1. Sweet Kari creates Sweet Clips. Kari, whose wedding I photographed, is a creator, a do-er, she pretty much crafted-up a tsunami when it came to her wedding. When they moved to the little town of Sayward and she became a mom, she still needed to create and of course it was something adorable - lovely little hair clips. She loves to bake as well, but of course you can't sell baking in Etsy. Check out her very reasonably priced girls hair clips, they would be a super cute accessory for any photo session.
2. I need to be a woman on the town for the next week, because there is so much going on.
The crew at Vanier is putting on the musical Crazy for You - it will be top-notch. I have seen many of these teens perform before and they are going to give er'. The crew behind the scenes includes Lindsey Sterk from Panutso Dance, so I know it will be fantastic. Seriously, if you haven't checked out the local high-school performances you are going to be really impressed.
It is being performed at the Isfeld Theatre April 13 to 17 with 7 p.m. evening shows and a 2 p.m. matinée show on Saturday the 17th. Tickets are available at Vanier, Videos 'n More in Comox, Laughing Oyster Book Shop in Courtenay and Alley Cuts in Cumberland.
3. Sarah, over at Hillbilly Jillies reminded me about Sweet Bites, which I first discovered at the Cumberland Bakery. While the incredible apple fritters screamed my name, and stared me down, I was able to find resistance with a Sweet Bites, according to their web-site Sweet Bites are organic, raw, vegan, wheat free, soy free and free of processed sugar. I am not supposed to have any processed sugar and have a massive sweet tooth, These aren't quite the same as an Avenue Sticky Date Pudding (arguably one of the best desserts in the Valley,) but they are really good and they don't make me have an allergic reaction, and I can keep one in my purse (take that date pudding!)
Here is a favorite from a little session I shot awhile back, more of it to come on the blog this week.
Last week was birthday week and as per my pal and client Monica's request I need to fill you all in on how you can have your own "birthday Week Goodness"
My pal Vanessa and I made the move from birthDAY to birthday WEEK about five years ago. It just seemed practical.
For example, say your hot water tank brakes on your birthday. Well, if you only have birthDAY you are hooped, even if you try to stay positive all day, who really can fake a smile when there is a pile of water in your living room and a $1000 unexpected expense. But if you have birthday week you can roll with it much easier.
How many of us have time to connect with all the people we adore? Well in comes birthday week, where you make an effort to organize breaky out, coffee and martini time with pals you haven't seen in a while.
I make a resolution on my birthday, not on new year's so I definitely need some coveted alone time to formulate it, something birthday week can provide.
A few tips to rockin' your birthday WEEK.
The first move in birthday week is to pick up a book based purely on the cover - no standing among the shelves doing the should I or shouldn't I - no over thinking - just grab that guilty pleasure, then hit the coffee shop and soak up some alone reading time.
As a mom and the cook in the crew, I try to accommodate all the family's food requests and dislikes - but not during birthday week. I am not mean about it or anything, I just make what I like and point anyone who isn't on-board towards a grilled cheese sandwich.
A big icing on the birthday week celebration is the birthday box. Vanessa, who lives in Whitehorse and I send each other a box with seven gifts, one for each day, we have a price cap, but no other limits, it is a joy.
Now if you are a hubby or boyfriend reading this, don't panic, We don't put the pressure of birthday week on you. It is up to the birthday girl to make her week marvellous. Although, being the one to make the coffee during this time is a good move, as is extra love and a few random gifts (call John, he can coach you.)
In all seriousness I had a wonderful birthday two weeks, actually. My sister made me a lovely dinner, I squeezed in a trip to Victoria with my sister, bought some much needed clothing, had dinner with friends and family, and was the recipient of lots of love and awesome gifts this year - from things I needed to frivolous goodies.
To top it off I had some really phenomenal photo sessions.
Such as this one with Ian and Justine, whose wedding I have the privilege of photographing this summer.
Here is part one of their sneak peek, such gorgeousness you two!
More of Ian and Justine to come later.
So I was super excited to see you posted the guidelines of birthday week, then I got really excited when I saw our picture at the bottom! Thanks for such an awesome day :) I can't wait to see the rest.
(04.08.10 @ 12:05 PM)Looks great you guys your wedding is a week before ours and we have the same photographer haha :) nice
(04.08.10 @ 01:12 PM)I love how I find out who knows who on the blog - too funny Britt and Justine.
Justine, thanks, and I adore how your name links to your wedding site.
week to see about our Celebrating Mother's Mini Sessions
Thanks to playmobile and men's love of naps, I have found myself with a little quiet time in the middle of a family weekend. And after taking in all the cuties at the Therapeutic Riding Associations Easter at the Barn, I was inspired to post a few cuties that have been into the studio in the last few weeks.
Let's start with the adorable Frida, can you imagine a more picture perfect little one.
And one more, well of course..
A photo that I took of Frida's big sister was recently featured on the cover of Island Parent magazine.
I hope you all are having a wonderful Easter. The most memorable part for me has been trying to protect the seven year-old's wonderful belief in the magical bunny. She challenged me pretty hard with her sincere inquisitive questions, I think her wish to believe saved me!
This is a child, who was absolutely flabbergasted that a student in her class doesn't believe in fairies. Her comment, "That's crazy, if there are no fairies - who does he think the tooth ferry is - ridiculous!" I mean really...
Hi K! Oh my goodness - sweetness! You capture such great images - life in your studio is almost dream like. Was in on the laptop trying to skype with family back East and ended up on your blog instead. Shhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh, do not tell anyone! Now back to dinner clean up - 4 kids under 4 with us and I think there is gravy everywhere, perhaps!!!! Thx for the wonderful pics and posting. Shall sit tight for more. Good things are worth waiting for. Hop, hop, hop, K xoxo
(04.04.10 @ 06:33 PM)As always; beautiful. I am also thankful for the desire to believe in magic.
(04.04.10 @ 10:16 PM)It was an honor to create photos with Lisa - a beautiful woman so full of life and many talents.
This photo tells a story, there is the storm, and she is facing out, with much behind her and a new adventure in front of her. She is glowing, beautiful and strong.
Lisa, thank you.
Wow, now that is one powerful photo! Looks like much the same day that we had during our shoot - love it. Thanks for your email today. We have been patiently (and anxiously) awaiting the photos of Neah and Simon, but can't wait to see them :) Sounds like you have been super busy though so no rush.
(03.31.10 @ 08:10 PM)http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/pages/Comox-Valley-B/McKinnon-Photography/8337968006
check out all the comments being made on your awesome photo, Lisa! Love this one, my absolute favourite.
Karen, thanks for an absolutely awesome session. I keep mentioning to people that our shoot was so much more than I expected. You made me feel so comfortable and kept me engaged in the moment - I had a blast. And what a great photo - can't wait to see the rest. You, my dear, have many talents too!
(04.01.10 @ 05:27 PM)I think Lisa might be having her baby today!!!, this photo brings me to where she probably is right now... in the storm. What am amazing shot!
(04.02.10 @ 02:49 PM)Thanks Lisa and folks!
Phebe, so sweet, keep me posted - so looking forward to photographing her little one!
(04.03.10 @ 08:51 PM)Over the last few months my work wardrobe has become very consistent, meaning, I wear the same thing way to often - it was time.
I have deep love for some local shops, Bling, Jipsi, Be, Cherry Wine, big city shops have nothing on you. Sometimes though, the city, is what you need.
I had three hours in Victoria so skipped lunch and my low blood sugar self kicked into high gear.
I hit one of my favourite shops ever, Paradise Cove, which is owned by the sisters of Courtenay's Sarah Seeds. It is a little shop, with the most amazing customer service, and they make me try on things I would never consider - I walk out with a bag of hipness.
I did the mall and boutique rounds, and on my way out of town I was accompanied by five shopping bags - it was a legendary spree. I brought my camera, but with all that shopping, didn't click the shutter once.
I picked up my big sister at the airport and we headed to Bear Mountain for the night. My sister travels often for work, so I love to ride her coat-tails, as she springs for the martini's and we seem to always get upgraded to a top suite.
In the morning we kicked ourself out of bed at a ridiculous hour and boogied to Hornby Island to join the rest of the family for an evening. My sister made me a lovely pre-birthday curry dinner and her famous lemon-drop martinis. Then I took my content, sleepy self off to bed. When I am Hornby I often sleep in the van. From chi-chi hotel suite to camper van - I adore that my life brings both.
A few weeks ago my life was a whirlwind of photo sessions,so I have so much to blog. Meet the adorably sweet Madelynn. I love her look, she has a classic old-school beauty and was just a little gem in the studio.
100% sweetness. Looking at her photos and being reminded that I get to live my life photographing gifts like her, is the icing on my amazing weekend.
Happy belated b-day Karen - sounds like things are kicking off nicely! So great to see you the other day - cannot wait to see what you captured, but no pressure. Hey, curry and a martini - never had this combo before...I always do curry with beer but shall check out the 'tini thing next time. Have a great b-day week and I am green with envy about the shopping spree...I still live in Asian night gowns - oh my! Must get that sorted out and soon...Kelly xo
(03.28.10 @ 11:19 AM)Hi K, happy b-day. Curry and a martini, intereating combo. Must try that some time. Green with envy about the shopping spree, as I still live in Asian night gowns! Must get sorted out, hugs, K xx
(03.28.10 @ 11:21 AM)Oh! Karen you are amazing! You totally captured Little Madelynn's spirit. She is just as sweet as she looks...that beautiful skin.....I can almost smell her adorable baby scent. Love it!!!
(03.28.10 @ 12:53 PM)The pictures are beautiful! She is so adorable..we were giddy for like 10 minutes when we saw them..I cant get over how blue her eyes look! We can hardly wait to see the rest, this was such a tease!
Good work!
Madeline is beautiful,great photo.
(03.30.10 @ 09:58 AM)