a follow up with a lovely family { frost on flower }

A little over a week ago I had the pleasure of checking in with a couple that I photographed last summer when they got married. Their wedding was beautiful and it was so nice to see them again! I met Anna and Ernie at Anna's parents house along with their entire family from great grandma all the way down to a new little baby. I love to follow along on a family's journey and check in with them every so often. I was so excited to learn that they're expecting another child! :)

Here are a few of my favorites from our time together. I was disappointed that the weather did not allow for much time outdoors but we made the best of it and had a great time.
































 Hope to see them again soon! :)

a tasty mashup, #CoronaRita

This post brought to you by Chili’s Grill & Bar. All opinions are 100% mine.

I love word mashups. How about you? I have been pretty amused by them.. basically forever and I've always gotten a kick out of making them up.  I am usually less amused by mashups involving food or beverages actually coming to life but I think this situation is an exception to my "rule".

Have you heard of or enjoyed a CoronaRita at Chili's? What is a CoronaRita, you ask?

Corona + Margarita = CoronaRita! Wow!

Is your mind blown? It should be! It's made with Jose Cuervo Especial Tequila and Coronita.

If you are into holidays.. or you look at a calendar.. or you are a person who exists in the world.. you are probably aware that it is nearly Cinco de Mayo!  Do you celebrate Cinco de Mayo? If you are anything like me  you are not prepared for holidays that are no Christmas or your child's birthday. 

Also, if you are anything like me you probably do not have any tequila, let alone Jose Cuervo Especial Tequila. And if you are anything like me you probably don't have any beer either.

So why not let Chili's take care of the complicated part of Cinco de Mayo for you? Grab family and/or friends, enjoy a meal, and a great mashup of a drink - a CoronaRita Margarita!  But don't let a lack of holidays stop you from going out - enjoy a meal out for a special family event, time away from home with friends, or simply on a whim - it's important!

I am sure you've heard of Chili's $20 Dinner for Two promotion.  I know that if we ever find ourselves in Chili's we would most certainly choose that.  Due to my current diet restrictions I would probably play it safe and order the Tostada Chips and Fire Roasted Corn Guacamole and the Quesedilla Explosion Salad (with corn tortillas, of course). Tyler would probably pick something gluten filled, since he typically can't eat that at home. The Classic Bacon Burger or the Cajun Chicken Pasta would do the trick. But no matter what we would order I am pretty certain it would pair quite nicely with a CoronaRita!  

What is your favorite dish at Chili's? What would you order along with a CoronaRita?

Remember... You must be 21 years or older to drink alcoholic beverages and, as always, please remember to drink responsibly. 

 

a very fun family {frost on flower }

This session was both unique and very neat! I met Joanne on Twitter. We both stay at home with our little(s) and, like many moms, have found great community via social networks such as Twitter and Instagram. A couple of months ago we scheduled and session and moved it to the Guthrie Theatre in downtown Minneapolis at the last minute due to unfavorable weather. It's silly - I photographed portraits outdoors in February but was forced to photographed indoors in April.

I met Joanne and her family at the Guthrie Theatre last weekend. We did some exploring, hanging out, and goofing around. Luckily I was able to catch a few moment with everyone together and looking in a similar direction! Most of our time was spent looking out the windows, pointing at things, and being graced by the presence of two very photogenic and eager to be photographed little boys. :)

As usual I have selected some of my favorites to share with you. And as usual... there are a lot. :)











































































It was so nice to meet you in person, Joanne! You have a wonderful family! :)

gluten and sugar free pumpkin cookies.

I whipped up some "cookies" last night and thought I would share. :)

- half of a can of pumpkin purée
- 2 eggs
- 4 tablespoons almond butter
- 3 tablespoons almond flour
- splash of vanilla
- pinch of cinnamon
- dash of nutmeg
- sprinkle of cloves

Preheat oven to 350
Mix all ingredients until smooth
Plop onto parchment lined baking sheet
Bake for 14 minutes (or so.. Our oven isn't overly accurate)








We enjoyed some last night with whipped coconut, a drizzle of maple syrup, and a sprinkle of shredded coconut on top. :)