My Favorite Things: The best cosmetic book EVER!

A few months back, a good friend of mine let me in on this awesome book. it is one of the best investments I have ever made regarding cosmetic purchases. The book breaks down all the cosmetic lines and gives a rating for each product within the line. Opinions are not stated- just ingredients and if they are actually good or bad for you; myths about certain ingredients (example: how can a face wash claim to have anti-aging benefits when all you are doing is washing the stuff right down the drain after a minute- it would take at least 20 minutes to absorb! DUH!)
Anyway, from this book I chucked out my Murad products and bought one of the most recommended products- plain jane Oil of Olay sensitive skin wash for $3.50 at Rite Aid. Go get this book now! Below I have copied the Synopsis from Barnes and Noble.

"This well-organized, authoritative book helps women find products that make them look great without spending a fortune. From drugstores and home shopping to department stores and catalogs, Paula Begoun reviews all the major cosmetic and skin-care lines, product by product, with more than 30,000 total. Regardless of cost, there are good and bad products in almost every line, and with the turn of a page, readers can get concise reviews and fast answers. A user-friendly rating system makes it easy to find items worth trying."

Senior Photo Session

My Favorite Things: Wedding Bling!

You can never go wrong with these beautiful pieces of bling! Just be sure and not overdo it- go bling on the earrings and bracelet with no necklace, or a bling necklace with no earrings!

Rachele and Daryl

Just like all of my other couples, I was sooooo excited to see these two. After our hilarious and awesome initial meeting, I knew the wedding day would great as well.
I started off at the church where everyone would be getting ready. The bride nor the groom had arrived yet, so I spent my initial 15 minutes getting set up and speaking with the wedding coordinator. Once Rachele arrived, we went into the bridal room where I was able to get the detail shots of her shoes, dress and jewelry. I also prefer to photograph the invitation, so ladies, don't forget that on the big day. (Note: Sending me one in the mail always makes me feel extra special too :)
Once the guys arrived, I took them outside for their group photos and individual photos each with Daryl. Daryl loves photography so he took a keen watch to what I was doing to get ideas. Back inside, I took some snazzy photos of the daughter of the bride and groom, and by this time, the ceremony was about to begin.
The ceremony ended starting almost a half hour late, so afterwards our time for alter and outdoor photos was extremely limited. In the end, although in a rush, I got what I needed and was happy.
We then headed to The Gazebo Banquet center for the reception. I have always liked this hall- their food is outstanding and I really dig that they always include a cool ice sculpture as part of the package. Just keep in mind that if you are having your reception here or are considering it, there is nowhere to take any outdoor photos. There is a teeny tiny spot for just the couple in a little grotto area, but not much room to move. Most banquet centers do not have any photo op spots, so this isn't uncommon. We did have more photos to finish up that we couldn't get done due to time constraints at the ceremony, and our only option at this point was the dance floor.
I know many of you always wonder if you are going to know someone when you are looking thru my portfolios- and many times, you WILL spot someone you know. Well, today was my turn for the unexpected- I ended seeing an old boyfriend from high school that I hadn't seen in over 13 years! He was a friend of the bride and groom. It was nice to see him because we had some fun times together as kids! Isn't it always great to catch up old friends and to see how they are?
Another thing I loved about the evening was the little candy totes that Rachele and Daryl picked out to use for the candy buffet. I loved them so much I put them here!

Congrats you two- Daryl, are you going to be wearing that wrestling shirt the next time I see you??? :) xoxoxoxoxooxoxox

Joie and Kevin

I was absolutely thrilled to be able to be a special part of this wedding! Joie(pronounced Joey)is the cousin of my best friend from high school- so I would say it has been about 15 years since I have known her. Luck played a role in this wedding because when Joie originally contacted me, her date was the only single date i had left in April. Fate stepped in! YAY!
I knew this was going to be a laid back and a feeling very much like "family day" for me because I was also the photographer for Joie's Sisters' wedding not too long ago. The entire days events took place at the Concorde Inn in Clinton Twp. I arrived and went straight up to the room that Joie was getting ready in to take photos of her, her daughter, her mom and dad. We then headed down to the lobby area of the ballroom to take photos there- without Kevin being around, of course. Joie's son was getting ready with Kevin, so he came down too so he could get some photos with his mom and sister.
I then send Joie's side back upstairs and rang for Kevin and his family. It was so awesome that we were able to get so many of the family group photos done ahead of time since we were tight on time after the ceremony.
The ceremony was indeed an emotional one. Even the kids balled with excitement that their two parents were finally "officially" becoming a family. It's moments like these that make for wonderful ceremony photos.
Afterwards, I took Joie and Kevin outside into the courtyard for their photos. The courtyard at the Concorde is perfect for a wedding party the size of theirs- just a matron of honor, best man and the kids. Any larger than that, a separate park will e needed most likely if you want some cool artsy photos. I knew in advance how perfect this would work out for us.
After the photos, we went inside for the reception. First the cake cutting, then the toasts. The dinner was buffet (yum!) I love the buffet at the Concorde! All in all, what a wonderful event it was, and I cannot believe how lucky I was to be such a special part of it! I love you guys!

Congrats you guys! Hugs and kisses all around!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Liz and Jason

This was another one of those epic events that make you really realize how lucky you are to be in a career that you thoroughly enjoy.........

Ah..... the wedding of Liz and Jason.....on this beautiful early April Saturday I was excited yet a tad bit nervous, for it was the first time I would be meeting the bride and the groom. I most certainly was not disappointed! I arrive at the Inn at St.Johns to start off photographing the groom and his guys, then we completed all of the family group photos (minus Liz.) After the guys were finished, Ana (Twofoot Ceative) my most favorite and most productive coordinator EVER sent down the bride, her girls and the family for photos in the courtyard. As Liz walked towards me in the hallway, I seriously think my jaw dropped to the ground. This girl could seriously be a model for wedding dresses. And then I thought to myself "and she is a lawyer too? Holy crap, she needs to have a 5 page spread in People magazine about beautiful and successful business women!" :)
Ok, well anyway, I was more than thrilled at everyone I was able to work with in general- so pleasant and accommodating!
After all pre-ceremony photos were complete, we headed over to the church about 3 miles away for the candlelit ceremony. After a few formal family photos to include both Liz and Jason, we headed back over to St. Johns.
After completing the photos with the bridal party, just Liz, Jason and I took some time to get some photos on the grounds before entering the Atrium for the reception. Jason had me cracking up the whole time, worried about how stupid he was going to look in some of the poses I had him in. I told him "just be quiet and deal with it!" I could tell Jason would appreciate my sense of humor, and he certainly did. From then on he listened!
Inside the Atrium, I was greeted by one of my favorite DJ's- Kurt Colone form Mike Staff Productions. Kurt has one of the best personalities, and it totally shine thru in his skill.
The rest of the night went flawless thanks to Ana and her team, and Sparty from MSU even made a surprise visit to the bride and groom- what great photos!

Congrats again you two- I had such an awesome time and was lucky to be a part of it!

Kenley the Rockstar: 9 Months

Wedding MUST HAVE: Deodorant remover pads

These things are life saver- and yes, I mean COMPLETE life saver. I try to carry these bad boys with me at every wedding. Why? Basically, when women hug the tuxedo/suit wearing men, the outcome 99.9% of the time is white deodorant marks on the shoulders of the dark suits. Not only does this look disturbing, but it is dreadful trying to photoshop in photos. Please go to this website and buy them NOW- moms, daughters, brides, wedding planners- every woman should carry these with them to help those men in need!
http://www.gal-pal.com/products_gal_pal.php

*photo courtesy of the GalPal website

Stacy and Thomas

Ahh, yet another pleasant March day.....we have certainly been lucky this year so far for decent temps in the early Spring months!
My favorite videographer Kristyn (Castle Video) and I started off at Stacy's parents house where her and her girls were getting ready. After some photos there, we headed off to the church- the Chapel at the Inn at St. Johns. This is by far one of my favorite locations, as there are so many photographic opportunities that await you!
We started off taking the photos of the guys before the ceremony to help with time afterwards. Once we got everyone inside and ready for the ceremony, I was pleasantly surprised that one of my awesome brides, Jenni, was there playing the flute for the ceremony- she was WONDERFUL!
After the ceremony, we took the important family group photos at the altar, and then we all headed outside by the pond/waterfall area as well as in front of St. Johns for some cool artsy photos.
Thomas and Stacy were the perfect couple to work with- they trusted my instincts and my artistic eye and let me go with the flow. Thomas is a photographer himself, so he appreciated all of the cool things we were doing.
Once back inside, we headed over to the Atrium, where the reception was to take place. Oh how I love the Atrium.........
The night was fabulous, and the party went off perfectly!

Congrats you guys! xoxoxooxoxoxoxoxoxox

A Weekend Trip or a Mini-Moon?

Ever find yourself searching for the perfect weekend getaway with your honey, or even finding yourself low on moolah for a full-fledged honeymoon, but want to do SOMETHING after the big day? Look no further!
For a few years now, my hubby and I have been big into wine tours and wine education. OK, before I go any further with the trip, I must spill the beans and let you all know that basically the wine tours and classes are a great excuse to get some free booze and meet other drunk fun people. Wine weekends with the hubby are pretty cheap events. OK, now I will move on....
It really is true- you can meet some very interesting and extraordinary people on the wine tours as well as learn how many products can be made from grapes and their skins.
If you have never been on a wine tour, the first thing you should know is that you do not need to make a reservation. As silly as it sounds, with new experiences, you can never be sure how "it works." Do you just show up? Do you go with a group? It is much like deciding on a new restaurant- you want to scope it out before you splurge into something new. Wineries are very easy. To break it down, check out the handy-dandy "instructions" below.

1. The West side of the state has some of the best wineries around- and at only 2 hours away (there is also a great winery in Jackson that gives you a samples of each of their wines- 23 of them- for free!). No need to go up to Traverse city- the Lake Michigan region is my own personal favorite! Go to this link and get yourself a down loadable Michigan wine tour map for the west side:
www.miwinetrail.com

2. You will be surprised to see how many hidden gems there are. Most wineries are tucked away on large parcels of land off of dirt roads. Watching the beautiful scenery as you find your destination is always an added bonus.

3. Make sure you check out the hours of operation for each winery. There might be two located within 3 miles of each other, but one closes an hour prior to the other. Your best bet is to download the map off the website, and plug in each of the wineries' addresses into your GPS, phone or just print off the maps to each place from mapquest. Be prepared ahead of time.

4. Once you arrive at the winery, all you need to do is walk in! You will most likely see a bar type setting,may times without chairs. The tasting rooms are often cool and damp feeling, but, at the same time inviting, as are the people. As soon as you find a spot at the bar, someone from behind the counter will bring you over a wine menu and some pencils.

5. There is no need to worry about how confusing the menu looks- the guide giving you your tasting will tell you how the tasting will work, how many samples you will get, as well as what wines to start off with first (i.e start off with dry wines, then end with sweet wines.)

6. At some wineries, there my be a $3.00 or $5.00 fee per person for a 6 glass tasting. This isn't often, but it is a minimal charge for some good suds and conversation- just keep some cash on you just in case.

7. Be sure to keep an open mind. You may not be the biggest wine person, but there are so many to try that will you be surprised at what your senses decide they like. My hubby was never a wine person, but then we needed a cheap weekend getaway and tried the wine thing, and now he loves it. Remember, it's not just the wine, but the multiple other products that wineries make, as well as the interaction and experience with other people.

Hint: We recently started giving bottles of wine to people as gifts- it works great when you need a nice present- and people get a kick out of the story behind it and how you went to the winery and chose it yourself!

8. Will you feel obligated to buy anything? Well, although you are never obligated, it might be a good idea to buy a cheap bottle, if even for home decoration, at each winery you visit. What is excellent about Michigan wineries is that a majority of places always have a bottle priced under 10 bucks, and most wineries have PLENTY of great selections at under 15 bucks.

9. Need a GREAT place to stay for the night? Well, first thing you should know is of the hidden gem of Michigan- the city of New Buffalo. NB is actually the first exit into Michigan from Indiana, and the city is a beach/marina town for Chicagoans. You will not find many Michiganders here- it really is a "secret city" in Michigan. Everything is in walking distance, and the great part is the friendliness of the people. Another great thing? You will rarely see any 21 years olds being obnoxious here in the city- in fact, from our experience, most visitors look to be in the range of 25-60. Our FAVORITE place to stay is the marina Grand Resort. It isn't cheap, but you get a suite with a full kitchen, bedroom, fireplace and patio. My husband, a definite pessimist when it comes to hotel rooms, even loves this place.
www.marinagrandresort.com

Please feel free to let me know if you have any questions or need advice! I am also up for getting a group of people together for a wine class or even a wine tour! Just hit me up!

Fabulous Find: Jewelry Designs

I am a total sucker for jewelry of many types- vintage, costume and of course real gems! I am always in search of a great piece that could be an easy conversation starter and will just, well simply put- complement my outfit to the max. Take a second to check out the jewelry designs by New York City artist Erica Weiner. Not only are the designs trendy yet vintage, but they are also ridiculously budget friendly.

http://www.ericaweiner.com

One Year Photo Session