Happy 2010!

The new year is fast approaching, and with it brings many hopes and dreams for the coming year.

After hearing a few friends talk about challenging themselves in the new year, I've decided to put my energy into a photography project.  While many people attempt a Project 365 (a picture a day for a year), I know that this is just plain unrealistic for me and our family.  I'm therefore going to attempt a Project 52, and challenge myself to a minimum of one photo a week. 

Some people choose themes for their projects (eg. the changing seasons or their kitchen table http://tablebyawindow.blogspot.com/ ), and while I think these are both extremely interesting, I'm going to leave it open and see if a theme presents itself to me through my pictures over the year.

Now that I've commited to this in writing, I hope that you will encourage me in my exploration of my hobby and profession and hold me to my project!

Best wishes to you all for the coming year!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

gallery.wrap.love.

My absolute favourite image for the year is of my youngest daughter snuggled up on a fuzzy blanket. 

After much debate I finally decided to enlarge it and to display in our home. 

We have framed pictures on every wall in our house so I was looking for something a little different and stumbled upon this new love of mine... gallery wraps!

It is definately something I will be recommending to friends and clients alike.  What an amazing way to display your beloved images! 

Does anyone else have a favourite way to display their family pictures?  I'd love to see!  Post a link in the comments section below to share.

Siblings

Two nights ago I asked my children to get dressed in their nice clothes and come with me downstairs to my studio to get a nice shot of them together for our annual Christmas cards.  Although there is a massive age gap between the oldest two and our youngest, they all love each other dearly and enjoy each others' company very much.  While I tried desperately to get them to 'pose' for a picture, this gem came out of the mess of giggling and tickling and fighting over the "Nice" Santa hat.  It didn't go out on our cards, as it shows off the beautiful orange tinge of little J's skin due to her refusal to eat anything but baby food still, and I really wanted everyone to be able to see their beautiful little faces...  but it is one I plan to frame and keep for many, many years.  This glimpse at a tender moment shared between siblings brings tears to my eyes when I look at it and reminds me of the true magic of this time of year!

The Cookie Exchange!

This month is literally flying by me!  I've been so busy with my photography and holiday preparations that I've had little time for posting on here!

I was invited to take part in a cookie exchange at the beginning of December by a friend whom I've recently reconnected with via Facebook.  I'll have to admit that he thought of making dozens and dozens of cookies was a bit overwhelming, expecially with all we have going on in our lives lately!  However, the thought of connecting with others, a couple of hours with adult conversation and meeting new people drove me to RSVP that I would be there!

I tend to throw myself heartily into whatever task is ahead and after the baking was done (with a LOT of help from my WONDERFUL Mom!) I decided I couldn't just throw my squares in a bag and leave it at that.  Of course, I created more work for myself by having to have nice little Christmas plates with ribbon tyed around them.... and I couldn't just print off a plain Word document with the recipe!

....and I couldn't just print off a plain Word document with the recipe!

Feel free to forward this post and share the recipe with everyone... it's been in our family and made by Mom for many years around Christmas time and we all love it! 

The cookie exhange itself was great, thanks so much for organizing it, A! 

The cookies, squares and brownies that people brought to share were absolutely amazing and I'm having a hard time keeping the kids out of them!

Wishing everyone joy, love, and tasty treats this holiday season!