fashion friday!

all about layers
If you are wondering how to dress your kids for your next session, here is a fun, colorful example courtesy of the Gap.



It's everything that I adore on children for photos:
hats.
stripes.
layers.
fun, bright shoes.
tights.
layers.
plaid.
layers.
did I mention layers?

Check back here every Friday for more fashion posts to answer the question of the ages:
"what should we wear for our photo shoot?"

random posts are my fav

While my friend, Miss Aliss, was here, we made matching bracelets:



We had extra flower charms, so I threw one on this chain that I love. (it's from Cookie Lee, it doesn't tarnish and it is adjustable. I wear it with every charm I own. I have never been to a Cookie Lee party...I got it on ebay. Don't tell Cookie Lee.)



I can't wait to wear the combo with my skirt that was sold as a shirt:



My daughter/professional color consultant pointed out that a few brown beads would have really pulled it all together. (sigh.) She is going to be so much better than me.

Oh, and here what Miss Aliss looks like for all inquiring minds that want to know (she's a beauty):



Next, we found these fabulous pendants at Michael's on clearance for $1.99 (yep, same chain):



Totally reminds me of this bag that I tote around from the Gap:



I just realized how predictable I am. Not sure if that is a good or bad thing...

Our last purchase was over at Kohl's...more clearance. Picked these up for $3.20:



These are a little out of my comfort zone but I like how they can pair with a tank top and dress things right up! My hubby is not a fan of this necklace. Come to think of it, he isn't a fan of any chunky jewelry. Good thing he isn't wearing it!

Miss Aliss went home to pack up her life and move from Kansas City back to Oregon...and I still had the jewelry-making itch. So I made this with some beads that I bought a while back (can I just say that it is extremely easy to string beads on some elastic...and the immediate gratification gives one such a feeling of accomplishment!):



Sadly, Brandon is not a fan of this one either. I wish you could see his face of disgust...but it's not enough to keep this off of my wrist!

And to end my week-long jewelry obsession, I bring you this:



It's my favorite. It's from Kohl's. It was missing a bead so I got 10% off. And Brandon likes it! *applause*

Thank you for reading my random post. Tomorrow I will get back to something that relates to photography. Promise.

New favorite announcement!

Luca the Cute!

This blue-eyed smiley baby boy had me giddy with giggles as I observed and photographed him. At 8 months old, he was such a pleasure to work with--he held up in the heat while the rest of us were drenched in sweat! Luca, I hope to photograph you as you grow up and make more visits to Florida...you sweet thing!

what I was up to in California

I photographed and staged cake pops for "Just a Bite Cake Pops" in many colors, flavors and themes.



My favorite tasting pop is a tie between carrot cake and chocolate with toasted coconut:





My favorite looking pop:



My favorite presentation of a pop:



My favorite presentation of a pop top (another tie):




...and a few more






I had a wonderful time working with (eating) these beautiful desserts. The colors and textures were inspiring, and the ideas were endless for presenting the cake pop in all kinds of settings--holiday, birthday, bridal, etc. My very favorite photo was of the "cake pop tops" at the beginning of the post. The rainbow (aka ROYGBIV...right, Mindy?) was inspired by my daughter, whose rainbows are always technically correct!

If you are looking for a fun and different gift or treat for any occasion, the cake pop is the way to go! Mindy ships anywhere! Her website is: www.justabitecakepops.com. Go there now by clicking here.

Sophia is One!

Wishing you a fun first birthday, sweet girl!

Set Free on the walls at First Choice!

We are thrilled to announce that our work is being displayed at First Choice Pregnancy Center in Cape Coral!

Making their debut:
Baby Sophia
Baby Will
Baby Anna

A special thanks to Melissa and Carol for helping make this happen. We think your work is so very important and are thankful that you are in the community making a difference!