Feel free to download and save this image for print or a desktop background (it is 8.5x11 inches, high quality 300dpi). Do not claim as your own ;) We all need good words in our lives to live by.
xox Ashley
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
Sunday, February 10, 2013
FREE & FUN Valentine's Day card printables!
I know I am not the only mother who tries their hardest to avoid any type of candy, no matter the occasion! My kids bounce off the walls, and I can't take it!
I thought I would share my girls' Valentine's Day cards for their classmates this year with you! I included the printable below, complete with cutting lines. It is sized for standard computer paper size (8.5"x11") and prints 6 cards. Cut each card and fold in half. We stapled ours onto sandwich bags and included one cutie orange! Cutie oranges are not only good to eat, but fun for kids! ENJOY <3
 Just right click on this image and save to your computer :) Then print! |
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
Custom design? Yes, please!! *GIVEAWAY*
Happy New Year, friends!!! I hope you all enjoyed so much deserved time off spent with your littles and families. My girlies go back to school tomorrow and Thursday, and I am not ready! We had so much fun soaking in family time this month. Spring break can't come soon enough!
I tell my husband at least twice a week that I couldn't be any happier with my decision to do design exclusively! Making the decision was so hard, and I was literally sick about it for a solid 3 days. I wasn't happy with where I was with my business and I was feeling very overwhelmed being pulled in 2 opposite directions. Props and design. So, after laying around for 3 days throwing myself a pity party, I pulled up my big girl pants and basically cut out props. I am in control of my business, and ultimately my happiness with it. That being said, I can also give away free things whenever I want!!! Muahah!!!
Who would like to win a custom design package from yours truly?!
There are going to 'requirements' for this giveaway, so to speak. Now that I am settling into design, I have found my favorite platforms! They have changed from suggestions to favorites! I would love to be exclusive with a blog platform and a website platform, but I understand there may limitations for clients when it comes to this! Design is design, across the board. For me, it doesn't matter who your platform is because it's all in the same language and I can work with any platform. These are the best I have worked with, and who doesn't want the best?!
I think you all know that I am mildly obsessed with Prophoto. Talking hosting may be foreign to some, but Prophoto is a template for photographers. It can only be used with a hosted Wordpress blog. So you must have hosting to have a Prophoto...it's not a bundle deal. You get your domain (hostgator, bluehost) then you get your hosting (Wordpress) then you purchase Prophoto! A site hosted through Wordpress is a monthly cost, and the more you purchase at once the deeper the discount. Hostgator offers a monthly subscription (that you can tie into paypal) at around $7 a month. That is a nice option for those who may not want to budget in an upfront cost of hosting for 5 years. Just so you know...you can get a discount of $10 off through me! Click the Prophoto banner at the bottom of my website and it will automatically generate the code for you :)
http://www.laynieandbelle.com
Now, with the websites...that's a tricky one. I really love Wix! Now that I have been working with a different platform though, Showit is now my absolute, all-time fav-or-ite!!!! It is also a 'free' site (see comparison chart). It limits your media space to 30mb, and you can upgrade to the pro version for $39 a month with 10GB of media storage! It plugs into Smugmug! Which is a huge bonus, not to mention timesaver!
Sorry, to ramble!!! About that giveaway...
I would like to re-design your Prophoto blog! Prophoto 4 is a REQUIREMENT to take advantage of this part of the giveaway! AND I would also like to offer a custom Show-it website design as well! Maybe you don't have either, but you have a business and need a logo?! Well, go ahead and enter, because that is included in the package as well!!!! I am basically going to meet your needs and give you a fresh brand!
Terms and Conditions:
The scheduled design date will be determined by me, but will be before March 1st, 2013. The date cannot be changed and will only be scheduled according to Ashley, owner of Laynie and Belle. If you win this giveaway and want to take full-advantage of it, then I suggest you purchase Prophoto if you haven't done so already! If you are not interested in having a blog or website, then a logo it is :) *Cannot be used towards purchased design packages*
Terms and Conditions:
The scheduled design date will be determined by me, but will be before March 1st, 2013. The date cannot be changed and will only be scheduled according to Ashley, owner of Laynie and Belle. If you win this giveaway and want to take full-advantage of it, then I suggest you purchase Prophoto if you haven't done so already! If you are not interested in having a blog or website, then a logo it is :) *Cannot be used towards purchased design packages*
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Laynie and Belle designing...
Wow, wow, WOW! Every single day my decision to focus on just design is justified by my clients, the e-mails, and the sweet encouraging words on Facebook! I can't even begin to tell you how much less stressed I am and that I am just happy. Happy with this new direction, happy with doing what I love to do, and happy to be making new friends!
I am completely self taught, but this isn't something new for me. I have always been a nerd when it comes to computers-owning my first Apple when I was just 6 (23 years ago). My grandpa and dad were into computers big time when I was growing up and always had the latest and greatest. At one point my dad even tried to start what would be known now as your google.com or yahoo.com. In the early 90s though...sponsorship from an unheard, not to mention unknown internet pretty much didn't work out! I still learned a lot from him through the process!
Then came the myspace days...hahah!! I was obsessed with having an awesome myspace, and that is where my coding skills sprouted. That was in the HTML days, and now a majority of design is done with fancy schmancy CSS...which I am slowly but surely learning to master.
The design process starts with the logo always. Do I have to design your logo to work with me? ...no, but that is where my style and your style flow together! Designing anything off of someone's else's design can be tough sometimes. So, yeah...I like to start with your logo! I have a questionnaire that you fill out in DEPTH. The more info, the better. I draw up 3-5 concepts using my Photoshop Elements 10, CS3, or Illustrator. I also use a Bamboo tablet, and a lot of my designs are completely hand-drawn. As in I a free hand draw them. Who knew?! You are allowed up to 5 revisions, with further revisions being an additional charge, of which I can honestly say to date no one has incurred revision charges. Once we have your logo down pat, then the rest of your design elements pretty much just come together. My turnaround from being scheduled to logo concepts is about a week. Finalizing on a logo can take up to 4 weeks. Blog design, depending on your blog face can take 2-3 weeks, and web design is the same. When it's all said and done up to 2 months, 1 month being pretty efficient.
The most crucial thing with custom design is constant contact with my clients. I need information from you to design. Whether it's pictures, revisions, a page section of your blog to plug in...etc. This is where the time consumption comes into play! I could probably turnaround a logo, blog, and web design in a day if I had my client sitting right next to me. BUT with that being considered I am able to work with multiple people at once. For clients that maybe aren't so punctual with getting back in touch with me...there will be my 'slow poke' fee that will be enforced ;) Isn't that great?! Hey, we all have to have rules to work, right? Photographers, you know what it's like waiting on a client to get back with you about their gallery selections! Time is money :)
The one thing that is making me twitch with all of this though is MY e-mail response time. Holy horrible! You can be rest assured that as a client, we are in constant contact whether it's phone, text, facebook messaging, or e-mail! You have my full and complete attention. So, I apologize in advance if I am the worst at getting back in touch with prospective clients "/ A lot of information can be found on my website though :) I did have an automatic reply, but then quickly realized...the room parents at my littlest's pre-k don't care, and neither does my oldest's teacher. Haha! Hotmail's new dashboard is just ICK too. If you have it, you know what I am talking about!
My recommendations for Blogs
Wordpress.com with the $30 upgrade to customize
This is more for the photographer on a budget or just beginning OR maybe you just don't want it to be fancy. Here are some example of blogs that I have designed using wordpress.com
http://jessleighphotography.wordpress.com/
http://carriescruggs.wordpress.com/
http://michellereneephotography.wordpress.com/
http://thehartinphotography.wordpress.com/
A wordpress site hosted through your domain server, like godaddy.com or bluehost.com. Then you will want to purchase the Prophoto4 template! I can't even tell you how awesome Prophoto is, because it just is...awesome! Here are some examples of Prophoto sites/
http://hollyvonbuchler.com/
http://sarah-bethphotography.com/blog/ not finished
http://www.jamiefaulknerphotography.com/blog/blog/ not finished
I have used other blog faces other than my suggestions above, but they are easily my favorite to work with!
Website wise I prefer to work with wix.com with the premium upgrade! It is mobile/tablet/iPad compatible, and had a fully functional facebook tab option :)
http://www.michellerenee-photography.com/website#!__website
You can also have a landing page with it as well like here
http://www.michellerenee-photography.com/
Here are some of my latest designs for logos! As well as some revisions to almost final logos at the bottom!
I am completely self taught, but this isn't something new for me. I have always been a nerd when it comes to computers-owning my first Apple when I was just 6 (23 years ago). My grandpa and dad were into computers big time when I was growing up and always had the latest and greatest. At one point my dad even tried to start what would be known now as your google.com or yahoo.com. In the early 90s though...sponsorship from an unheard, not to mention unknown internet pretty much didn't work out! I still learned a lot from him through the process!
Then came the myspace days...hahah!! I was obsessed with having an awesome myspace, and that is where my coding skills sprouted. That was in the HTML days, and now a majority of design is done with fancy schmancy CSS...which I am slowly but surely learning to master.
The design process starts with the logo always. Do I have to design your logo to work with me? ...no, but that is where my style and your style flow together! Designing anything off of someone's else's design can be tough sometimes. So, yeah...I like to start with your logo! I have a questionnaire that you fill out in DEPTH. The more info, the better. I draw up 3-5 concepts using my Photoshop Elements 10, CS3, or Illustrator. I also use a Bamboo tablet, and a lot of my designs are completely hand-drawn. As in I a free hand draw them. Who knew?! You are allowed up to 5 revisions, with further revisions being an additional charge, of which I can honestly say to date no one has incurred revision charges. Once we have your logo down pat, then the rest of your design elements pretty much just come together. My turnaround from being scheduled to logo concepts is about a week. Finalizing on a logo can take up to 4 weeks. Blog design, depending on your blog face can take 2-3 weeks, and web design is the same. When it's all said and done up to 2 months, 1 month being pretty efficient.
The most crucial thing with custom design is constant contact with my clients. I need information from you to design. Whether it's pictures, revisions, a page section of your blog to plug in...etc. This is where the time consumption comes into play! I could probably turnaround a logo, blog, and web design in a day if I had my client sitting right next to me. BUT with that being considered I am able to work with multiple people at once. For clients that maybe aren't so punctual with getting back in touch with me...there will be my 'slow poke' fee that will be enforced ;) Isn't that great?! Hey, we all have to have rules to work, right? Photographers, you know what it's like waiting on a client to get back with you about their gallery selections! Time is money :)
The one thing that is making me twitch with all of this though is MY e-mail response time. Holy horrible! You can be rest assured that as a client, we are in constant contact whether it's phone, text, facebook messaging, or e-mail! You have my full and complete attention. So, I apologize in advance if I am the worst at getting back in touch with prospective clients "/ A lot of information can be found on my website though :) I did have an automatic reply, but then quickly realized...the room parents at my littlest's pre-k don't care, and neither does my oldest's teacher. Haha! Hotmail's new dashboard is just ICK too. If you have it, you know what I am talking about!
My recommendations for Blogs
Wordpress.com with the $30 upgrade to customize
This is more for the photographer on a budget or just beginning OR maybe you just don't want it to be fancy. Here are some example of blogs that I have designed using wordpress.com
http://jessleighphotography.wordpress.com/
http://carriescruggs.wordpress.com/
http://michellereneephotography.wordpress.com/
http://thehartinphotography.wordpress.com/
A wordpress site hosted through your domain server, like godaddy.com or bluehost.com. Then you will want to purchase the Prophoto4 template! I can't even tell you how awesome Prophoto is, because it just is...awesome! Here are some examples of Prophoto sites/
http://hollyvonbuchler.com/
http://sarah-bethphotography.com/blog/ not finished
http://www.jamiefaulknerphotography.com/blog/blog/ not finished
I have used other blog faces other than my suggestions above, but they are easily my favorite to work with!
Website wise I prefer to work with wix.com with the premium upgrade! It is mobile/tablet/iPad compatible, and had a fully functional facebook tab option :)
http://www.michellerenee-photography.com/website#!__website
You can also have a landing page with it as well like here
http://www.michellerenee-photography.com/
Here are some of my latest designs for logos! As well as some revisions to almost final logos at the bottom!
My design prices can be found on my website! I will be accepting new clients January 1st! Be on the look out for updates on my Facebook page to ensure you get a spot for some l&b design for 2013!
Friday, November 9, 2012
FREE Holiday card templates & Facebook timeline cover
This entire week has been the biggest relief EVER! I am getting great feedback from my customers and fans, and I feel I have made the right decision for myself, my family, and YOU! The website will be launched tonight and my waiting list for design will open. This includes logo, marketing materials, blog, and website design! Lots of people getting geared up to unveil a new brand for the new year, and I would love to help you!
Here are some holiday card templates that I designed as well as a timeline cover. They all use clipping masks in Photoshop, so some knowledge of Photoshop (as well as PS or Elements) is required. A clipping mask is simply dragging the picture on top of the template...layer it onto the clipping mask layer. While pressing the alt button between the layer boxes in the layer widow, one left mouse click will clip it into the mask and you can shift + left mouse click to adjust it to fit into the layer. There are tons of video tutorials across the web. It's easier than it sounds ;)
To download the templates for FREE visit this link here :)
Monday, November 5, 2012
The new Laynie and Belle
I probably need a serene location to write this to make it interesting, but does any mom get that anymore? Uhhh, nope! I'm not articulate anyways, so here goes!
All I want is excitement from my fans and customers for this decision I've made, because we all need reassurance at the end of the day. As a creative being who's mind is constantly consumed with ideas and projects and craft, DIYanything...it gets exhausting. Not really for me, but I am sure for the people that follow my business. Or at least, that is how I feel. Sometimes I wonder if people think "What is it that she does exactly?" Haha, am I right?? Jack of all trades ;) If I wasn't me, I would annoy me in that aspect...hah! For real!
After feeling this way for a few months, it was time to make some changes! At the beginning of every month is when all of my fees to run this business are due. So to make this decision at the beginning of the month is only logical. Although, I was going to wait to kick it off for 2013, I couldn't stand it any longer! So I did sort of make a quick move with my website (Friday) and again, if you follow my business you're probably wondering, w.t.h.? Hahhaaa, I know!!! But get excited!!! Here it is....
Laynie and Belle is going to be focused on design work from now on! I have found this new passion in design, and I absolutely love creating brands! I could never give up on the props and creating pieces, so I will still hold an *exclusive* monthly sale...and a handful of best sellers will always be available in my Etsy shop (feather crowns, velveteen hats, etc)! If I make a new piece, and there is a demand for it...it will be in my Etsy shop as a bestseller :) Simple as that! This way doesn't require me hoarded in my studio making pieces, then hours of packaging and shipping. That right there takes away time from my kids, and that is why I have Laynie and Belle to begin with!!! There was an awesome balance in the beginning, but with the demand...came the hours. Running a business is hard work. Running a handmade business is 10 times the hard work. You've got the business, you've got the social media part of it, you've got the customer service part, then you've got your family and your life!
My waiting list for design will be opening this week with the kick-off of my new brand (PLUS a giveaway)! Ultimately it came down to "I am branding people, but I am not even branded myself" Style is constantly evolving and I feel like I have something to offer with my designs. I believe in offering an amazing product at a great price, and I am going to do just that! I look forward to a more balanced business and life schedule! I am seriously jumping for joy with my decision and I hope you are too!!!
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| and jess's final concepts!!! she's picked one and i we are wrapping this up soon!! |
To all of my prop addicts, this does not in any way, shape or form mean that the props will be put on the way side! Ummmm, you should see my supply of materials!!! I found myself in my studio creating some new pieces this weekend! This just means that what is available is ready to go, out the door, shipped. I can't do the 4 week turnaround time and that is the direction things were headed. I get serious anxiety holding onto an order for longer than a week, which only puts pressure on me! I'm not a fun person under pressure, which really...who is? So, you will still be getting Laynie and Belle pieces...they will just be super limited, and more than likely one of a kind. That makes them better anyways!!! Speaking of, I have 22 yards of material being delivered today...see told you ;) Scarves anyone?
I also have a new project in the works. Only a handful of people know about it...Photography Sugar (shameless plug=go like this page ;) is what it's called! I can't wait for you find out what this is all about. In the beginning, I didn't want to be attached to it as 'the girl that does Laynie and Belle' does that...but that's sort of where it sprouted from. You'll love it, I promise!! Watch for updates :)
I would love feedback! I need to know this is good and my customers and fans are excited!!! Lots of things are happening between now and Wednesday! My website will be back up in no time and if you are dying to purchase some props, they are and will always be available in my Etsy shop :) I couldn't do any of this without support from my family and friends, but mainly without support from my fans and customers! Thank you so much for letting me do what I love :)
Friday, October 12, 2012
Ombre Hoops WINNER!!!
Congrats to Heather Blewett! She is the wonderful owner of Fields of Heather Accessories! Check out her pieces! She won some of my new ombre hoops that will be released with my &accessories collection launching November 1st! Heather, message me with your address so I can send you your hoops!
I feel like my new website is validating and organizing Laynie and Belle. I am sure there are people out there questioning what exactly it is that I do!? Haha, and that's okay! I am all hair pieces and hats catered to photographers, as well as unique accessories using fiber and just keeping it simple! All of that with a side of design :) All of these things I have offered for the 2 1/2 years that I've had this business, and it is just time it all came together in a more organized form!
My goad at the end of the day is to have pleased customers that absolutely love my pieces as much as I love making them! I don't get sick of creating, ever. Love what I do, and I am so blessed to do this!
Here is a sneak of more hoops...and oh yes, there will be wrap bracelets AND posts! GET EXCITED!
I feel like my new website is validating and organizing Laynie and Belle. I am sure there are people out there questioning what exactly it is that I do!? Haha, and that's okay! I am all hair pieces and hats catered to photographers, as well as unique accessories using fiber and just keeping it simple! All of that with a side of design :) All of these things I have offered for the 2 1/2 years that I've had this business, and it is just time it all came together in a more organized form!
My goad at the end of the day is to have pleased customers that absolutely love my pieces as much as I love making them! I don't get sick of creating, ever. Love what I do, and I am so blessed to do this!
Here is a sneak of more hoops...and oh yes, there will be wrap bracelets AND posts! GET EXCITED!
Monday, September 24, 2012
Hey there 10K {Ashley's Favorite Things} *giveaway*
Here are my WINNERS for the 10k Ashley's favorite things giveaway!!!!!
Cheryl Logan, you won the Simply B Photography workshop seat!
Amanda Sodrel Oliver, you won the Hair Care Pack!!!!
Brandie Devillier Chesney you won the Starbucks giftcard!
Elisabeth Johnson Belleville you won the Yellow Bubble Necklace!
La Grace Pamela you won a $50 Laynie and Belle shop shop credit!
Kelly Robertson Jones you won a $50 Laynie and Belle shop credit!
Casey Maddox Kresge you won a $50 Laynie and Belle shop credit!
Jessica Jones you won a custom logo design by Laynie and Belle design!
you must ALL contact me via e-mail at laynieandbelle@live.com to claim your prize!!! You have 1 week!!!! I will then re-draw winners for unclaimed prizes <3
Who has been waiting for this goodness?! I know, it took me a few...but the Ashley's Favorite Things giveaway is finally on! Below you will find all the fun that is up for grabs, and anyone would be happy with any of it (I hope!) I obviously am :) There are 8 prizes to be awarded! Just use the Rafflecoptor to enter <3 Thank you all so, SO, so much for getting L&B to where it is today! I'm a lucky gal!
Please enter the giveaway below using the Rafflecoptor! Super easy to do, just follow the steps! The giveaway will end September 30th at MIDNIGHT EST.. Winners will be notified via a blogpost here October 2nd. It will also be announced on Laynie and Belle's Facebook page so PLEASE check back!!!
Good luck everyone!
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| Seat to the November 15th - 17th Day With Amy: Photography Workshop ONLINE. (No special equipment is needed to take an online class.) During this three day class, the winner will learn how to tell a story with their images and capture images that their family will treasure for a lifetime. They will also learn how to find great light both indoors and out. They will learn about and understand aperture, shutter speed, and ISO and how to use them together to get beautiful exposure for their images. They will be able to stop using AUTO and start using their camera to its fullest potential! |
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| Love all of these hair products! Being a professional stylist, I've used it all...and it doesn't get any better than this! $80 VALUE |
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| If you win this Starbucks giftcard, you must use it for a Salted Caramel Mocha or Hibiscus Berry. YUM $15 VALUE |
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| The bubble necklaces are a must have trend, and yellow goes with everything! $40 VALUE |
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| New Vintage Cloche that will be released October 1st |
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| New l&b hat that will be released October 1st. |
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| Custom logos designed by l&b. $85-$100 VALUE |
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Lemonade Stand Sign
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
personal......Abdominal Migraines
This is sort of personal about my daughter, but I am looking for connections. Not many people are aware of, or have ever heard of Abdominal Migraines. A more severe, fancy name would be Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome (click to read more about it). It is something that my daughter, Alayna, has been dealing with for almost a year and a half now. Getting a diagnosis is very complicating, and at age 5 (a week shy of 6) and 32 lbs after losing 7 lbs in 1 month, on the verge of being admitted for failure to thrive, her Dr. finally nailed it!
At first her episodes of vomiting were infrequent, starting at the age of 3. Once every 2 months or so she would be sick for no apparent reason. It would last for an hour to a day, and that would be it. Then they became more frequent up until her diagnosis, she was having episodes everyday for almost 3 months straight. There is no test and it's rare, but more children seem to be getting diagnosed. Her treatment is a simple pill twice a day, and we give her a nausea medicine for breakthrough episodes. It is hereditary, as I experience migraines (severe headache and aura) as well. A migraine is used out of context a lot as a word for a major headache. It is actually a reaction in your body, and the headache, nausea, or say an aura is a symptom of a migraine. Yes, complicating stuff. There are also the triggers. At 7 years old to eliminate a trigger is like finding a needle in a haystack. Especially with no testing. It is hard telling if she will outgrow it, but usually in adolescence the symptoms just change to the headache stuff.
This things rears it's ugly head about once a month aside from her taking medicine. Which, let's face it...giving a 7 year old a pill twice a day has it's own battles. Especially when sleep is a major side effect. Last night, out to eat, she had an episode, and it just breaks me everytime I have to see her deal with it. I worry that my 3 year old will deal with the same things, as she is starting to have some symptoms. We don't know anyone else that has it, and it's hard for people to understand it or take it seriously. So, I am typing up this little post, because I would love to connect with other families that are dealing with it. Maybe even bring an awareness about it. I get messages sometimes from people that I know who think their child may have it, or they know someone experiencing the same thing we went through. So I am here to offer any questions you have as well :)
Anyone else out there?! I would love to know your treatments and plans? I am really really really wanting to approach it more on a natural level...but the information available out there is little to none. Anyways, thanks for reading this! Please pass my information on to anyone you may know who is also experiencing it.
this is her a week before she got diagnosed.....and just a little over a month later, she gained 12 lbs HUGE difference.
At first her episodes of vomiting were infrequent, starting at the age of 3. Once every 2 months or so she would be sick for no apparent reason. It would last for an hour to a day, and that would be it. Then they became more frequent up until her diagnosis, she was having episodes everyday for almost 3 months straight. There is no test and it's rare, but more children seem to be getting diagnosed. Her treatment is a simple pill twice a day, and we give her a nausea medicine for breakthrough episodes. It is hereditary, as I experience migraines (severe headache and aura) as well. A migraine is used out of context a lot as a word for a major headache. It is actually a reaction in your body, and the headache, nausea, or say an aura is a symptom of a migraine. Yes, complicating stuff. There are also the triggers. At 7 years old to eliminate a trigger is like finding a needle in a haystack. Especially with no testing. It is hard telling if she will outgrow it, but usually in adolescence the symptoms just change to the headache stuff.
my pretty girl now. she weighs 46 lbs at 7 1/2
This things rears it's ugly head about once a month aside from her taking medicine. Which, let's face it...giving a 7 year old a pill twice a day has it's own battles. Especially when sleep is a major side effect. Last night, out to eat, she had an episode, and it just breaks me everytime I have to see her deal with it. I worry that my 3 year old will deal with the same things, as she is starting to have some symptoms. We don't know anyone else that has it, and it's hard for people to understand it or take it seriously. So, I am typing up this little post, because I would love to connect with other families that are dealing with it. Maybe even bring an awareness about it. I get messages sometimes from people that I know who think their child may have it, or they know someone experiencing the same thing we went through. So I am here to offer any questions you have as well :)
Anyone else out there?! I would love to know your treatments and plans? I am really really really wanting to approach it more on a natural level...but the information available out there is little to none. Anyways, thanks for reading this! Please pass my information on to anyone you may know who is also experiencing it.
Friday, June 1, 2012
Justine Tuhy Photography
I am so excited to share with you Justine Tuhy Photography. She contacted my after seeing Balee Images' new site, and has even sent another photographer my way for branding! I'm not really sure what the correct format is in 'branding' a business, but I do know customer service. I know that my goal is turning your image of your business into the perfect design and identity of yourself. This is a learning process for me, and the best way to do it, is my way. ;) Lots of e-mails back and forth to get the design perfect? I think so! Here is what she decided on, and I LOVE it!!! I am installing it over the next few days, and I can't wait to share the finished results.
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
laynie and belle {designs}
i know what your thinking...and your correct. my mind doesn't turn off. it is non-stop, chocked full of things to create. i am so excited to add a design element to laynie and belle! i'm building my portfolio at the moment, and i will start integrating a design site WITHIN the laynie and belle site in the next month or so. right now i am working with vanessa of vanessa wedrychowicz photography, and we just completed her design palette yesterday! i wanted to share it, as i am sure the photographers waiting in line to hear from me with their palette would love to see it as well! this palette is made up of all the elements that will be incorporated into her branding, website, and blog! so,here is a sneak of what's to come.....
Friday, May 11, 2012
true blue baby i love you...
yes, i have ridiculous taste in music. pretty much, i love it all. there is always music streaming through a speaker in this house. always! we eat and go to sleep with music...david gray is always the pick for my girls at bedtime. they refer to him as 'sleepy music'. they are fast asleep in about 3 breaths once david gray is playing. david gray also sings mine and my husband's wedding song. i'll go ahead and admit that i am also a nickelback fan! oh, and avenged sevenfold. are you laughing at me yet?! good! hehe. told you, i like it all.
my girls and i have a song, too. that song would be 'true blue' by madonna. we haven't listened to that song and danced around in the kitchen in a while. we didn't do much of anything fun for quite some time actually. we up and moved 4 months ago, because my husband was relocated from indy to charlotte. this all happened in 3 weeks by the way! we were settled in indy, so we thought. in 3 weeks we packed up (and purged) everything we owned, to move to a city/state that i had never even visited. my husband had been once. i even left behind my entire career as a hair stylist, and a very hectic gogogo lifestyle! one thing i was okay with as far as moving, was the break we were all going to get. it was our time to get back to life as a family. my husband and i passed each other by 6 days a week. the 7th days was spent cleaning our house and doing the mounds of laundry that i could never keep up with. wait, who am i kidding? staying home, i still can't keep up with it! i loathe laundry. ha!
so this post comes about from an awesome photographer named shalonda. i found chubby cheeks photography when shalonda ordered some pieces from me when i first started laynie and belle. she is ALSO a mommy of 2 gorgeous girlies, so i can connect with her in that aspect as well. i look forward to seeing her sessions she posts on her blog and her status' on facebook, because she has a way with words. she recently wrote a blog post that was on the personal side. it was about missing out on living life, because you are drowning in what your mind tells you is important. your mind's priorities push your heart's priorities aside day after day, after week, after month...
my mind's priority happened to be work. i got over the mommy guilt, because i was used to it. funny thing is, that i am the one who completely controlled my schedule! i am my own boss, and always have been. if you can relate to that, then you can relate to not being able to say no. i had 2 solid days off a week, in which i consumed those with l&b for the past 2 years. there were weeks that i was so busy at the salon, but couldn't tell clients no. so, i would go in on my days off, including sundays sometimes. craziness i tell you! so this is where it starts....
Right around this time above is when I started to get crazy busy with work! I am so grateful, and I had the most amazing clients ever, don't get me wrong. hair is my thing! i was definitely drowning in my mind's priorities, though. then you can't help but get all caught up in it. i have oodles of pictures up until this time. not much in between though. yes, we had family pictures done a few times, and the i had the girls in some styled sessions. just everyday fun times...nope, nada. my husband getting offered a job to move us here was a complete blessing! as much as I miss my friends and family, nothing can make up for the time I missed with my girlies. and i don't miss our hectic schedule, that's for sure! so, here we are today....
i know as many people here as I can count on 1 hand, and i am totally okay with it. i am now living in my girls world. It makes my heart hurt to think of all the growing up they did, and i missed out. i didn't take the time to live it all out, and breathe it all in. this would be my new motto folks. we now sit down and eat our dinner together that i made. yup, that was a rare occurrence in our household. we do something almost every night, rather it's the park or sidewalk drawings. even cuddles on the couch reading books. i am a busy person, i will admit that (undiagnosed ad double hd is what i call that-true story). before i was busy with work though. now, i am just busy with my kids. obviously l&b is in the equation, but i use nap time and bedtime hours to the max which minus' out the guilt! i wasn't capable of that before. i am so blessed that i had this little business in my life. it is my 'me time' for the moment. having l&b before never really made sense in the madness of our lives? man oh man, am i lucky to have this little biz now.
chubby cheeks challenged her readers to write letters to their kids. and since i'm not shy, i am sharing it all with you. instead of a typing a 'letter' i did something for my girls that they can cherish when they are older. my girls are polar opposites, like most siblings. oh and do they love each other, there is no denying that! dressing up and make-up is something they both adore, and get in trouble for at least once a week ;) i was inspired by a pin that i found on pinterest over a year ago. it was to dress your daughter up in your wedding dress for a photo shoot idea. so that is what we did last night, and even followed it up with the park and ice cream. these images are going into a book, and i can't wait to share them again on my girlies wedding days. *sniff* some of these pictures take my breath away! i've had my camera for almost 2 years now. my little d60 and my 35mm 1.8 is as good as it gets. now that i feel like i can rock it out, pictures of my kids is all i do. it's time to make-up for lost moments.
my girls and i have a song, too. that song would be 'true blue' by madonna. we haven't listened to that song and danced around in the kitchen in a while. we didn't do much of anything fun for quite some time actually. we up and moved 4 months ago, because my husband was relocated from indy to charlotte. this all happened in 3 weeks by the way! we were settled in indy, so we thought. in 3 weeks we packed up (and purged) everything we owned, to move to a city/state that i had never even visited. my husband had been once. i even left behind my entire career as a hair stylist, and a very hectic gogogo lifestyle! one thing i was okay with as far as moving, was the break we were all going to get. it was our time to get back to life as a family. my husband and i passed each other by 6 days a week. the 7th days was spent cleaning our house and doing the mounds of laundry that i could never keep up with. wait, who am i kidding? staying home, i still can't keep up with it! i loathe laundry. ha!
so this post comes about from an awesome photographer named shalonda. i found chubby cheeks photography when shalonda ordered some pieces from me when i first started laynie and belle. she is ALSO a mommy of 2 gorgeous girlies, so i can connect with her in that aspect as well. i look forward to seeing her sessions she posts on her blog and her status' on facebook, because she has a way with words. she recently wrote a blog post that was on the personal side. it was about missing out on living life, because you are drowning in what your mind tells you is important. your mind's priorities push your heart's priorities aside day after day, after week, after month...
my mind's priority happened to be work. i got over the mommy guilt, because i was used to it. funny thing is, that i am the one who completely controlled my schedule! i am my own boss, and always have been. if you can relate to that, then you can relate to not being able to say no. i had 2 solid days off a week, in which i consumed those with l&b for the past 2 years. there were weeks that i was so busy at the salon, but couldn't tell clients no. so, i would go in on my days off, including sundays sometimes. craziness i tell you! so this is where it starts....
Right around this time above is when I started to get crazy busy with work! I am so grateful, and I had the most amazing clients ever, don't get me wrong. hair is my thing! i was definitely drowning in my mind's priorities, though. then you can't help but get all caught up in it. i have oodles of pictures up until this time. not much in between though. yes, we had family pictures done a few times, and the i had the girls in some styled sessions. just everyday fun times...nope, nada. my husband getting offered a job to move us here was a complete blessing! as much as I miss my friends and family, nothing can make up for the time I missed with my girlies. and i don't miss our hectic schedule, that's for sure! so, here we are today....
i know as many people here as I can count on 1 hand, and i am totally okay with it. i am now living in my girls world. It makes my heart hurt to think of all the growing up they did, and i missed out. i didn't take the time to live it all out, and breathe it all in. this would be my new motto folks. we now sit down and eat our dinner together that i made. yup, that was a rare occurrence in our household. we do something almost every night, rather it's the park or sidewalk drawings. even cuddles on the couch reading books. i am a busy person, i will admit that (undiagnosed ad double hd is what i call that-true story). before i was busy with work though. now, i am just busy with my kids. obviously l&b is in the equation, but i use nap time and bedtime hours to the max which minus' out the guilt! i wasn't capable of that before. i am so blessed that i had this little business in my life. it is my 'me time' for the moment. having l&b before never really made sense in the madness of our lives? man oh man, am i lucky to have this little biz now.
chubby cheeks challenged her readers to write letters to their kids. and since i'm not shy, i am sharing it all with you. instead of a typing a 'letter' i did something for my girls that they can cherish when they are older. my girls are polar opposites, like most siblings. oh and do they love each other, there is no denying that! dressing up and make-up is something they both adore, and get in trouble for at least once a week ;) i was inspired by a pin that i found on pinterest over a year ago. it was to dress your daughter up in your wedding dress for a photo shoot idea. so that is what we did last night, and even followed it up with the park and ice cream. these images are going into a book, and i can't wait to share them again on my girlies wedding days. *sniff* some of these pictures take my breath away! i've had my camera for almost 2 years now. my little d60 and my 35mm 1.8 is as good as it gets. now that i feel like i can rock it out, pictures of my kids is all i do. it's time to make-up for lost moments.
this is one of the many posts to come that will be dedicated to my girls, their lives, and the time spent breathing it all in and living it all out. they are my world, and it is about time my heart's priorities took over and started living in it! tonight there may be some old school madonna blaring in our house. our neighbors are super cool, i don't think they will mind ;)
so, here it is, the challenge! THE first letter. who is with us?!
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