Boudoir Parties!!! OMG OMG OMG!!!!

(double click on graphic to enlarge)
I'm really hoping that I don't get in trouble for advertising this great idea that somebody of a very close relation, like same mama, gave to me!! :) But I am soooo very excited that I can't hold it in any longer. As many of you know already, I would love to specialize in Boudoir photography. This day & age, women are so pressured to look a certain way, however their men love them for who they are and LOVE when they are confident in their appearance. Here I am preachin' and later on I will catch myself complaining about the hail damage I have on the fronts of my thighs!
Anyway, what better way to celebrate our bodies then to take pictures of our hot selves...in a very classy way?? And even more exciting, what better way to take pictures then with some of your closest friends?? And Boudoir Parties were born...
Introducing Boudoir Party Packages. Pick a day. Invite 3-4 friends. Bring 3 cute outfits. Your hubby/future hubby will think its the best thing since sliced bread.

Big Rocks

I have to confess that within the last few months my 'time in the day' has never felt so needed until now. My little side-jobs are not so "little" anymore. However, I find them hard to let go of. The more you pack in your day, the harder you find it is to prioritize and determine what comes first. Well, I had a story told to me recently that I wanted to share with you; and wherever you are in life, I'm sure you can relate.
In front of an audience a man had a jar and large rocks. He asked them to imagine that the jar was time and the rocks were moments in time. He filled the jar with the large rocks and asked the audience if there was room for more. Of course they said "no" and were surprised when the man poured small pebbles into the jar that trickled in between the large rocks. Again, he asked the audience if there was room for more. Next, he pulled out a bag of sand and added it to the jar. It settle in between the rocks and pebbles. Lastly, after the audience had determined there was definitely no room left in the jar, the man pours water in. It found its way in between the rocks, pebbles, and sand.
He then asked the audience how this represents time. An audience member shouted "there is always 1 more task you can squeeze into your day!" But the man said "no", what I'm trying to show you is that there is always room for the small stuff, like the pebbles, sand, and water. If you fill your life with the small stuff first, however, you will never be able to fit the large rocks in.
This is a wonderful story. My dear family and friends will always come first. They are my large rocks. I can always add the others in later.

Stimulating the Economy 1 SHS Party at a Time

So, the Signature HomeStyles fairy delivered all the goodies yesterday. I didn't get a chance to take pictures of my party, so I took pictures of the aftermath instead. I felt like I was 5 years old at Christmas. I came home from work and dove right in. Not only did I have to open mine, but I had to arrange them in my house last night. I took pictures of some of the items I ordered and how I used them. There are many more to come ;)
**Click on the pictures to view them bigger**

Signature Homestyles Custom Graphics

I have to say, I got a major flash-back from college today creating these. I woke up at 6:30am, didn't shower, wore what I slept in, drank coffee & pop, and had left-over rice krispy bars (from the party) for lunch. Oh yes, the good ol' days when you even felt guilty for stopping to pee...Anyway, 11 hours later, I had design #2 complete. I decided I had better quit there. My brain was already fried and I knew that if I attempted design #3, it would go down hill very quickly. So, design #3 is on its way. And, I hate to say it, but there was a part of me today that missed the pressured/time-constrained creativity that still flowed from my brain...as it did in the life of "studio."

First Go At It!

So, I had my Grand Opening show for SHS this past Sunday...you know, the fondue party. It went really well. I actaully just got done closing my show. I think I pretty much got every item in the catalog with my 1/2 priced and free items. Of course, I tell myself I have to use every single 1/2 priced item. I mean really, that would just be illegal to let those go to waste, right?!! My house will be very nicely decorated and organized...picture to come once I get it in. Also, I meant to take pictures of my first party, but the fondue took over my brain and the rest was history. I will share my fondue recipes sometime when it's not 11pm and totally past my bedtime. Anyway, just wanted to share a little bit on that. I got lots of bookings for parties that I am really excited about! Good night:)

Grandpa

Have to tell a cute little story quick. Sunday, while cleaning, I placed a picture on Iba's shelves of him and Grandpa. (When he was about 1 week old) On Monday morning I had to wake Iba up early in order to get to my workshop on time. While I was hurrying to change his diaper, I noticed he was patting his chest. (Grandpa pats his chest when he is telling Iba who he is "I'm Gran-pa, Gran-pa") So, as I was trying to figure out what Iba was doing, I noticed the picture he was looking at on the shelves of him and Grandpa...And realized that althogh he doesn't quite say "Gran-pa" yet, he does the sign for it:)

Workshop Update

I learned so much at the workshop! So glad I went:) I also confirmed that I have some sort of A.D.D., as I began taking random shots of things down town. (When I was suppose to be taking shots of the adorable 3 year-old twins) This picture is my evidence. It was very encouraging for us beginning photographers. There were other photographers there that had been in the business for several years. Receiving information from them was worth more than any text book. I was also told by many of them to get photoshop CS4. Great...now I just need to find a college student for the discount. If you're out there- contact me!!

12 Hour Photography Workshop

I took a children's photography class of Tina Marie's last month. On Monday, I get to participate in some major hands-on learning as she will have kids and infants there to photograph. It is from 9am to 9pm. I should be full of information that day...and totally pooped. Very excited though. Tina Marie has also given me the opportunity to help her out with some weddings this spring, to prepare for Cassie and Dan's wedding I will be shooting in July. Yay!!

Practice Makes Perfect...Someday

My best friend Laura let me do some practicing in her house this week. This is just a few of the many I took. I worked with my new warm reflector and natural daylight.

We Are Family

I found out this weekend that it is hard to practice photography when you have a dead battery:( I still caught some good moments though. These family gatherings always go way too fast!

When He's Quiet, Be Concerned...

One night last week Oz and were chatting and realized Iba had been very quiet for some time. This is what happens when kids are quiet. They are usually up to no good. I found some other (previous) evidence to support my verdict.
PS. I wish I had a picture of some great evidence this past weekend. Iba decided to put 1 whole roll of tp, 1 empty roll of tp, an air freshener, and his pacifier in Grandpa's toilet:)

Get'ur Bowling Face On

Bowling Update

Goob explaining the scoring system in bowling...not too many bowling balls in Senegal

Action shot I guess. Not really sure.

Oz thinks I'm taking a picture of him, but my real subject is behind:)


As you can see, Caden was pretty pumped to be bowling with his friends...

Not that great. There's the update on me. Now to the party...Caden had a good time with his friends. Their scores were very close to mine. End of story. Oz beat me twice and it was his second time ever touching a bowling ball. I'm pretty sure it was my ball. My finger holes were too small. I will just have to practice with Iba's monster bowling at home before GNO.

While Napping for 4 1/2 Hours...

It's wonderful that Iba has my sleep habits and will nap for 4-5 hours. I got a whole lot of Signature Homestyles stuff done: business cards, labels, postcards, and sticky notes! This is what happens when Vistaprint sends me a billion "free stuff" emails. Just can't wait to begin my new journey in April:)

Signature Homestyles

Just wanted to share how super duper excited I am to have my first Signature Homestyles party. I decided to make an idea, inspiration, and i-love-parties binder. If any of you have any cool party ideas that I can share with future hosts, please let me know! kjniang@yahoo.com

Birthdays & Bowling

Our next GNO sounds like it may have a few bowling balls involved. What the girls do not know is that there is going to be some serious competition on their hands. I get to go to a bowling birthday party this weekend!! Caden, my nephew, turns 6. Oz, Iba, and I decided to come along and celebrate. Not only will I enjoy the company of my family and eating pizza, I will get some major practicing in.

Fondue or Fondon't...definitely Fondue!!!

I went to a home decor party last weekend, hosted by my sister, Jennifer. I'm so glad I attended because it was a lot of fun. So much fun in fact, that I am having my own! I like having parties at my house, I decided. It is a way to show off my [risky] cooking skills and makes me clean my toilets and ceiling fans. I am also looking forward to meeting new people and sharing design tips. My particular party, if you couldn't tell by the heading, will be fondue-themed. Anyway, please join us!!! It is April 11th @ 3pm. I will be sending out (custom made by me) postcards soon. What a great excuse to play on photoshop:)