It’s easy to become caught up in the everyday, catching a quick shower and morning coffee, tossing in a load of laundry, searching the fridge for what to make for dinner…however I am reminded time and time again how precious life is and it truly puts things into perspective. Every day is a brand new day and there is nothing ordinary about that. So enjoy that wonderful breeze that comes your way and remember there is something amazing about your existence.
Such an honor it is telling the story of a couple becoming parents for the first time through photographs. It was chilly during their maternity session but this gorgeous mom was a rock star and I caught some beautiful moments between these two. Meeting their adorable little baby boy weeks after was another honor and I loved the little “cub” sign his parents welded, it’s his middle name but also goes perfect in his bear themed nursery…10 days new.
A few years ago I was photographing their little guy as a newborn and now look how grown up he is! We took a walk along the Dyes Inlet at the waterfront park in Old Town Silverdale (right next to my studio) and he had some special news to share.
Local entrepreneurs invest themselves in our community, they offer amazing products and services, and they support the community with job opportunities.
It is so important to also support small businesses by shopping local. These local businesses are among your favorites and they have generously added some awesome prizes to this incredible giveaway. One lucky person will win over $1000 in prizes (details of each prize under the banners)!
I’m sure they would love to know how much you value them in the community with some words of encouragement or thanks on their Facebook pages! At the bottom of this post it tells you how you can easily enter to win…complete one entry or better yet, complete them all for even more chances to win! Giveaway ends May 8, 2013, the winner will be notified via Facebook (or email); please see Rafflecopter terms & conditions for details.
Bella Bella Cupcakes • Boutique Cupcakes, Birthday Parties, Weddings and Events, Viking Feast Ice Cream, Custom Cakes and Coffee
Follow on Facebook at www.facebook.com/pages/Bella-Bella-Cupcakes/185631152921
Find out more at bellabellacupcakes.com
Offering a beautifully decorated 8″ Mother’s Day cake valued at $85.
Lisa Stirrett Glass Art Studio • A Northwest Artist since 1987, creating one-of-a-kind gifts, landscape art, home decor, custom art pieces, awards and large scale commercial projects
Find out more at www.lisastirrett.com
Offering one fused glass starfish valued at $48.50.
Seaport Salon & Spa • Full range of Salon and Spa services including hair care, nails, facials, waxing, massage, make-up and spa treatments
Follow on Facebook at www.facebook.com/seaportsalonandspa
Find out more at seaportsalonandspa.com
Offering a Ultimate Pedicure featuring Stress Fix℠ Aroma, specially formulated aroma blends with mineral rich Dead Sea salts, hydrating aloe based exfoliating masque will cool and hydrate with kelp and plant derived humectants. Followed with Smoothing* and Stone Massage Treatment. Complete with soak, nail care, cuticle care and polish. Valued at $65.
Add to Heart Photography • Maternity and Newborn Portraiture
Follow on Facebook at www.facebook.com/addtoheart
Find out more at www.addtoheart.com
Offering an Expecting Mom Gift Package including baby gifts valued at over $100 and a $250 gift voucher towards a maternity or newborn portrait session. Total value of $350.
Lanette Kuklinski, Independent Arbonne Consultant • Botanically based beauty, health and wellness products
Follow on Facebook at www.facebook.com/LanetteKuklinskiArbonneIC
Buy online at lanettekuklinski.myarbonne.com
Offering A travel size set of 11 RE9 Advanced products in a convenient travel bag. Pure Beneficial Skin Care with visible results in 24 hours*. Valued at $85 *based on an 8-week consumer clinical study
The Kitsap Card • Your Everyday Savings Card for over 18 Years
Follow on Facebook at www.facebook.com/thekitsapcard
Buy online at www.kitsapcard.com
Offering two Kitsap Card memberships valued at $25 each for a total value of $50.
Naturally 4 Paws • Kitsap’s only pet supply to provide natural food and treats, canine training, massage therapy, self-service bathing and a natural full service grooming salon under one roof
Follow on Facebook at www.facebook.com/pages/Naturally-4-Paws/125013427535382
Visit our website at www.naturally4paws.com
Offering one free bag of food, a maximum retail value of $100.
Olympic Outdoor Center • Kayaking since 1986 – Rentals, Paddling School, Youth Camps, Tours & More
Follow on Facebook at www.facebook.com/kayakooc
Find out more at OlympicOutdoorCenter.com
For questions call (360) 297-4659 / programs@kayakproshop.com
Two one hour standup paddleboard rental gift certificates valued at $32 AND One one hour double kayak rental gift certificate valued at $24 for a total value of $56. To be used at our new Silverdale rental location (next to the park at 8801 Washington Avenue NW, Silverdale, WA 98383), or our Poulsbo or Bainbridge Island locations. Can be shared with anyone. No reservations needed except for groups of 10 or more. They don’t expire until you do.
Indigo Fountain Massage • Hot Stone, Deep Tissue, Swedish, Mommy to Be and Injury Treatment Massage
Follow on Facebook at www.facebook.com/IndigoFountainTherapeuticMassage
Find out more at www.indigofountain.com
Recharge your Mommy Battery at Indigo Fountain Massage. Start with a soothing full body dry brush exfoliation to help detoxify. Relax with a hour long Hot Stone Massage with the heavenly scent of Lavender essential oil. And help keep the Mommy Battery going after your appointment with a complimentary bottle of Lavender Dreams Body Lotion. Valued at $125.
This sweet pea arrived earlier than expected and had to put on enough weight to come home. Five weeks after being born she was able to come in for her very first portrait session and she couldn’t stop smiling…LOVED THAT. I think I counted at least ten smiles! Since her name comes from a family member named after the Stargazer Lily, I had found a scarf which had brightly colored flowers, including the stargazer lily, to use during her session. Her nursery has butterfly decor so I also brought out my dainty little lace butterfly wings which she modeled perfectly. This beautiful little flower was perfect during her session, which was such a gift for her mommy who has been so excited and anxious for her daughter’s very first photo session.
It’s always an honor being able to document a mother’s journey from carrying a baby in her womb to holding that baby in her arms. Whether their pregnancy was a breeze or more challenging than most, it’s an incredible gift to have these memories to reflect on.
This beautiful mother of two boys now has a beautiful baby girl to love. ♥
So quickly my baby clients turn one! I have been excited to begin a new style of cake-smash photo session, incorporating a short film, which gives clients a unique keepsake and fun video to share with friends and family. I even include the cake! Though he didn’t want to dive into the cake, I’ll admit I snuck a bite and it was incredibly yummy! (by Bella Bella Cupcakes cake of course) Not all “cake smashes” end in a smashed cake, but it sure was adorable to watch him, photograph him, and film him trying it for the first time. Enjoy!
Are you interested in a special cake smash mini-session and video? Please email me for details and availability.
I first flirted, I mean photographed, this fella when he was six weeks old. For his one year birthday party he’s going to have a hot air balloon themed party and since his mom needed a photo for his invite I thought I’d just go ahead and make a hot air balloon to put him in. Worked out pretty well and it sure was fun!
I admit I’m no stranger to the staff at Bella Bella Cupcakes in Silverdale. I’ve been a fan since I came across them at the farmer’s market one summer on the waterfront in Old Town Silverdale. The staff will always greet you with a smile and the cupcakes are the yummiest. Here’s a sneak peek
If after seeing that lineup of cupcakes your mouth isn’t watering…just watch the video I filmed of the sweet treats they offer!
Here are the smiley faces I was talking about…so much fun to have them in my studio for portraits.