i won a giveaway!

I rarely win things*, so when I do, it's really exciting. Like, jump-up-and-down-and-hug exciting. This weekend, something awesome happened--my good friend Tina and I were Mason Shaker's "Best Friend Friday" giveaway winners. Now that we don't live in the same city anymore, Tina and I don't see each other super often (sadly!). I went to stay with her on Saturday, though, because we had a housewarming party to attend. I entered the giveaway on Friday and I sort of forgot about it until Tina and I were at a cute home ware store together on Saturday afternoon. We were looking at bar accessories when she said, "I guess we didn't win those cocktail shakers, huh?"

Fast forward several hours and we're back at her apartment after the party. My phone lit up with a twitter notification and I think I gasped when I saw that we had won! It was extra exciting than it would have been otherwise, since we were actually together when we found out!

I'm really excited about this new addition to my bar area! Thank you, Mason Shaker!

I've had my eye on these cocktail shakes for a while now. I can't wait for my next cocktail night!

*Other things I have won: tickets to the CSI exhibit when it was in Philadelphia and a pair of Minnetonkas. The shoes barely even count, since I filled out their "Your Minnetonka Story" survey and was then selected.

a night walk at the beach

The other night had the kind of rare, beautiful weather that makes it impossible to do anything but go outside. 

Beach season is coming. I'm interested in seeing what it will be like. There are things that will be different this year. It's still a little hard for me to go to some beaches and think of them in the context of what they were before October. 

a quick portrait session

This was the third time I've photographed Jill, and some of these portraits are some of my favorites. I loved our shoot from March, but I also love the light in these so much. The sunset happens late, these days, and this summer light is my favorite to work with.

 We did two different looks--one was jeans and a t-shirt look. It's been a while since I've photographed someone wearing something so simple.

new photography packaging!

In the past, I would simply burn clients a disc, stick it in a jewel case, and send it on its way. But looking forward, I want my clients to get their images in the mail and feel like they've received something special.

From now on, I will be using these recycled (and recyclable) chipboard CD cases.

Here's a preview of what the cases will look like.

a recent family portrait session

 I did a quick, in-home family portrait session the other day. Here are just two of my favorites so far.

volunteer photography

Last week, I volunteered my time to a great organization that aims to bridge the gap between girls living in a group foster home and professionals in the beauty industry. I photographed the girls getting their hair and make up done for their school prom and then I did a little mini portrait session with each girl. The day made me remember how great it feels to help others and how there are so many ways we can all volunteer in our communities. Every skill, talent, and ability that each of us possesses can be put to use to someone. I definitely can't wait for another opportunity to give back so people who deserve it through photography.

The girls all looked so beautiful and it was a lot of fun to spend time with each one, taking their photos.  It was awesome how some of them transformed from being quiet and unsure to really showing their personalities to the camera.

little things: into the blue

The weather is getting warmer and it is making me excited for summer--for cool breezes at night, for the ocean, and for swimming in pools. Here are some little things that are cool and blue, just like the summer I'm dreaming of.

1. Rilo Kiley was a very important band to me when I was in high school. And college. And still! So I was obviously thrilled when rkives came out. Peter gave me the deluxe edition for Valentine's Day. It included a cassette tape, which I can't play easily but like to display in my room anyway.

2. Natalie of Sweet and Sour Vintage kindly gifted the models from our shoot last month these bobby pin sets from this Etsy shop. So cute!

3. I never understood Washi tape until I spotted this roll with vintage-looking cameras on it. I've been using them to close business-related mail and on CD cases.

4. My business cards for my blog are great and I can't wait to give them out at Alt Summit! It took me a while to get a design that I liked, but I'm thrilled with these.

5. I can't get enough baker's string, so obviously I picked up this baby blue roll when I spotted it at the craft store.

6. I blogged about these key chains the other day, but this one might be my favorite. I have it tacked to the bulletin board above my desk.