Exposure Triangle
Aperture, shutter speed, and ISO all work together to control how bright or dark a photo is. Change one and you usually have to adjust the others.

Aperture
Aperture is how wide the lens opens to let light in. A wider aperture lets in more light and gives you that blurry background (bokeh). Wider = Smaller number. For example, F1.4 is very wide, F14 is not.

ISO
ISO is how sensitive the camera sensor is to light (aka fake light). Higher ISO brightens the image but adds grain/noise.

Shutter Speed
Shutter speed is how long the camera lets light hit the sensor. Faster speeds freeze motion, slower speeds let in more light but can cause blur.

Composition & Spacing
Composition is how everything is arranged in the photo. Spacing, negative space, and subject separation help keep images from feeling messy or cramped.

ISO (aka fake light)
ISO makes the image brighter without actually adding light. The higher it goes, the more grainy/noisy the photo gets.

DSLR vs Mirrorless
DSLRs use a mirror, mirrorless cameras don’t. Mirrorless cameras are generally smaller, newer, and what most brands are focusing on now.

Sony & Autofocus
Sony is especially known for really good autofocus. Eye AF is kind of their thing and works insanely well.

Practice > Studying
The best way to learn photography is to actually shoot. You learn way more by doing than just watching videos or reading.

Editing Is a Big Part of Photography
A lot of the final look comes from editing. Straight-out-of-camera photos are rarely the finished product.

Presets Are a Starting Point
Most photographers use presets to speed things up. They’re not magic — you almost always tweak after.

What “Mirrorless” Actually Means
Mirrorless just means there’s no mirror inside the camera. Light goes straight to the sensor and you see everything electronically.

Cropping Matters
Cropping can completely change a photo. It’s one of the easiest ways to improve composition after the fact.

Zoom vs Prime Lenses
Zoom lenses can zoom, prime lenses can’t. Primes are usually sharper and better in low light.

Lens vs Camera Body
The lens often matters more than the camera body. A good lens can make even an older camera look amazing.

Why Some Lenses Are So Expensive
Some lenses cost a lot because the glass is better, the aperture is wider, and the build quality is higher. They’re basically long-term investments.

Lightroom vs Lightroom Classic
Lightroom is cloud-based and simplified. Lightroom Classic is more powerful and what most pros still use.

Last Updated: 12/26/2025

The post Photography Brain Dump appeared first on sliceoflily.com.

These are the tools that have stuck with me — the ones that make gardening easier, prettier, and a little more enjoyable.

💧 A Classic Metal Watering Can

Plastic watering cans are fine… until they crack, fade, or just feel cheap. I switched to a metal watering can years ago and never looked back. It feels timeless — a little vintage, a little practical — and it actually lasts.

Mine has a long spout that makes it easy to reach plants tucked behind others, and I swear water just pours better from it (maybe it’s in my head, but still). It’s one of those simple tools that makes even watering feel intentional.

🌸 Japanese Gardening Tools

If you’ve never used Japanese garden tools before, prepare to fall in love. They’re sharp, balanced, and beautifully made — no frills, just craftsmanship.

• Hori Hori Knife: The ultimate multitasker. You can dig, cut, plant, divide roots — basically do everything with one tool. It’s part knife, part trowel, part crowbar, and 100% satisfying to use.
• Japanese Pruning Shears: These cut like a dream. Clean, smooth snips that don’t crush your stems. I use mine for herbs, flowers, and light pruning around the garden.
• Hand Hoe or Weeder: Perfect for precision work — loosening soil around delicate plants or getting weeds by the roots.

There’s something peaceful about using tools that feel well-balanced and intentional. They turn even simple chores into rituals.

🧤 Good Gloves (That Actually Fit)

As someone with smaller hands, finding gloves that fit properly was surprisingly difficult. Most “one size” pairs might as well be oven mitts. I finally found a pair of soft leather gloves that fit snugly without slipping off, and it’s made such a difference.

They protect from thorns, fire ants (Florida problems), and sunburned knuckles — all things I’d rather not deal with again.

🪴 A Small Hand Tool Set

You don’t need a giant collection, just a few good basics:

• Trowel: for digging and transplanting.
• Hand Rake: for loosening compact soil.
• Snips or Scissors: for harvesting herbs and veggies.

I keep mine in a little canvas bag so they don’t wander off — because somehow, tools love to disappear when you need them most.

🪑 A Kneeling Pad or Low Stool

Not exactly a “tool,” but my knees would disagree. I use a simple foam kneeling pad or sometimes a small folding stool when I’m weeding or planting for longer stretches. It makes gardening feel more like a gentle afternoon activity and less like a workout.

🌿 Why These Tools Matter

I’ve tried plenty of gadgets that promised to make gardening easier — soil meters, fancy sprayers, you name it. But honestly, the basics always win. Quality tools don’t just last longer; they make you want to spend time outside.

There’s a quiet joy in using things that feel good in your hands — tools that age well, get a little scuffed, and still keep working season after season.

If you’re just getting started and want to know what’s actually worth buying, I’ve got you covered:
👉 Read: Why I love Gardening

“And the Lord God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it.”
— Genesis 2:15

The post My Favorite Gardening Tools appeared first on sliceoflily.com.

I’ve been gardening for about eight years now, and it’s one of those hobbies that just stuck. What started as a simple curiosity — a few raised beds and way too many seed packets — has turned into something I genuinely look forward to every season. It’s relaxing, rewarding, and a little unpredictable, which honestly makes it more fun.

I’ve grown plenty of vegetables over the years — tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, squash — but for some reason, herbs have always been my weakness. The only ones I’ve managed to keep alive long-term are sage, mint, and rosemary, which feels a little like winning on easy mode. They’re basically the “we survive anything” plants of the garden world. At this point, I’m convinced they’re thriving out of sheer pity.

Time To "Grow" Our Garden

Now that we’ve moved into a home with 1.5 acres, I finally have the space to take my gardening to the next level. My goal this year is to expand the garden, start composting (hopefully with help from our future chickens), and experiment with growing fruit trees for the first time. I’ve always dreamed of having my own little orchard.. something about picking fruit straight from the tree just feels timeless and wholesome. Plus, I grew up climbing trees and picking fruit from them in my own backyard, so I want the same for my kids!

There’s a peaceful rhythm that comes with gardening, watering in the morning, checking on new sprouts, seeing what survived the rain or the heat. It’s a daily reminder that growth takes time and care, and that effort doesn’t always show right away. I think that’s why I love it so much. It slows me down and makes me pay attention.

For The Kids

It’s also become something my kids love to be part of. They dig in the dirt, water the plants (sometimes too much...), and ask a million questions about worms, seeds, and roots. It’s very messy, but it’s hands-on, and it’s the kind of learning that sticks.

Gardening has given me more than vegetables or herbs tbh, it’s taught me patience, consistency, and gratitude. It reminds me to be okay with the slow seasons, to start again when things fail, and to celebrate the small wins, even if it’s just a single thriving mint plant.

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
— Galatians 6:9

If you’re thinking about starting your own garden, I put together a post about my favorite tools (being updated regularly!) that you'll actually need to get started without overcomplicating it.
👉 Read: My Favorite Gardening Toots

The post Why I Love Gardening appeared first on sliceoflily.com.

The post Why I Started Fishing appeared first on sliceoflily.com.

I went with an Ugly Stik GX2 combo, which is basically the Toyota of fishing gear — reliable, beginner-friendly, and not too heavy. It’s sturdy but not bulky, which matters when you’re juggling kids, snacks, and everything else life throws at you.

If you’re small-framed like me, a medium-light setup is perfect. It gives you enough strength to catch something decent without feeling like you’re wielding a broomstick.

A Compact Tackle Box

I didn’t want a full tackle bag, so I use a small plastic tackle box with a few basics:

• Hooks (a mix of sizes)
• Sinkers
• A few floats/bobbers
• Extra line
• Some simple bait (shrimp, worms, or artificial lures)

That’s honestly it. I learned quickly that having less to dig through means more time actually fishing — and keeping an eye on my kids near the water.

Foldable Chair or Stool

This one’s non-negotiable. Standing for hours isn’t realistic for me, so I use a lightweight camping chair that folds into a sling bag. I found one that weighs maybe 2–3 pounds and can be carried with one hand.

Pro tip: get one with a cup holder. You’ll thank yourself when you’re sitting in the sun with a cold drink.

A Beach Wagon or Backpack

If you’re fishing from the shore or a pier (and especially if you’ve got kids in tow), a foldable wagon is a lifesaver. I keep everything in there — tackle box, chairs, snacks, sunscreen, water, towels — and just pull it behind me.

If you’re solo or going minimalist, a sturdy backpack can work too. Look for one with side pockets for bottles and a small cooler compartment if you plan to bring drinks or keep bait fresh. I usually carry both, but

Sun Protection

Florida sun doesn’t play. Between the reflection off the water and the hours outdoors, sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses are non-negotiable. I also bring a long-sleeve fishing shirt made from that light, breathable fabric — it keeps me from burning but doesn’t make me overheat.

Cooler Bag

You don’t need a huge hard cooler (unless you plan on bringing home a big catch). I use a soft cooler bag that fits drinks, snacks, and maybe space for one or two small fish if I ever get that far. Bonus points if it fits in your wagon or backpack.

A Small Bucket or Livewell

Even if you’re catch-and-release, a little bucket comes in handy — for keeping bait, letting the kids see what you caught before releasing it, or even washing your hands after dealing with bait.

Kid-Friendly Additions

If you’re bringing little ones, don’t forget:

• Snacks (lots of them)
• A towel or wet wipes
• A small toy rod or net for them
• Patience — more important than any lure you’ll ever buy

Sometimes they’ll be into it; sometimes they’ll wander off chasing minnows. Either way, it’s part of the experience.

The Right Mindset

Honestly, this might be the most important thing you “pack.” You’re not just fishing for fish — you’re fishing for stillness, patience, and time together. Don’t worry about catching anything right away (trust me, I haven’t yet). The whole point is to enjoy the process.

Wrapping It Up

You don’t need fancy gear or a truckload of stuff to start fishing. Keep it light, keep it simple, and make it something you actually look forward to.

Next time you’re scrolling through gear online or walking past the fishing aisle, just grab the basics and go. You’ll figure the rest out as you go — that’s half the fun.

And if you’re just getting started too, I’d love for you to follow along as I share what I learn — from my first catch (whenever that happens!) to figuring out what all those mysterious lures actually do. I will be updating this post as I learn and grow as a fisherwoman.

“Many men go fishing all of their lives without knowing that it is not fish they are after.”
— Henry David Thoreau

Before you pack your gear, check out Why I Started Fishing —
it’s all about what led me to the water and what I’ve learned so far.

The post Fishing Essentials for Beginner Hobbyists appeared first on sliceoflily.com.