Saturday, August 28, 2010

America's Got Talent

One of my most FAVORITE acts of all time. Hilariously funny :))

Sharon Osbourne is the best!

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a staple for any bucket list

straight on cupcake

Having been a fan of Georgetown Cupcake for some time, I've been on a quest for the perfect Twin Cities cupcake. And yesterday I found it!

cupcakes angled

The place is called Cupcake and you'll find a selection of cupcakes so ENORMOUS, it will knock your socks off! Click HERE for the cupcake menu and HERE for the cafe menu.

logo

And now, life is complete.

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Wednesday, August 25, 2010

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

I don't know about your kids but mine are ready to go back. The fighting. The complaints. Not that we haven't thoroughly enjoyed every stitch of summer...

iphone twins game

camper

iphone secret dq run

angled pool

iphone hotel

ren pool

It's just time.

My schedule is revving up as well with not one, not two, but THREE weddings around the bend. I've rented a honkin' lens for the month and can't wait to test it out. I hear it's magic.

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Monday, August 23, 2010

the makings of another summer vacation

This:

bike

Plus THIS:

bike helmet

And this:

bike rack

And THIS:

book

Can't wait until next summer :)

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Saturday, August 21, 2010

September is your last chance to take part in all the fun!

iphone us

Details are HERE. Dinner starts at 6:00 pm with a shotgun start at 8:00 pm. Last night was another low-key evening with a few deer and several wild turkeys on the course. (Not to mention dragonflies, which seemed to overtake us on the 4th hole.)

A couple of new books arrived... cannot wait to dig in:

iphone books

Will share a little more later! Including an image or two from this short session:

sit

Speaking of sessions, I am no longer taking anymore in September and only have a handful available for October. As a reminder, the cutoff for holiday sessions is November 9, 2010; if you would like a spot, be sure to let me know ASAP!

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Friday, August 20, 2010

Jack | Minnesota Senior Portrait Session

I met Jack last week at the same cool location where I photographed my last senior - his cousin Tyler. It just so happened to be the hottest day in Minnesota history, I'm sure of it. Thankfully, we made good work of the shade :) Here are a few of my favorites from our time together:

the lake

the sky's the limit

jack

portrait

angled

trees

indoor port

Thanks again, Jack. Enjoy your senior year!

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Thursday, August 19, 2010

eat sleep breathe

As I mentioned in an earlier post, locking myself away for a month simply wasn't going to happen. The next best option? Running off to a B&B for a few days :)

We'd hooked up with some friends last summer for a long camping weekend in Lanesboro, Minnesota. It was my first time there and I fell in love with the quiet town. I really, really, REALLY wanted to go back with just my husband. "Someday," I said.

Interestingly enough, a friend approached me last Christmas with an unexpected surprise - a gift certificate to the Habberstad House... a B&B in Lanesboro, Minnesota. Sharon knew nothing of our camping weekend nor my secret desire to return to Lanesboro. She said that she simply wanted to bless my husband and I with a special getaway. A God Moment.

With our 15th wedding anniversary rounding the bend, it was the perfect way to celebrate. After dropping off the kids, we hit the road.

habberstad house

We received a friendly welcome upon our arrival, along with a glass of wine :)

porch

Our room (the Scandanavian Suite) was beautiful and spacious. It included a private balcony, whirlpool tub, and an oversized shower.

indoor room

sinks

sunny bathroom

And you know me... I'm all about THE DETAILS. Crisp, lavendar-scented sheets (which Tony and I swear had a thread count of A BILLION they were so soft). Beautiful furnishings, artwork, little books tucked here and there, luxurious cotton bathrobes, pine floors - I could go on and on.

bedside lamp

We woke to a gourmet breakfast each morning - innkeepers Dave and Nancy Huisenga are both AMAZING cooks. They have their priorities in order as well...

raspberries

... dessert first.

Though we spent much of our time eating and napping, Tony and I ventured out on Tuesday for a 10-mile bike ride through the countryside. You couldn't have asked for better weather - sunny and cool. If heading that way yourself, you can rent bikes from the Little River General Store on an hourly basis. We had dinner one night at the Old Village Hall Restaurant (patio seating is a must) - the food was KILLER. We also stopped by an old favorite for the very same meal I ordered the last time we were in town - Pedal Pushers Cafe. I'd recommend the onion rings and Great Balls of Fire burger and handcut fries and the caramel shakes. It's good... especially after a long day of biking!

If running around town (or biking through the countryside) isn't your thing, you can always hang around the Habberstad House. There are plenty of quiet ourdoor spots for reading (with plenty of books to borrow inside):

above

path

Perfection.

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Tyler | Minnesota Senior Portrait Session

Found this awesome lake location with Tyler in mind.

dock

guitar

close guitar

in black

As it turns out, had so much more to offer.


trees

blue rock

Tyler was a true natural in front of the camera, which made my job a piece of cake.

dock portrait

indoor port

Have a great senior year, Tyler!!

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Wednesday, August 18, 2010

just returned from a little break...

the tub

Will share details with you tomorrow :)

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