My Book Shelf: Jimmy Tock and Katniss fighting it out and duChemin winning me over

Posted on September 1, 2010

When I was pregnant with my first child, I was told many times to read while I had the chance because once I had kids I would never. read. again. Apparently, it is believed that when children enter your life your brain metamorphosed into an illiterate pile of mush. Well, when people tell me I can’t do something I usually make sure I do it just to prove my point.

Even if I have no point.

Children certainly have me juggling priorities but reading has managed to stay, firmly planted in my life. I mean not reading is like… I don’t know… not eating, or even more overly-dramatic, NOT BREATHING!! I simply can not do it! That being said I still read. A lot. I think I’m rubbing off, though. Gavin and Adalay seem to be heading down the same path. Even Dustin has come around to sticking his nose (or ears) in a good book.

Yesterday, the Amazon-fairy left these on my doorstep and I am very much excited for you to meet them…

Mocking Jay is the third and final book in The Hunger Games trilogy. If you like a story full of break-neck action and suspense, then these are the books for you. Who cares about Edward and Jacob?! What I want to know is who will Katniss choose, Peeta or Gale? Sure Gale is the obvious choice, but Peeta, what about poor PEETA!! I have a feeling I will know the answer within the next 48 hours, because Im pretty sure I will have the book finished by then!

A friend of mine forced me to read The Hunger Games and after becoming enaormed with them, I feel like I need to return the favor to her. SO I ordered one of my favorite fiction books of ALL time, Life Epectancy by Dean Koontz for her to borrow. I even ordered it in paperback (against Dustin’s wishes, he has this weird thing for hardbacks) so that I could highlight important segments. I have this serious issue with highlighting in hardbacks. It just seems wrong. If you have not been introduced to the life of Jimmy Tock then use the nearest car, bike or trapeze to get it. Seriously, if you don’t like it, you’re just weird.

I recently completed an exhausting personality test that labeled me as a loyalist. This is not too surprising to me. I think this is one of the reasons why you will see me blogging on the same people, websites, blogs. Once I find some one I like, I stick with them as long as they will have me, sometimes longer. I blogged about David duChemin before and was lucky enough to watch his live workshop through Creative Live several weeks ago. Amazing guy willing to share everything he knows about the art and practice of photography. I was especially excited about his third book Vision and Voice: refining your vision in Adobe Photoshop Lightroom. Now when it comes to post-processing, I am a Lightroom girl. Photoshop is great for when I want to do something special with one or two photos but I don’t consider it convenient or as easy to use as Lightroom. Lightroom has changed my (photography) life. and so I can’t wait to see how duChemin illustrates using this awesome editing tool.

Now of course I have to mention my sewing books! Every week or two I get a coupon in the mail from JoAnn’s our local fabric store and I almost always use that coupon to purchase a new book from their selectopn. At 40-50% off, I can’t even beat that by scouring the internet. I have had my eye on Martha Stewarts Encyclopedia of Sewing and fabric crafts for quite awhile and I made that jump after seeing it blogged about. I also picked up Sewing Clothes Kids Love because I am somewhat delusional and think I can actually sew something like this.

Yes this post was longer then I planned but what can I say I am serious about books. Now I am going to sit down with Katniss and figure out this whole Peeta/Gale mess.

Filed Under Personal, Stuff I like | 1 Comment

Summer of Love: Etsy Wedding Accessories

Posted on July 28, 2010

Wedding season is in full swing and what other way to commemorate the season then by highlighting a few of the wedding related items sold at my favorite online market Etsy. Maybe you are getting tired of my Etsy posts but I really, REALLY, love this website! So you will just have to humor me. If you are a savvy bride wanting a totally unique and personalized wedding, then checkout these affordable custom creations.

*Thanks for all the shops for letting me use their images for this post! Click on any image to be taken straight to that vendors shop.

First up is Sweet Petal Bakery, this shop features beautifully crafted and affordable wedding and cupcake toppers. You can chose your own colors and even have a custom flower designed.

If you are looking for something a bit different then the traditional guest sign in book try Cut the Cake Designs for their selection of Guest book boxes and personalized address labels.

Looking for a way to personalize your candy, water bottles, and other wedding day favors? Visit Print Your Party for designs that you can print on your own. This is a great way to cut costs so that you can spend your money on, I don’t know, maybe photography?!

I was especially fond of their sparkler holder designs…

I love these coasters and magnets offered by Angel Ellie. Great for save the date and wedding favors.

So that was just a tiny selection of some of the wedding accessories on Etsy. I will continue the Etsy wedding love- fest over the next couple days with jewelry and dresses.

Check back soon!

Filed Under Going to the Chapel, Stuff I like, Weddings | Leave a Comment

At the Beach : Lake Michigan

Posted on June 14, 2010

We spent the end of May with our dear friends Amie Jo and Steven in Grand Rapids, Michigan. It had been several years since they moved away from the Houston area and just as long since we spent any time together as families. It has really hit me since we have returned home on how cherished they are to us. When you have friends like this, keep them, no matter what it takes!

We spent one day at the beach, on the way there we stopped off at Amie Jo’s parent’s campsite and we were treated to an incredible breakfast, including home made applesauce, that is to die for. Apparently Adalay thought so too as it looks as if she is trying to to knife Gavin. Not sure why she has a knife, oh well, it is just a butter knife, right!?

This is Amie Jo, yes she is gorgeous. Her and Gavin have a special bond as she was the first person to ever take a picture of him. Much gratitude to any friend willing to stand on a chair to get that perfect shot over the doctor’s shoulder. I would have done it but it is hard to deliver a baby while taking pictures. I digress (like normal).

Amie-Jo’s babies daddy, Steven.

The delightful Brie, who was born several months before Ada. I know we are total copy-cats but it sure is fun having matching boy-girl sets of kids!

I was very excited to go to the beach, the beach being Lake Michigan. There are lakes and then there are The Great Lakes. Really, it looked like the ocean!

Ada-layla in all her delicious glory…

Do all boys between the ages of 3-5 fight like cats and dogs? There was some serious competition going on between Beckett and Gavin. One of these days they will be thick as thieves, I just know it (it may have already started, when we left their house to go to the airport Gavin wailed, “Beckett!!” over and over).

These images were shot in direct sun, which isn’t ideal but sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do…

Man, we love these kids and this family we are so glad that they are a part of our lives! Hoping for many more family memories together.

Filed Under Personal, Stuff I like | 4 Comments

Etsy Showcase: Bee Creative Designs

Posted on June 2, 2010

If you have never visited Etsy, then stop what you are doing and go there. Right now.

Now for those of you who just ignored my advice and have not had the good fortune of ever visiting the site. Let me tell you a little about it. Etsy is a collection of stores featuring hand made items. I love buying from the site because I know I am supporting a small business owners, stay at home moms, and other creative types. Because the items are hand crafted there are plenty of unique and one of a kind items available. I have bought everything there from cloth diapers and fabric to logo designs and patterns.

The other week I met up with Amarillo Etsy vendor, Linda of Bcreative Designs. She is a seamstress specializing in fun and sweet children’s clothes. I had a great time photographing all the wonderful models in Linda’s creations. Click on any of the images to see more info on the outfit pictured and to go straight to her site.

etsybcd4

Normally, I wouldn’t want my children at a session (they like to crawl all over me, which makes it somewhat difficult to get a good shot) but the 18 month-old model couldn’t make it so Adalay made a guest appearance. I got to take the blue and brown outfit home. Too cute!

Thanks to all the beautiful and sweet models (and Moms) who volunteered their time for the shoot. I loved this and can’t wait to do it again!

Filed Under Portraits, Sewing, Stuff I like | 2 Comments

My Book Shelf : David duChemin

Posted on May 15, 2010

When I find an author I love, I generally don’t pace myself. I wish I did, but I just don’t have that kind of self-control in me. I will read every one of their books as quickly as I can get them in my little paper-cut filled hands. I am always disappointed, when so soon after discovering the author I have nothing new of theirs to read. The author that I am voraciously reading at the moment is David duChemin, a travel and humanitarian photographer. I discovered him through the blog of Zack Arias, also a very talented photographer. He recommended duChemins book Vision Mongers on his blog several months back and I finally got around to reading it.

Click here to visit PixelatedImage.com – David duChemin.

I loved it.

Not only does duChemin have an incredible talent for photography but he also has a serious flair for the written word. Now this is not your typical photography book, filled with how to set up a shoot or what settings to use for certain situations, instead it is about having a vision and a passion but at the same time being practical and purposeful. His focus is on staying true to your “craft”, while fusing it with commerce.

Not only is it an interesting and entertaining read but it is also equally thought provoking and inspirational. Mr. duChemin seems like one incredibly down to earth and practical guy and I love that, especially in a person who has any kind of claim to fame. After finishing his book, I was very excited that I could prolong my duChemin fix by adding his e-books to my virtual bookshelf. At just $5 a pop you really can’t go wrong. Each of his books has been worth far more then the asked for price. So if you have a photography business, if you are thinking about starting a business, or if you just want to pursue it as a passion, then I would recommend you read his work. He also has tons of articles and advice on his blog so after you get hooked there go ahead and start with his Book Vision Mongers. If you like his written words then check out his stunning visual portfolio that spans the many faces and places of our beautiful world.

Go and read it we can compare notes later.

Filed Under Business, Stuff I like | 2 Comments

Spring has Sprung

Posted on March 18, 2010

I didn’t realize how much I have been missing the sun and warm weather until we had sun and warm weather!

We spent most of yesterday afternoon outside. Gavin running, jumping, and not stopping for a second of rest. Ada would take off down the sidewalk crawling as fast her knees would take her from me, cackling all the while. She loves a good chase.

How can I work the way this girl can tear up some black beans into this post, without sounding off subject? I guess I really can’t, so I will just say; this girl can tear up some black beans! Maybe she needs some extra energy from all that extra exercise.

Gavin as all about showing me how he can jump, dance (”Mommy check out THIS move!”), sing (”Father Abraham had many sons…”), draw, whatever. “Mommy, look at me!” is the quote of the hour. Really how can I not look? He is just so stinking cute when he is excited and trying something new, and to a three year-old what isn’t new?!

It wont surprise me if it is snowing by the weekend, but for now, while there is the warm sun and a breeze (laced ever so gently with the smell of the stockyards) we will be outside. Join us if you would like!

Filed Under Personal, Stuff I like | 2 Comments

My Book Shelf

Posted on February 23, 2010

I love when I open my front door and see a box from Amazon sitting there expectantly. I can almost hear the angels singing from the Heavens (I get the same feeling EVERY time I walk into a library. It’s magical.)

What is better than a box of books?!

I make it no secret that reading is one of my favorite things to do. There is not much better than an unread book just begging to be opened. I love holding a book for the first time and imagining what is inside. I love the smell of the pages and the smooth texture of the spine. Dare I admit, that I will often take a deep breath of the dust jacket with my eyes closed in eager expectation before I even open the cover?

Ahhh, books.

So the new additions to my bookshelf…

Half of the books are business related (how else can I justify my book habit?) and honestly I was not super excited to start reading them. I am a bit surprised that Word of Mouth Marketing (one by Silverman and another by Sernovitz) is actually an interesting subject.

Dale Carnegie’s classic How to Win Friends and Influence People should be read and practiced by every single person on earth. The world would be a better, sweeter, and happier place.

I saw the book A Million Miles in a Thousand Years refereed to on a peach of a blog, and was reminded that the author, Donald Miller, wrote one of my favorite non-fiction books ever, Blue Like Jazz. So why haven’t I read his newest work? I was tempted to peek in it the other day but decided instead to hold off for my flight to Salt Lake City. The anticipation is killing me.

I read Velvet Elvis by Rob Bell several years ago, right after finishing Blue Like Jazz. I remember not being that impressed with it, but I think that may have had something to do with the fact that I had just finished such a fantastic book and nothing else could come close. Dustin requested it recently, and when Dustin wants to read a book (a rare occurrence) I will jump through hoops to make it happen.

My guilty splurge was Making Children’s Clothes by Emma Hardy. Truth is, I bought this at a fabric store because I had a 50% off coupon. So far I am loving it, not only are the patterns simple enough for a novice like me to grasp, but they are also very cute clothes. I have learned that simple and cute don’t often go together in the sewing world so I am very pleased with this.

So while I am out of town over the next couple of days, for my long-awaited, first ever, photography workshop, you can bet I will be opening a book every chance I get (flying without my kids, are you kidding me!!).

And by the way, what’s on your bookshelf?

Filed Under Business, Personal, Stuff I like, Uncategorized | 1 Comment

Honest Abe

Posted on February 15, 2010

In honor of President day, I followed this fun little tutorial in order to make this…

I have to admit I am hooked. I laid awake last night trying to think up clever sayings and witty images to stencil over all our blank t-shirts.

Any ideas?

I don’t want to leave Ada out, here is her morning face. Gotta love it.

Filed Under Personal, Sewing, Stuff I like | 5 Comments

Good Reads

Posted on February 9, 2010

February, thus far, has been full of snow, ice, slippery roads, and cancelled sessions. I would love to be out there taking pictures but since the weather will not cooperate, I will happily read instead.

I just finished Erwin McManus’s Soul Cravings. Wow. Awesome. Dustin had been pestering me to read this for a year, I didn’t take him seriously because, well, because I’m the reader in the family, so what could he possibly know about good books?

Apparently way more then he lets on.

I read through it quickly, but I will definitely be reading it again at a slower pace. With a highlighter. And a notepad.

I found another great read through a friend’s blog post, she linked to this blog from her’s and without coming off as melodramatic I think this post changed my life. Or at least the way I view life. Powerfully and beautifully written.

Hopefully, the weather will allow this week’s sessions. If not, here are some images from G’s birthday to keep things interesting.

Ada before and after…

I had not been to Chucky Cheese since the 1st grade. I place it somewhere between having my teeth cleaned and taking the SAT’s on the fun meter. G had a blast though, which I keep needing to remind myself was the point.

Pumpkin cake for the third year in a row. This time I put sugar in it to make it slightly more palatable.

Filed Under Personal, Stuff I like | 2 Comments

What Was I Thinking?

Posted on February 1, 2010

Really, can someone tell me what I was thinking when I picked out this fabric? Egads!!

Lucky for me, I have a super-cute, little boy who doesn’t mind looking like a reptilian-snowstorm.

I am very much a novice sewer, but in my defense I have not finished hemming the pants just yet, which explains the gangsta’ look he is sporting.

Yes, here is the proof that I had to bribe him with brownies in order to get these pictures…

As hideous as I think these are, I am quite proud of myself for making them. I mean I made clothes! The world is now my oyster!!

Gavin doesn’t seem to mind their lack of visual appeal. He says he is a dinosaur when he wears them. Just in case I don’t believe him he proves it to me by roaring and crawling about like he has rabies.

Thankfully, Dana over at Made and Rae from Made by Rae are going to help save G from his (mother’s) lack of fashion-sense. They will be dedicating the entire month of February to boy posts called “Celebrate the Boy!”. Stop by their sites to check out tutorials, roundups, and giveaways for boy-related sewing and crafts.

For those of you with girls, there is plenty on their sites to keep you happy, so go check them out!

Filed Under Personal, Sewing, Stuff I like | 9 Comments