I try hard to answer emails or comment questions in the comment boxes, but here are the most frequently asked for your reference! I'll try to update this more often, too!
How can I get a hold of you?
You can get a hold of me here : RockstarDiaries{at}gmail.com!
What kind of cameras do you use, where do you develop film, and where do you find polaroid or instax film these days?
While we aren't professional photographers by any means, we do love taking documenting life through photographs.
We use our Canon Rebel T2i with the kit lens and 50mm 1.8 lens, my dad's old Canon A-1 film camera from the 80's, our Polaroid OneStep 600 & Fuji Instax Mini7, our Holga and the Diana F+ "Dreamer".
I get my film developed locally. You can also still find polaroid film online (Ebay or The Impossible Project have film for sale, although it's expensive.) B&H Photo also has great prices when it comes to instax film or 120 mm film.
I don't own Photoshop. If I edit any digital photos, I play with the color levels and contrast using iPhoto, Picnic and apps on my phone (my favorite is Instagram.)
I'm coming to D.C. for the weekend! What should I do?
This question can be tough because I don't necessarily know what sort of thing you like to do, or eat, or see.... but here are a few of my recommendations:
If you come to the Hill for a tour of the Capital, walk around Eastern Market afterwards and have some bluebuck pancakes at Market Lunch (fyi- the Flea and vendors are out only on the weekends). We also love GoodStuff Eatery for burgers and SeventhHill Pizzeria for pizza if you're on the Hill. Other favorite places for food in D.C. include Founding Farmers and 2Amy's Pizza. Baked and Wired is a great place in Georgetown for a cupcake, too. Or have some gelato at Pitango (our favorite is the sicilian almond.) The Ford Theater is beautiful to tour (or to see a show if one if running!) and my favorite museum is the Newseum (I love the Pulitzer Prize Photography exhibit). And nothing beats the Lincoln Memorial at night! Also, I still have yet to try it out, but D.C. has a new bike share which I'm certain will make your day around the district so much more enjoyable!
For more things D.C., you can also search our blog archives under the label "DC" which is on the left sidebar of the blog.
I'm going to NYC for the weekend, your old stomping ground! What should I do?
We haven't lived in NYC for a few years now and I feel like so much has changed in that time. I'd recommend asking someone who currently lives there for a list of things to do, see, eat. Feel free to also browse the archives of this blog under the label "New York" for old posts of things we used to love doing while we lived there.
You and Josh seem to be really happy together. Can you share some tips for keeping up a successful marriage?
We work hard every day at our marriage. I think good marriages take a lot of work, a lot of selflessness, and a lot of great communication. We have our bad days like everyone else, but I know for a fact that the emphasis which our faith puts on family and marriage plays a big role in the success of ours. I think celebrating the little things you love about your spouse, rather than focusing on the things that annoy you, can go a long way. While I don't think I'm qualified or seasoned enough to give out any advice on marriage, I will say, I think it's SO important to watch your communication. It doesn't do any good to belittle your spouse, yell, talk badly of them, or give them the silent treatment when you're upset. It breaks my heart when I see people do this to one another. What good can come from being rude and short with your spouse? It's cruel. When there is mutual respect and love in your communication and tone, anything is possible. {here is my most favorite talk on marriage.}
Can you do some "what I'm wearing" fashion posts?
This blog is not a fashion blog, which means the emphasis is not on clothing and style. So there won't be any "fashion" posts coming. However, if there is something you are curious about (like where a particular piece of clothing is from, etc), I try to answer your questions in the comment box section of the blog, so be sure to check back if you ask!
Your husband has great style! Do you dress him? I could never get my man in a bow tie. What's your secret?
I also think he's got great style. :) And it's 100% him. So nope, I do not dress my husband. He's always dressed himself. It's one of the first things I noticed and loved about my man.
What kind of lipstick do you wear?
I love Mac's Ruby Woo or Red Brick and also Nars Heat Wave. Lately I haven't taken off Maybelline's Pink Me Up #045.
This is the easiest and laziest way to do your hair! You just twist 2 pigtails beginning behind each ear and criss cross them one at a time over your head and pin them down (it takes just 4 bobby pins.)
Can you tell me where you got your glasses?
They are by Oliver Goldsmith.
Where are Eleanor's headbands and hair clips from?
What brand is your stroller?
When are you sharing your birth story?
I'm not. While I think it's wonderful that so many share their birth stories online, I feel that mine is very personal and sacred to me, my husband and most importantly, my baby girl. It won't be shared on this blog. Thanks for understanding. :)
I want to get an English Bulldog. Can you tell me more about the pros and cons to owning one?
We have adored having a bulldog in the family! Be sure your pup comes from a healthy line of champion bulldogs as bulldogs tend to have a ton of health issues which can create large vet bills. And be sure to decide ahead of time if you're really willing to spend the $$$ it will take when they get sick. Other cons include their issues with extreme heat (Kingsley overheats easily and can't be outside when it's over 80 degrees) and their daily high maintenance routine (we clean his wrinkles daily to avoid tear stains and infection). But we can't tell you how much we enjoy having Kingsley as part of the family. We love him dearly.
How do you go about your advertising? Can I host a giveaway on Rockstar Diaries? Can I send you a product to review?
Email me if you're interested in advertising opportunities (RockstarSponsors@gmail.com). And sorry but at this time, I do not use this blog for reviewing products.
