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review

travel-family travel-Orlando-Florida-Cirque du Soleil-La Nouba-culture-parenting

Cirque du Soleil’s La Nouba a Must See for the Entire Family while in Orlando

by Deborah Cruz 2014/05/07

When my family and I traveled to Orlando, Florida recently, we had the pleasure of attending Cirque du Soleil’s La Nouba at Disney World. We love taking our girls to the theater and letting them enjoy cultural events while they are still young enough to really enjoy the magic because of the infinite possibilities of their imaginations and let them develop a love for the arts naturally.We’ve been taking them to the ballet and the Chicago Shakespeare theater for years; next stop, Broadway. La Nouba tells the fascinating story of the boundless and festive journey of the imagination. The Big Guy and I first saw La Nouba on our honeymoon in 1999. Since then, the Cirque du Soleil and, more specifically, La Nouba have held a special place in our heart. So, imagine how excited we were to share it with our daughters?

In case you are unfamiliar with Cirque du Soleil, it is a version of the circus that is humane, uses no animals and captivates the audience, young and old alike, with acrobatic feats that defy the imagination and music that makes your feel like the whole thing is a wonderful, magical dream. Dazzling costumes, dramatic lighting, bizarre choreography and ethereal operatic music set the stage for clownish observations, a human puppet and a host of amazing acrobats that all bend and weave together to create one of the most exciting and engaging shows under the soleil.

A door opens and the two worlds collide. Enter the attic of make-believe, where the mundane meets the marvelous. Dreams and nightmares intertwine. La Nouba which calls on both individual and collective memory, is an unforgettable journey into a world at once threatening and exhilarating, frightening and familiar. La Nouba beckons to us, challenges us to uncover passions we thought we had lost long ago; to frolic in our childhood dreams and enter a place where the extraordinary transforms and overcomes the ordinary.

We took our daughters, ages 6 and 9 at the time, and they both were enthralled with the performers. My 6-year-old LOVED the Titan, especially when he performed on the trampolines and the little girls doing the Diabolos act. In fact, she made me buy her her very own set and plays with them almost daily. My 9-year-old was smitten with the Green Bird and the dancers. The Big Guy finds the power track/ trampoline act to be the big show stopper. Me, I must confess, I am mesmerized by the aerial ballet in silk. The show definitely has something for everyone and I could go on for days talking about La Nouba but as a picture is worth a 1000 words, a production like La Nouba leaves me speechless. La Nouba is something that has to be experienced to be believed and to fully enjoy it.

Next time you are at Disney World, and I know you will be if you have kids, if you are on the fence on whether or not to take your children to see La Nouba, I am here to tell you that it will be something they will never forget.

Have you been to a Cirque du Soleil production? What was your favorite act or character?

If you’ve seen La Nouba, what was your favorite part of the show?

Photo Cirque du Soleil

Disclosure: I was provided 2 tickets for review purposes, but all opinions and thoughts are my own. I’ve been in love with La Nouba since the first time I saw it on my honeymoon in 1999.

2014/05/07 2 comments

Fashion

Swimsuit Shopping Makes me Cry, Shoes Make Me Happy

by Deborah Cruz 2014/04/25

written by Deborah Cruz

The following post is sponsored by Mamavation on behalf of Earth Footwear. #EarthFootwear

It is almost May, so you know what that means? Cute Sandal and cry inducing bathing suit season are in full swing, right now! Honestly, I have been crying in dressing rooms since about mid-February. So to balance out the sheer horror of bathing suit shopping, I reward myself every year with leisurely strolls through the shoe stores perusing sandals. I linger through the aisles, gingerly slipping a variety of sandals on and off ; one by one; loving each pair more than the last. Shoe shopping for me is the complete opposite of bathing suit shopping. It always has been. Swimsuit shopping makes me sob like I lost my best friend ( my abs) and shoes just make me happy.

Feeling down, no problem, head to your nearest shoe store and spend an hour or two trying on shoes. I’m not kidding a cute pair of shoes makes the world feel more beautiful. In my twenties, I even took a job managing a shoe store, just for the discount. Shhh, don’t tell me husband. At one point, I had 300 pairs of shoes. Who was I? Imelda Marcos? It was sort of like letting a crackhead be a drug dealer. I absorbed a great deal of my own product. In the end, I had to quit but my love for shoes remains; as does my hatred for bathing suits.

I am an equal opportunity shoe lover. I love everything from flip-flops to Louboutins. If I can put it on my foot and wear it, I can find an outfit and occasion to make it work. Well, with the exception of those new trendy Minotaur hoof heels. I’d prefer to pass on those. I was a vegetarian for 10 years and the idea of sticking an animal’s “actual” hoof on my foot for fashion, is just too distasteful to imagine. The point is shoes have never made me cry, unless you count that one pair of 5-inch-heels I wore all over downtown Chicago fro my birthday. Bad idea.

The point is shoes soothe my soul, like chocolate and good wine or a really good bag. So when I was asked to review a pair of Earth Footwear’s Camarra sandals, I have to admit, I was pretty excited to be trying new shoes. You see, Earth Footwear is known for being comfortable. Which, let’s face it, if you are going to be on spring break walking around Disney World all day is a definite plus.

The comfort is all in the contoured arch-support that works to keep you comfortable all day long. Have you ever tried walking long distances in those super flat Grecian style sandals? I have. They are gorgeous and I own a couple pair, but they are terrible for long walks. By the time you finish your walk, it feels like someone to a baseball bat to the bottoms of your feet but don’t hurt at all if you only wear them for shorts amounts of time. Keep the flat sandals for day trips to the mall.

The Camarras, however, are very comfortable and stylish. Contrasting textures and pops of shimmer combine with gracefully arching lines to create a strappy sandal that feels great all day. So often it feels like you have to sacrifice one for the other. I mean. Come one, you don’ see ant collaborations between Dr. Scholl’s and Louboutin, do you? I really like my Camarras because they are made of quality leather so they look nice and contemporary and the wedge is only an inch and a half, so you can wear it with shorts and jeans or with a cute dress at nighttime. I got the platinum because I feel it’s versatile with my wardrobe but the Camarra also comes in Slate, if you prefer a darker sandal. I love these sandals because they are contemporary sandals made for real women who live in the real world. When’s a pair of 5-inch heels ever done that for you? I need cute and comfortable and I don’t want to sacrifice one for the other. Do you? We shouldn’t have to, right?

The Spring and Summer 2014 Earth collection starts at just $85 and most of the collection is under $100 and each show features a cushioned footbed for all day comfort with a padded heal area to displace shock, a reinforced arch support to stabilize the foot, and multi-density latex cushioning layer for extra support. Which any mom who has ever spent any amount of time in line at Disney World waiting in line to see a princess can tell you that comfort is everything.

If you’d like to be automatically entered into a monthly shoe giveaway, you can sign up for the Earth eNewsletter here.

You can also connect with Earth Footwear on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest to see all their Earth Day Pins; filled with loads of ways to make your family more earth friendly.

What’s your favorite Earth Friendly tip?

2014/04/25 2 comments

Disney

Just Add Disney

by Deborah Cruz 2014/02/07

written by Deborah Cruz

To make my girls happy is easy, just add Disney.February is halfway done and I can feel March coming a little too quickly. My daughter is turning 9. 9!! I’ve been really busy trying to plan a great surprise destination spring break for the girls but I don’t want to sweep the birthday under the rug, even though it is just 2 short weeks before spring break. I want it to be special but not outrageously priced. Bella is completely happy with a small party. She’s had extravagant parties every year since she was born. She had asked to take a few of her girlfriends bowling and out for pizza and we were perfectly happy to do that but now life has presented us with a theme; Disney!

It just so happens that Bella has only asked for two things for her birthday; American Girl of the year, Isabelle, and the Disney Pocahontas dress up outfit. The surprise spring break destination is Disney World. Shhhh! Don’t tell the girls. I was also selected to host a Disney Side party, which the girls are thrilled about sharing with their friends and today, I partnered with Feld Entertainment and Disney On Ice and I will be taking the girls to see Disney On Ice Princesses and Heroes!

It’s all the breathtaking ice-skating of Disney on Ice with all the princesses and heroes that my little girls love so much. Not just one or two of the princesses but all of our favorites, Ariel as she yearns to explore the world above the waves and Prince Eric breaks Ursula’s slithering spell to reclaim his one true love. See Prince Philip defeat the evil Maleficent as she transforms herself into a fire-breathing dragon in a race against time to rescue Sleeping Beauty’sAurora. Be there to discover a whole new world with Jasmine and Aladdin. And, watch in awe as the dreams of Cinderella, Belle, Snow White, Rapunzel and Tiana

Our spring is most definitely themed by Disney and I can’t wait to give my girls all these little Disney surprises. They have no idea any of this is in the works, with the exception of the #DisneySide party. I can’t wait to see their faces.

You can get your own tickets for a discounted price of $3 off all performances except opening night by going here and using the promo code MICKEY.

Disclosure: I was not compensated for this post but I am being provided tickets to the show for review purposes.

2014/02/07 0 comment

Girl Mom

Isn’t Your Daughter More than Just a Princess?

by Deborah Cruz 2013/11/18

written by Deborah Cruz

When I was a little girl, I was raised that little girls did “girl things” like play with baby dolls and Barbie dolls. Boys played with legos and lincoln logs. Girls were pretty and boys were dirty. Boys got to have all the fun while all I got to do was chores and play with toys that taught me how to be a “young lady“. Enter easy bake ovens, play houses, baby dolls who cried and needed their diapers changed. When I tried to climb trees or build forts, I was promptly told that those things were not very “ladylike.” It’s damn hard to climb trees in skirts. Don’t get me wrong; I loved doing all those things but maybe I would have liked to play with the Legos or built something with Lincoln logs? The point is this; I didn’t even know what an Engineer did until I was in college at Purdue University…dating an Engineer. So how could I have ever chosen to be an engineer when no one thought it was worth the bother to teach little girls to be anything more than princesses, mothers and maids until now. Enter GoldieBlox. The video below just made me fall more in love with this company. Debbie Sterling, a female engineer from Stanford University, was always bothered by how few women are in the engineering field. I know firsthand how true this. The numbers are definitely skewed in the engineering field. So, Debbie is did something about it. She started a toy company in 2012 called GoldieBlox to get little girls to love engineering as much as she does. The mission of GoldieBlox is to create fun toys that develop spatial skills and teach basic engineering principles. Girls like to read and boys like to build. Put spatial plus verbal together, story and construction and that’s how GoldieBlox was born. GoldieBlox is a book and a construction toy combined, starring Goldie the girl inventor and her motley crew of friends who go on adventures and solve problems by building simple machines. As girls read along they get to build what Goldie builds using their own tool kit. How awesome is that? No longer are we teaching our girls that they have to stand by looking pretty while fetching cold drinks for the man folks. Nope, we are teaching our girls that they can put on a pair of cute jeans and work-boots and go build it themselves. By designing construction toys from the female perspective, GoldieBlox will be more appealing to a broader audience of children and parents who previously considered engineering a job for boys. Engineers solve some of the biggest challenges our society faces. They are critical to the world economy, earn higher salaries and have greater job security. And they are 89% male. There’s more to girls than just pink and fluff. We can be anything we want to be in this world. I have not been this excited about a new toy for the holidays for my girls in a long time. This holiday season, the much-anticipated sequel, Goldie Blox and he Parade Float, Goldie’s friends Ruby and Katinka compete in a princess pageant with the hopes of riding in the town parade. When Katinka loses the crown, Goldie and Ruby team up to build her a parade float as well as other fun rolling, spinning, and whirling designs.

A book series plus construction set introducing Ruby, Goldie’s best friend and princess-turned-engineer.
Builds spatial skills, engineering principles, and confidence in problem-solving.
Comes equipped with 9 design ideas, a DIY project, and unlimited building possibilities.
Compatible with all other GoldieBlox toys.

This installment in the GoldieBlox series makes me happy because we are teaching our girls that they don’t just have to be beautiful waving from the float in the parade, they can build the float! I love it and there are lots more awesome toys by GoldieBlox where that came from. GoldieBlox is changing the world for our girls and I love them for it. That’s why they are on this year’s holiday gift guide as a must have for every little girl on your holiday shopping list. Disclosure: I was provided GoldieBlox and the Parade Float for review purposes but all opinions are my own.

2013/11/18 0 comment

American Girl, American Girl Dolls, Molly, Emily, The Best Friend Collection

Girl Mom

American Girl Molly and Emily: The Best Friend’s Collection Every Little Girl’s Holiday Wish

by Deborah Cruz 2013/11/01

written by Deborah Cruz

I am doing my first ever Holiday Gift Guide and I couldn’t be more excited about the pieces that I am including this year on my list. These are some of my family’s favorite and most coveted items. I think your family will find them to be pretty amazing, as well.

Why not start with one of my girls’ favorite gifts of all time, American Girl Dolls!

Christmas is right around the corner and you know what that means? Time to find that just perfect gift for your child. Every year, I spend months racking my brain trying to find just the perfect gift for my girls. Last year, we broke down and bought the girls their first American Girl Dolls. They loved them.

We started by buying them the My American Girl Dolls because you can personalize them to look just like your child and we felt that they would have an instant connection with a doll that looked like them and they did.

Since last Christmas, they have been to the Chicago American Girl store and let’s just say, they found more than anyone would know what to do with. They each received a Historical doll for their birthday’s. The store is a little girls dream come true. Every American Girl doll available is there with costumes and accessories for any occasion, sport or interest and matching outfits for your daughter. So, we’ve decided that this Christmas is to get the girls a couple more American Girl historical dolls. They are both reading now so these dolls are perfect.

We’ve decided to go with the Molly and Emily Best friend collection. Molly McIntire is being retired this year so we thought we should get her before she is gone. Molly’s story takes place in 1944, during World War II. Many families were worried about loved ones who were overseas; Molly was waiting for her own father to return from his duties as a doctor in the army. With the help of Emily, her English friend, Molly learns to hold on to hope and pull together for the common good. Molly and Emily open up a whole world of play with authentic styles from 1944. I think it will be a great opportunity to teach my girls about history and World War II.

Some of the authentic 1944 features of the Emily and Molly Best Friend Collection are Molly’s outfit; a navy blue argyle sweater over a dickey and her matching navy blue skirt, red hair bows, white anklets and black Mary-Janes shoes. She has beautiful long brown braids and wears glasses.

Emily is dressed in a printed dress with cherry blossoms on it and tied with a red dotted sash. She is wearing knickers, cherry-red ankle socks and shiny T-strap shoes. Her hair is long, gingery-red hair held with a cherry-blossom headband.

In the Best Friends Collection, you get even a few more extra authentic 1944 pieces like Molly’s navy blue beret and monogrammed hankie she tucks into her shoulder bag. Molly also has a replica 1943 “steel” penny, used during the war when copper was in short supply. Molly also comes with a special heart locket to hold a picture of her Dad while he’s away at war. Emily comes with a cardigan sweater from her Aunt Primrose. She also comes with her grandfather’s World War I dog tags, which remind Emily to be a brave soldier for England. She comes with an English three-pence coin and her scrapbook showing pictures of her family and the English princesses, where she also stores her British ration book with a special message from her Mom. Both girls’ books Meet Molly and Brave Emily come with the collection and offer lessons about choices and friendship that are great lessons for girls today.

I can’t wait for Christmas morning to see my little girls’ faces, especially since Molly is getting retired this year. So, if you want to get her for your little American Girl, I suggest you do it STAT because it’s the last holiday to bring American Girl Molly home for the holidays! Molly is only available until December 31st or while supplies last.

What is at the top of your Holiday gift list?

Disclaimer: I was provided Molly and Emily for review purposes by American Girl Doll but all opinions are my own.

2013/11/01 3 comments

brian james, brian james, footwear, pediped

Fashion

Brian James is Where Sexy Meets Comfort

by Deborah Cruz 2013/09/17

written by Deborah Cruz

While in Chicago this past summer I discovered a new footwear company, Brian James Footwear. Never heard of them? Me neither. Where do I live? Under a rock? Maybe. The pair I have are a pair of gladiator sandals called the Angelle and they are gorgeous. They are soft, silky black suede with a padded foot bed, ankle support and a flexible sole. They were made for me.

Anyone who knows me knows that I am a sucker for fashion but I am also a ginormous sissy when it comes to sore feet. My expiration in 3-inch or above heels is just around 5 hours and then my feet mutiny. Let’s just say they have been known to hyperextend and it usually happens at the most inopportune times like while celebrating my birthday on the dance floor in a club in downtown Chicago. I mean, I want to look cute while I’m celebrating but I have my limits. The Brian James sandals I have are extremely comfortable, so you can imagine how thrilled I am to try their new fall line.

Angela Edgeworth, founder of the award-winning kid’s shoe brand Pediped footwear, created the Brian James Brand. Over 2000 retailers in more than 50 countries sell Pediped. The brand is worldwide one of the top children’s brands, hands down mostly because they are so damn comfortable and supportive. Her biggest request has been when was she going to parlay the comfort of pedipeds into an adult line and she has in the Brian James line.

She named the company after her husband. Brian James has all of the core features of the Pediped line; comfort, quality and style but is sophisticated enough for an adult. At first, I wasn’t sure that I’d want a shoe made for me by a child’s brand designer. I mean after all, I am a grown woman. I didn’t want another Croc situation. I had nightmares of shoes in outrageous colors with dinosaur heads or tiaras but thankfully, I was wrong.

Instead the Brian James line is sleek and sophisticated and comfortable enough to wear all day but professional enough to be worn in the office. Brian James debuted its collection in the spring of 2013 and it did not disappoint. The shoes are comfortable and stylish. Made with leather uppers and linings, padded foot beds and soft, flexible soles. They are so comfortable that you will not want to take them off. As for your husbands, you can give them this comfortable yet stylish footwear from Filling Pieces.

I wore them around the streets of Chicago for a few hours and I thought for sure that I would have Charlie horses that night or sore feet and legs. I’d done the same route just the week before in a pair of similar sandals that were not Brian James and the results were vastly different. In the other shoes, my feet were so tired and sore that I could barely walk the next day. I was pleasantly surprised when I got home from wearing the Brian James Angelle sandals and my feet felt fine. In fact they felt better than fine, they were great.

I love my Angelle’s because not only do they look great with jeans and capris, they are also equally as attractive with dress shorts or dresses. These shoes are very versatile. I love my pair. I can’t wait to get my hands on a few pairs from the Brian James fall collection!

What is your favorite pair of comfortable yet fashionable shoes?

Disclaimer: I was provided a pair of Brian James sandals as swag at an event I attended and they were too cute and comfortable not to write a post about them.These shoes are great for conferences when you are on your feet all day long but still want to look cute.

2013/09/17 1 comment

Beauty

Vaseline Spray & Go~ How Long Does it Take YOU to get ready in the Morning?

by Deborah Cruz 2013/06/12

written by Deborah Cruz

How long does it take you to get ready in the morning? I thought that this summer was going to be about long, lazy mornings spent sleeping in, days lingering by the pool and quiet evenings spent lounging around the fire pit. Visions of nature hikes, family bike rides, picnics, and spontaneous memorable moments danced in my head. The reality of it all is that I am busier than ever taking my daughters to the pool, swimming lessons, gymnastics, the park, play dates and I think you get the picture. I need every thing in my life streamlined this summer, including my morning routine.

Luckily, I have discovered Vaseline Spray and Go Moisturizer. It is exactly what it sounds like. It is a continuous spray lotion that moisturizes and absorbs in seconds. It’s never sticky or greasy and comes in three variants; Total Moisture, Aloe Fresh and Cocoa Radiant. You simply spray it on (preferably in the tub so you don’t leave moisturizer residue all over your bathroom floor creating a slip and fall hazard), rub it in, get dressed and go. It’s quick, convenient and absorbs instantly so you can get dressed immediately and get on with your day, which is exactly what a busy mom like me, needs.

I took the Vaseline Spray and Go Moisturizer Challenge and the results were that it took me 10 minutes less time to get ready using Vaseline Spray and Go than it did using my traditional moisturizer. Vaseline Spray and Go Moisturizer only takes 10 seconds to absorb, just like in the video. Apparently, I waste a lot more time than I realized waiting for my lotion to dry just so I can put on my clothes. Who has time to wait around for lotion to dry? I have places to go and little people to see. I never thought 10 minutes in my day could make such a difference but when you’re busy and time is at a premium, you have to make every second count and I;d rather make memories than wait for my moisturizer to dry, wouldn’t you?

My other tips for getting out of the house quickly in the morning?

Wake your kids up early enough to allow for sleepy children to eat breakfast and wake up before whisking them out the door.

Have clothes/outfits/swimsuits and all necessary tools for activities and classes in a bag in a designated space to be easily found in the morning.

Plan your breakfast meals in advance.

Know your child and yourself. If it’s Thursday and its been a hectic week, you know your child is going to be obstinate and overtired and so are you, plan to be more understanding and patient.

Don’t forget about you! Decide what you are going to wear and have it set aside the night before, make sure the tank is filled with gas and you know where your purse and keys are for easy access in the morning.

I love Vaseline Spray and Go Moisturizer because it makes my life easier and lets me be the places I need to be, with the people I love, when I need to be there, not 10 minutes late or sacrificing dry beautiful, moisturized skin for promptness.

To watch more tips on how to max your morning check out www.maxthemorning.com

Vaseline® Spray & Go Moisturizer is a quick, continuous 360° spray lotion that moisturizes deeply and absorbs in seconds, so you can put your clothes right on and get on with your day! Available in three formulas – Total Moisture®, Aloe Fresh, and Cocoa Radiant™ – this fast to apply, quick to absorb line of lotions leaves skin instantly soft – not sticky or greasy. Find out more at www.maxthemorning.com!

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Vaseline. The opinions and text are all mine.

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Vaseline.  The opinions and text are all mine.

2013/06/12 0 comment

Beauty Mom Life

What Every Mommy Needs Most

by Deborah Cruz 2012/11/09

written by Deborah Cruz

As many of you are aware, I turned 40 a little over a month ago. I was a little unnerved, I’d heard so many horror stories about this milestone. Then my birthday came and the impending doom never came. I did not self-destruct. I had not reached my expiration date but it did ignite a fire in me. It forced me to stop for a brief minute (because even though I am 40, my girls are only 5 and 7 and time waits for no mommy in this house) and take inventory.

2012/11/09 1 comment

Tech

Hipstamatic The Portland Hipstapak

by Deborah Cruz 2011/06/14

written by Deborah Cruz

The Portland Hipstapak

What is it? Hipstamatic ~ The Portland Hipstapak is a .99 application upgrade for your digital photography Hipstamatic app available for the iPhone, iPod, or iPad. It consists of a lens and a film; the Lucifer VI Lens and the BlacKeys B+W film. I absolutely adore Hipstamatic, which was evident in my original Hipstamatic vs. Instagram post and I love to add new hipstapaks anytime the opportunity presents itself. In fact, I own every one currently available. It’s amazing how simply changing a lens, flash or a film type can change the entire concept of the photo.Or how altering the combination of the three can create a different mood.The possibilities are limited only by your imagination.

What does the Portland Hipstapak say it will do?

Lucifer VI Lens

Burn baby burn. The Lucifer VI is smokin’ hot and creates a flamin’ look that even the prince of darkness would envy.

BlacKeys B+W Film

Straight from grandma’s attic, the BlacKeys Ultrachrome gives your prints a superior monotone look and stamps the month and year directly on the print.

Does it do what it says it will do? The Portland Hipstapak application does exactly what it promises.

Lucifer VI lens allows you to capture your photograph through a variable rose colored glass. You take the photo and an instant red shadow is cast on the photo.It gives a great effect for photos of stills or even candids that you want to add a little extra artistic flair to. I wouldn’t recommend it for,lets say the first photo of your newborn baby because it tends to slightly distort the image.
The BlacKeys B+W film gives the photos very subtle monochromatic changes with variances of whites, blacks and grays. I love it. It’s just like real life. The color scheme creates a very raw and simple photo that packs a powerful emotional punch. I also love that it places a month and year stamp on the photo,giving it that vintage feel. Mine was pretty amazing because it actually teleported me back to 1981, well according to the time stamp anyways.

Do you need to consult a manual or is it “User Friendly”? No manual needed. All you need is to purchase the application,upload it and enjoy taking photos. That is what makes Hipstamatic so amazing, anyone can use it! The Hipstamatic ~ the Portland Hipstapak includes one lens and one film; add them to the collection that comes standard with the Hipstamatic and factor in all the different combinations of film, lens, and flash; the possibilities are infinite.

The Portland Hipstapak~where possibilities are endless.

2011/06/14 1 comment

Tech

Hipstamatic~ The Mission Hipstapak

by Deborah Cruz 2011/06/05

written by Deborah Cruz

The Mission Hipstapak

What is it? Hipstamatic ~ The Mission Hipstapak is a .99 application upgrade for your digital photography Hipstamatic app available for the iPhone, iPod, or iPad. You can easily purchase the photo app thru the Hipstamart on your iPhone.It consists of a lens, film and a camera case; the Bettie XL Lens,Ina’s 1935 film and the Eggshell White Case . I absolutely adore the Hipstamatic application, which was evident in my original Hipstamatic vs. Instagram post. I love adding new hipstapaks to my collection and changing up my photos. It’s amazing how simply changing a lens, flash or a film type can change the entire concept of mobile photography.Or how altering the combination of the three can create a different mood.The possibilities are limited only by your imagination.

What does the Mission Hipstapak say it will do?

Bettie XL Lens

She always had a colorful vocabulary, now she’s got herself a lens that suffers from the same leaky seal. Be careful with this one, you never know when the streaks will happen.

Ina’s 1935 Film

Dressed all in white, this line of Ina’s film is clean, beautiful, and lets the photograph speak for itself.

Eggshell White Case

Perfect for bright-light shooting (or if you’re lucky enough to own a white iPhone 4 – we’re looking at you Steve).

Does it do what it says it will do? The Mission Hipstapak application does exactly what it promises.

Bettie XL Lens allows you to capture your photograph from a light and transcending viewpoint . The photos seem to have a very ethereal feel due to the light and brightness allowed by the lens.
The Ina’s 1935 film gives the photos a very clean look. The subject of the photo is really left as the superstar, everything else fades into the background.When photographing with the Ina’s 1935 film, its like seeing everything for the first time.Colors are exaggerated, subjects are crisper, and it leaves you feeling like the photo is a work of art rather then a point and shoot.
Eggshell White Case I absolutely love this case. I know it’s only aesthetics but it is absolutely a ton of fun. It just pops and screams,look at me.I’m too hip to be square!

Do you need to consult a manual or is it “User Friendly”? No manual needed. All you need is to purchase the application,upload it and enjoy taking photos. That is what makes Hipstamatic so amazing, anyone can use it! The Mission Hipstapak includes one lens, one film and one camera case; add them to the collection that comes standard with the Hipstamatic and factor in all the different combinations of film,lens, and flash and the possibilities are infinite. The Mission Hipstapak~where possibilities are endless.

The Mission Hipstapak; Taking iPhone Photography to the next level

2011/06/05 0 comment

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