A Wonderful Time of Year....

If you know me...then you know I am very giving.  Very generous, caring & compassionate.  I would bend over backwards for a friend in need...to see someone smile makes my day.  Around this time of year I find it so fun to be able to do all of the "holiday traditions" Christmas tree shopping, gift wrapping...cookie baking...family portrait day :)  I enjoy giving...to friends, family...to everyone if I could.  I am thankful for all of the blessing in my life.  I am thankful for my family, my health...my kiddos.  The one thing I am also thankful for line my walls.  

Pictures.

Portraits.

Moments captured forever.

A way for my children's children to see "the way it use to be"

Thankfully I am able to capture my children as they grow...I have very talented friends to capture me in these moments as well.

A growing belly.

A kiss after 7 months.

A family who just added 1 more.

I couldn't imagine a life with no pictures.  Blank walls...to know my kiddos are growing and no way to save those precious firsts.  

For whatever reason...some people just don't...can't...

I truly believe that everyone should be able to have portraits done...it is such an important thing...you can't get that time back.

So as we get closer to my favorite holiday, I wanted to be able to share some family portraits with a deserving family!  

I want you to nominate a family for me! 

E-Mail me your nomination and on Christmas Day I will pick a winner...They will receive a 90 minute session at no cost, the digital files & a special gift from me.

Please include the following information:
Your name
Family's Name & Location
Reason for nomination

Please E-Mail all nominations to: Photographybymegan@yahoo.com   Subject: Giving Back

Awareness for Andi | Support for Lymphoma research

Where to begin...20 months ago I received a phone call from Minnesota.  My mother in-law was diagnosed with Lymphoma.  At that point we didn't know a stage or type.  

Just the word {Lymphoma} was scary enough.  

Who wanted details? 

That made it real then...

I feared the e-mail to my husband who was deployed at the time.  I didn't want to tell him, but knew he had to know.  My only thought was "we don't know details...maybe it is early".

As time wore on, and tests came and went, we learned it was stage 4~Mantle Cell.

Most rare form...

She never complained.  

Through appointments and treatments.  

She kept a smile and positive attitude.  

She fought to the end.  

Andi lost her battle on September 26, 2012.  

In that moment, my heart broke...

not only for me, but for her family, friends and loved ones.

She touched so many people, in so many ways.  

In honor of Andi, I want to raise money for 

The Lymphoma Research Foundation

All proceeds from "Andi{e}" style frames ordered in Lime Green 

{national color for lymphoma}

will be donated to the research foundation.  

To make it easy to donate there are 3 levels

Level 1: 50.00

5x7 Andi Frame in Lime Green

"Hope" for Lymphoma pin

Level 2: 65.00

8x10 Andi Frame in Lime Green

Lymphoma awareness ornament

Level 3: 100.00

11x14 Andi Frame in Lime Green 

"Choose Hope" tote bag

This is the "Andie" style frame & lime green

{Please note the color is only a reference and not 100% on the computer}

We are also planing to walk in the 

2012 Lymphomathon on November 3, 2012
I will be accepting donations to walk as well!

I will be accepting donations & orders until December 15, 2012.

I plan to continue this every September.  

Lymphoma Awareness Month

Please E-Mail me to submit orders or donations.  
Photographybymegan@yahoo.com

Kelley's Kakes~Made with Sugar & Love

August is here, and I cannot believe it!  Not only will I be welcoming a new little one in 4 short weeks, it is time for another feature interview.  This month I am featuring my oldest sister.  She is a busy mom & NP....& aspiring baker.  She has created "Kelley's Kakes~Made with Sugar & Love"!  Located in Charleston, SC, she creates 100% homemade cupcakes with unique flavor combinations!  

Check her out on FaceBook, and if you are located near her...I recommend ordering a dozen...or two!

1.  Tell us about you!  Your name, where you live, a little about your family & kiddos and the name of your business!

         A little bit about me?  I am Kelley Noel Davis-Villegas, the oldest of three girls from Pennsylvania.  I currently live in beautiful Charleston with a great husband and our four children: Morgan, Alexander, Shaw, and Alexandra (yes two of our children have the same name )  And the name of my business:  Kelley’s Kakes (made with sugar and love)

2.  Where did the idea come from to start making cupcakes?  Have you always enjoyed baking?

         I started making cupcakes for the kids school parties.  The compliments were always so great that I started to make them for work and was told I should sell them.  One day my phone went off and a fellow nurse was ordering 3 dozen, the rest is history!  I have always loved baking.  My grandmother was a caterer and both her and my mom taught me everything they knew in the kitchen.  I can remember being a teenager baking cookies for “boys” and showing up at their doors.

3.  Where do you get the ideas for new flavor combinations?   Does your family mind "taste testing"?

        The ideas for new flavor combinations are just something that happens naturally.  I feel I am beginning to eat/breath/ and sleep cupcakes.  I eat a comfort food and ask how I can make it into a cupcake, a favorite summer drink, or something crazy that just might work.  Every day you can find scrap pieces around my house or office with new ideas.  My family LOVES taste testing and are pretty upset if they are all sold and I don’t save one out of each batch.  My family is my biggest fans.

4.  How long have you been in business?  Did you think your cupcakes would become so popular?

         I have only been officially selling cupcakes for 2 years.  I never thought I would have strangers calling me telling me they had my cupcakes at a party and they want to order some, it is a great feeling!  I even have my first wedding the end of the summer.

5.  Do you hope this takes off into a full fledged bakery one day?

         I would love a full fledged bakery one day with cupcakes/cookies/candies/etc.  But for now I am perfectly happy “catering my services out”

6.  What is your favorite cupcake that you make?  Your biggest seller?

         I have a lot of favorites!  Chocolate peanut butter cup/Coconut cream pie/cookie dough/and S'mores are probably top of list for the week.  My biggest seller is probably the chocolate peanut butter cup….who doesn’t love that combination?

7.  Where do you offer your cupcakes?  How much/dozen? 

       I offer my cupcakes right now in the Charleston region, and when ever visiting friends on the East Coast I am asked to bring a few dozen, so they are making it around.  The average price is 25/dozen.

8.  What has been the biggest seller?  Your customer favorites, or crazy requests?

         Every customer wants something different.  From the girl birthday parties to the little boy baby showers.  For offices I am asked to cater red velvet is a biggie.  Depending on the customer I have been asked to make many different combinations from strawberry shortcake/key lime pie with white chocolate icing, to patriotic cake red/white/blue.

9.  How do you do it?  I know you have a new husband and a few kiddos, not to mention a full-time job.  Where do you find the time?

         I am able to do this because I LOVE to do it!  I work full time as a Cardiology NP, part-time as a ICU NP, try to function as a good wife and then a mom of four.  But at the end of the day there is something therapeutic in mixing sugar and eggs, or making the icing so pretty on the perfectly baked cupcake.  I LOVE IT!!!

10.  Do you try to use certain natural ingredients?  What makes your cupcakes always look, and taste so good?

         I do use a lot of natural ingredients.  I found you cannot skimp on ingredients AT ALL.  And the secret to how they look and taste would be just time.  I never rush any part of the process.  I am a firm believer that it can’t hurt if you beat anything a little longer, or cool a little longer.  Take time with each cupcake , because they are representing yourself.

One step closer...

A few months ago....7 to be exact, I met the Walker family.  We didn't meet in a cozy restaurant or at the park for a play date.  We met on a chilly morning in a parking lot, with a painful task ahead of us.  A Marine was deploying for the 7th time {8 if you ask Sydney}

and I was there to capture the morning.

The hugs, the kisses, the good-byes.

It never does get easier.  My eyes filled with tears as I watched his little girls say farewell.  The jets sped down the runway, and the countdown began. As I walked towards the parking lot, I turned to Sydney and said "See you in July friend"

The months slowly came and went...Birthdays and holidays...family trips.  

Team Walker was hanging in there, counting down until their Marine was home. 

 I finally got the official H-Day {homecoming day} information...It was here.  

I truly cannot find the words to describe the love & connection this family has for each other.  

They are a team through and through. 

Thank you Team Walker for your service & friendship!  

Welcome Home Marine....we missed you!

Updates & Info~The important stuff!

As time goes on, and #3 nears his due date, I wanted to give an update on what is offered here at "A Beautiful Moment", some upcoming specials and sales, and most important....when I will be closed for maternity leave.  

Lets start with everything that is offered!

Sessions!  Of course, I am a photographer :) he he he

I offer:

Departures & Homecomings for military families

Couple sessions

Children & Family sessions

Newborn sessions

Here are a few more details regarding each session.

Departures for military deployments are free of charge and include a CD of your images.

Homecomings for military couples & families are 150.00 {+tax} and include a CD of your images, and a 70.00 print credit.

These are booked when you receive your window.  

Please understand I take these on a limited basis due to my children and pregnancy.

Couples, Families & Children

These are 90 minutes sessions and are 150.00 {+tax}

They include a CD of your images and a 70.00 print credit.

Sessions for children can be done indoors, but all couples & families must be done outdoors at a location previously discussed.  I will travel up to 30 miles 1 way.  After that, there will be a small millage fee. 

Newborns

Newborn sessions are 200.00 {+tax} and MUST be done here in my home studio, and must be completed during the baby's first 5-10 days of life. 

This includes your session fee, CD of images and a 70.00 print credit. 

 This allows for use of props, blankets and assorted headbands and hats.  

Also, prepare for 2-4 hours, I work around the baby and their feedings.

I recommend a phone call or meeting prior to discuss ideas, and prop/color themes.  

Print Credits

Print credits can be used for regular prints up to a size 11x14. Canvases, frames, announcements or albums cannot be purchased with a print credit. 

Frames

I am a proud vendor for The Organic Bloom!

Please e-mail for sizes and prices!!

Canvases, Albums & Announcements

Wrapped canvases can be purchased through me up to a size 30x40. The make great additions to any room...especially a nursery.  Please e-mail for pricing on these products.

Upcoming Specials

I try to offer a monthly special, and I am still stumped on July. 

I will post an update when I have finalized this months special. I am working on my Fall 2012 specials!  Keep and eye peeled.  It will be awesome!!!

Last and most important...Maternity Leave

I will be closed for sessions September 1-October 1, 2012.  This is firm, and may go longer if needed.  I will, however, still be ordering prints, frames, and booking sessions for the fall and holiday season.  During my leave & break I will be working on new session packages & pricing.

I think that is it for now.  Thank you all for being so supportive!!  

XOXO

Meg

June 2012 "Daisy Faye Designs" by Kim Chapman

Wow, I am behind...what can I say, 2 crazy boys, and a  photography business keep me on my toes.  Any who, here is a little about my June feature...Daisy Faye Designs!  I love DFD, and all it entails.  My children have numerous shirts and onsies from DFD, and I am currently working on a few items for my next sons' nursery.  What is DFD?  Well, it is a small, home based business, by another Marine wife...Kim Chapman.  She started 2 years ago, and her business has exploded!  Enjoy getting to know her a little more!!!

 

1: Tell us a little bit about you.  Where did the idea for Daisy Faye Designs come from?  Have you always had a knack for sewing?

 I'm originally from Dallas, TX and married my husband (and Marine pilot) 6 years ago.  We have an adorable 8 month old son.  

I started sewing about 4 years ago.  It was something that I had always wanted to learn how to do.  Some girlfriends and I took a class at the local community college while our hubby's were deployed.  I've always been crafty and enjoyed making things and sewing just came naturally to me.  It's easy for me to look at things and see how they're made, and anytime I can't figure it out, it's Google to the rescue!  For anyone thinking about learning to sew, I highly encourage it!  I know it can be intimidating, but you'd be surprised how much you can do with just straight lines (hem your own pants, make pillows, skirts, place mats, curtains...)!

After learning to sew, I started making baby gifts for friends.  Since I wasn't able to find baby items with the exact helicopter on them that I was looking for, I decided to make my own.  I gave a few as gifts and then had a few inquiries about selling them and decided that I was on to something.  With the help of a good friend and a few glasses of wine, the name Daisy Faye Designs was born!  I honestly thought that I would sell a couple of onesies a month and was completely blown away by the response I got.  I really feel so blessed to have a business that I can run from home, contribute a little to my family, be able to stay home with my son, and take my business with me wherever we move to next.  As most military spouses know, having a real career with frequent moves can be difficult.  DFD allows me to be fulfilled professionally, but gives me the flexibility to do the other things I want, like staying home with my son.

       

2: How long have you been in business?

 I will have been in business for 2 years in August!  It seems like so much longer...

3: What orders for Daisy Faye are your favorite?  Why?

 Hmmm....  I would have to say the wall art.  Most of the time, my customers give me some creative license which I appreciate.  I really enjoying playing with different fabric combinations and I love the idea that I'm making something that will probably hang in their home for years to come (while onesies are outgrown in just a few months).  I especially love when it's something very personal and I know the child that it's for will appreciate it.  I recently had a friend tell me that her daughter had asked about the wall art I had made for her.  It was a picture of her beloved Bunny.  When she told her daughter that I had made that for her, her response was "Thank you, Kim!".  That melts my heart!  

    4: Have you or do you take classes for sewing?

 I do!  I really haven't been sewing for that long so I feel like there are some things I've gotten really good at the past few years, but there are definitely new skills that I want to learn and others I'd like to improve upon.  Since my beginner class, I've taken dress, quilting, and other special technique classes.  I love learning new things!  

5: How many hours a week do you spend working on orders?  

I know you must be busy :)

 Whew, this is a tough one, and it can really vary depending on what I have going on.  Before my son was born, I probably spent about 30 hours a week working.  I would say that is down to about 20 hours a week now.  I have to do so much more than sew to keep the business running - responding to emails, editing photos, packaging and shipping items, shopping for fabric and other materials, updating the Facebook page and website, accounting, and continuing education in sewing and running a small business.  I'm sure there's more that I'm missing!  Actual time sitting at the sewing machine is probably less than 10 hours a week!

6: Do you start a lot of personal projects?  Clothing, quilts or home decor?  

Well, I buy a lot of fabric for personal projects.  Unfortunately, the business always takes priority.  That's something I'm working on, trying to have a better balance.  When I do sew for myself, it's usually something for my son, a quick skirt for me, or something for the home, like pillows or place mats.  I do find that taking classes forces me to work on something for myself. I recently took a quilting class and enjoyed making something that I'll use.  Now I just have to find the time to finish the quilt!  And hopefully updated pillows for the living room aren't far behind that!

7: What are some of your favorite fabrics to use?

 I use all designer quilting fabrics for DFD.  Some of my favorite fabric lines are Amy Butler (who doesn't love her???), Riley Blake, Ann Kelle, and Joel Dewberry.  I am always scouring my favorite fabric websites and local quilting shop in search of new fabrics.  Fabric can become an addiction and I've really had to reign myself in.  It's hard because there are really so many amazing fabrics out there.  

8: Are there any new projects in the works for DFD?

I've hinted around at a few things I would like to do, like DSLR straps, but again, it's finding the time to do it.  Whenever I'm approached about a new item or come across something that I think would be cool, I really think about whether or not it fits with what I'm already doing.  Just because I can make something, doesn't mean it's a good fit for DFD.  I prefer to specialize (in applique and baby items for the most part) than be a jack of all trades.  I've even removed a few items from my product line over the past year because I didn't feel like they worked well with the other things I was doing.  I try my best to keep my product line cohesive and manageable for me.  That being said, if there's something you'd like to see, always let me know!  I might say no, but I also might say yes!  :)


9: Other then sewing, what are some of your

favorite things to do?

 I've recently been knitting a lot.  I consider myself a beginner knitter even though I've known how to for a few years.  I'm hoping to continue to work on little projects when I have time.  I enjoy fashion and shopping. I run regularly, but not far and not fast!  I'm very active with the spouses' club on base and have met some amazing ladies through volunteering with this organization.  And of course, spending time with my friends and little family.  


10: I know you ship to California….how far has DFD traveled thus far? 

 I've shipped all over the United States, to Germany, Japan, and Australia!  I love that my work is all over the world!

Follow Kim & Daisty Faye Designs on FaceBook

www.daisyfayedesigns.com

Images provided by:

Kim Chapman

With time... Comes changes....

As everyone knows...with time, things must change.  This is true in so many aspects of our daily lives.  It also applies to businesses as well.  

Beginning on May 1, 2012 there will be a few new things happening over at

"A Beautiful Moment"

As always I do my absolute best to keep prices low and reasonable.  I am not changing too much just a few things here & there.  They are as follows.

Sessions fees are a base rate.  Taxes are not included in this rate, and will be added after your session is booked. 


Print credits can only be used for regular prints up to 11x14.
Specialty sizes, canvases, and other requests are not included in your credit.

Print credits included with sessions are taxed with the session.  If you order more tax will then be applied to the overage.

90 minute sessions are 150.00 {+ tax} and include:

Your session fee

CD with images

70.00 print credit

{Children, Families, Senior Portraits}

Mini Sessions are 30 minutes & 70.00 {+ tax}

It will include:

Your session fee

CD with images

35.00 print credit

Newborn Sessions are 200.00 {+ tax} and include:

Your session 2-4 hours in my home

CD with images

70.00 print credit

30 custom announcements 

Homecomings will only be booked 3 days prior to your stated date.

Please contact me to book at that time.

I will stop booking Military Homecomings August 2012.


Print Credits will expire 1 month following publishing of your album.  There will be no exceptions.

Print & Frame pricing will also be adjusted slightly. I will be updating those pages on my website soon. 

Thank you for your continued support!