creative possibilities of instant film.

Instant film cameras and instant film can be had at Amazon, B&H Photo and Urban Outfitters.

*Special thanks to my husband/photographer Sacha Brown for help with this post.

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Wednesday

Nov162011

Intermediate Workout

Amanda Beard

Warm Up

400 swim
3x100 kick 2:00
3x100 pull 1:30

Workout

1x:

10x100 free (1 easey/1 medium) 1:30

4x:

25 fly :40
50 fly/back 1:00
75 fly/back/breast 1:20
100 i.m. 1:40

Warm Down

400 easy

Total: 3,400 yards

If you have any questions please ask in the comment section below and remember this is only an opinion. If you attempt to follow it you are doing so at your own risk and should have prior approval from your physician!

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Tuesday

Nov152011

Dry Workout

Amanda Beard

Before you jump in the pool:

1x:

50 crunches
50 right side crunches
50 left side crunches

3x:

10 walking lunges
10 squats
10 push-ups

4x:

10 sit-ups
10 v-sit-ups
30 second prone elbow bridge (plank)

4x:

4 pull-ups

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Tuesday

Nov152011

In my Closet

Amanda Beard

It's true, we ladies adorn things that serve only to beautify and our shoes are probably the epitome of that practice. I personally am guilty of cramming my feet into the wrong size of insanely expensive shoes for the sake of looking good on far too many occasions. Afterall, discomfort is temporary and being remembered as the most beautiful girl in the room lasts forever, right? Well maybe, but now that the duties of motherhood are part of my daily grind comfort goes a very, very long way.

One of my favorite pairs of shoes in my closet for both fit and function are my TOMS. Let's be honest, the original style of TOMS is a slipper and I could kiss the marketing genius and avant guard hipsters who tricked the world into believing they're appropriate to wear almost all of the time. When I bought my first pair in Venice Beach five years ago they were much, much cheaper … or maybe they seemed that way because my mortgage in Venice was so much higher … anyway, since then TOMS have come up in the world and with popularity comes a manufacturer's right to charge a little more especially since the sole has been completely redesigned for the better and the color and style options are now more numerous. They truly offer a style/color combo for every outfit of every day of the week.

Comfort and cool factor aside, my favorite reason, not excuse, to buy some new TOMS is that it's a charitable act. "With every pair you purchase, TOMS will give a pair of new shoes to a child in need. One for One.™"

Just knowing that a little pair of feet will get a needed pair of shoes is enough to open up my wallet but wait, I get shoes too?

For more info check out How We Give, TOMS Giving Blog and TOMS.com/GivingPartners.

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Monday

Nov142011

The Best Christmas Presents to Get For a Man According to My Tweeps

Amanda Beard

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Monday

Nov142011

Mommy Style

Kate Ferguson

There’s no denying fall now, and the chunky sweater is back and ready for it. Cozy time! This year the sweater is staying fresh with back cutouts and unique detailing on looser knits that are great for layering over tees and under jackets, which is key for any outing. The last thing you need is to be out with the kids and not have an easy way to transition between weather changes or activity level! Throw on a basic tee for the first layer and you’re good to go.

Some stitch details on a panel of a sweater will keep it fashionable while remaining functional, like this Laguna Coast V-Neck Pullover Knit from Free People. No loose ties to get in the way or excess bagginess, and yet nothing boring about it. It comes in three earthy colors that would be perfect with leggings or denim, and can easily be dressed up thrown over a black dress with boots.

-By guest blogger Kate Ferguson