Monday, January 30, 2012

Winter flowers

Winter is usually such a drab time in the garden - but if you  have Camellias - then you get a touch of color.  Some of my neighbors have huge Camellia bushes - this one of ours is small - but has really started to produce some awesome flowers.
When you cut flowers in your garden, and put them in a vase you can extend their bloom time by putting them in the refrigerator when you are not home or at night when you to go bed.  Think of florists - they keep their flowers refrigerated.  If you do this, you will have your flowers MUCH longer than if you don't.
My friend, Kathy gave me this special vase.  It is perfect for heavy flowers like these.  It has a special holder in the bottom that you can stick the stems in and it keeps them upright.  I just love this.

Friday, January 27, 2012

Valentine's Day


Isn't she the sweetest? I just love Valentine's Day - and we are enjoying our "My Little Sweetheart" set so much.  Bella decided she wanted to get in a picture and I couldn't resist.  We are still scheduling some of these QuickTakes next week.  Apparently, there is a bad tummy virus running around, so we have had to extend our dates to reschedule.  So, give us a call if you want to have your sweethearts captured with this sweet set.  Next week we can still have your portraits back for Valentine gifts!!  Bella hopes to see you soon!!  So do I!

Monday, January 9, 2012

Prepping for the SAT and ACT?

Prepping for the SAT and ACT? Ace college entrance exams the first time with these easy tips and tricks!
PREPARATION
• Use Collegeboard.org’s SAT daily question email to get one sample test question in your inbox every day. It’s a simple, less overwhelming way to get your brain warmed up for the real thing. It’s also available as an iphone app! http://sat.collegeboard.org/practice/sat-question-of-the-day
• Take a test prep class. Kaplan offers courses that are tailored to the SAT or the ACT. Check out their website: http://www.kaptest.com/College/SAT/index.html
• Use a tutor to help you target your weakest subject.
TESTING
• Make sure you bring a watch, and don’t linger on one question longer than two or three minutes.
• Answer the easier questions first and go back to answer the hard ones last.
• Use the process of elimination to give yourself better odds on each question. If you know two answers aren’t right, that gives you a 50% chance of getting the right answer instead of only 25%.
• If you have to guess, the answer with the most information is usually correct.
• Never leave an answer blank. You should at least guess one of the options, because leaving it blank guarantees that you get it wrong.
• If you read the question and come up with the answer before reading the multiple choice options, this will help you avoid getting confused by “all of the above” or “none of the above” type of situations.
• Trust your first instinct—it’s usually correct!
Happy Testing!

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Happy New Year

Wishing everyone a healthy and prosperous 2012!!!  We worked "part time" between Christmas and New Year's Day - and are now back in the studios "full time"!    Just wanted to share a few images that I worked on yesterday and today. 

I just love this family - their daughter, Adalyn has been coming to see me since she was 3 months old. She is growing so fast. For those of you that may have had Easter portraits a couple of years ago - "Archie" the bunny was their pet. 








Benjamin is so adorable in his newsboy cap and tie- I just love this idea.  A "big boy" idea with a twist!  (Don't have to worry about keeping the tie straight on his shirt!!) He looks proud of himself, doesn't he??










Last but not least, little Braylen fell asleep during his session after delivering lots of smiles.  His teddy bear is as big as he is!  Just love the little newborns, especially when I get to capture "awake" AND "asleep".










So, I will sign off for now - have to get back to taking down and packing away Christmas until next year. Keep watching for upcoming specials and Special Events in 2012.  Right now - we have our January White Sale - huge discounts on frames through January 31st.