Holiday Break

Now that the holidays are upon us, it is time for a break =) There will be a few post here and there, but the normal Man Candy Monday and Wedding Song Wednesday will return after Christmas! Now...Go enjoy your families...I am!


Happy Thanksgiving!

Shutterfly's 2011 Holiday Collection!

I was super excited the other day when I received a trial for Shutterfly's Holiday 2011 cards. I am really interested in trying them out. I have not used Shutterfly for holiday cards before, but I HAVE used them for other photo items.

This past June, we bought Ryan's dad a photo apron. It was super cute and way easy to do. I just selected a photo and that was it! It is a simple white apron, but cute.  I have also used them for photo magnets and thank you note cards. Shutterfly has always been easy to use.

So, I am gonna try them out for my Christmas Cards! Here are some of the exciting things I get to look at:

- Holiday greetings

·Christmas cards

·Invitations

·Thank you cards

·Photo Christmas cards

·Photo blankets

I think I am going to go for the Holiday Greetings cards. Why not get into the holiday spirit early?! Heck, I was listening to Michael Bublé's new Christmas CD the other day (which is FABULOUS)!





I will be sure to let you all know how my cards turned out!

*hugs*
Denice

Photo Credit: Shutterfly

Halloween Fun!

Halloween is coming up and I am EXCITED!!! I love to dress up and have fun with the kiddos. With my new addiction to Pinterest, I have found LOTS of fun activities and such. I figured I HAD to share!!!

Halloween treat bags: S'more ghost from Southernvogue.com

Vampire Pumpkin from Martha Stewart

Hand Print Spiders For Halloween from The Mother Huddle

Ghosts and Goblins Pudding Cups from Celebrations

Spooky Spider Deviled Eggs from Better Recipes

Last minute Halloween party ideas

13 Creepy Halloween Treats from Family Fun

Crawling Spider Soda from Fahrenheit 350

Have fun! If you think these look fun, check out more holiday goodies on my Pinterest!

*hugs*
Denice

Happy 4th of July!

Have a great Holiday! Be safe and enjoy your families! Here are some fun 4th of July links:

Family Fun- Frosty Firework Ice

Family Fun Crowning Glory:

DIY Happy 4th Banner from 504 Main:

Happy 4th of July all!!

*hugs*

Denice

DIY Leperchaun Placecards

Ok, I promised I would do these =)

I cheated a little this time! I found a great photo of a leprechaun on the Internet, printed it out and the kiddo, Cindy and my momma colored them. I then found photos that were appropriate facial expressions, cut them out and added the hat.  I then added some cotton to make the beard. Here is the finished product:

Leprechaun template

HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY!!

*hugs*
Denice

Can You Catch a Leprechaun?

Well, My number 1 kiddo thinks you can, and he has tried for the last 3 years! Yes, like I said before, St. Patrick's Day is a HUGE deal in my home. This year, kid #1 is taking it very seriously.  We had to build a NEW leprechaun trap because that pesky leprechaun must have figured out our other one. So with out further ado...the NEW and improved trap!
(idea obtained from Family Fun)

Here is what we started with:

And here we go!!!!!

The finished trap...I'm gonna get him this year, and get allllllll his GOLD!!!!

Have fun, and let us know if you build your own, we would LOVE to see them!!!

*hugs*
Denice
Photo Credit: Me

St. Patrick's Day Ideas!

St. Patrick's Day is quickly approaching and it is my little guy's FAVORITE holiday. Weird, I know, but his favorite color is green so he is ALL about this day. We celebrate it to the fullest! This year we made new leprechaun traps (how to post to follow) and yes, the leprechaun place cards (post to follow).

I wanted to get everyone in the green spirit so here are a few ideas to help you celebrate this upcoming holiday:

green-beer-cookies
st-patricks-day crafts and meal ideas
Playdough Rainbow Cookies
leprechaun-beards
shamrock-pretzels
mini-pot-of-gold-table-settings
st-patricks-day-recap-your-hairdos
st-patricks-day-hairdos-accent
leprechaun-treasure-hunt

Good St. Patrick travelled far, to teach God's Holy Word

And when he came to Erin's sod, a wondrous thing occurred
He plucked a shamrock from the earth and held it in His hand

To symbolise the Trinity that all might understand

The first leaf for the Father

And the second for the Son

The third leaf for the Holy Spirit

All three of them in one.
- Legend of Saint Patrick

Erin Go Bragh!
Denice
Photo Credit: Google Images

Photographer Review ~ NikkiB Photography

I have been friends with Nicole for a few years now.  Nicole is a photographer.  She has been photographing for over 15 years. She provides indoor and outdoor photo sessions. Nicole's specialty sessions are Maternity, Newborn, Children, Families, & Seniors. We  recently went to a local park to shoot some sample photos for Valentine's Day, Mother's Day and Father's Day with my kiddos...the stars that they are! I had a chance to talk a little "shop" with her:

Q: What made you decide to be a photographer?

A: My dad started me at the age of 12 assisting him at weddings, I was cheap labor and he trusted me. As I got older he put a camera in my hands and I began to shoot photo journalistic photos while assisting him. There was no better feeling than when I saw the look on my dads face when he was proud of me because I captured a great photo!! As I got older, and got my BS in Business, I started working for my dad at his studio. Since I was older and had more confidence and already had so much experience, I began shooting my own stuff!! There is no better feeling than the response from people who love the images I capture for them. Its a snap shot of time in their life that they will get to look at forever!!

Q: How long have you been a photographer?
A: Well I guess you could say since I was 12...so 16 years. I have been shooting my own work though for the last 8 years.

Q: What is your favorite subject to photograph?

A: I love kids and babies, but recently I have really been in to maternity photos.

Q: What was your all time best shoot?
A: Wow, that one is tuff!! all my shoots are very different. I did one on my good friends kitchen table with her new born nephew. The mother was very emotional because she had been through a miscarriage and lost a baby brother when she was little. I think the newness of her baby was very scary for her, but in the middle of our session she really adjusted and I saw her eyes light up. When we started she was very disconnected, and when she became engaged with her newborn it was an amazing feeling and sight to see!

Q: What is your best advice for those looking for a photographer to photograph their event?
A: Just call me!! I'm the best. haha. My best advice...Do NOT book some one based on their web site. You need to see more samples, and make sure you see samples from start to finish of the same event. With digital photography the field is flooded with amateurs who could afford to buy a digital camera. Unlike film, there is no cost to capture thousands of images and edit down to the few "good" ones. Many of the so called photographers get a few great shots, create a web site and are suddenly a "professional photographer". The problem is that those images they show you were created out of pure luck! They have no clue about settings, ratios of light, posing, etc. The problem with luck is that you are not always lucky, so that photographer may show up to photograph your event, and not get lucky.

You need to know that your photographer truly knows their craft and can capture great photos in any given environment. Also, there are some very creative photographers, but for an event you should make sure they are organized as well. For events like weddings, the photographer must be good at managing their time and really making sure the day's timing is on schedule.

Thanks Nicole for sharing! Nicole has also offered KDC readers a special for the upcoming holidays

Mothers/ Fathers Day Session $75.00

Session and disk- 2 panels 10 images
(spell out mommy and daddy)
Just contact her at nikki_boz@hotmail.com or 626-391-3455

Now go out and get some photos!!

*hugs*
Denice

Photo Credit: NikkiB Photography

Happy 2011!

We hope every one's New Year is off to a great start!  We hope to bring you lots of fun  ideas and tips this coming year. Check back soon!

*hugs*
KDC =)

Christmas Place-cards

Here they are folks...the Christmas place-cards created by my mother in law!!!!

Santa and Mrs. Claus

Frosty

Elves

These were so cute and somewhat simple to make.  Get creative!  There are soooo many possibilities.  I am looking to make little leprechauns for St. Patrick's Day =) 

Pin It

*hugs*
Denice

Photo Credit: Me!

Christmas Fun!

Here are some of the fun ideas we did this holiday:

Reindeer Hat:

- poster board
- brown card stock paper
- red gumdrop or pompom
- googlie eyes
- glue
- stapler

Cut the poster board to fit around the child's (or adults) head.  Trace and cut out hand prints on the brown stock paper, assemble:

Reindeer Food:

- baggie
- oatmeal
- white sugar
- brown sugar
- red and green sugar sprinkles

  

Trev putting out his Reindeer Food!

Coming SOON: Christmas place cards!!!

*hugs*

Denice

Photo Credit: ME!

Need Great Invitations or Cards?

I was approached by my friend Angie, she owns Flowlines Design Flowlines Design, Inc., and asked if she could use my family's photo for samples on her web site for holiday cards.  My response..."You want to use MY family photo?!" Wow!! What an honor! So, I sent over a few pics and waited to see our shining moment.

Here we are:

Here is Angie's cute family:

If you are in the market for great, quality cards or invitations, call her or check out her web site!  She is professional and QUICK!  The Holiday cards I received were so beautiful (some of you are receiving them in your mail box's soon, if not already) and not too bad on price.  Yes, I did receive a discount from her for pimping out my family, but even with out that, I would order from her.

I will post my card after the holiday, as I do not want to ruin the surprise for those of you whom have not received yours yet!

MERRY CHRISTMAS Friends, and a BIG thank you to Angie =)

*hugs*
Denice

Photo Credit: Me and Flowlines Design

Super Cute Place- cards- DIY

My Mother in Law made the cutest napkin ring holders for Thanksgiving. She got the idea from the Family Fun web site. They were SO SUPER cute! Here they are:

They were so simple to make. Here is what you need:
1) Black poster board
2) Photos of family or friends
3) Glue stick
4) White paper
5) Tape
6) White Crayon

So, this has now become our NEW holiday tradition! We will be making them for Christmas too! I am thinking Elves and Snowmen... =)

My mother in law also made this SUPER cute appetizer:

TO BE CONTINUED...

*hugs*
Denice

Photo Credit: Me!

Happy Thanksgiving 2010!

We hope everyone has a happy and safe Thanksgiving.  May you be thankful for all the many blessing you have received over the past year. Enjoy your family, I will be enjoying mine!

Here are a few fun Thanksgiving post from some of our bloggie buddies.  ENJOY:

Preparing for Black Friday  from: spendlessandsavemore.net

Autumn Cocktails  from: celebrationsathomeblog.com

What YOU looking at?? Thanksgiving Jokes from: fromchaoscomeshappiness.blogspot.com

Thanksgiving Decor in the Kitchen from: etiquettewithmissjanice.blogspot.com

THANKSGIVING SURVIVAL TIPS from: cocktailswithmom.com

Holidays at the Disneyland Resort from: daytrippingmom.com

Over ALL great holiday ideas for all budgets from: familybalancesheet.org

*hugs*
Denice

Photo Credit: Me

Soopktacular Halloween Ideas!

 Looking for fun Halloween ideas? Here are some of the sites I have been using all month for my little ones...and ME!

Pin the smile on the skeleton game from Firefly Glow & Novelty

Blog Frog community dedicated just to HALLOWEEN!!

Creative Halloween Food from Tip Junkie

Bats and Bones decorated table from Save the Date for Cupcakes. 

Super Halloween cookie and decorating ideas from Better Homes and Garden

SPOOKtacular Ideas web cast from 24/7 mom

HAPPY HALLOWEEN FRIENDS!!!

*hugs*
Denice

Photo Credit: ME
Save the Date for Cupcakes
Better Homes and Garden
Firefly Glow & Novelty
Blog Frog Community- Seasonal Celebrations Halloween Community

Fantastic Finds ~ September 22, 2010

It's been a while since I have posted a Fantastic Finds post.  I figured it was time I shared some of the fabulous blogs I read on a daily basis.  So here you go, enjoy!

Wedding Related:
~ Create your own Faux Vintage Creat to hold all of your programs or wedding cards! Check out Hip Weddings for this fabulous "how to".

Halloween Related:
~ Today's freebie is to get you ready for the Halloween season. Clickable Party has FREE printable postcards and favor tags/mini cards!
~ Make your own super cute and chic Halloween decoration with the help of Strictly Simple Styles "how to" tutorial on creating a monogram pumpkin with nail heads.

~ Here's some fun ideas from No Limit Events to make your 2010 Halloween a little bit sweeter.

~ Fun Peanut Butter and Chocolate Spiders from Not Just A Housewife.

~ Halloween printable and fun party ideas from Accent the Party.

Yummy Food Related:
~ Fall Fav...Slow Cooker Hearty Beef Chili from Cre8tive Mocha.

This and That:
~ Hair Band Organization for your little one's hair accessories from Fashionably Organized.

~ Do you want to help save a life? Check out Thoughts from Cali and help her collect Yoplait Yogurt collect pink lids!

*hugs*
Denice

Photo credit:
monogram pumpkin: Strictly Simple Style
faux vintage creat: Hip Weddings