*Insert wild squeals of joy*
I HAVE A NEW DIGITAL CAMERA!!!!
Readers, I’d like to introduce you to my new Canon PowerShot SD880 IS ELPH!
But before we get to the fun photography – lunch!
I made it to the modern YMCA around 11:30 and got in a great workout – 50 minutes on the ET, 6:26 running and a little stretching in the weight area. I read the newest issue of Health, which is probably my favorite health and fitness mag. This month’s issue includes an article by Bethenny Frankel that I thought was the best healthy eating article I’ve ever read in a magazine. Tina at CarrotsnCake reflected on the article yesterday – she sums it up better than I do. After reading this article, I want to go buy her book. Does anyone remember her from the Martha Stuart Apprentice about 3 years ago? 😳
I came home pretty hungry for lunch and whipped up this Veggiepalooza Soup with leftovers we had on hand.
I started with some frozen okra, frozen spinach and raw broccoli, cauliflower and carrot and nuked them (in a splash of water) for 2 minutes.
Then I added about 1/3 a cup of beans, the other cup of this soup and about 1/3 cup leftover brussels –
Yum! Topped with some crumbled goat cheese
On the side I had some more leftover flatbread –
And some tea
A happy ending –
My new camera, which I ordered from Amazon, arrived just before lunch. I knew the battery would have to charge for a while before I could play with it, so I got it working and headed to Pier1 to kill those grueling two hours.
And here’s what I came home with!! Everything was majorly on sale! I got all of this for $42. Perfect subjects for photography –
Plates + Bowls
Candles!!
The first two were only $.98
Altogether
Photography Research
A big thank you to my grandmother for the Christmas gift that allowed me to purchase this camera!! I’ve noticed a gradual decline in my photo quality and over my vacation my camera lens started sticking. I figured I should heed the warning signs and get a new camera before it suddenly broke on me and left me with no way to blog.
Once I decided it was time to purchase a new one, I did lots of research to narrow down my selection. First and foremost, I consulted Consumer Reports, where my dad has a subscription. I knew I’d only get something highly rated.
The big decision was: SLR or point-and-shoot? I always thought my next camera would be an SLR, but after lots of thinking (and research), I decided that given that I take my camera everywhere, an SLR wasn’t the most practical. And then further online research solidified my decision. I consulted several digital photography websites to read complete reviews of the cameras that were recommended by Consumers. This one was extremely helpful: Digital Camera Resource.
I narrowed it down to Canon’s SD1100 and SD880, both of which were highly rated. I also considered the SX10. The 1100 was a top buy in CR, beating the 880 because of its much lower price.
What ultimately finalized my decision was the comparison between these three Macro photos. Check them out yourself and decide which image quality you think is the best, then check and see which one was which. Don’t peek below!
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#1 was an SLR, a Canon Rebel
#2 was the 1100
#3 was the 880, which I thought was the best
Here are some comparison shots with the new and old. I can’t BELIEVE the difference! Everything is sharper and colors are brighter. I never thought my camera was fuzzy, but you can sure see it here.
I can’t wait to see how oatmeal looks 😉
Say goodbye!! It was a great camera…..he just got too old.
Karen is taking us to The Counter for burgers tonight since Andrew is back in town for 2 more days before he heads back to New Orleans. Yum!
Rachel says
Congrats on the new camera AND the P1 goods! I looooove my Canon Elph, though it’s an older model. I’ve unintentionally become brand loyal to Canon. Looking forward to more beautiful food photography, as always!
Mel says
Your new plates and bowls are super cute! They definitely did not have those at my Pier 1.
Your new camera takes amazing pics, I love the side by side comparison.
Kelley says
I have the SD1100, and I love it. You can’t go wrong with Canons.
Oh, and I’ve been the counter, I LOVE it! I’m excited to see what you order, so I can copy it next time because i’m pretty sure my choices are never very healthy. Have fun!
Amanda (Two Boos Who Eat) says
I have been looking for a new camera for my food blog. I seem to have found your post as just the right time. I have a Canon Elph 550 and I love it. It’s just 3 years old and a little outdated.
Congrats on the new purchase!
http://twobooswhoeat.blogspot.com
Joie de vivre says
Have fun with your new toy!
Marianne says
Can’t see the photos for comparison – probably because I’m not a consumer reports subscriber. I think you might have gotten the same camera my sister got for Christmas. Digital camera images totally deteriorate over time. My point & shoot is so old, I don’t even bother taking it out of the drawer anymore, so for right now, I’m only with my SLR. I agree, it’s not the most practical to carry with you it all times. One day I’ll order me a shiny new point & shoot. Enjoy yours!
Nicole says
Yay! I have this camera and I LOVE IT SO MUCH! I also have a digital SLR as well and I think they both take very beautiful photos, and the point and shoot is SO much more convenient.
Kath, your soups always look so delicious! Whenever I make soup it is always super watery. Any secrets?
BethT says
I will take a burger with gruyere and carmelized onion marmalade, please. Thanks.
Heather McD (Heather Eats Almond Butter) says
I couldn’t get the links to work for the photos. Congrats on your new camera. I love my Canon. Even though it’s a bit bulky, it takes great pics.
Love all the Pier 1 purchases as well – great deals! Lovely soup. Goat cheese – yum.
Andrea [bella eats] says
Congrats on the new camera! I have the Canon SD850 (the model before yours) and just convinced my mom to purchase the SD880 because we’ve loved ours so much. I use my digital SLR at home, but the ELPH is great for taking everywhere with you! Good choice! 🙂
Alyssa says
The counter looks awesome! I think you should highly recommend that they build one in MN, but you know, that’s just me 🙂
Alyssa says
And congrats on the new camera!
Oh She Glows says
I HAVE THIS CAMERA!!! And I loooove it!! You will too I’m sure 😀
Love the buys today! I have lots of gift cards to use up at C&B, Pottery Barn, and William Sonoma, but I have to wait until their Spring stuff hits the shelf because the stores were really picked over when I went last weekend!
Angela
www.ohsheglows.com
Kate says
Hi Kath! I’m an Editor at Health’s website and I’m so happy to hear you like our magazine! If you like Bethenny, you may be interested to know that she has a weekly diet column. Here’s her latest post:
http://diet.health.com/2009/01/06/4-tips-to-jump-start-your-january-slim-down/
Hope you like it! Your veggie soup looks amazing. I’m going to have to try it this weekend!
Kate
VeggieGirl says
SO MUCH FREAKING FABULOUSNESS!!!
Sharon says
Congratulations on the new camera! And love you new plates + bowls.
Marissa says
congrats on the new camera! love the pier 1 stuff!
Halie says
Great camera! Congrats! Now all I can think of is “Make every shot, a power shot” (!!) Good choice of the three cameras, I could definitely see a difference.
Nice Pier 1 choices!
Your soup looks so colorful!
ppp says
oh i love bethanny! she was on the real housewives of new york as well….. trashy reality at its finest!
anne says
I have the flowered plate from Pier 1 as well! Love all of that stuff.
I agree about Health Magazine. It is definitely one of the best. I just saw the comment above from one of the editors. How cool! I’m excited to check out that blog too.
Laura says
What a neat new camera. It’s really cool to see the side-by-side comparison!
WendyF says
I love the blue plates. Reminds me of Morrocco for some reason. I bet the oatmeal is going to look good tomorrow. Had a peak at The Counters menu, it looks yummy, especially the mini burgers. Today I could have one of their birthday cake shakes 🙂
After tonight its back on my oatmeal breakfasts and clean eating… kind of slip sliding from the holidays.
Have a good night!
Stephanie says
My boyfriend and I recently went to The Counter for a pre-movie dinner. The sweet potato fries were tasty! 🙂 Have fun with the family.
Kristie says
Love all the Pier 1 stuff.
But most especially love the NEW CAMERA. I’ve been a Canon fan forever. I have the SD1000 and the S5IS (both older versions of the two you were considering but didn’t get obviously). I love them both and I think they work great. I think you made an awesome choice with yours too though, it does take some seriously noticeably clearer photos. I think pretty much any Canon choice is a winner but loving yours!
Tina says
Thanks for the CNC “shout out!”
Glad that your camera is sweeeeeet!
Excellent finds at Pier ! 🙂
Allison K says
ppp-I wondered if it was the same Bethany.
Kath-What great fun new stuff! love the plates and bowls.
Sarah (lovINmytummy) says
We have an Canon Elph and I love it!
Beautiful bowls, plates and candles, but even more that soup looks wonderous!!!
seelee live (for the love of peanut butter) says
congrats on the new camera, Kath!!
melissa says
thanks for bringing my attention to the health article. The website is a cornocopia of information.
Chris says
LOVE your Pier 1 pics! Everything looks so inviting…I wouldn’t know which to use first. When my kids get a little older – as in old enough to stop good plates and glasses – I would love to stock up on cute stuff like this.
Jennifer says
Curious: did you do 50 minutes on the ET and then a 6 mile run????
Shelby says
I actually used to have a Sony Cybershot and I really liked it but I kept dropping it =P So I got a 750 elph and I don’t really like it as much. It doesn’t have as many features but maybe that’s because it’s an older version. Let me know how you like your camera.
Sarah says
I’ve been to The Counter location in Palo Alto, CA. I really puzzled them when I asked for a burger without the meat part 😛
Sweet potato fries were amazing and plentiful.
Have fun, and enjoy your new camera!
Audrey says
I just got the Canon SD880 camera too! (Christmas present) I didn’t do much research on it so I’m thrilled that with all your exhaustive research, you picked the same one! 🙂
ttfn300 says
great new plates! i need a new camera… or want… not sure which 😉
Samantha says
Your Pier1 finds are wonderful!
And the soup is mouthwatering!
Danielle says
Congrats on the new camera. I am jealous! And all your pier 1 finds are so super cute. You have great taste, I didn’t realize how boring my bowls and plates were until I started my blog. Definitely going to need to do some shopping soon.
Lisa says
Wow, what great bargains! I love your ad-libbed soup recipe.
Jess. says
Congrats on the new camera! I got one today too. It is just a kodak easy share but it will be better than the phone pics i have been taking- and it’s pink! My grandma and mama bought it for me for my birthday!
Cat says
Boyfriend and I recently went to the same Counter! I had the tuna special burger on a salad instead of a bun. Yummy! shoestring french fries were great too!
Love the candle/bowl loot!
Kath says
Nicole ,
I rarely add chicken broth to soups, and if I do, I make sure to puree the veggies. I hate watery soups too. That’s why I love the Pacific boxed soups as a base. I either use them or puree the veggies at the end.
Kate ,
Wow – a real Health editor! I really do love the magazine – and Bethenny is great! Thanks for the link 🙂
Jennifer ,
That’s six MINUTES. Were you planning to say something snide if I had run six miles?
Kath
Jennifer says
No not something snide. I would have just wondered why you would tax your body so.
Meg says
Congrats on the new camera and the Pier 1 loot!
Amie says
The 880 is FABULOUS! I had the 850, but it got stolen from my classroom (I was dumb). I love the 880…I am taking SO MANY pics…and the macro is great! I have found one method better than the other, but I don’t remember it without looking directly at the camera, so I might come back once I can look at it. Have fun!
Rose says
Congrats on the big purchase! I bet you are so happy.
I have that same first green bowl – it’s a beauty 🙂
Quinn says
I also read that same article and LOVED it. After the apprentice she was also a featured coorespondent for diet.com and has some create recipes on YouTube. My favorite is her Banana Nut French Toast. She was also one of the Real Housewives of NYC. Have a great night!
Cloe says
Congrats on your new camera! I just bought myself the Cannon Powershot ELPH a few weeks ago and I *LOVE* it!
By the way, I absolutely adore your blog! It’s one of my favorites!
JENNA says
i love my cannon! i’m sure you will be very happy with your purchase! I love the new dishes x 100000000!!! 🙂
Elina says
I just got the 1100 for xmas and I’m totally in love with it! I feel the same way – I never knew my old camera wasn’t sharp enough until I got this one. Every picture I take with it, I’m just so impressed! Technology is cool sometimes 🙂
Missy (Missy Maintains) says
Looks like a great camera! I am in the market for a new one! Mine takes such fuzzy pics!! I will keep this into consideration!
Ruby Red Vegan says
Oh, wow! There really is a big difference in photo quality. It seems that you’ve made a good investment. 🙂
On a side note, I am so glad you posted about your soup lunch! As easy as it sounds, I feel dumb because I’ve never thought of steaming up some veggies and adding it to leftover soup. It’s so obvious now! Thanks for the great quick meal idea. It looks extra delish with the Brussels — my fave!
Nene says
I just got this camera for my birthday and I LOVE IT! After lots of research I just don’t think it can be beat unless you go SLR. Enjoy 🙂
mbtdiscount123 says
about having a pair of “red dance shoes.” A quantity of red on feet attracts men’s spectacle and