I love celebrating a new year... or rather, I love the opportunity to stop and reflect on a period of time — to look back and see how you grow, change, improve, fail, stumble and rise. As a photographer, it's easy to always look ahead at the next project, but this year I wanted to step back and look at what has been accomplished in the last year. I hope you enjoy it.
Having a dog provides endless hours of entertainment. We haven't had a chance to go play outside with Oakley much this year, but today, the power went out at my office and I got to leave early. I took the opportunity to get out and play in the snow with my rambunctious puppy dog! Check out the pictures of pure puppy joy!
All Kevin wanted was pictures with his new fiancé and his motorcycle and the rain almost kept him from getting that during our morning in St. Paul. Fortunately, we had an amazing time in downtown St. Paul AND we were able to get pictures with his awesome Kawasaki motorcycle! :) Check them out!
In the month of December, Beautiful Era is supporting End 7. This organization is on a mission to see the end of seven tropical diseases by the end of 2020.
The thing that makes this organization so exciting to me, is that it's such an affordable way to help! Just 50 CENTS for a year of treatment for these diseases! 50 CENTS! I don't even know where I can get a can of soda for 50 cents anymore.
This means that the donations we make because of your photography sessions can help more people! One family portrait session is enough to help 30 people. That's 30 little kids that don't have to worry about diseases like river blindness, snail fever or hook worm.
I don't know about you, but this is something that gets me really excited! So, please join me in making a difference to children and families with these illnesses! Watch the video, donate to the cause or book a session — these are all great ways to help end these 7 diseases!
I am completely and utterly over Black Friday shopping! I remember a couple of years ago, Christianna and I went to Walmart at about 9 am on Black Friday Morning. I distinctly remember thinking that we would avoid the crowds — they would have all come and gone already, right?! Ha. WRONG. Very very wrong.
Last year, I decided to forego Black Friday Shopping and instead I decided to support Small Business Saturday! Not only were there home-baked treats and hot apple cider, but the owners are so genuinely happy to see you in their stores and the other shoppers graciously step out of the way so you can get a better look at that awesome poster print! It's such a refreshing difference from the irritated employees and angry shoppers that I've experienced in the past!
Sooo... In honor of this year's Small Business Saturday, I have decided to provide you with a list of a few of my favorite small businesses in the Twin Cities Area! Enjoy!
This adorable store is one of my favorite places in all of the Twin Cities! Full of lots of handmade items, I often refer to it as "Etsy in real life". If you are looking for quirky Minnesota items, this is the place to go! All of thier inventory is created by and supporting local arists like Adam Turman and many others! You should definitely check it out!
My aunt actually got me this awesome kitchen towel last year for Easter, it makes me smile!
501 1st Ave NE
Minneapolis, MN 55413
ilikeyouonline.com
This vintage inspired shop is a great place to just wander around and look! They have a great fusion of vintage items and handcrafted items! My favorite find at Shop 501 so far was a teal vintage suitcase. It's a great addition to my photography props, but it also makes an adorable place to hold our winter hats and mittens!
501 N. Chestnut St
Chaska, MN 55318
facebook.com/Shop501
This is the epitome of a perfect coffeehouse to me! It's cozy, delicious and has tons of great handmade items on sale for me to look at while I wait for my coffee! Whether you are looking for a place to stop and get a cup of coffee after a long day of shopping or you need to find the perfect gift for your coffee-loving friend, this place will deliver.
115 South Olive Street
Waconia, MN 55387
themochamonkey.com/
If you are looking for a great place to eat this Saturday (or any Saturday for that matter), check out Wilde Roast Cafe, it has a comfortable atmosphere and amazing food. One of my friends introduced me to this place a few years ago, and I have been addicted ever since! And.. if you are looking for a recommendation on what to order, let me strongly suggest the Eggs Benedict Pizza! YUM.
65 SE Main St
Minneapolis, MN 55414
wilderoastcafe.com
Get them a gift they will treasure forever! (available in price ranges from $25-150)
Great for:
I love being able to capture the beauty in the world around me! These calendars are basically a quick snap shot of the world as I saw it in the last year. Sometimes I am inspired by the rain on the windshield of my car and sometimes, I have to travel hundreds of miles to see the beauty that everyday holds.
These 12-month calendars are a great gift for the person on your list who is loves nature, photography and beauty!
Check out our products section for more information on these Christmas Gift Options from this small business!
