girl loves friday and backtracks on previous post.

It's that time again.
Ah yes, friday.
Tonight i will have my hands full with both my niece and nephew and my mouth full of Moose's Tooth pizza. The best in my opinion. Jeff also wants to watch that movie, Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs with the kids. I'm thinking they're still too young to sit through a whole movie but my husband thinks otherwise. We'll see.

On the subject of my previous post.
I thought about it afterwords and realized I sounded like the type of photographer I loathed. The one who is so stuck on the logistics of photography. What's proper, the perfect exposure. The person who has every gadget there's to be had in the world of photography. The one who poo poo's the onset of fresh new, everyday photography and looks down at the scrapbooker turned photographer.
That's not me and I think I could have stated my message in a more humble manor.
There are times where I'll post something I may regret saying. But that's the beauty of blogging your opinions.
 The comments and emails I received afterwords where all positive but there was one that stuck in my mind because it was spot on.
I'm surprised that it irritates you, because you clearly have different potential clients.  They will certainly not convince people looking for artistic work to come to them with that title.  In fact, I think it's good for you, because it sounds like what it is.
It's nice to hear this type of honesty and constructive criticism on my previous point of view.
Reason #97 on why I love blogging.  :)

Onto girl loves.

color on a cold parisian day. (found via The Satorialist)

 
a uber romantic city hall wedding. (found via A Cup Of Jo)

 My 25 Biggest Mistakespost on the Two Photogs blog.
 
My interview on the Little Red Suitcase blog.

 this little munchkin. always & forever.
 
simple, stunning layoutsvia Paislee Press.

words of wisdom worn around your wrist via Kate Spade. (inscription reads HAVE COURAGE) i do love a bangle.
 

don't forget.....Studio Calico sneaks go live tomorrow night!  I should have some sneaks posted by Monday.

Lastly, I've got some new TTV and Polaroid products in the works. Hopefully I'll have the shop updated in another week.

Enjoy the weekend!
Tina

girl gives opinion on cheap photography.

 

So.
Many of you know i'm trying to break through as a photographer.
There's still a lot to learn. I don't want to be just another gal who buys herself an expensive digital camera and calls herself a pro.
A pro i am not.
What i am is passionate, creative and driven when it comes to photography.
I'm taking on my first wedding next month and although i'm nervous, I'm that much more excited. I
know not every photo taken will be worthy of a bridal magazine although I secretly hope to at least publish some of my photos on a certain wedding blogs. I know that my natural ability to capture something creative and unique will shine through.
I've been spending a little time scoping out other Anchorage area photographers and there are a handful that are well known and very good at what they do.
What i'm having an issue with are those I find on Craigslist.
Those who use the title "cheap wedding photography". This bothers me to no end. It completely devalues the art of photography and what it stands for.
Out of curiosity, I also checked out the photos they linked to their "cheap photography" and it is just that,
cheap photography.
So don't be fooled. if you feel the need to not spend the money on a photographer or seeking out someone who is less expensive due to less experience, be cautious. There are a lot of newbies out there with emerging talent, like myself. :) but I would not classify my photography as "cheap". I hold a lot of value in my photographs and what they mean to not only myself but to the person I am photographing.

That said, I am currently accepting clients for the upcoming spring/summer season.
My first love is working with newborns and children. I am not taking on any more weddings as this point as I want to see how my first 2 will pan out. Weddings are experimental for my portfolio.
Any other requests such as family, engagements, and Senior portraits are welcome. I also love working with still life and photo styling so if you have shop/bakery/cafe/clothing store you would liked photographed for a website, I'm your woman. Or maybe not. I have a specific style of photography that may not appeal to you. That's ok.
Hopefully I'll have some kind of portfolio up soon. You can view my Flickr page for now.
Contact me at lifelovepaper@gmail.com for pricing.

girl has it locked down.

my desk. 12:58 p.m.
 
2 things.
first, I work better in chaos.
second, there's always time for a polaroid.

that's all.

card winners!

this girl loves cupcakes!

Posted by: kayla | February 26, 2010 at 12:38 PM

Hello! (I'm a lurker, but follow your blog in Google Reader) I enjoy your photos so very much...Thanks for the opportunity to win a collage of them!

Posted by: mollie | February 26, 2010 at 08:39 AM

Please forward me your mailing addy's ladies!

Thanks for all your comments. I've decided to hold a reader appreciation give away on the first of each month. Who know's what next month will bring. :)

Tina

good morning.

 
I decided to extend the give away until tonight. I certainly could have used at least another 4-5 hours yesterday so I do apologize for not getting around to choosing last night.

I wasn't around for the SC reveal Saturday night and I heard it was quite eventful. The gallery is amazing. These girls never cease to amaze me.
Here are my layouts from the March gallery.

 
 

 
This kit was so much fun. Unfortunately the main kit is sold out but the is extra paper from both the add ons and the main kit as well as Wedding Ring & Patchwork add ons are still available. 
 
I'll shall return tonight with the card winners!
Tina
 

oh joy...another monday.

I'll be back later this week with girl loves and updates. Just not feeling the blog lately. I seriously need an update...new banner, new buttons. It kind of feels like that day you throw on an outfit you are so sick of but there's nothing else to wear but you know you just afford to go and buy pretty things right now. And it's not just about low fundage but being in between seasons. Spring could not come fast enough at this point. I'm so ready to chuck my Uggs for pretty flats.

girl leaves heart in Seattle.

I had pondered the thought of taking a side trip to Seattle on my way back from CHA.
I decided against it as I wasn't keen on the idea of wondering around by myself.
But as I was crunched between 2 other passengers on a full flight to Seattle, I thought, what the hell.
1. I'm not ready to go home yet.
2. I'm here, why not stay a few days.
I immediately got off the plane and headed to the very kind lady behind the AK Air kiosk and changed my flight back home and kept my fingers crossed that I was able to get the one piece of luggage I had checked off the flight to Alaska.
I was fully prepared to do without it but thank the travel gods....they managed to get my luggage off the flight.
Took a cab downtown, checked in to the Mayflower, showered off the ucky plane germs, ordered room service, snuggled in bed and called my sweetie. Wished he could have been there with me. We always have so much fun when we're in Seattle and to this day we throw around the idea of moving there. Of course we've been talking about it for years now.
Why do I love Seattle so much?
There are too many reasons but the biggest one is that I just feel like I'm home.
As much as I like living in Anchorage, I've never feel settled.
To this day, the home that I've been living in for almost 10 years is still not really decorated.
I always feel ready to pick up and leave. This surely stems from growing up a military brat and relocating every few years.
The sole factor that makes me stay up here is family. Not only because my father and in laws are up here but if I were to ever get pregnant, I would want to raise my child here. I would want my child to grow up with his or her grandparents because he or she deserves that. I was blessed to be close enough to my grandparents as a child and I will forever be grateful for that. 
So here I am again, planning for an unknown future.
Oh, before I post photos from my trip, I have to gloat a little bit. Several months ago, I received an email from the editor of Artful Blogging. I was stunned that I would be featured in this very beautifully put together publication. I was super nervous about actually writing my own article but I wrote it like a blog entry so hopefully those who read it will enjoy it and not bash my writing style if I do have a writing style.
You can a copy at your local bookstore. I know our Barnes & Noble and Borders carries it.
I made the cover! 
 
 
now for seattle sites.
and she's off!
first stop, Pikes Place for breakfast. I love eating Lowells. It's exactly what breakfast should be...cheap and GOOD.

tulips were everywhere!


 

the end.
(all photos taken with Canon Xti and Polaroid SX 70)
 
happy wednesday! 

you are done yet?

I know, I know....you're probably inundated with CHA photos and news. I got it.
I'm just about done myself and this should be my last post on the subject.
maybe.

Here are some not so great polaroids that I was able to sneak in during CHA. **note, lighting inside the convention center was horrid for mr land. hence, the yellow tint of the polaroids**
Pretty fascinated by the white paper sculpture outside of the "no photo zone" Anna Griffin booth. Jamaica took an awesome photo with her Instax dubbed the "yeti".  I was a tad jealous and not want an yeti of my own. Maybe after I pay off the Mark II I just purchased. I did enter a chance to win one here.

from tallest to shortest, Jamaica, Jen & Vee. Half of my Dare girls. A little bummed that we didn't get a photo of all of us. What kind of photo documenter am I?
I'm not a knitter. I have about 4 semi finished scarves and 1 baby bootie. Yes, 1, not a pair. But after seeing the Lions Brand display as well as the new line from Stitch N' Bitch creator, Debbie Stoller not to mention the excitement Jen had after seeing said yarn made me want to pick up a pair of needles and knit something. 
 Luggage display at the Tim Holtz booth.
American Crafts Markers. 

That's the end of my journey to Anaheim!

good times. good people.

me, Dav, Joy, Nik & Celine

Jamaica

Tina C & Joy

Caroline working the Pink Paislee booth

sweet Liz and the SC posse

 Dav, Nik & Walesk

 Jen G

 Faux lovin' Joy

 Walesk, Nik & Greg

April and Margie at the Girls Paperie booth

CHA via Polaroid tomorrow.

girl returns and confesses on being a CHA virgin.

Where to begin?
Let's start with day 1.

I am happy to report that the sun was bright and slightly warm when I arrived. I couldn't turn down the opportunity to stretch my legs and walk to the convention center . I was slightly overwhelmed when I walked in as I didn't realize how huge this place was but I was quickly greeted with a shout and a hug from Dav and Walesk.

After receiving my all too important pass, we made our way into the actual convention where booths were being constructed, product  being unpacked and people moving at a feverish pace. I walk doe-eyed towards the stylish, clean and almost completed Studio Calico booth to meet the ever so gracious April and her Kentucky Wildcat loving husband Greg or as some of us know as G-man. I also had the opportunity to meet the the rest of the SC crew, Lorie, Kristen and Stephen. All were busy putting the final deets on the booth.
 
 Walesk taking photos of the booth.
The crew. From the left is Walesk, April, Dav, Lorie and Nicole.
April and her beautiful hair.

Ok, so on to some CHA peeks from my point of view. Now this is just day 1 of being at CHA and it's not even opening day of the convention so I didn't really get to see a lot of product. I was more fascinated with the production of these booths. I never thought about the time and effort it went into creating these very well designed areas.

My first paper encounter was at Crate Paper. Love me some Crate. The first thing that captures me about this paper is the texture. The designs are so fun and usable. I especially love the chipboard pieces.
 
 
Not much else to report from day 1. Just meeting and greeting more or less. 

Some ups and downs...
up
scoring the last open seat on the flight when flying stand by.
down
the neck cramp I endured after falling asleep awkwardly on my shoulder.
up
blue skies, bright sun.
down
forgetting my favorite Coach sunglasses.
up
meeting my online friends and finding out just how much cooler they are in person.
down
leaving friends and knowing I won't be able to see them for awhile
up
also meeting scrap celebs most of which were uber cool (I dislike the work uber by sounds better than "way")
down
the uncomfortable silence after meeting and chatting about the flight from Anchorage and the weather. 

I've got much more to report but I've got a dog who wants to be walked and a cup of coffee to purchase. 
I'll continue on my CHA antics throughout the weekend. 
It's good to be home but I'm already scoping out tickets to the next convention. sigh.

Girl leaves on a jet plane.

I'm off! 
Let's hope Cali gets some sunshine this weekend. Oh does this girl need it.
If you're going to CHA, be sure to visit us at the Studio Calico booth!
I'll also be spending a few hours in Seattle on my way back. If you're in the area and want to walk around downtown with a camera, email me at lifelovepaper@gmail.com.

Happy weekend!

oh, almost forgot....some February peeks....
Peace.
 

blog construction

As you can see, I've made an attempt at updating my very neglected blog.
Still like to keep things clean and simple but I'm still wanting to create some nifty buttons for my typelists.
And still working on a banner. Not easy.

The weekend was fab. Oh btw, I should mention that I am booked for the freebie photo shoots but don't fret! I will be fully operational by early spring with a great portfolio and affordable pricing. Mmmm...summertime in Alaska should be awesome!
Ok, back to the weekend. I successfully backed Pioneer Woman's infamous cinnamon rolls. I did cut the recipe in half since it was my first go. I really didn't want 50 uneatable rolls. Working with yeast scares me. I had a bad experience years ago when I used the bread machine we got as a wedding gift. I can't even describe to you how my first loaf of bread turned out. Hadn't worked with yeast since. But alas! They turned out to be very tasty and comforting iced in lot's of maple icing. I ended up freezing the other pan for later.
This wasn't a "healthy eats" kind of weekend at all. In addition to gooey cinnamon rolls, I made the best meat sauce I've ever made. I'm not a huge red meat eater but sometimes I crave a nice meaty tomato sauce for pasta. I did it in the slow cooker just to save some time later that evening. That accompanied by yet another PW recipe, Olive Bread. OMG. OMG. I could have just eaten the bread for dinner. 
The day before was potato skins, & beer. Come on, it's football food. How does one eat healthy during a game? Can't be done I tell ya. 
So here I am this cold Monday morning, pants feeling a little snug around the mid-section, entering in my Venti NF Latte into my "Get Fit" app, and thinking a nice crunchy salad would be nice for lunch.

Ah, monday.

girl finds uplifting quote and motivation through commments and emails.

 
word.
It's all about respect this year. Respecting my goals, respecting myself, respecting others, respecting change and the unknown.

Thank you thank you thank you for all year sweet comments and emails. It's nice to know I have little virtual army nudging me ever so gently towards postive thinking.
How fitting is this quote for me right now?

Be patient toward all that is unsolved in your heart and try to love the questions themselves like locked rooms and like books that are written in a very foreign tongue.  Do not now seek the answers, which cannot be given you because you would not be able to live them.  And the point is, to live everything.  Live the questions now.  Perhaps you will find them gradually, without noticing it, and live along some distant day into the answer.  ~Rainer Maria Rilke, Letters to a Young Poet

and a lovely collage of photos to go with this wonderful quote, all of which are from my Flickr contacts.

1. <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/37451064@N00/4248519994/">pom pom girl</a>, 2. <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/37043062@N00/4248564350/">Anything is possible</a>, 3. <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/7826272@N08/4247875228/">Untitled</a>, 4. <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/35208241@N00/4236965385/">Untitled</a>

Happy Thursday,
Tina

oh boy.

I am so utterly distracted right now it's not even funny.
I cannot seem to concentrate on any one thing.
I cannot seem to finish writing emails that are piling up in my draft box.
I cannot finish a blog post.
I cannot finish any scrap layouts or projects.
I cannot concentrate on my work and my in box is quickly piling up.
I just can't.

Not that anything major or bad has happened to make me feel this way.
Just the norm...will I ever get pregnant? Should we adopt? Should I invest in my future as a photographer? Should I find another job? Will I ever rip up the nasty carpet and install new flooring? When will we remodel the bathroom? Will the bank refinance my car? Should I get a new car?
This is just a handful of subjects swimming in my aching head. Oh yeah, I woke up with a migraine. Again.

What I can and will do is...
..not apologize for neglecting my blog or emails.
..take 2 Aleve and pray that throbbing settles down.
..clean my scraproom and print out all the pretty pictures I have taken over Christmas.
..quit making excuses.
..put away the laundry hanging from my treadmill and briskly walk for 45mins.
..stop worrying about money but still be mindful of what we spend.
..cut back on Starbucks.
..always be hopeful.
..always be honest.
..take chances.
..invest in me.

girl slowly finds her way though piles of wadded up christmas wrapping.

Christmas 09  was fabulous. But I am glad it's over. I'm so done with the holidays it's not even funny.
What I am looking forward to is the New Year. Lot's planned. This is the quote that has lit a fire under my ever growing booty due to the fact that I've been noshing on cheese and chocolate for the past week.

"and the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom" ....Anais Nin

So yes, this is my attempt to catch up. More later.

Merry Christmas everyone!
Tina

tis the season

I've settle into my favorite red chair, wrapped in a blanket (no, it's not a snuggie although I wish I had one right about now) and watching The Family Stone.
Love this movie, one of my holiday favs. Dad's taking family photos with a Hass? Why have I never noticed that before?
Anyway, since I can't watch a movie and not do something else, I'm playing a little catch up on my favorite blogs and photos on Flickr. Still seriously considering the baby portrait thing. The idea of quitting my full time job as an office drone makes me happy. Like the kind of happiness I dream of.
How sane is it to quit a job with health benefits in this economy? Or am I just using the economy as an excuse to not go after a dream? I've wanted to do and be many things since I was a child and they all involved creative freedom. There will be no quitting of jobs just yet. I'm not a fly off the seat of her pants kind of gal. I'm a habitual planner. Nothing ever goes according to plan or maybe on that rare occasion it does but I still need plan or a guideline or a map of sorts. Something that points in some kind of direction.
don't mean to bore you with my random "girl questions job...again" spiel. 
let's leave off with some things that inspire me.

a photographers wedding.
 
photographers stance is a beautiful gown. j'adore.

this quote.

this illustration.
 

those little tidbits make me so happy. so does luke wilson's character.

happy sunday and a few more photos from me. :)

(boohoo, a broken vintage ornament)
 
Don't forget about my holiday special this week! See below for details.
  

let's catch up.

let's start with Thanksgiving.

 
successfully baked 3 pies. A pumpkin for my brother, pecan for my dad and this one for my in laws. Thanksgiving was as it should be. A gathering of family and friends, sharing a good meal and reminiscing about the past. All in all, a good time.

instead of fighting aggressive shoppers on black friday, I opted to go ice fishing with my dad and nephew.

as you can see from the photo on the right, I was a tad grossed out by the sliminess of my catch.
besides that minor detail, I had a great time fishing in the snow on a frozen lake stocked with rainbow trout. It was quiet and peaceful. It took patience to sit on top of a bucket with a small pole and watching to see if my bobbin started to duck in and out of the water. I needed some fresh air and the excitement of learning something new. I definitely look forward to going again. **note to self, must find chicer snowsuit.**

Saturday was my "black friday". I was happy there were still a lot of good sales to be shopped. Found back up dress for holiday party, back up dress now first choice. Also found perfect shade of red lipstick at Mac counter, now to find a little bravado to wear said lipstick to party. I'm sure once it's on, my inner beyonce will shine. Have you seen that new video with lady gaga? maybe I can also channel her moves when I hit the dance floor. Maybe not.

The rest of the weekend went accordingly and I'm so glad for the extended time off.
Now it's ready set go for Christmas.
House, decorated.
Tree, trimmed...minus a tree topper.
Gifts, about half way completed.
Cards, just now thinking about it.

ok, this is getting to be quite long and I've got a full dvr that needs to be emptied.

Dare 153
 
all items are from SC's new Home Front line. 

This months project kit.
 
 

30 Days of Christmas: Dec 2 (a different project I'm doing along with my Daily December)
 
a little prettiness on my kitchen window sill.

until Friday,
Tina

girl is thankful.

a quick post to wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving.
I hope you enjoy your holiday with the one's you love.
be safe and patient durring the shopping hustle on Friday!
leaving off with a few photos from this past weekend.

be thankful.
girl  

 

 

home to me right now (unrelated to the layout above) is my old red chair I picked up years ago at a garage sale.
my intention was so reupholster it but never happened.
it clashes with everything but I don't really care.
it's comfortable, perfect for reading and surfing the net.

Studio Calico is sharing part of their home with you by sponsoring a giveaway of their brand new line, Home Front.  Imagine June Cleaver styled 1950s domestic bliss.  Featuring optimistic colors and smooth vintage inspired patterns.  You’ll find fresh stained wood grain, retro home décor, an exclusive SC cardstock alpha set, and much more.  Home Front is versatile, colorful, and beautiful (can we say that?)….I think you’ll love it.
To win this collection, simply leave a comment on what home means to you and to increase your chances, visit the rest of the design team below.

April Foster
Celine Navarro
Davinie Fiero
Emily Pitts
Jenn Olson
Joy Madison
Kelly Noel
Lisa Truesdell
Maggie Holmes
Nicole Samuels
Nicole Harper
Stephanie Howell

I will announce my winner on Wednesday morning.
Good Luck!