Kotori {life. inspired.}

Jack's 9th Bike Party

2012-03-05T12:59:00.000-06:00

Over the weekend we celebrated Jack's 9th birthday with a bike birthday party... just a few friends, an obstacle course and lots of laughs...

It's so hard to believe that my sweet boy is 9 already. My how time flies when we're having fun.... and what fun we have had for the past 9 years with you Jackbird. You are sweetest, kindest boy who can make us laugh until our sides hurt. You are such a joy to be around... just the kind of person I hope to be myself. iloveyouso.

Here's a few details... the invitation to the bike rodeo was made using a bike bell & simple cardstock.... the party started out by having all the boys decorate their bike for a parade through the neighborhood. Then we made our way to the school parking lot where we had a timed obstacle course (including a section where they had to dress in a tutu and crawl through a tunnel - I think the tutu was the biggest hit) followed by chocolate cupcakes. So much fun and so simple {my favorite kind of party!}.

2012-03-01T13:58:00.000-06:00

Lately I've been obsessing over chevron prints... the idea of doing a focal wall with a chevron pattern has been bouncing around my head lately. Until I have time to break out some paint, these little finds will have to do...

Chevron Bangles • Chevron Clutch • Embroidered Chevron Necklace on Wood • Yellow Chevron Dress

Color Love: Red & Turquoise

2012-02-13T08:02:00.000-06:00

I love the combo of turquoise with a pop of red...

image originally from here

All You Need is Love

2012-02-09T13:02:00.000-06:00

Is it true? I think so... but expressing your love can be hard to do and even a little campy at times. But with these finds from etsy, telling that someone how you feel is a little bit easier:

Valentine's Ring • Custom Chalk Board • Shut Up & Kiss Me Poster • How Sweet Pillows

DIY Custom Mongrams

2012-02-03T05:06:00.000-06:00

I love monograms, or really anything really that screams personalization...funny... you'd think I owned a company that creates personalized photo jewelry...

So, when I found this set of custom monogram creators on weddingchick.com, I thought they'd be perfect for Valentine's day. Or really any day for that matter. Here's just a few I created for myself:

Heart & Arrow Monogram • Birds & Banner Monogram • Circle Love Monogram • Formal Crest Monogram

I think my favorite is the heart where it says 'super in love' I think if I'd met John in the 8th grade I might have written that myself on my Trapper Keeper. :)

Dog Days

2012-01-27T06:08:00.000-06:00

Ummm... I don't know if you can tell, but we are pretty smitten with a new little Kotori mascot, Lucy. She certainly makes life at the studio a lot more fun, especially when everyone has to stop every few minutes to dole out some serious belly rubs.

Being a dog is like living the high life... and if you need more proof, just check out this collection of finds from etsy:

Handmade Collars • Cherry Dog Bed • Mod Raised Dog Bowls • Custom Etched Treat Jars

While, we've gotten our sweet girl those cool dog bowls, we've yet to take the plunge on the $600 dog bed. {i think we'll have to sell a lot more jewelry if we want to swing that}

The Perfect Weekend

2012-01-20T17:12:00.000-06:00

After getting back around 1:30am on Wednesday morning from Imaging in New Orleans, I'm pretty beat. We had a great time - but I'm wiped out. The kids were so happy to see us first thing in the morning when they woke up Wednesday it almost made me not feel so bad for being away...

The keyword for this weekend is low key. Think movies in bed, lazy mornings and a long hike with my 3 favorite people {and Lucy, of course}.

Hope your weekend is perfect too.

Lucy

2012-01-11T20:23:00.000-06:00

You know how sometimes when someone asks you about your favorite gift, and you find it hard to pick just one? Well, we don't have that problem this year. The best gift arrived at our house Christmas Eve. Meet Lucy...

How did she arrive a day early?

Santa sent a special text message telling us he'd hidden some clues to follow to find our mystery gift

We ran all over town finding clues in places you'd never guess... like underneath a swing at the playground...

...and behind park benches. But the final clue sent us back home

where we were greeted with puppy kisses from Lucy.

His face says it all. Love.

Quick Christmas Recap

2012-01-07T19:52:00.000-06:00

The holidays are always a crazy time for us - it's our busiest time of year for Kotori but it's always the busiest time for family. No matter how crazy it gets, though, it's always one of my favorite times of year.

Here's a quick little recap of our holiday...

images from top left: waiting to see what Santa left Christmas morning * Kate was so proud of her homemade gift for John and I * Carriage ride to look at lights with Grandma & Grandpa * Our singing angel was pleased to perform with her preschool class

Where've You Been?

2012-01-05T17:27:00.000-06:00

Sooo... it's been a while since I did a little blogging, I know. But I do have a very good excuse. We migrated our entire site - store and all to our new server. That's the good news. The bad news? Wow. So much work!

When we migrated the blog over, all our pictures disappeared. Yes. ALL. {Don't you just love technology? Me either.} I've been working hard to get all the pictures reuploaded - all 3 years worth. Yep, it has been a busy few weeks working out the kinks of the new site, getting the blog images redone and, oh yeah, getting ready for our tradeshow booth at Imaging! Can you say exhausted? I'm too tired to say exhausted.

Back soon with pics of the holidays!

Foodie Friday: Peppermint Meringue Cookies

2011-12-09T07:08:00.002-06:00

I love baking at this time of year... it's a busy time for work, but the act of taking time to slow down and make treats in the kitchen with the kids is always a great way for me to escape for a bit. I have to admit, I tend to get into a 'holiday treat' rut just a bit. I have a few holiday favorites {read: Reindeer Chow & Fudge} that I make EVERY year, but I know they are good. And, truth be told, I look forward to eating them each year!
But when I saw the picture of Peppermint Meringue Cookies on the cover of Bon Appetit I just had to try them... Super easy AND I already had all the ingredients on hand. {any recipe that doesn't call for a trip to the grocery store is deemed 5 star in my book}

Peppermint Meringue Cookies

3 Large Egg Whites, room temperature
1/8 tsp Kosher salt
1/3 C Sugar
1/2 C Powdered Sugar
1/8 tsp Peppermint Extract

Preheat oven to 200 degrees. Line baking sheet with parchment paper, or silpat. Using an electric mixer, beat egg whites and salt on medium speed until white and foamy (1 minute). With mixer running, gradually add granulated sugar in 3 additions, beating for 2 minutes between each addition. Beat until firm peaks form, about 2 minutes longer. Add powdered sugar and peppermint, beat to blend (about 1 minute).

Dot 12 drops of red food coloring over the surface of the meringue; do not stir. Spoon meringue into a plastic freezer bag, and cut off 1/2" of one corner. Twist top, pipe 1" rounds onto prepared baking sheet. Bake meringues for 2.5 hours and allow to cool completely.

These will have that crisp exterior, but will completely melt in your mouth!

My New Mantra

2011-12-08T05:31:00.004-06:00

It's a crazy busy time of year... orders are flying in and there's lots of holiday activities with the kids, so I've come up with a new matra:

I think I'll print this out to remind me when I'm working until 1am...

DIY: How to Make Your Own Ornament Wreath

2011-12-01T12:22:00.001-06:00

A couple years ago I was inspired by some wreaths they had hanging in Starbucks... I know, who looks at Starbucks for holiday decorations? Apparently me. I thought they were fun and a little whimsical with the different textures, so I tucked away the idea in my head until I had time to make one myself.... and here it is:

I think it turned out pretty well, and the best part? It cost my less than $5 to make. Want to try?

{Full Disclaimer Here: I am going to use the word 'balls' a lot in this tutorial. I mean A LOT. I can't use the word balls without giggling... so you can imaging how much fun I had typing these directions.}

Step One:

You will need to head to your favorite Dollar Tree and grab yourself some balls. {giggling} They usually have packages of ornament balls & get some of those practice golf balls too. While you are there get some yarn & a wire wreath form. Get your glue gun heated up.

Step Two:

You'll want to hot glue that top thingy (I'm sure it has an official name... but I don't know it) to the Christmas balls because you don't want your balls to fall and hit the floor.{more giggling} Gluing that cap on will help secure them.

Step Three:

Next you'll want to ball up some aluminum foil and cover that with yarn (using the foil helps give you a good start so you are winding yarn like an old lady for hours on end). Do the same thing with the golf balls - that way you have yarn balls in 2 different sizes. Make plenty.

Step Four:

Now you are going to start stinging your Christmas balls onto the wire frame. Make sure to alternate colors... but be careful not to create a pattern - this isn't preschool.

Step Five:

Take your trusty glue gun and glue those balls together where they touch. {giggling} Fill in the empty spaces by gluing on some of the yarn balls - cluster some together if you'd like, but spread them evenly around the wreath.

And You're Done!

Now stop giggling and run to Dollar Tree to get your supplies!

Collegiate Style {for grown ups}

2011-11-01T16:42:00.001-05:00

The other day I was thumbing through my much loved Southern Living Magazine when I came across an ad for Meesh & Mia. I immediately thought of my friend Erin, who is a ~~rabid~~ highly spirited TCU fan.... a great way to blend her cool sense of style and her enduring love for her alma mater - this line would be perfect for her:

This is a MUCH better way to show your school spirit than dragging yourself to games in beer soaked sorority t-shirts from 20 years ago. Agreed?

What Can You Do...

2011-10-31T16:47:00.001-05:00

What can you do with an old sheet, a vampire cape from 2 years ago, snakes from the Dollar Store and a jar of red paint?

Make Halloween costumes!

{the Headless Horseman & Medusa off to trick or treat}

Foodie Friday: Open Faced Veggie Sandwich

2011-10-28T01:06:00.001-05:00

How do I know if I like someone? Well, for me, I start thinking about what I'd serve if I had the chance to have them to dinner {see... everything in my world revolves around food.}.

My friend Lori, who is practically vegan, is one of those people. I can't wait to have her in town so I can have her over for dinner, but I'm a practicing carnivore and could never figure out what I could make {other than salad or a pasta} that would be delicious and fit her diet... But once I tried this sandwich, which I can easily modify for her, I knew I had a winner. It's so ridiculously good that John and I have been eating it almost weekly. So good.

Open Faced Veggie Sandwich
Slice of Sourdough Bread (use whatever you have on hand)
Caramelized Onions

Chopped Roasted Red Peppers (just use the jarred ones... I won't tell)

Spinach

Garlic, chopped

Goat Cheese

Avocado

Mushrooms, chopped (make sure to remove the gills if you use portabellos)

Roma Tomatoes, chopped

Cheddar Cheese

Egg

Yes, this is one of those recipes where you don't measure a thing.... just throw it together. Start with a batch of caramelized onions - I always make a ton bc then I just keep them on hand to throw into dishes throughout the week. I have a tutorial here... it's easy I promise.

After you've made your onions, coat your pan with olive oil and saute the tomatoes & mushrooms in garlic until they begin to soften. Then add in the roasted red peppers, cararmelized onions & spinach. Stir to combine and just let it sit on the heat for a bit.

In the meantime, take your slice of bread and place it on a foil lined cookie sheet under the broiler to toast it slightly, remove and then spread on some goat cheese & avocado. By then, your veggie mix is nice and soft & gooey. Pile some of that goodness on top and then sprinkle with cheddar cheese. Pop that under the broiler just long enough to melt that cheddar.
While your cheese is melting, fry up an egg in a skillet coated with olive oil. When that's done just top your sandwich with that egg and you are good to go. Best eaten with a knife and fork, but it's so good you may just want to shove the whole thing in your mouth with your hands.

* Technically can I call this post Foodie Friday even though it's been about a month of Fridays since I last posted a recipe? It's my blog, and I say yes. So there.

Orange You Glad?

2011-10-24T11:06:00.001-05:00

I know... terrible post title, but I really couldn't help it as we are in full 5 year old 'knock knock joke' mode around here. And the classic 'orange you glad joke' is in heavy rotation. I'm not too sure how many more times I can fake laugh at it to be honest.
But I digress... right now I feel like everything is orange paired with black cats & creepy yard art since Halloween is right around the corner. I, myself, had a hard time falling for the color but once I did, orange started popping up everywhere in my house. And there's no reason why you too can't fall in love too. Especially when orange can look like this:

{1. Tech Candy iPhone Case 2. Labyrinth Pillow by Dwell 3. Metro Living Tiles fabric by Robert Kauffman 4. Superior Slotted Spoon by Ladies & Gentlemen Studio}

Am I right? Step away from the candy corn and look at orange in a whole new way...

Artists Tour

2011-10-19T15:02:00.001-05:00

Over the weekend, we took the kids to an art studio tour here in Dallas... I thought we would spend the day on Saturday taking a peek at some creative spaces and getting inspired by what other artists create. And inspired we were.
I loved getting to see how different artists work and dream about my ideal studio space. What I didn't bargain for was how much my 2 kids loved going on the tour. What a fabulous surprise it was when they asked if we could go again on Sunday. {which, of course, we were happy to oblige.}
a few snapshots of our weekend...

{box of letterpress}

{sculpture by an artist using only natural elements}

{studio inspiration board}

{bottle tree sculpture}

{work by my favorite artist, Jack, entitled the Squid & the Stingray}

What a lovely day to spend with the family... love times like this.

How to Wear a Scarf

2011-10-07T01:25:00.000-05:00

I'm one of those people who aspires to being a 'scarf wearer.' I see people rockin them and I love the way it looks, but I can only figure out 2 ways to wear them... simple European style and tossed over my shoulder. not very impressive.

Until now. My friend, Erika, forwarded me this video and I just had to share - 25 ways to wear a scarf in under 5 minutes. And, the best part is that if you click on the links at the end, you can get a full demo of each style. love it. Plus, for a diy scarf video - this has pretty high production value, which I love...

Gimme Five

2011-10-05T06:48:00.001-05:00

This is what 5 looks like... sassy and spirited, independent and smart. At least at my house, this is how five looks as of today.

Can't believe my sweet baby girl has turned five - it's always hard thinking of your kids getting older, but the funny thing is... the older they get, the more fun we seem to have. And, Katbird, is no exceptions - this girl is always happy. always. even first thing in the morning when I've stumbled to her room to wake her up from a dead sleep. Her face immediately lights up and my day begins with a bang.

I love her sass and amazing self confidence {and secretly hope some of it will rub off on me}. Happy birthday my sweet Kate. you are loved.

Hot Off the Press

2011-09-19T08:03:00.001-05:00

Guess what arrived to the studio on Friday....

Yep, the new catalog our brand new fashion line! I can't tell you how pleased I am to have this baby ready to send out! You may not realize that John and I do all our own catalog work, image shots & design so this catalog is a culmination of night after night of working until midnight... or later. The last 3 weeks have been dedicated to finalizing shoots, editing and designing this sweet thing. But I'm glad to be done with her.

So why did we design 2 separate catalogs? Well, we want you to have options - maybe you just want to sell one line or maybe you'd like to choose which catalog to share with each client... but if you want to show both:

They are made to fit together like one. See? Three different options out of 2 catalogs! We'll be sending these out with all orders for the next few months if you want to get your hands on one!

**Oh, and want to see all the pages inside? Just go here!

And the Winner is....

2011-09-15T02:54:00.001-05:00

Thanks so much to all of you for entering the giveaway... I was blown away by all the nice comments, not just about our new line but about our friends who sponsored this giveaway with us! We had
1,121 comments at midnight and used a random number generator to pick our winner:

Comment number 229 was Jennifer Wakefield! Jennifer, I'll be contacting you shortly. Congratulations!
Oh, and even if you didn't win, you still can celebrate by heading over to our web site and picking up a few of our new fashion pieces since our entire fashion line is 20% off today through next Wednesday!

Going Beyond the Fireplace Portrait

2011-09-12T01:30:00.001-05:00

I think sometimes people can get stuck in a rut when it comes to photography. You know what I mean - wanting one portrait of the family (all smiling!) above the fireplace mantel. Probably one of the most requested items on a photographers list,no?
The other day I was watching Home by Novogratz, a show I ~~am slightly obsessed with~~ enjoy watching, when I noticed how they really take the idea of art and turn it on its head... and in many cases, that art is photography. See what I mean:

{using photography as wallpaper in child's bedroom}

{collage of candid photos in the dining room}

{wall of head shots in the living area}

{huge canvas panels in a high school rec room}

No 8x10 prints here, my friends. Big, bold interiors where the focus is the photography.

**Oh, and don't forget... there's only 2 days left to enter our giveaway!

A New Way to Enter our $2,000 Giveaway

2011-09-09T04:42:00.001-05:00

Want to play around for a bit with one of our editable files AND have a way to enter the giveaway again?
As you know, all our studio packages come with editable files of all our jewelry pieces so you can create images of our photo jewelry with your own photography for use on the web, your blog, or even your on-line galleries . But did you know we've updated all our editable images + we've already added in the new fashion pieces?

Check out this video to see how our new editable files work:

{Don't you hate the sound of your own voice recordings? me too.}

So now for the fun bit... you can play around with one of our new editable files... our Lori Nordstrom cuff. Just download it here and then experiment with different images, backgrounds, whatever!

When you are done, you can post it to Facebook, your blog or Twitter... just make sure to tag or link to us so we can verify that you did it. Then go ahead and leave a comment for each post (up to 3 comments). Make sure you leave you comments on the original contest post, or else they won't count.

Have fun!

Fashion Launch + Giveaway!

2011-09-07T03:01:00.001-05:00

We are so excited about the launch of our new fashion line next week and we wanted to share the excitement! We're lucky to have lots of good friends who wanted to celebrate with us, so we're giving away one prize worth over $2,000!
So feel free to get excited too and take an advanced sneak peek at our new Fashion by Kotori line, which will launch with a BIG SALE next Thursday, September 15th! Now let's get to the good stuff...want to know how to enter to win??
You can enter multiple times... Here's how to do it:
1. SHOW US SOME LOVE
Leave a comment here letting us know what you think of our new fashion line (counts as 1 entry)
2. SHARE THE LOVE
Visit each vendor's Facebook page, 'like' them, feel free to leave a post on their wall and tell them you were sent by the Kotori giveaway! Make sure to come back here and create a separate comment for each vendor 'liked'. (up to 12 entries - 1 per vendor)
3. SHOUT IT OUT
Paste the following text and link to our giveaway on your Facebook profile, Twitter and/or blog:

Kotori is launching a brand new line & giving away over $2,ooo worth of prizes to celebrate! Enter here: http://mykotori.com/blog/?p=1364

Come back here and comment for each with a link to your post (up to 3 entries - 1 per post)
**BONUS WAYS TO ENTER**
We'll announce different ways to enter throughout the contest... Just check back here for details! (we've listed one new way already... check it out here)
Contest ends Wednesday, September 14th at midnight CST.

Now... do you want to see what you can win??

I know! pretty exciting, isn't it? Here's the details:
Kotori {Photo Jewelry} * Gift Certificate ($100 Value)
Visit Kotori's site & Facebook page
Photo Talk Forum * One Year Subscription ($129 value)
Visit Photo Talk Forum's site & Facebook page
Barbour Backdrops * Gift Certificate ($100 value)
Visit Barbour Backdrops' site & Facebook page
Design Revolution * Baby blossom flower pot & everything pictured above ($195 value)
Visit Design Revolution's site & Facebook page
Wild Sorbet * Gift Certificate ($100 value)
Visit Wild Sorbet's site & Facebook page
Album Epoca * One Event Book ($500 value)
Visit Album Epoca's site & Facebook page
Night Owl Yarn Designs * One little caterpillar set & 2 flower headbands ($74 value)
Visit Night Owl Yarn Design's site & Facebook page
PreeVu Software * 1 Year Subscription ($299 value)
Visit PreeVu's site & Facebook page
Loerts Design * Gift Certificate towards logo + marketing materials ($75 value)
Visit Loerts Design's site & Facebook page
PhotoDuds * Melange Vectors ($125 value)
Visit PhotoDud's site & Facebook page
Hand Crafted Framing * Intermediate Getting Started Package ($298 value)
Visit Hand Crafted Framing's site & Facebook page
The Savvy Photographer * Northern Barnwood Rug ($160 value)
Visit the Savvy Photographer's site & Facebook page
So what are you waiting for? Start commenting! And keep checking back for a new ways to enter!
Oh, and don't forget to read the boring legal copy below...
Contest starts Wednesday, Sept.7, 2011 at 8am cst and ends at 11:59pm CST on Wednesday, Sept. 14. Winner will be randomly selected form the comments via random number generator to win. Winner will be notified Thursday morning by email and will be posted to the Kotori blog. Contest is void where prohibited by law. Prizes cannot be redeemed for cash value. No purchase necessary.

Overheard at Our House

2011-09-05T06:50:00.001-05:00

Conversation overhead at my house over the weekend...

The Scene: Breakfast on Monday morning of Labor Day, 10am... still in pajamas [glorious.] I've just poured both the kids a glass of pineapple-orange juice.
Me: Okay guys, let's finish up your breakfast.
[Kids still acting goofy and messing around.]
Me: Seriously, finish your orange juice.
Jack: It's not orange juice, mommy! It's porn juice... get it? Get it! Pineapple-orange juice... porn juice! {laughing}
Thank goodness he's only 8 and has NO IDEA of what he just said to his mother. But, really?! Porn juice?! How am I supposed to make dinner this week when every time I open the fridge there's a big bottle of porn juice right there on the top shelf?

{Full disclaimer here... he probably really said porange juice, but all John and I heard was 'porn juice' and, really, if you'd been here that's all you'd hear too. And then we spent the rest of the day giggling about porn juice... because that's the kind of parents we are. immature.}

Getting Mail

2011-08-29T06:07:00.001-05:00

How fun is it to scramble through your pile of mail to find a fun envelope like this waiting for you?

I think most people have lost that art of the handwritten note, so receiving a beautifully hand calligraphered note stood out in the mass of bills that had fallen through my mailslot on Friday made my day. How lucky am I to have such a talented friend?

{Side note... is 'calligraphered' a word? Probably not. Discuss amongst yourselves.}

Mile 6482: Detroit

2011-08-05T11:16:00.001-05:00

Had a great time in Detroit... the show was great and the weather outside was so nice {especially after I spoke to John and found out that Dallas was AGAIN at 105+ degrees. I'm anticipating coming home to no grass and no flowers - I don't think anything can survive that kind of weather - especially in the middle of a drought!

**I am really excited to get to see my kids on Saturday - I'll be flying to New Jersey from Indy and can't wait to see those sweet kids!

Mile 6243: Chicago

2011-08-04T12:29:00.001-05:00

Okay, I have to admit it... I'm beat. Lots of late night driving and up again early to hit the road again. But I have to say, I'm loving meeting all these photographers. And I feel like I have learned A LOT. Listening to photographers and meeting up with them face to face really makes a big difference for me in how we run the company... and I can already see how this tour is making me think about the changes I want to make to better serve the industry.

Already full of ideas and there's still several more shows to go!

Mile 5811: Minneapolis

2011-08-02T11:33:00.001-05:00

We had a great show in Minneapolis - we even included a few sneak peeks of our new Fashion line that will be launching next month. Everyone seemed to love the new pieces {and the new lower pricing} so I cannot wait to make them 'officially' part of the Kotori line!

I was lucky enough to be invited to tour the White House Custom Colour lab in Eagan. So impressed with how they run their business - and with how friendly everyone was. On our way to Chicago tonight and hoping to enjoy a little bit of rest before tomorrow's show!

Mile 5738: Des Moines

2011-08-01T03:09:00.001-05:00

Had a wonderful day yesterday in Des Moines... My day started at 5am so I could catch an early morning flight to make the show... and didn't fall into bed until 11pm. A long day, but a good one. After all, how bad can your day be when it starts with flying on an airplane with no children to entertain on the trip? Just me and a good book. It's not often that I get a 2 hour window of guilt free reading! Love it.

How to Entertain 2 Kids for Under $10

2011-07-26T11:27:00.001-05:00

Step One: Head to the closest thrift store.
Step Two: Hand each child $5 and tell them that they can pick out any electronic device they want as long as it fits their $5 budget. {watch child's face light up with anticipation}
Step Three: Stop at Sonic on the way home and get everyone {yes, including you!} a drink or milkshake.*

Step Four: Hand out screwdrivers, hammers, pliers and any other tool your child will love to take apart their electronic item.
Step Five: Watch them go to town taking apart, asking questions & just exploring how things work.
*While the Sonic trip doesn't factor into the $10 budget, it is a major component of the activity. After all, you, as their mother, deserve a reward too, right? After all, how many moms really hand over a hammer to their kids and allow them to tear apart something just for the thrill of it? Oh, and in case you were wondering, Jack picked out a radio/CD player and Kate chose a small television set. Total cost? $7.50

Mile 4609: Home Again

2011-07-25T10:06:00.001-05:00

{Sunrise on the long drive home}

Even though it's just for a couple of days, it's so nice to be home again. Falling into your own bed late at night is sooo nice! We had a great time at all our stops but I needed to recharge and see my little sweet kids. It's been nice spending time them at home... even if it's short-lived.

Off I go again on Sunday heading to Iowa...

Mile 2651: San Francisco

2011-07-18T13:48:00.001-05:00

We took the long way to San Fran yesterday up spectacular Highway 1 to see what we could find. We pulled off at Elephant Seal Beach on a whim and were amazed to see so many HUGE animals (roughly as long as our minivan) lumbering around on the beach. Very cool... even if they didn't smell so great. California is truly a state like no other.

Mile 2272: Los Angeles

2011-07-15T15:46:00.001-05:00

Here we are at the Sallee Nordstrom tour in LA. The weather is perfect (as usual) and there are lots of interesting people, places and things to see here in the land of excess; including this lovely Italian beauty we found parked in front of the hotel.

We are heading up to San Francisco for Monday's show, but first we have to get through... CARMAGEDDON. Gotta love Cali!

(P.S. John is very proud of this photo... I just wish he'd stop singing that stupid Whitesnake song and asking me to flip my hair like Tawny Kitaen.)

Mile 2015: San Diego

2011-07-14T11:55:00.001-05:00

Drove through the desert last night to get to San Diego this morning... had my first In-N-Out burger {won't be my last} and almost ran out of gas. In the desert. In the middle of the night. Slightly nerve wracking.
But the good news is... we made it! We're here, the weather is ~~great~~ fabulous, the kids are off visiting their great-grandpa and John and I get to enjoy a little adult time. Win-Win for everyone. No?

Mile 1672: Phoenix

2011-07-13T15:34:00.001-05:00

Seriously, how gorgeous is the desert? LOVE it... the heat? Well.... not so much. But to be surrounded by such natural beauty certainly makes bearing the heat worthwhile. We've had a great time in the state of Arizona, enjoyed getting to see the always fun Kay Eskridge and met some fun new photographers.

We're hitting the road tonight around 8pm for the long drive to San Diego!

Mile 1412:: On the Road to Phoenix

2011-07-12T10:59:00.001-05:00

Ever wonder what you'll find under a vendor's table at a trade show? Empty boxes? Trash? Spare samples?

Perhaps for some vendors, but yesterday in San Antonio, this is what you'd find under the Kotori table:

{a sleeping 4 year old, exhausted from riding in the car and marathon swimming sessions at each hotel}

Sometimes when you are a family run business, the kids have to come along for the ride. Luckily, sweet Katbird and her brother will be heading to their great-grandpa's house in the mountains once we reach Arizona but I can't imagine better traveling companions...

Mile 579: San Antonio

2011-07-11T13:10:00.001-05:00

We arrived bleary eyed to San Antonio around 1am this morning. Got a quick bit of shut eye then grabbed a quick swim in the pool with the kids and headed to the tour. Of course, any trip to San Antonio would not be complete without getting a bit of Mexican food (or if you ask my husband, eating it for all 3 meals).

We're heading out again in just a few hours to make the looong trek to Phoenix. Tomorrow will be a full day of driving ... we're tired but having a great time!

Mile 252: Houston

2011-07-10T10:04:00.001-05:00

Mile 252... we drove to Houston on Friday night for the start of the Turn the Key Tour. Perfect start to what looks like a fun summer tour with Lori Nordstrom, JB & DeEtte Sallee. An easy drive from Dallas, and the kids got to totally enjoy John's aunt's house on the bay.

Listening to Cody & Mike from TriCoast talk about their keys to lighting was inspiring - even for a non-photographer like myself. Tonight we hit the road with the kids to San Antonio for tomorrow's show... hope to see you at one of the stops!

Colorado {by the numbers}

2011-07-06T05:44:00.001-05:00

TWO weeks this post is overdue

THIRTY ONE people in ONE cabin {with NINE bedrooms}

FOURTEEN of which are kids {the others just act like they are}

THREE days spent rollerskating, hiking and laughing

ONE day with snow {in the month of June with ZERO cold weather clothes}

We celebrated SIX people turning FORTY this year {nope... not me!}

SIXTEEN people who got sick thanks to a virus straight from the movie Alien that took us down one by one {ummm... didn't think you'd want a picture of that...}

What Would I Change?

2011-06-30T05:03:00.001-05:00

If I had my wedding to do again, I might make a few changes...

maybe add some fun pops of color to our invites...

change up my hair a bit... maybe wear it in a twist...

maybe switch up the flowers in my bouquet {loving that succulent one!}

and, of course, I'd change up my shoes {never can have enough shoes!}

But, John, the one thing I'd never change is you, my dear. Not for all the shoes in the world. Happy 11th Anniversary to the man who makes me feel like I'm living happily ever after.

all images can be found via my pinterest board here

Win a Ticket to the Red Velvet Tour

2011-06-29T09:07:00.001-05:00

Want to attend the hottest boudoir tour for photographers this summer? Kay Eskridge is traveling to 8 cities around the country for the Red Velvet Tour, a 2 day workshop designed to equip you with the tools to start your own boudoir business. Class size is limited to 40.

Just a few of the things you'll cover in this 2 day workshop:

Create and brand a boudoir business
Design personalize marketing pieces
Learn the fundamentals to design your own products
Learn what poses sell and how to interact with clients throughout a session
Learn lighting techniques through a hands on shoot with a live model

Plus, there are huge vendor giveaways (including one from us at Kotori) and lots of freebies!
HOW DO YOU ENTER TO GET YOUR FREE TICKET? (a $299 value)
You can comment/post here on the blog up to 5 times for a chance to win... and here's how to do it:
1. SHOW US SOME LOVE (up to 2 entries)

Comment here on this blog post (1 entry) and make sure you 'like' our page on Facebook (another entry)

2. SHARE THE LOVE (up to 3 entries)

Paste the following text and link about our giveaway on your Facebook profile, twitter and/or blog:

Kotori Photo Jewelry is giving away one FREE ticket to the Red Velvet Tour! Enter to win at www.tinyurl.com/rvtgiveaway

Make sure to leave a comment for each post. Giveaway ends Tuesday, July 5th at midnight! Winner will be announced on our Facebook page on Wednesday morning - good luck!

Pinteresting... Very Pinteresting

2011-06-15T15:10:00.001-05:00

So are you on Pinterest yet? Let me do you a favor... if you don't have time to spare on a fabulous, yet total time suck, DON'T SIGN UP. This thing is SERIOUSLY addictive. I'm in complete and utter love with this site.

{my pinterest boards}

If you don't know the premise behind Pinterest, it's essentially like creating virtual inspiration boards... anything you can find on the Internet, you can pin. It's a great way to gather ideas....

like about house stuff...

favorite sayings, or graphic designs...

or some favorite ideas, like these for posing.

Think of it as one big virtual filing cabinet to store your ideas, images and dreams. Much better than just bookmarking - and totally beats 'adding it to your favorites' in etsy. I love how it feel like a giant pinboard of all your favorite thoughts. And, it's the best place to find new ideas, new projects, or whatever.

What about you? Are you pinterest-ing? Feel free to follow me - check out all my boards here. And if you want to start pinteresting too, just ask and I'll be happy to send you an invite to join! If you already have some boards, let me know... I'd love to check them out!

Summer Bucket List & Free Download

2011-06-08T05:41:00.001-05:00

Remember when we came up with our summer list last year? It was so helpful, we decided to do it again. Last year I just posted it here on the blog, but I felt it would be nice to have a printed version to hang in the kitchen, so I came up with this:

Some of the things we came up with together {ie wii movie night} and some the kids have no idea about {ie what in the world is 'hot rocks'}. I love it because they know there's a few surprises planned this summer... and I'll be sure to post and keep you updated as we go through the list.

Want one for yourself? Just download a blank file like mine here. Prints out as an 8x10, so can easily be printed at your local lab.

{If you frame it in a glass frame, you can even use dry erase markers to mark off your activities}

Burger Bar Birthday

2011-06-06T01:24:00.001-05:00

Birthday celebrations have continued... with a little belated get together with a few friends for a burger bar party. Lots of fun with good friends... oh, and some really good food.

My good friend Heather made some fun straws to commemorate the day. Isn't her calligraphy gorgeous?

Remember when I made these tissue paper pom poms? They added a fun little touch...

The burger bar was full of toppings: caramelized onions, mexican pimento cheese, bacon, guac... way too many to list...

I think the hands down favorite combo was the 'grasshopper burgers' which are sliders with cream cheese and some fresh slices of jalapeno.

What a great way to celebrate!

The Birthday Recap

2011-06-01T01:42:00.001-05:00

So we headed down to Austin for a few days of relaxation {read: Grandpa & Grandma entertaining the kids}. We all had a fabulous time.... especially me. For my birthday, I...

went shoe shopping...

bought a few things...

got a {much needed} pedicure...

ate far too many of these thanks to a great food truck find...

and enjoyed one of these on my big night with my favorite guy.

All in all... a great little getaway. And in case you're worried that I haven't stretched my birthday out enough... don't worry I still have more to come!

all images taken on my sad little 3G iPhone ...

A Very Happy UnBirthday to You

2011-05-27T02:00:00.001-05:00

So.... today is my birthday but I thought I'd share the love and give YOU the gifts this weekend! We're going to give the first 20 orders over $50 one of these fun antique initial necklaces...

Yep, this isn't a style we normally carry, but we found these fun thread necklaces and just had to have them! They each have a sterling silver clasp and we just LOVE them! So light and fun...
Worried you won't be one of the first 20? That's okay, if you spend $50, we'll still give you a little somethin' somethin'... don't you just love surprises? Me too. And I promise this is a good one. Just make sure to say "Happy Birthday" in the special instructions area during checkout and we'll take care of you!
And YES! This includes studio packages over $50! So, if you've been thinking about getting a studio package but have been waiting, this might just be the time to do it!
So head on over to the shop! This fun giveaway starts now and will end Monday night... which is about the same time my husband will be sick of me taking advantage of my birthday girl status.
**Don't forget to mention HAPPY BIRTHDAY in the special instructions area!

Birthday Wishes

2011-05-23T07:16:00.001-05:00

Birthday Week has started with a bang... or rather a long line at the DMV. So things can only look up after that, right? Maybe I'll get a few items on my wish list...

You can find them here, here, here, here and here

Oh, and did you notice that I FINALLY set up where you can get email notices when I post on the blog? Just sign up there on the right... promise, I won't spam you!

Mother's Day 2011

2011-05-09T01:35:00.001-05:00

Had a wonderful Mother's Day spent with my 3 favorite people in the whole wide world....

Sleeping In * Picnic with the Nature Park * Hiking * Afternoon Nap

*Bliss*

Thank you John for making my day so special, you always go above and beyond to make Mother's Day one of my favorite days of the year...

Fun Little Download for You: Colour Clock

2011-04-25T03:02:00.001-05:00

I am loving this free screensaver which represents time as a hexadecimal color value... just introduced last month, it had 40,000 hits in just 2 weeks. Just download it here.

A Little DIY for Myself

2011-04-14T06:56:00.001-05:00

I've decided I need to carve out a little 'me' time. I really do because otherwise I might just buckle under the stress. And one of the ways I relax is by DIYing. There's something about focusing solely on a project for a few hours that puts my mind at ease. So I am making a conscious effort to DIY every week. And you'll get the benefit of some new DIYs... probably not every week though {let's be realistic here people... I'm a busy girl}
Remember when I went and helped my grandma to clean out her cabinets? I posted about all the great finds I had here. And I planned to work on them. I did. I really did. And then business got busy. Oh, and my two kids require attention... so these finds have just sat there. Until now.

This was my Grandpa's pin from his uniform during World War II. I cut off the back pin and drilled some holes in the sides and added a chain. Took me about 15 minutes. But now every time I wear it {and I'm wearing it right now} it reminds me of my grandpa...
Oh, bring on the DIYs my friends...

The Weekend... Briefly

2011-04-04T02:59:00.001-05:00

Enjoying every minute being outside... nature hikes, cub scout meetings, herb garden planting, dinner with friends... an exhausting, yet fabulous weekend. The only thing missing was a Sunday afternoon nap.

* Oh, I've got big plans for this picture I took during our hike... stay tuned for a DIY...

Who's the Fool?

2011-03-31T03:16:00.001-05:00

So, April Fool's Day is tomorrow... do you have any plans? In the past we haven't really done much to celebrate but this year Jack seems really excited about the prospect of tricking people. Maybe it's because he's an 8 year old boy... maybe it's just the idea for my staunch little rule follower that he can break some rules for a change. Who knows, but I'm getting in on the fun.... here's a few ideas I thought I'd share:

1. Changing the tap water to blue when they brush their teeth

2. Homemade trick milk you just can't pour

3. Fake out food - this one is a grilled cheese made of pound cake

4. Whoopie Cushion... need I say more? As Jack so eloquently put it at the age of five "Toots are funny Mom." {um... he's right}

So, tell me... any tricks up your sleeve for tomorrow?

Signs of Spring

2011-03-22T01:15:00.001-05:00

I love this time of year... time to clear out the closets of the sweaters and long sleeves... time for long bike rides and dinners al fresco...

images via here, here, here and here

Feeling Lucky?

2011-03-16T01:28:00.001-05:00

March is the month for luck... but really, aren't we lucky all the time? If you stop and think about it, I think you'll agree.
Me? Well, I'm lucky to have an amazing family... a family that was almost short one sweet girl. That's right, poor Katbird almost didn't make it to the party. You see, when John and I were young {and oh, so smug} we had it all planned out. Two kids. Two years apart. And, at first, that seemed like it would really happen... just the mere thought of having a baby and BOOM, there's Jack. Seriously.

And then it was time to try and start on baby number 2... and try... and try. And no luck. Lots of tears, lots of bargaining with God. Lots.

But after 2 in vitros, we got our first glimpse at the girl who would make my heart feel complete:

{That little mass of cells that gathered together to create my Kate. a miracle, no?}

Nine months later, she arrived pink and happy and full of spunk.

So, I feel lucky. And you should too. Lucky to have those who love us. And with that in mind, I created our new Lucky Photo Necklace:

See? Just the right number of photos for however many loves you've got, lucky you!

Still not sure if you're the lucky one? Well, head over to our friends at Photo Talk Forum tomorrow for a chance to WIN one of these babies... who knows it may just be your lucky day!

What to Wear: Spring Park Photo Shoot

2011-03-09T00:01:00.001-06:00

It's about that time again... time for bike rides, picnics & spring photo shoots... so I've been inspired to pull together a few of my favorites if I were having a photo shoot at the park...

Spring Photo Shoot ~ Mom & Dad by Kotori

For details on each piece, just click on the image!

Ocho

2011-03-07T00:16:00.001-06:00

We spent the weekend celebrating Jack's 8th birthday with a camp out party, which looked a little like this:

{images clockwise from top left: counting down the minutes until the arrival of his friends, blowing out the birthday candles, too much giggling at dinner, lots of fun playing outside, camping out in a living room tent, and per Jack's request, a homemade S'mores Cake}

It's hard to believe you've turned 8 my Jackbird, but each day with you just continues to get sweeter and sweeter. I am blessed to get to spend my days with you. Thank you so much for making me a mom. iloveyouso.

Back from WPPI

2011-02-28T04:12:00.001-06:00

I just got back from WPPI in Vegas Thursday...and have finally recovered. It was such a fun time, I was only sad that John wasn't able to join me. But he was holding down the fort with the studio AND on full kid duty, which allowed me to go and fully enjoy the conference and meeting up with old friends and making new ones too.
I realized that I had never posted the images of my booth for Imaging. I think in the wake of the show I was just trying to catch up on sleep and forgot to post them...

Just a few shots to give you an idea of how it all looked... now we're already starting on planning out next year's booth!

DIY: Make Your Own Valentine Treat Bags... and Download

2011-02-09T09:34:00.001-06:00

If you've read my blog over the past few years, you know how I feel about pre-made Valentines. {not a fan} So this year, we decided to make homemade marshmallows & treat bags for our friends at school.
I know, sounds difficult & like too much work, but it's not. These treat bags are ridiculously easy to make, and, really, you can stuff them with cookies, candy or whatever your little Valentine heart desires...

Start off by making a design - you should be able to fit 2 bags on one 8.5 x 11 sheet of paper. Or, you can download mine here.

Just fold your paper in half (with the fold at the bottom)

And give it a quick cut to separate the 2 bags from one another.

You can either glue or stitch the sides closed {you could also hand stitch}

And... you're done! Wasn't that easy?

Now just stuff them full of some yummy goodness!

The Weekend, Briefly

2011-02-07T03:05:00.001-06:00

Well, considering our weekend was really about 6 days long since the kids were out of school for 4 snow days... there was a lot of this:

Snow Ice Cream

2011-02-04T06:54:00.001-06:00

We are on day 4 of no school in Dallas... yes, day four. Ice storms began on Monday night, which are never much fun. Normally we joke that a quarter inch of ice can shut the city down, but this time it's been crazy cold. Temperatures in the single digits and then early this morning... snow. Yes, about 6 inches of snow.
And snow means that it's the perfect time to make ice cream. Especially if you have 2 stir crazy kids in the house for 4 days in a row. The best part of the recipe, is that it's not really a recipe at all. Just throw the ingredients together in a bowl and mix, tasting as you go...

Snow Ice Cream

Bowl of Snow * Vanilla * Milk * Sugar
Start by collecting a bowl of clean snow {do I really need to say 'clean' here? I mean would you really collect any yellow snow? i think not.}
Add a few scoops of sugar and a few drops of vanilla. Keep in mind that a little vanilla goes a loooong way. And start mixing in your milk. Stir it and keep adding milk until you start to get an ice cream texture... a slushy ice cream texture. Give it a taste. If it needs more sugar, add a bit more. If you add too much milk or sugar, just tramp back outside and grab a little more snow. Easy enough.
Such a simple thing, and yet your kids will love it. oh, and you will too...

Happy Stir Crazy Kids = Happier Mom. trust me.

Talking Shop with the Sallees

2011-01-16T05:00:00.001-06:00

Make sure to attend JB + DeEtte Sallee's presentation, Talking Shop with the Sallees, at Imaging tomorrow morning at 7am. I'll be there and there might be a little Kotori giveaway too...

DIY: Fancy Up an Old Jar

2011-01-13T02:19:00.001-06:00

I was looking for a few fun items to throw in the art room to make it a little more fun... the only using thing I had on hand. This might be my easiest DIY by far... so simple, in fact, that the Katbird & I tackled this late one evening while the boys were away at a camp out. I love little projects like this where she helps out... Let's get started:

Step One:

Gather your materials: Mod Podge glue, scrap paper, Xacto knife, paintbrush &

Don't forget to grab your helper... okay, she wasn't much help {but she sure is cute}

Step Two:

Cut a circle out of the scrap paper larger than the size of your lid. It's not rocket science - don't worry about making your circle perfect, just cut.

Step Three:

Using your scissors, make tiny cuts around the edges, all the way around.

Step Four:

Slather on a little bit of the glue and start wrapping the paper up the lip of the jar. Just keep going around until you've gone full circle.

Step Five:

Top coat that baby with more Mod Podge

{you can never use too much of this stuff... trust me}

Give the glue plenty of time to dry before screwing on... and you're done! I'm using mine to...um... store more glue. See? You never can have too much Mod Podge, right?

Modern Cameos with a Twist

2011-01-10T03:13:00.001-06:00

While working on holiday orders in December, we worked on several by the very talented Camille Cooper Photography. I love how she's taken the old cameo and given it a modern twist with her silhouette images used in our photo jewelry...

It's inspired me to look at silhouettes in a new way, and I was wondering what other artists are creating with silhouettes. Here are a few of my favorites:

{1. Custom Silhouette Print 2. Personalize Tandem Silhouette 3. Silhouette Letterpress Coasters 4. Cameo Pillow}

Because a Quarter Inch of Snow...

2011-01-08T02:20:00.001-06:00

...is enough to warrant "playing in the snow" if you live in Dallas. My kids were thrilled to go and catch snowflakes on their tongues and make mini snowballs. Ah, the little things.

Wordless Wednesday: Do Fortunes Really Come True?

2010-12-15T00:47:00.001-06:00

{yes, this really was my fortune... it sits on my computer so I won't forget}

My Allie Girl

2010-12-13T00:22:00.001-06:00

{Haley & Allie welcoming Baby Kate home from the hospital}

So, I know it's been a while since I've blogged - I've been busy busy working on orders and dealing with the Christmas rush. Every spare moment I've gotten has been poured on those two little birds of mine who wonder if I'll ever escape from the Art Studio. But I had to blog today.

My dog Allie has been with me for the past 15 years - basically my entire adult life. She was with me long before I even felt like I knew myself. She saw me through ridiculous numbers of first dates, new jobs, college graduation. She was the excuse I could use to meet the hot new next door neighbor... and when that next door neighbor became my husband, she and Haley (John's dog) became our 4 legged children, who were doted on constantly. Jack arrived a few years later and she was constantly by his crib, like a furry second mother. Kate arrived next and she allowed herself to be practically ridden like a pony and dressed in feather boas. Still no complaints.

Which was why Friday was so hard. We came home to find her sick. Back legs suddenly no longer working... she'd just been walking, even running, fine the day before. We were up all night until she breathed her last breath early Saturday morning. The river of tears has been deep - and not just mine. Explaining death to my kids has not been the easiest - especially when Jack made this balloon to send to her:

And now I find myself suddenly dogless and wondering what to do with those dog bowls that have sat in my kitchen for so many years. I know she is happy running with her sister in Heaven. God knows the squirrels up there are in trouble now with the two of them. but i miss her. i really do.

Breakfast in Bed

2010-11-08T00:05:00.001-06:00

Each Saturday, my kids run down the hall... not like silent little mice, but like a stampeding herd of rhinos... to our bed. Once there they snuggle in for a little snoozing. Then those two little birds like to 'sneak' downstairs to make John and I breakfast in bed.
They think they are sneaky... but the sounds of bowls clattering on the counter and pantry doors being flung open wake us every time. John and I lie in bed and giggle listening to the heated debate of what to make. And it's always the same - a 'special' cereal concoction brought proudly upstairs presented to us while we pretend to sleep.
i love it.

{apparently this is what breakfast would look like if kids ruled the world}

How to Make a No Sew Tutu

2010-11-04T01:21:00.001-05:00

When I think of all the times I've shelled out pretty good money on tutus it's a little upsetting... especially once you learn how ridiculously easy they are to make... oh, and how cheap too. This little baby set me back a full $6 and took literally 30 minutes to make. Yes, 30. This project is so easy that if you have a daughter that can tie her shoes, she can probably make it with you... ready?

Step One:

Gather your materials - you'll need at least 2 rolls of tulle. You can either cut out the elastic waist of an old pair of pants that fit your child, or you can cut a length and stitch it or fabric glue it together (wrap it around her waist to double check for length).

Step Two:

Cut your tulle, measure how long you want yours (from your childs' waist to where you want it to fall), then double that length and add 2 inches. {mine was 38" since I wanted it 18" long}

Step Three:

Cut out all the tulle - you'll need quite a few strips - how many depends on how full you want your skirt. I used 3 full spools of tulle.

Step Four:

Next take your elastic and put it on a chair so it stays put. Take your tulle and fold it in half, put the fold on the elastic and tie it in a knot. Yes, just a regular knot, as if it were a shoelace.

Step Five:

Keep going alternating your colors - I did a pattern of 5... five dark purple, five light purple, five light pink. Just keep going until you feel like the skirt is nice and full. Don't fret about the ends being perfect... this is a tutu for goodness sake.

Within 30 minutes, you should be completely done and ready to twirl! You can always dress this up a bit with a little hot glue on a ribbon and fabric flower...

Halloween

2010-11-02T03:46:00.001-05:00

After working away at costumes, we started out like this on Sunday night:

{Dumbledore & the Purple Witch}

like the graduation gown (circa 1991) which has been transformed into wizard robes? gotta love that hot glue!

Looking good... three houses into the trick or treating:

And then the purple witch decided the hat just got in the way. It's okay, she told me, now I'm just a purple princess:

And then the Dumbledore wig, which I painstakingly hand stitched kept doing this:

And suddenly, Dumbledore was transformed into Harry Potter - same costume sans wig & beard!

Ahhh.... the best laid plans. They never work out do they? But you have to love flexible kids!

Foodie Friday: Buttermilk Ranch

2010-10-29T01:23:00.001-05:00

I'm a ranch snob. It's true. I can't stand that stuff they sell at the grocery store... I crave the good stuff. You know, the ones that restaurants use when they serve you a giant plate of cheese fries? That's the one. Only you can't really find it unless you want to buy a giant tub of the stuff, so I've been searching for a recipe to fill my 'ranch needs.' And, I think I've found it...

Buttermilk Ranch

1 C Mayo {I use the olive oil mayo by Kraft}
2/3 C Buttermilk
1/4 t White Vinegar
1/8 t Dill
1/4 t Garlic Powder
1/4 t Onion Powder
1/8 t Black Pepper
1/4 t Seasoned Salt
1/8 t Dry Mustard
Start by combining the mayo & buttermilk, whisk it together to make it lump free. Then add in the rest of the ingredients.
You can eat it immediately, but I think it's much better once it's had time to marry in the fridge - at least an hour. I also like to add a little water to it when serving to make it a little more liquidy {Is that a real word? maybe not.}

found via allrecipes

Wordless Wednesday: Amazed by Nature

2010-10-27T04:25:00.001-05:00

{Jackbird's entry to a photography contest at his school}

Wordless Wednesday: Nature Hike

2010-10-13T01:59:00.001-05:00

The Weekend {Briefly}

2010-10-11T01:27:00.001-05:00

Our weekend consisted of...

skinny dipping kids * campfire smores * good friends * sleeping in tents * lots of laughing* long hikes * exhausted parents

Wordless Wednesday: Tiny Dancer

2010-10-06T01:36:00.001-05:00

Four!

2010-10-05T03:48:00.001-05:00

We had such a fun weekend celebrating the Katbird's birthday with a messy party. Just a few friends & a tub full of slime is all you need for the perfect four year old party!

When I say messy... I mean, messy! We had a whipped cream slide, painting with pudding, silly string fights and a lot of homemade slime! Definitely a very different party than last year's movie under the stars party. The best part I think was the clean up when we turned on the sprinklers - the kids thought it was great to run through the sprinklers in all their clothes.

What a fun way to celebrate 4 fabulous years with a girl who can light up the room just by being there. How lucky we are my sweet katbird to have you around, you make every day so much better just by being you.

Happy 4th Birthday Kate... iloveyouso.

Three Things

2010-09-28T03:25:00.001-05:00

There's a little game I play with my kids... it works well late in the evening when you're winding things down {and sometimes things aren't quite winding down enough for bedtime}. I call it 3 Things.
My kids love this game. I ask if if they'd like to know 3 things and they always get so excited... so we'll sit on the bed and I'll say 3 things that I love about them that day. only three. Even if they beg for 4... only 3 {even though there are about a hundred reasons to love them}

So today, I share my three things...

1. I love the fact that no matter what type of music you hear, you dance. Even, um... when the music is really not even that 'danceable.' It always makes me smile.
2. I love how strong you are - sometimes your stubborness can be hard to deal with but I know it will serve you well. I love how you are able to stand your ground - it inspires me to do the same.
3. I love how freely you love... you think nothing of grabbing me for no other reason than to give me a hug because the mood strikes you. What a gift that is to show those you love just how you feel. smart girl.

1. I love how steadfast you are in your beliefs of whats wrong and right. You never seem to waiver in what you believe. What strong morals you have and what a good friend you are to others because of this.
2. I love how you still want to run down the hall early in the morning to our room to see me. The sound of your footsteps thumping down the wood floor always puts in a good mood.
3. I love watching you learn new things - you seem to just devour new facts and want to learn so much more. Maybe it's the teacher in me, but watching your eyes light up as you find out new facts, just makes my heart melt.

1. I love that you always make sure I get the last bite... even if it's your favorite food. You are so generous always.
2. I love that the favorite part of my day is just sitting on the couch doing nothing more than sitting next to you. I know I'm a lucky girl.
3. I love you for how strong you've become over the past 10 years - we've been through some easy parts and there's been some rough parts but through it all, I'm always glad it's your hand I hold. love you.

Me + You =

2010-09-14T03:17:00.001-05:00

Have I mentioned lately how much I'm loving my husband? No? Probably just because I've been a terrible blogger as of late, things have just been too crazy hectic. A new catalog, a bunch of new products & gearing up for the fall rush.
Seriously, none of it would be possible (and really not nearly as much fun!) if I didn't have John by my side every day. lucky me. So, he is my inpiration for today's favorite things...

{1. Personalized Carved Rubber Stamp 2. Carved initials print 2. 3. Personalized Lovers Monogram 4. Heart Tree Pillow}

Wordless Wednesday: Getting Out Some Mom Agression

2010-09-08T01:42:00.001-05:00

Wordless Wednesday: Confidence at Last

2010-09-01T02:02:00.001-05:00

Hair Bands...

2010-08-30T02:06:00.001-05:00

While my hair is still pretty Shorty McShort {as my husband calls it} I still love wearing headbands or even the idea of pulling my hair back. I found a few little favorites via etsy...

{1. Camelia Fascinator in Fairtrade Organic Cotton 2. Athena Silver Headband 3. Monarch Wire Butterfly Crown 4. Metallic Copper Beaded & Sequin Headband}

Which one is your favorite?

Wordless Wednesday: Last of the Lazy Mornings

2010-08-25T01:08:00.001-05:00

I'm going to be trying a new little series to get me back on my feet with blogging - wordless wednesday. Why? Well, since I work with so many ridiculously talented photographers, I've been inspired to push myself artistically to make my photographs better. And, two, sometimes I think I talk a tad too much. see? already I've said too much on a 'wordless' post. Right?

First Day of School

2010-08-24T06:37:00.001-05:00

School started yesterday... on the hottest day of the year. 107 degrees. Yes, 107. yikes.

{But that didn't stop us from walking to school with a few friends.}

{Second grade... here we come!}

I am happy to return to a little more routine, but am I going to miss having him around all day! Hope you're enjoying a good start to your school year too!

Complete Hard Drive {Failure}

2010-08-18T10:19:00.000-05:00

Are there any worse words to hear uttered over the phone from the Apple store? I think not.

Have you wondered where I've been? I've been in a computer induce state of frenzy for the past week. After pushing and pushing to get a ton of work done so I could enjoy those last few drops of summer... only to have it all lost in one fail swoop. So, I've been steadily working to get my stuff done all over again while the kids enjoy maybe a tad too much tv (but, hey, it's been 100+ degrees for 3 weeks straight so what else are they going to do? right?). I'm going to try to start blogging again back to my normal routine soon!

Ummm... I would have posted a fun image from our summer here... but I'm still working on trying to recover all of them.

Bad Hair Day?

2010-08-02T01:23:00.001-05:00

Every girl needs a few hats in her closet in case a bad hair day ruins your morning. I love hats and really think that I don't wear them nearly often enough... here's a few of my recent favorites {via etsy}

{1. 1940s Style Linen Hat 2. Speckled Newsboy with River Stones 3. Beige Classic Newsboy Twill Cap 4. Retro Sun Hat in Burnt Orange Pinwheel}

Foodie Friday: Costco Top Five

2010-07-30T01:24:00.001-05:00

Okay, it's official. i'm old. Yes. I suddenly realized it just this past week, when I was chatting with my friend Tonya (who just happens to have the same name as me) when we launch into a full discussion on our favorite Costco buys. seriously? Remember the days when we discussed boys... and, well, boys. Oh, and maybe shopping?
Now all the boys we talk about are under the age of 7 and the shopping is grocery shopping? yikes. I told you... we're officially old.
But I digress... I love finding out about great finds that I can keep on hand to help delay the inevitable whine of what's for dinner, so I thought I'd share a few of them here with you:

1. Frozen Edamame - seriously nuke these babies for 3 minutes and Kate & I are in heaven. Such an easy thing to throw on the table while I'm scrounging for lunch.
2. Lemon Juice - I know you've seen those ridiculous jugs of lemon juice at Costco. And like me, you probably thought, who possibly buys this stuff? But, I'm not kidding... it's makes the best lemonade that tastes fresh squeeze and even better - the recipe is on the bottle!
3. Morning Star Farm Black Bean Burgers - Great on a bun... but even better chopped up and thrown on some tortilla chips with cheese for an easy, easy taco salad.
4. Alaskan Pollock Fish Sticks - I know... fish sticks? But these are tasty. And they make an easy meal if you just wrap them in a tortilla and add a little cheese & salsa. Viola... fish tacos in about 10 minutes.
5. Madras Lentils - I have to say, if they weren't offering this as a sample, I probably never would have tried it. {don't you love samples night at Costco? me too.} But these are delicious... they're perfect in the place of chili on a hot dog or poured on top of some Fritos for a quick Frito Pie.... an easy lunch.
*So, I know that this is not my typical Foodie Friday, but I thought it would be fun for a change. I'd love to hear your top five Costco buys.

Home Again, Home Again

2010-07-26T01:46:00.001-05:00

After 1,700 miles of traveling this past week it was so nice to fall into my own bed again on Friday night. We had a wonderful trip, though, to Denver to visit my grandmother. The added bonus was, of course, getting to send time with my cousins and their own kids. Unfortunately, we weren't so good with taking pictures - I think we were too busy soaking it all in. Which is why it was such a good time...

{Have you ever seen 3 kids more excited about going on a tour? Ok, it was a tour of a candy factory and they'd already eaten their body weight in sugar at this point, but still.}

{Kate & Charlie enjoying some reading time}

{Zoo time with our cousins}

{Kate enjoyed feeling grown up with her map... never mind that she was reading it upside down. She felt official.}

{Kate is modeling an Indian head dress handmade by my grandpa out of an old baseball cap. And you wonder where I get my love of DIY?}

Jack's Summer Bucket List #1, #8 and #13

2010-07-16T06:12:00.001-05:00

Jack has continued to blow through his summer bucket list... the summer is about half over and I think we've made a pretty good dent in his list.

{#1 on Jack's list? Go to a Bounce House Place}

Those 2 blurs are my children zooming down the bounce house slide. Jack has now gone to 2 different ones. One in Austin & one in Phoenix. I think we can feel pretty good about checking this off our list now. don't you?

{#10 - Wii Night}

Now I know this is a pretty lame picture but the only other choice would be to show you one of him sitting on the couch, slack-jawed staring at the tv. Jack is obsessed (and I don't use the word obsessed lightly here) with Harry Potter, so he saved up his money for the new Wii game. All those pennies & nickels added up and he was so pleased to make the purchase himself.

*Wii Night, by the way, was such a success he's already requested another.

{#8 - Swim the Length of Grandpa's Pool}

This was a big one for us - I'm so proud of him! It's not a big pool by any stretch, but him finally feeling confident in the water is a victory in itself!

Click.

2010-07-13T01:31:00.001-05:00

I know I've been a terrible blogger lately. i know. But with the kids home for summer - I feel like any spare time I have is spent making sno cones & riding bikes. Not to mention running a jewelry business. I've been up more late nights than I care to think about planning out our fall pieces & gearing up for the PPA national convention (Professional Photographer Asssoc). It isn't until January... but you know me. I'm a planner.

So I thought I'd share with you some of my favorite "camera" finds from etsy:

{1. Smile - Handprinted Letterpress Poster 2. Leica Diagram 8x8 print 3. Rolleiflex Camera Screen Print 4. Art Print Polaroid on Vintage Paper}

Gone Glamping

2010-07-06T01:48:00.001-05:00

Yes, not camping... glamping... as in glamorous camping. And glamorous, and fabulous, and relaxing, and wonderful it was. Just to sum it up, our trip looked a lot like this...

So much time spent in the hammock, just swinging and talking and laying. alone. We felt totally secluded - it was the perfect place to reconnect and spend a lot of time with my very favorite person of all.

Now, when I say camping you might think bugs and cramped quarters, but glamping looks more like this:

{oh yes, that my friend is a big claw foot tub... I love this kind of camping}

Because we were sleeping in a safari tent, we were able to unzip the windows and listen to the crickets and frogs and wake up to the morning breezes. Imagine waking up under a canopy to 360 degrees of view like this in your bedroom...

We did squeeze in some time for the Wimberly zip line, which was so much fun...

{yes, that's me}

And we did a lot of floating on the river, listening to the rainstorms and a little bit of antique shopping...

But most of our time was spent in our own little slice of heaven. And the best part is, we came back refreshed and feeling like we are ready to tackle the next 10 years. If the next 10 are as good as the first we, my love, are well on our way to making it a hundred. Thank you for, not just an amazing weekend, but an amazing life. I love being by your side every day. lucky me.

Ten

2010-06-30T03:34:00.001-05:00

Ten. Ten years ago today I was standing at the altar with him...

Why is it that in some ways it feels like it was just ten minutes ago? Is it because time flies when you're having fun? Is it because everything is just so much more fun when you're around? I don't know. but I do know this, my life is so much better with you in it and I wouldn't trade a single second that we've had together.
I'd say yes a thousand times more...

Foodie Friday: BBQ Frito Pie

2010-06-25T01:33:00.001-05:00

I'm a big fan of Frito pie... what southern girl isn't? A few years ago, my husband insisted that I had to try Sonny Bryan's BBQ Frito Pie. BBQ? in a Frito pie? But, I do trust my husband... and WOW was he right. Sooo ridiculously good. And easy to make... especially if you have leftover BBQ Pork, right?

BBQ Frito Pie

Leftover BBQ (I used pork, but you can use whatever. my recipe here)
Bag of Fritos
1 can Pinto Beans
BBQ Sauce (I always use a honey BBQ sauce)
Cheddar Cheese, shredded
Toppings: Sour Cream, Jalapenos, Chopped Onions (all optional)

Drain and rinse the can of beans and place in a small saucepan. Add in enough BBQ sauce to cover the beans and allow them to heat all the way through. In the meantime, heat up the BBQ meat - either on the stove or microwave. While those are heating crack open that bag of Fritos (now TRUE frito pie should be served inside the Frito bag... but that's totally up to you).
Place the Fritos at the bottom of your bowl, then top with the meat and beans. Finish it up with some shredded cheddar and top with sour cream, jalapenos & onions.
Make sure you make enough so you can fill your bowl twice. it's that good.

Jack's Summer Bucket List #4 & #5

2010-06-24T05:03:00.001-05:00

Well, one of the biggest items on Jack's summer bucket list was flying on a plane all by himself... I know? When did become old enough to do these things? Jack's always been my nervous nellie, but I was completely shocked and taken aback by his excitement at the prospect on flying on the plane without me. I thought we'd have at least ONE moment of trepidation... I mean, this is the kid who's still a little bit scared to jump off a diving board... but not one second of hesitation on his part to get on a plane with just his 9 year old cousin as company. Funny how that works...

{moments after getting off the plane}

{I think this counts as #5... hiking through the woods, don't you?}

{spending time with his Grandpa Pete & Great Grandpa Cliffie}

{and according to Grandma DiDi... packing away some serious food. Yikes, what's this kid going to be eating when he's a teenager?}

Kate, in the meantime is enjoying lots of alone time with mommy & daddy. She misses Jack and asks everyday when he's coming home, but her favorite part of being an only child? Getting to pick whatever she wants: dinner plates, games, whatever. Her favorite saying right now is "It's my day to pick! Everyday is my day with Jack gone!" But every night she says... "when Jack getting home?"

Soon, thank goodness.

Words with Friends

2010-06-22T01:40:00.001-05:00

"Friends with Addictions" would be more like it. Addiction to word games. I don't know if you are playing, but I sure am - John and I sometimes sit up late at night and play the game against each other... on our own phones. hello dorks. seriously.

It's a lot like Scrabble. Ok, it IS Scrabble, but you can play against your friends all the way across the country. Which means my sis and I can have a little sibling rivalry 1,000 miles apart (seriously Kim - when are you getting this game so I can school you on it?). I love it, though, because I feel like I get to connect with people I don't get to see on a daily basis. Plus there's no real time restraints on the games, so you play when you feel like it... carpool, sitting in traffic, waiting at the grocery store, whenever.

Are you playing? You might just be the only one not... I've got to go... I've got 4 games waiting for my turn.

Overheard at my House

2010-06-21T01:35:00.001-05:00

This week I got iWorks and was trying my best to wade through it, so after a few frustrated sighs I felt a little hand on my back patting me.

Katbird: Are you frustrated?

Me: Yes, I can't figure out how to do something on the computer.

Katbird (in the best 'adult voice' she could muster): You can't expect to do everything perfectly the first time, you know Mommy. You have to just keep trying.

Don't you love it when your kids parrot your own words right back to you? It's good to know those lessons I'm trying to teach her are really sinking in... Now, if only I could listen to my own advice...

Jack's Summer Bucket List #7 & #17

2010-06-16T07:58:00.001-05:00

We're on a way to completing all of Jack's requested summer activities.... in case you missed the post with the whole list, I've posted it down there on the right. That way I can't forget to do a single thing!
This week we tackled #7 by heading to the zoo:

kate kept asking when she got the ride on an elephant... this statue was as close as we could come}

{but they did get to ride a camel}

{and got to play in the water area at the Children's Zoo}

{we also got to take care of #17...play in the sprinklers}

{and finished up with homemade sno cones}

{delicious.}

Foodie Friday: BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches

2010-06-11T01:37:00.001-05:00

Just last week we had a little celebration for my birthday with just a few families over for some dinner. In planning the menu, I decided I didn't want John slaving away at the grill. That said, he was insistent that I was not to cook on the day of the party... so I had come up with a menu that could all be made in advance. Barbeque Pulled Pork Sandwiches made on homemade yeast rolls fit the bill. I just cooked it all up in my slow cooker overnight and by the time the party was ready to start, I had nothing left to do but enjoy my guests. perfect.

BBQ Pulled Pork

Disclaimer: I have to warn you this is one of those recipes where you have to just feel okay without measuring a thing... but I think those recipes always turn out the best...
4 lb Pork Shoulder
Garlic Powder
Onion Powder
Sea Salt
Black Pepper
Liquid Smoke (use sparingly)
1.5 Bottles of BBQ Sauce (I use KC Masterpiece Honey BBQ)
Trim excess fat off pork shoulder and then rinse well in cold water. Rinsing the roast will help prevent that weird 'fishy' odor that you can sometimes find with pork. Pat dry. Sprinkle roast with seasonings and place in slow cooker. If you're smart you'll add slow cooker liners because God knows, I hate to clean the slow cooker. Don't you?
When the roast has cooked, drain the fat and shred the meat. Return the meat to the slow cooker and pour enough sauce to your liking (I use 1.5 bottles). Just allow it to heat through. Place on top of rolls and top with coleslaw...

Coleslaw

Bag of Shredded Coleslaw
Marie's Jalapeno Ranch Dressing

Could this recipe be any easier? Throw the coleslaw in a bowl and add some of the dressing - I water down the dressing some by mixing in some water (about 50-50).

Blessed.

2010-06-09T04:06:00.001-05:00

Yes, I'm blessed, without question I am blessed. I have the most amazing husband who gets to work from home so we get to spend ridiculous amounts of time together, which just makes me oh so happy. And we have 2 of the best kids in the world. really, we do. Everyday I try to take moment where I close my eyes and say a little prayer of thanks. I try to feel grateful even on the toughest of days because I know I'm a lucky girl.
I am blessed with amazing family and friends, and it was one of them who inspired me to work on my latest jewelry design - my friend Erika, who makes me feel blessed each and every day. She knows she's got it good with a fabulous husband and two amazing kids she adores. And so I thought of her... and of her love of all necklaces long and dangly... and I came up with this:

It comes with 2 photo charms + 1 hand stamped disc that says "blessed." I wanted a necklace, though, that was flexible so you could include 1 photo charm or even up to three... and this one does the trick. As with all my pieces, completely personalized from the images to the hand stamped charms. Feel free to check it out in my shop.
Blessed. Me? Oh, yes I am. What about you? Do you feel blessed?

Summer is Officially Here

2010-06-07T01:35:00.001-05:00

Remember as a kid how the whoooole summer just stretched out in front you with so many plans & ideas. Just the thought of late nights and lazy mornings for the next couple of months... And now that Jack & Kate are officially in the midst of summer dreaming we've decided to have Jack lay down some ideas of how we can make this summer perfect...
Here's the letter he wrote to his future self:

And his list of ideas...

My idea is to take this list and turn in into a chance for him to really make some memories and keep his brain still moving by having him make himself a little journal complete with journal entries & pictures. I'm really trying to get him, too, to start experimenting more with photography and art with the added bonus of improving his writing.

I think my friend Erin has it right when she posted this quote:

And I'm determined not to miss a single one... What about you? What summer plans do you have?