America's Got Talent

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

Sharon Osbourne is the best!

a staple for any bucket list

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!

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.

And now, life is complete.

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...

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.

the makings of another summer vacation

This:

Plus THIS:

And this:

And THIS:

Can't wait until next summer :)

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

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:

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

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!

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:

Thanks again, Jack. Enjoy your senior year!

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.

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

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

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.

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...

... 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):

Perfection.

Tyler | Minnesota Senior Portrait Session

Found this awesome lake location with Tyler in mind.

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

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

Have a great senior year, Tyler!!

just returned from a little break...

Will share details with you tomorrow :)