LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION!

Hey guys I’m in a dilemma and I need your help.  So I have been researching cameras for a while now and I have come to two cameras that I would like to purchase but obviously I will only purchase one.  I am a definite entry level person who would like to learn about photography so I am looking at entry level cameras of course.  The two cameras I am currently torn between is the Canon EOS Rebel XT and the Canon Power shot IS S3.  Now yes I am fully aware these are two completely different cameras since one is SLR and the other is a Point and Shoot Camera.  Now there are a lot of things I like about the S3 and I have almost convinced myself to purchase it.  Now I understand there is a huge price gap as well and that they are virtually two different cameras but I like things about both, hahaha.  This is where you come into the pictures to help me out.  I understand the main differences but I’m so new to this photography scene that I’m not sure if the XT is too advanced for me, haha.  The funny thing is I really like the idea of taking pictures using the LCD but I know with the SLR I don’t have that option and I know the SLR can do more and is is more expandable than the point and shoot S3.  The S3 is definitely easier to use but I’m wondering if its better to learn with the S3 and later invest in a SLR?  Not really sure!  If I get SLR Rebel XT I would generally prob get a good overall lenses for it and take pictures with that.  I am not interested just yet in expanding really far out because I don’t really know much about photography.  I need a camera that can teach me things.  I like that the S3 has SLR features in terms of settings but I’m having a hard time deciding what I really want.  Since I am an inexperienced photographer I am wondering if actually taking pictures with the view finder might be difficult to for me to take pictures with.  I’ve been used to using the screen to taking pictures so looking through the hole on a SLR will be really different.  If any of you guys could provide pointers for me that would be awesome. Thanks for even taking the time to read this.

CANON POWER SHOT S3 IS

CANON EOS REBEL XT

***EDIT***
Nikon D50 DSLR

So I have finally narrowed my decision to getting a SLR because I have a feeling I will want to expand for the future.  Plus, I want to learn and get better at taking pictures with the viewfinder.  Anyway’s, a few people have been mentioning the Nikon D50 to me too and I was wondering what you thought about the D50 compared to the XT.  I’m leaning towards the XT but I love the images from the D50.  I am going to go to a local Bestbuy or Circuitcity to check out both of these cameras myself to see how the feel.  Either way, I’m going to get one of the two just need to see which one I like more.

Memorial Weekend
It’s not often where you can easily remove yourself from cell phones, computers, TVs or just everyday noise because we are all around it 24/7. It’s really peaceful, relaxing and flat out fun to be able to get away from our studies, busyness of life or our job to soak up a little sun, vast in God’s creation and enjoy the simple company of friends, the outdoors and campfires.  I find it difficult in my usual environment to just BE with people because there is so much clutter or thing I have to take care of that always seem to get in the way.  In addition to the absolutely beautiful scenery, it reminds me just how great God really is and to think He created all this just blows me away. 

Carmel, CA
I have a quick comment about Carmel, yes beautiful place, awesome weather and interesting shops, restaurants and art galleries.  I also happen to like the idea that there are no mainstream shops or restaurants here either.  Another thing to note is that it’s somewhat expensive and a little on the ritzy side if you know what I mean.  Nevertheless, it’s definitely a awesome place for young couples to go, older people or just couples in general.  I think it would be a brilliant place to take a girl on a date to.  Carmel is definitely a place with some class.  Not necessarily a ideal place for conservative college students, young families or people who I would say are more on the practical level.  If you go to Carmel, prepare to fork out just a little more cash for a weekend stay there.  O, did I mention it’s beautiful there? =)

All Tied Up

Tequila Lime Tacos w/ Gazpacho Salsa

Ingredients
1. Chicken marinated in lime, chili powder, sea salt, peppercorn pepper, garlic, paprika and Corona (the beer is key) along with a few other secret seasonings
2. Tortilla
3. Gazpacho salsa
4. Salsa de Verde

Ingredients for Gazpacho Salsa
1. yellow, red and green bell peppers
2. cucumber
3. medium plum tomato
4. red onion
5. jalapeno chile
6. cilantro
7. sea salt
8. black pepper
9. extra virgin olive oil
10. sherry vinegar

A Mexican fusion meal is never complete without a little EXTRA!

This meal is fun, easy and bursting with flavor for your pallets!  Makes for a great and easy summer meal and it extremely easy to prepare.  The salsa takes the longest to prepare!  One of the great things I love about Latin American and Mexican foods are the colors and spices.  Different colors bring the dishes to life.  Did I mention that Mexicans know how to eat la comida muy picante.  Your lucky I didn’t make the salsa with some firery pimientos (fire peppers). 

My weekend is probably best expressed in photos!  The quality isn’t all that great but it’s not too too bad since they are all night pics! I can’t wait to get my new camera =) 
Special thanks to Omar for opening up his house to all of us!  Let the good times roll!
Here are some of the beautiful people in my life! =)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CDUBB!

Trying to be positive this week but hardly happening…failed 2 of my midterms!  I swear there is some sort of medium trying to prevent me from graduating!

Salt & Pepper Chicken

Ingredients:
1. Chicken Breast
2. Red Bell Pepper
3. Fresh garlic
4. Parsley
5. Sea salt & fresh ground pepper
6. Yellow & green onions
7. Short grain cal rose sticky rice

The only variation this week for this dish is there is no secret sauce and I used a red bell pepper this time instead of yellow or orange.  If you look at my previous dishes I made you’ll notice I used yellow and orange peppers!  So it’s pretty obvious that bell peppers are a pretty versatile vegetable to use in cooking.  Not only is its a significant source of fiber and vitamins such as A and C but it always adds color and aids is a artful presentation.  It almost compliments most foods you make it with and did I mention it taste pretty good too.  Well, maybe not all that tasteful since its kind of a plain vegetable but nevertheless it bring a dish to life!

Here is the new camera I will be getting =)  Let me know what you think!

To the woman who can do it all (aka – super mom)!
To the best mom a son can have!
Thanks MOM!

Ok this picture I couldn’t resist, my cousin Victoria holding flowers we were buying for mother’s day! =)

MY TEETH ARE NAKED!

So on Tuesday I had my braces removed and it feels so funny without them.  I feel like there is this huge gap between my teeth and lip now, haha.  Anyway’s, I am glad to finally have them off NOW STOP STARRING AT MY TEETH.  My grill is gone now…so like I said, “Rob the jewelry store and tell them make me a grill foo!” I said smile for me babe…let me see yo grill, yah yah yo grill, hahahahahah!

Sweet & Sour Chicken

So in case you haven’t noticed but I enjoy chicken quite a bit here.  If you care to notice this dish is very similar to a previous dish I made a couple days ago.  There  is a secret sauce here too which I can not disclose to you folks either, muahahha!  Again we have a similar combination of assorted vegetables with steamed rice.  This dish is definitely a healthy alternative to some other foods with a ample amount of fiber and generous count of protein per serving.  O, I forgot to mention that pineapple is an added ingredient here to make the sweet and sour experience all the more sweet and sour, haha.

Chicken & Pepper Stir Fry

Ingredients:
    1. Chicken Breast
    2. One whole yellow bell pepper
    3. Yellow Onion
    4. Green Scallions
    5. Salt/Pepper/Red Pepper Flakes
    6. Garlic
    7. Secret Sauce =)
*Steamed short grain sticky rice compliments this dish really well. 
 
It’s a rather simple, fast and semi-balanced meal for you people on the go like myself.  Preparation time is max 20 minutes honestly.  I just wanted to share a few meals I typically make on my own and here is one of them.  If you know me, I like to eat well and there are a lot of nutritional benefits you receive from eating such a meal as this.  Good protein, decent fiber from onions and bell pepper along with some vitamins.  Cautious fat content from EVOO used in my cooking to ensure low saturated fats with a mixture of good fats.  Hopefully this post wont make you too hungry, hehe.  Or maybe you don’t like food like this.