My Seriously Amazing Life

Tender Mercies.

2012-01-27T13:49:00.003-07:00

The past week has been one of the hardest weeks I've had for a long long time.

I don't want to go into why it's been difficult but there were moments when I didn't think I could do it.

I spent a lot of time on my knees and a lot of time pleading with the Lord.

On Wednesday I decided to go to the temple.

There at the temple I got to experience something so special and so personal that I kinda feel forever changed.

The Lord gave me a little taste of his tender mercy that night and I knew things would be okay.

As much as it still hurts I am grateful for the Lords sweet assurance that he has never left my side and that he is there to pick up the pieces and help to put them back together again.

Although I hope to never have to relive this again and I never want to look back I am grateful for the view I can now see because of this trial.

I am grateful for Tender Mercies.

Inspired.

2012-01-21T10:44:00.000-07:00

I've been really down on myself lately and mostly because of my body.

The pains I feel when I think about how I look and my body are sometimes more then I think I can handle. But then I am reminded of how blessed I am to have a body that works, that moves, that functions. That as imperfect as it is, it's still perfect.

I watched this video and I realized that I am more blessed then I ever thought I was. That I can embrace what God has given me and the trials I face when it comes to the emotions I deal with regarding my self image.

I am blessed more then I know.

Watch this video...but you should grab a tissue.

I'm A Mormon.

2012-01-20T10:19:00.000-07:00

I have many people who read this blog who is not of my faith and I've been thinking about this post for a long time.

Recently my religion, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints also known as the Mormon Church, has had a lot of media attention because one of the front Republican Presidential candidates is a member of this faith. Mitt Romney.

I think what the most disheartening thing to me and many of my faith is the fact that we are called anti-christian and even members of a cult.

So I want to defuse some of these things by sharing with you my own experience and what I have grown to believe and know.

We/I believe in Jesus Christ. He was born a baby to earthly parents.

Jesus performed many miracles and taught many things while he walked the earth.

The greatest of all was that of his atonement, both in the Garden and on the Cross.

He died that we all might be forgiven of our sins, he died that we might be able to live again.

Jesus then was resurrected.

We believe in a living Christ.

We worship a living Christ.

He is our savior and redeemer and we love him.

As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints we have faith in our Savior, we try to follow his example and live by his teachings. Does this make us perfect? No. But we want to become like him.

The first principle of our faith is that we believe in God the Eternal Father, and in his Son, Jesus Christ and in the Holy Ghost.

This is the core to our belief.

We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul—We believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.

I love my Savior and consider myself a Christian.

So if you have questions on what Mitt Romney or any other member of the Mormon Church/The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints believe, ask us. Or Check out. www.mormon.org

Vacation...Go Day.

2012-01-19T10:18:00.003-07:00

We didn't tell our girls we were going on vacation till the night before. I loved it!

One reason was because every 10 hours I wasn't being asked "how many more days?"

Instead it was just a normal week.

We woke up on Saturday morning and drove to Las Vegas. I have never really wanted to take my children to Las Vegas. It's not like 1990 when they tried to make Vegas family friendly.

The smoke, the gambling and the "not porn, but sure looks like porn" that litters the streets. It's not just a great place for children.

Anyway we decided to stay off the strip at South Point. I'm glad we did this.

We did want to take the girls to Serendipity. It was interesting watching Elle and Ava see the slot machines. Ava said "I want to play that game". I had to explain to Elle exactly what they were and she didn't think that was so awesome at all. Playing a game that you might not win or get tickets to get a prize didn't sound like any fun to her.

Prior to our trip I bought a simple point and shoot camera.

I really didn't want to take my camera with me to Disneyland as I can't afford to lose it, have it stolen or ruined. And plus I didn't want to have to be a photographer (as I am when I am using my camera,) instead I just wanted to be mom and not worry about getting the "perfect" shot instead I just wanted to capture the images.

It does stink that the quality and clarity of the images are nothing like I am used to, but that's okay. It's the memories.

So ANYWAY we went to Serendipity and then back to our hotel and rested up for the next day.

AND we are OFF!

Serendipity.

Ava's Face simply explains how amazing this is. So sweet it will put you in a comma.

YUM

Elle's Fake GLASSES

I love the dancing lights of this photo. It's so bad that it's right.

Ava has become quite the little poser.

Elle's DUCK FACE self portrait. (there's many more of these)

And yes, I let my kids jump on the bed!

God's Gift

2012-01-18T09:55:00.003-07:00

I recently had an altercation with a person. This person I adored when I first met but somewhere along the lines she became less sweet and her true colors started showing.

I received a extremely attacking email from her and she took some personal blows.

One thing she said to me was "you think you're Gods Gift to the world."

I was immediately offended because I have never thought I was better then anyone, or that I am the best.

I only strive to do my best.

As I was crying to a Facebook friend about that hurtful comment she said to me.

"Oh but love, You are God's Gift to the world. He said so when he made you."

That little bit of encouragement was all I needed.

This Facebook friend I have never met, we have two different faiths and live in two different states, but she was inspired to remind me that in God's eyes I am a gift, I am a miracle. We all are.

I will forever be grateful for that bit of inspiration.

XOXO

Struggles..will they end?!

2012-01-15T15:32:00.003-07:00

I know I'm not alone in feeling this way, but for me I feel alone.

I am having horrible body image struggles. I always have had body image struggles, but lately it's been really bad.

I don't know if it's because I no longer cope with these issues using eating disorder behaviors or if I really just look the way I feel.

I am approaching my two year mark of being purge free and this is huge, but with this comes more battles. For example I am still struggling with being able to workout.

You see when I was in the depths of my eating disorder I worked out so much. Not only did I purge my food by making myself vomit, I purged my food by exercise. I would work out up 5 times a day. Once when I woke up, once between breakfast and lunch, after lunch, before dinner and before I would go to bed I would go to the gym.

Working out was just as addicting and destructive as vomiting was.

So now that I have rid myself of eating disorder behaviors I am so fearful to workout. Somewhere in my head I link working out with that unhealthy part of my past and can't seem to get past the mental block.

I really want to be healthy.

BUT I am struggling to find a balance between being healthy in my body and not going to a place that can trigger those behaviors.

I am not sure if you haven't gone through what I have gone through if you can fully understand what I mean by this. It took years of therapy to rid myself of destructive behaviors and one of those was exercise, another was eliminating specific foods that were "bad" foods. But with that has came the horrible weight gain. The weight gain because I am no longer engaging in ed. behaviors and the fear of working out because of the triggers that could still linger.

You see I've attempted workout routines and regimens and I found myself thinking like the Kandis who was so engulfed in the eating disorder. Immediately I wanted to not eat, or purge. Immediately I wanted to count calories and eliminate food groups. So I stopped working out because I felt the triggers. But now...well I'm miserable. Not a day doesn't go by that I don't look in the mirror and hate myself. Not a moment doesn't pass that I am disgusted at what I look like.

I thought that getting passed this hard point in my life would allow me to accept who I am, but I'm hating myself more and more every day.

I want to look at myself in the mirror and be okay with who I am, but how can I be when I know I am unhealthy, but when the attempts to get healthy start the eating disorder triggers start?

My body hurts, seriously..hurts. My bones ache because of the added weight. My energy is zapped and my spirit is down.

I'm not sure what was worse, the eating disorder or the post eating disorder body image.

Anyway I told you if I was going to start blogging again, it was going to include the good and the bad...I guess this is the latter.

Vacation Part 1.

2012-01-14T23:36:00.000-07:00

It's no secret I have been needing a vacation so bad.
I honestly think with me working full-time now (yes my job with Wish is seriously full time albeit from home) It has put a little bit of a strain on my quality of life.
So since October I've been telling Dave that we needed a vacation.
We tossed around several ideas, but we told Ava that when she was fully potty trained we would go to Disneyland. So that is where we went.

We didn't tell the littles we were going till the night before we left.
Elle was so excited. Ava didn't really understand.

So last Saturday we embarked on our journey. We decided to drive to save a little extra cash.
We drove to Vegas on Saturday and stayed at the South Point Hotel. We didn't want to stay on the Las Vegas Strip with the kids, I'm glad we made this decision. It is a nice hotel and to get to the rooms you don't have to go through a labyrinth of slot machines.

When we arrived in Vegas and checked into our hotel, Dave had a little bit of homework to do. (I can't wait till May when he is finally done with school.)
I let the girls jump on the bed, that was awesome for them.

Then we went to Serendipity 3. I love that place. Maybe it's just simply the Frozen Hot Chocolates that I love so much.

Elle and Ava thought the slot machines looked like pretty fun games. I had to explain to Elle how they work. She didn't find it very fair that you put your money in but might not win anything. She wasn't for that. YAY!

The next morning we drove to California.

We took Elle and Ava to the American Girl Doll store in The Grove in L.A.
It was so much fun to watch them there. They really loved it.

After that we went to Santa Monica and ate at Bubba Gumps. I love that place.
Then we let the girls play on the beach for a bit.
The weather was so nice.

After that we drove to our hotel in Orange County.

We stayed at the Disneyland Hotel.
The girls were so excited to pull up and see everything Disney.

We were all so tired so we grabbed a bite to eat at a little New Orleans style place in Downtown Disney and then hit the sack. We had a big day ahead of us.

I haven't uploaded all of the photos yet so you'll have to wait for that post. For now, check out two of the cute pictures of my girls in Santa Monica.

Family Photos

2012-01-04T09:59:00.001-07:00

I have a hard time wanting to have any photos taken of myself since Ed. I hate being at family functions and having pictures taken of myself. I get so much guff from family too about it.

Many may not understand why it is so hard for me and honestly I don't really want to get into it. But I nearly cry every time I see myself in photographs.

BUT I knew my family needed family photos.

My dear friend Natalie who is a fabulous photographer too knows of my worry.

And when she asked me to photograph her family in exchange she would photograph mine I expressed my concern to her. She was so great about really making me feel comfortable and trying to find the most flattering poses for me.

I'm grateful that she was so thoughtful to be aware of my insecurities.

Enjoy some of my favs.

And a big thanks to Nat. I love ya!

A New Year

2012-01-02T10:25:00.000-07:00

I have never been the kind of person that gets excited about a new year, mainly because closing out the previous year reminds me of the time that has gone by and how much I did not do. It also reminds me of how fast my littles are growing. I don't like that ONE bit.

HOWEVER I have decided I was going to embrace it this year. I am actually excited what this year will entail. I plan on doing a lot. A lot with my personal life and a lot with my business.

Mainly I plain to balance both better.

I want to be a better mother to my princesses and a better business women.

I want to be a better friend and a better all round person.

I find myself getting lost in the shuffle and really I am sick of it. So I have decided the best way to find balance is to live in the now.

Will this mean I will blog more? Who knows, but I have decided if I am going to blog it's going to be for me and nobody else. If there are readers AWESOME...if not I don't care. If I blog I am going to blog about whateves, and if the critics come running so be it.

I am going to try to be a better example of Christ this year too. Elle is getting baptized this year and we have talked a lot about her taking the name of Christ on her. It has reminded me that I've done that too and there's times that I am not such a great example of him, so as I am going to try to lead by example for my littles I must do better.

Ava started sunbeams..I CAN'T BELIEVE IT!

She loved it!

So this year is a year of progress for all of us.

Dave will graduate college (It's about TIME!)

And I am hoping to grow in my business, and my personal life.

Our family would love to grow in numbers but for now it's just us four!

Happy 2012 everyone!

Ava.

2011-12-09T13:37:00.001-07:00

I can't believe that Ava is already 3. She turned 3 yesterday (December 8th). It's so insane how fast time zooms by. Ava is such a spit fire! And honestly when I was pregnant with her I knew she would be. From the time I could first feel her move I knew she was a spunky, energetic little girl.

We had a birthday party for her on Sunday and it was amazing (photos to come soon).

I paid Janet to do the party for me. All I did was dinner, she did the rest and HOLY COW she is amazing. If you are in Utah and you need someone to do a party for you we should chat...she's stellar awesome!

Anyway back to Ava. I love this little ray of sunshine...she makes me happy.

XOXO

My Photography Journey.

2011-11-01T10:33:00.001-06:00

I've been wanting to write this post for some time now, but honestly things have been crazy and my thoughts have been so amazingly scattered. Things haven't gotten less crazy or are my thoughts more organized, but I just need to write for me really. (Maybe this will help me get back into the blog groove)

So let's go back....WAY back.

I remember senior year high school. Mary, Grant and yours truly took a photography class together. We made cameras out of oatmeal canisters, developed our own film, and locked ourselves in the darkroom for the entire class period so we could sleep. And when someone came knocking to develop their film we would say "we can't open the door our canisters are open." This was most the time a giant fib. We were snoozing on the floor. However through this laziness I did find a love for taking pictures.

Moving on. {past the boring college photography course}

Shortly after me and my own Prince Charming got married I found myself with the desire to do photography again. So I approached a talented photographer I knew just to ask if I could tag a long and learn a few things. Well it happened to be that he needed a assistant so he hired me.
He taught me pretty much only camera basics and a little about lighting. But mostly I was his girl on the phone covering for him why he couldn't pay his bills. But I did learn a bit. And I learned from a very talented photographer how to shoot with medium and large format film cameras.
However because this photographer was a crumby business man I couldn't work for him any longer. It was the most underpaid, slave labor job of my life. BUT like I said I did learn the essential basics..that I am grateful for.

Years went by and I still loved photography and found myself playing on Photoshop on a weekly basis, although I had NOTHING to process. But I did.
I would delve into photography sites and wish I could be a photographer.

One Christmas Dave bought me a DSLR to replace my SLR. I was so excited! At this point actually being a photographer still seemed so out of reach.

Up until then I was really heavily involved with my {former} eating disorder and honestly felt like I was worthless. I didn't think I would ever be able to do photography because too many people would pick it apart. I was afraid to put myself out there. So I decided just to take pictures of my girls. On weekly basis I found myself dressing up my littles and taking pictures of them. Then I would OVER process them in photoshop (I'm so owning up to that one.) But as time when by I started becoming more confident in my work and in my skills that the work became better and the processing became less.

Here on this blog I got a lot of encouragement, but I was still in a place where I didn't want to be picked apart, because the worthless feeling was still so strong.
So I just day dreamed about really being a photographer.
The day dreaming got SO strong that it seemed like a reality. So I decided to put out little feelers to see if anyone would be interested in allowing me to take their photos.

I would be lying if I said the first batch was amazing. OH NO THEY WEREN'T! Holy cow I had a long way to go. However I knew how to work my camera, and I knew how to focus. But I didn't know much about lighting. And I tried to fix everything in Photoshop.
BUT I kept shooting and shooting and shooting. And I told myself that EVERY day I would need to work on it and learn something new. And this is what I did. And this is what I still do.

So as time went on my work got better and better. I started having people...STRANGERS...ask for advice and tips. I found this crazy because I was just learning myself. But then I realized that I knew what they were asking because I was forcing myself to learn.
So I would kindly give them the info I knew.
THEN I had them asking for help with their own work.
I enjoyed helping others and teaching others. I've always felt very comfortable being in a teaching position.
But as I progressed I would get down on myself thinking that I wasn't any good because I wasn't as busy as other photographers or hadn't booked oodles of weddings or shoots for that matter.
And then I realized what my calling was. My calling as a photographer was to help others to become great photographers and as I did this I would become better myself.

And with this I have met so many amazing people and been able to teach what I know to women around the country and globe. I am so grateful for the knowledge that my calling as a photographer isn't just for myself that it's for others.

So as I'm standing here in the now I marvel at where I've come in the time that I have. And although it may be boastful I am proud of myself.

Photography has allowed me to not focus on my imperfections, those imperfections that really drove me to such an unhealthy place and eventually to an eating disorder. Instead photography has allowed me to focus on a talent my Heavenly Father has given me. And he has given me this talent to help others develop theirs too.

Not a day goes by that I don't want to encourage and help others to reach their full potential. This is so rewarding to me.

I am grateful for my amazingly supportive husband who encourages me to become better every day. And every day I see that I did something better then the day before.

My journey has been amazing and I can't wait to see where I go from here.

When I decided to start. OH brother...{hanging head shamefully}

When I decided to start {these are so hard for me to look at}

Now we are talking!

Much better.

So my message to all you who are just starting out doing something you enjoy but may become discouraged with is to not give up. To keep learning, and keep working. If it's your calling to do whatever it is, You will be able to do it with!

Taking A Beating.

2011-10-25T11:44:00.000-06:00

Over the last two weeks I've really taken a beating from internet onlookers.

I've been tempted to delete my blog because of it.

{sigh}

Anyway, here's a few photos I did of Ava.

I love my Job

2011-09-21T10:58:00.001-06:00

Not only do I love my job being a momma to the two most beautiful little girls ever, but I love my job as a photographer.

It's amazing to me how much I've grown in the last year and a half.

I seriously work on my craft EVERY DAY!

And I think...actually I know this is what and why I have grown so much and honestly become very successful.

I never in a million years thought I would be so blessed like this.

I am a picky photographer and will only photograph that which I want to.

And by doing this, it has allowed me to really narrow down what type of a photographer I want to be AND has allowed me to shoot what I want to shoot.

I really enjoy teaching photographers. For years I read and studied, and practiced all the basics of photography.

I was fortunate enough to work with a photographer shortly after Dave and I got married and he taught me a bit, then I grew from there.

With my knowledge and my distinct style I have been able to teach other photographers who enjoy my work.

This past July I held my first Wish Retreat. A photographer retreat.

It was 3 days long and it was a blast.

I rented a cabin up near Park City.

I planned shoots and taught editing classes and we chatted about business.

I had women come from all over. Two came from Louisiana and one came from Canada. Then I had women from all of the state of Utah; from Price and Vernal, Tooele, South Jordan and Saint George.

These women are now my life long friends and I am so blessed to have been able to met them.

I already have my 2012 retreat halfway booked and I'm thrilled.

With that enjoy some fun photos from retreat.

XOXO

My name is Kandis and I'm a addict.

2011-09-06T16:04:00.000-06:00

Hello, my name is Kandis and I am addicting to pinning.

PINTEREST has sucked me in and is not letting go.

I could spend ALL DAY pinning.

BUT man does some of these pins make me feel no good.

I really want to see some of these REAL life spaces people pin.

Everything is so pretty on Pinterest.

I AM IN LOVE WITH IT....I need a therapist for my addiction.

FIND ME ON PINTEREST

From Pinterest of course!

2nd Grade? ALREADY?!!!

2011-09-01T08:53:00.000-06:00

I seriously can't believe I have a second grader. WHERE DOES TIME GO?!

Although I wish Elle didn't have to go to school and she could hang out with me all the time (just because I'm selfish that way), I am thrilled with her teacher this year.

Her teacher and I have been friends since Junior High!

I never in a million years thought my child would be taught by my friends (outside church that is).

Not only is she my friend, but she is a fabulous teacher. Like I said...BEYOND THRILLED!

Staying true to tradition I had to take the DOOR STEP pictures of Elle before she went off to the 'new school'. Yes we got a new school this year and it's is super nice. Elle already loves it!

Enjoy these few pictures of Elle...TRENDY AS EVER!

XOXO

One large order of McHappiness Please!

2011-08-28T16:14:00.000-06:00

Don't you sometimes wish you could go to the drive up window and say "I would like one large order of the McHappiness.....Supersize it? SURE!"

Last week I had the biggest party for myself ever! NOBODY came...but I didn't want anyone to come to my party. I wanted to sit at my party all by myself and have a big cup of loser-ade, YES.. it was a fantastic pity party. HOSTED for me, by ME...and for nobody else but me.

You see I decided to throw this massive party when I let other people tell make me feel bad about myself. Notice the word I used. LET.

I am perfectly aware that I can choose how people will make me feel...and I LET people make me feel like a big steaming pile of poo.

The party ended and I cleaned up the pity party favors which included a bag full of why me's and dumped the loser-ade down the drain and said "Thanks for coming to my party Kandis, now get out."

And with that I drove to my own little drive thru stand of "McLife" and saw that there was a giant menu of options and I GOT TO PICK! YES ME! AND ONLY ME. I decide what I want.

So I decided that one large order of McHappiness I was going to have. I've also decided on a side of McOptimism, McLaughter and a cup full of McJoy.

I've also decided that I have to make daily stops at McLife to make my order, but I GET TO DECIDE, and every day I decide the same thing. So it is that sometimes the server at the drive up window can be a meanie pants but I still ordered a McHappiness! BUT GUESS WHAT? Sometimes they give me a order of McSadness instead, but I still have my McOptimism and McLaughter in the bag. So the McSadness is easier to take.

Life is good regardless of what we are given at the drive thru of life, it is up to us decide how we are going to look at it.

Pitty Party OVER.

HELLO McHAPPINESS!

Enjoy a few photos of a resent shoot I did of my niece Teri Dawn.

XOXO

Someone to everyone.

2011-08-18T23:16:00.000-06:00

I have a big character flaw I think....that is that I feel like I need to be someone to everyone.

I feel the need to be liked by everyone and obviously that's not the true case.

You see as I've grown with my business I've gained a lot of fans, and quite a few haters too.

For some reason these haters feel like it's their obligation to tell me just how pitiful I am.

I know I need to get a tough skin, but it's so hard!

I know this all goes back to my ED problems and now that I don't have ED to cover up the hurt and pain it is right here on my sleeve. I've actually thought of going back to therapy because I'm not sure how to deal with the hurt without covering it up.

I really want people to like me....is that to much to ask?

(would you believe it if I said I am actually crying?! cause I am.)

Anyway.....I needed to throw myself a pitty party for a second.

Don't talk me out of it.

If I'm going to be back blogging, I'm going to blog about the good and the bad...maybe this is a way I can deal with it all.

(just giving you that warning)

Oh here's a few pictures of my littles.

XOXO

Exorcism Episodes.

2011-08-16T09:41:00.000-06:00

Oh my goodness, so my Ava is the hardest child lately.

She is no longer going through the terrible two tantrums...she is having EXORCISM EPISODES!

And I just don't know what to do about it.

She gets this really enormous monster cry/scream/growl thing started and she won't stop for hours!

I just try to ignore it because there is no reasoning with her. Reasoning with Ava is like reasoning with a goldfish.

So I tried to avoid anything that might trigger an exorcism, but everything triggers it.

Now I'm not trying to compare kids, but Elle was just so easy and this NEVER happened.

So with this one I just kinda feel like I'm blind.

I feel like I'm a good momma, but when this happens I wonder how someone can be a good parent to a possessed child. When I feel like I want to scream at her (I don't, but I want to).

Any suggestions would be great. And I'll even give you a virtual hug!

XOXO

I'm gonna do it....AGAIN!

2011-08-14T14:37:00.000-06:00

So I miss blogging, for real!

I used to be great at blogging, but then I kinda got the wind knocked out of my so to say.

Although I've been crazy busy and so I use this excuse as to why I don't blog much anymore there is another reason why this cute lil' blog has been neglected.

When I was at my peek of blogging I was also at my unhealthiest. (With my eating disorder) and at that time I got a lot of blog stalkers whom I didn't know. In this time they would leave me really mean spirited comments....but I still kept on blogging my little bum off.

As I started to heal and get healthy I realized how badly that was hurting me....so in an subconscious move I kinda just stopped blogging.

But guess what people?! Although I'm still miffed by the negativity I got and seriously really busy. I have decided that I enjoyed blogging and sharing with others. SO...guess What?! I'M BACK!

Now I just got to think of something to blog about!

Are you shocked I'm posting?

2011-07-13T10:33:00.000-06:00

I'm kinda shocked myself!

Yes I've been MIA but for good reason. I've been sooo busy. HOLY MOLY friends!

But I couldn't be more thrilled with how busy I've been.

In April I was asked if I would do the marketing photography for the Days of 47 Rodeo! HECK YEAH!

So I was busy doing that. You can see my pictures on two billboards in the Salt Lake Valley (one on 1-15 and on on SR201) Plus you can see my stuff in Gardner Village and Maverick Country Stores. This is big!

Oh and guess who is on them? ELLE! YEAH!

It's so cute every time we drive past the billboards Ava says "wook Elle, your beeboard".

I have also been really busy planning my photographers retreat. This will take place at the end of the month. I'm so excited. I have one lady coming from Canada, and two from Louisiana.

I've been doing a lot of commercial work for business around the country too. They send me product and I photograph it for them.

All this has been a dream come true. I can't wait to see what the next year has in store for me.

XOXO

Kandis

10 years!

2011-06-15T08:54:00.000-06:00

On June 9th I celebrated my 10 year anniversary!

I'm the luckiest ever!

Dave is the bestest husband I could ever ask for.

He loves me regardless of my many....MANY ...many flaws.

And I'm so blessed to have such a wonderful dude as my husband.

We celebrated our 10 year actually back in February when we spent 11 blissful days on a cruise. So we just went to dinner and a movie on our actual anniversary. And all is good!

Big year this year eh? Turned 30, 10 year anniversary, what's next gray hair? I hope not!

Turning 30

2011-06-03T22:24:00.000-06:00

Happy Birthday to me!

I can't believe I'm 30!

Where has time gone?

Okay Honestly I have had no problem turning 30 as a matter of fact I'm not even bothered by it.

Turning 30 has been more of a reflection then anything.

It has made me look back and take a good look at life.

These are the few things that I have learned.

1. Don't wish away today for tomorrow.

I've learned this over the last year.

Time goes by to quickly.

I wished a lot of years away by saying things like "maybe one day"

And that one day never came.

So I now say "TODAY I WILL"

2. It's okay not to wear clothes from Forever 21!

I'm serious about that one.

I'm a women and my body is not like a teenagers.

I need to wear clothes that a women would wear. That a designer designed for women not teens.

NOT ONLY that, but dressing age appropriate is a must.

I want to be stylish and trendy but trying to keep up with the 20 somethings is now left behind. I might be forever 21 in my heart...but in my hips I'm not. It's okay to dress my age. J Crew is my friend.

That is all I'm going to share although I've learned more lessons those are the ones that I think we all can take and apply!

XOXO

You wanna know why I don't have time?

2011-05-24T15:33:00.001-06:00

I used to be amazing at blogging, but I just don't have time.

You wanna know why?

Because honestly my business has become really successful and it keeps me always busy. That and with my job as Elle and Ava's momma plus taking care of my Mister Handsome....I am one busy lady!

SOOOOO If you don't see me posting it's not because I don't like you. I really do...it's just because I've gotten busy.

But anyway. I love you like I love shoes and makeup and clothes and cupcakes!

XOXO

Oh and check out my business will ya?!

http://wish-photo.com

More of our cruise.

2011-05-12T09:18:00.000-06:00

I know I've been horrible at blogging lately, but my photography has kept me really busy that I don't have a lot of extra time on my hands. I think about blogging everyday...but time just goes by to fast.

Here's a few more photos of our cruise. (more to come)

XOXO

We spent a lot of time the first day at sea reading. It was COLD on the first day.

Yay for towel animals

And midnight snacks

Love the pretty white table settings every morning for breakfast.

Our toes saw a lot of sun

Hanging out on the deck was one of our favorite things to do

yay for warm weather

My handsome hubby

Puerto Rico

We went "snuba" diving in St. Thomas (a mix of scuba and snorkel.)

And after we were done with our Snuba...it rained...and I loved it!

And that night I got to eat my favorite dessert. CREME BRULEE! YUMMY

I've been so bad at blogging

2011-04-18T11:19:00.000-06:00

I know I know...I've been so bad at blogging. I do have so much to blog about too, I just haven't gotten around to it yet.

Stay tuned for these upcoming posts this week.

The remainder of our fabulous cruise.....and the "B family girls weekend"

Elle's "Tea" Party and some funny stories

I guess this is what happens when you have a business you get so busy that you forget about blogging. UGH.....sorry!

Until then enjoy these few photos of my girls.

XOXO

Isn't this the best?!

2011-03-30T10:59:00.000-06:00

Ava is the funniest little girl ever! I adore this picture of her and think it's the best ever. It shows off her little personality just perfectly!

LOVE IT!

XOXO

Beautiful Elle

2011-03-30T10:53:00.001-06:00

I often feel like I am the luckiest mom in the world to have two such beautiful girls. My Elle is the sweetest six year old I've ever met. Seriously she is!

Now that she is in first grade she comes home with all sorts of tid-bits that just makes me laugh. Yesterday I had her at the mall with me and she said to me "Mom, that is SO last season." Seriously what first grader knows about what is last season or not.

We walked into the Gap and she saw this dress and she had to have it. She said the color was so pretty and she would let me take pictures of her in it. SO of course I bought it....and snapped away!

My Ava

2011-03-24T13:58:00.000-06:00

I just had to post this picture of my beautiful two year old. I love my new studio lighting and the way it puts catch lights in the eyes. I am loving my new lighting and how much I can do with it!

Ava is the funnest little two year old. She says the funniest things and is an all round hilarious child! I enjoy my little munchkin!

XOXO

What are you googling?

2011-03-24T11:02:00.001-06:00

So we all google....right?! And you know sometimes you google something and then it takes you somewhere that you don't really want to go?! Well I do it all the time. And I love the stats here on the dashboard and you can see what people search for that leads them to your blog.

Here are the top searches that bring people here to My Seriously Amazing Life.

(I've noticed some other good ones before...I wish I would have wrote them down.)

myseriouslyamazinglife.blogspot.com

my seriously amazing life

kandis b.

kandis broadhead

wish photography

wish photography blog

wish photography utah

wish photography kandis

kandis b photography

sweet elle

funny ksl ads

photoshop friday mommy blog

baptism subway art

blog "mostly" sweetheart

cjsi china

how to have a safari party for a 18 year old

broken heel

angel lush cupacakes

toes in face

kandis kinder detroit

sherrie syme mecham

hip mormon

devils lawn mower

eating disorder treatment utah

battle ed

.......this one happens to be my favorite...drum roll please

are you daves mom seriously naughty.

BWAHHH!

XOXO

My new studio!

2011-03-23T12:24:00.000-06:00

I've wanted a studio in my house for a while, but just didn't have the funds to do it. So over time we decided we would be able to do it. It is finished and I'm in love. I love my lighting and my backdrops, my props, the color on my walls my canvas' and everything about it.

It is so nice to have a place to do my work...and that I can shoot no matter what the weather is.

Yesterday I did a little impromptu shoot with my girls and Alexa my niece.

I am in love with having this little space for my business!

This was the test shot! That's why it's not centered...but I LOVE IT ANYWAY!

I am a horrible blogger!

2011-03-19T08:59:00.000-06:00

I used to be the best blogger ever...but as of late I AM HORRIBLE.

I seriously have just been so busy that I don't have time to sit down and blog.

I have some really fab pictures of our cruise I still need to post and I will. I have pictures of my new photography studio that I need to post. I have all sorts of funny stories...I am just so busy.

But I'm making a promise RIGHT NOW!

I, Kandis the author of this amazing blog...and ruler of my seriously amazing life...promises to blog more often! {Cross my heart...stick a needle in my eye!}

XOXO

My Independence Day!

2011-02-18T10:14:00.004-07:00

{This is a lengthy...personal post...so if you have no interest in my life and struggles and how far I've come, be warned...if you care...then you should read this.}

CONGRATULATIONS SELF....TODAY IS YOUR INDEPENDENCE DAY!

{I am seriously sitting here with tears in my eyes and a big smile on my face!}

Today I am declaring my independence from a very long and trying battle with bulimia or 'Ed' (eating disorder). I am ONE year free from self induced purging! I have worked so hard and it has been so tough.

To say this is a huge milestone is an understatement.

I'm going to go back to 4 years ago so you can all see the journey I've had.

Four years ago this past January I received a phone call and it went something like this.

Me: "Hello?"

Kamille (my dear friend) : "Are you making yourself throw up everyday?"

Me: "Huh?"

Kamille: "Tell me are you?"

Me: "Why?"

Kamille: "Just tell me!"

Me: "you tell me why you would ask that."

Kamille: "Because last night Clint and I went to the temple and all I could think about was you and that something was wrong. We came home and I went to bed and I had a dream about you. I was calling and calling you and you didn't answer so I went over to your house and your mom was there and answered the door. I asked where you were and she said 'Kandis can't talk to you right now, we found her on the floor passed out cause she's been making herself throw up everything.' So tell me are you?"

Me: "I don't have a problem."

Kamille: "are you?"

Me: "Maybe"

Kamille: "you need to stop"

Me: "I don't want to, and I can stop anytime."

Kamille: "I'm going to tell Dave."

Me: "he already knows" (this was a lie)

Kamille: "then I'm going to tell your mom"

this is when panic hit, I couldn't lie about my mom knowing because she would know my mom wouldn't be okay with it.

Me: "If you tell my mom I'll hate you."

Kamille: "well I'd rather you hate me, then you die."

Kamille: "I'll give you till Monday to decide what you're going to do, then I'm telling" (this was a Saturday morning.)

I was so mad at her for putting me in this spot. I didn't want anyone to know, especially family.

Monday came and I asked her not to tell, but I would talk to my bishop about it.

Meanwhile Dave and I had been planning a cruise and I was really excited about it. I had a moment on this Monday when I thought. "I can eat whatever I want and throw it up."

This is when I KNEW I had a problem.

Up to that moment I don't remember thinking "I'm going to eat this and throw it up." This was the first time I had it planned out. This scared me. This is when I knew this was a problem.

Tuesday came and I was at YW when the bishop came up to me and asked if I were okay (he didn't know anything.) I asked him if we could talk. So we went into his office and I ended up telling him about how I was feeling about food and weight, and how the conversation went with my friend, and that I might just have a problem. He gave me a number to call so I could get help.

I told Kamille about my visit. But that wasn't good enough for her. She called Dr. Laura. Yes THE Dr. Laura. Dr Laura told her that it didn't matter that I was a grown women, I was killing myself and she needed to tell my mother. And that I needed help. Kamille called my mom. I felt so betrayed.

Now I owe her my life.

The next week I called the number I received from my Bishop and made an appointment with some lady named Michelle.

I was scared to death to talk to someone about it. I just knew that when I walked into there she would look at me and think "you need an eating disorder, you aren't that skinny....you could lose a few pounds." or "You don't look like you have an eating disorder." or "you are really sick and we are going to have to take you away from your family for 3 months and you'll be in a center with others like you." All three of those thoughts scared me.

But I went to the appointment.

When I arrived at my appointment I thought "I'm not going to share anything." But Michelle made it so easy to talk. She told me at this appointment "You have bulimia." I told her

"I don't think I do."

She let me believe that. But told me I should come back.

She gave me two books to read.

I read one begrudgingly as a "homework" because I'm a people pleaser and that's what I do. But I still was okay not getting better.

The book I read was actually really great. It's called 'Life without Ed."

I related to the girl in the book.

That scared me. Maybe I really had a problem.

I would continue to see Michelle she told me that this path to recovery was hard but I could do hard things. Oh boy was she right!!

My eating disorder had overtaken my life where I wasn't living for me I was living to impress the world around me. To be liked by everyone..even those I would never meet.

When I would go to the mall I would buy Elle lunch but I couldn't eat even though I was starving because people would see me and think "why is that fatty eating that?!".

I would go into a store and was afraid that everyone in that store would say or think "she is much to big to be shopping in this store."

I wouldn't buy clothes because the tag said 'large' and if I bought the 'large' label tag it was admitting that I was large.

Ed would go every where with me. He was at every family function and every life event. Church was the worst. Ed always had me comparing myself to all these other beautiful, crafty, perfect women. And I wasn't good enough.

But when I purged or didn't eat....I was better then them, I had more control...more then them.

I started going to a group therapy for others who had eating disorders and the first time I went I was so worried that I would walk into the room and I wouldn't look like any of those women. I was stunned when I got there and I saw the variety of women who was in this group. 99% of the women you would never look at and think "she has an eating disorder". It taught me that eating disorders have NO prejudice and no limitations...anyone can be affected by it.

Over the next three years I discovered why in fact I had an eating disorder. As most eating disorders are not about being thin, or food as most may think. Eating disorders start because of something deeper. A lot of eating disorders start because of childhood abuse. I am grateful that my eating disorder wasn't because of abuse as I was a loved child and lived a charmed life.

I learned that I had a much different reason for the reason I battled so long with an eating disorder.

A lot of events lead up to why I started engaging in eating disorder behaviors that ultimately turned into a full fledged eating disorder. The last being when I was in high school I was told by a teacher that the reason I didn't make a specific dance team was because I am short, and because that my weight really shows. I loved dancing and I NEVER wanted to not be able to do something I loved because of the way I looked.

After that the battle began. But she was just the final straw. There was things prior that began to tear open the hole of hurt that later the eating disorder would attempt to fill.

I learned that I always wanted people to praise me and like me. I needed positive affirmation. I wanted those who I would never meet to like me, just in case one day I ran into them. I always had to dress the best and have the best makeup and best hair. I needed to be the most witty and the most friendly. I had to be the best. This need for perfection and need for praise was a strong basis for my eating disorder. Ed made me feel that he could make me perfect..he was perfection.

When I wanted to get pregnant with Ava I knew that God wouldn't give me another child while I abused my body so badly. So I began to take treatment more seriously. Although I kept in my mind "after I have a baby I can go back to the way things were to lose the weight again."

After years of trying to have another baby and much money spent on fertility treatments we were finally pregnant. I promised myself I wouldn't purge..that I would be healthy for this baby.

After Ava was born it was hard again. I engaged again and again in the eating disorder, but the difference was I hated that I was doing it. It made me feel bad. I just couldn't stop. The eating disorder took a turn though it no longer was telling me "you are doing this so you can be better then everyone." It was telling me "you are nothing." I got a lot of "you see you're a failure you gave in."

I began to stop living. I would go through the motions, but I was afraid to use my talents, because I was afraid that people would judge me. So I would dream of all the things I would do if I knew nobody would judge me.

And I dreamed and dreamed and dreamed. But I would never be free from this eating disorder because I was nothing...I was a failure, because I wasn't thin, I wasn't the perfect mom and not everyone liked me.

Then a turning point happened. I had served in the Young Womens in my ward for YEARS. We are talking 4 years in this ward and 3 1/2 in the previous ward. I knew nothing but the YW's. Dave and I were called to work with the Young Single Adults. I was devastated. It must be because I have an eating disorder that Lord wouldn't let me work with the YW's any more. He was punishing me. About 2 months leading up to this release I hadn't engaged in eating disorder behaviors. Now I had a major set back and had many episodes of engaging.

Then the healing really began. The 3 years of treatment clicked. I learned that I wanted to live.

I learned that it's okay that not everyone has to like me, or approve of me. It's okay to fail sometimes, it's okay to shine. It's okay to be me.

There were many times in my life that I felt that I was God's one mistake. That he made everything perfect in his eyes..but he failed with me. How could he create someone who hated herself how could he love me when I hated myself so much? I began to realize that all along God was trying to tell me that I was perfect to him. But I needed to accept that.

This is when I decided to start my passion for photography and put myself out there. I decided that it doesn't matter if not everyone loves it, but I love it..and that God gave me this talent to develop and share. I stopped always worrying what others may think of me, but what God thinks of me.

I started to become the best me I could be.

I have now realized that I haven't gone through this trial for me, but to help others.

I am so excited to start a program that will reach out to women and teens that will teach them to love the genes that they were given. To boost their self esteem. I KNOW this is why I have gone through this trial.

I wrapped up my last session with Michelle who I respect and love so much and she asked me "So what are you going to do now?"

After a brief thought I said "I'm going to live."

I'm not going to worry about looking like a Sports Illustrated model in a swim suit. I'm not going to worry about what the teenage girl working at the store in the mall thinks of me. Instead I am going to be the best me I can be. I'm going to teach my girls that God doesn't make mistakes. That the 'body flaws' that we see are his way of making us different. I'm going to reach out to those who are struggling with their own body image issues and their own feelings of inadequacy and help them to know they are perfectly perfect because the worlds jeans don't have to fit our genes.

I'm going to live.

So today I have claimed my independence from a long LONG battle from a nasty thing I call Ed. I NO longer have an eating disorder. I am RECOVERED from an eating disorder and I am free!

If you or someone you know has an eating disorder it is not something to take lightly, they need help. It is an epidemic that is sweeping the nation and we need to acknowledge it and help them through it.

I wouldn't be here today if it weren't for a few wonderful people who helped me through the darkest hours.

Kamille, for making me GET help!

Dave, for being by my side the entire time.

My parents for knowing not to judge.

My girls for giving me strength

Michelle Workman my fabulous therapist who helped me all the way.

Meagan my sister in recovery.

Bishop Greer and Bishop Winder for support.

And for my Savior Jesus Christ for being my guide.

Although I know that there might be bumps in the road and temptation I know how to deal with it...I know I can...BECAUSE I CAN DO HARD THINGS!

HELLO LIFE!

HELLO INDEPENDENCE!

XOXO

Doesn't look like the start of a Caribbean cruise..does it?!

2011-02-17T19:47:00.000-07:00

Dave and I celebrate our 10 year anniversary early. Our anniversary isn't until June, but we wanted to escape the cold and let's face it...it was cheaper to go on a cruise in February then June. So we did.

Any way we took a wonderful 11 day 10 night cruise to the Eastern Caribbean leaving out of New York.

It was so wonderful...Have I said it was wonderful...cause it really was wonderful.

HOWEVER...when we got to New York it was FREEZING! This was the day that the entire nation was washed over with freezing temps. We were so grateful that we landed in New York safely because there was so much ice. We took a red eye flight to JFK and I now know why they call it the red eye. NO SLEEP DOES NOTHING FOR MY GREEN EYES!

We took a shuttle bus thingy that we found out about at the airport to the cruise terminal...and let me tell you it was so scary. Those drivers are insane. HOW DO THEY PASS A DRIVING TEST?! I leaned over to Dave and said "honey, you're a really good driver." (If you know how Dave drives then you can understand)

When we got on our beautiful boat we got to go eat. I hadn't eaten since dinner the night before and it was now 12-ish. So I was a bit hungry.

We couldn't really go outside on the decks because it was so cold and iced over so the only place outside we could go on the ship was a small deck on the back.

WE were so ready to blow the NYC and head to a much warmer climate.

Stay tuned for more peeks at our fabulous...and much needed vacation!

XOXO

Tired from a long flight and NO sleep!

This was so yummy..so I had to take a picture of it.

Doesn't it look cold...cause it was!

Ice

more ice

Yes...more ice!

oh and once more..ICE! It was FREEZING!

Finally we were leaving!

Bye Bye New York!

Hello Warm weather...(well in a few days we would reach warm weather!)

My sweet Elle.

2011-02-16T20:58:00.000-07:00

I wanted to try out my new lens I got and so I asked Elle just to sit in this chair. I really wasn't shooting to keep any pictures just testing settings with this new lens. So I didn't care that her hair was a mess, or she was playing with her baby doll...cause at the moment all I cared about was my new toy. Well...I'm glad I didn't care about what she was doing because I got these sweet, tender un-posed...honest pictures of my sweet Elle. Oh these really are the moments when I wish she would just stay the way she is and never get bigger.

XOXO

Lazy Mornings

2011-02-16T20:29:00.000-07:00

When Elle was off track I just let the girls do whatever. Our mornings weren't so tidy...but I loved it. We would hang out on the floor amongst the toys and watch Elmo for Ava and Good Luck Charlie for Elle and drink juice boxes and just enjoy the mornings together. I love my life!

XOXO

One HUGE egg!

2011-01-14T22:03:00.000-07:00

We have chickens right?

Well we haven't been getting eggs for awhile because some dogs got in and killed 90% of our chickens (SAD RIGHT?) But we still had some. But they were scared to death so we haven't gotten any eggs for a long while. Right before Christmas they started laying again. I love our eggs...they simply taste better!

Anyway one of hens likes to lay ginormous eggs (ginormous...doesn't that remind you of Elf?).

This egg was more then DOUBLE the size of the other eggs. (The white eggs are store bought.)

I thought this would be a good picture.

This Egg is telling us it's okay to stand out in a crowd...and telling us to

DARE TO BE DIFFERENT!

Way to go EGG!

{Yes it was a double yolker!}

XOXO

Blogging Bummer

2011-01-12T09:45:00.000-07:00

I know friends I haven't personally blogged for sometime. I'm sorry about that.

This is why.

Whenever I have a fun post or something silly to blog about, or even one of my infamous pet peeves it seems I get hate mail. Okay not mail, but hate comments. So I just simply have stopped blogging. I know those meanies have kinda won, right?!

I just don't have the strength to deal with the bashing comments I get whenever I do a post...so I've been keeping it all simple.

Even the post about my baby picture and Ava and how we look alike, someone said "Bummer!"

(no I don't know who said it.)

I know I can moderate the comments, but even if I moderate them I still see them and it makes me sad.

So that is why I haven't been blogging much.

XOXO

What do you buy?

2011-01-03T16:13:00.000-07:00

I had to go grocery shopping today....for real...it was a chore. Why? Because I haven't been really shopping since before Christmas so I was in need of a bunch of stuff....and none of it was fun stuff.

Anyway as I was checking out I noticed the lady in front of me and I kinda had to chuckle at the things she was buying...what she bought that was generic brand...and what she bought that was name brand. For example so had generic shampoo....but name body wash. (this could be because of the price...but still.) She had generic cans of soup...but name brand cans of vegetables.

So this all got me thinking...there is stuff that I don't care if I have the generic, or the no name...but there are things...that I must have the real deal.

For example. Mac and Cheese. It HAS to be the real blue box. KRAFT only.

So what do you HAVE to buy that is name brand and not generic....or does it NEVER matter?

XOXO

Candy Houses

2011-01-03T09:28:00.000-07:00

I've kinda been in a little bit of a blogging slump. I think it's because I have SOOOO many pictures and not enough time to get them on here. Anyway...I promise to do better.

Soo going back to December. My husbands family has a tradition that they make candy houses every December. This is an extended family thing....needless to say the house we do them out is getting WAY to small for so many of us. However my little goats loved it.

XOXO

If I am M.I.A...

2010-12-21T15:40:00.000-07:00

If you don't see me for awhile, it's because I've checked myself into the loony bin.

I really feel like I am going crazy!

I can't sleep at night because I think of all the things that I need to do...and how I'm going to get them done...oh and what if I don't get them done?! The anxiety!

Then I have Ava! Holy Moly friends she is sending me shopping for a straight jacket.

Todays list of offenses:

Pouring out all my fabulous MAC foundation on my beautiful bathroom baby blue and white rug. (super frowny)
USING my MAC Opulash Mascara to color on her face, my tile and grout.
Using my MAC lipliner to decorate my counter top in the kitchen.
Feeding Ruby my super cute dog nearly an entire bag of white chocolate and marshmellow popcorn yumminess. (no wonder Ruby is getting fat)
Pouring out an entire bag of tortilla chips on my table and them crunching them up.
and filling up the toilet with all of her bath toys.

So like I said...if you don't hear from me for awhile please check the local mental hospital.

XOXO

I'm stealing this idea!

2010-12-08T18:50:00.001-07:00

A cute friend of my did this on her blog and I thought it was a really fun idea.

She posted to those in her life who have made an impact on her life but didn't name names....so I'm going to do this too.

So this post is for YOU...you know who you are.

*You are seriously one of the most caring people I know. You have always seemed to know when I need a friend. You have been by my side at some of my biggest life events and given me such wonderful advice. As you say "We Gals Rock"! I love you more then you will ever know.

*For real you are the funniest person I know...no lie. It's a shame that there is such a distance between us because sometimes I just need a fix of laughter that only you can dish out. You are so very talented that I could be really jealous of but you just make me want to be better. You entered my life at a place where my life was about to change and so was yours...we connected instantly and I am so grateful for scrap booking, the 1st season of the Bachelor, long bus rides, nasty hotel rooms, and accidental cuddling.

*Although we only got to be part of each others lives for about a year or so I treasure our friendship. You always have something funny to say even though I'm sure you don't mean to. You have a zest for life and such a fantastic outlook. You could have become so bitter about so many lost jobs and moves but instead you look on the bright side of things. I don't know if I could be that optimistic. You have become such a shining example of optimism for me and someone who has left your print on my heart.

*I don't think you know how much you mean to me. Actually I know you don't. Most likely you won't even think this one is for you...but it is. I've never felt close to anyone in this area of my life except you. Although I know the feeling is most likely not mutual I'm okay with that. I admire your independence and wish I had that kind of strength. You're my favorite.

*You are one amazingly resourceful cookie! Whenever I'm out at the store I think "how would she do this?". I often wish I could spend hours with you learning your secrets and tips. You have always been so easy to talk with and I wish I got to spend more time with you. You make me want to be better.

*What can I say about you that is sufficient enough in this little tiny space?! Nothing is sufficient enough! I wish we would have been better friends in H.S. I feel like we missed so many important parts of each others lives. HOWEVER today is what matters. I'm grateful we are here now that our friendship is strong. Out of ALL my true friends I've known you the longest. You're awesome...."I won't keep ya!" bwahhhaa!

*I know you don't read this blog...but I can't write this post without a tribute to you.

YOU saved me! In my darkest hours you listened and never judged. I'm afraid to see it end because I'm better. I wish we would have met some other way so we could be friends forever....I dread February 18th cause I know what it might mean. I'm alive because of you.

*Oh so many things to say about you...where to begin. I remember when I got SOOO mad at you because you were dating someone I didn't want you too. And I remember saying "you're supposed to marry 'him'". I was hard on you about that...I'm glad I was. Your relationship with your hubby is something I admire and look up to. You are so talented and crafty and just the best momma! I admire you in so many ways.

*I'm sad we are not close the way I always hoped we would be. When we first met I think we were on our way to being close and having a great relationship...something stopped that. However when we first met you made me feel like I belonged and at the time that was very important. Because you made me feel like I belonged at the start...I now know that I belong, so thank you.

*You are my rock! My world, My everything. Everything thing I can become is because of your love.

*So many times I thought I would never help you. I thought you would never let me in. I'm glad that part of our lives are over. Where would I be without you? I'm so glad you are close...that I can huck something out my window and hit you...makes me happy! "be nice to your sister one day they'll be your best friends..." who knew they were right?!

*Cry fest 1996, lady bug shorts, shopping trips, alanis, coverlooks, taco time and hot sauce, blueberry dance co outfits and so much more that's what I call true friendship!

To all you who have been part of my life I say

XOXO

Where does time go?

2010-12-07T11:21:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow my baby turns 2!

Where does the time go?

Ava is so spunky and funny!

She really is a sweet girl, but she is tough as nails!

She picks on her big sister. You would think Ava is the big sister.

Ava loves Ruby and her "honey". (Her Aunt...my sister).

Ava is such a joy...I'm seriously the luckiest!

XOXO

It's better to be nice

2010-11-29T19:01:00.000-07:00

There is this local photographer whose style I adore. Her editing is unreal! Really...her work is inspiring. HOWEVER she is NOT NICE!

I am the kind of person and type of photographer who doesn't mind sharing my locations, tricks, secrets, advice, blah blah blah!

I had a question I wanted to ask her it was about a location, that many photographers have used I just can't seem to find it. So I shot her off an email asking her. A few months passed and she never answered me. So I emailed her again. I was really polite and quite complementary. She replied saying that she wasn't the type of person to give out advice freely, and if I were to pay her to "learn" from her that she would be happy to share some of her tips and "secret" locations. For real?! I've had many photographers around the nation contact me asking me how I did certain things and I'm more then happy to share a few helpful tips.

Like I said this location that I'm talking about I've seen MANY MANY others use it, it's not like it is her own private hideaway. One day it's gonna come back and bite her in the bum for not being friendly to others in the business.

Anyway...I say it's better to be nice then not nice at all. After all...Santa is watching!

{oh and so is Jesus}

XOXO

How well do you know my seriously amazing life?

2010-11-24T15:48:00.002-07:00

I thought this would be fun!

I have a lot of readers, some who admit they follow...some who follow incognito, some I know follow but don't admit...and some who stumble upon this blog.

With that being said I want to have a little contest to see WHO knows me the best.

The winner will get something. I don't know what..but something!

(some questions will be multiple choice...others you might just have to know....some answers can be found throughout this blog..others facebook...SOME you won't

find anywhere..so good luck!)

#1. What is my favorite color?

#2. What is my favorite movie?

a. Twilight b. Mary Poppins c. The Devil Wears Prada d. The Holiday

#3. I have three sisters, what number am I?

#4. If I were a baked good what would I be?

a. a brownie b. a cupcake c. a cheesecake d. a cookie

#5. What kind of car do I drive?

#6. What kind of a camera do I shoot with (make only)

#7. How old was I when I got married?

#8. How tall am I?

#9. What is my BIGGEST pet peeve at the Grocery Store?

#10. What color eyes do I have?

#11. If I were an animal what would I be?

#12. I once earned the nickname 'snuts'...where did come from

a. a evening of eating salty peanuts with friends

b. a bus ride in Europe

c. a run in with a crazy french man

d. a trip to the circus

#13. Senior year of high school I was voted what?

a. most talkative/loudest mouth

b. most friendly

c. most school spirit/school pride

d. longest legs

#14. What do I like to knit the most?

a. hats

b. sweaters

c. socks

d. scarves

#15. What kind of mascara do I use now?

#16. Where did we take our kids on our most recent family vacation?

#17. What kind of a cell phone do I use?

#18. What is the household task I HATE the most?

#19. If I could be on any reality tv show...which show would I want to be on?

a. so you think you can dance

b. survivor

c. who wants to be a millionaire

d. amazing race

#20. I collect what?

a. coins

b. yarn

c. postcards

d. cookbooks

Dry skin!

2010-11-12T09:46:00.000-07:00

I'm at my wits end with my skin!

I really take such good care of my skin I do. BUT MY HANDS ARE SO DRY!

On my right hand my thumb and pinkie are so dry, cracked and itchy that I think I would rather amputate them then deal with the itchy pain anymore. It really is bad!

Does anyone know of any good solutions or remedies...besides a knife!

I'm serious it's really really REALLY BAD!

Help out your itchy sister!

XOXO

Ava and her books!

2010-11-11T14:53:00.000-07:00

Ava loves books..but this is ridiculous!

I came out of my room to see her sitting at the END of a trail of books.

I cleaned these up 3 times today!

CRAZY CRAZY!

XOXO

Blog Stats..holy cow!

2010-11-07T19:09:00.000-07:00

So blogger has this cool feature that I didn't know about and I found it last week.

It's the stats feature.

In the last month this blog has had 3,224 hits...WHAT????

I know not that much cool stuff has happened in the last month here...but apparently I'm getting a lot of traffic.

SO I want to know who is looking in.

SO here is what I want to hear from you.

Who are you?

How did you get here?

Where are you from?

What would you like to see me post here on this fabulous life of a blog?

So leave me a comment...I love meeting new people!

XOXO

One thing that makes me happy.

2010-10-21T19:01:00.001-06:00

One of the things that makes me happy in my life is this happy beautiful smile!

XOXO

A day in my life.

2010-10-20T10:44:00.002-06:00

So we sold Daves BMW...so sad right?! Well it's sad for me because he has been taking my car to work EVERYDAY! It's horrible!! I hate not having a car.

Elle is off track, and that sucks for her cause we don't go do anything fun because we are home. Yes we walk to the park and color, do fun home bound stuff....But all those other things I had planned...NOOOOOOOOOO we can't!

So I find myself running around the house snapping lots of pics of my kids and the boring stuff we do all day long. ENJOY!

XOXO

I woke up to this in my bed

Then this was crying for me!

Then this happened

Toes in my face pretty much!

We spent a few hours doing this!

and some laughing of course!

I did some of this

and this!

And of course I had to do a lot of this!

And I read some of this!

And I made this for lunch

She enjoyed it

and so did she!

I later made homemade chicken noodle soup with homemade noodles...YUM and YUM!

and homemade bread sticks....even more yum!

and we all enjoyed the yum!

Bathtime!

And of course rubber ducky joined them!

Then it was GOODNIGHT!

Wish tip of the day!

2010-10-18T12:53:00.000-06:00

Hey all you photography lovers...check out my tip of the day at http://wish-photography.blogspot.com

XOXO

I love being crafty!

2010-10-17T18:08:00.000-06:00

I do...I really love crafting.

I love making cute things for my house and my girls.

I recently made this fun hat for a photoshoot for a client. So I decided to try it out on Elle.

I think I'm going to make more.

SO FUN!

XOXO

(oh and I just love this pic...so I have to share!)

Offended

2010-10-15T12:11:00.000-06:00

I know you can choose to be offended so I guess I'm choosing to be offended.

I can't believe the lack of support I've been given with some close friends and family members regarding my photography. It's actually kinda depressing, discouraging and frustrating. I know when I decided to do this I went into it knowing that not everyone would love my style. And that I'm learning to be okay with. I guess what is so kinda hard is how many close friends and family just seem to not care. I am thinking I'm going to start distancing myself now.

I can except rejection from strangers, but it is hard to get it from those you love.

Bummer!

Mascara Wars

2010-10-13T18:10:00.000-06:00

You all know how much I LOVE LOVE LOVE LOOOOVE Dior's Diorshow Mascara right?!

Well you'll never guess I found one that is JUST LIKE IT!

NO LIE! I can't even tell a difference!

So what is it you ask?

Well I'll tell you so you can embrace the joy of this

fabuLASH-ness!

Diorshow

$24.00

M.A.C Opulash

$14.00

For real ladies and drag queens it is awesome!

I swore I would never switch mascaras because Diorshow was so awesome...but MAC's Opulash is just the same and even more awesome cause it's 10.00 bucks cheaper!

YAY For saving money!

XOXO

Is she a model?

2010-10-12T09:42:00.000-06:00

So after much debate and convincing I decided to take Elle into a modeling agency. They loved her, but I was apprehensive. They didn't try to sell me on anything as they are a legit agency but I just don't know.

That was two weeks ago.

I never called them back honestly because I hadn't decided what I was going to do.

Yesterday they called me.

They told me they are extremely interested in signing Elle.

I just don't know!

So I told them I would bring her back in on Thursday.

What would your concerns be if it were your child?

What kind of questions should I ask them?

HELP!

XOXO

Growing Closer

2010-10-07T11:04:00.000-06:00

In the past I'd say month or so I've felt that I have become closer to a certain family member.

Now I'm aware that we aren't besties but....it has been really great to be able to confide in this person.

I have close relationships with my family in general, but not every family member.

This new found trust has made me really happy.

So to YOU I say

THANK YOU and XOXO

She is my child!

2010-09-28T10:22:00.001-06:00

Does any other mommas out there get down when someone says their child doesn't look like them or am I the only one?

I don't know why I feel this way but I do.

Anyway Ava looks just like me, and so many people say that they don't see it.

Well I'm a little taller then her...and slightly older then her. My voice is way different and I can totally take care of myself when I go potty.

So I guess when you look at it that way, we might not look alike.

But look at this....

Don't tell me you don't see it!

I WAY SO DO!

XOXO

For Sale

2010-09-27T09:06:00.002-06:00

I just upgraded my camera and my new camera came with a fantastic lens, however it's kinda obsolete cause my lens that I spent BUCKS for is better and covers a better range so I'll just keep the lens I love.

SO I'm SELLING this new lens. FOR A GREAT PRICE!

Covering a range from 29mm-216mm in 35mm format, Canon's new EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS offers a winning combination of size, range and features and is a perfect complement to APS-C cameras. With high-quality optics, dedicated image stabilization and more, this new lens promises to be a favorite for EOS users.

*click above for the link to see more about this lens*

It retails for $499.95

And I'll sell it for $350.00

ANY TAKERS before I list this to the masses?

XOXO
UPDATE: SOLD!

Today I learned....

2010-09-23T16:36:00.000-06:00

NOT TO BURN BRIDGES!

I am so HAPPY that I pretty much have always been a nice person!

I'm sure I've offended people in my time and burned a few bridges that I didn't mean to burn however, I'm glad I've always had good relationships with people.

That is one reason why when I vent on this here bloggity blog I don't say 'names'. One because they are little petty things and two, because they are little petty things they aren't worth losing relationships over.

I'm glad that in High School I was a nice girl to everyone.

WHY?

Because people I wasn't "friends" with are now seeking me out as their photographer.

I'm glad as a dumb high school student I didn't burn bridges!

AMEN!

XOXO

FOR REAL!?

2010-09-22T23:50:00.001-06:00

Oh I'm so bothered!

So there was this girl, I've never personally met her, but she booked a session with me.

Then she had to cancel.

THEN she re booked GREAT!

I checked with her last week to make sure we were still on for a shoot with her and her husband.

YES we are!

I emailed her earlier today to see if we could shoot a tad bit earlier, cause it's getting darker earlier.

AND SHE CANCELS.

She says she's a photographer herself and really likes my work and ideas and compositions, but then takes stabs saying "my husband says......" (insert criticizing remarks) blah blah blah!

The thing that she booked a SATURDAY!

I booked others after her who I could have booked for this Saturday.

I really should start charging a cancellation fee!

OH OH OH!!!! I'M SO MAD!

UPDATE:

So I'm now glad she cancelled...wanna know why? BECAUSE I BOOKED TWO SHOOTS FOR SATURDAY!

One evening family shoot, and one afternoon newborn!

HA! I'll show her huh?! *wink*

Two Openings!

2010-09-20T09:54:00.002-06:00

Hey Friends!

I had two cancellations for October....bummer right?! I know!

I should really start charging cancellation fees!

Anyway I am offering right now this to YOU!

If you want one of these days

October 2nd (we can do this between conference and priesthood!)

or October 23rd

You will get ALL your digital images not just 20-30 PLUS I will give you a FREE 11x14!

(the sitting is $150.00)

So hurry and let me know if YOU want it!

XOXO

P.S. I'm glad I don't live in Herriman right now! Bummer right?! SO SO SO SAD!

Update: October 2nd BOOKED!

October 23rd BOOKED!

Advice please

2010-09-16T10:53:00.000-06:00

Help me out here.

Sooooooooooo.....I love doing photography! As a matter of fact, I think the reason I've been doing so well in my recovery with ED is because I've found something that I am so passionate about and somewhere to focus my energy. When I first started I did a bunch of free stuff and I'm glad I did. It gave me a portfolio, plus it gave me experience. I've told Dave that I need to shoot once a week in order to grow. So sometimes I take my girls out if I don't have a shoot scheduled, or I'll call one of my former YW to play around and practice new techniques. I don't mind doing this at all....in fact it is fun, cause it's stress free.

So this is where I need advice.

I start to feel guilty when friends need photos done.

I feel like because we're "friends" I should do them for free or give them a discount. I don't want to feel this way. I mean there a few 'bests' that I don't have a problem doing this for. And there are some situations that I want to do them for people etc. But for the most part I want to make money.

So is this just me, or does people feel this way? I feel that friends expect a discount or a free pass.

What do you think?

What should I do?

Should I have a standard when it comes to friends, or do it case by case?

If you were my friend what would you expect me to do for you?

HELP HELP HELP!

XOXO

Bring on the grapefruits!

2010-09-14T22:17:00.000-06:00

I was reading this study about men and grapefruit and I just knew you all would find this awesomely interesting...and you'll want to start squeezing those citrus fruits on you right now!

So this study said these two things.

1. Men who smelled the scent of grapefruit on a women made her appear to him about

6 YEARS YOUNGER!

GET OUT OF TOWN!

AWESOME RIGHT?!!

2. Men who smelled grapefruit on a women saw her as

10 POUNDS THINNER!

AHHHHHHH! HOW FREAKING COOL!

I'm going to go take a bath in grapefruit juice right now!!!

XOXO

I Remember!

2010-09-11T22:14:00.000-06:00

I can remember so clearly where I was September 11th, 2001.

Dave and I had only been married a few months and he was working.

I was in our little apartment still sleeping.

{I had rolled over to his side of the bed}

The phone rang and it was Dave.

Dave said to me "turn on the news a plane hit the World Trade Center in New York."

So I leaned over where our dresser was because the T.V sat on it.

Flipped on the T.V and as I turned it on the second plane had hit the second building.

I kinda just watched and didn't understand what I was watching. Partially because I was still groggy. I didn't know if I was watching a replay or if it was another plane.

I sat in front of the T.V all day watching everything.

I was scared to go anywhere.

I had never heard of Osama Bin Laden.

I gasped as the towers fell, and cried thinking about all those children who lost their parents.

In the days to come I remembered the quite skies.

and the flags in every yard and on every car.

I remember the feeling of unity felt.

I remember the sorrow as more and more were declared dead in the rubble.

I remember hearing of more and more collapses as the rubble settled on ground zero.

I remember the fear.

Today I am still feeling the same emotions I felt that day. As I've listened to replayed stories of children who lost their parents I am still sad for them. As I've listened to the story of the HERO'S who brought down the plane in Pennsylvania I admire their courage. I can't imagine the fear they must have felt, but how selfless they must have been.

Today I remember those who went in to rescue those who were trapped but became trapped themselves and eventually lost their lives.

Today and Forever I stand proud to be an American.

Today I promise to never forget to give my husband and my girls kisses when I leave the house.

I promise to say I love you more to those I love.

XOXO

I love this man!

2010-09-10T16:36:00.000-06:00

Oh Dave is such a goof nut, and I just love his strange quirks!

Dave is a sleep talker!

And it is hecka funny!

I'm telling you I wish you all could hear some of the things he says.

Last night he said

"babe, babe...wait wait...I took it out to the curb, you can go out there and get it."

And then he mumbled some kind dialect of Chinese I'm pretty sure.

One time when we were first married he told me this in his sleep

"don't touch it, you'll break it!"

Then there was the

"Shamus, grab the ladder and put it over in the bathroom"

Most the time he just gibbers the official language of the moon.

But it is so funny, I might just have to start recording him while he sleeps to catch anything blog worthy.

So I'll leave you with the funniest one of all.

Right after we were married we were trying to figure out how we were going to pay all our bills and tithing. Tithing is 10% of your annual income to our church...{tithing=blessings}

Well he must have been worried about it because this is what he said.

"{sigh} Tithing {sigh} MONEY MONEY MONEY!"

BWAHHHHHHHHH

XOXO

Safari Party

2010-09-07T22:29:00.001-06:00

My Nephew celebrated his 7th birthday this past week, so we went out to his party this past Saturday, and let me tell you what my SIL knows how to through a party!

She comes up with the cutest ideas!

And makes the most delicious treats!

In a recent conversation I learned that in her R.S good news minute one girl always says "I'm trying to be like Janet, I'm doing......(insert whatever here). Anyway my point being is I want to be likeA Janet too! {sorry Janet if you're now blushing or fuming mad at me}. I'm serious she is one of the neatest, craftiest, thriftiest, amazing-ist (yeah I know that's not a word...but it is now!) people I know!

Anyway back to a few pictures of the party.

Such fabulous ideas!!!!!!

She needs to be a party planner for real!

XOXO

This was the Pinata! FOR REAL! HOW CUTE IS THAT?

Holy Moly this was the best frosting ever! I can't wait to try to make it myself!

My Sweet Sunshine

2010-09-07T13:28:00.000-06:00

After two cancelled shoots in one day I was itching to take some pictures. So I quickly dressed Elle in something girly, grabbed her chair from her room, and headed out back our families orchard.

Enjoy a few of my favs!

Oh and you can see more here, and you all should follow Wish Photography on Facebook..

that would make you so cool!

XOXO

Tomatoes!

2010-09-02T11:20:00.001-06:00

We bought a bunch of Big Boy tomato plants from a high school FFA and they messed up and instead of 40 Big Boy we got 40 cherry tomato. So we told them about it after they gave us 20 more big boy. Well guess what they really gave us 7 big boy and 13 cherry tomato plants. Needless to say you can't do much with them cause they are so small that blanching them to peel them is a pain...so I might just make juice out them. Any ideas?

XOXO

Change

2010-08-31T13:38:00.000-06:00

So, do you remember when I asked you all what name I should do for my photography?

Well most of you said "use your name". So I went with it. But lets be honest, I just didn't love it.

So I thought long and hard about it, and decided to change my photography name. With that comes other changes....like a new Facebook page and a new blog page too.

But I did it.

And honestly I love it.

The new name seems to fit, and it makes me so happy.

So come and follow me over at my new blog!

http://wish-photography.blogspot.com

The first 20 followers will be entered into a drawing to receive a free session with me.

XOXO

A thought for my bad hair day!

2010-08-24T10:01:00.000-06:00

I need my hair colored in the worst way!

My curls are so out of control.

WHY DO I HAVE TO BE CURSED WITH CURLY HAIR?!!!!!!

ANYWAY I have a book that is "thought for a bad hair day."

and it really does brighten my day and gives me other things to think about other then my hair.

I came across this and loved it instantly.

"Consider this: Eventually your countenance will match your thoughts and actions."

It really made me think...I know some people who at first glance you think they are so beautiful but then you see their "true self" start showing and they are hideous. I don't want to be one of those people. I hope I conduct myself in such a way that I "glow".

XOXO

Camping

2010-08-20T12:50:00.000-06:00

This past weekend my cute little family went camping with another cute little family the Freeze's. We love them!

We had a marvelous time even with the dirt!

I'm not a camping fan...however it was a great time!

We tried to do a little fishing, but they just weren't biting...so we caught crawdads instead. Then we went to the marina and bought some crab boil...and had some crawdads later that night.

It was a fun three days, and we've decided that we will do something this every year. But I say forget the tents...lets do a hotel!

XOXO

I have a first grader!

2010-08-20T09:41:00.000-06:00

I can't believe that Elle is in first grade! CRAZY!

Swear I just brought her home from the hospital....but that is all just an illusion I'm afraid.

Elle is the sweetest 1st grader I know. She was super excited to go back to school. She has already made new friends, because not many from her kindergarten class are in her 1st grade class.

When I took her school shopping she wanted everything Hello Kitty. So she got 4 new Hello Kitty shirts, and one Hello Kitty Backpack and her notebooks are Hello Kitty.....even her britches are Hello Kitty.

I miss her like crazy during the days. Although it's nice to spend quality time one on one with Ava like I got to spend with Elle, it's just so lonely. Every day I look forward to when school is out so I can hang out with this cool kid!

I love my Elle!

XOXO

A milestone!

2010-08-18T10:18:00.001-06:00

Today I am SIX MONTHS PURGE FREE!

It has been exactly six months since I've engaged this ED behavior.

It does not go without saying it hasn't been easy.

MONTH one was the most painful month. Entertaining ED...disobeying ED.....ignoring ED.

MONTH two was moderate

MONTH three was amazing, I found a new passion, a new purpose, new goals, and a new direction. I focused my energy on become who the Lord wants me to become. Not who society, the media and even friends and family expect; but who I know I need to be and want to be.

MONTH four was a struggle. A few bumps in the path, and a few pot holes in the comfortable road. I learned to switch roads this month. I learned that "others" garbage I don't need even my own loved ones.

MONTH five I worried about my appearance a lot. Bathing suit season is not my friend. But that is what ED wants me to feel that I shouldn't do things I want to do...including swimming because of my body. I told him to get lost, and went swimming anyway...it was liberating.

MONTH six has made me realize that I am meant to do hard things. These has been the absolute hardest months. ON the inside I am worrying about what people will think of my body, on the outside I try to stay confident.

I have to remain "in-check" and remain aware of triggers and other situations that may set me back to Day one again. I am learning to live in the moment and to be mindful of how my body feels, and how my mind feels.

I can't wait to say

"ONE YEAR PURGE FREE"

XOXO

Family Pictures

2010-08-12T15:12:00.001-06:00

I am always the one behind the camera, and it makes me sad.

So I was able to arrange my good friend Natalie to take some pictures of my family. I am so grateful that she took the time to help me out.

We went out to this flower patch and by the looks of it, it was so beautiful.

BY THE LOOKS OF IT!

HOLY MOLY....they weren't beautiful flowers...they were THISTLES!

OUCHIE!

Here are a few of the ones I really love!

XOXO

Taste the Rainbow

2010-08-09T12:07:00.000-06:00

I had so much fun doing the Salt Ad...that I wanted to "try" another.

I had a bag of skittles in my cupboard so I grabbed Elle...slapped a funky outfit on her and said..."stand there"....grabbed my camera, and took one click!

Uploaded and played around.

It is fun to get creative. I have a few other ideas in mind...but they all will take a lot more planning and prep time to make them work...as for now the quick ones will do.

XOXO

I am so impressed with myself!

2010-08-05T17:50:00.001-06:00

SOOOOOOOOOO....my little sis her daughter is a pageant girl, and she will competing in a big pageant in September. One of the photo competitions for this pageant is an "ad". My sis came up with this idea and I did the work.

I am so impressed with how this ad turned out, and how it really looks vintage. I want to do more of these. Don't you think it would be cute doing an old doll ad, or something really girly.....of your girl...(or my girls) and having it hung in their bedrooms? I think it would be awesome.

Anyway...enjoy my latest creation!

XOXO

This week in photoshop.

2010-07-30T10:48:00.000-06:00

I am in love with the new set of actions I bought from TRA!

I can't even stand it!

There is so much you can do when you understand how to use layers and actions.

I took this picture of Elle back in May and I decided to re-edit it,

using some of the new actions that I got.

The Jibber Jabber.

I took this picture in RAW and did the basic editing in RAW. Again if you haven't switched to shooting in RAW you should.

The following I did using TRA set one actions. (which is awesome...can't wait to buy set 2)

Using Yin and Yang, at 20% flow and 30% opacity I lightened and darkened the sky and clouds...making them appear more "Moody"...oh I love the moody cloud look.

I used a little bit of "Yin" on her skin at 2% flow and 10% opacity to give her a little bit of glow and luminosity.

Using the Big Blue action at 20% flow and 20% opacity I made the clouds a little bit bluer, and a bit of her dress a little more blue.

Then I used the Green with Envy action at 70% flow and 50% opacity to make the little bit of vegetation behind the water a little more lush.

After all this I gave it Oh Snap at 20% opacity and I turned on the lights for a little bit of brightness.

VIOLA!

It was a good picture to begin with, now it's a interesting and bold picture.

If you have questions for me about using layers and actions feel free to ask. There are tons of free actions that you can download online and many you can buy too.

ENJOY

XOXO

Who needs a studio?

2010-07-29T14:55:00.001-06:00

Okay so the title lies...I need a studio...or want a studio anyway. But for now wrapping paper will just have to do. This was my first experience using wrapping paper and I thought it was fun!

Ava didn't want to participate in my experiment, so It was just Elle, Me and my camera!

XOXO

This week in photoshop.

2010-07-22T23:50:00.000-06:00

I stopped for awhile showing everyone what I was learning and playing with in Photoshop because I kinda had the wind taken out of my sails. But then I got to thinkin'....I really enjoy sharing with you. So those who are interested in photography can learn something from me and I can learn from sharing and learn from others.

The Jibber Jabber!

First I shot this picture in RAW which if you haven't switched to RAW do it!!!!!!

I actually didn't have to mess with anything when opened in RAW with this photo...so that was awesome!
When I got it into Photoshop this is what I did.

First I used Pro Retouch on her skin just to even it out. I used the flow at a few low setting around 6% flow.

Then I sharpened a few of the small details such as the front of her hat, the flower and her lashes, as well as parts of her hair.

After that I used TRA yin and yang on her face....just a tiny little bit...just to taste.

Then I gave it a little snappiness to sharpen, and turned on the lights a little....(using curves I adjusted right smack in the middle a bit.)
And VIOLA!!!!!
TA DA!

XOXO