tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8550137137673866192024-03-12T21:43:45.829-04:00Surprise PhotographySimple Natural BeautifulMelissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05621396595400084800noreply@blogger.comBlogger219125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-855013713767386619.post-49884804648413876392009-02-01T12:33:00.005-05:002009-02-01T12:42:55.062-05:00Happy Day, But Sad..<div style="text-align: center;">I know I have been on the blog slacker side the past month, but I was preparing for some changes and here is my BIG ONE! My new blog! I am no longer a "Blogspot" I am just a "Blog" ;) <a href="http://surprisephotography.com/blog/"> http://surprisephotography.com/blog/ </a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">So why happy? It is fantastic! I just love it!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SYXd8zDeTAI/AAAAAAAACGs/oU1H1nVg2fo/s1600-h/new+blog+header.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SYXd8zDeTAI/AAAAAAAACGs/oU1H1nVg2fo/s400/new+blog+header.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5297884573237922818" border="0" /></a><br />Why sad? This was my first blog, and it treated me well. <br />Thank you to all of you who followed me on this blog and shared it with others. I look forward to seeing you on my new site! Now, go up date your bookmarks and check out my blog contest.<br /><br />Thank you for the love,<br /><br />Melissa<br /></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05621396595400084800noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-855013713767386619.post-48440890275850169372009-01-28T14:07:00.003-05:002009-01-28T14:11:07.637-05:00A Big Change is Coming...Ok, I really have been bad with my blogging. With 2 kids rotating their coughs and sneezes, I am having a hard time keeping up. I want to make an announcement that a BIG change is coming to Surprise Photography on February 1st!! I am very excited and can't wait to share with you! <br /><br />If you want to be the first in the know, be sure to join my <a href="http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/group.php?gid=37615515917">Facebook Group</a>!Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05621396595400084800noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-855013713767386619.post-25389534392879333312009-01-23T18:18:00.004-05:002009-01-23T19:59:08.636-05:00First Communion Mini Sessions...Receiving First Communion is one of the most important milestones in a young Catholics life. It is also a day of family and tradition. First Communion Portraits are treasured keepsakes for parents and their family to cherish the innocence and hope for the future of their children.<br /><br />On March 21st and 28th, I will be hosting mini First Communion mini-sessions. I never offer mini-sessions, so this is truly a treat. Each session will be 30 minutes and there are several special collections for you to choose from. If you or patrons from your church wish to plan a session at your church, please email me for more detailed information. <br /><br />Here are some of my favorite from last year...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SXpRkKbL-PI/AAAAAAAACGE/gjpmvAjwhS0/s1600-h/IMG_9447lo.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 286px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SXpRkKbL-PI/AAAAAAAACGE/gjpmvAjwhS0/s400/IMG_9447lo.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294633993642965234" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SXpRy9baQsI/AAAAAAAACGM/w9uIwUaP53k/s1600-h/IMG_9499m.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 286px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SXpRy9baQsI/AAAAAAAACGM/w9uIwUaP53k/s400/IMG_9499m.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294634247852278466" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SXpRyyMIVfI/AAAAAAAACGU/MzatOb6VKfc/s1600-h/IMG_9584ma.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 286px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SXpRyyMIVfI/AAAAAAAACGU/MzatOb6VKfc/s400/IMG_9584ma.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294634244835399154" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SXpRkBiCVAI/AAAAAAAACF8/7n-KzkG5sbI/s1600-h/IMG_9450lo.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SXpRkBiCVAI/AAAAAAAACF8/7n-KzkG5sbI/s400/IMG_9450lo.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294633991255774210" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SXpRkOCDLZI/AAAAAAAACF0/ofP_rXKCzX8/s1600-h/IMG_1135lo.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 286px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SXpRkOCDLZI/AAAAAAAACF0/ofP_rXKCzX8/s400/IMG_1135lo.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294633994611273106" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SXpRj5ZbTMI/AAAAAAAACFs/QILt0l6tvNg/s1600-h/IMG_1224m.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 286px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SXpRj5ZbTMI/AAAAAAAACFs/QILt0l6tvNg/s400/IMG_1224m.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294633989072178370" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SXpRj--Z8GI/AAAAAAAACFk/z09eioZlP70/s1600-h/10x20+Taylor+3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 200px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SXpRj--Z8GI/AAAAAAAACFk/z09eioZlP70/s400/10x20+Taylor+3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294633990569455714" border="0" /></a><br />For more info, please contact me at melissa@surprisephotography.comMelissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05621396595400084800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-855013713767386619.post-38737959806846340492009-01-19T14:06:00.002-05:002009-01-19T14:15:58.435-05:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SXTPWN53oXI/AAAAAAAACEQ/rZ6o16C_fJU/s1600-h/valentine_snuggles.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SXTPWN53oXI/AAAAAAAACEQ/rZ6o16C_fJU/s400/valentine_snuggles.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293083442663629170" border="0" /></a><br />You all know I love a referral, and I love to reward you with thank you bonuses for referring your friends and family to me. For the next month, should you refer a friend and they book a session dated Feb 1-28th, I will double your bonus. Yes, I said DOUBLE! Not only will I double your bonus, but I will double your friends too. You get $100 print credit to use on a future session, and your friend gets $50. <br /><br />Pass the word along to your friends, expecting mommas, seniors for the class of 2010, newly engaged couples, etc!<br /><br />Dates are very limited, and are on a first come first serve basis. Please email me at melissa@surprisephotography.com for more details.Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05621396595400084800noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-855013713767386619.post-17654141337611275972009-01-14T11:04:00.007-05:002009-01-14T15:12:07.858-05:00The Big Island...Finally, some more photos of Hawaii. I think I gook around 20Gs of photos. After leaving Kauai, we flew to Hilo, on the big island. We stayed at a very sweet B&B, where we had an incredible view of the ocean. We were treated to beautiful sunsets, when it wasn't raining :)<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SW47TLLE-mI/AAAAAAAACDU/zeVewyaVW88/s1600-h/IMG_0316.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 286px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SW47TLLE-mI/AAAAAAAACDU/zeVewyaVW88/s400/IMG_0316.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291231812809718370" border="0" /></a>The moon reflecting off the ocean<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SW47TkPylEI/AAAAAAAACDc/M01zMv32_HY/s1600-h/IMG_9774.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 286px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SW47TkPylEI/AAAAAAAACDc/M01zMv32_HY/s400/IMG_9774.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291231819540370498" border="0" /></a><br />Most of our time on the here was spent exploring the volcano as well as waiting for the night show. Due to the fact that the lava was pouring into the ocean via a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lava_tube">lava tube</a>, we were not able to get too close to the lava itself. In fact, we had to view the Volcano fumes from several miles away. Parking for the volcano viewing was actually on top of what use to be town. It was covered by lava many years ago.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SW46NDzgILI/AAAAAAAACC8/N52bQsCyOjc/s1600-h/IMG_0051.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 286px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SW46NDzgILI/AAAAAAAACC8/N52bQsCyOjc/s400/IMG_0051.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291230608240943282" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SW46NiUxpQI/AAAAAAAACDM/NyFN4NGzvYk/s1600-h/IMG_0054.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 286px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SW46NiUxpQI/AAAAAAAACDM/NyFN4NGzvYk/s400/IMG_0054.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291230616433566978" border="0" /></a>What you are actually seeing here is the VOG caused by the lava pouring into the ocean.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SW46NZQucRI/AAAAAAAACDE/l4mveIQavFw/s1600-h/IMG_0066.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 286px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SW46NZQucRI/AAAAAAAACDE/l4mveIQavFw/s400/IMG_0066.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291230614000660754" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SW4_pFsUwUI/AAAAAAAACDk/MCZDT2fV1T8/s1600-h/IMG_0103.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 286px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SW4_pFsUwUI/AAAAAAAACDk/MCZDT2fV1T8/s400/IMG_0103.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291236587342184770" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SW4_pQeYrZI/AAAAAAAACDs/TBb8onRoQ9s/s1600-h/IMG_0092.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 286px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SW4_pQeYrZI/AAAAAAAACDs/TBb8onRoQ9s/s400/IMG_0092.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291236590236511634" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SW4_p9tVcJI/AAAAAAAACD0/UdnSXN8LYYk/s1600-h/IMG_0109.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 286px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SW4_p9tVcJI/AAAAAAAACD0/UdnSXN8LYYk/s400/IMG_0109.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291236602378809490" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SW4_qAAM3kI/AAAAAAAACD8/U50nY3-V3dU/s1600-h/IMG_0129.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 286px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SW4_qAAM3kI/AAAAAAAACD8/U50nY3-V3dU/s400/IMG_0129.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291236602994810434" border="0" /></a><br />Prior to viewing the volcano fumes, we toured the National Park. It wasn't in our original plans, but we ended up doing an amazing hike right through the middle of a crater. Below are a couple pictures of the steam coming through the grounds. With the combination of steam and VOG from the Volcano Fumes, it made the visibility very limited.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SW452g1j-0I/AAAAAAAACCk/mhyvnLuDRtY/s1600-h/IMG_0323.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 286px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SW452g1j-0I/AAAAAAAACCk/mhyvnLuDRtY/s400/IMG_0323.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291230220897221442" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SW452ppbQFI/AAAAAAAACCc/-b6c0BoIsik/s1600-h/IMG_0329cl.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 286px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SW452ppbQFI/AAAAAAAACCc/-b6c0BoIsik/s400/IMG_0329cl.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291230223262236754" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">The start of our hike to the crater.<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SW452MWD5aI/AAAAAAAACCM/iykfRZicMzU/s1600-h/IMG_9982cl.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 286px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SW452MWD5aI/AAAAAAAACCM/iykfRZicMzU/s400/IMG_9982cl.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291230215396386210" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SW452VSs6WI/AAAAAAAACCU/1YeiRBFAsUc/s1600-h/IMG_9989.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 286px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SW452VSs6WI/AAAAAAAACCU/1YeiRBFAsUc/s400/IMG_9989.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291230217798216034" border="0" /></a><br />A view from the top<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SW452N7mejI/AAAAAAAACCE/mtcH_gUR9o4/s1600-h/IMG_0036.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 286px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SW452N7mejI/AAAAAAAACCE/mtcH_gUR9o4/s400/IMG_0036.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291230215822277170" border="0" /></a><br />Inside the crater<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SW45js2_00I/AAAAAAAACB8/fnNeIQdBtZI/s1600-h/IMG_0021.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 286px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SW45js2_00I/AAAAAAAACB8/fnNeIQdBtZI/s400/IMG_0021.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291229897706951490" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SW46M8Hr5eI/AAAAAAAACCs/ly3AIaYk2No/s1600-h/IMG_0027.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 286px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SW46M8Hr5eI/AAAAAAAACCs/ly3AIaYk2No/s400/IMG_0027.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291230606178117090" border="0" /></a><br />Lava rocks<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SW45jabisrI/AAAAAAAACB0/ZWBf7cVsBxU/s1600-h/IMG_0008.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 286px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SW45jabisrI/AAAAAAAACB0/ZWBf7cVsBxU/s400/IMG_0008.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291229892759958194" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SW45jPMArVI/AAAAAAAACBs/0VADbXuc1AA/s1600-h/IMG_0011.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 286px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SW45jPMArVI/AAAAAAAACBs/0VADbXuc1AA/s400/IMG_0011.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291229889742024018" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SW45jAmavxI/AAAAAAAACBk/xFb95d8Cu0Q/s1600-h/IMG_0020.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SW45jAmavxI/AAAAAAAACBk/xFb95d8Cu0Q/s400/IMG_0020.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291229885826252562" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SW45i5lZU1I/AAAAAAAACBc/oKAPYFLRJqw/s1600-h/IMG_9998.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 286px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SW45i5lZU1I/AAAAAAAACBc/oKAPYFLRJqw/s400/IMG_9998.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291229883942916946" border="0" /></a><br />Everyone has their "Bucket List" in the back of their head. I was able to check one thing off my list while in Kona. Hubby and I rented a Kayak from some locals and headed out to Kealakekua Bay. Along the way, we ran into a school of about 30 spinner dolphins. I threw on my snorkeling gear and jumped in. I could hear them all talking to one another and saw the babies swimming with their mommas. They so close to our kayak, we could almost touch them. The dolphins were jumping out the water right in front of us. Truly an amazing experience.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SW4No67WraI/AAAAAAAACBM/4DTvdAV4Jo4/s1600-h/IMG_0646.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SW4No67WraI/AAAAAAAACBM/4DTvdAV4Jo4/s400/IMG_0646.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291181608871046562" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.hawaiiweb.com/hawaii/html/sites/captain_cooks_monument.html">Captian Cook's Monument </a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SW4Nof_8NrI/AAAAAAAACBE/zK4fFRYkutQ/s1600-h/IMG_0645.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SW4Nof_8NrI/AAAAAAAACBE/zK4fFRYkutQ/s400/IMG_0645.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291181601642526386" border="0" /></a><br />Driving from Hilo to Kona, you drive through the desert<br /><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SW4NoTHlwgI/AAAAAAAACA8/3dLEGcZEjmY/s1600-h/IMG_0641Cl.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SW4NoTHlwgI/AAAAAAAACA8/3dLEGcZEjmY/s400/IMG_0641Cl.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291181598184948226" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">And then you pass a snow covered mountain..Yes, there is snow in Hawaii<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SW4NpJRorlI/AAAAAAAACBU/jEOl3q1urCA/s1600-h/IMG_0662.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SW4NpJRorlI/AAAAAAAACBU/jEOl3q1urCA/s400/IMG_0662.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291181612722597458" border="0" /></a>Up next.....MAUI!<br /></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05621396595400084800noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-855013713767386619.post-54065423787610294272009-01-11T16:23:00.002-05:002009-01-11T16:28:16.362-05:00I Love His Eyes and Lashes...We all love to gush over our children, but I have to say, I love Brayden's eyes. His mile long lashes are what Hollywood starlets pay top $$ for. He amused me yesterday by letting me do a 5 minute photoshoot with him.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SWpji6HD-EI/AAAAAAAACAc/vZJ_DYq3_ug/s1600-h/IMG_1165m.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 285px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SWpji6HD-EI/AAAAAAAACAc/vZJ_DYq3_ug/s400/IMG_1165m.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290150163665647682" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SWpjjMMQFMI/AAAAAAAACAk/oBH_xB4yRlA/s1600-h/IMG_1150m.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 286px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SWpjjMMQFMI/AAAAAAAACAk/oBH_xB4yRlA/s400/IMG_1150m.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290150168519251138" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SWpjjlfE_SI/AAAAAAAACAs/n4gSPKTOcPU/s1600-h/IMG_1171.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 286px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SWpjjlfE_SI/AAAAAAAACAs/n4gSPKTOcPU/s400/IMG_1171.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290150175309102370" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SWpjjlCnF2I/AAAAAAAACA0/v1jpRO17QgU/s1600-h/IMG_1175m.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 286px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SWpjjlCnF2I/AAAAAAAACA0/v1jpRO17QgU/s400/IMG_1175m.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290150175189702498" border="0" /></a>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05621396595400084800noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-855013713767386619.post-15232605722220841812009-01-06T14:02:00.013-05:002009-01-06T15:51:24.917-05:00My Momtrepreneur of the Month...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SWPD3tb32kI/AAAAAAAACAU/uP3kjAE6ZPg/s1600-h/cover.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 286px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SWPD3tb32kI/AAAAAAAACAU/uP3kjAE6ZPg/s400/cover.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288285749319817794" border="0" /></a>
<br />(a couple days late) Meet Nicole Giladi, author of self published book, "<a style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);" href="http://www.littleredheadsacrossamerica.com/">Little Redheads Across America</a>." I first heard of Nicole and her fabulous idea for a book about a year ago, through the photography grapevine. I sent her an email with a link to my little redheaded clients photos and asked her what she thought. A year later, 2 of my photos were published in her book :)
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<br />"Little Redheads Across America" explores the fascination and beauty of redheads, and lets them know how special they are. Hey, I think we all have to admit, we turn our head when we see a cute little redheaded child. This book is a combination of 400 professional photos from all over America, and contains fun redheaded facts, including finding your shade of red, i.e. Strawberry Blonde, Copper, Orange, Auburn and Fiery Red.
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<br />Nicole's journey with this book started right at home. A mother of twins, a boy and a girl, her daughter was born brunette, like herself and her husband, yet her son was born with copper red hair. "Where did it come from?" After becoming curious with the "redhead phenomenon," Nicole discovered that red hair is a recessive trait, that comes from both the mother and a father. Her fascination with the redheaded facts and her desire to share them with others, is what helped her decide to write this children's book.
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<br />"<a style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);" href="http://www.littleredheadsacrossamerica.com/">Little Redheads Across America</a>" was officially published in December of 2008 and books are only available for purchase on her <a style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);" href="http://www.littleredheadsacrossamerica.com/onlineshop.html">site</a>. There you will also find printable games, redhead facts, photos and more.
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<br />Nichole is a great example of having a dream and running with it. She is a great role model to moms across America. The following is a little question and answer I did with Nicole:
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<br /></span><meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"><meta name="ProgId" content="Word.Document"><meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 10"><meta name="Originator" content="Microsoft Word 10"><link style="font-family: verdana;" rel="File-List" href="file:///C:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5CMelissa%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmsohtml1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml"><span style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:100%;" ><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="country-region"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="place"></o:smarttagtype></span><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if !mso]><object classid="clsid:38481807-CA0E-42D2-BF39-B33AF135CC4D" id="ieooui"></object> <style> st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } </style> <![endif]--><style> <!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:"Century Gothic"; panose-1:2 11 5 2 2 2 2 2 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:swiss; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:647 0 0 0 159 0;} @font-face {font-family:Verdana; panose-1:2 11 6 4 3 5 4 4 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:swiss; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:536871559 0 0 0 415 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} p.MsoPlainText, li.MsoPlainText, div.MsoPlainText {margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman";} </style> <![endif]--> <p style="font-weight: bold;font-family:verdana;" class="MsoPlainText"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="">Please tell us a litt</span><span style="">le bit </span><span style="">about the book as well as the concept behind it:</span></span></p><p class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SWO16DAwrNI/AAAAAAAAB_s/8viMt_YMIwI/s1600-h/IMG_1131.jpg">
<br /></a></span></p><p class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:verdana;font-size:100%;" ><span style=""> ABOUT THE BOOK:</span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:webdings;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-family:verdana;"> </span></span><span style=";font-family:webdings;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-family:verdana;">“</span></span><span style=";font-family:webdings;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-family:verdana;">Little</span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:webdings;font-size:100%;" > </span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:webdings;font-size:100%;" ><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SWO2JBASCkI/AAAAAAAAB_0/5On7hLApkrw/s1600-h/IMG_1131.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SWO2JBASCkI/AAAAAAAAB_0/5On7hLApkrw/s400/IMG_1131.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288270653467789890" border="0" /></a></span><span style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:100%;" >Redheads Across A</span><span style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:100%;" >merica” </span><span style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:100%;" >is an 88-page Hardcover Book</span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:webdings;font-size:100%;" > </span><span style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:100%;" >filled with gorgeous </span><span style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:100%;" >photographs of Little Redheads and facts about </span><span style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:100%;" >redheads; A kid’s coffee table book. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="font-weight: bold;font-family:verdana;" class="MsoPlainText">
<br /><span style="font-weight: normal;font-family:verdana;font-size:100%;" >In addition to the over 400 </span><span style="font-weight: normal;font-family:verdana;font-size:100%;" >p</span><span style="font-weight: normal;font-family:verdana;font-size:100%;" >rofessional photographs of little redheads in the book from EVERY STATE IN </span><span style="font-weight: normal;font-family:verdana;font-size:100%;" >THE COUNTRY, I explain in a fun and whimsy way, how they became a redhead.. Why they have freckles and what they are.. Why they sunburn.. And tons of other </span><span style="font-weight: normal;font-family:verdana;font-size:100%;" >important stuff I wanted them to know about themselves. I also included fun and amusing facts about each </span><span style="font-weight: normal;font-family:verdana;font-size:100%;" >of our 50 states...
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<br />I wanted to create something that would show redheads how exceptionally </span><span style="font-weight: normal;font-family:verdana;font-size:100%;" >unique and special they are.. With only 2%-4% of the </span><span style="font-weight: normal;font-family:verdana;font-size:100%;" ><st1:country-region><st1:place><span style="">US</span></st1:place></st1:country-region></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: normal;font-family:verdana;" > population having red hair, I wanted them to see hundreds of little redheads from across the country, that looked just like them, so they wouldn’t feel alone.</span>
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<br /><span style="font-weight: normal;font-family:verdana;" >MY INSPIRATION:</span><span style="font-weight: normal;font-family:verdana;" > My husband and I are both brunette, and</span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: normal;font-family:verdana;" > in 2004 we welcomed boy/girl twins into the world. Of which, my son Sammy had bright red</span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: normal;font-family:verdana;" > hair. Quite a shock!</span><o:p style="font-family: verdana; font-weight: normal;"></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p style="font-weight: bold;font-family:webdings;" class="MsoPlainText"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: normal;font-family:verdana;" >We would get so much attention from people when we were out in public about </span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: normal;font-family:verdana;" >his radiant hair. I was researching red hair on the Internet when Sammy was about 1 year old. That’s when I found out that it’s recessive; My husband and I both gave our son his red hair. It has to come from both parents.</span><span style="font-weight: normal;font-family:verdana;" > </span><span style="font-weight: normal;font-family:verdana;" >Once I learned that among other interesting important traits and character</span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: normal;font-family:verdana;" >istics about redheads, I began sharing that information with other redhead Mommies I would see in public with a little redhead.</span><span style="font-weight: normal;font-family:verdana;" > </span><span style="font-weight: normal;font-family:verdana;" >Not one of them, knew the facts I shared with the. I knew then, that I wanted to put something together, that showed these children just how unique and special they really are.</span></span><span style="font-size:100%;">
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<br /></span><meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"><meta name="ProgId" content="Word.Document"><meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 10"><meta name="Originator" content="Microsoft Word 10"><link rel="File-List" href="file:///C:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5CMelissa%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmsohtml1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="country-region"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="place"></o:smarttagtype></span><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if !mso]><object classid="clsid:38481807-CA0E-42D2-BF39-B33AF135CC4D" id="ieooui"></object> <style> st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } </style> <![endif]--><style> <!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:"Century Gothic"; panose-1:2 11 5 2 2 2 2 2 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:swiss; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:647 0 0 0 159 0;} @font-face {font-family:Verdana; panose-1:2 11 6 4 3 5 4 4 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:swiss; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:536871559 0 0 0 415 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} p.MsoPlainText, li.MsoPlainText, div.MsoPlainText {margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman";} </style> <![endif]--> </p><p style="font-weight: bold;font-family:verdana;" class="MsoPlainText"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style=""><span style="font-family:verdana;">Tell us what is so unique about this book and why we can't live without:</span></span></span></p><p style="font-weight: bold;font-family:verdana;" class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></p><p style="font-weight: bold;font-family:verdana;" class="MsoPlainText"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style=""><span style="font-weight: normal;font-family:verdana;" >There is absolutely nothing like this to be found on the planet. I did intnsive research on books about redheads, and I found almost nothing. The few things I found were for adults only; I knew that redheaded children needed their own exclusive book.</span></span></span></p><p style="font-weight: bold;font-family:verdana;" class="MsoPlainText"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style=""><span style="font-weight: normal;font-family:verdana;" >If you have a redhead in your family or if you have a redheaded friend, co-worker or neighbor, this one-of-a-kind book is a MUST!! This will help answer many questions about their distinct characteristics.</span></span></span></p><p style="font-weight: bold;font-family:verdana;" class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></p><p style="font-weight: bold;font-family:verdana;" class="MsoPlainText"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style=""><span style="font-weight: normal;font-family:verdana;" >I also have a Little Redhead GROUP on FACEBOOK!!! J</span></span></span></p> <p style="font-weight: bold;font-family:verdana;" class="MsoPlainText"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style=""><span style="font-weight: normal;font-family:verdana;" >ust type in Nicole Giladi or Little Redheads. YOu can post photos of your little redhead or meet fellow redheads.</span>
<br /></span></span></p><p style="font-weight: bold;font-family:verdana;" class="MsoPlainText"><span style="font-size:85%;">
<br /></span></p><meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"><meta name="ProgId" content="Word.Document"><meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 10"><meta name="Originator" content="Microsoft Word 10"><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><style> <!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:Verdana; panose-1:2 11 6 4 3 5 4 4 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:swiss; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:536871559 0 0 0 415 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} p.MsoPlainText, li.MsoPlainText, div.MsoPlainText {margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman";} </style> <![endif]--><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;" ><o:p></o:p></span> <p style="font-weight: bold;font-family:verdana;" class="MsoPlainText"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"><meta name="ProgId" content="Word.Document"><meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 10"><meta name="Originator" content="Microsoft Word 10"><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if !mso]><object classid="clsid:38481807-CA0E-42D2-BF39-B33AF135CC4D" id="ieooui"></object> <style> st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } </style> <![endif]--><style> <!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:"Century Gothic"; panose-1:2 11 5 2 2 2 2 2 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:swiss; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:647 0 0 0 159 0;} @font-face {font-family:Verdana; panose-1:2 11 6 4 3 5 4 4 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:swiss; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:536871559 0 0 0 415 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} p.MsoPlainText, li.MsoPlainText, div.MsoPlainText {margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman";} </style> <![endif]--><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;" ><span style="">Please tell us where we can buy it:</span></span>
<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:verdana;font-size:100%;" ><span style=""><span style="font-size:85%;">
<br /></span></span></span><span style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;" ><span style="">Visit the Lil'Online Shop on my website at <a style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);" href="http://www.littleredheadsacrossamerica.com/">www.littleredheadsacrossamerica.com </a>to purchase a copy. You can also get a sneak peek as to what the book looks like inside.</span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:verdana;font-size:100%;" ><span style="">
<br /></span></span><p style="font-weight: bold;font-family:verdana;" class="MsoPlainText"><span style="font-size:100%;">
<br /></span></p><p face="verdana" style="font-weight: bold; font-family: times new roman;" class="MsoPlainText"><meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"><meta name="ProgId" content="Word.Document"><meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 10"><meta name="Originator" content="Microsoft Word 10"><link rel="File-List" href="file:///C:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5CMelissa%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmsohtml1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml"><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><style> <!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:Verdana; panose-1:2 11 6 4 3 5 4 4 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:swiss; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:536871559 0 0 0 415 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style></p><p style="font-weight: bold;font-family:verdana;" class="MsoPlainText"><meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"><meta name="ProgId" content="Word.Document"><meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 10"><meta name="Originator" content="Microsoft Word 10"><link rel="File-List" href="file:///C:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5CMelissa%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmsohtml1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml"><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><style> <!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:"Century Gothic"; panose-1:2 11 5 2 2 2 2 2 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:swiss; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:647 0 0 0 159 0;} @font-face {font-family:Verdana; panose-1:2 11 6 4 3 5 4 4 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:swiss; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:536871559 0 0 0 415 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} p.MsoPlainText, li.MsoPlainText, div.MsoPlainText {margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman";} </style> <![endif]--> </p><p style="font-weight: bold;font-family:verdana;" class="MsoPlainText"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style=""><span style="font-family:verdana;">What are some of your short and long term </span></span></span></p> <p style="font-weight: bold;font-family:verdana;" class="MsoPlainText"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style=""><span style="font-family:verdana;">goals with your business:</span></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SWPB0NuXaoI/AAAAAAAAB_8/qUKjrqawoZM/s1600-h/IMG_1124.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SWPB0NuXaoI/AAAAAAAAB_8/qUKjrqawoZM/s320/IMG_1124.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288283490244586114" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="">
<br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="">
<br /></span></span></p> <p style="font-weight: bold;font-family:verdana;" class="MsoPlainText"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: normal;font-family:verdana;" >As a stay-at-home Mom, this book has been a gift for me. Albeit, an expensive one, but a journey that I would have never known at my old 9-6 job.</span><span style="font-weight: normal;font-family:verdana;" > </span><span style="font-weight: normal;font-family:verdana;" >I have a long way to go before I break even on my investment.</span><span style="font-weight: normal;font-family:verdana;" > </span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">I would love the op</span></span></span></p><p style="font-weight: bold;font-family:verdana;" class="MsoPlainText"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">portunity to continue selling my bo</span></span></span></p> <p style="font-weight: bold;font-family:verdana;" class="MsoPlainText"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">ok as long as there are redheads in the world</span>.</span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="font-weight: bold;font-family:verdana;" class="MsoPlainText"><span style="font-size:100%;">
<br /></span></p><p style="font-weight: bold;font-family:verdana;" class="MsoPlainText"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style=""><span style="font-family:verdana;">Is there anything exciting we can look forward too:</span>
<br /></span></span></p><p style="font-weight: bold;font-family:verdana;" class="MsoPlainText"><span style="font-size:100%;">
<br /></span></p><p style="font-weight: bold;font-family:verdana;" class="MsoPlainText"><meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"><meta name="ProgId" content="Word.Document"><meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 10"><meta name="Originator" content="Microsoft Word 10"><link rel="File-List" href="file:///C:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5CMelissa%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmsohtml1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml"><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><style> <!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:Verdana; panose-1:2 11 6 4 3 5 4 4 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:swiss; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:536871559 0 0 0 415 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} p.MsoPlainText, li.MsoPlainText, div.MsoPlainText {margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman";} </style> <![endif]--> </p><p face="verdana" style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoPlainText"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">I’ve received many e-mail from people already requesting a Part 2 of the book..</span><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span><span style="font-weight: normal;">We’ll see, I’m still recovering from my </span></span></p> <p face="verdana" style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoPlainText"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">2-½ years of this journey.</span><span style="">
<br /></span></span></p><p style="font-weight: bold;font-family:trebuchet ms;" class="MsoPlainText"><span style="font-size:100%;">
<br /></span></p><p style="font-weight: bold; font-family: verdana;" class="MsoPlainText"><span style="font-size:100%;">
<br /></span></p> <p style="font-weight: bold; font-family: verdana;" class="MsoPlainText"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="">What is the hardest part or some of th</span></span></p> <p style="font-weight: bold; font-family: verdana;" class="MsoPlainText"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="">e struggles you have had, getting your book going:
<br /></span></span></p> <p face="verdana" style="font-weight: bold; font-family: verdana;" class="MsoPlainText"><meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"><meta name="ProgId" content="Word.Document"><meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 10"><meta name="Originator" content="Microsoft Word 10"><link rel="File-List" href="file:///C:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5CMelissa%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmsohtml1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="City"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="PlaceType"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="PlaceName"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="State"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="country-region"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="place"></o:smarttagtype></span><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if !mso]><object classid="clsid:38481807-CA0E-42D2-BF39-B33AF135CC4D" id="ieooui"></object> <style> st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } </style> <![endif]--><style> <!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:"Century Gothic"; panose-1:2 11 5 2 2 2 2 2 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:swiss; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:647 0 0 0 159 0;} @font-face {font-family:Verdana; panose-1:2 11 6 4 3 5 4 4 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:swiss; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:536871559 0 0 0 415 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} p.MsoPlainText, li.MsoPlainText, div.MsoPlainText {margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman";} </style> <![endif]--> </p><p class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">I’ve enjoyed every minute of reaching out across the </span><span style="font-size:100%;"><st1:country-region><st1:place><span style="">U.S.</span></st1:place></st1:country-region></span><span style="font-size:100%;"> in finding Little Redhead participants.. However, the hardest part so far, has been to get the “word out” about my book.. The 400 redheads in the bo</span></p> <p class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">ok, make up a small percentage of the 6-18 million redheads out there.. and I’m struggling with my PR efforts.. Hiring a PR firm, can cost at the bare minimum $5,000 for 1-2 months work.. and that’s on the very low end.</span></p> <p class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family:verdana;">
<br /></p><p class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">About Nichole, Extra Tidbits:</span></span></p><p class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family:verdana;">
<br /></p><p class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:verdana;" >Tell us about your family:</span>
<br /></span></p><p class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family:verdana;">
<br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p face="verdana" style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoPlainText"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: normal;font-family:verdana;" >We live in Los Angeles, CA in a suburb, named Granada Hills.</span><span style="font-weight: normal;font-family:verdana;" > </span><span style="font-weight: normal;font-family:verdana;" >It’s just the 4 of us… Me, my hubbie, and 4-year old twins, Sammy & Hannah.</span>
<br /></span></p> <p face="verdana" style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoPlainText"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style=""><span style="font-family:verdana;">What is your ideal thing to do on a lazy weekend with the family:</span>
<br /></span></span></p> <p class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family:verdana;">
<br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">GO to a outdoor mall, where the kids can run around, we can eat lunch together, and have an ice cream treat afterwards.</span>
<br /></span></p><p class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">
<br /></span></p><p class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:verdana;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:100%;">What are some of your favs:</span></span></span>
<br /></p> <p class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="">
<br /></span></span></p> <p class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style=""> <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p></o:p></span><span style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:100%;" ><span style="">Reality Show:</span></span><span style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:100%;" > </span><span style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:100%;" >The Bachelor & Bachelorette.</span><span style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:100%;" ><span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="">Favorite online shopping</span></span><span style="font-size:100%;">: </span><span style="font-size:100%;">eBay & Zappos.Free Shipping for Shoes, why go to a Shoe store ?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family:verdana;"><span style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:100%;" ><span style="">Can’t live without item</span></span><span style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:100%;" >: </span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">Target.. It’s turned into my dream store.. From Tyleno</span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoPlainText" face="verdana"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">l to ballet shoes, to Stickers to Laundry Detergent.. they have it all !</span>!</span> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoPlainText" face="verdana"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-size:130%;">
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<br /></span></p> <p class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style=""><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:verdana;font-size:100%;" >How do you balance your family and your business:</span>
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<br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style=""><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">My kids hate when I’m on my computer.. so I try to do a lot of my work after the kids have gone to bed.. I guess that explains the dark circles under my eyes.. They are in pre-school only 9 hours a week, so I try and get at least a few things done during that time.. When they’re off to Kindergarten next year, I think I’ll have more time to get more work done during the day.. </span></p> <p class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p face="verdana" style="font-weight: bold; font-family: verdana;" class="MsoPlainText"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SWPCqACqGpI/AAAAAAAACAE/erwVyuPNcHE/s1600-h/IMG_1122.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 229px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SWPCqACqGpI/AAAAAAAACAE/erwVyuPNcHE/s320/IMG_1122.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288284414284536466" border="0" /></a></p> <p class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="">Is there anything additional you would like to share?</span></span></p><p class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="">
<br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">I loved every minute of working on my book.. and I feel it shows.. The Testimonials coming in from around the country have been amazing.. as well as greatly rewarding !!</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:verdana;">
<br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style=""><span style="font-family:verdana;">Here area few:</span>
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<br /><span style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;" ><u style="font-weight: normal;">SOUTH CAROLINA
<br /></u></span><span style="font-weight: normal;font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-family:verdana;">WOW, I received the book yesterday, you really did a fantastic job! Brooke was so excited. The book is so interesting I could hardly put it down last night. The kids are all so beautiful and so many interesting facts. I am going to see if our local newspaper (Summerville) would be interested in putting an article in the paper about Brooke being in it from Summerville. The pictures came out so good, so clear. You should pat yourself on the back!!! Thanks, Corrie</span></span><span style="font-size:85%;">
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<br /></span><span style="font-weight: normal;font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;" ><u>GEORGIA
<br /></u>Nicole - We just received our box of books! The book is just precious! It looks great and we are so proud that Mikaela is part of such a special book! Mikaela has not put it down since we opened the box! Thanks for including my "little redhead"!
<br />Mikaela’s Mom, Stefanie from </span><span style="font-weight: normal;font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;" ><st1:country-region><st1:place>Georgia</st1:place></st1:country-region></span><span style="font-size:85%;">
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<br /></span><span style="font-weight: normal;font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;" ><st1:state><st1:place><u>TEXAS</u></st1:place></st1:state><u>
<br /></u></span><span style="font-weight: normal;font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;" >We just got ours today!!! I took pictures of Shepherd opening the box. We were all so excited. The book is BEAUTIFUL. I knew it would be. I love your special touches on each and every page. You did a great job combining education and beauty. I will be posting all about it on my blog. I hope some friends place some orders. Love, Marla
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<br /></span><span style="font-weight: normal;font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;" ><u>CALIFORNIA
<br /></u>Nicole, We got our books today and sat on the couch in our jammies reading through the first half. My son got a total KICK out of seeing himself in the book and reading what he loved and what the other children loved. He adored reading their names and being able to relate to loving the things they loved, etc. The book just blew me away!!! WOW, I couldn't have pictur</span></p> <p style="font-weight: bold;font-family:verdana;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-weight: normal;font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;" >ed a better book in my wildest dreams, your artistic touch speaks to me!
<br />What a surreal moment to sit there after two years of emails back and forth and hold in my hand such art. Thank you for picking us out in </span><span style="font-weight: normal;font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;" ><st1:place><st1:placename>Griffith</st1:placename> <st1:placetype>Park</st1:placetype></st1:place></span><span style="font-weight: normal;font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-family:verdana;"> that one day and inviting us on this journey. I hope you and your hubby are toasting your success right now!!!!</span> <span style="font-family:verdana;">xoxo, Allie</span> <span style="font-family:verdana;">Hi Nicole, We received the books and we all love it! The kids, David and Debra, are thrilled to see themselves in the book and love looking at it everyday! It was beautifully done with lovely pictures, great layout and cute anecdotes and facts. We really enjoy your beautiful book and will be sure to pass on the word to everyone we know.</span> <span style="font-family:verdana;">Thank you so much, David and Debra’s Mom</span></span><span style="font-size:85%;">
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<br /></span><meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"><meta name="ProgId" content="Word.Document"><meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 10"><meta name="Originator" content="Microsoft Word 10"><link style="font-weight: bold;" rel="File-List" href="file:///C:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5CMelissa%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmsohtml1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" ><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="City"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="State"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="place"></o:smarttagtype></span><span style="font-weight: normal;font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;" ><st1:state><st1:place><u><span style="">NEW YORK</span></u></st1:place></st1:state><u><span style="">
<br /></span></u></span><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if !mso]><object classid="clsid:38481807-CA0E-42D2-BF39-B33AF135CC4D" id="ieooui"></object> <style> st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } </style> <![endif]--><style> <!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:Vrinda; panose-1:1 1 6 0 1 1 1 1 1 1; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:65539 0 0 0 1 0;} @font-face {font-family:Verdana; panose-1:2 11 6 4 3 5 4 4 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:swiss; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:536871559 0 0 0 415 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman";} </style> <![endif]--><span style="font-weight: normal;font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;" >hey Nicole- We got the book yesterday!! wow....it is SO beautifully done, my hat goes off to you! </span><span style="font-weight: normal;font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;" ><st1:city><st1:place><span style="">Charlotte</span></st1:place></st1:city></span><span style="font-weight: normal;font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;" > is absolutely thrilled..she keeps opening the book to her page and saying, "how did she get my picture??" W</span></p> <p style="font-weight: bold;font-family:verdana;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-weight: normal;font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;" >e HAD to bring it to school today and show all her teachers and kindergarten classmates, who were all very impressed and she in turn was so proud...so thank you for doing this, we love</span></p><p style="font-weight: bold;font-family:verdana;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-weight: normal;font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;" >this keepsake and will always treasure it!!Love, Barbara</span></p> <p style="font-weight: bold;font-family:verdana;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"> </span></p><p style="font-weight: bold;font-family:verdana;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">
<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:times new roman;font-size:85%;" > <!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--> </span><span style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;" ><u>Pennsylvania
<br /></u></span><span style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;" >Hi Nicole, We just got our books this afternoon… absolutely stunning! You’ve done an amazing job on this. It turned out even better than we could have ever thought. Thank you so much for including Colin in it – he is thrilled!
<br />Thanks!! Michelle</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:verdana;"><span style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:100%;" >
<br /></span></p><p face="verdana" style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoPlainText"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SWPCqcKx6OI/AAAAAAAACAM/Nb1csyWVWEo/s1600-h/IMG_1121.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 361px; height: 258px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SWPCqcKx6OI/AAAAAAAACAM/Nb1csyWVWEo/s320/IMG_1121.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288284421834795234" border="0" /></a></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size:130%;">
<br /></span></p><p style="font-family: verdana;font-family:verdana;" class="MsoPlainText"><span style="font-size:100%;">This book will make a great gift for the redhead in your life. Be sure to check out Nicole's Site: <a style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);" href="http://www.littleredheadsacrossamerica.com/">Little Redheads Across America</a> and join her Facebook group, check out mine while you are at it :)</span></p><p style="font-family: verdana;" face="verdana" class="MsoPlainText"><span style="font-size:100%;">
<br /></span></p><p class="MsoPlainText" style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: verdana;font-size:100%;" >For more information on how to be featured as "Momtrepreneur of the Month," please email me at melissa@surprisephotography.com</span>
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<br />Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05621396595400084800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-855013713767386619.post-21817870414925670192009-01-05T14:20:00.005-05:002009-01-05T14:36:29.590-05:00Fun in the Snow...I have to thank the D family for allowing a Red Sox fan into their home ;) and for allowing me to drag them outside into the snow for some family photos. I had a great time joking with them all.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SWJgErEzwNI/AAAAAAAAB_U/0J6WdTL0Ghs/s1600-h/IMG_1061cl.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 286px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SWJgErEzwNI/AAAAAAAAB_U/0J6WdTL0Ghs/s400/IMG_1061cl.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287894545885020370" border="0" /></a><br />Old fashion snowball fight<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SWJgEu7nSWI/AAAAAAAAB_M/eNFUDBjgNVM/s1600-h/IMG_1011cl.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 286px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SWJgEu7nSWI/AAAAAAAAB_M/eNFUDBjgNVM/s400/IMG_1011cl.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287894546920196450" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SWJgFC0MEYI/AAAAAAAAB_c/gdCT5y9DHs8/s1600-h/IMG_1100m.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 286px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SWJgFC0MEYI/AAAAAAAAB_c/gdCT5y9DHs8/s400/IMG_1100m.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287894552257761666" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SWJew2pl-sI/AAAAAAAAB-0/Sb6NS_kvKDY/s1600-h/IMG_0959cl.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 286px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SWJew2pl-sI/AAAAAAAAB-0/Sb6NS_kvKDY/s400/IMG_0959cl.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287893105883085506" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SWJexP8qe0I/AAAAAAAAB-8/-Tzf2R1vPqU/s1600-h/IMG_0946fl.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 286px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SWJexP8qe0I/AAAAAAAAB-8/-Tzf2R1vPqU/s400/IMG_0946fl.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287893112673958722" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SWJexrMHZgI/AAAAAAAAB_E/bRsC-KIFH5w/s1600-h/IMG_0993cl.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SWJexrMHZgI/AAAAAAAAB_E/bRsC-KIFH5w/s400/IMG_0993cl.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287893119986525698" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SWJewjLOWAI/AAAAAAAAB-s/5fWAW4AUa_s/s1600-h/IMG_0934tr.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 286px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SWJewjLOWAI/AAAAAAAAB-s/5fWAW4AUa_s/s400/IMG_0934tr.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287893100655433730" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SWJewpYaEFI/AAAAAAAAB-k/SrwUbEJFQy4/s1600-h/IMG_0909cl.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 286px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SWJewpYaEFI/AAAAAAAAB-k/SrwUbEJFQy4/s400/IMG_0909cl.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287893102321340498" border="0" /></a>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05621396595400084800noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-855013713767386619.post-81114679882703887682009-01-03T22:35:00.004-05:002009-01-03T23:08:54.967-05:00Rocking The Baby Mohack...When I first laid eyes on Baby E, he was taking a nap. The first thing I saw was this little man great head of hair. And talk about happy baby! Well, he wasn't so happy when we woke him from his nap, but I wouldn't be too thrilled either ;) As long as he didn't have clothes on, he was Mr. Smiles :) How lucky am I to have such a sweet little man as my first shoot of the year.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SWA1iyrEDRI/AAAAAAAAB98/_xAIuAtZHHI/s1600-h/IMG_0688m.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 286px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SWA1iyrEDRI/AAAAAAAAB98/_xAIuAtZHHI/s400/IMG_0688m.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287284834367180050" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SWA1i0i96yI/AAAAAAAAB-E/zIrHT8l3WNY/s1600-h/IMG_0667cl.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 286px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SWA1i0i96yI/AAAAAAAAB-E/zIrHT8l3WNY/s400/IMG_0667cl.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287284834870094626" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SWA1s1-Wz1I/AAAAAAAAB-U/AII476RGsNw/s1600-h/IMG_0780m.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 286px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SWA1s1-Wz1I/AAAAAAAAB-U/AII476RGsNw/s400/IMG_0780m.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287285007052099410" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SWA2FSRb0CI/AAAAAAAAB-c/a6l19MYa5Uk/s1600-h/IMG_0808cl.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SWA2FSRb0CI/AAAAAAAAB-c/a6l19MYa5Uk/s400/IMG_0808cl.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287285426965172258" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SWA1jY1tUkI/AAAAAAAAB-M/QUVArT3KSbo/s1600-h/IMG_0828os.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 286px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SWA1jY1tUkI/AAAAAAAAB-M/QUVArT3KSbo/s400/IMG_0828os.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287284844612375106" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SWA1is5FhII/AAAAAAAAB90/BkQHjTe2KTI/s1600-h/IMG_0726cl.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 286px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SWA1is5FhII/AAAAAAAAB90/BkQHjTe2KTI/s400/IMG_0726cl.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287284832815383682" border="0" /></a>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05621396595400084800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-855013713767386619.post-69121873118431592712009-01-01T14:56:00.001-05:002009-01-01T14:56:44.372-05:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SV0f9B69JyI/AAAAAAAAB9k/-1C8htCmXk0/s1600-h/hny.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 286px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SV0f9B69JyI/AAAAAAAAB9k/-1C8htCmXk0/s400/hny.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286416670951024418" border="0" /></a>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05621396595400084800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-855013713767386619.post-59017918320385476372008-12-29T15:18:00.009-05:002008-12-29T21:57:54.608-05:00Kauai...Ok, finally. After several weeks away, the holidays and the tummy bug running through my house, I finally have SOME pictures ( you don't want to know how many I took) up from our time in Kauai. We really were not planning on coming back to this island but we got a deal we couldn't refuse. I am so glad we did come back here, we fell it love with more this time around.<br /><br />Being that it is winter, the north shore has high tides and really high waves. Most beaches were closed to swimming. Ke'e beach is the most northern beach in Kauai. Literally, the road ends here. We spent our last day here in Kauai 5 years ago and swam with the sea turtles. Pretty cool :) This day, the beach was closed due to the high surf.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SVmKAj3qkTI/AAAAAAAAB9E/T-TlatxsmF4/s1600-h/IMG0368.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SVmKAj3qkTI/AAAAAAAAB9E/T-TlatxsmF4/s400/IMG0368.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285407379929338162" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">This was the view of our hike around the<a href="http://www.kalalautrail.com/"> </a><b><span style="font-family:Tahoma;font-size:85%;color:#006699;"><a href="http://www.kalalautrail.com/">Kalalau Trail</a>. </span></b><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SVmKBfb1FzI/AAAAAAAAB9c/hbk3pqZ9a7o/s1600-h/IMG0393.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SVmKBfb1FzI/AAAAAAAAB9c/hbk3pqZ9a7o/s400/IMG0393.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285407395918714674" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SVmKA40Jd7I/AAAAAAAAB9U/L7BJBqOiq-o/s1600-h/IMG0394.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SVmKA40Jd7I/AAAAAAAAB9U/L7BJBqOiq-o/s400/IMG0394.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285407385551730610" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SVmKAmO4BhI/AAAAAAAAB9M/Pc1If04JZZY/s1600-h/IMG0390.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SVmKAmO4BhI/AAAAAAAAB9M/Pc1If04JZZY/s400/IMG0390.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285407380563559954" border="0" /></a><br />Amazing Race, here we come! Day 2, Zipline. This was the coolest thing ever.<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SVlBhnFFgGI/AAAAAAAAB8s/3QVOtnZoZyk/s1600-h/IMG0525.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SVlBhnFFgGI/AAAAAAAAB8s/3QVOtnZoZyk/s400/IMG0525.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285327683377791074" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SVlBhhj3TAI/AAAAAAAAB8k/IYyC9Gk-_1w/s1600-h/IMG0518.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SVlBhhj3TAI/AAAAAAAAB8k/IYyC9Gk-_1w/s400/IMG0518.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285327681896270850" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Getting ready to jump.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SVlBhVYaJ3I/AAAAAAAAB8c/vObYSADan3E/s1600-h/IMG0510.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SVlBhVYaJ3I/AAAAAAAAB8c/vObYSADan3E/s400/IMG0510.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285327678626998130" border="0" /></a>10 foot waves<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SVlDQGw7ImI/AAAAAAAAB80/QjL_DUfzVDI/s1600-h/IMG0583.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SVlDQGw7ImI/AAAAAAAAB80/QjL_DUfzVDI/s400/IMG0583.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285329581668770402" border="0" /></a><br />The Nene goose, Hawaii's state bird<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SVk5Xu5f-vI/AAAAAAAAB7k/3mF4LB2zpO8/s1600-h/IMG_0069.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 286px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SVk5Xu5f-vI/AAAAAAAAB7k/3mF4LB2zpO8/s400/IMG_0069.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285318717584964338" border="0" /></a><br />Look who came to lunch..<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SVk5YMKDYyI/AAAAAAAAB70/rh3a12X2iiQ/s1600-h/IMG_0112.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 286px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SVk5YMKDYyI/AAAAAAAAB70/rh3a12X2iiQ/s400/IMG_0112.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285318725439021858" border="0" /></a><br />We call him BO and #10. Those where their tag names :)<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SVk5Y5_6sPI/AAAAAAAAB78/eUd4ZOf2Czs/s1600-h/IMG_0116.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 286px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SVk5Y5_6sPI/AAAAAAAAB78/eUd4ZOf2Czs/s400/IMG_0116.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285318737744539890" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SVk5XyJvVDI/AAAAAAAAB7s/NnVJid7ZY7M/s1600-h/IMG_0076.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SVk5XyJvVDI/AAAAAAAAB7s/NnVJid7ZY7M/s400/IMG_0076.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285318718458385458" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SVk55UN-6UI/AAAAAAAAB8M/_lr0-mI8ths/s1600-h/IMG_0152.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 286px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SVk55UN-6UI/AAAAAAAAB8M/_lr0-mI8ths/s400/IMG_0152.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285319294538672450" border="0" /></a><br />Back to the seen of the crime. This is Shipwreck beach, where hubby and I got hitched :) That is him on top of the cliff.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SVkyivCjZfI/AAAAAAAAB7U/bUdRMCh4xUw/s1600-h/IMG_0240.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SVkyivCjZfI/AAAAAAAAB7U/bUdRMCh4xUw/s400/IMG_0240.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285311210020103666" border="0" /></a><br />"Marry Me"<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SVkyh-hUKCI/AAAAAAAAB7M/XSEwMSu0sjY/s1600-h/IMG_0223.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 286px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SVkyh-hUKCI/AAAAAAAAB7M/XSEwMSu0sjY/s400/IMG_0223.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285311196995790882" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SVkyh3Q89hI/AAAAAAAAB7E/sDNwSXd7IGM/s1600-h/IMG_0220.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 286px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SVkyh3Q89hI/AAAAAAAAB7E/sDNwSXd7IGM/s400/IMG_0220.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285311195048113682" border="0" /></a><br />Mr. Turtle taking a snooze on the beach<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SVkyi5uVUeI/AAAAAAAAB7c/OdHJ919hMEk/s1600-h/IMG_0268cl.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 286px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SVkyi5uVUeI/AAAAAAAAB7c/OdHJ919hMEk/s400/IMG_0268cl.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285311212888084962" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SVlGpE_C8cI/AAAAAAAAB88/4lmna36eVog/s1600-h/IMG0627.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SVlGpE_C8cI/AAAAAAAAB88/4lmna36eVog/s400/IMG0627.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285333309222744514" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SVk5ZMCv-RI/AAAAAAAAB8E/sADOwS9aCAU/s1600-h/IMG_0137.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 286px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SVk5ZMCv-RI/AAAAAAAAB8E/sADOwS9aCAU/s400/IMG_0137.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285318742588258578" border="0" /></a><br />These trees were cool but creepy at the same time. Here we are driving through green piled on top of green and here are some stark<br />white trees in the middle of it<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SVk56OIdViI/AAAAAAAAB8U/OC9boNAUARo/s1600-h/IMG_0162.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 286px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SVk56OIdViI/AAAAAAAAB8U/OC9boNAUARo/s400/IMG_0162.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285319310084757026" border="0" /></a><br /></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05621396595400084800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-855013713767386619.post-10183566708545952812008-12-25T14:33:00.001-05:002008-12-25T14:37:40.485-05:00<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0); font-family: webdings;font-size:180%;" ><span style="text-decoration: underline; font-weight: bold;">Have a Very Merry Christmas</span></span><br /><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SVPgdAttnMI/AAAAAAAAB60/MhYsANQrE7k/s1600-h/7_Front1+copy.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 295px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SVPgdAttnMI/AAAAAAAAB60/MhYsANQrE7k/s400/7_Front1+copy.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283813576848284866" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SVPglSjrZJI/AAAAAAAAB68/hzbrg6B3ksI/s1600-h/3_inside.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 147px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SVPglSjrZJI/AAAAAAAAB68/hzbrg6B3ksI/s400/3_inside.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283813719076988050" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);font-size:180%;" >Love,<br />The Surprise Family</span><br /></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05621396595400084800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-855013713767386619.post-4302996879028420312008-12-24T17:17:00.002-05:002008-12-24T17:38:54.774-05:00Holiday Giveaway...When we started running with this idea, it started with 9 photographers and our desire to do something good, for someone else. As of today, we had over 482 photographers from across the world, with donations totaling $516,994. <br /><br />I received a ton of emails with stories that just brought me to tears. I selected four of my top families, not kn0wing how I was going to narrow it down to one. After discussing it with my husband, we found that Katlyn and her families nomination story, to be one of true strength and courage. <br /><br />We want to wish the Bolander's, as well as all other families out there, a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS!Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05621396595400084800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-855013713767386619.post-57727825362917690622008-12-24T15:16:00.002-05:002008-12-24T15:22:44.076-05:00Gingerbread House...Since hubby and Kieran are feeling a little under the weather, Brayden and I decided to tackle a little project to welcome Santa to our home, a Gingerbread House. I am not sure how much of the candy actually ended up in Brayden's tummy, rather on the house, but I think we did good.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SVKZFOXaq0I/AAAAAAAAB6M/inN90UJ0C50/s1600-h/IMG_0413.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 286px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SVKZFOXaq0I/AAAAAAAAB6M/inN90UJ0C50/s400/IMG_0413.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283453627893721922" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SVKZFkPDqcI/AAAAAAAAB6k/jwYMbNxypR8/s1600-h/IMG_0432mc.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 286px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SVKZFkPDqcI/AAAAAAAAB6k/jwYMbNxypR8/s400/IMG_0432mc.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283453633764239810" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SVKZFTBAjhI/AAAAAAAAB6c/rBfufKMZicY/s1600-h/IMG_0429mc.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 286px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SVKZFTBAjhI/AAAAAAAAB6c/rBfufKMZicY/s400/IMG_0429mc.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283453629141913106" border="0" /></a>With every candy, Brayden chanted, "One for the house, one for my mouth." <br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SVKZFfHLZoI/AAAAAAAAB6U/1cRrK29tSg0/s1600-h/IMG_0434.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 286px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SVKZFfHLZoI/AAAAAAAAB6U/1cRrK29tSg0/s400/IMG_0434.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283453632389015170" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SVKZF2pjlqI/AAAAAAAAB6s/Pm5Xs7Mx9iI/s1600-h/IMG_0441.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 286px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SVKZF2pjlqI/AAAAAAAAB6s/Pm5Xs7Mx9iI/s400/IMG_0441.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283453638707222178" border="0" /></a>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05621396595400084800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-855013713767386619.post-65464954933923200542008-12-22T02:15:00.005-05:002008-12-22T12:56:06.063-05:00A Case of Serious Jet Lag...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SU_Up5m-54I/AAAAAAAAB6A/avKbtGCTZOg/s1600-h/giving_is_awesome.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 515px; height: 97px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SU_Up5m-54I/AAAAAAAAB6A/avKbtGCTZOg/s400/giving_is_awesome.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282674704232933250" border="0" /></a><br />Yes, I am still up. It is like I drank a gallon of Kona coffee at 10 pm. Anyway, I wanted to give you an update on the "The Big Give Away." I have been overwhelmed with the response from you all who have been sharing your stories with me. Some were so touching, they put me in tears.<br /><br />Overall, the response from the photography community has spread across the WORLD with 462 photographers donating almost<span style="font-weight: bold;"> $500,000 in gifts</span>!! That is truly "<a style="color: rgb(255, 204, 51);" href="http://www.givingisawesome.com/">AWESOME</a>!" For most, including myself, these are the last days to submit your entries.<br /><br />If you are not in the Hudson Vally/Ulster County area, or have someone outside the county you would like to nomiate, please visit the following link: <a style="color: rgb(255, 204, 0);" href="http://www.givingisawesome.com/">Giving Is Awesome</a>.<br /><br />Thanks again and for more information on my Give Away, please link<a href="http://surprisephotography.blogspot.com/2008/12/season-of-giving.html"> <span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 102);">here</span></a>.Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05621396595400084800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-855013713767386619.post-66553162115961538222008-12-21T13:49:00.004-05:002008-12-21T13:57:06.599-05:00Red Heart Photography...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SU6RYwXFnzI/AAAAAAAAB5w/TB3TcP07Exc/s1600-h/brhp_2044.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SU6RYwXFnzI/AAAAAAAAB5w/TB3TcP07Exc/s400/brhp_2044.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282319267436797746" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SU6Q_bbSnKI/AAAAAAAAB5o/Uc010fxGbXA/s1600-h/brhp_1758.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SU6Q_bbSnKI/AAAAAAAAB5o/Uc010fxGbXA/s400/brhp_1758.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282318832320552098" border="0" /></a><br /></div>On our second to last day in Maui, we had the honor of having Marina Miller of <a href="http://www.redheartphoto.com/#">Red Heart Photography,</a> take our photos. This girl ROCKS! I had a lot of fun talking shop with her, although I am not sure my husband enjoyed the conversation :) If you are ever in Hawaii, fly here to where ever you are.<br /><br />Check out the rest: <a style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);" href="http://redheartphoto.com/blog/2008/12/21/melissa-jesse-5th-anniversary-maui/">Jesse and Melissa</a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Thank you Marina for use of the photos!<br /></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05621396595400084800noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-855013713767386619.post-87791147574279768892008-12-21T12:02:00.003-05:002008-12-21T13:39:05.934-05:00I'm BACK....And not as tan as I would like to be, but I can't complain since it is snowing here in NY. I tried updating my blog while on vacation, but WiFi at Starbucks didn't want me to upload any large photos.<br /><br />Anyway, the first day we were in Kauai, the it was sunny and 83 degrees. We hiked about 8 miles of the <a href="http://www.kalalautrail.com/">Kalalau Trail.</a><span style="font-family:Tahoma;font-size:85%;"> </span>This trail is an 11 miles trek, 22 miles round trip. What an amazing journey. It wasn't the easiest hike, but not the hardest either. But at the end of the first trail, we were greeted with an amazing waterfall.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;">(Sun coming up in Kauai, off the plane)</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SU6MX6QVSbI/AAAAAAAAB5A/6q2kDHRnUuo/s1600-h/IMG0361.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SU6MX6QVSbI/AAAAAAAAB5A/6q2kDHRnUuo/s400/IMG0361.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282313755354810802" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Coastline</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SU6MYsHtRtI/AAAAAAAAB5Q/OtGYY0AE53s/s1600-h/IMG0393.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SU6MYsHtRtI/AAAAAAAAB5Q/OtGYY0AE53s/s400/IMG0393.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282313768740406994" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Morning haze<br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SU6MZBS8pVI/AAAAAAAAB5Y/GXQk0lnsX2A/s1600-h/IMG0396.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SU6MZBS8pVI/AAAAAAAAB5Y/GXQk0lnsX2A/s400/IMG0396.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282313774424696146" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">The Grand Prize</span><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SU6MZTAA2-I/AAAAAAAAB5g/EULyEh1WQpQ/s1600-h/IMG0410.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SU6MZTAA2-I/AAAAAAAAB5g/EULyEh1WQpQ/s400/IMG0410.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282313779177118690" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SU6MYgZpCiI/AAAAAAAAB5I/Ow4dgOwVoqs/s1600-h/IMG0380.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SU6MYgZpCiI/AAAAAAAAB5I/Ow4dgOwVoqs/s400/IMG0380.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282313765594401314" border="0" /></a><br />For all of those who think you need a big camera to take good pictures, these were shot with my Canon Powershot aka, my human size camera I call it ;) Stay tuned for more.Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05621396595400084800noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-855013713767386619.post-38492140735385756032008-12-08T10:55:00.002-05:002008-12-08T11:07:26.405-05:00I Am Away...Hubby and I ran away for a badly needed vacation. I will be returning on the 20th and return all your emails then. I hope to post some pictures of our travels soon. <br /><br />Please keep emailing me your stories for the big Give Away. I have been checking my mail and I am just blown away by these stories. They are truly heart breaking. From my understanding, we are well over 60 photographers, with gifts totaling over $75,000!! I will update the full list and map as soon as it becomes available, or check out <a href="http://www.essentialimagery.com/blog/">Essential Imagery</a>.<br /><br />Thank you again for your submissions!Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05621396595400084800noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-855013713767386619.post-88757540790701424212008-12-04T09:15:00.017-05:002008-12-05T22:01:13.516-05:00Season Of Giving...So I Am Giving!<div style="text-align: center;">This is something I have been thinking about for a long time and one of my fellow photog friends, <a style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);" href="http://www.essentialimagery.com/blog/">Kristen Kalp</a><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">,</span> finally put the challenge out for our photography community to give the joy of photography to a family in need this holiday season.<br /><br />We have accepted the challenge, now it is your turn to do your part.<br />(Thanks to Kristen for letting us borrow your words :) )<br /><br />This is a joyous time of year. A time to celebrate the season, our family and a time to truly reflect and appreciate what we have. For some people however, the holidays are a reminder of personal struggles.<br /><br />You know someone. You know someone who's experienced a tragedy, is struggling to stay afloat, is raising kids while holding down more than one job, or is volunteering selflessly despite extenuating personal circumstances. You know someone who can't afford custom photography, but who would cherish it this holiday season. You know someone who deserves a year-round reminder of their family's spirit, love, and beauty.<br /><br />You know someone. I guarantee it.<br /><br />I want to know who they are, and I want to give them the chance to experience complimentary custom photography <span style="font-weight: bold;">– $1000 worth</span>, to be exact. This includes a session, slide show DVD and $700 to be spent as you wish.<br /><br />Oh, and the best part? The person who nominates the winner receives a complementary session as well as a $250 print credit. What better reason to show some love could there possibly be, people?<br /><br />The rules:<br /><br />You cannot nominate yourself, and the person nominated must sincerely be incapable of purchasing my services. (Being unable to make mortgage payments for a two-million-dollar-home does not qualify as sincere financial need.)<br /><br />The nominee must reside in Dutchess/Ulster county. Tell me who you know, what they're experiencing, and why they deserve my artwork. Please include a way to contact both your nominee and yourself as well.<br /><br />The shoot will take place in February of 2009 and will accommodate up to 5 people.</div><p style="text-align: center;">The winner will be announced on Christmas Eve…get nominating! I can’t wait to read all of your entries so please have them all in by December 22nd.</p><div> </div><p style="text-align: center;">Open your heart to someone this holiday season – and thanks for giving us an opportunity to open ours.</p><div style="text-align: center;">Comment on this blog entry to let me know you've entered, and e-mail me the full story at melissa@surprisephotography.com</div><div style="text-align: center;">Here is an UPDATED list of my fellow photog friends who have also accepted the challenge:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/STnqO815MzI/AAAAAAAAB44/e_YjmsRq3NU/s1600-h/mapofawesome5.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 280px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/STnqO815MzI/AAAAAAAAB44/e_YjmsRq3NU/s400/mapofawesome5.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276505981012489010" border="0" /></a>(Click to enlarge)<br /><br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://mattnicolosiblog.com/">Matt Nicolosi, of Texas</a><br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://kayceedeen.blogspot.com/">Kaycee Dean, of Oklahoma</a><br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://jselanderphotography.com/jblog/">The Selanders, of Iowa/Nebraska</a><br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.aliceparkblog.com/">Alice Park Photography, of Georgia</a><br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.chavae.blogspot.com/">Charlene Chavez, of California</a><br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.kimbraliphoto.com/">Kimbrali Boyd, of Louisiana</a><br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://rachelloganphotography.com/blog/">Rachel Logan, of Texas</a><br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://surprisephotography.blogspot.com/">Surprise Photography, of New York</a><br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.lauristumphphotography.com/blog/">Lauri Stumph, of Minnesota</a><br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://imagesbylaura.com/blog/">Laura Green, of Iowa</a><br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://kimberlyannphotography.com/blog/">Kimberly Ann Photography, of Wisconsin</a><br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://photoartbysuzi.com/blog/">Photo Art by Suzi, of Michigan</a><br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.kristamuskovin.blogspot.com/">Krista Muskovin, of Michigan</a><br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.kellyholderphotography.com/blog/">Kelly Holder, of Kansas</a><br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://tiffanygphoto.com/blog/">Tiffany G, of Las Vegas</a><br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.bamboosmiles.com/blog/">Bamboo Photography, of Pennsylvania</a><br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.molliekphotography.com/">Mollie Kendall, of Texas</a><br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.myphoto.typepad.com/">Marlo Yoshimoto, of California</a><br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://delisiphoto.com/blog/">Brandi DeLisi, of Tennessee</a><br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://hrgphoto.smugmug.com/">HRG Photo, of Washington</a><br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://dinigroner.blogspot.com/">Dini Groner, of New York</a><br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://apriltoddphotography.blogspot.com/">April Todd, of South Carolina</a><br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://stevenparker.typepad.com/">Steven Parker, of New York</a><br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://christinedesavino.com/">Christine DeSavino, of New Jersey</a><br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://expressionskc.blogspot.com/">Sarah Pettinger, of Missouri</a><br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://veronicareeve.blogspot.com/">Veronica Reeve, of Utah</a><br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.dragonflypd.blogspot.com/">Adrienne Griffin, of Nevada</a><br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://barbieschwartz.blogspot.com/">Barbie Schwartz, of Tennessee</a><br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://dawnslivingroom.blogspot.com/">Dawn of DLM Photography, of Texas</a><br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.tiffanyhixblog.com/">Tiffany Hix, of Idaho</a><br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://momentsofadoration.typepad.com/">Adorations Photography, of Texas</a><br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.aliciacaine.blogspot.com/">Alicia Caine, of Montana</a><br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.rebekahpope.com/blog/">Rebekah Pope, of Tennessee</a><br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.lisanelson.typepad.com/">Lisa Nelson, of North Dakota</a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">International:</span><br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.jennafaye.typepad.com/">Jenna Faye, of Ontario, Canada</a><br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://peachycphotography.com/">Peachyc Photography, of Manila</a><br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.portraitsbyjosee.blogspot.com/">Josee Caza, of Toronto, Canada</a><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">updated 4:00 pm, December 5th, 2008<br />Please note, we started with 9, the list keeps growing!<br />Keep them coming!!<br /></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05621396595400084800noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-855013713767386619.post-57739716925375771512008-12-02T17:34:00.001-05:002008-12-02T15:42:03.435-05:00Momtrepreneur Of The Month...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/STWYWDLcDJI/AAAAAAAAB3g/RjLt88QUJeE/s1600-h/TyBrobanner.jpg.w180h70.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 180px; height: 70px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/STWYWDLcDJI/AAAAAAAAB3g/RjLt88QUJeE/s400/TyBrobanner.jpg.w180h70.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275290043112230034" border="0" /></a>Heidi Offel started as a client, but over time has become a friend. Of coarse, it is exciting to see my friends do what they enjoy to do, "sell their craft." The name "TyBro Treasures" comes from the combination of the two most valuable "Treasures" in her life, her two boys Tyler and Brody. Brody is famous for getting me published in the <a style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);" href="http://www.littleredheadbook.com/">Little Redhead Book</a>.<div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">
<br />Although Heidi has been creating crafts for some time now, she finally made it her business this past August. When she sent out the link to her website,<a href="http://www.tybrotreasures.com/"> TyBroTreasures.com</a>, I saw her growth carts and all I could think was, I WANT ONE!
<br />
<br />So, anyone who knows me knows I am a Red Sox fan trapped in Yankee country. So when I asked Heidi, a Yankee Fan, to make me a Red Sox Growth Cart, I could feel the hairs on the back of her head go up. But, she was a trooper and made this most beautiful chart for my boys. Honestly, I could fit on the thing too :)
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/STWavrJMiWI/AAAAAAAAB3o/B9bbIIQaHAQ/s1600-h/IMG_9779a.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/STWavrJMiWI/AAAAAAAAB3o/B9bbIIQaHAQ/s400/IMG_9779a.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275292682360228194" border="0" /></a>
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/STWawMtjdeI/AAAAAAAAB34/EY4RKi76n-A/s1600-h/IMG_9769a.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/STWawMtjdeI/AAAAAAAAB34/EY4RKi76n-A/s400/IMG_9769a.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275292691371095522" border="0" /></a>
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/STWaw49WJXI/AAAAAAAAB4I/iF1WNLmeH-w/s1600-h/IMG_9776a.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/STWaw49WJXI/AAAAAAAAB4I/iF1WNLmeH-w/s400/IMG_9776a.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275292703248491890" border="0" /></a>
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/STWawXOxTRI/AAAAAAAAB4A/C4x1EFPUsAo/s1600-h/IMG_9774a.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/STWawXOxTRI/AAAAAAAAB4A/C4x1EFPUsAo/s400/IMG_9774a.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275292694194769170" border="0" /></a>
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/STWav3ZwhkI/AAAAAAAAB3w/3zEARdWw3UU/s1600-h/IMG_9770a.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/STWav3ZwhkI/AAAAAAAAB3w/3zEARdWw3UU/s400/IMG_9770a.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275292685650921026" border="0" /></a>BTW, this is a secret, hopefully hubby doesn't read my blog :) Right now it is hiding up in my attic until Christmas.
<br />
<br />I asked some questions to Heidi about her business:
<br />
<br /><meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"><meta name="ProgId" content="Word.Document"><meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 10"><meta name="Originator" content="Microsoft Word 10"><link rel="File-List" href="file:///C:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5CMelissa%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmsohtml1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml"><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><style> <!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:"Century Gothic"; panose-1:2 11 5 2 2 2 2 2 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:swiss; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:647 0 0 0 159 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman";} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:";font-size:11;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">Please explain a little bit about your product/business and how you developed the concept behind it: </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:";font-size:11;" >Most of the products I design start off as unfinished wood pieces.<span style=""> </span>No two items are ever the same since I hand paint/decorate each one individually.<span style=""> </span>I developed the concept based on my desire to make things for my own two children as well as gifts for family and friends.<span style=""> </span>I’m the type of person to see something in a store or magazine and say, “Oh that’s adorable, but I could totally make that myself and I would change this, this and this</span><b><span style=";font-family:";font-size:11;" >...”<span style="">
<br /></span></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: bold;">
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style=""><meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"><meta name="ProgId" content="Word.Document"><meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 10"><meta name="Originator" content="Microsoft Word 10"><link style="font-weight: bold;" rel="File-List" href="file:///C:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5CMelissa%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmsohtml1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml"><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><style> <!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:"Century Gothic"; panose-1:2 11 5 2 2 2 2 2 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:swiss; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:647 0 0 0 159 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman";} </style> <![endif]--> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: bold;"><span style=";font-family:";font-size:11;" >What makes your product/business so unique and why can’t I live without it?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: bold;"><span style=";font-family:";font-size:11;" >Do you have a store front/website/etsy? (please include url)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="">
<br /><span style=";font-family:";font-size:11;" ><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:";font-size:11;" >My products are as unique as the individual for whom they are made.<span style=""> </span>For example, if someone asks me to make a set of wall letters for their child, I send them a series of questions to allow me a glimpse into that child’s personality, demeanor, interests and family and then I gear the design of the letters to reflect that as best I can.<span style=""> </span>I usually feel like I know the “subject” personally by the time I’m done with their ite</span><span style=";font-family:";font-size:11;" >m.</span><b><span style=";font-family:";font-size:11;" ><o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: bold;"><span style=";font-family:";font-size:11;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:";font-size:11;" ><o:p><span style="font-weight: bold;">Where can we buy your products?</span>
<br /></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style=";font-family:";font-size:11;" ><a href="http://www.tybrotreasures.com/">www.tybrotreasures.com</a> <o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style=";font-family:";font-size:11;" ><a href="http://www.tybrotreasures.blogspot.com/">www.tybrotreasures.blogspot.com</a><o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:";font-size:11;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:";font-size:11;" >
<br /><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: bold;"><span style=";font-family:";font-size:11;" ><o:p> </o:p>What are some of your short and long term goals with your business?</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="">
<br /><span style=";font-family:";font-size:11;" ><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:";font-size:11;" >Short term – spread the word and generate business, open an Etsy store<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:";font-size:11;" >Long term – expand my “product line” – I’m always looking for new items to market!</span><b><span style=";font-family:";font-size:11;" ><o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: bold;"><span style=";font-family:";font-size:11;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:";font-size:11;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">Is there anything exciting in the works that we can look forward to?</span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:";font-size:11;" >I’m hoping to be able to offer more variety with one of my most popular item – the wall letters – soon.<span style=""> </span>I am working on finding letters with different fonts that will help reflect the personality of my clients even better.</span><b><span style=";font-family:";font-size:11;" ><o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:";font-size:11;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:";font-size:11;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">What is the hardest part or has been some of your struggles starting your own business?</span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:";font-size:11;" >Shipping costs and Moving to FL.<span style=""> </span>I’m still in the process of researching the best way to ship my items – specifically the growth charts.<span style=""> </span>They are an awkward length and it’s hard to find the best and most economical way to ship them.<span style=""> </span>I’m still working on that!<span style=""> </span>As for moving, we moved last year from NY to FL and we’re preparing to move again (locally) in the next 6 months.<span style=""> </span>It’s great in the sense that you are broadening your market area, but moving also takes time away from production.</span><b><span style=";font-family:";font-size:11;" ><o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:";font-size:11;" ><span style="">
<br /></span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:";font-size:11;" ><o:p></o:p><span style="font-weight: bold;">About You:</span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:";font-size:11;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:";font-size:11;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">Tell me about your family, kids, hubby, pets.</span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:";font-size:11;" >I’m very fortunate to have two beautiful boys and a very supportive husband.<span style=""> </span>I’m also lucky to be able to stay home with my boys, which allows me time to develop my business and work on production.<span style=""> </span>We are big travelers and have moved a ton in the short time that we’ve been a family – but I love that we are always on the go and doing something unique and fun, whether it’s a trip to CA or taking in a Blue Angels show or Space Shuttle launch.<span style=""> </span>A dull moment is a rare moment in the Offel house!</span><span style=";font-family:";font-size:11;" ><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:";font-size:11;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:";font-size:11;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">What is your ideal thing to do on a lazy weekend with the family?</span><b><o:p></o:p></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:";font-size:11;" >We love being outside and now that we live in FL, we can be outside just about all year long.<span style=""> </span>A lazy weekend usually consists of a Daddy-made Breakfast on the patio, an afternoon bike ride or a day at the beach, topped off with a BBQ with friends or neighbors.</span><b><span style=";font-family:";font-size:11;" ><o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:";font-size:11;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:";font-size:11;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">Favorites: </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:";font-size:11;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:";font-size:11;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">Reality Show:</span><span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span>I don’t watch very many reality shows, but I always like when I catch “Jon and Kate Plus Eight” for a little perspective on life!<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:";font-size:11;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">Favorite online shopping:</span><span style=""> </span>Intrigued with Etsy.com right now! ( ILOVE ETSY BTW!)<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:";font-size:11;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">Can’t live without item:</span><span style=""><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span> </span>my baseball hat (Yankees, of course)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="">
<br /><span style=";font-family:";font-size:11;" ><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:";font-size:11;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">How do you balance your business and your family?</span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:";font-size:11;" >My boys are creatures of their routine so while Brody naps in the afternoon, I set Tyler up on a craft project of his own and we both go to “work” in the office upstairs.<span style=""> </span>It is such a nice, quiet, productive time of day.<span style=""> </span>While Tyler and I work, we get a chance to chat so I’m able to work on orders/projects without feeling like I’m taking time away from either of them.<span style=""> </span>But I’m most productive at night after the kids are in bed.</span><b><span style=";font-family:";font-size:11;" ><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<br /><b><span style=";font-family:";font-size:11;" ><span style=""></span><o:p></o:p></span></b><p></p>SOOOOOOO... don't you love them! Want one? Want to give one for the holidays? How about a "Surprise Photography" special? Got to love those. Contact Heidi in the next month, mention Surprise Photography, and receive 10% off your growth cart.
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<br />Want to be featured as "Momtrepreneur" of the month? Please drop me an email for more info at melissa@surprisephotography.com.
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<br /></div></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05621396595400084800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-855013713767386619.post-10846665713055005052008-12-02T13:37:00.003-05:002008-12-02T14:03:30.271-05:002009 Session and Product Guide...Is now available. Although I am leaving for vacation on Saturday, I have already started booking for the New Year. I have a couple days left in January and believe it or not, I have taken bookings for the next holiday season. This year I was booked by the end of August, so I guess it is never to soon to think ahead ;)<br /><br />If you are interested in taking a peek at the new catalog, drop me an email!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/STWGS_A9O3I/AAAAAAAAB3Y/NGZSAqLh-JU/s1600-h/Cover.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/STWGS_A9O3I/AAAAAAAAB3Y/NGZSAqLh-JU/s400/Cover.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275270199245618034" border="0" /></a>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05621396595400084800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-855013713767386619.post-46910947846474205232008-12-01T19:30:00.003-05:002008-12-01T19:43:10.492-05:00The Little Redheads Book...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/STSCH5gbdxI/AAAAAAAAB3I/mAU4dzTtNfg/s1600-h/Redhead.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 303px; height: 101px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/STSCH5gbdxI/AAAAAAAAB3I/mAU4dzTtNfg/s400/Redhead.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274984135765227282" border="0" /></a><br />Is now available! For those who missed it, one of my photos, of one of my favorite redheads, will be featured in this publication. <br /><br />This book will make a great gift for all fabulous little redhead in your life. For more information or to order your copy, please visit:<a style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);" href="http://www.littleredheadsacrossamerica.com/"> Little Redheads Across America</a>. Best of luck and thank you to Nichole Giladi, for allowing me to be apart of such a great project!<span class="swb"><span style="font-family:Verdana, Helvetica, Arial;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><br /></span></span></span>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05621396595400084800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-855013713767386619.post-47118305701724677902008-12-01T11:05:00.004-05:002008-12-01T11:17:47.411-05:00Snow In Love...This sweet young couple just got engaged and came up from the Bronx to meet me this weekend for some pictures. You can feel the happiness amongst this couple as well as their family. I got a phone call straight from his family in Ireland, wanting to gift them with their session.<br /><br />And I do have to say, he did a great job picking out the ring, check out that rock!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/STQNBoeHR2I/AAAAAAAAB2Q/-h6C8MtXYpY/s1600-h/IMG_9830sf.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 286px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/STQNBoeHR2I/AAAAAAAAB2Q/-h6C8MtXYpY/s400/IMG_9830sf.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274855385252448098" border="0" /></a>In the middle of shooting, it started to snow. You can see snowflakes in some of these pictures.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/STQNDQLu-aI/AAAAAAAAB2o/N-lYBfao0wQ/s1600-h/IMG_9973os.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 286px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/STQNDQLu-aI/AAAAAAAAB2o/N-lYBfao0wQ/s400/IMG_9973os.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274855413092645282" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/STQNWTNRxcI/AAAAAAAAB24/MnKQoZ0uHBE/s1600-h/IMG_9999pp.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/STQNWTNRxcI/AAAAAAAAB24/MnKQoZ0uHBE/s400/IMG_9999pp.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274855740321940930" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/STQNWy7HfFI/AAAAAAAAB3A/ETfKQ3Jiafg/s1600-h/IMG_9996m.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 286px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/STQNWy7HfFI/AAAAAAAAB3A/ETfKQ3Jiafg/s400/IMG_9996m.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274855748835703890" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/STQNDnFsqxI/AAAAAAAAB2w/l6l0tt0pPsg/s1600-h/IMG_9898os.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 286px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/STQNDnFsqxI/AAAAAAAAB2w/l6l0tt0pPsg/s400/IMG_9898os.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274855419241343762" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/STQNC3BFKyI/AAAAAAAAB2g/pzfVPwGJ-AY/s1600-h/IMG_9888os.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 286px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/STQNC3BFKyI/AAAAAAAAB2g/pzfVPwGJ-AY/s400/IMG_9888os.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274855406337076002" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/STQNCTthZhI/AAAAAAAAB2Y/XrsMPHzvjnI/s1600-h/IMG_9866os.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/STQNCTthZhI/AAAAAAAAB2Y/XrsMPHzvjnI/s400/IMG_9866os.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274855396859799058" border="0" /></a>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05621396595400084800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-855013713767386619.post-24524820352137660162008-12-01T10:07:00.004-05:002008-12-01T13:00:21.580-05:00So Much To Talk About....So little time. First of all, I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend. Like many of you, the family and I packed it up and headed to New England for the weekend. Thank god for DVD player headphones, I think Brayden watched Charlie Brown's Thanksgiving Special like 3 times.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/STQHK8pAu8I/AAAAAAAAB1w/7YBLjsIQLX4/s1600-h/IMG_0273a.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/STQHK8pAu8I/AAAAAAAAB1w/7YBLjsIQLX4/s400/IMG_0273a.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274848948215921602" border="0" /></a><br /><br />And through the powers of Facebook, I was able to find one of my oldest and dearest friends from elementary school. It seems like it was just yesterday that I saw her. Right now, her and her new hubby are sitting on the beach in St. Thomas. Normally I would be jealous, but I leave for my own island in 5 days :)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/STQHL2-FhgI/AAAAAAAAB14/hM1u-4p9KMU/s1600-h/IMG_0295a.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/STQHL2-FhgI/AAAAAAAAB14/hM1u-4p9KMU/s400/IMG_0295a.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274848963873572354" border="0" /></a><br /><br />And you know you are all grown up when all your friends start having babies. One of my best friends from High School and his wife just had their first baby girl. We had the pleasure of getting to meet her this weekend.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/STQHMFdLn0I/AAAAAAAAB2A/rRyQA7Cev6U/s1600-h/IMG_9814m.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 286px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/STQHMFdLn0I/AAAAAAAAB2A/rRyQA7Cev6U/s400/IMG_9814m.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274848967762091842" border="0" /></a><br />It is always great to go home and visit with friends and family, but there isn't anything like sleeping in your own bed. I have much more to talk about, so be sure to check back later!Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05621396595400084800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-855013713767386619.post-1585062335294728962008-11-26T14:04:00.002-05:002008-11-26T14:08:11.209-05:00Just a Gentle Reminder...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SS2eD3lUSCI/AAAAAAAAB1o/aRzyrlpOKc8/s1600-h/copyright+copy.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 290px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zXehGE8HIfw/SS2eD3lUSCI/AAAAAAAAB1o/aRzyrlpOKc8/s400/copyright+copy.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5273044528017983522" border="0" /></a><br />All images copyrighted by photographer, Surprise Photography and are strictly protected under <span style="font-weight: bold;">national copyright law. </span>It is illegal and unlawful to <span style="font-style: italic;">scan, copy, or reproduce </span>Melissa Surprise’s work in any manner or medium and punishable by law with fines starting at $150,000. As an artist, Melissa Surprise wishes to have complete control over the final look of her client’s images, and scanned images damage her reputation as a photographer by distorting and devaluing the image quality.<br /><br />In conclusion, Melissa Surprise wishes that all images carrying her name look their absolute best. She goes to great lengths to provide you with top-quality, beautiful images that you are proud to display and share. Copying and scanning these images greatly reduces their beauty and quality. Please contact her if you would like additional images of your child.<br /><br />Thank you for respecting Melissa Surprise’s work and livelihood by choosing not to reproduce her images.Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05621396595400084800noreply@blogger.com0