An afternoon with the Woman, the Myth, the Legend - Sylvia Weinstock

This past Sunday my friend Cass and I went to a bridal event hosted by Eclatante in Northern Liberties. Cass and I are both newbies to the wedding industry and we thought it would be a great way to observe seasoned professionals. Well part of the draw for me for the afternoon was the opportunity to meet the legendary Sylvia Weinstock and I was not disappointed. Its clear that she is fabulously talented and one savvy business woman but its her  personality that really sells you. She is just a dynamo - witty, funny, and engaging. The thing I am hearing again and again from people in the wedding industry is that while you are selling your goods and services what you are really selling is yourself. And I can see how Sylvia can draw people in and make them feel as though that she is giving them a once in a life time cake experience. Unfortunately we didn't get to sample any of her cake but I didn't care because it was just so awe inspiring to hear her speak.

Now if I can just meet Martha ......

Read more...

I got a new toy!

Feeding my photography bug has taken the place of my shopping for clothes and bags .... well almost.

But I do admit that I sit and drool over the B&H catalog earmarking all the new accessories and lenses I want.  I bit the bullet and bought my new baby after taking a photography seminar earlier this month. My original plan was to get another body towards the end of the year but I couldn't hold out. Now my D3000 is relegated to my back up body and travel camera. I have already road tested my D90 and I love her. I see us doing fab things in the year ahead.

Read more...

Why my posting has been erratic

My posting has not been regular as I like because of .....

My photography has been taking off and all my free time has gone towards making it grow.  Juggling a full time job, establishing a business, and still keeping up on the domestic front is hard.

I have so much to share with my garden, recipes, shopping, and home but just need more time to blog. I love my little blog and all my blog friends and want you to know hey I am still here.

Read more...

FLICKR IS DOWN AND IT BLOWS BIG TIME

My Flickr account is down!!!!!

Because I discontinued service with Verizon which was linked to my Yahoo account which was linked to my Flickr account, I now have no access to Flickr till someone decides to respond to my cry for help via email to their  customer service.

This blows big time.

And means no blogging. Grrrrrrrrr!

And I pay to be a have a Flickr account. WTH.

Read more...

The Most Magical Kitchen Product - EVER

I want to introduce you to the most magical kitchen product ever created. EVER!

Bar Keepers Friend. And we are BFF's in the kitchen.

I use this product on my pots, pans, baking sheets, roaster, ceramic cookware, darn near everything. And it gets out the nastiest stains. All our beautiful Calphon cookware we got for our wedding is still shiny, silver,  and stain free.  Its just like new and its not from lack of use. It's from this little can of magic that is less than $2 a canister. Yes you read that right, less than $2. It even removes rust because my husband tested on that too.

I swear that you will fall in love with it too. So run don't walk and get yourself a can.

And no I am not being paid for this. I just really love this stuff that much.

Read more...

Hot Weather = Sweet Tea aka Liquid Diabetes

Anyone who knows me well knows that I do not indulge in caffeinated beverages or beverages that could potentially stain my teeth (red wine, strong tea, coffee). (Yes I am a clean teeth freak) I mainly drink water 98% of the time. But my one weakness is sweet tea which my husband and I jokingly call "Liquid Diabetes". And boy is it SWEET! Just the way both my husband and I like it. My husband's family is from West Virginia and my family from Georgia and Virginia so we were both raised on sweet tea being the drink of choice on hot days. And it just wasn't good if it wasn't done with a lot of sugar. The secret is to put the sugar in when its hot so that it dissolves. One of my pet peeves in restaurants is that they expect you to add in the sugar when its cold, then you have a pile of sugar at the bottom of the glass. YUCK!

I try not to make it too often but it is so easy and tasty. Plus for me it clearly falls into a comfort food category because it brings back fond memories.

So what is your drink of choice when the weather gets warm?

Read more...

Vintage Lens Cases

While I love my camera bag its kind of bulky to have strapped to me when I go out on shoots and every since hearing about the Shootsac I've wanted one. However, when you are establishing a business you have to prioritize your purchases and invest in what is going to give you the biggest bang for your buck. Unfortunately, the shootsac fell low on the list since it is a want and not a need. So I decide to take a trip over to my local camera shop Chestnut Hill Camera and see what they had to offer in terms of a small lens case that I could wear strapped across my body. I found a perfect little Lowepro lens bag at a great price but when the store associate told me they had vintage lens cases my ears perked up. I love vintage items and love to be a little quirky and different. When he brought out two large boxes filled with black leather lens cases I went gaga. I was able to find 2 in great condition which fits most of my lenses and for $25 they are a great affordable alternative for now. I am also thinking since they are padded that they may be great for using for travel on our vacations as well. Can't wait to put them to the field test.

Read more...