I was beginning to think this session was never going to happen. First, momma to be was sick for an extended period of time, then I was sick for a period of time. Finally we were able to meet between sicknesses, for momma’s maternity shoot. I had a slight fear that being so close to her due date and with the constant rescheduling, that we would miss the opportunity to meet before the baby was born. One thing I was sure of, was that we would have a beautiful place to shoot. My dear friend owns Brookside Farm right down the street, so I knew pulling up to Horses and Hounds Stables, there would be endless opportunity for beautiful shots. Yes, it was a tad bit chilly that day, but I had a wonderful afternoon with mommy and big sis to be. I can’t wait to meet baby!
Boys will be boys: high energy, lively, playful, and a wee bit camera shy. That is how I live my life everyday, minus the camera shy part. A couple weeks back I met with these two little dudes for a little urban fun. We had a couple touches of snow before we met, but it stopped before we shot. Gotta give mom props for bringing the fun “props.”
Mommy’s can never get enough snuggles from their boys
Rock n’ Roll!!
I will be in touch with all of you on how to claim your prizes. CONGRATS!!!!
It is that time of year again, time to giveaway some of my “Favorite Things.” Last year we had a lot of fun with this, this year the giveaways are bigger and better and I have a lot of them. We have a lot of great local products and goodies as well as some random everyday items that make me function better.
How the giveaway works, you can earn several entrances for each product.
1) Be sure to leave a comment on my blog. Be sure to mention where you live and what 2 of my favorite things you like.
2) Go to my Facebook Fan Page, be sure to check out each image and comment under the photo of each of your favorite things.
3) If I put up a link to the favorite thing fan page, be sure to go their page, become a fan and repost under their photo on my site that you fanned their page. You get a bonus entrance. Feel free to let them know I sent you 
All winners will be drawn at random. Some items will be ready to ship to those out of the area, others will be ready for pick up at my studio. You will have 2 weeks to pick up your goodies or they will be given to the next drawn name. If you have any questions, just ask.
What the products are and why I love them so:
Local Businesses:
My Sis Designs: Handmade, unique bracelet. I sport many of her one of a kind goodies, that can not be bought in stores. She is offering us a copy of my favorite can top bracelet.
Knapp Sacks: This products has become a household name in the Hudson Valley. Clinton has been bundled up a night in his since day one. They are also great for photographers for newborn props. They can be found in her online shop or at Waddle n Swaddle in Poughkeepsie and Rhinebeck. Jenn is hooking us up with a gender neutral sack for her last giveaway for the year.
Lola’s Cafe: If you live in Dutchess County and haven’t eaten here yet, you have to try it. They catered our Anniversary Celebration this past September, I highly recommend their Thai noodles. I have a $25 gift certificate to Lola’s for one lucky winner.
Three Sister Herbals: Their homemade products can be found online or in many local retailers including Waddle n Swaddle. I have 2 tins of Magic Salve to giveaway. They are perfect for babies skin as well as removing mommy’s eye makeup.
Bad Ass Coffee: We all how much I love a good mocha, well Bad Ass has the perfect blended frozen coffee’s in the Hudson Valley, you must try one. The owner has hooked me up with 5, $5 gift cards for you to come in and try one out. I recommend the original frozen Bad Ass Mocha.
Mann on The Move: Last year I had my car detailed by George for after a long winter. With kids, dogs and dirt, my car was not too clean. He came to my house, which is awesome, I don’t have to leave my home, and cleaned for 4 hours non stop. My car was cleaner than when I bought it. George is hooking one lucky winner up with a $50 gift certificate towards his car cleaning service. My husband told me he quit when I told him he is not eligible to win this prize, due to the fact he worked for me.
Gnorasaurus: Every year I get the family custom retro shirts made from this fabulous local momma. She is great with the custom orders but offers a unique line of custom tees, bags and now baby hats. Kathy is hooking us up with one of her newborn hats to giveaway.
Mid Hudson Children’s Museum: Kieran claims it has “his” museum since that is where we hosted his 3rd birthday party. They boys love to go there with their daddy on the days mommy works. They also host great summer camps. Wanna check them out? The CM was kind enough to hook me up with 4 day passes to giveaway.
Hudson Valley Magazine: They throw a killer party every October and they bring you the best food and drink in the Hudson Valley. I look forward to getting their magazine every month to see what is going on. Two lucky winners will also be given the gift that keeps on giving, a year subscription to HVM.
Crave: Many of you know my obsession with cupcakes, especially Red Velvet ones. Well, recently a box appeared on my front door, filled with goodies from a local momma who made me chocolate covered red velvet cupcakes. OMG!!! She has been kind enough to offer to make a fresh batch of goodies for one lucky local winner. By the way, her chocolate covered Oreo truffles, to die for!
Nosefrieda: The Snot Sucker. Yes, a tool that sucks the boogies out of your babies nose. Sound super gross, but every momma should have one. I got mine as gift from Waddle n Swaddle when Clinton was born. Wish I knew about it with my other boys. One lucky winner will get a nosefrieda courtesy of Waddle n Swaddle. I will even through in a bottle of Baby Saline spray.
Other goodies:
Mad Men Season One on Blueray: I got into this show while it was on rerun. Must see!
Luna Bars: Peppermint Chocolate. For mommas like me who have breakfast on the go, or need a quick snack for the kids, a case of my favorite flavor of Luna Bars.
How To Cook Like A Top Chef: Top Chef is one of my favorite shows on TV. Bravo can ALMOST do no wrong. One lucky winner will get the latest Top Chef cook book. If you live close, you might have to cook me something.
GLEE: For all those Gleeks out the who love the holidays, then wouldn’t you love a copy of the Glee Holiday CD?
Trader Joe’s: I believe everyone in Dutchess County has written them and begged for them to come to our area but we have to travel to NJ or CT to get our favorite TJ goods. Well, if you are in that neck of the woods, I have a $25 GC for ya to spend. Think of me when picking up those awesome lava cakes they have in the dessert area.
Pretzel M&Ms: Chocolate and salt, enough said.
Organic Bloom Frame: Surprise Photography has started carrying these awesome frames and one lucky winner will get a 5×7 frame of their own.
How Do Dinosaurs Say I Love You: If you have Dino freak children like mine, then you are probably very familiar with this line of books. Even if your kids aren’t dino fans, they will love this sweet book that is one of my favorites to read to the boys.
LensPEN Lens Cleaner: For all those photogs out there, you need on of these in your bags just encase your finger slips and you touch your lens or you need to brush a little dust off your sensor.
Thank you for letting me tell you a little bit about my favorite things. I will be running this contest from today until Saturday. Tell your friends and good luck!!!
A couple months back I had gotten an email from Jennifer regarding photographing her wedding. She is currently a student in Atlanta but is getting married back here in the Hudson Valley. She is a graduate of Marist, and Angus was a student at the CIA. On their visit home for Thanksgiving, we met up in Rhinebeck for their engagement photos. She wanted a blend of urban and country. I couldn’t think of a better place. With us was their baby, Rudy. He is one good puppy and not spoiled one bit (wink wink). Yes, Rudy has his own Facebook page, as he should since he is one cool dog.
I am looking forward to photographing Jenn and Angus’s wedding next year and of course seeing Rudy again. I will have to get some heals for this event, the groom has a good foot on me.
