Don't forget Violet, Too!

Do you know that song... it plays over and over in my head...

Red, orange, yellow, green, blue... and don't forget Violet too! 

 Today, I'm not really talking about rainbows or cute little mice with songs that you can't get out of your head... nope... I am introducing you to an AMAZING shop owner who very generously offered up a prize for my birthday giveaway. During which time I feel like I got to know her, and her shop so much more and I can't wait to share more about her with you!

Violet's Buds

Violet's Buds, named after her daughter was officially started in 2011. After wanting way too many cute hair accessories for her daughter, owner Melanie decided to try to make them herself. Quickly hooked she began making accessories for her nieces, and as gifts. At the encouragement of her friends and family she opened shop, and have been enjoying it every since.  Melanie enjoys what she does because she is a SAHM, and needs that creative outlet, like so many others do. Her shop allows her to be creative, and flexible with her schedule. Working along side her is business namesake Violet, who gets to be introduced to different patterns, colors and textures of fabric! Which only inspires Melanie more!

While her top selling item may be the custom fabric jewelry sets she offers which includes bracelet, ring and hair clip, I personally have fallen head over heels in love with her photo props and headbands.

Melanie is most proud of the fact that she found something she likes to do and has stuck with it! When I asked her about it she said, "I'm happy to say that I am learning new things from both the crafty side & business side of things. I love meeting new crafty friends!" As for her advice for a new business or shop owner, Melanie encourages them to, "Plan on spending as much time, if not more, on marketing, advertising, and other business tasks as you do on creating your products. It is a somewhat daunting task, but can be a lot of fun too! Finding a few like minded groups of crafters/businesses that work together to build each other up (rather than compete) has been the best part of this venture for me." 

GREAT ADVICE! I couldn't agree more!

Part of what I love about Violet's Buds is that each item is unique and handmade, many pieces are one of a kind, and have vintage or upcycled elements to them! Melanie talks more about how she likes to be green in her blog post here. http://violetsbuds.blogspot.com/2013/04/how-are-you-green.html 

I LOVE it when a business has a green side!

What's new in the shop? Melanie currently has several new "Dolly & Me" sets which include a hair clip for both your little girl and her dolly. The sets are also good for Mommy & Me, and for sisters! HOW CUTE IS THAT!

Plus in July husband (and shop owner of Gipson Wands) is joining her at the Strawberry Swing Indie Craft Fair in Kansas City .They LOVE meeting fans and customers in person so this is your chance!!! Pack up the kids and head out for a super fun time! They also have a special something planned when they reach 10K Facebook fans... so you better jump in and like that page, I have a feeling it will be AWESOME! https://www.facebook.com/violetsbuds

I asked Melanie What is the craziest (PG) thing you have ever done? Her response, "I bought a house with a guy that I had only dated for 3 months. That was 10 years ago, and we are still in the same house, and will have been happily married for 8 years in September."  That might also be the sweetest thing ever said! awwww!

One last thing, before I tell you to check out all her fab links... I want to point out, all of these images are Melanie's. She is not only crafty, but quite the accomplished photographer as well! I LOVE that!

Links you MUST check out!

http://violetsbuds.blogspot.com/
pinterest.com/goobers18/violets-buds/
http://violetsbuds.storenvy.com/
http://www.etsy.com/shop/violetsbuds
http://wanelo.com/violetsbuds
https://www.facebook.com/violetsbuds
http://twitter.com/violetsbuds

This and That: Easter

Good Morning! Did you miss me?




This morning is the Easter Party and egg hunt at the lil' ones school - She is SO excited. Mostly because she gets to show off her new super cute "pop star" outfit. That, was how this post should have started... last week.

Sorry about that! I had it all ready to go, and was waiting for images to upload when I got super busy... and bam... before you knew it... here we are, a week later! I even had to push some DIY studio posts back because I am missing images for them... =( hopefully we will get caught up next week for you!

This week I tried out a new recipe for the crock-pot... do you use yours? I LOVE mine! I read a post last week about doing Easter Ham in it... why have I never thought of that! So I did ours... it was GREAT... mostly because we were not cooking for a crowd.

This year, again we are away from friends and family and that makes our holiday's "small-a-days" so I picked up ham for the crockpot and made a nice honey pomegranate glaze for it. We also enjoyed balsamic carrots, and smashed potatoes... I also made deviled egg salad... rather then taking the time to make individual eggs. Again.. BRILLIANT!  


This week I wish I could say I spent a ton of time catching up on posts, and working on adding more images... did you know I average 5 images per post... but I am simply not finding the extra time. I am trying to go back and do 2 posts a day. That is my goal! So if your reading something and it makes no sense because there are not images... please let me know! I will do it the next chance I get!

This is an image of my FAB new bag from Zeeuh that I have been DYING to share with you all... she made it custom for me... it was a great experience working with Alicia.. she provided me with some great fabric options and even met me for some CRAZY good ice cream and coffee to hand deliver it! Talk about good service! Along with my new bag came a matching mug hug! EEK! Wont I look stylish going to appointments and networking meetings now! Oh, and that cute wallet (the back side is shown) that is a little goodie I picked up for myself around the holidays!

That is the mug-hug that started it all... I LOVE this color combo!


And this is an image of the cute gift card holder ... that I use for my cards - its super cute! Just look! (ok those are her cards shown... but really that's the right thing to do!)

I am telling you THAT is a woman YOU want to do business with! Great products, sweet person and really... you make a difference in her families lives directly when you make a purchase from her... so HOW can you say no to that!

Zeeuh Store

This week I also had the EXTREME pleasure of guest posting on the A-list site... I LOVE the A-list, which is really a collection of fantastic shops and people to do business with! I worked very hard on this guest post! It was a true labor of love for me. (ok... this again was last week... but I am SO happy about it I still had to share!)

That was really the highlight of my work week!


This week I have also been thinking alot about a new service I want to offer... I am having a hard time with a name - but its basically going to be my version of a product review (with a photo twist, of course!) That means if you make / sell your own products... you can contact me to be first in line! While I am still working out some details... I know it will be FREE and SIMPLE!

This and That

This week I put my daughter's lunch in the freezer instead of in her bag...
I know I know... sometimes my auto pilot would crash me into a mountain if I would let it!
That I recovered and was like "what the heck am I doing" was simply amazing!

Luckliy for me its time for




I love my stamped business cards... but I am working on establishing myself with some commercial clients and wanted to offer something a little more "standard" for them... so I created this...

I am not really sure if its the style / look I am going for yet... so there is that.

What do you think? Do you really love one design, or should I start over? I totally love the retro camera look... and I am thinking of making other designs similar... maybe some retro glasses or martini glasses or something? ooooh! Scissors for crafters, or old sewing machines!

This week I am also offering a SUPER huge sale... mostly because I am so close to a business cash goal so I can purchase a new item... I just want to get there a little faster... So I am offering $25 for 1 full year of watermarking services... I mean.. for $25 (that wont even come close to covering my time for a client) you get unlimited images watermarked and returned to you typically within 24 hours...

Store Envy Link

THINK of all the time most shop owners spend on this! I know so many people who don't watermark at all.. and every time I see a pin or tweet go up of the product... I can't help but think they are not going to get any credit or sales from it! That sale ends Saturday... so I really hope a few more people take me up on this crazy deal!

This week I also had complete contact fail so to the eye Dr I go today! WHOOP That is a part of my day I would be happy to pass on! I would much rather sit here and chat with you!

Q and A, Verte Style

I reached out to some bloggers, crafters, shop owners, clients, friends... you know my Peeps and asked... "What don't you know?" then I clarified... about weddings, photography and such! Then I took the most popular, or uncommon and stuffed them into this post! Ok, some are paraphrased, or changed to protect the innocent.  But still... Enjoy!


Why are all my images blue?
If ALL the images are blue, outside, inside, with and without a flash then your sensor may not be working correctly. More likely you mean "why are my indoor" photos blue. Reason, you have lights where the color temperature is in that 4000-7500 K range... sometimes you find that in the "daylight" or "soft" balanced bulbs. Solution: Shoot with a flash, or find the WB mode and adjust it to balance your whites back to white! (by the way... this also answers the questions "why are my images red, yellow, orange, or green" it all has to do with the light your shooting in. More Help

Why do photographers charge so much?
1. Time.
2. Education
3. Equipment
4. Everything else.

Let's face it, we talked enough about why those big professional SLR's look better, but a "good" portrait lens can run easily 500-900$ and that's not even the "Better" or "Best". A professional photographer can have thousands of dollars in basic camera gear, not to mention bags, backgrounds, lights, props, rental space, advertising, oh and the computer and processing... not to mention having to stay on the frontier of an ever changing digital field now. Where do you expect that money to come from?

Since you don't do weddings... who would you recommended?
Let's just clarify.... I don't advertise for weddings... I don't want to tote around an assistant and deal with the choas anymore, I have done my time! However, if your throwing a party in Houston or Denver, I would totally talk to you about it! Small backyard or informal occasions are totally where my heart is right now.

However, if you want to go all out and really do it up in style. Nationally, hands down book Theresa J Photography. She and her husband Tim shoot as a team, they travel to you.. and they are the sweetest, goofiest most amazing people ever... oh yea.... and crazy talented! If I needed a photographer for myself - that's who I would call.

My daughter wants to be a photographer, where should she start?
In business school.
It is the best advice I can give anyone wanted to run their own business. You can pick up a minor in arts or photography, but the money you put in on a solid business education will hands down do you better then anything else! Most of running your own photography business is marketing, advertising and accounting!

I need help with my shop photography, what would you recommend?

1. Turn off your "camera shake" mode (that little hand with the shake marks) despite what the salesman told you it DOES not make your photos more clear. It has NOTHING to do with focus.
2. Add more light- I don't care - you need more I promise.
3. White balance is your friend. Use it.
4. INVEST in your products and just let me do them. (ok shameless plug) But, seriously up your prices $2 to cover the extra photography cost and stop spending time doing something you don't enjoy, are not good at, or are just plain frustrated with! Your clients, and new clients will buy more because they can see the quality of the product.
5. Stay tuned... I will be having many more posts on this subject coming up soon!


What do the numbers on my lens mean?
When you purchase a lens you will see numbers or the type of lens listed something like this:

AF-S NIKKOR 16-35mm f/4G ED VR

16-35mm is the Focal Length (the smaller number the wider view you will get. 50mm is considered "prime" or what your eye would see kinda like if you held your arms in a v in front of you. Everything over 50mm is telephoto. The Larger that number 100, 200, 300... the closer your lens can bring subjects to you or "zoom in" on them, if you will. 

Image from Digital Camera World

   

f/4G: This lens has max aperture of 4/f. That means that the aperture will not open more then that with this lens... so no matter what you do you wont be able to shoot at 2.8f with this lens.

Some show this as f3.5-5.6 which means the max aperture will vary depending on what focal length the lens is at... at its max telephoto it will only go down to 5.6 where at its widest focal legth (smallest number no zoom) it is capable of 3.5

You also might notice a number on your lens cap like 72mm or 68mm... that is the size needed for filters, or additional lens caps... good to know in case you lose yours! 

Clears that right up. 

Right?

 ok... that was a pretty tech answer... so here it is if you didn't understand the above

The first set 16-35mm control how much you can see zooming in and out. I suggest everyone start with a lens like 18-200 its a starter lens and all encompassing with wide angle, and good telephoto. 

The second set tells you how much control you will have over your depth of field. The smaller the number (or the first number if there is two) the more control you will have.

Easier huh! Now for my favorite question...

How many times can you get married and still justify paying for "amazing portraits"?

HA! As many times as you need to "get it right"! While in a perfect world this would mean getting married over and over to the same wonderful person (without the divorce)...  but well...
I do totally think you have to spend the money each time... because if you have to ask...well maybe the this time will be the one that sticks!

Now, there are a lot of other things we could dive into... on any of these topics! I will certainly cover more with lenses and aperture, along with product photography in the not to distant future.

I thought I would knock out some random ones on a Q and A format and see if you all liked it! So now it's your turn... let me know if I should make this a monthly / weekly post! Would you like to see it again? What questions would you ask!?

   

 

Friday and I'm in Love

I don't care if Monday's blue
Tuesday's gray and Wednesday too
Thursday I don't care about you
It's Friday, I'm in love

-The Cure

Since this month is all about love... I thought I would share a few things that I love! Enjoy!

Babies, crying, sleeping, smiling.... it doesn't really matter!

Yummy treats with my coffee... sweetsies.storenvy.com

Crazy Funky designs and fabrics

Lip Butter from Streeter & CO

Lilacs, lavender and all things French

and lets not lie... I LOVE all things NIKON and most things regarding photography!

It's Ok: 1-10

Today... it's ok

That my office is a disaster zone
That my Christmas tree has been naked for a week but hasn't been taken to recycling yet.
That I STILL haven't mailed holiday cards... I really need to do this.
That I have yet to purchase a 2013 Calendar
and really truly it's ok that I didn't get all of my posts done for my Jan series yet, because I took 2 hours to visit with a really good friend and her adorable baby instead of working yesterday!

Sometimes you just have to stop and enjoy the moment.

New Year!

Here we are again!

Happy New Year!

I find myself rarly making goals or resolutions for myself or my family during this time. It's simply something we have never really done as a tradition. The most I do for New Years is my salad made from:

Spinach: the green leaves look like folded money, and are thus symbolic of economic fortune. I added this after celebrating my first New Year in the south, when I lived in Atlanta.

Black eyed peas: My mom always did this, come to find out that according to Southern folklore, these are the first food to be eaten on New Year's Day for luck and prosperity throughout the year ahead.

Ham: Which I think comes from my Grandmothers German background, but  always went well with the back eyed peas I never really asked! When I looked it up I found out the cusm of eating pork is based on the idea that pigs symbolize progress. It is served not only in Germany, but Cuba, Australia, Spain, Portugal and Hungry.

Now, to make it a "salad" I typically dice the ham, cook and cool the pea's and dress it at all with a light vinaigrette and possibly some Mandarin oranges if I have some on hand from the holidays. 

 

New Year's Day, we used to have people over and mill around the house, catch up with friends from the holidays and watch movies. Giving a chance for some to recover from the previous night and always having lots of yummy foods on hand! It is, and always has been a relaxed "non" event. Don't dress up, don't stress. Just come over and hang out. 

 

We don't live close to friends or family now, so we are celebrating this holiday like most. Quietly. We will have salad, and snacks all day. Movies and computer games to be sure. But no big event for us this year! 

 

However, I can't say that its a bad thing. I have really enjoyed quiet holidays. Unplugged from the world and really focused on our family. 

A year ahead.

Your success and happiness lies in you. Resolve to keep happy, and your joy and you shall form an invincible host against difficulties.
Helen Keller

I always liked Helen Keller. 

I do agree with this quote and as I look towards my goals and begin to flush out my calendar for the new year I am encouraged and reminded of this. Success and happiness. Not always the same, but always a part of the plan. Happiness and joy, to shield and comfort against trials and difficulties. 

While I don't make new year resolutions. I do try to refresh my goals, set a new calendar and plan my business year out each January. I find that if you don't set goals, and make a plan you tend to always be fumbling around missing deadlines, and forever behind. 

So to that end I thought I would share with you some of my goals for this blog. What you can expect to see and some things I am currently working on! Perhaps this will help you keep me all "on track" and hold me accountable for creating some more successful posts!

January: Time to Click series. This will bring you several posts with tips and suggestions for new camera owners, there will be plenty for the experienced or every day user as well. But we will be starting this year with some basics to build upon over the next year! Depending on feedback and subject content once it is all finished this series might continue into Feb or March.<in progress, please let me know now if you have suggestions for topics!>

February: To go along with the romance of the season, I plan on bringing some great tips for finding, interviewing and hiring a wedding photographer. I will also touch on some guidelines, contacts, expectations and general etiquette. <in progress, please let me know now if you have suggestions for topics!>

March and April: I am not sure it will be any sort of series, but this is a good time to cover some outdoor photography topics, macro, and possibly some family ideas. I will probably take this time to push forward and build on skills such as aperture and lens options since it goes so well with outdoor and macro topics.

 

May: I want to do a Mothers Day "something" perhaps this will be a good time for a guest giveaway, and end of the school year photography sessions and tips. Maybe, Road Tripping series?

June/ July: Will be tips for finding a family photographer, high school senior images, and more on posing and such for those shooting themselves.

August: Back to school

September/ October: Family portraits and sports photography. More advanced lens, shutter speed and manual trainings... perhaps additional flash if it hasn't yet been done.

November/ December: Holiday, Food, and seasonal photography.

You can also count on more Tuesday Tips, which will not always go with the topics of the month, and will remain a chance for me to get technical in response to your questions. As well as more product photography tips for everyone, and hopefully more crafts and food posts. As always, there will be plenty of current topics when PMA happens, and as new camera's and products are released!

I am also looking forward to bringing in some guest posters, not all photography related, and getting back to offering more reviews of photography outings and events. If your interested in doing some guest posting with me this year - please let me know! 

Well there you have it... a year ahead.. some plans made and I have updated my calendar with these goals so I can work on them ahead of time! I hope to, like in my business, stay ahead by a season (or a topic, here) so you are never without new content. This will make it easier also for me to simply add in current events and thoughts as they strike me rather then spending all my scheduled blogging time on the lengthy technical posts. 

Cheers!

The Teacher Gift.

I am not particular crafty.. I mean I LOVE the idea of crafts, I love doing crafts... but there is a lot of cleaning up to do before when setting things up, and after... and heaven help me if it's something that needs "prepped" so my kid can help as well!

However, this year our teachers have been extra special for us. So, doing some research and talking to some other teachers... I found a craft made by a child was usually something that meant more to them then the $5 coffee gift card. Seeing as how I spend so much quality time on Pinterest, I set out to find just the right "bright idea".

I actually saw it on the ABC show "The Chew" making ornaments out of melted peppermint candies. Now I had seen the platters before - but an ornament that seemed like something that was practical and could make a cute gift! The could eat it , break it up and put it in coffee, or hang it on the tree to enjoy! Perfect! We could make them for all the teachers, and admin staff as well! Wonderful! Simple, easy... fairly inexpensive right?

thecatholicbeat.sacredheartradio.com

Turns out, not that easy. I went to 3 stores to find the peppermints - first - WHY would stores not have big bags of these around for the holidays? I swear I see them ALL the time! I ended up having to get several smaller bags... to keep from having to go to yet another store... in the holiday season.

I tried it first on the slipmat... epic fail, as my slipmat gets used for too many crafts, I guess. It ended up making the white look burnt... so back to the store for wax paper.. which was suggested.... only to have it stick to the peppermints, and nearly smoke me out of the kitchen. One MORE trip to the store for parchment. *sigh*  I know, why do I not already have these basic things... I am going to blame my lack of desire to bake anything. So again... layout everything... and... miserable results. I couldn't cut them with our cookie cutters, even when warm, they cooled too fast, and would break as I was trying to use varies knives, and pizza cutters... btw, were on day 3 of this "simple" project, now.

So after this last fail, I simply gave up! I mean, this is sad enough I didn't even photograph it for you!!! EPIC FAIL!

Would my kid go for a gift card? Please... no. No amount of begging on my part would get her over the disappointment of NOT making something special for them. Great.

So off to the far reaches of Pinterest I went again yesterday, searching for something I might be able to do with things from around the house! When I found... Frosty Hot-Cocoa! Well, the name was different, but its a make your own cocoa mix, in a recycled jar that is dressed up to look like a snowman. Bonus. I had two jars with lids that I had been holding onto, and luckily the ingredients for the mix as well!

So I dug out a recipe I liked better then the one on that blog, I used this from Alton Brown.

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 cup cocoa (Dutch-process preferred)
• 2 1/2 cups powdered milk
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 1 pinch cayenne pepper, or more to taste

Only I used a pinch of cinnamon, so it wouldn't be quite as spicy but still add a bit of "hmmm what is that" to it. Split it up between the jars and proceeded to think "whew!" done!

Well, not quite, I then proceeded to spend WAY too much of my last day without a child before Christmas on trying to create a top hat out of construction paper, pom poms.. and other craft items I am too embarrassed to admit to. I finally went to Hobby Lobby and was SUPER lucky in finding a couple craft hats made of felt that would fit when glued to the lid! (and spend WAY too much on them) While I was there I picked up some ribbon for the scarf. 
By the time I picked up the little one from school I had google eyes and a pack of foam beads in different shapes set up with the scarfs tied and hats glued, so she could just decorate.
Here is one of her creations.

So all in, not counting gas it took me the better part of 3 full days, around $20-$30 in supplies depending on if you want to count the things I bought but didn't use, and the gift bags we purchased for the unmade candies, and such... and I have learned a very valuable lesson.

Next time, just get a $15 gift card for each of them. No, not really... but I did learn that I need to work better at my time management, and schedule our crafts and gifts better and be a little less "ooohh" over Pinterests version of "easy". This year has been one big time suck after another. I could have used an extra 2 days this week!

So lesson learned, I am going to order these for our next round of gifts, ahead of time like I should have done for Christmas!

To keep your lips kissable for Valentines!

And smellies with a beach theme, along with some flip flops or a fun beach book for End of Year gifts!

Btw - if you don't shop with the  Streeter's You should! She is awesome! Be sure to check out her blog, and shop here - and find your own "easy" present for your kids next holiday party too!


P.S. I am starting to work towards doing more "Pin"spiration  posts... and this week I am happy to join the link party from

Christmas Mug Swap

Christmas is certainly a time of giving!

 Heather from Heatherly Loves, you might remember from  a past mug swap, hosted her own swap party for the holiday season...and it was a blast!

My mug swap sender really gave me a goodie! She brightened my home and my day with this great snowman mug - which I must say, nestles right into my hand  with its awesome curves!

While not all participants of this swap where bloggers... Heather has hosted a linkup so you can check out some other holiday cheer!

 Thanks again to all who participated and most of all to the woman who sent me this! It fits my snowman cheer decor perfectly!

Ornament Exchange 2012

Well I admit, I am a little behind! However, I am super excited to share the ornaments I received!

This exchange was hosted and put together by Tutus and Tea Parties, a super cute blog btw! I highly recommend you get to know Robin!

I was SUPER lucky and got to double dip my ornaments... meaning I got to have 2 partners! My first, was Colletta from Colletta's Kitchen sink. She does a great job reviewing books and recipes! PLUS she has a super cute shop attached to it!

In fact! I had a great surprise when I opened my package, she had enclosed a newborn hat from her shop, to add to my prop box for babies! SUPER awesome!!!! I LOVE IT!

 For my Ornament she made me this sweetie.... which is now prominently displayed with all my other treasures on our family tree! Yes... I included the hat in this image so you could see how adorably small it is!

My other swap partner is from Eugene, Or. Where I spent a wonderful Christmas with family YEARS ago... I have really warm memories, even though it was bitterly cold when I visited.  Chrissy from Muse in the Mornings describes herself as ". I'm a mama, an artist and a kisser of owies, giver of snuggles and nurturer of art. I live in the heart of Oregon hippie country with The Hubs and my 2 adorable children" She has a great sense of humor and I have really enjoyed reading up on her life, craft projects and ooing and ahhing over her sewing patterns.

While I feel she got the short end of the stick on this exchange... I LOVED what she sent me - It is vibrant and colorful just like her!

I am super excited that I was connected with these ladies! Both offer such great shops and blogs I am certain that I will continue to follow them and I really hope you take some time to visit as well!

On a personal note... Yes.. the background is new,  it's a background mini - small and made just for these little objects! These are the first test shots with this color combo, let me know your thoughts!
You will see more of the mini's for sale in my shop come January, but if your looking to add to your photos, picking up a pre-made mini, or custom ordering one to match your shop colors is a great option!

All I want for Christmas

I want a lot of things for Christmas... important, meaningful things. However, I thought I would post a couple of wishlist items, that I have found around the internet... been inspired by, made me giggle, or perhaps I just LOVE.

I really want the new purple ones... I know color doesn't matter... but how hot would they look!

It's just a photoshop thing!

Since I am old school and HAVE really done darkroom stuff... this is HYSTERICAL (to me)!

What you thought it would be all photo related? I need some really fantastic shoes!

A statement jacket, that isn't a jacket

A purse that is not a purse! Steller for traveling!

 And while this is listed last.. that's only to put emphasis on it! I LOVE LOVE LOVE this bag! It would be the perfect outside for the camera insert... and Zeeuh is such a great small business to support!http://zeeuh.storenvy.com/products/581406-kelly-bag-fiesta-floral

A Sweet Giveaway

Our lovley sponsor and my client Kim at Sweetsie's is hosting a giveaway! I was super excited to offer a very timely product for her to giveaway and I wanted to be sure each of you saw that you had a chance to win a little something from me... and a VERY big something from her! Oh yea... and some other great prizes from many other wonderful ladies! So here is the info and the links!

Thanks again Kim for offering this great opportunity for a lucky viewer! 

 <<Kim's post>>
Hello Everyone!  I have reached 100 followers and I'm so blessed and so very excited!  I've gained a few more since then!  Thank you, thank you!

So in honor of gaining enough followers and out of appreciation I, and a few of my good bloggy friends, have put together a little Give-A-Way!

Please join us and may the luckiest person win!

One winner takes all!!!

First of all, I will be giving away a {Sweetsie}Sampler!  Wait, not just one, but two!  One for you and one delivered to your friend or just keep both for yourself!!

Who doesn't love those personalized holiday cards?  Well, this is one that will beat even the best of the best!  Verte Photography is offering a card design to match your personality!

Next is Ms. Holli from over at Holli's Hoots and Hollers!  Holli has this beautiful unique ornament by one of her favorite artists that she is offering up for this special give-a-way!

And last but certainly not least is Pamela from Pamela's Heavenly Treats!  She is including some wonderful Ad Space to show you off!

Now that you've seen these wonderful prizes, get goin' on entering this Little but Certainly not Skimpy Give-A-Way!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

5 days of Thankful: Day 1

So many people have committed to doing a full month on Facebook of things they are thankful for. It's really nice to see some real content, thoughtful and memorable posts... which we all know isn't the norm. I thought a nice way to follow up my 10 days of thoughtful photos (great holiday tips) would be 5 days of why I am thankful... very specifically  thankful for my business.

This week is so busy, for everyone.. I am sure. It always has been it always will be. School activities, extra cooking, cleaning, guests coming into town.. Today I am thankful that my business lets ME set the schedule. I can close the studio for a week, and life goes on. I no longer have to work nights and weekends to accommodate family portraits, unless I REALLY want to!

So universe thanks for letting me take time to shop while everyone else is at work, spend time at the "big feast" at school, and not have to stress over when I am going to get to go ice skating with the kiddo and enjoy the season! Thank you, Thank you!

I love to WIN!

I must say I am a little obsessed with entering giveaways! OK, maybe a little more then that... and some of them take a LONG time to do, and go for several days! I just spent an hour doing one this morning! Shesh! AN HOUR! But, part of that is because I don't just follow randomly, and sign up for everything. If I am going to sign up to follow your blog, I would like to get to know you! Leave a comment or two, and be sure I want to go back to read more! But I digress! THIS post, is to say how very much I LOVE entering.. and WINNING!

I have won a few things since starting this blog, and I have been trying to post them as I receive them and tell you a little about my experience!  I am happy to say my luck seems to continue! If you all remember I was entering the Streeter Giveaway back in Oct daily! Not only do I LOVE new mommy Kristina... but I really groove on those that she supports as well! She does a Saturday link up party to introduce you to those people as well! Be sure to check it out!

During her October HUGE fall giveaway I just happened to win a SUPER AWESOME prize from.....
(drumroll please)

Aubrey Plays

This super cute Typewriter clutch isn't just two pieces of fabric sewn together! Oh NO! It has batting inside, making it pillow soft, and feels very durable! It sports a nice magnetic closure, two pockets and by the way.. I read up on her products and this retro vibe fabric... HAND DRAWN by HER! I didn't even know that was possible!

The tab is designed to fit your small keyring and overall it is a great design! I am super impressed with the quality of the stitching and professional nature of Aubrey herself! She was super quick to contact me after the announcement, and shipped out my item in a cute package..

I already had Aubrey on my Holiday wishlist radar... but now, after seeing the quality, I think she might have to get some very specific hints and links sent out to my family this season! 

 I have my eye on this little beauty! 

Thanks again!!!

10 Days of Thoughtful Photos: Day 7

What to wear.... today were talking about the style of your images!

This might be the most popular question an family photographer is asked....
"what should we wear?"

Oh... where to start.

Let's back up and look at what we have already established. If you know WHERE you are going to have your photo shoot, and the overall "feel" of the shoot, the style or story you want to tell... then the WHAT becomes much easier! If your hanging off of a tractor and want a "down home feel" then you should work with jeans, plaids, comfortable things that ramp up your story!

The biggest "fail" in clothing choices, I feel, would be to do something that
1. You would never wear again.
2. Your so unused to wearing it that it would make you (or your child) uncomfortable.

Let's think back to our own childhood for a moment and remember the scratch sweaters, and "Sunday best" style clothing that couldn't get dirty, had lots of layers, was hot (especially in a studio) and made us all super "matchy" just what every child wants... to look like everyone else - right?

Compliments of http://awkwardfamilyphotos.com/

 Oh, so many things wrong with this image.... but if you ever want a good laugh that website is FULL of them!!!!! So much better then Pinterest for humor value at least! Anyways... back to our subject....

 So I am going to give you a couple of "rules" for finding your holiday style.

1. Don't buy all the same shirt in every size for EVERYONE.
2. Don't use this "holiday red" anywhere near your face, during portraits, EVER.
3. Don't feel like you need to purchase clothes "just for" portraits.
4. Don't feel like you need to "match" everyone else. Let personalities shine.
5. If Johnny doesn't normally wear a tie, or sweater-vest... don't make him do so now!

If you want to take a "safe" route. Jeans, or black pants, and white shirts or black shirts, are always in everyone's closet. It's classic and timeless, and always makes a great black and white.

You can do variations of this by putting girls in one color, and boys in another, or each family member in varying combinations complimentary colors. Going outside that core box.. you can bring some "life and personality" by selecting one person to bring in a pop of color or pattern. It highlights this person, so the baby, youngest child, or mom are typically my suggestions. You can bring this color in with a dress, a shirt, scarf... what ever your family "style" is...

Or you can go way outside the box... and toss it out all together. Forget "classic" and really find clothes that compliment each other, and fit your families style, while telling a true story!  We are going to cover this tomorrow with day 8 "creating a color palette"!

10 days of Thoughtful Photos: Day 6

Just a recap, in case you are just joining us or haven't caught each days tip...
Day 1: Make it Simple: You don't need a lot of props, or fancy backgrounds. Just love.
Day 2: Enjoy Yourself: Enjoy Yourself. Make the memory the event not the photo.
Day 3: Work with what you have: Be inventive, roll with the obstacle, find creative solutions!
Day 4: Use your Flash!: Pro's use it outside, so should you!
Day 5: Slow sync Flash: The best way to get holiday lights, and your subject exposed correctly!

Which brings us to Day 6! 

Location!

There are a TON of ways you can go... all depends on the style and feel that you want to give to your cards. Part of what makes a great story, is all the details rights!?

So first, you need to decide are YOU doing your families images, a friend, or are you hiring a photographer? If you are hiring someone you should ask them, before scheduling what options they have.

Next, what  kind of family are you? Single, couple, new baby, young child, grown kid, mufti-generational... are you the outdoorsy type? Country, casual, rustic... where do you live... in some parts of the country there will be snow... not mine mind you... but I hear on the news its out there! Are you looking for something way out of the box, or something new for your family? All of these are good things to think about... if your really stuck for ideas and working solo - Pinterist, and google image have some great ideas... you can start with my pins here. (Disclaimer: As a rule, I try to only repin photography images that appear to go back to the original photographers site or blog, if you ever notice a pin that does not, or is in violation of copyright laws, please let me know and I will be happy to remove it)

Here are a few spots I love to recommended, you will have to look around your town to see what you have available, and what could fit your families needs! (If going to a park, look for one with a bathroom or a coffee shop nearby where you can all warm up after, or in between shots)

The Zoo (great day trip, and they typically have carousals for day and  holiday light displays at night)
Downtown - any city... Tall buildings, stairways, glass, urban mall, brick, graffiti... need I say more?
Parks / Open Space: From posed to playing in the snow... great for all ages!
Streams / Forest areas: Just good scenery!
YOUR home or backyard! DUH! What could be more personal!
Railroad tracks, with or without a train
Botanical Gardens
Tourist Areas: Red Rocks, Galveston, Sea World... they all have lights, decor, or great natural scenes.

Find something to inspire you, a card style you love, an image, a color scheme... and put some thought into the story you want to tell! My inspiration for our images this year....