THE SECRET IS OUT! (5 must-have photo editing apps!)

I've been meaning to write this post for a long time, but to be honest, I've been stingy- because I didn't want to give up my Instagram-Photo-Editing Secrets!

But, enough of you asked for them- so I figured, what the heck? Let's do this!

Here are the 5 different apps I use to edit photos for Instagram (or just for other uses) at any given time:

A Beautiful Mess App: Anytime I want to add cutesy text, borders, or other fun overlays on my photos! There are a few limited filters on this app too- but none that I totally love. It's really best for adding quotes, words, names, or drawings in a range of colors to your favorite photos!

Whitagram: You know when you see someone's Instagram feed that is all rectangles with white borders- rather than the usual Instagram square? They're probably using Whitagram. This free app allows you to keep the true scale of your image, but size down for Instagram use- sometimes you just can't crop your pictures into a square, they're just too perfect the way they are!

AfterLight App: MMMMMkay. Instagram filters ain't got nothin' on this app. It has a bajillion different filters, as well as overlays, vignettes, etc. My favorite part is that you can either change the overlay/borders to a different color other than white- or fade it, so you can still see some of the original image behind it (see the "B" image below)

Waterlogue: Looking to make your photos into art in one quick button press? Then Waterlogue is the app for you- making all images look like they're painted brushstrokes- this app makes all images print-worthy. Hint- High contrast images work best here!

PhotoToaster:  This app is legit better than the photo editing software that came with my computer. It's not about frilly filters and words- it's just there to make your pictures be enhanced, and the best they can be. It takes a few times using it to really master it, but once you do, you can adjust saturation, white balance, tint, exposure, and so much more. It's my #1 go-to!

So there you have it- My 5 go-to photo editing apps!

I'd love to know- what are your favorites? Any of these that you use as well?

Be sure to find me on Instagram (@lpodlich) for more photos & tips!

xo, lp

Share the photo editing LOVE! Pin to share these tips with your friends & followers!

*please, no reposting any images! thank you!





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BEST BITES: PETITE STRAWBERRY SCONES

It's strawberry season, my friends- which means you can expect a whole lot of strawberry recipes coming your way in the near future, starting out with these delightful little strawberry scones!

If you're not a scone lover, these may just convert you- they're soft, buttery, and just the right amount of sweet. 

If you're a fan of more tangy fruit taste- there's also an optional lemon glaze to throw on these babies once they're cooled!

What you'll need to make it happen (makes 12 small scones):

For the scones:

-2 cups flour

- 6 tablespoons butter, cubed and softened

- 2/3 cup heavy cream

- 2 teaspoons baking powder

-4 tablespoons granulated sugar

- 1 1/3 cups diced strawberries

- 1 teaspoon lemon juice

For the Optional Glaze:

- Juice of 1/2 large lemon

-Zest of 1 large lemon

- 1/3 cup powdered sugar

 (pssst, you can get these perfect bowls HERE!)

How to make it happen:

First- let me say this- it's messy, but the best way to mix up the dough is with your hands. It just is. So wash them THOROUGHLY, and get down to business!

Step 1: Stir your strawberries in a bowl with 1 tsp lemon juice and 1/2 tablespoon sugar- set aside.

Step 2: Mix your flour, baking powder, and 3 tablespoons of sugar together in a large bowl, then knead in your softened butter cubes (with your hands!) until butter is well mixed, and you have a crumbly-textured mixture.

Step 3: Add in your berries and your heavy cream, and mix gently together until well mixed, but not overly mashed- you want to keep your strawberries in tact!

Step 4: Dusting flour on your hands, split the dough into two circles, and pat out into small domes about 2 inches thick.

Step 5: Using a knife dusted in flour- cut your circles into 6 pieces each, and transfer to a parchment lined baking sheet, and top with sugar.

Step 6: Bake at 400 for 20 minutes, checking at 12/16 minutes to see how they're coming along They're done when they're a VERY pale golden brown!

Step 7: Allow to cool and top with glaze if so desired (glaze: just mix the 3 ingredients listed until a runny, liquid icing consistency).

Enjoy!

The finished product!!

 Like I said, these scones are soft- not at all tough or dry like those scones with bad reputations have ! ;-)

They'd be PERFECT for a summer tea party, breakfast get together, or a picnic dessert!

If strawberry scones aren't your thing, or you are just a mad-scone-lover, try my Blueberry Lemon Drop Scones, Cinnamon Brown Sugar Oat Scones, or Orange Cranberry Scones!

What's your favorite strawberry recipe?

If you try these out, be sure to take a picture and share it on Instagram- tag me @lpodlich so I can see your awesome work!

xo, lp

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for more B&B, find me on instagram here!

MICE, RAIN, AND OTHER CAMPING ADVENTURES.

Oh this weekend was too lovely.

Michael and I decided that this weekend was as good as any for the first camping trip of the season- and boy, did it turn out to be perfect. Like any true camping trip- it had it's fair share of surprises- like scaring some mice out of the outhouses during a late night bathroom stop- or a random rain shower during a walk when weather.com had said 0% chance all nice long....but that's what makes for good stories, right?

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We drove to Governor Dodge State Park in Dodgeville, WI, and after setting up camp we took a beautiful hike. My favorite part? This lovely waterfall off one of the main trails:

Since it's early in the season, the park wasn't packed at all, and other than some crappy dog owners & their barking dogs, it was pretty quiet. We snuck away to one of the lakes at the park to get some time to relax on the docks- and watched a seriously perfect sunset:

Because one state park wasn't enough for us, we ran over to Blue Mounds to get a quick look at how Spring was fairing in Wisconsin. We took the shot we take every time we visit the park- M looking over the land from one of the watch towers- sure was a lot sunnier than the last few times!:

 Alright, enough Wisconsin camping talk.

Let's talk about tomorrow's recipe....rather than giving you the "after" pictures, see if you can guess what I'll be sharing tomorrow based on the ingredients! I mean, it has strawberries and butter so...you know it can't be bad, right?

Mmmk.

That's all for now, friends. Oh, except for if anyone wants to buy me a black or mint 'L' one of these, that'd be great. THANKS.

Anyone else enjoy the great spring weather this weekend?

Let me know what I missed while I was on my camping hiatus!

xo, lp

for more snaps, find me on instagram here!