Wink

An Easter Wink...

Did you miss me? I know, I know... it has been forever since my last post and despite my new year's promise... I have failed miserably! I never thought job and new photography business and new photography blog and toddler and family illness and LIFE would get in the way so much? Okay, so maybe there are a few more things on my plate these days, but no excuse when it comes to documenting the family and I am so far behind, it is going to be hard to catch up... but catch up I will. I thought I would start with a little wink from Easter.

When it comes to creating classroom treats for 2 year olds, you have to get creative. I will be ready when small objects and candy are no longer a concern, wink! Pinterest has been a great tool for me, like the Valentine heart crayons. This next one is a spin off of an idea of a friend's class and I was so excited! Thank you Ashley! I really try and get Liam involved whenever I can. I think it adds a personal touch and even though they may not be perfect, they have character and he is so proud of his work!

Wednesday Wink 016

Wednesday Wink 016

So I am going to give away a Christmas gift with this wink, but I think it will be totally worth it! But not before having a cup of coffee and first chocolate milk from Starbucks. Grandparents, do not read on if you don't want your surprise spoiled, otherwise... here we go!

Wednesday Wink 015

Wednesday Wink 015

Happy Thanksgiving!

Wednesday Wink 004

Wednesday Wink 004

THE GREAT DSLR CAMERA DEBATE: NIKON VS CANON

I cannot tell you how many times I get asked this question - in fact just this week I was asked to weigh in on my thoughts once more. Let me first get a few housekeeping items out of the way:

• I am absolutely not getting paid for my opinions on this subject and these are completely my own opinions based on research, personal experience and thought. Nothing more... nothing less. I also reserve the right to change my opinion as new products are released or I learn new information. wink!
• I truly believe that you cannot go wrong with either camera and that it does come down to personal preference.
• It is ALL IN THE LENS!
• There are Nikon people and there are Canon people. Once you decide on one, you are usually theirs for life as once you start collecting lens, etc. it is way too expensive to switch!
• We are not talking point and shoot cameras here... I have completely different thoughts on those.
• I know plenty of people with Canons and plenty of people with Nikon's... I envy both sets of photos.
• And finally, I am not an expert on the subject by any stretch of the imagination. I have a passion for photography, love the creative release and am the most happy when capturing memories. I am pretty sure I only get asked this question because my personality flaw of over-analyzing. I research and make lists and research and make more lists and graphs and more lists and THEN and ONLY THEN do I make my decision. Let me put it to you this way, my husband and I both have this trait and we physically entered 42 apartments before choosing our first one when we moved to Houston. That was after crossing the other 56 off the list that we did not want to see... Don't even get my started on buying our first home (maps of our routes to work) or purchasing my new car!

So, here are my thoughts on the subject

Wednesday Wink 002 and Giveaway

Wednesday Wink 002

An Ouch Pouch. Why didn't I think of this? It's every mother, grandmother, babysitter, sports fanatic, clumsy person's super hero.

Savour

Last Tuesday night we had a dinner to be savoured. Fresh butternut squash pasta stretched and made from scratch, a beautiful salad, juicy, coffee encrusted beef tenderloin with a creamy bearnaise sauce and crisp haricot verts. Shannon, an incredible professional chef, had our mouths watering from the moment we entered the apartment. She is a master of flavors and we were so excited to be invited to her table.

Chic Boutique Trunk Show

Last Thursday I did something I swore I would never do. I hosted a trunk show. It is not that I have anything against the jewelry, the makeup, the candles... it is just that I always feel pressured to buy. I end up buying some item that goes in a drawer because I really want to support moms that make it work from home. I admire them for finding an occupation that allows them to stay with their kids. I for some reason never really find that 'treasure' that others seem to. Until a couple of weeks ago when I attended a Chic Boutique trunk show at my friend, Claire's home. I had the best shopping experience and came home with three loaded bags!

Meet Shelby, the creative buyer behind Chic Boutique. Shelby has an eye for fashion. For what is in. What is hot. What is now! Chic Boutique features lines such as Glam, Voom and Freeway. A few of her pieces you might find in those upscale boutiques like Soho, yet Shelby won't leave you in sticker shock. I managed to pick up a top featured in the latest issue of glamour magazine as well as a Reese Witherspoon inspired coat with hot pink lining on clearance for an amazing $60.

Lil Heart Breaker

This Valentine's Day I wanted to do something fun for all of Liam's school mates. The problem was coming up with an age appropriate treat amongst this chocolate driven holiday. My solution? A personal cd filled with what I like to call "Baby Love Songs." We loaded the lyrics to "You'll be in my Heart," "Hey, I love you," "Your Song," "Everything," "Jesus Loves Me," "A Dream is a Dream Your Heart Makes," and many more Disney classics and appropriate bible school tunes. Add a photo of one little, "Too Cool" kid's hand in the candy hearts and done!

Your Friend, Liam

I looked all over for gifts appropriate for all Liam's little classmates. I found tons of cool stuff for next year, but nothing to fall in love with this year. This age group is so hard. I really wanted Advent calendars, but I just had no time to make them and the ones you buy were super expensive. Enter Kirklands. Yes, that is where I found the most adorable Christmas outfits and bibs! Kirklands? Really? Of all the places I went... a home decor place... haha! But they were so cute and the perfect price - I almost hate giving it away but this $30 little outfit and $12 bib was on the biggest sale ever! $6 for the outfit and $3 a bib! What a STEAL!

A little reindeer for the boys (there were several options for bibs, but my fav was the elf)

Turkey Tot Trailmix

Just give me a reason to be creative and I salivate! In my next life I want to be a creative planner, but for now I will take every opportunity to get those juices flowing. Having a child has quadrupled the available choices and i am loving every minute. It's almost Thanksgiving... that is enough of an excuse for treats, right? Because after all, Thanksgiving is the season to be Thankful.

We are thankful for family and being surrounded by a group of friends we prayed for when we moved to Houston. We are thankful for our beautiful, healthy little boy. We are thankful for this joyous life that we have been given. We are so very thankful for Liam's amazing teachers that spend their days caring for our precious baby. And we are thankful for his little circle of friends. So, last Monday night, Ashley and I met over at Carin's house to make "Turkey Tot Trailmix." Oh yea baby! Being thankful for these two amazing moms, friends, women.... is an understatement.