10.28.2008

Halloween Cuteness

With the craziness of Halloween upon us, I had to do a little post with some super cute kids from a get together this last weekend.

Little Dorothy- she came with her brother who were dressed as a lion and scarecrow- adorable!


Look at this little caterpillars eye! What an incredible color!


The cutest little bunny, a super sassy mermaid and a vampire that really bites- they had a great time!

So of course there is always trick or treating in your neighborhood, but if you are looking for something else, check out these events.

Goblyn's Glen
is the Haunted Harvest Festival in Los Gatos where you and your kids can take a moonlit train ride and trick or treat through Goblyn's Glen. It is currently open Weds, Thurs, and Fridays through Halloween.

Go for a spooky Flashlight Tour at the Winchester Mystery House.

Check out the Haunted Graveyard in Sunnyvale.

Get scared at the Great America Halloween Haunt.

Take your kiddos trick or treating during the day in Willow Glen.

Enjoy your Halloween and stay safe!

10.01.2008

Time Saver

Oh the unmentionable things I have had to clean off carseats over the years.... While I could probably win any timed contest for disassembling and reassembling a carseat, it is not exactly my favorite activity. Enter Emmalu Designs. These easily removable covers come in many fun and fashionable fabric choices.

I love this one called Carnival Bloom for Cecily.


And Teague would be rockin' with the Groovy Guitar cover!

9.30.2008

More Maverick Photos


Here are a few more from Maverick's Newborn Session. Man, is he a cutie, or what?




9.21.2008

Baby Maverick Sneak Peak


Last week I got to photograph the cutest little guy. His name is Maverick. (Named after the surf spot- how cool of a name is that?) He was the most cooperative little man- and even threw out some smiles- at 3 weeks old! Here are a few from our session. Welcome to the world Maverick!

9.16.2008

Baby Siena Sneak Peak


Candy and Kevin had a beautiful baby girl! Little Miss Siena Marie was quite the little diva to photograph! She was so sweet and loved to switch up the poses. She had us all oohing and ahhing over her, not to mention doubling over laughing when she peed on daddy! Here is a little sneak peak from her photo shoot this past weekend. More coming soon!


7.29.2008

Candy's Maternity Session


Last night I finished all the post processing for Candy's Maternity session and thought I would share a few more favorites.

7.23.2008

Compostable Diapers


One of the things that really gets me feeling guilty is the amount of disposable diapers I have used and will use in the process of raising and potty training my children. It is estimated that each child uses 8,000-10,000 diapers before they are potty trained- isn't that astonishing? Think about the mound of waste that create in our landfills. I found this article really informative about the Disposable Diaper Myth.

Now, I am not perfect in any way, I use disposable diapers even though there are other options that are more eco- friendly. The thing is that they are just so gosh darn convenient. But... I think I will look into this service in the next few months for Teague. I think it is a spectacular idea. It would run much like a cloth diaper service in that they drop off clean diapers, and pick up soiled diapers, but instead of using mass amount of water, bleach and other chemicals to launder them, they would compost them. Looks like it won't be available to the greater Bay Area until early 2009. If you are in Sunnyvale or Mountain View, they are looking for families to try out their new program.

Here are some details about Earth-Baby

They will be delivering compostable diapers right to their customers' doorsteps and picking up the used ones on a weekly basis. The diapers will then go to their composting facility where (after about 4 months) they will become rich, clean top-soil. They will be charging a flat monthly fee, which will include diapers & wipes, pickup/delivery and composting. Their compostable diapers are said to be terrific and look and fit just like disposables!

They are currently gearing-up for a three-month trial program that will start in early August. the goal is to have the participation of 30-40 families in Mountain View & Sunnyvale. Unfortunately they will not be delivering to other areas until early 2009.

Visit their website to sign up for their mailing list to get updates on the program.

7.21.2008

Candy's Maternity Session Sneak Peak

Today I was lucky enough to photograph my dear friends Candy and Kevin who are expecting their first baby in less than two weeks! Doesn't Candy look phenomenal? With these parents, you know this little girl will be a beauty! Here is a sneak peak of a few from this evening's session.





7.17.2008

Obon Festival in Mountain View


This weekend, JD and I are taking the kids to the Obon festival in Mountain View. It is a two day festival and bazaar that has really yummy food and games. They even have a take out booth- that is how popular their food is! They also have art projects and musical entertainment. Time it right and you can see some dancers. It should be a good time, come on by- admission and parking are free!

Here is a great article if you want to read more about it.

7.10.2008

Baby Boot Camp- free class...

...and a coupon for $50 off a newborn or infant portrait session!


No, this class isn't about whipping your newborn into tip top shape- it is about getting you back in the fitness swing of things after baby. The great thing about these classes is that you don't have to have a membership, you bring your baby with you (no childcare to pay for!), it helps combat baby blues and it helps you regain your posture. It is like having a personal training program at a fraction of the cost. See more of the top 10 reasons as well as get more information on classes at local contact information on the Baby Boot Camp Website.

Come to a FREE CLASS this Saturday, the 12th of July in Oak Meadow Park at 9am. This class is being offered in celebration of the opening of the new Los Gatos location. The coupon from me, as well as other vendors will be given to all participants in the start-up kit. Come check it out- it should be lots of fun!

7.09.2008

When You Need a Laugh...

I love this blog that I came across. Because I said So is a very funny and honest account of one woman's life as a stay-a-home mom of 3 boys and 3 girls. Dawn, the author, is a loving mother who gets her kids out of the house- I don't know how she has the time to blog like she does, but I really enjoy it and think you would too!

7.01.2008

Need a night out?


This past weekend, JD and I went on a super fun sailboat in Santa Cruz. We went with good friends for a sail on the Chardonnay II. The sail that we went on was the winemakers sail, which was at sunset from 6:30-8:30. Because of the fires, it was hazy out and we didn't see the sunset, but that didn't matter one bit! There was great wine, light appetizers and the best company- we had a blast! Afterwards, we headed out to dinner and then out dancing at the Catalyst. I think it is one of my favorite date night ideas to date. Try it!

6.29.2008

Baby Diya

I got to photograph this beautiful family this morning. Baby Diya turned 3 weeks old this morning. Here are a few photographs from our session.

Isn't she gorgeous?
What loving, doting parents!






Welcome to the world baby Diya!

6.19.2008

Photo Shoot at Santana Row


Yesterday I had a great time photographing some children (and one teenager) at Santana Row in San Jose. I love taking pictures there, the setting is so beautiful. These kids were great, so cooperative and fun to photograph! Here are a few of my favorites...






6.16.2008

Silicon Valley Duck Race


Have you adopted your duck yet? Vasona Lake Park will be host to the 2008 Silicon Valley Duck Race on the 22nd of June- this weekend! You can adopt a duck for $5, it will be one of 10,000 individually numbered ducks that will race into Vasona Lake. There is a chance to win $1,000,000, a cool Vespa, a gym membership, dinner at La Fondue for 8, and many more prizes! There more ducks you adopt, the better your chances! Not to mention you will be helping a great cause!

There will also be bounce houses, a climbing wall, carnival games, and arts and crafts set up by The Wooden Horse toy store. There will also be music and Food- should be a great time!

So if you are looking for something to do this weekend, head to Los Gatos and check it out!

6.14.2008

R. Family Shoot

Today I had the pleasure of photographing a wonderful family at Santa Clara University. This family is so loving and fun- I had a great time shooting them! Happy graduation to Kristina, Michael, and Jack! Here is a sneak peak for the R. family- enjoy!

Kristina is so beautiful!


Alysa is a knock out as well!


Michael, Jack, and Sean were great to shoot, love their easy-cool attitudes!


6.12.2008

Safe Water Bottles and Sippy Cups

I was so bummed to learn the Nalgene bottle I had used for years could actually be leaching toxins into the water I was drinking. With all the recent information on the dangers of plastic bottles and in particular Bisphenol A, I am sure many of you have been scrambling to replace your children's (as well as your own) water bottles, baby bottles, and sippy cups. (Most baby bottles and sippy cups are made with the plastics that contain Bisphenol A.)

The couple safe options I have come across that I really like are Sigg Water Bottles and Born Free bottles and sippy cups.

Sigg Water bottles come in different designs and styles, you can even switch out to a sport cap if that suits your lifestyle better. Kids bottles include princess fairy designs and pirates- how cute!




Born Free offers Bisphenol A free bottles and sippy cups. Both Born Free and Sigg bottles are available at Whole Foods Market.