“The good is the beautiful. “

~Plato

I just had to pop in to share a few of a recent session with the gorgeous (inside + out!) Grace of Finley and Oliver.  We had such a fun time taking headshots for her–she is such a natural at this modeling gig!   So confident and at ease–I am so lucky to be able to do what I love! Her style is pretty darn rockin’, too.  This fab jacket belonged to her grandmother and when her mom almost got rid of it some time ago, Grace made sure to snag it.  Isn’t it phenomenol?! Umm…anthropologie is calling!!  Have you checked out Grace’s designs?  You must! I can’t wait for our upcoming shoot for her new collection with clothing from Noah and Lilah and accessories from The Belle and the Beau!

Her hubby’s favorite…one that also might make her a bit uncomfortable but doesn’t she shine?! Hot mama!!!

Thank you SO much for such a fun time, Gracie!!!! You are a blast!!

Finley and Oliver

Finley and Oliver on Facebook

xoxo,

laura

“Happiness is like jam–you can’t spread even a little of it without getting it on yourself.”

~Author Unknown

I just had such an amazing time with this family.  They have such a natural ease and closeness about them, and it just radiated from them.  These two boys brought a smile to my face as they explored and rough-housed with one another.  I felt as though I was seeing my Jackson but on fast-forward.  They never outgrow that love for exploring and playing around, and I have grown to love that.

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Younger bro L was our very own Mad Hatter in our Alice in Wonderland shoot, and he is just a star in front of the camera–just like big bro.

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Mom is such a sweetheart and rocked the most fabulous pair of plum high heels.  LOVE them!  She is the talent behind Parkside Harmony, and makes the most gorgeous bound journals.  I have two and use them all the time.  Their thick pages and beautiful covers almost make me want to not use them, they are such a work of art. Almost–I have to use mine daily.

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Thank you for a fun, fun session, D fam!

xoxo,

laura

“For attractive lips, speak words of kindness. For lovely eyes, seek out the good in people. For a slim figure, share your food with the hungry. For beautiful hair, let a child run their fingers through it once a day. For poise, walk with the knowledge that you never walk alone. People, more than things, have to be restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed, and redeemed. Remember, if you ever need a helping hand, you will find one at the end of each of your arms. As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands, one for helping yourself and the other for helping others.”

~Audrey Hepburn

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These words were written on a little note by the ever-sweet Katie of Vintage Rose Wraps, attached to a cupcake and given to each of the girls involved with our shoot.  Beautiful.  Important. Lovely.  So many words that describe both this quote and the models that I had the opportunity to photograph.  Each and every one of them is a true gem.

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{on Katie | generosity + devotion lip bliss}

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{on Sydney | kindness, on Katie | generosity + devotion}

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{on Taylor | devotion + generosity}

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{on Brianna | wisdom}

This was an incredibly fun shoot to photograph as we had the opportunity to style each girl with gorgeous clothing from the amazing Designer Blvd.  We were like kids in a candy store!  TOO many fun + fabulous clothing and accessories to choose from!!  All of the clothing and accessories–including Vintage Rose Wraps–can be found at Designer Blvd.  You MUST check it out!  Fabulous goodies for both your wardrobe + your home.  I just LOOOOVE it there!!!

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{on Kaitlyn | curiosity}

The lips of each of our models were kissed with the amazing Lip Bliss from What’s Your Virtue.  I have some myself and it is SO GREAT!!  What is that one thing about lip gloss that you can’t stand?  If you are like me, the only thing to not love is when it is so sticky that your hair can get stuck on your lips!  When you wear What’s Your Virtue, there is absolutely NONE of that!!  Really!  Just beautiful hues, shine and shimmer that have your pout looking perfectly poised!

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{on Katie | wisdom}

The amazing hair + make-up was done by our fabulous Traci!  She ROCKED it, as always!!! 

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Just darling ladies, don’t you think?

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Thank you to everyone involved for a FABULOUS shoot!

Hair Accessories | Vintage Rose Wraps

All Clothing + Accessories | Designer Blvd

Lip Bliss | What’s Your Virtue?

Hair + Makeup | Traci Rogers

xoxo,

laura

“The creative is the place where no one else has ever been. You have to leave the city of your comfort and go into the wilderness of your intuition. What you’ll discover will be wonderful. What you’ll discover is yourself.”

~ Alan Alda

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Shealynn Benner of the fab SheyB contacted me awhile back about speaking at an exciting conference for all those that love creativity coming this April in sunny Arizona.  Creative Estates is going to rock!  Can’t wait for it!  Other speakers at the conference include Becky Higgins, Kim of The TomKat Studio, Ashley Hackshaw of Lil Blue Boo, Erin Edwards of The Vintage Pearl and Shey.

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Interested in attending the conference, sponsoring or being a part of the fab creative marketplace?  Head here to register or here to find out more info.  Visit Creative Estates on Facebook, too!  Hope to see you there!

xoxo,

laura

“When I was a kid I joined the circus.”

~Christopher Walken

I recently photographed the new vintage circus collection from designer Finley and Oliver and it was SUCH a blast!  Nino the clown, beautiful clothing + adorable kiddos.  Can’t get much better than that!  I just LOVE Grace’s new line–it has been quite the hit!  Anyone that sees it instantly falls in love.  Here are a few more pieces from the line–gorgeous clothing that looks like it is for a special occasion but that are perfect for your child’s everyday play.  Finley and Oliver pieces have become a staple to my children’s wardrobes.  Comfortable, unique pieces of art for them to wear without worrying if it will hold up in the wash or look good the next time they wear it.  I simply cannot say enough about them.  Don’t you just love?!

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{circus bunting tank}

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{ruffled leggings}

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{circus love with stripes tee}

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xoxo,

laura

“Mother love is the fuel that enables a normal human being to do the impossible. ” ~Marion C. Garretty

Meet multi-talented and multifaceted mama Jennifer Pinkerton.  She is a mom to three darling little girls, runs a photography business, a fab etsy shop + is a part of one of my fave photography sites, The Maternal Lens.  Whew!  Do you feel tired for her yet? Read on to find out more about this amazing mama, like the fact that she might add roller derby star to her repertoire very soon!

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{photo courtesy Jennifer Pinkerton}

Please tell us a little about your business and how you developed the concept for it?

A couple of Christmases ago, I made some camera strap covers for friends, thinking they were a great idea for any photog, and word about them spread like wildfire!  I opened up my etsy shop (http://www.etsy.com/shop/pinkpooka) simply to help me stay organized with all the requests I get.  I am pretty casual about it, just as I am with my photography business, working at it when inspiration strikes.  I do it all because I love it!  I love to sew and take pictures for folks.  Plain and simple.

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{How adorable is this little camera?!  Jen made it! I also have the most adorable camera bag that she made–can’t wait to have time to photograph it one of these days!!}

How did you choose your business name?

The Pink Pooka is obviously inspired in part by my last name (Pinkerton) and of course, every girl’s love of pink.  The pooka part is from a play I did in high school, called “Harvey,” about a man with an imaginary friend who is a 6ft rabbit.  It’s just a fun word with a quirky meaning… from old Celtic mythology, a fairy spirit in animal form, always very large.  Appears here and there, now and then, to this one and that one.  A benign but mischievous creature.

With my photography, I’ve chosen just to stick with my name to keep it easy!  I’m all about easy.

What makes your business so fab and awesome?

I am first to admit that maybe I’m not the most business minded person.  I think the best things about my businesses are that I keep things quirky and eclectic.  My work is a pretty accurate representation of me and you never really know when I’ll pop up with something different.  I thrive on the unpredictability of my inspiration.

How many sweeties do you have and what are their ages?

I have a house full of girls.  A five year old and three year old twins!

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{Ummm…how gorgeous are these four?!  LOVE the setting, too!!  Photo courtesy Jennifer Pinkerton}

How do you make sure that you are a rockin’ mama to your kiddos while still running your own business?

I try to get the kids involved in my work, so they feel like they are a part of it.  They love to pick out fabrics for my sewing projects and of course, they are my little models for everything.  We are together all the time, so when I’m not working, we try to get out and explore new places.  I really focus on doing things with the kids that will make for great memories.

What is your biggest challenge as a work-at-home mama?

Staying focused!  As any stay-at-home mom knows, you are constantly pulled in different directions, and when you are trying to work on top of that, it’s extremely difficult to find large chunks of time where you can focus and accomplish a task.

Do you have a website/shop/boutique?

Yes, I do!  I sell on etsy at http://www.etsy.com/shop/pinkpooka

My photography blog is http://jenpinkertonphotography.blogspot.com/

I keep my crafty+family blog (which everyone is welcome to follow!) at http://pinkertonfamilyblog.blogspot.com/

And of course, The Maternal Lens

http://www.thematernallens.blogspot.com/

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{Love, love, love Jen’s camera strap covers!  I just adore this fabric, don’t you?}

If you could jet away on a vacation tomorrow, where would you go and why?

I’d definitely go somewhere new and different!  One place I *really* want to visit is a tropical island where they have little huts over the ocean.  I think Fiji would work.

What is something that people probably don’t know about you?

That’s tough because I tell everyone everything!  I think a lot of folks might be surprised to learn that I can be very systematic and disciplined, almost OCD, at times, which is very contrary to the laid back, chronic procrastinator that you usually get to see. You might also be surprised to learn that my newest ambition is to become a roller derby girl.  Those girls are hardcore cool and I must become one!

Jen, thank you SO very much–you are truly a rockin’ mama!!  Camera strap covers, beautiful photographs, fabulous blogs…is there anything you don’t do?!    Oh, and I have ALWAYS wanted to go somewhere tropical where they have those over-the-water huts, too!!  Meet you there!!

xoxo,

laura

Meet {rockin’ mama} Katie Hughes + her beautiful family.  Her fabulosity goes way beyond running her company, Vintage Rose Wraps. 

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{Photo courtesy Phileo Photography}

When her friend Sharla contacted me to let me know about Katie and to recommend her for a {rockin’ mama} feature, I was instantly intrigued.  Her wraps are fun, colorful and so unique.

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Don’t you agree?

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{model photos © Little Wunders Photography}

When I visited the Vintage Rose Wraps website, what instantly stood out to me was the range of choices!  They are vintage with a bit of funky thrown in.  So lovely!  On a side note, East Valley locals, you can get your Vintage Rose Wrap fix at two local shops, It’s a Girl Thing Boutique and Designer Boulevard. 

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{Photo © Phileo Photography}

Scroll down to read all about Katie, her companies (Yep!  She has TWO!) and what’s so special about her toes. 

Please tell us a little about your business and how you developed the concept for it?

I have always had the entrepreneurial bug!  As a child growing up, we had a family cottage industry and I learned to love the idea of using personal resources to create something you are proud of.  When I was newly married, I decided to start a little handwriting business that would grow to be a favorite little business venture of mine.  It combined two loves.  Artichokes and Ink. {www.artichokeink.com} and it still continues to be a fun little avenue to share some creativity and talent with brides, charitable organizations and companies from all over the world.

But because I already had a business in the works, I didn’t set out to make a business of Vintage Rose Wraps.  Actually—I happened upon it.  My sister had given me some headbands—I liked the concept and so did my friends.  We set out to make some of our own.  And from that—really things just sort of rolled from there.  I made a few and gave them as gifts, and it wasn’t too long before others wanted me to make them for themselves.  The rest has just sort of fallen into place.

With headbands all the rage these days, it makes sense to include these as a part one’s wardrobe because they are so easy and effortless—and they don’t hurt like a lot of the headbands out there do.  They’re just enough to make you feel young and hip—without going too far out on the “style” limb.

How did you choose your business name?

Honestly, it just popped into my mind one day—and after thinking about it, I just knew it was perfect.

What makes your business so fab and awesome?

I think one thing that makes these headbands so fun is that they appeal to women, teens, and children.  With all the style pulls out there—I think everyone is looking for something that makes them feel good on the inside and out.  My favorite thing that people tell me is how they feel when they wear them.  And that makes selling them “fab” and “awesome”.

How many sweeties do you have and what are their ages?

I have 4 AWESOME kids:  3 girls and 1 boy, ranging in ages from 10 to 21 months.

How do you make sure that you are a rockin’ mama to your kiddos while still running your own business?

In all honesty, keeping everything together at home while having a business has been the hardest thing I’ve ever done.  There is a balance that I strive to attain—and sometimes life is a little out of balance with home and family while I’m focusing on certain parts of the business.  I try and make up for it while giving full focus and quality time with my kids when I am able.  I try and be present in their lives—when they come home from school or during family meal times.  I try and seek opportunities for teaching them things I want them to know—in the car driving carpools or at bedtime.  And we set aside time every week to work together and play together as a family.

But really the unsung hero in all of this is my loving and patient husband who is so supportive and picks up where I am lacking.  He is an incredible man and has a keen ability to sense when I need some extra support.  He’s often told me how much satisfaction he finds in me using my talents—so I think that is why he is so willing to love and support me with our children when I am lacking.

What is your biggest challenge as a work-at-home mama?

TIME.  Finding time that doesn’t take away from the quality time I mentioned.  I try and wake up early, work during naptime, or after the kids go to bed.

Do you have a website/shop/boutique?

YES!  I am very excited about my new website that opened a couple of weeks ago!

www.vintagerosewraps.com

Also, I have a blog that I’ve used since the beginning—which was about this time last year.

www.vintagerosewraps.blogspot.com

If you could jet away on a vacation tomorrow, where would you go and why?

My husband and I really want to go to New England during autumn time.  We’ve talked about it our whole married life, and we can’t wait until we actually do it.

What is something that people probably don’t know about you?

I have “magical” thumbs!  They actually look like toes, but they’re God-given thumbs that have been passed down through my family lines.  Whenever anyone asks how I’m able to do something I just tell them, “It’s in the magic of my thumbs!”

Thanks so much, Katie!  You rock! 

xoxo,

laura

Meet graphic designer and mom extraordinaire Heather Manor, owner of her own line of cards and announcements that are distributed nationwide.  She rocks.

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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?

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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