Happy Mother's Day

No one told me that the day I became a mother that my world was going to turn upside down. The sleepiness nights, endless doctor visits, tantrums, and putting my career on the back burner are things no one can quite prepare you for. Although I accept it graciously and take everything that comes my way. There are days that are the farthest from fun, but I somehow manage to get through it. I know that this period in time will pass far sooner than I can ever want it to or imagine. I find myself never wanting to let it go... the nurturing, special bedtime routines, silly games we play are memories that I will hold dear and cherish when I am old. I see now just how much love and sacrifice my own mother and father gave to give my sister and I the best upbringing they could. So today I celebrate my own mother and all the love she gave to me! Happy Mother's Day Mom! With Love From Your Little Girl!

My New Obession... LACE

It's no secret that lace is huge this season. From fashion, accessories, even photography lace is turning up everywhere. It's beautiful patterns, peek a boo details and assortment of colors make me swoon. Naturally I had come to the conclusion that I had incorporate it into my spring/summer 2012 collection. From tiny little details, to completely draping those squishy little faces entirely in lace here is a little peek of my new collection.

All of these items (plus tons more) are currently listed in my Etsy shop. Head on over to see for yourself.

Proud Sponser of the Rachel Procell Photography Workshop

Are you new to the photography industry? Maybe you've been a photographer for years and are wondering with all your talent and knowledge why others are growing and establishing their presence. Well Rachel Procell Photography has just the workshop for you.

Rachel has designed and online workshop running fron May 7th thru June 30. Some of the features of her 2012 Photography Marketing Workshop are:

•12 hours of step-by-step, expert instruction
•8 hours of small group Q&A sessions
•8 weeks of one-on-one, personal coaching
•8 additional weeks of follow-up email support
•A personalized marketing action plan
•Dozens of checklists, templates, and videos
•Unlimited access to all recordings and resources
•THOUSANDS of dollars of free giveaways from our sponsors
Some of the valuable content we’ll teach during our 2012 Photography Marketing Workshop:

•How to choose a specialty
•How to develop marketing personas
•How to research your competition
•How to differentiate yourself from competition
•How to package your services
•How to set your prices to sell better
•How to get more clients by RAISING your prices
•Where to look for the ‘right’ customers
•How to advertise with free exhibits
•How to make a Google-friendly photo blog
•How to get more website traffic
•How to convert web traffic into leads
•How to convert leads into customers
•How to keep customers longer
•How to use social media the right way
•How to track your success and improve over time
•How to sell your services more often
•How to diversify your income
•And much, much more…

Such a wonderful thing she is offering to photographers of all levels! The best thing is you can do it from the comfort of your own home, but most importanly she guarantee's that if the techniques she teaches doesn't work for you to increase your revenue and client base, she’ll give you 100% of your money back! Pretty good thing if you ask me with nothing to lose. Check out this link for more information and registration, and don't forget to let her know that Petunia and Ivy sent you.

http://rachelprocell.com/information/2012-photography-marketing-workshop/

Memorable Epiphanies 1st Birthday Giveaway!

It's about that time again for another wonderful giveaway. Barbara from Memorable Epiphanies is celebrating her 1st birthday and decided to throw one heck of a giveaway. I was so excited when I was asked to sponser that I decided to put my new little lace bonnet up for grabs!

The giveaway is currently live and will run through April 15th. So many fabulous vendors, 80 in all, with some serious prizes to be won! Head on over to her webiste below for all the details. She's even got bonus entries to up your chances of winning!

http://memorableepiphanies.wordpress/2012/04/08/memorable-epiphanies-1st-birthday-big-bash-giveaway/

Good luck to you all!

Benefit For Baby Jillian

Any woman who has ever been blessed with the ability to give birth to a child knows just how many emotions come into play being a parent. Knowing that the little person in your arms is so fragile and precious and is completely dependant upon you. As a mother you want to protect them, keep them safe, and love them with your entire being. Nothing is more special than knowing you brought a new life into this world.

I would like to share with you a story of a family and a little angel named Jillian. Brandy and Stephen were thrilled to have given birth to a brand new baby girl August 24, 2011. At a doctor's appointment, Jillian was diagnosed with Down Syndrome and a hole in her heart was discovered during an ultrasound. On November 29, 2011 she went into children’s hospital for open heart surgery to repair the hole. After the seven hour long surgery, Brandy, Stephen, and their families were relieved to hear their baby girl made it out okay. While in the CICU Jillian had more obstacles thrown her way, which her parents stood by her side every minute. On December 28,2011 Jillian left this world and became one of God's angels.

Rikki Knight Photography reached out to me regarding a charity benefit on behalf of Jillian and her parents to help raise money to help cover funeral expenses and medical bills. There are so many wonderful vendors that have donated items to be auctioned off, and I am so proud to amongst them. The auction will take place on Facebook starting this evening and running through Monday January 23,2012. Please copy and paste link to get all the details and participate.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Rikki-Knight-
Photography/295466629397#!/pages/Rikki-Knight-Photography/295466629397

I can only imagine what Brandy and Stephen must be going through. I hope that they take comfort in knowing that although Jillan left them them far too soon, god had a much bigger plan for her. She will be an angel to all of us and may she soar with the angels above.

Precious Beginnings Newborn Workshop

Ever see a picture and think to yourself in awe just how they captured a particular shot? Well it's no surprise that newborn photography has taken on a whole new meaning. Just seeing some of the images from so many talented newborn photographers leave me speachless at times. Seeing those sweet little bodies scultped into the most adorable little poses is honestly the custest thing ever.

Cherise Kiel, a photographer specializing in newborn photography, is now offering workshops all about tips and techniques on how to get those perfect jaw dropping images. Although she is based out of Arizona she travels around for her workshops. I was honored when she contacted me to see if I'd sponser her workshop by donating items into her swag bags for all in attendance. She is currently working on her 2012 workshop dates with the next one being hosted in Dallas. If you are looking to learn the art of newborn photography or just wanting to brush up on your current skills then this is the workshop for you. What are you waiting for head on over to her FB page and see for your self!

Message From Santa

About a week ago I was talking with a parent in my daughter's kindergarten class. Her son has been getting himself into quite a bit of trouble in class lately and since Christmas is weeks away she thought she's use the Santa is going to put you on the naughty list line. She took to the internet and found a site that allows you to create and fully customizable video message from Santa. I took the opportunity to check out the site and create a message to be sent to my 5 year old daughter. It allows you to enter the childs nams, age, item they are asking for as a gift, and even if they are on the naughty or nice list. It was classic to watch my daughter in amazement watching Santa speak to her. The icing on the cake was the uncertainty when the elves were checking to see which list she was on. All is all it's a great site that is a fun way to make Santa a reality. See for yourelf and have some fun!

http://www.portablenorthpole.tv/home

Happy Holidays!