I {heart} Giveaways

This one is blog worthy.  If you're not familiar with Nicole V photography and Flourish Emporium, you should be.  She offers quite an array of photography tools for the hobbyist or pro including incredible live and self-paced professional workshops.  Right now she's having a major holiday sale and a giveaway for a seat to one of her upcoming workshops or self-paced workshops in a box.  Check it out!
http://blog.nicholev.com/

http://shop.nicholeV.com

Pumpkin Picking and Fun in NJ

We headed to go see Emme's "papa and GG" in New Jersey and they had a great day in store for the Empress.  We went to a lovely orchard and Em had her face painted (rainbow princess was her request), went on a tractor driven hay ride to the patch and chose the perfect pumpkin to be carved by her Papa.  She drew the face and the carving commenced.  Having a ride on "Fudge" the pony was a special treat.  We raked leaves, jumped in them and had fun playing ball in the backyard before dinner.

Apple Picking Fun

A Love Story and Jewelry Shopping

I will go back to play catch up later but here's a little story to tell you how I got here.  In August my mom was unexpectedly diagnosed with lung cancer.  We're not focused on the stage but on the treatment which we hope will work but the reality is, it's not good.  In my quest to find a way to let her know there was hope I started thinking of a trinket I might get that would give her a lift .  I stumbled upon a jewelry designer's website, placed an order and the rest is history.  2 weeks later my mom hasn't taken off her "while I breathe, I hope" necklace and I am not selling Tina's designs because I believe in them.  I only learned today of how that particular motto came to be but it is awe inspiring to say the least.  Mom's pendent arrived before it's scheduled delivery just one day before the first round of chemo. It's beautiful, handmade and perfect.  It's not cancer specific but inspiring.  Whether an ill child, a pending divorce, a chemo patient, your first marathon, etc it will bring hope and inspiration.

This began a chat with the owner, a former social worker turned jewelry designer.  Suffice to say I am now selling her work. Why?  Why not?  I like things which inspire me, inspire others and are unique.  I won't be quitting my day job but I like to stand behind things I believe in and of course if I make a few bucks, even better.  I won't torture anyone with requests to come a party and wear your underwear on your head to win a free straw or make you feel pressured to make a purchase but I want to share the excitement and enjoyment.  I'll be sending out a FB blast so if you see this twice, lucky you.

Check out the site and if there is something you like, want to buy, a gift, etc let's talk.  I want this to be meaningful so 10% of all sales as a result of this blog post and my FB blast will result in a donation to St. Jude Children's Hospital.  I'm passionate about children and St. Jude is one of those places I donate to every year just because.  They do a lot for children and their families and this is my way of giving back in spite of how my own family is being affected by this terrible disease.

www.tinasteinberg.com

If you're interested in a custom design, we can do that too.  If you are a group (say adoptive parents or photographers) and want a group custom design, word or quote, that's doable.  If you want to personalize an existing piece that's fine too.  I was thinking "chosen" would be a great piece for us adoption mamas and our kiddos.  The most important thing is if you want to order make sure you use my rep code lisae upon checkout for your own special treat/discount from me to you.

If you have any questions, email me at mswlisa@aol.com OR call me or ask for my # and I am happy to answer any questions.

The Day Has Come, Logo Revealed

Photovision DVD's

If you are interested in photography whatsoever I highly recommend the Photovision DVD's.  Every 2 months you'll receive a DVD with live shoots, pullbacks and editing from the pros.  Whether portraiture, nature, wildlife, etc there is something for everyone.  They're normally $149 but if you use code PVFAN you can get all of 2010 for $39.  Use the link below!  If you don't love them I will give you back your $39.  Actually so will they!  I have 2009 and now receiving 2010.
http://fansof.photovisionvideo.com/Lisa/053778

There's a New Bike in Town and her name is Pinky trix

Play Date!

Bermuda, Bahamas, come on pretty mama

SOOC

Maybe it's come on pretty baby but you get the idea.  Tons of photos to weed through but if I don't post a few I'm going to get it from my maternal figure.  More to come including some catching up.

SOOC

Just for Mom-Mom

40 and Fabulous

40 years ago, my mom was getting ready to welcome me into the world. She's never missed a beat in all that time. I hope I never miss a minute of Emme's. In some families, being raised by a single parent is a hardship and is others a blessing.  I know whatever I learned, I learned close to home and can only hope to be as good a parent as she is to me.  Turning 40 is my badge of courage.  Similar to my Twenty-Ten post, I've accomplished so much these past 10 years that I really am celebrating me and the people who have contributed to my success.  Together these strengths and weaknesses brought me to take a leap of faith into the arms of a Chinese baby needing a mommy to love her forever.  From bad, comes good and from good comes great.  At 40, I am enjoying life as mommy to a feisty four-year old.  I don't know all the answers but I know the journey just continues from here

Please Vote!

More Than Words {international}

Friday Night Date

Cupcakes airbrushed in blue and green $5
Cinderella DVD $15
Princess couture $40

Watching my girl relish every moment and even taking on the role of the prince to dance with her....PRICELESS

25 Summer Goals - Updated 7/22

1. Enjoy every possible moment of my 9 night cruise next month 
2. Eat ice cream 
3. Go swimming as often as possible 
4. Wear sunscreen 
5. Wear a cool hat or big flower in my hair 
6. Find sea glass to add to my small collection 
7. Go fruit picking 
8. Read what's on my Nook 
9. Take lots and lots of pictures 
10. Practice the aforementioned skill 
11. Have picnics with Emme for dinner 
12. Spend more time off the computer than on 
13. Let people take photos of me 
14. Go to a farmer's market 
15. Invite friends over for dinner 
16. Relax 
17. Take bubble baths 
18. Find some great recipes for summer fare 
19. Have many pedicures (nothing uglier than a snaggle-toe) 
20. Wear a bathing suit and not give a shit what anyone thinks 
21. Make a new friend 
22. Visit an old friend 
23. Do something extra special and romantic for the man I love 
24. Look for inner peace 
25. Spend every possible moment loving my daughter and showing her all the beauty that is the world.

Haute Couture

We had a lazy weekend.  Didn't do much of anything and I believe pajamas was what I wore all weekend but that didn't stop Em from making an entrance.  You don't have to ask her twice if she wants matzoh ball soup.  She carefully selected her new rainbow dress, her silver sandals and donned one of her colorful hats.  With sunglasses to add the finishing touch, she emerged ready to take her dogs (stuffed) in a stroller walk to the local kosher deli.  As the story is retold to me, she made it as far as the mailbox before proclaiming pushing the dogs was hard work and she was ready to go over in the car.  Only a real gentleman would oblige this lovely young lady who was breaking in new shoes.

Happy Birthday Twinkie

Twinkie is Emme's favorite dog.  I only learned a few months ago HE was a SHE.  Twinkie is worn for she goes everywhere.  I recently bought a backup but gave it to her.  We now have Twinkie and Princess the lab twins.  Last Friday night Emme proclaimed it was Twinkie's birthday and we needed to have a party.  Oh the pressure!  On Saturday morning we gathered all the guests, provided refreshments, a card and party hat for the guest of honor.  Needless to say a good time was had by all.

This week it was Puppy's birthday and today was Baby Dog's birthday (aka baby Pluto).  I just think someone likes cupcakes!

Photo-rific

One of the reasons I've been somewhat negligent in maintaining this blog is the time I've been spending commuting which I've never had to do.  The other reasons is my camera.  I am nearing the end of the photography class I began in March and what a wonderful journey it has been.  After waiting over a year to get in, I had the absolute privilege of being one of Karen Russell's students.  I've learned a lot, particularly I have stopped shooting in automatic and am now a manual girl.  I still prefer shooting aperture priority but I keep practicing.  Becoming a mother made me want to take a lot of photos since when the day came and she asked I wanted to ensure I had many captures of our life since there were none from her first 15 months.  This spiraled into a real hobby, the purchase of my first DSLR, an arsenal of lenses, books, NAPP membership and lots of goodies.  I'm far from professional but my images have come a long way.  I like natural light through I struggle with indoor shots.  This time of year is great so I can practice a lot outdoors though my main subject is less than cooperative.  I do prefer lifestyle photography but am less equipped to shoot subjects on the move.  I do love it and hope to continue to grow.  Some of my favorite shots.