Hallmark Holiday

Valentine's Day: a day that is like every other day in the year except Hallmark, flower companies, and restaurants make a killing on this day. Us? We decided to go to brunch today instead of dinner just because 1. brunch is our favorite meal ever, and 2. we are old fogies and wanted to avoid the evening crowds.

I was unaware that we'd be purchasing gifts for each other on our SEVENTH V-day together but when I realized Nate was sneaking around behind my back to get me something, I had to think fast. This is what I came up with and yes, it was a hit:




And he bestowed upon me that padded-cup workout tank that I lusted over last week. Such a good listener, this husband of mine. I taught him well:)

The day begun with a fresh coat of white fluffy stuff:



And even though it was a typical winter gray day, I managed to snap a few shots of my favorite model:









It will never get old. I just love pictures of my dog, okay?

So off to brunch we went and OMG it was good. I mean pink mimosas are a fabulous start to any day, right?



And not to mention stuffed French toast: cream cheese and chocolate this time around. Divine.


After thoroughly stuffing our faces and consuming enough fluids to last all day Nate agreed to my request of a mini photo session outdoors. He must love me a lot, don't you think?




One thing I love about a new camera is that every little detail in the world is suddenly very apparent to me. Love the color on this tree, don't you?


I even handed over my baby for a few frames.


Austin Powers made an appearance.


Warning: if you let your husband take charge of photographic opportunities, this is what you'll receive. At least I was having a good butt day, I suppose.


Lady, how many pictures are you going to take?


Enough to make me happy, duh.


You know those quintessential sandy beach shots? Here's our version.


I'm sorry, I just had to do it.


This was much easier to get with our point and shoot. I get a little anxious about holding the SLR away from my body like this but I somehow managed.

And there you have it: a day like any other plus a little extra fun and a whole lotta pictures. I hope everyone enjoyed their Hallmark Holiday!

album design and whatnot.

I feel like I'm still coming up for air after a whirlwind of holiday business. Don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining or anything....after all, that is how I purchased my pimp camera. But in the midst of the chaos I never had time to show a few pages of each album and that's just not fair, is it? Plus, I like to look at these to gear up for another wedding season/warm weather/pretty colors/flowers/etc. I just love it a lot.


First we have Michelle, who just so happens to be my new cousin. Remember when I blogged about their wedding? We ran their photo booth and had a ball. She adores purple in case you couldn't tell:)









Then we have Christy who is basically the sweetest person ever. She is the sister of a previous client and they both used SJ Macky as a photographer, who is also the sweetest. Sweet, sweet, sweet.











And lastly we have a very special album and one that I think is a FABULOUS idea for all daughters out there. Stacy contacted me to make her parents a 30 year anniversary album. She did lots of work on the front end by gathering up photos and letters from her parents' friends and family. Then she sent everything to me and I worked my magic:) The end result was a super cool album that Stacy surprised her parents with over their anniversary dinner. Some of the letters from their friends made me get a little weepy. Thirty years together is freaking amazing and I hope Nate and I maintain friendships over the years just like they did. And if my Mom wasn't album obsessed and already made her own variations of their lives together, I'd be all over this one. Enjoy!







Of course, all of these albums are now up on my website in their entirety.

I'm going to be honest here: I feel like my little business is at a crossroads. I've gotten to the point where I have to turn clients away because I simply to not have the time. I've experienced some intense deadlines which obviously strips me of my creativity. I feel torn between focusing even more time and energy on the biz in hopes that it grows enough to allow a decrease in my 'real career' hours. How freaking sweet would that be?

But honestly, I don't make near enough money on these albums to drop a day at work....it's just not realistic. Another option would be to quit the biz altogether so I can spend more time with my new camera and possibly training for another marathon [gasp!]. I am slowly realizing that I only have a few precious hours each evening that I can devote to myself....the rest of the day is sucked up by work, the gym, dinner, chatting with the hubs, and sleeping. Album design used to be my creative outlet and now with the new camera I feel like album design can sometimes feel like a 'job' and not as much fun as it used to be.

I just don't know, you guys. I'm torn. I have to make a decision one way or the other pretty soon just to appease myself. But either way I won't be accepting new orders until April or later....I've already got about 6 albums lined up in front of me again! Any suggestions for a struggling business owner?

Anyway......onto another album: our 2008 everyday album is officially complete! It was a whopping 87 pages which basically qualifies as ri-DONK-ulous. I think the largest one prior to this baby was around 50 pages. But then again, this covered 365 days instead of just one day:)

I'm quite proud of it and cannot wait for it to arrive. Here is my front cover.....it's a take off from that blog post everyone did about 'a picture for each month' or whatever.



And then because we all need a shot of four seasons, I included some more of my favorite pages for your pleasure:






















What a year. What an amazing year, huh? Man, Photoshop has really been earning it's keep around here lately. And my head kind of hurts now...but you likey?

toys-r-us

You all know I'm the world's largest tight wad, right? Painfully tight. Anxiety-ridden when it comes to purchases. Basically a basket case. I'm always preaching 'need versus want' and I still think that thought process is extremely helpful.

Apparently, we NEEDED a new computer. Again. Nate won this battle, my friends. We are a two-computer household yet again [nearly 2.5 if you want to be picky].

You see the born-again laptop has breathed it's last breath, for real this time. She lead a good double life and now it's time to let her spirit fly into Mac heaven. RIP little iBook G4, you were good to us. And speaking of flying, dollar signs flew out of our bank account today all in the name of a new Mac Book.






Although the new addition is lighter and way cooler, it is in fact a little bit smaller, too. All I gots to say is I'm so glad I can claim that big bertha 20 inch screen in the back there. The laptop is all Nate's and now my husband is complete. He can tote his new laptop to class just like all the cool kids do these days. It will be totally bitchin.

Continuing with the toy theme, look what I got in the mail today!


I smell a photo session coming on now that my camera has proper attire. It was well worth the 4 week wait!

And finally, the Mac Book has some really pimped out applications such as 'Photo Booth.' Feast your eyes upon these beauties!






Now I know it's difficult but humor me for a second: which is your favorite picture? Because I'm pretty sure letter E makes me bust a gut every time I look at it. He has an actual potato as a head, you guys. And I cannot even begin to describe his chin.

Although letter H makes me look like I'm pushing something out of an orifice [ either a baby, or a deuce...I can't decide]. And letters F and G provide a glimpse into the future: me as an old lady without my dentures. Frightening!

Ah, good times. I will leave you with this awesome snippet of randomness from our evening: after we bought the Mac we strolled by a clothing store and I spotted THE perfect workout tank. It was racer back [my fave!] and had actual bra cups [ahem....padding.....] on the inside. I mean, it's not like I need tons of support or anything but I hate when I nip out at the gym when I wear one of the tanks with 'built in' support. It's so gross.

I told Nate, "Look, bra cups so I don't nip out at the gym."

To which he replied, "Oh, your little beans?" And then he walked away. What?