the haystack needle

square format film

I finally, finally got around to picking up some film that I'd dropped off at the Lomography shop in the West Village (when I was pregnant!). It had four rolls of black-and-white film from my Diana+ camera waiting for me. I find there's a big upside to waiting forever to pick up your film: you're super happy with how ever many great photos you get. I've never had a completely successful roll of film with my Diana camera — it seems about half of my photos don't turn out and then I get a few ones that really make me smile. Those are the gems that keep me snapping. Here are a few shots from our babymoon to Turks & Caicos. Whether it's Instagram or my Diana+ camera, I really love the look of square format photos. 

ps. If Santa wanted to give me a new camera, this is the one I'd want. Do any of you have Holgas, Dianas, or other toy cameras you like to shoot with?

Photos by me using my Diana+ camera.

super8 video app

 

I was trying to distract Juniper from those swollen gums that are bothering her (teething is the pits!), and we wound up having an impromptu dance party yesterday. I used this 8mm vintage camera app on my iPhone to give the video that vintage Super8 look after I shot it. I've been a lover of those grainy Super8 films ever since I saw a few wedding clips on my friend Charlotte's site. Thanks to her, we were lucky to have an authentic Super8 video shot of our wedding, and it's one of my most cherished mementos from the day. I haven't taken too many videos of Juni yet, but I'm hoping to do more now that she's on the move (rolling all the time!) and will be hard to contain soon enough. The 8mm app is easy to use and I love how you can upload previously shot videos. You have a choice of a few different lenses, too.

By the way, Charlotte just re-launched a brand new redesign of her photography site that looks amazing! Is she talented or what?! Go check it out if you like, and you can also peek at our wedding video there.

ps. I didn't expect to ever consider sharing a video of me shown unshowered, sans makeup or contacts, and in the worst shape of my life! But I know many of you are mamas or mamas-to-be and I wanted to share how awesome this app is for making your own little Super8 videos. The focus is on the little lady, I hope :) Also, this was my first go at iMovie. Not too difficult, but I had trouble laying the music over the clip the way I wanted. I hope to get it down soon as I would like to shoot a lot more video of Juni's next 5 months of life.

Video: Shot by me using 8mm vintage camera app

Music: Easy Does It by Bonnie "Prince" Billy

juniper's printstagram prints

I've been busy this week struggling to figure out what was making our happy, mellow baby suddenly so fussy and difficult to breastfeed. It turns out we have an early teether. I'm thankful that I think we figured out the mystery with the help of our pediatrician. But I'm reminded of something a few mama friends have told me: once things are going smoothly, your baby changes and you need to work through something else. 

We got the first batch of Printstagram mini prints in the mail. I was really happy with the quality of the prints — love the matte finish and the mini size is so sweet. It does take awhile to get your prints though (since they're coming from Hong Kong.) I love the print of Juni in her wrap. That was back in the early days of me learning how to tie her in the wrap, and I remember how nervous and insecure I felt at first. But after working on it for a while (and going into Caribou Baby many a time for tips from Adriane, the babywearing guru), I now feel super confident wearing Juni in her wrap or ring sling. It's been great for being more mobile, and wearing her in the wrap is one of the easiest ways to soothe her (which is helpful right now when she's so uncomfortable.)  

Today Juniper turns 3 months old! I can hardly believe it.The towel behind her in this photo is actually 20+ years old (and it's one of my favorites!) Dan's cousin Connie gave us a couple of these circus towels that are made with this amazing French terry fabric you can't find anywhere (so absorbent and so soft). I wanted to buy more, but when I asked about them, I found out that the towels date back to when her kids were babies. Thankfully, Dan's ma tante (French for aunt) Pauline had a few in her hope chest and she so sweetly passed them on to me. Some of the best baby finds are definitely the vintage ones. 

ps. Thanks for all the sweet comments and notes you've shared about Juniper. I so appreciate each one. I've really wanted to write back thank yous to each of you, but getting on the computer is sometimes so tricky with a wee one.

Photograph above by me via Instagram. If you'd like to see a zillion Juniper photos, you can follow me at haystackneedle. These days, she's my main photography subject. ;)

wood & vine

Our friends Scott and Kelly made the bold, brave decision to leave Brooklyn and move to LA to pursue Scott's dream to open his own wine bar (among other creative ventures he has up his sleeve.) I love knowing stories of people making their dreams happen — it's so often the case that we talk about what we'd like to do, and never follow through. And in true Scott style, he went big with the opening of Wood & Vine. Kenneth Brown styled the space. Everything on the menu has been carefully curated. They've brought a touch of Brooklyn charm to West Hollywood. I missed the opening party as I haven't been feeling well enough in this pregnancy to travel long distances. I'm eagerly awaiting the day (post-baby) when we can travel to sunny LA and experience Wood & Vine in person. If you're in the area, I'd highly recommend checking out the bar. Their chicken & waffles were already named best waffle in LA and I'm excited to one day try the Accomplice cocktail. Check out this time lapse video they created which shows the huge renovation of the space. The moody lighting looks amazing — and that tile floor!! I love all the oil paintings on the wall, too.

Congrats to Scott — we knew you were going to hit it out of the park with Wood & Vine. Can't wait to experience the magic someday soon with you, Kelly, and Tatum. xo Jen

Video and Image: Wood & Vine

feels like spring

As usual, I ceremoniously layered up this morning with winter coat, scarf, and hat and gloves in tow. So I was surprised to discover the sunshine and glorious spring-tease temperatures. It's the kind of day where an iced coffee sounds like a good idea, and you feel like you're bound to see flowers blooming any day (probably not the case, but a girl can dream.)

Love this Polaroid photo print by Cori Kindred. 

snow

First snow in our new apartment. It wasn't the blizzard like last time, but the snow sure looked pretty as it was falling down last night. We drove out in Bertha, our Subaru Outback, for a late-night food run — that car rides like a tank through snow. Thanks, Dan, for braving the snow with me to get the food I was craving!

Photo shot with my iPhone using Hipstamatic, my new favorite app.  

mercie ghimire photography shop

My friend Mercie just launched a photography print shop! I'm so excited for her — and I know it was a labor of love a long time in the making. And Mercie will also be part of the Nightwood Holiday Market (hooray hooray!), so if you're local you can check out her limited edition prints in person. I love giving cool photographs as gifts to friends. Here, a couple favorites from Mercie's shop. 

Hope to see some of you this weekend! I'll be there Saturday and Chris and I will both be at the market on Sunday. In addition to our gilded card + photo holders and our gilded letter blocks, we'll have some gilded frames on hand. 

ps. I am working on a gift guide that I'll be sharing with you next week. This week just got crazy getting ready for the holiday sale. See you soon! xo Jen

Photographs: Mercie Ghimire