Wish List Item Granted!

I was planning on writing a post about this wish list item a while back, but now my wish has been granted!  

I am now the proud owner of a Canon Rebel T3i DSLR Camera!

On our recent Europe vacation, our friends Ryan and Kari brought a really nice DSLR camera along to capture the trip moments.  When we came together after the trip to share photos, it was painfully obvious that the quality of photos I took with my little point and shoot was significantly lower.  It has served me well for the last 4 years, but it is time to upgrade.  After a lot of research on DSLR cameras, I knew the Canon T3i was the right one for me.

Not only does it shoot in 18 megapixels, it has a super fast processor, HD display and video recording, a million shooting modes and options (ok maybe not a million), super fast shutter speed, continuous shooting mode, and its fairly light weight.  

Now, when I post future trips and adventures on the blog, the pics will be super swank.  Time to start practicing!

Yes Please

At the tail end of the most unbearable season in the Midwest, I'm sure you can relate when I say my cabin fever is at an all time high.  To make myself (and you) feel better, today's post is all about BEACHES!  ENJOY!

Cristiano, where did you come from???  What a surprise. 

CNN's "17 beaches we'd like to be lounging on" 

CNN's "World's 50 Best Beaches"

US News' "Best Beaches in the USA"

Coastal Living's "21 Best Beaches"

And Minneapolis' Very Own "Best Beaches"