{just had to}

post this picture of sweet little Emma and her candy cane...

{thank you}

to all who participated in the "Giving is Awesome" campaign....there were so many great stories it was a challenge to choose only one. I can't wait to introduce you to the family that I did choose and show off their beautiful family! Again, thank you for opening your hearts and allowing me to open mine!

{I know I said}

that I would post the 'winner' on Christmas day for the portrait give-away....I, however, am having trouble narrowing down to just one. SO, I am soliciting the help of some fellow photographers and close friends to help me make the decision. I will, hopefully, be back today with the results. Hope everyone had a merry Christmas!

{TODAY is the last}

day to nominate someone for the "Giving is Awesome" campaign! I will take nominations until 10pm tonight and will announce the winner tomorrow. Some 'participants' have asked to stay anonymous so in that case I will just announce that a winner has been chosen.
Remember, this is for a $1200 photo shoot....and for a family who absolutely would never be able to have, or even think about having, custom photography on their walls. You can check out the Giving is Awesome website to see a map of all the photographers participating in the Christmas give-away...it's really amazing how many are! Check it out -> www.givingisawesome.com

And, I've extended the calender drawing until Friday....leave a comment in the December mom-preneur post and you'll be entered into that contest for an awesome 2009 calender!
I'll leave you with this capture of my niece...

{december's Mom-preneur}

is the lovely Kayt; owner of Picture This- As always, I'm excited to share this business with everyone and what perfect timing...just before Christmas...a great last minute gift idea for grandparents! I will let Kayt explain what her business is but first I wanted to let you all know what this month's giveaway is. Since we are so close to Christmas this contest is going to be short and sweet...now through Sunday evening at 10pm leave a comment including your email to be entered into a random drawing to win one of Kayt's adorable calenders. AND, since it is Christmas, I am also including one of my boy's all-time favorite Christmas dvds...'A WowieBOZowie Christmas' from Boz the Bear. Okay, lets get to know Kayt and her business!

Kayt, tell us what "Picture This" is all about and how you came up with the name
I (along with the help of a wonderfully creative friend of mine) design, produce, and sell photo calendars. Each month presents an adorable page of fun papers, stickers, etc. that coordinate with a blank frame. The customers buy the kit or a pre-assembled calendar and paste a picture of their growing little one(s) each month throughout the year.

I ran a contest for all of my existing customers to help me name the company. I rewarded the winner with a $25 gift certificate. A friend’s husband came up with the name but ended up asking for a gift certificate for his wife to get a manicure and pedicure. How sweet!

How long have you been doing this?
This is my 4th season.

What is one struggle you have with starting/owning your own business?
Taming my husband- who would go international with the product if I was willing. He’s the real entrepreneur in the family for sure!

How many kiddos do you have?
2 amazing little boys, ages 3 and 1, and a little one on the way.

How do you balance your business and your family?
I really only work when the kiddos are dreaming- during nap or at night. Having a paper cutter and other crafty items out with two toddlers just hasn’t proven to be the best idea (though attempted). ☺

Anything we can look forward to seeing in your business in the future?
At the minimum… another great calendar for 2010.

Where can we find you online?
The calendars are on etsy, craigslist, and at www.picturethiscalendarkits.blogspot.com

The reason I love what I do is because it allows me to be creative and crafty, and to run a small business. Both are things I greatly enjoy.

Most days I just need some kisses and hugs from my kids.

Don’t count on me to keep my car clean!

If I’m typically craving something it is skittles- the kind that come in the blue bag!

My favorite find in Ft Collins is the Christmas Light display at Woodward Governor during the winter, and Lee Martinez farm during the summer.

My favorite restaurant in Ft Collins is Rasta Pasta without a doubt!

A big thanks to Kayt for sharing her business with us...I'm excited to work on some 'things' together next year! And, just a reminder, her website is www.picturethiscalenderkits.blogspot.com These are GREAT gifts for Christmas so check them out!! Don't forget to leave a comment to win a calender and a BOZ dvd for the kiddos!

{something special}

is happening among photographers across the country, and beyond, thanks to a fellow photog friend, Kristen Kalp of Essential Imagery She is using her talent to bless a family in need and challenging the rest of us to do the same. Well, I accept this challenge and also challenge you to do the same.

(thanks to Kristen for allowing me to borrow her words!)

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.

You know someone. I guarantee it.

I want to know who they are, and I want to give them the chance to experience complimentary custom photography – $1200 worth, to be exact. This includes a session, a slideshow dvd, a 5x5 session album, and $300 in print credit.

Oh, and the best part? The person who nominates the winner receives a $250 print credit. What better reason to show some love could there possibly be.

The rules:

*You cannot nominate yourself, and the person nominated must sincerely be incapable of purchasing my services.

*The nominee must reside in Larimer County. The session has to take place between January and March 2009 and will accommodate up to 5 people.

*Tell me who you know, what they're experiencing, and why you feel they deserve my artwork. Please include a way to contact both your nominee and yourself.
*Comment on this blog entry to let me know you've entered, and e-mail me the full story: lyndsey@lyndseylewphotography.com.

I will be taking nominations through December 22 at 10pm and the winner will be announced on Christmas Eve...get nominating! I can't wait to read all of your entries!

Open your heart to someone this holiday season – and thanks for giving me the opportunity to open mine.

{and the winner is...}

okay, finally I have a sec to name our winner for a gift certificate to "Rag-a-Muffin Totes"....and....the winner is.. Melissa Mullins! Yeah for Melissa!! I will connect with Robin and get your gift card to you as soon as possible!! Thanks to everyone who played!

And, I also had another contest going for a $10 Starbucks gift card...that winner is....Kelly!!! I will put that in the mail for ya! Again, thanks for playing and humoring me!

of course, I have some pictures to post too...this mommy hasn't seen her pictures yet so I thought I would give her a quick look!


and, I posted these two girls a few days ago but I had to show a few of my favorites! Don't you just love her lips??? She actually fell asleep during the shoot and I took the opportunity to try and capture a sale for Patagonia! ;) Anyone know someone who works there?? I'm kidding.
The second picture is her sister. I love this capture in color and black and white...my mom made the hat! I just think she looks like a little fairy!

{a little business}

is always necessary but never that fun! Here's the scoop...

I will not be taking any more orders for Christmas ornaments. I've gotten so many that the little hands making them just can't add any more to the stack!

ALL orders must be placed by this Friday the 7th to ensure Christmas arrival. If you are one of the patiently waiting few, this does not apply to you but know that I am diligently working around the clock to get everything finished as soon as possible.

As of January 1st you will notice a new price structure. And all sessions booked after Jan 1 will be affected. I'm excited about the new boutique items I am offering next year and the future for LyndseyLew Photography. Stay tuned for all the fun details!!

Thanks to all who participated in both my little contests this month. I have not picked a winner for either yet...I will try to get to that tomorrow! I know I say this every month but I am really excited about our next mom-preneur! I really appreciate everyone who's been involved with my mom-preneur venture and hope that we can keep it going! If anyone is interested in that or knows someone who is, please email me!!

I think that's it...probably not but I'm tired...

{still working}

on lots of Christmas "stuff"....here's a little sneak peek of what I'm working on tonight...aren't these two girls the cutest ever?!

{pumpkins}

are the greatest...except for that weird orange/yellow tint they put on faces!! Anyway, I love to photograph kids with pumpkins, it is always SO cute! This family was no exception. Here are few peeks at the third mini-session...

{our mom-preneur}

for November is Robin with Rag-a-Muffin Totes I'm really excited to introduce this mommy to you for two reasons....one, her bags are AWESOME and two, this is not just for the locals. She has a great website and will take orders from out-of-state! And, of course, there will be a contest so if you're interested read through to the bottom to find out how you can win!!! Here's some fun info about Robin and Rag-a-Muffin Totes....

How did you come up with your name?
A couple of reasons. The totes are made in the style of a rag quilt, and as a child, I always wanted to dress myself and never let my mom brush hair, so I was always being called a rag-a-muffin.

What is your official website?
www.ragamuffintotes.com

How long have you been in business?
A little over a year

Tell us about your totes and how you developed the concept behind it.
I make tenderly tattered totes, handbags, diaper bags, baby quilts, security blanket and more! I've always been a purse girl and I'm sure my hubby was tired of buying them, so I decided to put two of my pastimes together - sewing and purses. I made a couple of bags for myself but so many people loved them that I decided to start selling them.

How do you balance your business and your family?
I've come up with a system of days. On certain days I work on orders, and on the other days I work on housework, etc. And I generally work only during nap times, that way, when my kids are awake I can be attentive to them and their needs.

Anything we can look forward to seeing in your business in the future?
Hopefully some "Daddy diaper bags"! and always, new fabrics

My favorite shopping link is etsy.com - I can spend HOURS on it!!


My favorite find in Ft Collins is Kahlua Madness and the Human Bean (yes, I agree)

My favorite restaurant in Ft Collins is HuHot Mongolian Grill (yep, absolutely!)

Most days I just need some coffee!!!

Don't count on me to be caught up on laundry! Ha! Or spend a lot of time chatting on the phone...really you are a lucky person if I actually answer it!

If I'm typically craving something it is A coffee drink and dark chocolate (umm...agree here too!)


















Thanks to Robin for being a willing participant of my mommy-preneur 'thing'! Check out her website, www.ragamuffintotes.com, and see for yourself how cool these are!! (You can see all the totes she currently has in stock and all the fabric choices available on the website.)
SOOO....if you are interested in purchasing a custom made bag for yourself or for a fun Christmas gift, leave a comment and your email and you will be put in a drawing for a gift certificate of $25 towards purchase! You have until November 30th at 10pm!

{awww...}

could these two be any cuter?? Here is a peek of mini-session number 2 - I'll try to post more tonight...and, stay tuned for the November Mom-preneur (even though we are already half-way through the month!)

{finally}

working on the mini-sessions from 10/18 and 10/25...those of you waiting ever so patiently....soon, real soon! ;) Here is the first sneak peek of that wonderful day.

{a few more}

that I love from one of my recent shoots and a little sneak peek of the one I'm working on right now. I've photographed the little girl in the black hat before and she was as much a joy as she was the first time. She is so cute and such a stinker!! Can't you just see the attitude flowing from her?? It's great!

{there's a picture of me}

taken during a workshop I attended over the summer. Do you think you can find it? I'll give you a hint....click here and flip through her blog to find it (I was there in July). To win a $10 gift card to Starbucks email me the blog title and what I was doing in the picture. And, yes, there's something in it for me....she's having a contest to see who can get the most people to her site from theirs. SO, if you don't care about finding me...just go to her site anyway, it's great! ;)

{i've been busy}

trying to get all these shoots edited....here are some I've just finished up. I had to put one of little "E" pouring rocks all over herself...she was hilarious!

{a couple cards}

that I've done recently and a perfect capture of what happens at the end of a shoot...so cute!

{and the winner is}

Jenn! Yeah for Jenn! Thanks to everyone that left a comment, they were great! Stayed tuned for our November Mom-preneur - I'm very excited to introduce this mommy to everyone. AND, for those of you out-of-state, you are included this time. She has a website and does out-of-state orders!

{one last call}

for anyone that wants FREE yummy cupcakes! You can still enter your name in the comment section of this post -> click here until 10 pm tonight. Yummy cupcakes!!!

And, here is a little preview for another very patient mommy....

{such a cutie}

I just had to show off this picture...he is SO cute!

{just a few}

for a patient momma! Here is a little sneak peek for you....

{FYI...}

the post about cupcakes.....is also a contest to get FREE cupcakes....read the post, leave a comment...don't forget your email address...FREE cupcakes... ;)

{it's no surprise}

that I'm really behind. So, if you're waiting for pictures, or just even waiting to see a little peak, know that they are coming...I promise! ;)

Here is the first of a 9 session stretch I've had in only 10 days. (kind of crazy, I know!) This family was so sweet and fun. I had a great time with these two and so did my little guy. Every time he sees a picture of them he starts talking and laughing and giggling...he is in love with them both - and how could you not be? They have a sibling bond that is so incredible...very cool! Here are a few of my favorites.

{has anyone eaten a cupcake}

from the ButterCream Cupcakery? I am so excited to have the opportunity to feature this great business and team of sister mom-preneurs this month (even though it's almost over :)). This local business is located off of Mason, right next to Albertson's. The shop itself is so cute and, of course, the cupcakes are heavenly! This isn't any ordinary cupcake either...flavors include pumpkin, pink lemonade and toasted coconut (which I love) - a different flavor is featured each day and then every day you get red velvet, chocolate, vanilla, vanilla bean...mouth watering yet? Like last month's mom-preneur, I had Mary and Robin answer some questions to get to know them and their business a little better:

How did you come up with the name? After weeks of brainstorming possible names, Butter Cream popped into Robin's head in the middle of the night. Cupcakery came from hearing the word on Martha Stewart's show.

How long have you been in business? We came up with the idea in January 2008, and opened the store August 2, 2008.

Please explain a little bit about your business and how you developed the concept behind it
we were inspired by the very successful cupcake shops in Denver and nationwide, and thought Fort Collins was ready for one :)

Where is your store located? Our store is at the SW corner of Horsetooth and College, next to Albertsons and our website address is www.buttercreamcupcakery.com

What is the hardest part or some your stuggles you've had starting your own business? we just want to please everyone, and sometimes that is just not possible!

How do you balance your business and your family? We both have incredibly supportive husbands that have helped out with the kids. We also think that the time we do spend together as a family is so precious and not taken for granted anymore.

What are some of your short and long term goals? A short term goal would be to get some large weekly corporate orders going. A long term goal would be to open 3-4 more stores throughout Colorado in the next 5 years.

Anything we can look forward to seeing in your business in the future? More specialty baked goods, watch for our holiday pies and cheesecakes.

How many kiddos do you have?
Mary 2 kids - Alice, 7 and Oliver, 4
Robin 4 kids - Clara, 4, Ella, 7 , Ivan, 21 and Rosemarie 26

My Favorite shopping link is
Mary - candywarehouse.com
Robin - crate&barrel.com

My Favorite find in FC is
Mary - downtown lights during the holidays
Robin - Paciugo gelato at Centerra

The reason I love what I do is
Mary - I get to bake cupcakes all morning in my commercial kitchen :)
Robin - I get to meet new people everyday and help make their day better

Most days I just need...
Mary - a Coyote Gold Margarita
Robin - a good strong cup of coffee

Dont count on me to.....
Mary - make lattes
Robin - clean the bathrooms :)

If i'm typically craving something it is.....
Mary - sushi
Robin - Junior Mints

Where would we find you on a lazy day with the family?
Mary - at home relaxing
Robin - breakfast at the Backporch Cafe and a movie

Thanks Mary and Robin! Again, you can find amazing cupcakes at The ButterCream Cupcakery on Mason Dr, just west of Albertson's.
And, for those of you who haven't tried a cupcake yet or have, and are in love with them like I am....leave a comment and your email address and I will enter you in a contest to win a half dozen cupcakes - flavor is your choice! You have until October 31st at midnight to enter!

One more thing, if you are interested in being a featured mom-preneur or know someone who is, send me an email and let me know!

{it's been a little while}

since I posted, but, it's also been a bit crazy around here! October is turning out to be quite a month and has been extremely busy - which is definitely a good thing! ;) An update on the schedule....I am now booked until after the New Year. Yep, booked. I do have a few days available for newborns but everything else is filled up! SO, I am now booking for Jan/Feb and early spring.

Here is a little teeny, long-awaited, preview from a session a few weeks ago (oh, yeah, a little behind!)

{i just had to}

share this picture of baby G...she is just SOOO cute! All of her pics are adorable, I just had to post another!

{we have a winner}

and her name is Kari! Yeah! Kari has her choice of using the $25 towards a session this fall or saving it for a winter session. Congrats to you Kari!

I am working on this month's featured mom so stay tuned!!

And, what's a post with out pictures? These are a few from my other session this weekend...just a peek for now!