The holiday were crazy this year!
Of course, the holidays are crazy every year. I don't think I am alone in this dilemma.
Between work, kids, school, church, and all the activities that go with them I felt like I was sitting in the middle of a tornado with no way of hanging on.
When it was over, I started feeling a little under the weather.
That, I expected.
Sadly, it happens every year. I think when the craziness ends and I finally slow down, my body is confused and doesn't know how to respond. Luckily this year it came only in the form of a cold, rather than the severe case of the flu I got last year (on Christmas Day, no less!)
This year I decided that when January rolled around, I would set aside a day to do something for myself. I rarely ever do anything like that! Partly due to time constraints, and partly (mostly) due to cost.
However, on this occasion I was given a gift certificate and I could not wait to use it!
If you live in the Donelson area, you have probably seen the Seraphim Salon and Spa.
It sits just off Lebanon Rd in a beautiful old stone house.
My gift certificate was for a Natural Elements Massage. As I stated above, it could not have come at a better time. I could feel the tension and stress from my increasingly-gray roots all the way down to my toes!
I have to give them kudos, because it was by far the best Salon experience I have ever had!
First of all, when you go in, you are automatically taken over by something that smells really good.
It didn't smell like color and bleach the way some salons do. First impressions are so important.
Second, the ladies at the front desk were all smiles, knew my name and greeted me warmly! Before I could get a word out of what I was there for they asked me if I would like to relax with a cup of coffee or hot tea before my massage!
Hello! Can you say GREAT SERVICE!?
Next, I was taken upstairs to the area where the massage therapist works. It was the most comfortable, relaxing atmosphere I could imagine outside of my own home!
Before she came in, the massage therapist gave me a cup of the most delicious Aveda hot tea I had ever had, while sitting on a comfy sofa in a bath robe, with my feet in a hot bath.
Of course the massage was awesome too!
It lasted about an hour. Afterward, she refreshed my tea and gave me a glass of cold water to sip on before leaving. I was surprised at how much the glass of water helped to "wake me up"! (I was so relaxed, I really didn't want to go anywhere, so this helped.)
So, if you are in the area and want to treat yourself, go for it!
The ladies at Seraphim will take great care of you, treat you like family, and you will leave feeling like a whole new person!
Showing posts with label Fisher Photography. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Fisher Photography. Show all posts
Monday, January 23, 2012
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Another recomendation!
Hello!!!!!
Yes, I know it has been months since my last post. I am most definitely ashamed of this since I truly love keeping up the blog, but as you can imagine things have gotten a little.... uh, hairy in the months since my last post.
I'm sorry.
(does that about cover it? If not, well....)
Anyway!
I wanted to start the new year off with another recommendation for you!
You probably know how much I love to read. It is one of the few things that I almost always manage to make time for in a day.
Usually at night, after everyone has gone to bed, I will snuggle up in my favorite chair and enjoy some peace and quiet for a little while.
This is usually only 20-30 minutes, or until I nod off, whichever happens first.
Really it is therapeutic! I find that it helps me sleep because I am able to completely take my mind off of the hectic, craziness that has become my life lately before going to bed.
As I have said before, I love a good suspense novel.
Most people who know me think that it means I am reading horror stories, but that is actually not the case.
I do love horror movies, but books are different. Most of the time you cannot translate something that would be surprising and frightful onscreen into something that would deliver the same effect in a book. On the other hand, a good suspenseful book could easily be turned into a horror movie, simply by the extra effects and features, music, etc. that a film can add. I always love seeing a book that I have read turned into a movie.
Then, when people talk about what a great movie it is, I remind them of how I was teased for reading the book....
oh, nevermind!
Anyway, I typically read books that are suspenseful. I love the page-turners that wind a story and keep you guessing until the very end.
I have read MANY of these over the years, from John Grisham to James Patterson. All the big names you think of when you enter a bookstore. I have even read a good variety of Stephen King. That is a story for another day, though. His are typically suspenseful, but in a more supernatural way.
Then, last summer when I went to Florida with the family I was in need of a new book. I took one along that I had picked up at a yard sale.
My first day by the pool I realized I had discovered a lemon in the book world. One that sounds interesting and exciting on the back cover, but is slow and stupid once you get 50 pages in.
Ugh.
There were NO bookstores, I was an hour from the nearest Wal-Mart, and the Piggly Wiggly close by had zip.
Luckily, my little sis has the same taste in reading and had brought a few extra books along.
When I told her of my dilemma she was happy to loan me one of hers.
I looked on her bedside table to choose my new read and came away with one from an author I was unfamiliar with.
My sister told me that once I read some of his books, I would be spoiled. I would find it hard to read books written by other authors because they just didn't have that extra "umph!" I figured she was being dramatic.
WOW!!!
I am totally hooked!
The author's name is Harlan Coben.
He has been writing for years, I just cannot believe I did not stumble upon his work before now. My sis was right. I just hope he keeps writing.... what will I do if he every quits?
Regardless, I picked up the book and started reading.
I could NOT put it down. I managed to break for dinner, but was soon buried in the story once again.
I have no idea what time I finally fell asleep that first night, but I do know that I soaked up a good tan the next two days. That is because I spent the next day and a half by the pool with my nose buried in that book!
I read it all the way through, in record time considering the fact that my 2 kids, 2 nephews, and my niece were usually splashing in the pool right beside me!
I have since read 5 or 6 of his other books. Each one was fantastic! Obviously I have my favorites, one of which is that first book I read.
As with some other authors, he has a series of books that follow a main character (Myron Bolitar) through each. Therefore, those need to be read in order. So, before picking up one of his books, I recommend you check to be sure you are not starting in the middle of the series. It might be hard to follow if you don't start with the first one.
Among my favorites so far, if you are looking to try one (aside from the one mentioned above):
All of his books are available on Amazon. I got most of mine that way. Just click on the links above if you want to try one of these, it will take you right to it.
You CANNOT go wrong with any of these! You will find yourself whisked away into a suspenseful mystery, trying to determine if you have it figured out!
Isn't that the best part, after all?
Yes, I know it has been months since my last post. I am most definitely ashamed of this since I truly love keeping up the blog, but as you can imagine things have gotten a little.... uh, hairy in the months since my last post.
I'm sorry.
(does that about cover it? If not, well....)
Anyway!
I wanted to start the new year off with another recommendation for you!
You probably know how much I love to read. It is one of the few things that I almost always manage to make time for in a day.
Usually at night, after everyone has gone to bed, I will snuggle up in my favorite chair and enjoy some peace and quiet for a little while.
This is usually only 20-30 minutes, or until I nod off, whichever happens first.
Really it is therapeutic! I find that it helps me sleep because I am able to completely take my mind off of the hectic, craziness that has become my life lately before going to bed.
As I have said before, I love a good suspense novel.
Most people who know me think that it means I am reading horror stories, but that is actually not the case.
I do love horror movies, but books are different. Most of the time you cannot translate something that would be surprising and frightful onscreen into something that would deliver the same effect in a book. On the other hand, a good suspenseful book could easily be turned into a horror movie, simply by the extra effects and features, music, etc. that a film can add. I always love seeing a book that I have read turned into a movie.
Then, when people talk about what a great movie it is, I remind them of how I was teased for reading the book....
oh, nevermind!
Anyway, I typically read books that are suspenseful. I love the page-turners that wind a story and keep you guessing until the very end.
I have read MANY of these over the years, from John Grisham to James Patterson. All the big names you think of when you enter a bookstore. I have even read a good variety of Stephen King. That is a story for another day, though. His are typically suspenseful, but in a more supernatural way.
Then, last summer when I went to Florida with the family I was in need of a new book. I took one along that I had picked up at a yard sale.
My first day by the pool I realized I had discovered a lemon in the book world. One that sounds interesting and exciting on the back cover, but is slow and stupid once you get 50 pages in.
Ugh.
There were NO bookstores, I was an hour from the nearest Wal-Mart, and the Piggly Wiggly close by had zip.
Luckily, my little sis has the same taste in reading and had brought a few extra books along.
When I told her of my dilemma she was happy to loan me one of hers.
I looked on her bedside table to choose my new read and came away with one from an author I was unfamiliar with.
My sister told me that once I read some of his books, I would be spoiled. I would find it hard to read books written by other authors because they just didn't have that extra "umph!" I figured she was being dramatic.
WOW!!!
I am totally hooked!
The author's name is Harlan Coben.
He has been writing for years, I just cannot believe I did not stumble upon his work before now. My sis was right. I just hope he keeps writing.... what will I do if he every quits?
Regardless, I picked up the book and started reading.
I could NOT put it down. I managed to break for dinner, but was soon buried in the story once again.
I have no idea what time I finally fell asleep that first night, but I do know that I soaked up a good tan the next two days. That is because I spent the next day and a half by the pool with my nose buried in that book!
I read it all the way through, in record time considering the fact that my 2 kids, 2 nephews, and my niece were usually splashing in the pool right beside me!
That first book I read was called "Just One Look".
I have since read 5 or 6 of his other books. Each one was fantastic! Obviously I have my favorites, one of which is that first book I read.
As with some other authors, he has a series of books that follow a main character (Myron Bolitar) through each. Therefore, those need to be read in order. So, before picking up one of his books, I recommend you check to be sure you are not starting in the middle of the series. It might be hard to follow if you don't start with the first one.
Among my favorites so far, if you are looking to try one (aside from the one mentioned above):
* Caught
* Tell No One
* Play Dead
You CANNOT go wrong with any of these! You will find yourself whisked away into a suspenseful mystery, trying to determine if you have it figured out!
Isn't that the best part, after all?
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Wordless Wednesday...
Ok, almost wordless.
This is stunning.
Friday, April 15, 2011
I recommend...
Well, this is something I have considered adding to my blog for a while now. Coincidentally, it is also the "Show us your life" topic today over at Kelly's Korner.
Every now and then we all come across something that is either a good deal, a good read, great movie, and so on. I don't know about everyone else, but I love getting recommendations from friends when they come across something like this. Obviously you won't always have the same opinion or taste as someone else, but just think about the times when someone gave you a tip that you really enjoyed! You come away excited and grateful for it. At least I do.
For example, my sis and my friend Beth both told me for months that I needed to get the Pioneer Woman cookbook.
I admit that I hesitated, from the sound of it I was worried that it would involve too many things that make my skin crawl.... like lima beans and turnip greens. (shutter...)
BUT! After my sister repeatedly told me how good the Chocolate Cake recipe was I had to try it. I ordered it from Amazon for Christmas and when I finally dove into it I was thrilled!! In fact, on one of our many snow days this year I jumped in and tried several of her recipes, you can read about it here.
Lesson learned.
I was very grateful for the tip as I have made many of the Pioneer Woman recipes that I dare say I would never want to go without again!
So, here is my first recommendation for you (Ok, I guess this would technically be the second).
My husband told me about a book that someone had referred to him at work. He works in an office with lots of women, they talk a lot.
Anyway, he knew it would be something I would enjoy reading.
The book is called 90 Minutes in Heaven.
Wow. Let me tell you, it was great! I got it from the library and was done reading it within a few days.
It is written by a Baptist preacher in the south who was involved in a horrible car accident and died, squashed in his car on the side of the road, after being struck by a tractor trailer.
As you can guess from the title, he was later revived.
I have always had a fascination with "near death experiences." I have no idea why, but I love to sit and listen to someone tell of their experience. Even though there are times when some stories I read about or hear seem a little too "hoaky" or made-up, there are always the ones you can tell are absolutely for real. This is one of those stories.
As a Christian I know for a fact that Heaven is waiting for me, so there is not a problem with doubt. I guess you would call it curiosity, plain and simple. Quite obviously, most people do not go there and then come back. So to hear someone tell of his experience there is captivating.
It was one of those books I will never forget. His descriptions alone leave you thirsty for more detail.
I got mine from the library, but you can also find it at Amazon for about $8-10.
So don't wait!
I assure you it is worth reading.
For those of you who have read it, let me know what you thought about it!
Every now and then we all come across something that is either a good deal, a good read, great movie, and so on. I don't know about everyone else, but I love getting recommendations from friends when they come across something like this. Obviously you won't always have the same opinion or taste as someone else, but just think about the times when someone gave you a tip that you really enjoyed! You come away excited and grateful for it. At least I do.
For example, my sis and my friend Beth both told me for months that I needed to get the Pioneer Woman cookbook.
I admit that I hesitated, from the sound of it I was worried that it would involve too many things that make my skin crawl.... like lima beans and turnip greens. (shutter...)
BUT! After my sister repeatedly told me how good the Chocolate Cake recipe was I had to try it. I ordered it from Amazon for Christmas and when I finally dove into it I was thrilled!! In fact, on one of our many snow days this year I jumped in and tried several of her recipes, you can read about it here.
Lesson learned.
I was very grateful for the tip as I have made many of the Pioneer Woman recipes that I dare say I would never want to go without again!
So, here is my first recommendation for you (Ok, I guess this would technically be the second).
My husband told me about a book that someone had referred to him at work. He works in an office with lots of women, they talk a lot.
Anyway, he knew it would be something I would enjoy reading.
The book is called 90 Minutes in Heaven.
Wow. Let me tell you, it was great! I got it from the library and was done reading it within a few days.
It is written by a Baptist preacher in the south who was involved in a horrible car accident and died, squashed in his car on the side of the road, after being struck by a tractor trailer.
As you can guess from the title, he was later revived.
I have always had a fascination with "near death experiences." I have no idea why, but I love to sit and listen to someone tell of their experience. Even though there are times when some stories I read about or hear seem a little too "hoaky" or made-up, there are always the ones you can tell are absolutely for real. This is one of those stories.
As a Christian I know for a fact that Heaven is waiting for me, so there is not a problem with doubt. I guess you would call it curiosity, plain and simple. Quite obviously, most people do not go there and then come back. So to hear someone tell of his experience there is captivating.
It was one of those books I will never forget. His descriptions alone leave you thirsty for more detail.
I got mine from the library, but you can also find it at Amazon for about $8-10.
So don't wait!
I assure you it is worth reading.
For those of you who have read it, let me know what you thought about it!
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Spring Proof Special!
Well, once again the springtime holidays are sneaking up on me!
Wasn't it just Christmas?? How time flies!
Before we know it, it's going to be Easter, Mother's Day, Father's Day.
I always struggle with what to give my mom and dad on these holidays.
Doesn't everyone?
I mean, the traditional tie for Father's Day or a bouquet of flowers for mom just seems tired to me.
I like to do things a little bit different. Don't you?
To help you out a little, I am offering a special spring sale through the end of March.
You can get an entire set of proofs from any previous session for only $25!! This is half price and a great deal!!
They are the perfect size for a cute desktop frame and for giving as gifts.
Just think, you could put a few in a great frame and give them to Mom, put them in an album to keep for yourself, or give Dad a couple of great pictures to adorn his desk at work!
Plan ahead and give them a gift this year they will really get excited about!
Contact me now to order!!
www.tammyfisherphotography.com
Wasn't it just Christmas?? How time flies!
Before we know it, it's going to be Easter, Mother's Day, Father's Day.
I always struggle with what to give my mom and dad on these holidays.
Doesn't everyone?
I mean, the traditional tie for Father's Day or a bouquet of flowers for mom just seems tired to me.
I like to do things a little bit different. Don't you?
To help you out a little, I am offering a special spring sale through the end of March.
You can get an entire set of proofs from any previous session for only $25!! This is half price and a great deal!!
They are the perfect size for a cute desktop frame and for giving as gifts.
Just think, you could put a few in a great frame and give them to Mom, put them in an album to keep for yourself, or give Dad a couple of great pictures to adorn his desk at work!
Plan ahead and give them a gift this year they will really get excited about!
Contact me now to order!!
www.tammyfisherphotography.com
Friday, March 11, 2011
In the blink of an eye...
Things can happen so fast.
One minute everything is normal, fine, average. We go about our daily lives, doing our chores and complaining about the little things.
In the blink of an eye, things can go very, horribly wrong.
This is the theme of all news stories today. One horrible tragedy turned into two, and it doesn't seem to have stopped yet.
Japan has suffered a record-breaking earthquake, followed by a tsunami. Both have cost the lives of many.
This just shows us how fortunate we are. We are blessed with so much, and it could all be gone within a moment. We need to offer up our prayers for all the people affected by this horrible event. It is absolutely devastating.
It should teach us some very valuable lessons, though.
We should live our lives as if today were the last and be thankful for everything God has given us. We shouldn't put so much weight on the little things that get us so uptight.
Mostly we should tell those we love how much they mean to us.
Because, what if they were gone tomorrow?
We should make sure that we are living our lives as Christians, and not waiting to do it tomorrow.
Because, what if WE were gone tomorrow?
One minute everything is normal, fine, average. We go about our daily lives, doing our chores and complaining about the little things.
In the blink of an eye, things can go very, horribly wrong.
This is the theme of all news stories today. One horrible tragedy turned into two, and it doesn't seem to have stopped yet.
Japan has suffered a record-breaking earthquake, followed by a tsunami. Both have cost the lives of many.
This just shows us how fortunate we are. We are blessed with so much, and it could all be gone within a moment. We need to offer up our prayers for all the people affected by this horrible event. It is absolutely devastating.
It should teach us some very valuable lessons, though.
We should live our lives as if today were the last and be thankful for everything God has given us. We shouldn't put so much weight on the little things that get us so uptight.
Mostly we should tell those we love how much they mean to us.
Because, what if they were gone tomorrow?
We should make sure that we are living our lives as Christians, and not waiting to do it tomorrow.
Because, what if WE were gone tomorrow?
Friday, March 4, 2011
mmmm.... cupcakes!
Well, once again this will probably be fairly short.
I posted here the other day about making the leap into Cakes as Dixie Belle's and have since started a Facebook page for those of you interested in seeing my cakes.
Thank you to all those who have visited and sent me sweet messages. It is so exciting and rewarding to do something fun with my time that people actually enjoy.
I realized when I posted that day that there were no pictures of cupcakes, only the cakes. Oops!
So, here you go! I am so excited about some of these, they are just delightful!
Now, I just have to concentrate on NOT tasting every single thing I bake....
That's gonna be tough. I LOVE CAKE.
Anyway! Here are some recent cupcakes I have done. They were quite cute and I am currently working on new designs.... (oooh, this is FUN!)
These were really beautiful! No matter what angle I shot from though I could not seem to find one that did justice to these. All gathered together it looked like a bright flower garden on my table.
I love how sweet and simple these are. I dusted them with some sweet pink, sparkly color and added some edible pearls.
Very girlie.
I have 2 boys so I don't get to do much "girlie" stuff, so these really appeal to me (and my need for some pink occasionally...)
These are so cute! When you put a whole bunch of these together you have a whole bouquet of daisies! They are smaller than a typical cupcake, perfect for the small child with small hands. Perfect for a springtime tea party!
Let me tell you, these did not last long at my house! Yum is all I can say about this one. I made some similar to this and gave them out at Christmas. They were a big hit!
I have to say that this is one of my favorites. It's elegant, but not over the top. I love the little rose buds in the bright green, but I think they would be awesome in other colors too! Imagine this for a bridal shower in her colors..... very cool!
I must add that I would have posted these sooner, but my life as a photographer would not allow me to just snap a picture on my kitchen counter.
Some of the added enjoyment I get out of this process is figuring out the color and presentation. I want them to be tasty, but they also need to stand out and look good!
More designs to come...
I posted here the other day about making the leap into Cakes as Dixie Belle's and have since started a Facebook page for those of you interested in seeing my cakes.
Thank you to all those who have visited and sent me sweet messages. It is so exciting and rewarding to do something fun with my time that people actually enjoy.
I realized when I posted that day that there were no pictures of cupcakes, only the cakes. Oops!
So, here you go! I am so excited about some of these, they are just delightful!
Now, I just have to concentrate on NOT tasting every single thing I bake....
That's gonna be tough. I LOVE CAKE.
Anyway! Here are some recent cupcakes I have done. They were quite cute and I am currently working on new designs.... (oooh, this is FUN!)
These were really beautiful! No matter what angle I shot from though I could not seem to find one that did justice to these. All gathered together it looked like a bright flower garden on my table.
I love how sweet and simple these are. I dusted them with some sweet pink, sparkly color and added some edible pearls.
Very girlie.
I have 2 boys so I don't get to do much "girlie" stuff, so these really appeal to me (and my need for some pink occasionally...)
These are so cute! When you put a whole bunch of these together you have a whole bouquet of daisies! They are smaller than a typical cupcake, perfect for the small child with small hands. Perfect for a springtime tea party!
Let me tell you, these did not last long at my house! Yum is all I can say about this one. I made some similar to this and gave them out at Christmas. They were a big hit!
I have to say that this is one of my favorites. It's elegant, but not over the top. I love the little rose buds in the bright green, but I think they would be awesome in other colors too! Imagine this for a bridal shower in her colors..... very cool!
I must add that I would have posted these sooner, but my life as a photographer would not allow me to just snap a picture on my kitchen counter.
Some of the added enjoyment I get out of this process is figuring out the color and presentation. I want them to be tasty, but they also need to stand out and look good!
More designs to come...
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Valentine Prep..
Ok, is it just me or does Valentine's Day become more about the kids and their parties once you're a parent?
Not that I ever really got into the holiday that much before I had kids (in my adult life at least, I did as a child), but now it seems to be all about them.
Seriously folks, if you love someone you should show them how much you love th
em every day. You don't need one day set aside, only to go out and buy WAY OVERPRICED flowers, etc. I would be pretty ticked off if my husband came home with roses and I found out he paid $40 or $50 for them! Next week you could buy those same flowers for me for about $10!!! It's just a racket, but hey that is just my opinion!
Anyway! Back to the kids... There are the school parties, the nasty little hearts that taste like chalk, the valentine cards (and what character will grace their cover this year - heaven forbid we repeat a year past), and the chocolate kisses.
(Ok, I admit I like the chocolate and will readily raid my kids' treats when they c
ome home...)
It's a lot of work! This year Cameron was given homework to build his own box in order to receive his valentines at their party on Monday. Since we were out yesterday for yet ANOTHER snow day (I won't even go there.. been there, blogged that already) I figured we
would spend the day doing all the prep work involved in getting them ready for the chocolate-covered holiday.
So, Cameron set to work on his box. I must say when he returned an hour or so later I was really
impressed with what he came up with! Obviously, gift-wrapping a shoe box was not going to do it for him, it had to be unique.
He found a piece of cardboard in the basement, cut it into the appropriate sizes and formed it together to make a mailbox! (You can see here that LOTS of tape was involved in this process....) It is complete with the flag on the side, our address, and a door that opens with a latch to receive his mail! I know, I'm the mom and I will be biased, but I thought that was very creativ
e!!
Next, we set out to do the cards. Christian chose Scooby Do
o (big surprise - yeah, right.)
Cameron asked for a superhero theme. Since Target did not have any superheroes he had not previously handed out we decided on dinosaurs. NOT just any dinosaurs, mind you.
These litt
le darlins have a hologram!
First you see the dinosaur, then you see the skeleton. Cool, huh!?
I know not very romantic, but he's only 9 romance isn't the point quite yet. He wants cool. We achieved that.
Naturally, since we were home all day they asked for a snack that I normally would not have time to make. So, I figured I would make it fun and festive! They have been begging for rice krispie treats.
I don't h
ave any rice krispies...
but I DO have Fruity Pebbles! They were super cheap at Publi
x yesterday, so I made them fruity pebble treats. You know, I think I like them better! They are fun and colorful and they taste much better! The kids thought they were just the best thing ever, and they sort of went with the whole Valentine theme so it worked!
So, the best part now is that we are all set for the kids' Valentine's Day parties at school Monday!
The prep work is done. At least until the next holiday.
I hope you all enjoy your Valentine's Day. Whether you celebrate it big or not at all, be sure to tell those close to you how much you love and appreciate them!
With love,
Not that I ever really got into the holiday that much before I had kids (in my adult life at least, I did as a child), but now it seems to be all about them.
Seriously folks, if you love someone you should show them how much you love th
em every day. You don't need one day set aside, only to go out and buy WAY OVERPRICED flowers, etc. I would be pretty ticked off if my husband came home with roses and I found out he paid $40 or $50 for them! Next week you could buy those same flowers for me for about $10!!! It's just a racket, but hey that is just my opinion!Anyway! Back to the kids... There are the school parties, the nasty little hearts that taste like chalk, the valentine cards (and what character will grace their cover this year - heaven forbid we repeat a year past), and the chocolate kisses.
(Ok, I admit I like the chocolate and will readily raid my kids' treats when they c
ome home...)It's a lot of work! This year Cameron was given homework to build his own box in order to receive his valentines at their party on Monday. Since we were out yesterday for yet ANOTHER snow day (I won't even go there.. been there, blogged that already) I figured we
would spend the day doing all the prep work involved in getting them ready for the chocolate-covered holiday.So, Cameron set to work on his box. I must say when he returned an hour or so later I was really
impressed with what he came up with! Obviously, gift-wrapping a shoe box was not going to do it for him, it had to be unique.He found a piece of cardboard in the basement, cut it into the appropriate sizes and formed it together to make a mailbox! (You can see here that LOTS of tape was involved in this process....) It is complete with the flag on the side, our address, and a door that opens with a latch to receive his mail! I know, I'm the mom and I will be biased, but I thought that was very creativ
e!!Next, we set out to do the cards. Christian chose Scooby Do
o (big surprise - yeah, right.)Cameron asked for a superhero theme. Since Target did not have any superheroes he had not previously handed out we decided on dinosaurs. NOT just any dinosaurs, mind you.
These litt
le darlins have a hologram!
First you see the dinosaur, then you see the skeleton. Cool, huh!?
I know not very romantic, but he's only 9 romance isn't the point quite yet. He wants cool. We achieved that.
Naturally, since we were home all day they asked for a snack that I normally would not have time to make. So, I figured I would make it fun and festive! They have been begging for rice krispie treats.
I don't h
ave any rice krispies...but I DO have Fruity Pebbles! They were super cheap at Publi
x yesterday, so I made them fruity pebble treats. You know, I think I like them better! They are fun and colorful and they taste much better! The kids thought they were just the best thing ever, and they sort of went with the whole Valentine theme so it worked!So, the best part now is that we are all set for the kids' Valentine's Day parties at school Monday!
The prep work is done. At least until the next holiday.
I hope you all enjoy your Valentine's Day. Whether you celebrate it big or not at all, be sure to tell those close to you how much you love and appreciate them!
With love,
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Baking on a snow day!
Even little Dixie is itching for something fun to do...
Lately, every time we get even the smallest flurry the kids are out of school! Luckily this coincides with the typical slow-down I experience in January. I get so busy and crazy with work in the summer and fall, it is a welcome break to slow down just a little the first of the year. This allows me to get some things done around home and spend time doing things with the kids.
Yesterday was one of those days..... again.
This time I had something different to keep me busy. The kids were busy playing Wii, and actually NOT fighting..... (Mark that down on the calendar since, let's face it, that is rare with two boys!)
I got a new cookbook for Christmas, but had not gotten to even look at it, much less cook anything out of it. Yesterday I broke it open and let me tell you I fell in LOVE!!!
My friend, Beth, and my sister had both told me about it. They raved and raved so I knew I had to have it!
It is called "The Pioneer Woman Cooks". It is a neat book, which journals the life of a city girl who married a cowboy and ended up living on a ranch. She had to change the way she lives and cooks to feed her cowboy husband, ranch hands, and 4 kids!! She shares not only her stories but her recipes, made to feed many with even the picky eaters in mind.
PERFECT!!
I haven't gotten all the way through, but this was our beginning! It is basically a muffin rolled in cinnamon sugar.... What better way to begin!?
Cameron came in occasionally to help me.
(Pay no attention to the tv in the background.... Yes, I think that is Shelly Long. There was not much on tv yesterday and besides we were too busy baking to notice what was on!)Anyway, Cameron did a great job rolling the muffins in the butter and sugar.
Maybe too good. There was not a bare spot on them when he was done!
Let me tell you, these things were divine!!! They were so easy to make and the boys (husband included) sucked them down as if they were about to be stolen.
I then made her Chicken Spaghetti for dinner. It was really good, really easy, and it made so much I could have served an army. That means leftovers, which is always good! (Sorry, didn't take a picture of it.... you'll just have to buy the cookbook. But trust me it was good!)
If you have never seen or heard of this cookbook, now is the time to get it! Most people I know took advantage of the Amazon gift card a few days ago. What better to spend it on!
You can click on the link below to go get it from Amazon!
Tonight I will be making her chocolate sheet cake, which I hear is amazing and it looks incredibly easy. I just love those two things when you put them together!
So, THANK YOU to Kim and Beth for insisting I buy this book!
Now, I am insisting....
Go Get it!!
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Ho! Ho! Ho!
Hellooo!!!!!!
Wow, guys I can't believe it was Halloween when I last posted something. How time flies. I can hardly believe it is already into December. Feels like I have been in the middle of a tornado the last couple of months!
So, here is a quick post with some recent updates on what I have been busy doing the last couple of months!
As I wrote earlier in the fall I have had the opportunity to photograph some great families lately! Recently, many of them have come to me to design their Christmas cards. Typically when someone asks me to do this for them, I come up with 3, 4, or more designs for them and they can choose the one that best suits them.
So! Since I don't want to spoil the surprise for any one of you who may be receiving a card from one of these families, I will not post the ones they actually chose. I will post, though some of the other samples I did for them.
This is something I really enjoy doing! As much as I love my work as a photographer, the part of me who studied graphic design in college, really loves getting to create something from scratch, just a plain white screen, and see it turn into something beautiful.
I always love to see how a card shows the personality of each family. You can tell a lot about them by the card they choose. Whether it is classic and simple or modern and trendy.
Some choose color and others like the look of black and white. Personally I love them all. I always have a hard time creating my own because I just can't decide.
Well, it is back to the drawing board for me now! I would love to go on and on, but I am going to have to hold off on my ramblings until...... well, probably January.
I still have a lot of work to do! (If you are one that is waiting on me to finish yours, I promise this post didn't take me away for too long!)
Until then, I want to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas!! Enjoy the time with your family and friends, and never forget the REASON FOR THE SEASON!
Wow, guys I can't believe it was Halloween when I last posted something. How time flies. I can hardly believe it is already into December. Feels like I have been in the middle of a tornado the last couple of months!
So, here is a quick post with some recent updates on what I have been busy doing the last couple of months!
As I wrote earlier in the fall I have had the opportunity to photograph some great families lately! Recently, many of them have come to me to design their Christmas cards. Typically when someone asks me to do this for them, I come up with 3, 4, or more designs for them and they can choose the one that best suits them.
So! Since I don't want to spoil the surprise for any one of you who may be receiving a card from one of these families, I will not post the ones they actually chose. I will post, though some of the other samples I did for them.
This is something I really enjoy doing! As much as I love my work as a photographer, the part of me who studied graphic design in college, really loves getting to create something from scratch, just a plain white screen, and see it turn into something beautiful.
I always love to see how a card shows the personality of each family. You can tell a lot about them by the card they choose. Whether it is classic and simple or modern and trendy.
Some choose color and others like the look of black and white. Personally I love them all. I always have a hard time creating my own because I just can't decide.
Well, it is back to the drawing board for me now! I would love to go on and on, but I am going to have to hold off on my ramblings until...... well, probably January. I still have a lot of work to do! (If you are one that is waiting on me to finish yours, I promise this post didn't take me away for too long!)
Until then, I want to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas!! Enjoy the time with your family and friends, and never forget the REASON FOR THE SEASON!
Friday, August 20, 2010
What i've been up to...
Wow! I have been a bad blogger this summer!
I am sorry, my life has been a total whirlwind it seems since May when my kids were officially at home ALL THE TIME!
I don't know about you, but summer seems to be so exhausting! I remember summers as a kid being fun and relaxing. You know, sleeping late, sitting by the pool, maybe a part-time summer job.
Not anymore. I honestly don't know where it went! One day I am making plans to try and figure out how I will keep the kids busy, the next I am buying school supplies.
We were blessed with many family members, who came to visit from New Orleans, many activities, and one family vacation to Florida. Whew!
So, last week the kids started back to school. Not just that.... my youngest started Kindergarten!
Ouch.
I have to say that with Cameron, my oldest, I was a little more prepared and relieved because I still had a baby at home. Not that I wasn't sad, I was. Everyone cries a little when you take your child to their first day of school. This time is different. Now, when I drop the kids off at school, I drive back home and there is NO ONE there.
Yes, I do enjoy the quiet and the fact that I can get some work accomplished! But, at the same time it scares me because I really realize now how fast they grow. They will be grown before I know it.
So, now I am pledging that I will do better! I will get more posts up, more often. So, stay tuned!
I also plan to start the "Photoshop How-To" posts again. Let me know if there is something in particular you want to know and I will try to address it.
I am going to try and get some more Flordia photos up soon, too. So stick around and I will try to keep it interesting!
I am sorry, my life has been a total whirlwind it seems since May when my kids were officially at home ALL THE TIME!
I don't know about you, but summer seems to be so exhausting! I remember summers as a kid being fun and relaxing. You know, sleeping late, sitting by the pool, maybe a part-time summer job.
Not anymore. I honestly don't know where it went! One day I am making plans to try and figure out how I will keep the kids busy, the next I am buying school supplies.
We were blessed with many family members, who came to visit from New Orleans, many activities, and one family vacation to Florida. Whew!
So, last week the kids started back to school. Not just that.... my youngest started Kindergarten!
Ouch.
I have to say that with Cameron, my oldest, I was a little more prepared and relieved because I still had a baby at home. Not that I wasn't sad, I was. Everyone cries a little when you take your child to their first day of school. This time is different. Now, when I drop the kids off at school, I drive back home and there is NO ONE there.
Yes, I do enjoy the quiet and the fact that I can get some work accomplished! But, at the same time it scares me because I really realize now how fast they grow. They will be grown before I know it.So, now I am pledging that I will do better! I will get more posts up, more often. So, stay tuned!
I also plan to start the "Photoshop How-To" posts again. Let me know if there is something in particular you want to know and I will try to address it.
I am going to try and get some more Flordia photos up soon, too. So stick around and I will try to keep it interesting!
Friday, July 30, 2010
Friday Fives time! Random questions....
Today's Friday Fives are some random questions about me. My friend, Beth came up with these.. not sure where she gets them?? Anyway, whether you want to know these things or not, here goes!1. If you could be o
n a show (talk show, game show, anything...) what would you pick?Well, I guess my answer to this one would have to be LOST. I loved this show! I know
, it's already over. I just think this would have been a fun one. And, since it was filmed mostly in Hawaii that would be the perfect reason for me to finally get to visit there!Plus, let's be honest, have you seen the cast? Why would I not want to hang out on a beach in Hawaii with those beautiful cast members!?
2. What w
as your first job?I am not going to count the numerous babysitting jobs I did. So, my first "real" job was at a little market across the street from David Lipscomb, where I went to school. It was called "Granny's Pantry." I worked there a couple of days a week after school. Mostly, I sold candy bars to high school kids, made Icees and sandwiches. It was actually fun! I didn't make squat, but it was easy.
3. What's one of your guilty pleasures?
That would have to be chocolate ice cream with magic shell on top!
I know, I have said it before (and yes, I realize that I am not a kid anymore..... but I am too old to care!)
I can give up a lot of things, but there are just a few that I won't. I have to say that Dr.Pepper and coffee should be equals on this list! There could be worse things, right!?
4. Would you ever vacation alone?
Probably not. I don't mind going to movies by myself, shopping alone, etc. But, after all the years as a flight attendant spending night after night alone in my hotel room, I wouldn't want to go anywhere by myself. Been there,done that. It was fun and relaxing at first to have the room all to myself, but that wore off fairly quickly. Why travel somewhere fun without someone to share it with?
5. Democrat, Republican, or Independent..... or even Green Party (whatever that is)?I am a proud Republican! More than that I am a conservative. I don't often bring my political views into my blog, but she asked the question! I promise not to rant and rave, this isn't the place.
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