Favourite Photo Editing Apps

So, as someone who likes taking pictures of pretty much anything and far too many selfies on my iPhone I am always on the hunt for new photo editing apps to enhance the photos I take or give them a retro feel. So, I thought it's only fair that I share some of the ones I use the most and like. 

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Instagram. 

Cost: free

The last selfie I took of myself as a 22 year old! I turned 23 last weekend. Eep! 

Instagram is one of the most popular photo editing and sharing platforms used by smartphone owners of the moment. Over 100 million people have downloaded it! It offers several different filters to your image, most to help you create a vintage/retro look to your images. Much like twitter, tumblr and other such social networks instagram lets you follow your friends, celebrities, artists and other awesome people to keep up to date with their photos and lives. You can like other photos and make comments. It's a pretty standard setting and one that's so simple it's really took off. The one issue I have is that you can't share your likes with other people, which would help find people with similar interests and styles as yourself. You have unlimited uploads and sharing has never been easier with just a tap you can choose to share your images on facebook, twitter, tumblr, foursquare or send it in an email. I for one have met some lovely people through the app and am continuing to find more. Stores use the app for promotions and give aways and it's a fast growing community. My biggest grumble is that twitter won't allow your images to be seen in your feed, instead you have to click the link and go to a new page. But this is just a minor grumble. Additions to the instagram app is the instacollege app which allows you to put two images together in creative ways and offers different filters to the original app, however this does cost 69p. If you don't already have an instagram then get moving! :) If you'd like to follow me my username is: Amehduck . 

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Photoshop Express

Cost: free for lite or in-app purchases for more features range from 69p-£2.99

Edited in just photoshop. I'm so glad the flowers have started to bloom and have brought splashes of colour to the world again. :)

I have the free version of this app and the only extras I have purchased was the extra effects. This is one of my favourite photo editing apps to help define images with subtle changes to contrast, saturation or sharpening the image. I use it as a basic clear up before I put the photo into one of the other apps for filters as to be hones the filter effects on this app aren't the best and to be honest are too heavy most of the time so I rarely use them. It's another simple app to use with sliding effects to change contrast, for example, allowing subtle changes. I don't find it uses alot of my battery life as well, which some other apps I've used does. For free I think this is an app worth checking out and playing around with. 

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Afterlife

Cost: 69p

Note: I edited both images in Afterlight and then put the images together using Instacollege. 

I've only recently downloaded this app after someone on instagram mentioned it. I've only used it once but boy am I in love! As with the other apps this is simple to use and has a beautiful range of filters for different effects. Like the photoshop app Afterlife also comes with editing to the image directly (eg contrast, exposure) so it does mean I can skip the PS stage of my editing process. The real reason this app has got me got me head over heels is the camera film effects you can add. I adore film photography and I own my own Diana F+ Mini (though I have film that desperately needs developing!), I love the grain, the textures and the feeling of nostalgia for my childhood playing with my parents film camera. I'm really looking forward to use this app more and with it's beautiful design, multitude of editing possibilites (I can't wait to use the borders) I can already tell this is 69p well spent! 

ABeautifulMess

Cost: 69p plus in-app purchases from 69p. 

Say Hi to my new three little gerbils! :)

Anyone who knows much about the blogging world will know about Elsie and Emma's A Beautiful Mess blog. I've been following them for a long time now and when they announced they were releasing a photo editing app I was very exciting! Now this app was released last week and is already proving to be a hit with various bloggers and instagramers. The main reason I love this app is that it allows you to put a personal, quirky touch to your images whether this is is with a personal message or a cute border they certainly give you new options. HOWEVER, there is a pretty big grumble with this app is that depsite already paying 69p alot of the extras cost more if you want more than the basic package (and it is pretty basic). At another 69p for each extra it soon adds to a few pounds. Ok, that's still very cheap and I maybe I shouldn't be so irked but I can see it putting people off purchasing the app. Despite this I'm looking forward to, hopefully, new content being added in the future and seeing the app grow into itself. As with the others this is a simple app to use and allows easy sharing with instagram, twitter, facebook and others. 

I hope you enjoyed this post and maybe gave you an idea to try a new app. I'll give the low down if I discover anymore gems in the appstore. Would you like to see more review posts? I'll happily review books, films, music, recipes and anything really! Enter any thoughts in the comment box. :)

There's a Starman waiting in the sky..

I'm back! Admittedly I've been back since Sunday evening but due to several bad days with my neurological disorder and now a cold to boot I've not really done much but sleep, read and watch Buffy the Vampire Slayer. 

While I was away I didn't get to take many outfit pictures due to Jonathan's tiny, tiny room! I had a wonderful time and I wish I were still there. I was spoiled with Christmas presents from his Mum, Dad and of course himself which has helped alot of the anxiety that they think I'm annoying calm down! 

We went shopping in Belfast on my last Saturday and I managed to pick up some bargins in the sales! Obviously those items will be appearing soon once I feel better and don't spend all day in pj's in bed. I really miss Jonathan, and it hasn't even been a week! I just feel safe around him and he makes me smile and looks after me when I have bad days. I also miss his dog, Max and his bearded dragons, Moz and Marr. (Marr is pictured above with Jonathan <3) 

We had a few wonderful days when Jonathan wasn't working. On New Years Day we went and saw The Hobbit and then he took me out to an Indian Restaurant for dinner. We went to the cinema to see Life of Pi. Both films are incredible and I really recommend seeing them both as the cinematography and plots are sublime. Both are fantastic assets to their novel counter-parts. 

I treated Jonathan as well, after dragging him around shops in Belfast we went to Wagamama's for dinner and I paid. It was his first time there and since I found out they have options for vegans it was a must! As usual the food was delicious and I can't wait for our next outing there. 

We also went to five Belfast Giants hockey games, we had a few disappointing games but luckily my last game until February was a win! I love the atmosphere at hockey games, I never thought I'd turn into a sports girl but there's something about this game that's so hypnotizing  It's fast, it's rough and it involves alot of skill I can appreciate as a non-skater! I'm really glad the NHL is back as well in North America, I'm hoping being able to watch the games at home will help me understand the penalties a little more, I have the basic jist of them but I'm still a noob!

So, of the outfit pics I did get! This is probably the only one from while I was away. I got this dress in a TK Maxx sale for £5 reduced from £25! I don't own any animal print clothes so this was a step away from the norm, but the adorable collar and versatile style of the dress, which makes it easy for layering in winter and a pretty summer dress in summer, as well as the price got me at the checkout! 

I also bought these floral tights from Tesco. I always get nervous buying pretty tights incase I ladder them but I decided this year I'm just going to have to be more careful! I show off my legs alot and I like pretty tights so time to embrace the two. I've been after some floral rose style tights for a while but I couldn't find any at a reasonable price I liked.. that was until I found these for £3. :)

This is the only outfit I've actually worn since I got home that isn't pjs. I wanted to try out another new pair of tights and the new 'manly' belt I bought to go with more 90's styles. This was to wear just to pop to the shops, and I did get some strange looks as it was 0 degrees celsius and we were waiting for snow! To be honest though, I didn't even feel the cold. It's a weird thing that I rarely feel the cold on my legs, I think it must come from my school days when I wouldn't wear trousers and I wore skirts and tights. 

Outfit details:

Tights and belt- Primark, Shorts - Topshop, Jeremiah Weed shirt - gift from my old job at a pub, Blazer - River Island (thrifted)

There is no crime in being kind

So yesterday was a big day travelling to see my grandparents and to deliver a few gifts of vegan shortbread for my friends. (so far all the reviews of my shortbread have been really good so I'm pretty pleased. :)) It was amazing seeing people, albiet briefly, and it's reminded me who the important people in my life are. Presents wise I actually did quite well! I got £60 cash, a Squirtle pokemon beaded art piece, £20 Waterstones voucher, a cute owl magnet and some dog shaped paper-clip/filers. :) Everyone knows me so well and I'm very lucky. :)

Being such a long day in the car comfort was a necessity. I tend to get really hot in cars so I didn't want to wear layers and layers incase I did get a bit stuffy. What I chose ended up being perfect and I got a few comments from family about how well I dress - yay! 

I also managed all day without fainting until we were almost home and then I went twice. I'm really feeling the effects today (I couldn't even go Christmas food shopping with my Mum) and so all my last minute projects are on hold while I take a day to just rest. I'm about to watch the Supernatural season 5 finale and then I'll finish reading volume 1 of Les Miserables. I've had a lavender and jasmine bath as well so I'm pretty relaxed for once!

Outfit Details. 

Tapestry tan brouges - Urban Outfitters, Black socks - Dunnes Stores, Leggings - h&m, velvet bodycon dress - New Look, Oversized Cardigan - Charity Shop, Stag Necklace - etsy

And she gave away the secrets of her past, And said I've lost control again

Today was physio day! I go to see my physio about once every month to help with the movement disorder of my neurological condition. Today I was shown a graph of my balance today compared with six months ago and the difference is amazing. It's really shown to me how much difference has been made from my exercises and how my work is paying off. There's still a long way to go but it's really inspiring to see the progress physically in front of me. :)

Because of the physio, which is mainly low key as it's balance based not running around or anything, I need to dress appropriately  But I also knew afterwards I was meeting a friend for coffee so I wanted to look good for that too! So I went with leggings and black socks, my eternally faithful black ankle boots, Joy Division 'Unknown Pleasures' vest and an tarten boyfriend blazer. I kept the accessories simple with just a black beret and no jewellery  Even with the chilly weather this was actually quite warm and I didn't feel the cold at all, which is pretty unusual but I wasn't complaining! 

I've got a few busy days ahead of me with the final preparations for Christmas and finish making some of the presents. I could do some sewing tonight but even though it's only 10pm I'm pretty tired so I think an early night is called for and then start tomorrow early after my haircut. :) (btw, please excuse my bad fringe in these pics! Getting it cut tomorrow!)

Outfit details: 

Ankle boots - Urban Outfitters, socks - Dunnes Stores, Leggings - H&M, Joy Division vest - eBay, Boyfriend blazer - River Island (found in charity shop), Beret - Primark. 

Take my eyes and paint my bones, Drill my brain all full of holes

It's been a few days but I've been wearing boring, comfy clothes cos I've not had much reason to get dressed properly. Until today! Today I had a blood test (seeing how many antibodies that cause allergens are in my blood to see if my asthma medication needs adapting), and so this involved getting dressed. :)

It's been cold out, even hitting the minus figures at times, and there's sometimes been odd patches of ice so I needed to make sure I dressed appropriately as I don't want to fall over! I have enough trouble keeping upright at the moment. Although I haven't shown it in the pics I took but I decided to wear my black, laced up ankle boots. They don't really have any grip but they're perfectly flat so I find them easier to walk over ice on. Luckily, there was no ice! I did have a disaster at the hospital, had my blood test and then fainted. But had the paramedics called out, and my Mum picked me up and took me home so I've slept all afternoon. Just had some yummy egg and chips and now I'm going to watch Grey's and try and get an early night.

Also! I've reached my first weight loss goal! I now weigh 10 stone (which sounds heavy but I am 5'8!). I couldn't tell much difference until I took these pictures and I can see a slight difference on my arms and waist. It might just be angles but I'm hoping it's not. Now to get to my next goal..

Outfit details: 

Floral blouse - charity shop, Gold rose waist belt - Uttam London, Black corduroy skirt - h&m, tights - Tesco, socks - Dunnes Stores (northern ireland), ankle boots (not pictured) - urban outfitters. 

When you try your best but you don't succeed

I don't think I can apologise enough for how bad the lighting and quality of these pictures are. I'll look at my actual camera tomorrow and play around and see if it's any better. As soon as the light starts to fade then my iSight quality drops to almost non-existant. ): But I'll get working on that. 

But! This is a big day this week, I've had bundles of bad news and it's knocked me sideways. I'm still not over it (and probably won't be for a long time) but today was the first time in three days that I got up, showered, washed my hair, put make up on and clothes. It was only for a trip to Tesco but little victories and all that. 

I don't own any jeans that actually fit me properly, I recently found out this is because I should be buying from Tall sections as I have longer than average legs and a longer pelvis. How it's taken me this long to figure that out is a little beyond me. So when I'm feeling a little down or can't be bothered as much I usually throw on one of my two pairs of jeggings as they're comfy and warm. Today was one of those days. I think I used all my energy actually getting up that I put on the first things out my closet but it worked. Yay!

Outfit details. 

Grey-black jeggings - New Look, Purple floral blouse - Urban Outfitters, Cream Cardigan - H&M and silver brouges (not pictured well) - Office. 

The air we breathe is thinning the words that we speak

Woo, my first outfit post! As I said on my first post I'm only able to use my iSight at the moment but I'll  start learning how to use the timer on my camera to see if that's any better quality. This was from last Sunday (gosh, almost a week ago! how time flies!) when my Mum, sister and niece went out shopping. I was pretty late getting up so it was a quick throw on anything and get make up on fast! I bought the oversized dark green blazer at the charity shop earlier last week so I was dying to wear it with something. I wanted the focus to be on the blazer so I decided a black mini-stretch skirt and a black strappy top would do the job. Paired with a pair of tights from the Birmingham Rag Market, black ankle socks (not shown) and cute black shoes with gold fastenings that I forgot to take a picture of! Jewellery was a bronze-gold owl necklace with emerald gem eyes and a stars and moon drop earrings.

All in all, this was a perfect quick outfit and I love it. I think with the colder weather really setting in here I could wear a black cardigan under the blazer and add a scarf to keep warm; I have a vintage floral one that would look perfect. I'd dyed my hair the night before to create a red ombre look, which is so subtle and I adore it. I'll do a post on my hair at some point as I dye it with henna and I know I struggled to find information and tips when I started online.

Outfit details: 

Oversized blazer and shoes (not shown) - charity shop, black strappy top, mini stretch skirt and black patent skinny belt - h&m, striped tights - birmingham rag market, owl necklace - gift, earrings - so old now I can't remember.