“A dream is a wish your heart makes.”

~Cinderella

Who says fairy tales don’t come true?  In my world yesterday, they certainly did.  You see, I entered the magical world of Disney, where your wildest dreams do in fact come true.  Seventy five incredible children affiliated with March of Dimes and HopeKids, along with their families, were treated to a memorable and special day that began with glitter, glam + pampering followed by rides to the beautiful Castle at Ashley Manor in sleek limousines.   Kim of The TomKat Studio styled a gorgeous dessert table and invited me to photograph the event, along with my friend Haleigh Rohner.  I am so thankful for the opportunity to witness the giddy excitement each of these children had.  They danced to the jams of Radio Disney, had fun with hula-hoop contests, giggled and ate from the most adorable table of sweets from Modern Cupcake, Bundles of Cookies and L’il Darling Sweet Shoppe.  The day was made even more magical with a visit from Cinderella in her horse-drawn carriage.  SO beautiful!

Each child will attend a Disney on Ice Princess Classics performance, in town this weekend in Phoenix.  You can still purchase your tickets to this magical event here.

I feel honored to have been given the opportunity to be a small part of their special day.

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xoxo, laura

“They say if you dream a thing more than once, it’s sure to come true.”
~Briar Rose, Sleeping Beauty

Today is a busy + fun day around here!  In just a bit, I will be leaving to photograph a Disney on Ice charity event at the stunning Castle at Ashley Manor. Kim of The TomKat Studio is styling the dessert table and I cannot even wait to see all of it come together!  I caught a little glimpse of all the sweetness yesterday, and I just know that Kim + Disney = Fabulous!  My sweet friend + talented photog Haleigh R0hner will be photographing the event with me.  The children chosen are affiliated with March of Dimes and HopeKids and are getting all dolled up before they watch the Disney on Ice Princess show (in town this weekend), then will be heading over in a limo to meet Cinderella in her carriage!  I just know the day will be filled with precious moments and I look forward to seeing their eyes light up with excitement when they enter the fairytale…I know mine will!

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Then, later this evening, I will be headed to the Cupcakes and Cocktails reception for the opening of the Creative Estates conference this weekend, where I was invited to speak.  The event, hosted by Kim of The TomKat Studio and featuring the delectable creations of Melissa of Decadent Delights, will be held at the fabulous El Zocalo in downtown Chandler.  I am headed there with my girls Grace and Mia and am looking forward to hanging with lots of other fun local ladies and to meeting people from all over the country that have traveled into town for the conference.  Let the fun begin!

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Tomorrow night, my mom and sister fly into town from Florida, too!  What an exciting weekend, kicking off in just a few hours for me!

On another note, I have been asked to be a Special Guest at the AZ Girls Night Out in June, along with the ladies of The TomKat Studio.  I mention this because the number of tickets being sold is limited, and if you are interested in being a part of the fun, you will want to visit the website to put your name on the list.    Hope to see you there!

Have a great day, lovelies!!

xoxo,

laura

“Love grows by giving.  The love we give away is the only love we keep.  The only way to retain love is to give it away.”

~Elbert Hubbard

THIS AWESOME GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED. THE WINNER has been announced here. Thanks so much to everyone for the love! xoxo

Yep, yep.  ONE winner takes ALL 61 of these incredible goodies (worth over $2600)!!!!! Happy Love Day to YOU + thank you for being a fan!  I am SO excited to finally open this fabulous giveaway to entries!!   Want to enter to win once?  SO easy!   Want to go the extra mile + have lots of chances to win?  There are 14 total chances to win (but only one required)!!  The more things you do, the more likely you are to win! Please don’t hate on the the entry requirements.   You only have to do one if that’s what you want, after all.

After reading the entry details, just click on a photo to take you to that shop’s Facebook page (or, if they do not have a Facebook page, it will take you to their website).  There are also links for all websites AND Facebook pages at the bottom of this post for easy reference.

PLEASE SCROLL PAST ALL THE COMMENTS TO ADD YOURS AT THE VERY END OF THE POST AND to ENTER.  thank you! xoxo

NOTE: please excuse the misspelled “courtesy” on the photography credits.  I must have been tired + in the interest of saving several more hours changing it, I let it be.  Do you forgive me?

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ENTRY #1 (required):

–visit the website of your favorite shop

–leave a comment with your name + fave item that they sell

Warning: these extra entries might seem a bit confusing–I hope not!  I tried my very best to make it as easy-to-read as possible.  Forgive me if it isn’t–please bear with us as trust me, it is worth it to check out all this fanpage + website goodness!!

FOR AN EXTRA ENTRY:

post a link to this blog post on your Facebook page + leave a comment telling us.

FOR TWO EXTRA ENTRIES:

post this link on your favorite message board + in TWO comments tell us what board.

FOR UP TO SIX EXTRA ENTRIES:

For every TEN shops that you fan on Facebook, you will get one extra entry (Feel free to leave some love on their page telling them that LWP sent ya!).  Leave a separate comment per six fanpages telling us you are now a fan (THAT’s 6 extra entries!).

That is a possibility of 6 extra entries!  WOW!  So, if you are in it to win it + are just THAT committed, you will have greater odds of winning if you visit all 61 fanpages (you will visit 11 on your last set)!

NOTE: This giveaway runs for SEVEN days, so feel free to do a few each day or to spread it out throughout the week.   Take your time as Facebook sometimes blocks users from commenting on too many pages at a time.

Example: Fan 10 pages=one extra entry

Fan 20 pages=two extra entries

Fan 30 pages= three extra entries

Fan 40 pages=four extra entries

Fan 50 pages=five extra entries

Fan 61 pages=six extra entries

Hehe!  I know there are those of you out there that will love to take the time to do this (we do have a whole week, after all!), so I thought I would give you the opportunity! Just like the rest of the entries, make sure to leave a separate comment for each site you visit.  It will only count as one if you leave one for all of them.

FOR AN EXTRA ENTRY:

Fan LWP on Facebook + comment saying you are a fan.

FOR AN EXTRA ENTRY:

Blog about this giveaway and comment with the link.

FOR AN EXTRA ENTRY:

Tweet about this giveaway and post a comment with a link or twitter name.

FOR AN EXTRA ENTRY:

Leave a comment telling us something you do to help show someone you love them.

The giveaway is open from Monday, February 7th, 2011 until midnight Arizona time on Monday, February 14th, 2011 (LOVE DAY!).

The VERY LUCKY winner will be announced on Tuesday, February 15th, 2011, so check back to find out if it is YOU! 

The fine print: This prize package has no cash value.  Items are non-transferable.  Should the winner not reside in the Phoenix metro area, a second winner from the area will be chosen for ONLY the Decadent Delights prize.  This is due to the fact that this prize is for a local pick-up.  Laura Winslow Photography endorses these products but is not responsible for matters concerning the products once the contest has ended and the information has been delivered to the vendor.  I know we probably already know this, but I feel a need to always say it anyway.    Please understand that all vendors have generously donated their time, energy and beautiful handiwork to the lucky winner for this giveaway.  Let’s be appreciative of this–thanks so much! Please be respectful and understanding for each of their personal shipping and/or creation time.  They are so sweet to do this, and it means so much to me that they feel the love!

A very special thank you to all of our AMAZING designers, shops + awesome ladies that are generously giving their fab products + precious time for our giveaway!!  Thank you, thank you, thank you!!  You are going to make one VERY lucky person’s whole YEAR SO FAN-TAB-U-LOUS!!!!

the fabulous vendors :

adam’s blankie | website | facebook

a to zebra celebrations | website | facebook

boutique 16 | website | facebook

braggin baby boutique | website | facebook

brand sushi | website | facebook

cake hole project | website | facebook

charming necessities | website | facebook

crave photography | website | facebook

cute stuff by JO | website | facebook

darling deuce designs | website | facebook

decadent delights | website | facebook

dolce vita mia | website | facebook

ecce prints | website | facebook

FAAS | website | facebook

finley and oliver | website | facebook

giddyup and grow | website | facebook

glorious memory | website | facebook

gracylu originals | website | facebook

hamelin designs by the pied piper | website | facebook

h-b photo packaging | website | facebook

heavenly bites cakes | website | facebook

hip couture diva + diva mommy designs | website | facebook

holly mccaig creative | website | facebook

ilovedielines studio | website | facebook

ketti handbags | website | facebook

laken and lila | website | facebook

lemondrop stop | website | facebook

lil blue boo | website | facebook

lissie ann’s | website | facebook

little posh bebe | website | facebook

lollilicious designs | website | facebook

lullaby birds | website | facebook

the measure | website | facebook

memories by natasha | website | facebook

mimi’s babies | website | facebook

monster in the closet | website | facebook

noah and lilah | website | facebook

oh fiddlesticks! | website | facebook

oh snap! boutique | website | facebook

oh so chic baby | website | facebook

the organic bloom | website | facebook

petite fleurs by bellasma | website | facebook

pink elephant boutique | website | facebook

pink ink studios | website | facebook

quotes and notes | website | facebook

the savvy photographer store | website | facebook

shey b camera straps | website | facebook

snazziedrawers | website | facebook

sweetly fallen | website | facebook

sweet sugar beet | website | facebook

TFJ designs | website | facebook

3 little birds boutique | website | facebook

three yellow starfish | website | facebook

the tomkat studio | website | facebook

unravel me designs | website | facebook

up above creations | website | facebook

valerie knits | website | facebook

vintage rose wraps | website | facebook

what’s your virtue lip bliss | website | facebook

whp designs | website | facebook

zozobugbaby | website | facebook

Best of luck to you!!

xoxo,

laura

“We should give as we would receive, cheerfully, quickly, and without hesitation; for there is no grace in a benefit that sticks to the fingers.”

~Seneca

Many, many, many thanks to all of the amazing women who gave of their time and efforts to provide their handmade products so that one very fortunate person could enjoy (and maybe share!) lots of extra-special treats this holiday season.  You all are amazing!!!  How much better can you get than a lovingly handmade gift?!

My heart is so full of happiness for all the cheer + love that you all–the fans + supporters–helped to spread to so many of these amazing businesses.  I really FELT that love, and I thank you on behalf of myself and each of these vendors.  Reading your comments both on my facebook page and on the blog just filled me with joy.  You are so sweet, and I appreciate your kind words SO much!  Those of you that posted something that you are doing to make the world a better place, know that I am in awe and humbled.  Such good you all are doing, and I LOVE it!  If you didn’t win and must have some–or many!–of these beautiful goodies, head on over to their shops and buy away! You know you want to!  What a THANK YOU that would be to support these fab women that way.    You can re-visit this post to check out all of their websites, fanpages and blogs.

just one more look at all the loot!

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So, my sweeties, do you want to know who the winner is?    The winner of 58 amazing goodies (since the winner is not local, one local has won the Bloomingmill Floral gift certificate), worth over $2000, is the super, duper lucky chick…………………………………………………………………….

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Congratulations, Kristi!  Please contact me and I will pass along your info to each vendor so you can begin using your goodies!

Since Kristi is not local, one lucky local has been chosen via random.org for the Bloomingmill Floral gift certificate!  The winner of this one prize is……..

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I had SO much fun doing this, so I have already begun planning another HUGE one for the spring!   So many wonderful shops have already been added to the lineup, too!  Yay!

If you are interested in having your shop featured in this next giveaway, please contact me at laura@laurawinslowphotography with : 1.) your website   2.) what amount of gift card you would like to give (if selected) and 3.) a photograph that you wish to represent your shop.  Thanks so much!  xoxo

once again, the amazing vendors are:

Allie Craft | website | FACEBOOK

Amye123 | website

Art City Frames | website

A to Zebra Celebrations | website | blog | FACEBOOK

Bebe and Alice | website | blog | FACEBOOK

Bebe and Alice Go Small | website | blog

Belou492 Designs | website

Bloomingmill | website

Burlap and Blue | website |  blog | FACEBOOK

Butterfly Baby Place | website | FACEBOOK

Chalk Notes | website | FACEBOOK

Concord Soap | website

Crave Photography | website | blog | FACEBOOK

Cookie Louise Pleaze | website | blog | FACEBOOK

Cut the Cake Designs | website | blog | FACEBOOK

Dolce Vita Mia | website | blog | FACEBOOK

Emily Ann Designs | website | blog | FACEBOOK

Finley and Oliver | website | blog | FACEBOOK

Foodphyte | website

georgia blue | website | FACEBOOK

Gracylu Originals | website | FACEBOOK

Heavenly Bites Cakes | website | blog | FACEBOOK

Huckleberry Blooms | website | FACEBOOK

Indobay Inc | website | blog | FACEBOOK

In the Rose Garden | website

Ivy and A | website | FACEBOOK

Jen Marie | website | blog

Joshua by Oak | website

Kaleidoscopic Couture | website

L’Alfabeto | website | FACEBOOK

Lillipops Designs | website | FACEBOOK

Lil’ Sprout Creations | website | FACEBOOK

Linda’s Krafty Creations | website

Little Rory | website | FACEBOOK

maternalNEST | website | blog | FACEBOOK

Meadow Tea | website

Mia Dolce Originals | website | FACEBOOK

Monster in the Closet | website | FACEBOOK

Namoo | website

{Notes} by redletter design studio | website | FACEBOOK

‘Ohana by Lea | website

Oh Fiddlesticks! | website | blog | FACEBOOK

The Savvy Photographer | website | blog | FACEBOOK

Sew Saucy Stiches | website

Signs of Vintage | website | FACEBOOK

Steel Dreaming Designs | website

Strawberry Patch Baby | website | FACEBOOK

Studio Elenus | website | blog

Studio of Whimsy | website

Sweet Sugar Beet | website | FACEBOOK

Sweet Treats | website

3 Little Birds Boutique | website | FACEBOOK

Timeless N Chic | website

The TomKat Studio | website | blog | FACEBOOK

Trieste Prusso Design | website

2MYLU Designs | website | FACEBOOK

Unravel Me Designs | website | FACEBOOK

Vintage Rose Wraps | website | blog | FACEBOOK

Whisker Graphics | website | blog post for COMMENTS

ZozoBugBaby | website | FACEBOOK

A million thanks, happy shopping + the happiest of holidays!

xoxo,

laura

“Kindness in words creates confidence. Kindness in thinking creates profoundness. Kindness in giving creates love. “

~Lao Tzu

Please pray for sweet Kaelie and read on to find out how you can help this precious little girl in need of strength and support right now.

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This darling little soul is in a great deal of pain right now, and I simply cannot imagine the emotional heartbreak that her family is also experiencing right now.  Six year old Kaelie was playing with her brother on Saturday when an accident caused boiling hot water to fall on her face, neck and hands.  She is currently in a Phoenix hospital burn unit recovering and surrounded by those that love her.

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Kaelie is a friend of Rebecca, whom I first met when she modeled during our Alice in Wonderland shoot.  Rebecca’s mom, Joy, and I exchanged a few emails prior to the shoot and found we have quite a bit in common.  Joy has such a huge heart, and she has organized a silent auction and fundraiser to help surround the Tarver family with more love during this difficult time.  As soon as Joy shared Kaelie’s story with me, it just pulled at my heartstrings.

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If you would like to take part in the Wax and Wine Night : Fundraiser for the Tarver Family, you can do so in a variety of ways.   You can donate a gift certificate or product, take part in the silent auction to be held both online and at the fundraiser, or you can attend the fundraising event to be held on August 27th from 4-11 pm in Kaelie’s hometown of Surprise, Arizona.  I would love it if you could head on over to the We Support the Tarver Family page on Facebook and click “like”.  If you have a product or gift certificate that you would like to generously donate, you can add your contact info to the Discussions tab.   Not on Facebook?  You can email Joy at joy.grainger@gmail.com.  100% of the proceeds from the silent auction are being given to the Tarver family, and all services, foods and goods provided at the fundraiser are through donations.  Any way you can help is greatly appreciated.

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Kaelie and her family modeled for photographer Kamee June not too long ago at one of her workshops.  To hear Kamee’s account of little Kaelie’s personality brings tears to your eyes.  What amazing, touching images of a darling little girl.  What a blessing Kamee gives through her photographs.  Thank you, sweet Kamee, for your beautiful photographs and letting me share them in this blog post.    You rock, girlie.   Head on over to Kamee’s blog to read a little more about Kaelie and to see more images from the workshop.

Thank you for allowing me to share Kaelie’s story and for everyone for reading it and generously giving of your time and services.  It will make all the difference in the life of a little girl.  I know we all feel deeply when reading her story and want to reach out.  The power of human love and prayer is amazing…

{all images in this post courtesy and copyright Kamee June Photography}

UPDATE:

The auction will be open for bids online August 23rd-27th and in person at the “Celebration of Healing” event in Surprise, AZ on August 27th. 100% of winning bids and donations will go directly into the Bank of America bank account established for Kaelie Tarver.

If you want to bid on an item, here’s how to do it:
1) Under the picture and description of the item, put a “photo comment” that includes your name and your bid amount
2) Verify that your bid amount is higher than any others already posted (will go o highest bidder, not last bidder)
3) Once bidding closes, all winners will be contacted on August 28th to arrange payment and having item sent to them within 1 week.

If you have any questions, please email tarverauction@gmail.com.

xoxo,

laura

“Her smile beams like sunshine, which fills our hearts with love.”

~ Birgit B

The bond among these three is quite evident.  I had a super fun sesh with these fab ladies!    Mia is so beautiful, and her eyes smiled several hundred times during out shoot, and I loved it!  What a special little girl.  Both girls are just radiant and have the best personalities!  Aren’t their eyes gorg?  I was so happy to be able to have a special Mother’s Day session for this amazing mother.  She is so very caring and loving–it was special to watch her with her girls.  Thank you for a fab-u session and for making the drive!  Enjoy your sneakie peekies!

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“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.”

~Winston Churchill

I am soooooooooo excited to announce the 2009 winner of the Giving is Awesome contest. If you’re new to my blog and have no idea what Giving is Awesome is, head over to THIS post for more details.
It was so difficult to choose just one from the pool of SO deserving nominees, but after much deliberation I am thrilled to share with you the winner. One of the nominations came from Charlotte Tanner. Her entry pulled me in from the first sentence and by the end had me in tears over the courage of the winning family.  I’m happy to announce that her nominee, Eric, is the winner of $1200 worth of custom photography! Eric and his family have kept an upbeat outlook despite a year in which their three year old son was diagnosed with a severe form of multiple sclerosis, his wife was found to have cancer and endured subsequent surgery and treatment, and the grandmother who raised him passed away unexpectedly.  Charlotte describes his amazing courage,

“The strength he possesses to keep everything together in spite of such adversity amazes me that he can still keep a sunny disposition and hope.  Giving the gift of photography would give a moment in time of their sucess of a family to be brave together and love each other.  I believe it will give memories of their family and bring joy to their family to keep…”

Eric and family, congratulations and an early Merry Christmas to you.  Your courage and perseverance are shining examples of the human spirit and I absolutely cannot wait to photograph you. For taking the time and full heart to recognize Eric’s strength, Charlotte also wins $225 worth of photography.  Thank you for all of you for being bright spots in this wonderful world.  Thank you so, so very much to all that took the time to nominate the shining stars in their lives.  It means so much.  Merry Christmas!

“I have found that among its other benefits, giving liberates the soul of the giver.”

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~Maya Angelou

I am super excited to be part of a worldwide photographic event called Giving is Awesome!  I have always believed in the importance of giving back, and I am so happy to be able to through the gift of photography.  Something that will make someone having a difficult time smile through it.  What is Giving is Awesome?

You know someone.

You know someone who’s experienced a tragedy, is struggling to stay afloat, is raising kids while holding down more than one job, or is volunteering selflessly despite extenuating personal circumstances. You know someone who can’t afford custom photography, but who would cherish it this holiday season. You know someone who deserves a year-round reminder of their family’s spirit, love, and beauty.

You know someone. I guarantee it.

I want to know who they are, and I want to give them the chance to experience complimentary custom photography — $1200 worth, to be exact.  The winner will receive a complimentary, custom session with me, a high resolution digital negative CD with print release, a DVD slideshow and $100 worth of prints.  Tell me their story because it deserves to be recognized.

Oh, and the best part? The person who nominates the winner receives a complimentary session fee ($125) and $100 print credit. What better reason to show some love could there possibly be, people?

The rules:

* You cannot nominate yourself, and the person nominated must sincerely be incapable of purchasing my services. (Being unable to make the annual trip to Disney World does not qualify as sincere financial need.) 

* The nominee must reside in the East Valley, within 30 miles of 85295 (or the session must take place at a location that is). Tell me who you know, what they’re experiencing, and why they deserve my artwork. Please include a way to contact both your nominee and yourself.

*If you don’t know someone that could use this, pass the link on! Post it on your blog, facebook, myspace, email it to your friends and family because I’m sure they could spread the love to someone they might know.

* You must e-mail me the full story : laura@laurawinslowphotography.com by Monday, December 21^st at 2:00 pm.

*The winning sessions will take place between January and May 2010.  Happy New Year!

You have from today until Monday, December 21st at 2:00 pm to submit your nomination. I must be able to notify the winner with a surprise phone call on Christmas Eve. I will also announce it on my blog that same day–so get nominating! I can’t wait to read all of your entries!

The premise is simple: think of someone you know who deserves custom photography but can no way possibly afford it. Nominate them to win it. Enjoy the warm fuzzy feeling you brought to the world.

Open your heart to someone this holiday season — and thanks for giving me the opportunity to open mine.

With love,

laura

Learn more about Giving is Awesome project by checking out the website.  Want to nominate someone outside of this region? Check out the map for other participating photographers.

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