I actually cooked this meal up for the hubby and it was pretty dang good. Organic butternut squash soup with dollop of light sour cream, chopped apples and cracked pepper. I paired this with goat cheese crostini and artichoke medley, which I seasoned with parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and freshly minced garlic. Steven was delighted… I was happy that I didn’t burn anything!
This past Saturday marked the beginning of our 2012 wedding season. What a great way to start the year. We first met Kaelyn and Chris at Jessica and Andy’s wedding years ago. Since then we’ve known them not only as friends, but also Chris as a fellow photog and colleague. So, you can imagine our excitement when they asked us if we would capture their wedding day. The day couldn’t have gone more perfect. Kaelyn had wanted snow on her wedding day and despite our crazy winter, the skies opened up Friday evening and granted her wedding wish. It was such an honor (as well as a blast) working with them, their friends and their families. We wish the best for Kaelyn and Chris as they embark on this journey through life as one.
We’ve had such fun getting to know and work with Steve and Lori these past few years. Their quirkiness and personalities – individually and as a couple – clicked with us right away. Meeting Sonja and capturing stages in her young life has also been a joy for us to experience. It’s hard to believe she is now celebrating her first birthday. We loved her energy and smiles during our session in the Third Ward. Of course watching Lori and Steve interact with her took the cake – literally. Seeing a couple share their love on their wedding day is simply amazing. Watching their family grow and the love they share for one another is priceless.
Wishing everyone a fantastic Valentine’s Day! Here are a few quick snaps from a dinner party we had with some of our fellow photog friends – had a blast! Thanks to my sweet Mother, who let me borrow a few accessories – not to mention the very thoughtful tulips she had sent to us – love them. Love you Mom!
Sarah’s brother, Scott Zastrow, wrote a book based on his experiences as a special forces green beret medic. It’s called The Deguello – check it out!
It’s been a while since we have seen this little guy and his big brother, Ethan. Seems like just yesterday we were shooting Kim & Brian’s wedding! It’s been a fun ride capturing their family as it has grown throughout the years. We wish them all the best this new year!
1. DYSON Pet
There is NOTHING with better suction! Seriously, this baby gets down deeeeeep. It even has a HEPA filter to purify the exhaust air. Our house feels sooooo uberly clean – love it! Runs about $400 (you can find it online even cheaper:)
2. FABRIC SHOWER CURTAIN
I absolutely LOVE our fabric shower curtain. I think I first noticed them in hotels and liked the concept – reuse, reuse, reuse! It’s so easy to just pop it in the washer and it comes out just as good as new. Got mine at KMart for under $20.
3. VITAMIX
There is a reason the queen of the kitchen, Martha Stewart, endorses this blender – it’s the best blender out there. Make no mistake, you will LOVE this blender and all it can do. We have smoothies everyday, but my favorite thing is the soup Steven makes with the blender. That’s right, soup! The biggest difference I see in this blender, compared to others, is that is is SO powerful. It can pulverize seeds and if you leave it on long enough, it can heat up your liquid – like when we make soups. Comes with a great 7 year warranty! Another investment to make life easier and happier:) $450, but save about $100 off when you buy the refurbished model (it has the same 7 year warranty!).
4. Starbucks Mocha Frappuccino
These can be an unhealthy habit for both your body and your wallet. BUT if you make it a Mocha Frappucino Light, it’s only 130 calories for a Grande – score! At about $5 a pop, you make it yourself at home in your vitamix and save a bundle! My recipe: 1.5 cups ice, 1 cup original almond milk, 1 scoop vanilla custard egg protien (this is sooooooooo much better than whey protein – it does NOT taste like eggs;), 1 tablespoon chocolate syrup, 1 tablespoon coco powder – viola! A perfect mocha frappucino. I also like to mix it up sometimes and use coconut milk instead of almond and a throw in a few shavings of coconut.
5. BIRCHBOX
I’ve said it before and I’m gonna say it again – I love Birchbox and you will too. See why HERE. Makes the perfect xmas gift! $10/month
6. PROJECT 7 PRODUCTS
This is my most recent favorite thing! These awesome mints caught my eye while in the check out isle. Check out their site and watch this to see how you can change the world. It really makes a difference to do something as easy as buying a pack of mints – yummy mints at that! Just bought the gum today – so awesome:) So be sure to grab some on your run through the check out isle.
7. LINGUAL/CLEAR BRACES
There is no better way to get braces than to go with Dr. Moles and get lingual/clear braces. It takes some getting used to, but after a couple weeks you forget they are even there! Everyone else does too! Some people don’t even know that I have braces – LOVE THAT!
8. TRUFFLE OIL
If you enjoy mushrooms, you know the value of a truffle. Our friends (Artists Eyes) gave us a bottle of truffle oil and it makes any meal POP with flavor. Your tastebuds will love you for it. Fantastic! Find it in your specialty grocer at around $20 a bottle.
9. MR. REBATES
Ok, if you haven’t signed up for this yet, DO IT NOW here!!!! You get rebates back on all of your online shopping. Who can argue with that? I love getting my checks in the mail – and so will you!!!
10. SWIMMING
Since I don’t run in the winter, I had to take up another activity. So I went back to my favorite childhood past-time, swimming. It’s such a great workout and it really helps to lift your spirits during the cold winter solistice. I’m so glad that my friend Carol joined with me too:) I haven’t worn a sport suit since I was a kid. I found the best swimmers suit to be by TYR and it’s reversible – BONUS!
Check out my favorite things from year’s past HERE.
Capturing kids growing up is one of the things I love most about my job. Especially when they are as cute as Cole. Remember this little bambino’s newborn session? At six months old he is already sprouting up so fast! We loved meeting the rest of the family during this shoot, especially little Elise. She is such a good big sister and absolutely adorable. We are so happy Jamie and Jason asked us to capture their beautiful family. Can’t wait to work with them again soon!
The Nate Berkus Show recently spotlighted the importance of photos (as he regularly does:) and how much it can mean to us. Watch this video to literally see the emotion that fills this woman’s heart when revealed gorgeous images of her family. The importance of photos is simply invaluable. I know I may seem biased, being a photographer and all, but it’s true! Steven and I recently had our pictures taken with our pups and I couldn’t help but feel that same wave of emotions as I poured over the images. Capturing one’s family is truly a gift – one that we cherish and you will too;)
Remember this little one’s bump session? Henry arrived on 10/28/11 and Mom and Dad couldn’t be more proud. We absolutely LOVED working in the Roth home for this session. The amazing light in the nursery was exactly what we were looking for.
Thanks to Allison and Nate for allowing us to capture their new family. Congratulations!
