Archive for April, 2010
“A brother and sister share childhood memories and grown-up dreams. ”
~Author Unknown
This was a special session. Our dear friends welcomed their new baby girl into this world, and we couldn’t be happier. It is such a strange and wonderful thing to see your friend become a mother of TWO. It is hard to describe, but it took my breath away and brought tears to my eyes when I first saw her holding her daughter. It brought back so many memories of when we brought Addie home, and how Jack’s life changed forever (in a wonderful way!). We love little D, the big bro, so much, and he is such a good friend to Jack. The kiddos in our group are almost like siblings, so it is so.much.fun to welcome another little one into it. When all of us girls met, we had almost and just-turned one year old babies. Since then, we have added four more babies into the mix. Such an awesome circle of love and friendship. You all are such amazing parents, and I am so thrilled for you. Miss M is simply beautiful, and the perfect addition. Enjoy your sneak peeks!
This might just be one of my faves. For some reason, it just speaks to me. Maybe because I have a son and a daughter, too. I just love how his little hand is cupping his mom’s face as he looks at her. Moms, do you feel what I feel when I look at this? 
I adore this yellow and white blanket–it was her great-grandmother’s, and she was instantly calm and peaceful on it.
Three generations of beautiful women.
xoxo,
laura
Adorable green and purple cocoons by the talented Roxxi of Up Above Creations.
Tags: gmesa baby photographer, phoenix newborn photographer, scottsdale new born photography, scottsdale newborn photography, tempe newborn photographer
Posted in babies, infants, little peapods | newborns, sweeties | children |
1 Comment »
Meet Mia–fabulous mama to four amazing children and the hard-working owner of Dolce Vita Mia who is always full of fab ideas. Love her!!
Photo ©Daniel Friedman, courtesy of Raising Arizona Kids Magazine
Mia is a dear friend of mine and I can attest to the fact that she is an amazing mother. Her children range in age from a year to fourteen years old, and she not only manages to keep them happy and fulfilled while driving them to their many activities, but she teaches two online college classes in addition to running her extremely popular and successful business, Dolce Vita Mia.
As if she weren’t busy enough, she was kind enough to take my dear Jackson to and from school for almost a month two days a week when I was unable to due to my health issues following surgery. She even got him ice cream afterward…can I help it if he just associates Mia with ice cream now?!
Seriously, these mamas we are featuring really.do.rock.my.world! I am in awe of all that they do. How awesome to be surrounded by and to receive support from such incredibly strong women! I love hearing how other moms do it, so thanks so much for sharing!
Please tell us a little about your business and how you developed the concept for it?
Dolce Vita Mia (My Sweet Life) is a hair accessory boutique for girls of all ages. The concept began after I went on maternity leave from teaching when my youngest daughter was born. An Etsy shopping addiction developed first. Quickly, I realized I needed to fund my habit through my own craftiness. With three girls, I knew I could never go wrong with hair accessories.
How did you choose your business name?
Staying home to raise my children had always been a dream of mine. Couple that with my Italian heritage and Dolce Vita was born. (The Sweet Life) However, Dolce Vita was already taken on Etsy! Adding Mia to the end really had nothing to do with my name, it was just the only other word I could add that made sense!
What makes your business so fab and awesome?
I guess it’s awesome because it’s different than most of the other hair accessory shops on Etsy. My pieces are meant to be chic without being overly done for girls of ANY age!
How many sweeties do you have and what are their ages?
Diego (14), Jade (12), Isabella (3) and
Giovanna (18 months)
How do you make sure that you are a rockin’ mama to your kiddos while still running your own business?
I’m still working the kinks of doing it all, but I have figured out a couple of things that don’t work. Just recently, I have taken the weekends off from production and assembly. I still answer convos and purchase supplies on the web, however, my family gets my undivided attention during those two days of the week.
What is your biggest challenge as a work-at-home mama?
Juggling my children’s schedules with the needs of my customers.
Do you have a website/shop/boutique?
If you could jet away on a vacation tomorrow, where would you go?
My grandfather owned part of a wine vineyard in Italy for most of his life. After he passed, all of his children and grandchildren were given jars filled with soil from the vineyard. It has always been a dream of mine to visit the vineyard and return with jars of soil for each of my children as well.
Thanks so much for sharing with us, Mia! Check out another {rockin’ mama} on the blog next week! Contact me if you are or know of a {rockin’ mama} that should be featured. Much love!
xoxo,
laura
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Tags: chandler baby photographer, etsy, gilbert photographer, phoenix photographer, rockin mama, scottsdale photographer
Posted in Rockin' Mamas, phoenix photography |
4 Comments »
“A toddling little girl is a centre of common feeling which makes the most dissimilar people understand each other.”
– George Eliot
I first met this darling little girl and her wonderful parents when she was six months old and just beginning to crawl. I instantly was endeared to her sweet smile, her pouty lips and amazing eyes. Her mom, Vicki, and I became fast friends.
This wonderful little girl is so full of life and spirit, and I feel honored to have the opportunity to photograph her again now at a year old. This stunning location made my heart skip a beat and had me clicking the shutter the entire time. At a year, this sweetie has adorable, wispy curls, the same blue eyes that you can get lost in, a self-confidence to be jealous of, and the beginnings of a Spanish vocabulary. We had a great time–we only had to resort to bribery once or twice. I’m not so sure how well our currency worked, though…who uses ice to bribe a child on a 90 degree day in Arizona? Thanks for a wonderful session! Enjoy your sneak peeks…
Tags: chandler child photographer, gilbert child photographer, phoenix child photographer, scottsdale child photographer
Posted in first birthday, sweeties | children |
2 Comments »
So, when we moved here two and a half years ago, Jack was just over a year old. We joined a meetup, made some amazing friends and got out and did things. A lot. I remember the girls and I having to make a point to schedule time to stay at home just so we could get housework done–that was how often we did things! Things slowed down a bit when Addison was born, but I am back to enjoying a packed calendar with tons of fun things to do with my children. I love exposing them to awesome new places and experiences, and love when they can “get their wiggles out”. And hey, let’s be honest–I also love when the added bonus is that they get all tuckered out and take awesome naps so mommy can get work done. I am always on the lookout for new places, but we also have quite a few regular favorites.
This blog feature–which I hope to make a regular one–was born after chatting with a fellow mom wondering what things there were to do around town. I actually get asked this same question quite a bit from my clients that have just become moms. There is so, so very much to take advantage of around the Valley. Get out and further enrich your child’s life and spend some quality time learning something new–or just push them on a swing with the breeze blowing through your hair at a park you’ve never been to!
First up is one of my faves–Jack LOVES it, and so do I. The Arizona Museum for Youth (AMY) is located in downtown Mesa and has inside of it a place called Artville. Oh, Artville, how we love thee…particularly on blazing summer days. Artville is an interactive play area for children ages birth-5 years old. I highly recommend purchasing an annual pass as it can quickly add up if you go there a lot. Children under a year are free, and there is a great little padded play area for kiddos under one. It has mirrors for them to look in and soft little hills for them to crawl over. The exhibits in the actual museum rotate (right now there is Play Ball, there is also Sounds like Art right now).
This photo gives you an idea of how long we have been going to Artville…doesn’t my now-three year old look so little here?
If you head out to Artville, or are already a regular, I would love to know how you love it too! Leave me a comment to share your own experiences!
xoxo,
laura
Tags: fab fun around the valley for kiddos, phoenix children's photographer, scottsdale baby photographer, things to do in arizona, things to do in phoenix
Posted in fab fun with kiddos, my life + inspiration | mine, phoenix photography, sweeties | children |
2 Comments »
Meet graphic designer and mom extraordinaire Heather Manor, owner of her own line of cards and announcements that are distributed nationwide. She rocks.
I first came to know Heather over three and a half years ago, yet we still have never met. When my son was born, I was so very excited to finally be able to buy awesome birth announcements to celebrate his arrival. I scoured the internet as there are oh-so-many places to purchase them. I kept coming back to PeaPod Announcements, a company that was–until very recently–owned by Heather. I was in love, and I then used her for not only Jack’s birth announcement, but our Christmas card, his Christening invitation and his first birthday invite, too! She was by far the best, and she would do anything to make her customers happy. Fast forward to this fall, when Heather made templates for photographers for holiday cards. They were a natural and fun fit to showcase my client’s photos. Full circle, right? Heather also recently asked me to provide some stock baby photos for her new line of cards, Oh How Lovely. I just adore all things Heather, so I am so excited to feature her as our next Rockin’ Mama. I hope you enjoy learning about her as much as I do. She is so fun!
These are her awesome kiddos, Cameron and Lindsay. This was their New Year’s card this year (designed by the lovely Heather herself, of course). Fun, right?
I completely heart that gumball machine! I have been debating getting one on Craigslist for quite some time now…anyone have one I can borrow?
Introducing Heather…
Please tell us a little about your business and how you developed the concept for it?
5 yrs ago, I had just graduated nursing school, and I really needed to get a job … but I so didn’t want to! My kids were young then, 5 & 2, and my husband traveled every week. I stalled, and during that time, found my love for graphic design. I started a successful photo card company which I owned until this February. In February, I decided to branch out on my own, under my name Heather Manor. I had a few incredible opportunities present themselves; one being a fabulous arrangement with The English Company which will distribute my Oh, How Lovely line of photo cards and stationery nationwide. I officially have my ‘dream job’ of designing all day and night.
How did you choose your business name?
My official business name is my name, Heather Manor. But, my exclusive line of photo cards and stationery will be known as Oh, How Lovely.
I actually came up with this name back in 2007 when I took my previous company, PeaPod Announcements, to the National Stationery Show to begin a wholesale division. After a few months, I realized that was too much for me to take on, so I shelved the name but kept on to the domain. Somehow, I knew I would be using the name at a later date. When The English Company signed me on, I had the perfect name waiting to be used!
What makes your business so fab and awesome?
I like to think that my designs stand out, and they make people happy. It is really special to me that I have such loyal customers that returned year after year for every possible occasion they could think of. When I announced I was leaving PeaPod Announcements, I was flooded with emails and messages telling me how much I and my designs would be missed. It was really humbling. 5 years ago, when I was just starting out, I never imagined that kind of impact. I just wanted to design and make people smile. It was a simple plan that turned into so much more. I am so grateful that doing what I love affects people so positively.
I really love my customers. They make what I do so fab and awesome! And my most favorite part is how many of them have become such good friends over the years! {like you!}
How many sweeties do you have and what are their ages?
I have 2.
Lindsay is 10 and Cameron will be 8 on May 9th. Eek, how is that possible?!
How do you make sure that you are a rockin’ mama to your kiddos while still running your own business?
This is tricky!! My husband travels quite a bit, sometimes 4-5 days/wk. So I am doing everything solo. Thankfully, now that they are both in school, I have 7 hours every day to design and network {networking is SO important for your business!}
Because I can’t do it all, I did give up volunteering in their classrooms a few years ago. I came to a point where something had to give, and that was the only thing I wouldn’t lose sleep over. It’s all a compromise, and having a clear idea of what’s important to you, and your family, will guide you in making the right choices. For instance, my kids happen to love cereal, so I feel no guilt when we are having cereal for dinner the 2nd night in one week 
What is your biggest challenge as a work-at-home mama?
Time management.
Realizing that just because I am home all day, doesn’t mean I have 7 hrs of free time. Its hard not to get sucked into doing laundry all day, or cleaning up the house when it is really messy. Before I know it, its 3 pm and time to get the kids and then my work day is over until that night after they go to bed.
And, then there’s face book. Oy.
Do you have a website/shop/boutique?
I actually have 2 places that you can find my work!
www.ohhowlovely.com
www.photoaffections.com/heather-manor-baby-announcements-c-118
Soon, my new website under my name will also be debuting but that won’t be for a month or two.
If you could jet away on a vacation tomorrow, where would you go and why?
Paris, France. It would be so romantic. And all that butter …. mmmmmm
What is something that people probably don’t know about you?
I am actually a really big introvert. I am shy, somewhat insecure and I do not ever speak up in a crowd. The internet has really helped me open up and meet lots of new people that I otherwise would never have reached out to. Having kids has also been really good for that.
I also love cake.
Thanks, Heather! Lots more rockin’ mamas to come! Since I started this feature last week, there has been a huge response! Wow! So many awesome {rockin’ mamas} out there! Thanks so much!! Are you or do you know of a rockin’ mama that should be featured? Shoot me an email. laura@laurawinslowphotography.com
xoxo,
laura
Tags: Heather Manor, Oh How Lovely, PeaPod Announcements, phoenix photographer, rockin mama, scottsdale az photographer, scottsdale photographer, Whitney English Company
Posted in Rockin' Mamas, phoenix photography |
4 Comments »
“Even before the stars lit up the sky, your little boy had a special place in the heart of God. “
~ Unknown
This session was supposed to be a maternity session. His mama was anxiously anticipating her session, but this little man had other plans. He arrived six weeks early, causing his mama to forego both her maternity session and her plans for a belly cast. Do you think she even gives it a second thought now, though? Look what she has instead–a perfect, precious little baby boy. He was just 4 pounds, 14.9 ounces, but is so, so healthy for a preemie. He loved basking in the sun during our session and was in a deep slumber in no time. I love outdoor sessions for newborns–especially at this time of year. They love the warm weather and the slight breeze. Perfect! He even snoozed away as we put the little guy inside of a snowboard helmet (dad is an instructor). Adorable! Thank you for a wonderful session, G family!
xoxo,
laura
Hat and diaper set by the ahh-mazing Cassi of Polka Dot Posh.
Tags: arizona newborn photographer, gilbert az newborn photographer, newborn photography, scottsdale newborn photographer
Posted in babies, little peapods | newborns |
17 Comments »
“There is no such thing as a NON-working mother.”
~Hester Mundis
So, I feel I am always meeting some truly amazing mamas, and I just want to share their stories. I know many of my blog readers are mamas themselves, and we can definitely appreciate the work that goes into this all-important job. While I believe that mamas work their tushies off no matter if you stay at home with the kiddos, work outside the home or work inside the home (I actually have done all three myself), the {rockin’ mamas} featured here will primarily be women that have started their own business while still staying home with their sweeties. It is something that I can relate to in my life right now, and I am very curious to see how other women try to balance their work-kiddo lives. Maybe we’ll find out that it is that never-ending quest for women–to always try to balance but never feel like you do. What do you think? I would love to hear your experiences.
If you would like to be featured, or know of a mama who should be, drop me an email to be considered~ laura@laurawinslowphotography.com Oh, and please excuse the word “modern” being underlined and linked…can’t for the life of me figure out how to not make that an automatic keyword! He he! Actually, I am quite certain I could figure it out given actual time. I’m just not willing to spend the time I do have trying to figure it out. So, if you know, feel free to pass it on (it’s not the easy way like just breaking the hyperlink)!
Our very first featured {rockin’ mama} is Grace Stufkosky, a California native that moved to Arizona to be closer to family. She has two amazing little boys and owns her own business, aptly called Finley and Oliver (can you guess what the names of her kiddo’s are?) .
Meet Grace. She has got to be one of the most fun-loving mamas around. Check out this photo of her awesome fam! When I spotted the shopping cart during our photo session, she didn’t even blink an eye when I suggested that she get in it! That’s what I call easy going! Oh, and check out our recent shoot for her new line of clothing. It was fun!
Grace has also graciously offered a 20% discount to my blog readers, too!!! Head on over to her shop, enter ROCKINMAMA at checkout, and Grace will refund the 20% via paypal. Super cool–thanks Grace! Keep reading to learn more about Grace.
Please tell us a little about your business and how you developed the concept for it?
Anyone with baby boys can attest to the fact that it is nearly impossible to find cool baby boy clothes. When my boys were itty bitties, I was so frustrated at the lack of fun and modern clothing for them that I decided to create my own. I have a business degree and a love for all things crafty so I thought I’d put the two together and start my own line of appliqued clothing for boys and girls.
How did you choose your business name?
I named it after my super awesome kids!
What makes your business so fab and awesome?
My little applique designs are truly unique. I try to stay away from the traditional designs that you find on kids clothes and focus more on designs that have been inspired by my love of all things modern, simple, and clean. Each of my little creations is hand cut and hand stitched by me on to high quality American Apparel (made in the USA/sweatshop free) garments. I use Eco-fi felt (also made in the USA) which is made out of 100% post consumer recycled plastic bottles. So kiddos can look cute in my clothes and mamas can feel good about it! My clothing is meant to be played in – its meant to get dirty. Just throw those suckers in with the rest of the wash and you are good to go. Trust me, my boys have used and abused their Finley and Oliver clothing and it is still holding strong.
How many sweeties do you have and what are their ages?
I have two amazing, loving, high energy, and hilarious boys. Finley is 3 and Oliver is 2. They are just 15 months apart. My hands are full!
How do you make sure that you are a rockin’ mama to your kiddos while still running your own business?
I’ll be honest here. It is a real struggle for me to be the rockinest mama I can be to my boys and run my own business. Let’s face it, my boys are young and they still need me – a lot. I try my best to organize my schedule so that work time is when the boys nap and after they’ve gone to sleep at night. When I’m not working, it’s “boy” time – we have a blast. I’ll get on the floor and play match box cars with them, wrestle (although Finley keeps telling me I don’t know how to wrestle), play in the dirt – you name it, I’ll do it. My boys mean the world to me and I tell them a thousand times a day how much they are loved and how special they are. They will always come first – even if it means taking a break from the business (which I have had to do before).
What is your biggest challenge as a work-at-home mama?
See above. Oh, and my other challenge is actually squeezing in the time to do my hair and make up daily. If I can accomplish that, I feel like a rock star.
Do you have a website/shop/boutique? As a matter of fact, I do!
www.etsy.com/shop/finleyandoliver. I have a new little blog too – www.finleyandoliver.blogspot.com
If you could jet away on a vacation tomorrow, where would you go?
My husband and I were married for 10 years before we had kids and had the opportunity to do quite a bit of traveling. Of the places we’ve been, London tops them all. I’d jet away to the UK any day.
Thanks a ton, Grace!! Be sure to keep an eye out for more {rockin’ mamas} each week. If you have a question you would like me to ask our mamas, just let me know or leave a comment. If you or someone you know should be featured, drop me an email! Have a super Tuesday, everyone!
xoxo,
laura
Tags: etsy, gilbert photographer, phoenix photographer, rockin mama
Posted in Commercial, Rockin' Mamas, sweeties | children, togetherness | families |
7 Comments »
Nominated for best family photographer in Phoenix, AZ. Vote now!
