Archive for the ‘phoenix photography’ Category
i heart faces :: yellow (phoenix photographer)
May 23, 2010The theme this week at I Heart Faces is “Yellow”, and while the yellow is a bit subtle in this photo, I love that about it. This was taken in the middle of the most beautiful yellow wildflowers, and I just could get lost in her eyes.
**To go to our Father’s Day giveaway post, click here!* 
Meet Laura Page, mama to three adorable kiddos + owner of Prissy Designs, home of the All-In-One Diaper Clutch.
Told ya they were cutie patooties! 
Check out her cute products, too!
Please tell us a little about your business and how you developed the concept for it?
I created my all-in-one diaper clutch after looking around for a diaper bag that I could use just for the essentials on quick trips. I really never wanted to carry anything that looked like a diaper bag so I wanted something that looked like a purse. I wanted the bag to have everything I needed as well as a space for changing and also easy to care for. After no luck finding something that I like I pull out a pen and manila folder and created my first pattern which I still use today. The all-in-one Diaper Clutch was born. My diaper clutch has a key ring for Key and an ID holder for ID/debit card. It fits a couple diapers and wipes but also comes with a changing pad made out of soft fleece that is attached to the bag it is also completely machine washable!
How did you choose your business name?
I tried to find a name that wouldn’t limit me to one particular product just in case I wanted to venture into other things. I decided on Prissy Designs, Prissy was the name of my first cat when I was 6 years old.
What makes your business so fab and awesome?
I love my product and I am very proud to say that I designed, patented and all of the clutches are handmade. I love that my son is so interested in what I am doing and I always tell him that if there is something that you want to do succeed or fail never be afraid to try.
How many sweeties do you have and what are their ages?
I have three children which keep me busy at all times. Hunter 8, Laynee 3, Mya almost 2.
How do you make sure that you are a rockin’ mama to your kiddos while still running your own business?
I am not going to lie it is hard to balance sometimes we always make time for weekend activities such as movie night, game night, The Zoo or small roadtrips. I keep myself available for them at all times. I am very luck to have a supportive husband that is willing to help out whenever I need to sew or have business errands to run. In the end they always come first.
What is your biggest challenge as a work-at-home mama?
Well I am still learning how to balance everything. Currently I work full time 5 days a week, I come home to take care of the kiddos, after they go to bed is when I try to take care of as much business things as I can before I need to get ready for the next day. A lot of tired days.
Do you have a website/shop/boutique?
www.prissydesigns.com
If you could jet away on a vacation tomorrow, where would you go and why?
I would hop on a plane with my family and go to Hawaii! Somewhere I have always wanted to go I love the beach and I think we would all have a blast.
What is something that people probably don’t know about you?
You know I don’t think there is really anything anyone doesn’t know about me. I am fairly open. If I ever do anything dumb and embarrassing I am usually the first to laugh and tell people.
Thanks so much, Laura! If you want to snag one of Laura’s awesome All-in-One Diaper clutches for yourself or gift, enter mama10 at checkout for 10% off through May 31st!
rockin’ mama : jen ray (phoenix family photographer)
May 13, 2010Meet Jen Ray. Owner of Hair by Jen + {rockin’ mama} to two fab kiddos.
Six month old Mack…
and almost-three year old Katelyn
Learn all about Jen + her super-fun fam’ in her interview below!
Please tell us a little about your business and how you developed the concept for it?
I am a hair stylist. I work from my home & also travel to my clients homes in special cases. I.e. servicing multiple family members hair.
I decided to go into Cosmetology school in 2001 and have not looked back since. Best decision I have ever made, (other than marrying my husband & having our beautiful children).
What makes your business so fab and awesome?
I think what makes my business awesome, is that I work with my own schedule. I am not tied down by a boss and I work when I want.
How many sweeties do you have and what are their ages?
I have 2 children a the moment. My daughter, Katelyn will be 3 this July & my son, Mack is 6 months. They bring me sooooo much joy.
How do you make sure that you are a rockin’ mama to your kiddos while still running your own business?
Honestly, I thought being a mom & running a business at the same time would be a whole lot easier. But I have taken the challenge and it’s worked out pretty well.
There are certain times of the day that are best to schedule clients i.e. when kids are napping or it’s “happy” time. I also schedule in the evenings and Saturdays when the Hubby is home to watch them. But honestly most of the clients love to watch them play and love to hold my baby while they are here too. I was blessed with pretty well behaved children- let’s just hope it stays that way.
What is your biggest challenge as a work-at-home mama?
My biggest challenge is when I have scheduled a client and the kids have decided not behave themselves. I kick myself for even scheduling the appointment in the first place knowing that misbehaved kids is always a risk. But luckily most of my clients do not mind if I have to stop to refill sippy cups, get a snack, change a diaper or instill time out.
Do you have a website/shop/boutique?
I have a Hair Blog (http://www.hairstyles4you.blogspot.com) which includes more info on my services as well as example of my work.
If you could jet away on a vacation tomorrow, where would you go and why?
If I could jet away on a vacation tomorrow, it would be on a cruise in the Caribbean with my hubby. (but only if I could lose fifteen pounds by tomorrow)
What is something that people probably don’t know about you?
My family is the most important thing to me. I cherish my husband and my children and I know that if we continue loving each other and striving to do our best we will be together forever. What could be better than that? The fact that I get to do hair along with being a mom is just a bonus.
Thanks so much, Jen! Be on the lookout for more {rockin’ mamas} each week! If you are or know of a mama that should be featured, drop me a line!
xoxo,
laura
miracles. (phoenix birth photographer)
May 8, 2010“Birth is the sudden opening of a window, through which you look out upon a stupendous prospect. For what has happened? A miracle. You have exchanged nothing for the possibility of everything.”
~William MacNeile
How does one begin to describe an experience this beautiful? I never blogged about this perfect birth experience I had the opportunity to photograph because I felt that I didn’t have the perfect words to express the beauty of it. Perhaps there are no perfect words, though. Miracles and some of the most raw experiences in life are indescribable, are they not? How could you ever truly describe the beauty of holding your child for the first time, the smell of their skin or the utter smallness of their toes? Now, try to describe someone else’s experience. Not possible, right?
I thought it fitting to post this slideshow during this Mother’s Day weekend. This powerful mother amazed me with her quiet strength and brought tears to my eyes as her husband caught their baby in the water. She labored at home in a birthing tub, surrounded by family and her supportive team (Stephanie Soderblom and Noelia Waldo of Nurturing Hearts Birth Services). Her three daughters flowed softly in and out of the room, each experiencing the impending arrival of their brother in different ways. There was laughter, tranquility, warmth and love. This sweet baby boy was welcomed into his family and immediately was home, in more ways than one.
Turn up the volume, sit back and experience what my eyes and heart saw and felt as I photographed the birth of sweet baby Dane. You can view the slideshow below or full screen here. All my love, W family. You are nothing short of amazing, Mama.
Happy Mother’s Day to you and to all the mamas out there.
Much love,
laura
“Mother is the name for God in the lips and hearts of little children.”
~William Makepeace Thackeray
Are you ready? Here is my very own day of {Laura’s Favorite Things}!!!!! It is finally here! Yay!! I want to wish all of the ahhhh-mazing mommies out there a fabulous Mother’s Day! Give yourself a pat on the back, a coffee in your hand and a day of putting your feet up…okay, well, maybe just settle for the coffee and the back pat.
Take a peek at ALL of the fabulous goodies that are being given away to one VERY lucky + deserving mama. Yep, ALL of them. All 25 of them!
SCROLL DOWN TO FIND OUT HOW TO ENTER!!!!
*And, when you want to check out more goodies from these fabulous shops, just click on a photo!!*
TO ENTER:
simply leave a comment under this post with your name + list one of the goodies that caught your eye (we know all of them do, really, but which one caught it first? ).
FOR AN EXTRA ENTRY:
post a link to this blog post on your Facebook page. Come back here, leave your name and your name on Facebook (if different from your name listed here) in a separate comment. The comments won’t let you post a link, so the name is sufficient.
FOR TWO EXTRA ENTRIES:
post this link on your favorite message board. Come back here, and in TWO more comments, write your name and which board you posted on.
FOR AN EXTRA ENTRY:
Visit ONE of these awesome websites, come back here and with your name, leave a comment telling us what product you loved when you visited the website.
FOR AN EXTRA ENTRY:
Become a fan of Laura Winslow Photography on Facebook, come back here and write a comment with your name and that you fanned/liked LWP.
FOR AN EXTRA ENTRY:
Post a link to this giveaway on your blog, come back here and write a comment with your name and a link to your blog.
The VERY LUCKY winner will be announced on Friday, May 7th, 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 Cake Hole Project prize. This is due to the fact that this prize is for a local rental. 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 say it anyway. Please understand that all vendors have generously donated their time, energy and beautiful handiwork to the lucky mama for this giveaway. Let’s be appreciative of this–thanks so much!
A special thank you to all of our AMAZING designers, shops + awesome ladies that are generously giving their fab products for our giveaway!! Thank you, thank you, thank you!! You are going to make one VERY lucky mama’s Mother’s Day FAN-TABULOUS!!
Ahmelie | Ahmelie {the blog} | Facebook
Cake Hole Project | Cake Hole Project {the blog} | Facebook
Chenzie
Curly Birdie | Curly Birdie {the blog} | Facebook
Dana Designs
Dolce Vita Mia | Dolce Vita Mia {the blog} | Facebook
Finley and Oliver | Finley and Oliver {the blog}
Ivy and A | Facebook
KaraMiaSofia
Lockette | The Locker {the blog} | Facebook
Lover Dovers | Lover Dovers {the blog} | Facebook
Modern Little Ones | Facebook
Pink Crocodile Designs | Preppy Pink Crocodile {the blog}
Polka Dot Posh | Polka Dot Posh {the blog} | Facebook
Red Pajamas | Red Pajamas {the blog} | Facebook
Sarah Bee Creations | Facebook
SilverBloom Studio
The Pink Pooka | Facebook
The Posh Event | Facebook
Three Yellow Starfish | Three Yellow Starfish {the blog} | Facebook
Trendy Peas
Unravel Me Designs | Facebook
little lamb (scottsdale newborn photographer)
April 28, 2010“The moment a child is born, the mother is also born. she never existed before. The woman existed, but the mother, never. A mother is something absolutely new.”
~Rajneesh
This sweet little girl was welcomed into the world just four short days ago. FOUR DAYS! I am so, so lucky to be able to hold and cuddle such precious little beings mere days after they made their arrival in the world. She has the cutest little lips that she loved to curl into a pout and is just a tiny little thing. I adored the way the new family looked, cooing at their new baby girl under the shade of a large tree, the grass blowing in the wind. Big sis –seen here awaiting the arrival of her sibling–was so protective of her little one and happily positioned herself at her feet.
How amazing to witness a family being born as well. Such a strong, life changing time in one’s life. To become a parent is life-altering, and I love being able to see that happen to others. I feel honored to have been allowed a glimpse into your cocoon of new-parent bliss. Thank you for letting me capture your miracle. Enjoy your sneak peeks.
xoxo,
laura
Precious lamb hat + diaper cover set and cozy purple cocoon from the wonderful Roxxi of Up Above Creations.
Adorable headband from the talented Mia of Dolce Vita Mia.
rockin’ mama : mia alva (scottsdale photographer)
April 27, 2010Meet 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?
www.dolcevitamia.etsy.com
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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fab fun around the valley for kiddos : az museum for youth (phoenix child photographer)
April 26, 2010So, 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
rockin’ mama : heather manor (phoenix photographer)
April 20, 2010Meet 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
So, it’s no secret that I adore all that designer Stephanie of Ivy and A creates. I must share some of my shoots that I have had the pleasure of photographing with my clients wearing her ahhhh-mazing clothing. How happy would I be if your kiddo showed up in one of these outfits?! Happy, I tell you! Stephanie just has a knack for pairing uber-cool fabrics with one another in the most adorable boutique designs. Her style really lends itself well to style of photography, too. Bright pops of colors, fresh style and contemporary textiles. I swoon each time I see a new design, seriously. Her outfits are so fun to accessorize and the possibilities for your session are endless! Don’t you just want to smile just looking at all these sweeties having fun?
xoxo,
laura
{clothing from boutique Ivy and A}
{some headbands and hats from the fab Dolce Vita Mia}
{boy’s hat from the talented Cassi of Polka Dot Posh}
{Mary Jane shoes designed by the lovely Curly Birdie}
A special thanks to our amazing little models for rockin’ the clothing with style!
