{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?!