a baby food tidbit + a new dare.

I'm always searching for food tips and ideas for Tyler. I came upon this tip on helping little hands grip cubes of bananas easier. It basically involves coating cut up bananas in Cheerio crumbs. He immediately grabbed and pinched bits of banana much much easier than before.  

cool, huh?

And now for the dare. Dare 183:Angles. This dare through me for a loop but I loved reaching way beyond my comfort zone.

Later this week, I'm going to wrap up the Q+A I've been procrastinating on. I'll also have some Studio Calico sneaks to share as well. :) xot.

Resouces: Pugly Pixel blog template. Hambly

a photoless moment.

Saturday: September 17, 2011: 9:15 am Tyler awakens cooing and talking and making funny throat sounds. I open the door to his room and he sits up and bounces in delight. He reaches for me and I pick him up. He embraces me tightly, arms clinging around my shoulders like static. He places his fat cheek in the nook of my neck. My heart beats faster. I feel his heart against my chest, beating with mine. For a brief moment, I thought the image of us together would make a beautiful photograph. I quickly erased that thought and just held onto him tightly. Completely being in that moment and no where else. This was a moment that did not need a photograph. It would be ingrained in my heart and my mind.

I never imagined this kind of love all those years waiting and trying. It is more than anything I've ever felt. Maybe that's why my heart was beating so fast. I was overcome with his love and my love.

Just another Saturday morning.

xot.

 

#girllovesfall

Fall is such a short season here. Maybe that's why I appreciate every cool, crisp day and why I find it so inspiring. The changing leaves initiates change in myself and my home. I especially want to redecorate with rich tones. I had my heart set on this Missoni blanket that sold out in a millisecond. I'll just have to find those colors elsewhere because I am not crazy enough to bid on it via Ebay. I'm astonished that there is an influx of Missoni on Ebay. Is that where all the merchandise went? Pisses me off. I want to bake everything pumpkin. I found my next pin to action recipe that I had planned on making tonight but found I was out of butter. Travesty I tell you...that I'm out of butter. I'm never out of butter. I want to craft pretty things. Things I've never desired to craft before. I actually made somewhat of a banner. I plan on making a few more of these and clustering them together to make a chandelier. I can't promise that will actually happen but my intentions are good. I used these notions and the perfect paper to accompany a fall project...Studio Calico's Autumn Press. Add a couple of punches, some thread and a needle and voila. Fall banner. I want to tuck in and watch movie after movie. Jeff and I use to do this pre-Tyler. We're lucky to get 1 movie in and I'm ok with that. I want to wear sweaters and boots. Wait...I want to wear those all year round. It's just more acceptable now. I want to photograph every client in the woods. Aahhh...the amazing fall bokeh is to die for.

So yeah..I'm really into fall right now. Happy Friday!!! xot.

*blog template by the fabulous Pugly Pixel. *digital elements by the equally fabulous Paislee Press.

Pin to action

It's been awhile since we've had chinese food. Honestly I have yet to find really..I mean really good chinese food in Anchorage. The last time I had mongolian beef was from New Sagaya. I would only describe it as more mongolian onions than beef. So when I came across this recipe and read the ingredients, I thought "cool, doesn't need 15 items that I need to purchase and have sit in my fridge/cabinet for a year."  The only thing I didn't have was a wok but my large skillet worked fine. It was really delicious and easy and the best thing....quick. Oh how I love a quick meal. And if you have a rice cooker that keeps rice warm, extra bonus. I was able to get the rice done when I got home and it stayed warm by the time dinner rolled around. The only thing was that my sauce/meat wasn't the rich brown color in the original photo. I'm pretty sure this was because 1. I didn't brown my meat enough and 2. I didn't follow her detailed instructions on shaking off excess cornstarch. This in turn made my sauce thick. Too thick...like paste. I had to add additional water to thin it out and I still didn't like the consistency but it didn't effect the taste. The chili flakes added just enough spice for our taste. We're not heat seekers.

Notes for next time: easy on the cornstarch add a few more onions. (I felt the onion to meat ratio was a little off)

Another recipe added to the bo

MONGOLIAN BEEF

we're off!

Taking a long weekend and heading out to Seward tomorrow. Sort of the last horay before winter. The air has gotten much cooler this past week. I keep saying in my best english accent "winter is coming". (Game of Thrones anyone?) Jeff no longer finds it amusing. I'm still taking my Mac though. Yes, camping rv'ing + Mac. Also made sure I packed  my instant Starbucks. And hershy kisses. And crap load of baby gear.

q+a part 1: Photo Editing

A question I seem to get quite often is how I edit my photos and if I use actions. I'm a bit torn on how I want to approach this. It's taken me quite some time to nail down the edits I like. As far as actions go, I have used Totally Rad Actions + Florabella Actions but as of now, I edit my photos using Camera Raw which means I do shoot raw instead of jpeg. I like the control I get from shooting in this format. After making my RAW edits, I play with curves and photo filters in CS5 to achieve the vintage tones I'm after. I also follow the best piece of advice I've ever gotten and that is...It's fun to play with actions but they can go horribly wrong. My advice is to use it sparingly and only to enhance an image artistically rather than masking something that is not so great. This is coming from someone who has spent a ton of money of actions. I'm not even going to lie. I was an action junkie. I could kick myself for spending money on said actions when I could of spent it on something more useful. I'm not saying that having an action set or 2 is not useful but don't get anymore than that. That's why I recommend TRL or Florabella. They have a wide range AND they're all tweak-able. Don't ever buy an action set that you cannot control. Again, something I'm admitting to doing. The actions where way to strong and just wonky, giving my images a very amateur "look who discovered actions" look.

So I'm sure those of you who asked are thinking this wasn't a very helpful answer. I'm sorry I couldn't produce a clean tutorial or a clear cut action on how I edit my own photos. One of these days I'll figure out how to 1. produce my own actions and/or 2. show screen shots of how I edit. But for now here are a few resources that you may find helpful.

Totally Rad Actions Florabella Actions I found this on Pinterest and it's very similar to how I edit my own photos. Pinterest is a great source on finding free actions.

More on photography including my favorite lenses and a few of my favorite scrapbooking techniques. xot.

 

Pin to action.

I vow to utilize Pinterest the way it was meant to be...pinned for future reference. Not the time sucker it's been. Oy. Today's Pin put into action is the Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes. It's really a simple recipe..the kind we like in our household. Jeff's also a sucker for anything in a sandwich form so this was right up his alley. I picked up some really nice french rolls but I forgot to get hamburger which was what the recipe called for. I was already in my comfy pants and did not want to get dressed again just pick up beef. I then remembered that there was cubed steak defrosted in the fridge. It was intended for country fried steak which is one of those dinners I can make blind folded but I really wasn't in the mood for it. I just took the steak and tore it with my fingers into bite sized bits. Yes, you can use a knife to cut the steak up but I like to get all "hands on" when I cook. Followed the recipe as stated. Served and devoured. Jeff says I took it up a notch with the Provolone cheese sauce. He just expected slices of Provolone which I did as well until I realized there was a recipe for cheese sauce. Taking that extra step made it that much more delicious and "phillyfied". A couple of notes... The cubed steak was really quite good. I'm not a fan of hamburger so I may just use this instead. Ground turkey or Chicken would be equally as good. Spooning in some of the juices when adding the meat mixture to the sandwich bread makes is extra tasty.

So there you have it. An easy dinner for that weeknight you don't feel like cooking but you also don't want to eat a bowl of cereal or spend the money on crappy fast food. xot.

PHILLY CHEESESTEAK SLOPPY JOE RECIPE

first friday life cycle.

goodbye August.hello September. I love the beginning of a new month. Especially in the fall. I'm way more into layers than skin. This fall will be a different though. Instead of being excited about purchasing a new fall outfit for myself, I'm already gearing up for Tyler's first Halloween costume. I'm leaning towards a mini Bruce Lee from the movie, Game of Death. But I wonder if anyone would get it. Should I care if anyone gets it? Because I think it's cool.

And I love kung fu movies so I may just go for it granted I don't find something else. I would need to sew this one myself and it may be a little too ambitious. We'll see.

this week's life cycle...

I digi scrapped: New Paislee Press release: Then and Now

We went to the fair...

Tyler not wanting to sit still for a moment. Too much stimulation for sure. He did however want to eat a handful of hay.

*We celebrated Jeff's birthday with homemade Italian beefs and PW's chocolate sheet cake. *I found out that Instagraming makes me carsick. *We baby-proofed.

How's your lifecycle looking? xot.

currents: my truth.

I've been feeling some what distant in the social networking dept. This post by Tara W pretty much sums up how I've been feeling. Not that I'm anywhere near her status of popularity. I won't ever not blog but I do feel as though I'm masking myself some what now that it's connected to my "professional" photography site. I'm sure I've said this before but I absolutely hate Facebook. Twitters ok but it seriously overwhelms me. I love Instagram and I really love Pinterest. Do those count as social networking? Ha.

I'm in a huge transition right now. Re-evaluting. Revolving. Recharging. I'll be open about it all. Because I'm sure this will resignate with some of you, especially those who have started a photography business or crafty business or a new mom trying to juggle it all. I believe that when something is not working, you've got to change that something. Otherwise you'll just be stuck, moaning about the same sh*t no one wants to hear. You'll fall more into debt because you're spending more and making less. You'll come to the realization that doing what you love doesn't neccesarily translate into dollar signs. This is not me quitting my photography business. This is my re-evaluting and revolving. That said, I will only be taking on 1-2 clients a month...if that. Truth is, I hate the business of photography. I really do. Does that make me less passionate about photography? I don't think so. In fact, I know so. I was way more passionate about this before I did this for profit. The whole aspect of selling, working my butt off and hardly getting anything in return sucks. I did have a month where I was busy with several clients which I suppose is the ideal situation for a budding pro photog but I hated it. I hated that it took away from time with Tyler and Jeff. I would be sitting on the couch editing photos while Tyler would be tugging at my pant leg wanting to play. Jeff would ask if I wanted to watch a movie and I would say "can't...I have to finish editing so and so's photos. And you want to know the kicker? I hardly made anything that month. Not what I should have based on what all the books, dvds and blogs have told me. Whatever I'm doing is not working. It's simply not me. There is a bright shining light at the end of the tunnel though. I really think it takes a bit of faliure to get you on the right track. ( forgive me....I'm just full of inspirational quotes tonight. thank you pinterest) I am really looking forward to my next few shoots. My friend's newborn and a fall inspired senior session. Love this time of year. Anyway, the shining light is an idea I've kicked around for several years now. I've already made quite a few sales and I'm in the process of putting together a sell sheet to present to a few local boutiques. What the heck am I talking about? Handmade baby burps + bibs. I'm looking more into selling locally but I will have an Etsy shop set up soon. My other venture? Not quite ready to divulge but I'll give a hint. Screenprint. Another hint? It will all be for baby. I'm really excited about this.

What are your thoughts on all of this (photog business wise) Are you a professional who has seen success or faliure? Nows the time to be honest. I know the blogworld is full of photographers who are always busy and shoot only the coolest people. But let's get real. xot.

(print)

currents

drinking: diet rootbeer eating: nothing listening: nirvana/faith no more reading: blog (loving this post by The Shultzes. the video of their son is so enduring) wishing: I would have taken more video on Tyler thinking: of way too many things at once wanting: more time to sew my things that will soon be ready to sell (lifelovebaby coming soon!) needing: food (my stomach is talking to me)

this boy is quite a handful these days. never in one spot for very long. he's been standing up with the help of whatever is near by but last night I witnessed him trying to just stand up with no help. this just completely amazes me. another amazement? he actually says mamma and dadda. not just babbling it but actually associating the two. he gets more attached to the dog everyday. they are seriously buddies. I never doubted Butters would not do well around Tyler but I never expected them to have such a tight bond. it's so cute to witness.

before I sign off, I wanted to let those of you who have contacted me about the 2012 Polaroid calendar that the eta is mid-October.

happy wednesday! xot

current life cycle

Another work week down. Another goal accomplished. Several more to go. ETA on the launch of LifeLovePaper + LifeLoveBaby Etsy shop should be sometime next week. Still taking pre-orders on 2012 Girl Loves Polaroid calendars!

Happy Weekend! xot.

(Studio Calico Boardwalk give away is still live! Please post your comment below.)

Boardwalk Giveaway.

for reals.another giveaway. this time it's for the current kit, Boardwalk.

 

My favorite part of this kit is the stamp. I love the vintage look . I also mixed in some other Studio Calico items from Statefair and the new Hero Arts stamp set, Silhouettes. A few other products I used...

This is a great adhesive tool and I'm so happy it's now available in the shop.

And then this little guy who can't seem to stay out from underneath my desk or my Grandmother's vintage aprons I had folded neatly on a chair. Boy, does he love to unfold a stack of laundry.

Here are the details. Please read carefully! I will choose a random winner on Sunday night and post it here on Monday. Please, please, please be sure to come back to see if you have been chosen. If I do not hear back from the winner by Wednesday, I will choose another person. Sound good? Leave me a comment on this blog post....tell me what one scrap item you cannot create without. Thanks and good luck! xot.

milestones via polaroid

I've been sifting through my Polaroids taken from the past few years. My mind is flooded with memories. These photos are more treasured than all my digital photos combined. The Polaroids I take are special because the 600 film I use to use and love no longer exists. Yes, I know you can still purchase it on Ebay for nothing less than a mortgage payment. Maybe slightly less but still. I find it ridiculous and it takes away my love of the whole instant photo experience. I have yet to try the newer versions of Polaroid film. Not sure why I haven't...I'm on my very last pack of 600. Guess I should order some soon.  Or maybe I'll just retire my SX-70. Who knows. But for now, I'm enjoying these.  1. I really love my old cameras and the history they hold. Some are from family members, some picked up from garage sales. 2. I use to buy myself a lot of flowers. I loved having them every where in my home. In the kitchen, next to my bed. I love waking up to fresh flowers simply arranged in a pretty vase on a clean vanity.  It was one of those things I did for myself when I was going through the whole infertility thing. Helped a lot. 3. This was a good birthday. I can't remember which one...I think it was my 30th. or 31st. One of those. 4. I love this one. My first few things I had gotten when I was pregnant with Tyler. The quilt is used quite often. The elephant he cannot sleep without. 5. This was a tough day. I remember it clearly. 6. My old sweet bear. Her soul still lingers in our home.

And this one...this one hurts. This was taken near her passing. She spent the last few months in our bedroom where she would lay on the floor next to the french doors. The sun pours through the windows most of the day. She soaked in the warmth while lying on a massive dog pillow and a comforter for added softness. Miss my girl.

xot.

this + that giveaway

  This & That. 

Haven’t scrapbooked in awhile? Feeling uninspired with your current supplies and same old photos? Want to try scrap booking or art journaling but don’t where to start? This & That is a three week online class jam-packed with challenges, journaling prompts, and techniques designed to get you scrapbooking again. Mix and match and use this and that to create thirty plus pages! Choose one journaling prompt and one technique idea from the pool and combining ideas to get excited about creating again.

Price: $35 USD

Dates: August 15th-September 2nd

Included:

  • Access to private blog
  • 30 journaling prompts
  • 30 technique prompts and ideas
  • Tutorial for creating vintage handkerchief albums
  • Printable embellishment sheet
  • 2 instructor videos
  • Email access to Kara
  • Giveaways!
  • PDF of the entirety of the class
Want a chance to win a spot in Kara's class? Here's how...post a comment here. I want to know how you gear up for the Fall season whether it's buying a new pair of boots (on my list) or buying school supplies. Let me know and I'll choose a winner Sunday afternoon.
Here's what I'm working on with the prompts I chose...
Happy Saturday! xot.

Nina + Aaron

So happy for my friend Nina and her sweet man Aaron. These two are so cute together. Although I don't generally shoot weddings, I was happy to be a part of theirs. They were married in a small courthouse ceremony surrounded by close friends and family. One of my favorite moments of a wedding is watching the parents come in to welcome their new son and daughter. Makes me happy to see families joining together. xot.