Monthly Archives: February 2009

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Blue Skies

Today I saw some of my favorite people at Arco Arena as we photographed the seven new Sac Kings players. I’ll have pictures to share soon - it was a fun afternoon, as always. And as always, everyone there was so friendly and helpful. I was wishing as I left that I could send all the guys at security like a gigantic humongous pizza or something - they really put up with me. Today I had several requests - can we turn these bank of lights off, do you have scissors I can borrow, can someone help me move something really quick, etc., etc. I try so hard not to be a burden but when you’re in someone else’s house, there are things you have to ask sometimes that you can’t do yourself. Even though I sometimes walk up to their desk a bit sheepishly, feeling like the little annoying train that wouldn’t (quit already), I am always greeted with a smile and pure pleasantness. Total blue skies. 

Which brings me to real blue skies…on my way to Arco, I passed an amazing field smattered with yellow flowers and the most gorgeous filtered cloudy light. But, of course, I didn’t have time to stop so I simply tried to absorb the moment and move on…even though it secretly killed me. On my way home I was lucky enough to run into some of those clouds still lingering just off the horizon and had to stop for this one. Actually, this one and another and another and another…will share those soon too. Will mention that I almost off-roaded myself attempting to park for one of these and sent my laptop flying out of my bag and across the front seat into the passenger foot area with a not-to-soft landing. I thank my lucky stars it seems to be in working order tonight. True blue skies.

But for now, it’s a wrap! Bonne Nuit!!

The Fountains

Saturday my mom (who was visiting this weekend) and I took the kids to Big Spoon Yogurt because, no laughing, they were all being rewarded for staying in their beds!! Yeah, true mom story. What you’ll do to get your kids to actually stay in their beds when they’re put down for bedtime. But it worked. The bribing. Hey, I’m all about what works. :)

Anyway, if you’re a local, then you probably know of the cool new shopping center, The Fountains. It’s like stepping into Pasadena in the blink of an eye. Literally. To me, anyway, that’s what it feels like. It feels completely removed from our Sacatomato malls - which, is a good thing. I love the (fake) palm trees, the fountain light display, and the boutiques that leave me drooling…it’s fabulous fun in dreamland. Oh, and of course, Whole Foods is in the same complex so life couldn’t be sweeter.

In any case, I’ve been thinking of this area for awhile for a shoot so thought I’d take my cam and see what I thought…and I loved it! Definitely think I’ll be using this in the near future…

sometimes being the slowest eater is not a good thing…

wasting some time while Hannah finished her yogurt…

last man standing…little Hannah still working on that yogurt…

the happiness….Isaiah almost ditched his yogurt for fear the train would leave, as in permanently, without him…

the ride is over and look at that sad face…

ahhh, sister love…

perspective from a little man’s view…

and, of course, some ladybug love…

Scuba, Anyone?

If you’re a blog reg, you know I’ve been on a green quest for some time - that is, learning ways to be more green, ways to help our planet and ourselves. Some things have been easy - recycling, for example. I thought we didn’t have local recycling but it ends up we do - the city will give you blue bags you put your recyclables into and toss in with your regular trash. Groovy.

Plastic water bottles have been a bit harder for me because I drink tons of water and well, grabbing a water while out and about is just so easy. But I found these cool SIGG bottles at Whole Foods that I’m completely in love with. Infact, I bought one for me and my honey. It took some adjustment getting used to drinking out of these, but in a week I was over it and lovin it.

My honey, however, took it to work and got a little flack. Infact, one co-worker (you know who you are Ms. S!!! :)) sent me this visually explanative (I had to look this word up to see if I was making it up, but apparently, sweet, I’m not!) image of an alternate use she’d found for the SIGG. Funny. (You guys kill me!)  Personally, for alternate use, I think they’d make a great self-defense weapon. :) Seriously, though, they are the greatest bottles because they are dishwasher safe, store a ton of water, keep your water cool and come in all these funky designs. One I want to buy says “Make love, not landfills.” Plus, they have ones for little tykes too in fav cartoon characters and other cool images. They aren’t cheap but totally worth it and will quickly pay for themselves if you’re like I was - a water bottle junkie, that is. (They run $17-28 I believe).

And lastly, plastic bags. I’m trying SO hard to remember my canvas bags and forgo the plastic grocery bags. I just found this one at Whole Foods and love it. What a great reminder too!

That’s my peace for today. Hope y’all are having a wonderful Monday!

March and April Promotions

Booking now for the following promotions…

Highschool Senior Casting Call! We’re resurrecting our Squash the Smoke campaign and looking for a fall 2009 role model. Squash the Smoke is an anti-smoking campaign we started last year geared at highschool students. We distribute posters to local highschools, free of charge, displaying a cool role model who isn’t afraid to say smoking stinks, literally.  This was last year’s poster…

 This lucky senior will receive a FREE 1 hour senior session ($125 value), a set of 25 custom designed ultra-cool 5×5 trifold graduation announcements ($95 value) and 10 Squash the Smoke posters, starring the one and only (them), for family and friends. We’re looking for a non-smoking teen who has a hobby, sport or special talent they’re willing to showcase for the campaign posters. Please submit candidates by email to studio@llfotos.com no later than April 30th.

 I’m so stoked about this promotion, BFF Tweens, that the first person who books will also receive a cd with 10 digitally enhanced images sized 5×7 and smaller for printing!

 BFF Tweens. For that special age group, 8 to 12, this is for you! This is all about the fun of Best Friends Forever! Plan to showcase your style with 2 outfits - one for your individual pictures and one for you and your BFF together. 2 5×5 10 page (20 sides) printed layflat brag books for you and your BFF. No minimum order. $300

 *Ages 8-12, limit 2 people. Expires April 30, 2009.

#1 Grandma.  Make grandma feel extra special this Mother’s Day and give her images of the best gift she’s ever received - you and your grandchildren! Or better yet, bring grandma! Includes a 1 hour session, our location and a 10 page 8×8 softbound art album printed on pearl uv paper (gorgeous!). $350

*Limit 4 people. Our location. Additional people may be added for $35 per person. Expires April 15, 2009. Book early to ensure delivery before Mother’s Day!

Just to show you how much fun these can be, we’re including some examples…

One all-time favorite from a few years ago…

 

 All promotions are based on weekday rates. Add $100 for Saturdays. Book early to ensure availability.

 

He’s Going to Be the Death of Me

Don’t let his cuteness fool you…he’s going to be the death of me. I’ve heard parents say that since I was a little kid, but as a parent, I finally get it.

Last night, after baths and snuggly tucking my monkeys away in their beds, I came downstairs only to be shortly recalled at the sound of a huge thump and high-pitched hysterical crying. You know…that cry, the one that shouts “we’re going to shorten mom’s life by one more year today!” And sure enough, it did.

I enter the twins room, aka: adventure central, and there is blood everywhere. Well, everywhere to a mother’s eye and enough to have me quickly dialing up my dad and Momi, who thankfully talked me off the ledge and saved us a over-reactive ER visit. Isaiah had apparently been re-enacting Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed and just like in the story took a fall, only happened to knock his nose on his wood bedframe in the process…which resulted in a seriously bloody nose that managed to drench his bedspread and splatter the floor and send mom into hysterics.

I’m happy to report all is fine this morning. And yes, I’m officially 35 today…well, as in regard to my shortened life span.

In sweeter, happier moments…here is the little man. He’s yummy, isn’t he? I know I’m predisposed to love him as his mom but man, he does make my heart stop - on all counts.