Mother’s Day Mini Sessions | White Bear Lake Photographer

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In the snow | White Bear Lake Engagement Photographer

As promised, here are a few more pictures of this stunning couple. I really had so much fun with them. They have a really playful relationship and I think I could have taken more pics, only the cold sort of got the best of all of us. 🙂 So we went inside for some hot chocolate to warm up. It was the perfect way to end our session. S & J, I hope you enjoy your pictures. I’m so excited for you guys to embark on this crazy journey together. Congratulations on your upcoming wedding!!!

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Dress up time | White Bear Lake Baby Photographer

This title actually makes me giggle a bit. You see, my son’s total role model in life, whom he adores more than anything else, is my daughter. And my daughter is a total princess — she eats, breathes, sleeps everything princess, baby, you get the picture. She *loves* to dress up like princesses. And my son, who loves to copy everything she does, also loves to dress up as a princess!

My husband had had enough, and we figured it was time for my little guy to get some dress up clothes of his own. So, here you are — what do you think?

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Inspirational spotlight: Fashionable Lore!

I know this is a bit different than my regular blog posts — but I just had to do a blog posting about a friend of mine. She’s super crafty and very creative, and has her own Etsy shop (which you MUST check out!). Enjoy reading about Stefani! Since she lives in Florida I couldn’t photograph her goodies, so I had her send me her pics to post on here.

Make sure to read all the way through because she is giving my blog readers a discount!!! The code is at the bottom!

Enjoy!!

How did FashionableLore come about, and how long have you been at it? My etsy shop had been open for almost 1 year, but I would say I really go into more 8 months ago.

I see that you offer a lot of different types of products. Do you have a favorite? Hmmm it is tough to pick just one favorite, but I guess the new-ness of the Purple Linen Purse has me swooning.  And it is great for quick trips out with the kids, or a night out with the ladies…so that is always a plus!

Speaking of favorites, what’s your favorite food? That is a tough one…so many good foods out there 😉  I would have to say Cajun Shrimp Alfredo. We don’t have it often, but my hubby makes it with just the right kick…and I think the fact that my hubby makes it also puts it in the fav category, cause who doesn’t love a guy who cooks!?!?

What is something that everyone should know about you? I am super sarcastic.  Which can sometimes throw people if they aren’t used to tons of sarcasm.  But I always mean it in a funny way…never malicious.  I think it is the Jersey girl in me…lol

What are some things that you want to do in 2011, both in your profession and also personally? Professionally – I love trying new products, so this year I am looking forward to making new items inspired by suggestions of my fans (i like to post questions to my fan page to get a sense of what they are looking for in products/accessories) as for Personally – I hope to be able to continue to find balance with time spent with my kids/family and crafting/sewing/being creative.  Sometimes things get unbalanced, and that is all part of owning your own business, but this year I hope to find more of a balance and groove! (oh and losing weight would rock too!!!)

You are very creative. What inspires you? Lots of things. But when I am working I try to blend function with fun and flunky flair.  Like the reversible rag totes…you can hold so much in them and use them for anything. Gift bags, gym bags, purses, diaper bags, dance bags, toy bags…well you get the idea.  And they are reversible…so you can flip them around to match your mood or style of the day…and the pockets are always handy for your smaller stuff.

What types of tools do you use for your creations? Sewing machine, rotary cutting tool, cutting mat, scissors, needle and thread, buttons, rag scissors, fun handles (wooden and plastic), various glues, ribbons, alligator clips, fake flowers (and sometimes deconstructing the petals to make new looks), gems, ring blanks, felt, googly eyes….oh and FABRIC…tons of fun Fabrics…lol (oh and t-shirt stuff too)  I also try to upcycle old clothes, onesies, etc

What’s on your wishlist? More storage for all my fabric 😉 and while you are there throw in more fabric…lol

What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given? That trying something new is never a failure.  It’s an adventure and even if it doesn’t work in the end, you will learn from it and grow and make it better the next time. (mostly in relation to patterns, but i feel it applies to a lot more)

What advice would you give to others who are thinking of venturing into starting their own business? Think it through, how much time are you willing to spend each week on it? Are you prepared for late nights if something comes up? And what kind of budget do you have to work with before you MUST have income?  Also do you expect instant success or are you in it for the long haul and ready to celebrate the little victories along the way?

Other info:
Etsy Shop – http://www.fashionablelore.etsy.com
Fan Page – http://www.facebook.com/fashionablelore (fans get sneak peeks, give aways and the opportunity to place custom orders before items go in my shop)
Coupon for Blog Followers – JULES10 – good for 10% off orders from Feb 15th – 18th. This includes custom orders, just drop me a note through etsy and I will set up your custom listing and reply with the link.  You use the code at check out, so Listings reflect the full price.

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Two and four | White Bear Lake Childrens Photographer

I’m really spoiled by having two of the greatest kids on earth. I mean that with all sincerity, too. My kids are my heart. Love these two. Anyway, I’d had this vision for a session with the two of them for awhile and in between colds and ear infections I decided to give it a whirl. I’m still editing more from the session, but here’s a few of my favorites.

“Brody, can you give your sister a kiss?”

and, this one is probably my favorite … love, love, love this one.

 

I hope you all have a spectacular Valentine’s Day and are able to share it with the ones you love. Cheers!

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Joy | White Bear Lake Baby Photographer

There’s nothing quite like the anticipation and joy coming from a child, about to dig in head first into a cake. Just for him. The look of sheer anticipation and delight. I love it. And here I was, poised with my camera, waiting for him to dive in. And he did!

I was laughing with his mom after our session, because most babies stop eating the cake after about 10-15 minutes. But not “D”! He kept on going, and going. It was hilarious and I had such a fun time with the “W” family!

I was also fortunate enough to capture D’s big brother on film as well. He just had his 4th birthday and mom wanted some photos of him as well.

W family, thanks again for contacting me for your boys’ session! Here are some photos!

(see what I mean? Doesn’t he look thrilled?)

Can’t forget the pictures of the two of them together!

(my favorite photo ever)

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Memories | White Bear Lake Photographer

I’ve been going through my hard drive looking at old pictures of my grandma. Some of you know this already, but my grandma passed away four weeks ago … she lived a really long, good life. She celebrated her 100th birthday this past September and was in good spirits and health for her party (which, a TON of people came to!). Regardless of her living a good life, and even of us praying for her time to be near (she developed dementia, and her health really plummeted the last month), it’s still hard having her gone. She was the last of my grandparents, and I’m really sad that she’s gone.

Anyway, I hate to post something so sad, but am so glad to have pictures of her to remember her by. The pictures below, I had already posted on my blog about a year ago, but they’re the only ones i could readily find.

And the ones below, my dad had scanned into his computer and had emailed them to me (note: I did not take them (obviously, as I had not been born yet :)). She is the adorable little girl on the left.

And here she is with my grandpa on their wedding day. I love this photo.

I am so thankful to have these pictures of her, because I’m sure my memories will fade over time, but I’ll have these pictures forever.

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Arrival | White Bear Lake Newborn Photographer

It was so much fun getting to meet baby W, after I’d had a wonderful maternity session with his parents, viewable here.

He was such a sweet little guy at only five days old, and born at 7lbs 9oz. He wanted to wake up, but some gentle “shh’ing” kept him down for the count. We did manage to get one picture of him with his eyes open before he was hungry again and fell back asleep. 🙂

R family, I’ve loved both sessions with you. Congratulations on your little guy! Here are some pictures for your viewing pleasure. 🙂

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Almost there | White Bear Lake Maternity Photographer

I have been so behind with my blogging lately because of the holiday season. So readers, bear with me as I get all caught up. 🙂

I was so excited to do this maternity session with the “R” family. We actually had to reschedule a couple of times, and we were cutting it close to her due date (I believe she was 37 or 38 weeks pregnant here?), so I am so glad we were able to capture this wonderful time in her pregnancy. This was one of those sessions where I felt so honored to be a part of — the intimacy that she and her husband share is really quite beautiful and touching. They have a wonderful connection, and I cannot wait to capture them with their little boy (in just a little while!). Without further ado, here are the photos. Enjoy. 🙂

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christmas baby | North Oaks Baby Photographer

Okay, the title of this post could be misleading, because she wasn’t born close to Christmas. But, with this cute smile she sure could be a Christmas baby model, no?

I had to share this one — and I promise to share more later when I get caught up with my blogging. “B” family, here’s one to whet your appetite until I am able to share more!

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