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.

product overload on this fine monday morning.

Some of my favs from CHA.

October Afternoon:

Basic Grey:
 
  My Minds Eye:
7 Gypsies:
 Core Impressions:
Handmade by K&Co
May Arts Ribbon:
 Melissa Frances:
Jenni Bowlin Studio:
Washi tape and Technique Tuesday stamps
That convention center was packed full of eye candy and inspiration. I cannot wait to get my hands on some of these products, especially the washi tape and the chipbord and binder rings from 7 Gypsies. 

I'm back to work today but feeling a lot more relaxed about things. Even after opening my work email to find over a hundred messages. I took a deep breath and began opening each one. Here I am. Back in the thick of it.
More tomorrow.
t
 

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.
 

girl loves friday!

A few things this fabulous friday.
First, I will be headed to CHA next weekend! Woohoo! I'm so glad I get to travel outside of AK, even if it's just for a few days.
I.
am.
so.
excited.
Second, I'm still pondering my camera choices. I know I said I was going with the 5D but after many, many hours of research, I may opt for the 7D. I'm still undecided at this point. Any 7D users reading this? If so, speak up. I'd like to know what your opinion is.
Third, I think I may have booked my first paying photoshoot which would be a wedding. I haven't given an answer yet. Weddings were never in my game plan BUT I would be a fool to turn down an opportunity like this. What if after doing this wedding, it ends up being my specialty? One never knows until one tries.
Those 3 things are on my mind right now. Exciting times. The new year is starting out to be a very promising one.
A few photos before I sign off.

 
  
New Anthology line from Studio Calico! I also added in some things from the upcoming February kit along with other bits from past kits.

Enjoy your weekend,
Tina
 

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.

it's friday and I'm in love.

**Spent some quality time with Google Reader this week and I'm happy to report my creative spirits are lifted.
**The arrival of February's Studio Calico kit on my doorstep a day earlier than anticipated has me chomping at the bit. 
**2 weeks closer to being the owner of a Canon Mark 5D II. Oh yes.
**why 2 weeks? Because there a few things I told myself to accomplish before dropping hard earned money down. 2 weeks is my deadline. If they're not completed, no camera. Talk about motivation.
**These luscious boots. I met them today on my lunch break. I intended on birthday shopping for a friend but got distracted by these. I want. I want. I want.
 
**happy random garland.
 

**This print.

**calligraphy...something I've wanted to learn myself for a loooonnnggg time. I tried a few times as I like to teach myself certain crafts but this one just doesn't come easy to me. For now, I'll just admire her beautiful work.

**a rainbow amongst the snow.

 
My niece, my muse, my most favorite subject to photograph right now. She's helping me with my portfolio. :)  
If you reside in Anchorage, drop me a line at lifelovepaper@gmail.com. I'm shooting for free right now so if you're interested, let's talk. 

Enjoy the weekend!
Tina

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.
  

girl loves friday....a little late.

The stress of the holidays has started to sink in.
I did have my shopping done but like always there are some last minute gifts that need to be purchased.
Hair desperately needs to be cut. You know you're over due when the most effort you put into your style is throwing it in a messy ponytail/bun.
Finally wiped away the remains of my Christmas party red manicure. My nails are in shams.
The bags under my eyes seem to be permanent even though I feel like I'm getting enough sleep.
The snow seems to have stopped but probably not for long. The only thing getting me through the treacherous drive to and from work is singing along to the holiday radio station...."oh the weather outside it frightful" as I pass several cars that have spun out into the ditch.
It is beautifully crisp and white out and the hustle and bustle of shoppers and neighbors putting up lights puts me in a better mood.
Christmas has it's ups and downs. It's not all merry and bright but overall, it's the time of year to reflect and to count our blessings. I came home the other day and hugged J as tight as I could after hearing about a coworkers husband passing after surgery. I'm deeply heartbroken for her and her children.
It's never a good time for some one to pass but the holidays don't make it any easier. This is what I think of when my mood starts to turn sour for one reason or another. I am alive and well and there is absolutely no reason for me to be a grinch about anything.

I was honored when a friend asked me to do a photo session of her newborn, Colten.
  
She knows I'm wanting to expand my still life horizons and build a portfolio. It was certainly a learning experience. You can read books, research blogs and scroll through Flickr for inspiration and ideas but there is nothing like the actual experience of a photo session. I now realize that if this is something I want to do professionally, I'm going to have to invest in some lighting equipment and a new camera. Yes, a new camera which leads me to this years wish list. :)

I want a 5D but I don't see that happening anytime soon. Or maybe? who knows. But I would settle for a 70D

would also LOVE to get my hands on this beauty of a lens.

I was this close to signing up for this photo class in Vegas next year. this close. but it filled up in like a few hours and was quite expensive. I'm sure it's worth every penny. I'm hoping they plan to do one in Seattle. I would be there in a heartbeat.  

I'm having a little holiday special in the shop through Christmas day.
For a limited time, I will be offering single Polaroid prints AND you also get this one for free with any purchase.
 

here are a few images currently in the shop...
 

  

I also have a limited set of calendars left. Very very limited. You'll have a chance to win one on Ali's blog this weekend. 
 
other tidbits?
SC January sneaks this weekend. The stamps are so fun this month. Be sure to check the mb's for sneaks from the rest of the dt.
And 2 layouts for the homie Home Front line......

 
 

I'm at the end of my day, yawning my head off.
off to bed.
happy weekend,
girl

girl loves friday.

where to begin?

let's start with the company holiday party I gleefully attended last weekend.
let's say that it ended up being an eventful night.
let's also say that some should not drink if they cannot behave themselves.
let me also add that many did the walk of shame monday morning.
I'll leave it at that.
oh and if you're wondering, there was no shame walking done by myself. I was on my best behavior.
It's a company Christmas party, not the local downtown hot spot. Some should have known better.

Picture taking wasn't a hit. I hate flash units. I did manage to get a few nice shots in without said flash unit. Those will remain private as I do not think it's proper to post photos of people without them knowing. I also wish I would have worn a different dress. We all ended up wearing little black dresses which is no fun. **note to self. next year be bold. wear color.

The rest of the weekend was spent shopping. I'm happy to report I'm just about done. My deadline is the 11th. That way I can just kick back and enjoy the rest of the holiday season and not stress myself out by combat shopping.

****the post above has been in my draft box for the past week. let's move onto current events.

today's love is simple.
this girl loves friday.
it's been an exhausting week at work. so many have decided to take vacation during our most busiest season which is fine but makes for a heavy workload. 
the thick fog that has blanketed Anchorage for the past week has not improved my exhaustion.
Will we ever see the sun? I'm getting paler than a vampire who hasn't feasted in awhile.
thinking of hitting a tanning salon. gasp. I know, tacky but I need to feel some kind of warmth.
I do have other loves but I'm going to do a little swithceroo and post those on monday after I've had some rest and a little creative let go over the weekend.
Signing off with some photos.
Happy weekend!


(a quick tutorial up on the SC blog) 

(not a happy camper)

(comforting christmas bokeh)  

xoxox,
girl

girl loves friday.

currently sipping my delicious beverage which, you guessed it...starbucks.
peppermint mochas are irresistible to me right now. first love of the day.
the office is buzzing with anticipation of tonights Christmas party.
should be fun. I'll be photographing and offered to take some portraits of those who would like a nice photo of themselves since we're all prettied up. I ended up getting an, I guess, an affordable flash. $140 bucks. jeez. the lady did show me one that was over $300 and I'm thinking, um...this is company office party. If I were getting paid to do weddings then yes, I would gladly pay that amount. Plus I hate flash photography and avoid it all costs. Keep your fingers crossed for me. This will be my first time photographing an event other than a still life set up in my home.

what else is on my love list today?

my holiday ensemble.
 
I tend to lean towards dresses that are equal parts conservative, trendy and flirty.
This is what I ended up getting.
 

it doesn't look as baggy on me, could be that I'm not 6 feet tall and thin as a stick.
It hugs my curves very nicely and is shorter than I'm use to but that evens out the top being so conservative. Add big earrings and red lips and I'm ready to get my holiday party on.

Have not been into food lately. Sounds silly but I crave liquids right now. Besides peppermint mochas, I'm addicted to apple cider with fresh whipped cream and orange julius.
 
Is it me or do beverages taste better when they're being sipped from a cute mug?

a comforting scrapbook line.

The Studio Calico Home Front gallery is looking fabulous.  

lunch time for me! off to get some more christmas shopping.
happy weekend!
Tina

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  

girl runs away with friday and doesn't look back.

yet another successful week survived.
got to love the holidays when you work retail although I'm lucky to work behind the scenes rather
than actually being out in retail. been there, done that, don't want to do it again.

I thought I was ahead of the game this year by purchasing my party dress for the company Christmas party. I found it mid-summer, it was love at first site and on sale to boot.
but it never fails, every year I do the same thing. I buy a dress, then 2 weeks before said party, I doubt my dress and purchase a back up. I do this for every party I attend that involves a dress. I find a back up dress essential. And, this may sound pretentious but I can never wear the same dress twice. I know, this is ridiculous but in my defense, I don't attend many "dress up" events and I don't spend an ungodly amount of money either. so that's my plan for today, dress shopping. fun. at least I know what works for me and what doesn't so I shouldn't be spending too much time trying on dresses.

onto this weeks loves.

preppy cool J Crew
 
so in love with their holiday theme this year. what's in my cart now?
graphite gray sweater for J (holiday party) skinny black jeans for work, perfectly paired with my knee boots and this pea coat I'm getting my niece for Christmas. contemplating this tuxedo jacket to pair with my holiday dress.

hometown store love.
FlyPaper
 
 
who kindly let me take a few photographs of their storefront and who also started carrying a few
items from Paper Source. I love this place for unique holiday gifts and cards. If you're in Anchorage, they're on Benson Blvd near Barnes and Noble.

uh oh...another Garance love.

beautiful girl, cool tattoo. what's not to love?

also loving..
oatmeal with bananas and a touch of peanut butter. I've trained myself to eat breakfast when I'm work.
it really helps later in the day when lunch rolls around and my choices are either greasy fast food or a fresh salad or sandwich.

Uggs. You either love them or hate them but I'm telling you, once you try a pair, you'll get why people do love them. Especially when the weathers as cold as it's been up here. I purchased a pair of  FUggs (fake Uggs) before I received a pair for Christmas and they are so not the same.

Holiday polaroids. I have 2 sets going up for sale in the shop tonight. This is my favorite season to shoot polaroids. It's that dreamy, vintage feel the polaroid gives to basic holiday items that I adore so much. I know you will as well. Sets are limited, I'd hate for you to miss out!

happy friday,
girl

winner and a holiday peek

first, the winner of one Home Front kit is

what home means to me is the cozy feeling I have when my husband and 3 kids are all home together spending quality time with each other. To me, family really is the heart of the home. I LOVE homefront. Thanks for the chance at winning.

• Commenter name: Roberta
• Commenter email: dollry1029@yahoo.com

Huge congrats Roberta! Please contact April at april@studiocalico.com for your winnings! :) :) :)
Thanks for all who participated. I loved reading your comments about the meaning of home.

My holiday packs are just about ready and will be in the shop this Friday. Here's a peek...
 

these holiday packs will contain 5 polaroid prints. I'll have 2 different sets available.
I'll also have a few handmade holiday cards featuring my polaroids as well. 
Calendars are on sale now. Don't miss out as I will only have a limited amount this year.

new Dare.
I had no light to work with last night so this is what you get for now. I'll reshoot the whole layout when I get home from work tonight. I ended up using my unsuccessful polaroid transfer I did earlier this week.
I'm sure it was because of the really expired film and not keeping it in cooler temps. But they will not go to waste. Here's another version.

I've got some new film on order so hopefully I'll have a proper polaroid transfer to show next time.

until friday.
t