PIXbyemily

p.s. i love you

2012-01-31T15:51:00.000-08:00

thanks to some inspiration from a friend, i stumbled upon this idea. as soon as i saw it i wanted one...as soon as i made one, i wanted everyone i know to have one. it is no secret that i am a huge fan, and quite possibly the president and ceo, of encouragement. and well this little item encourages peeps to encourage their peeps. a simple picture frame holds a piece of cotton fabric, perfectly wrinkled and stitched to look like a treasured note. all adorned with fun fabric flowers & buttons. a blank canvas waiting for you to pick up a dry erase marker and write a love note…and then another…and another…and another. it is a no brainer that my extended family will be receiving these for Christmas this year. (take that christmas 'to do' list!) and I could not resist growing my ‘recipe binder family’ with the addition of a grocery list. the perfect 'pre-meal planning' list for items i run out of during the week.

perfect way to start your spouse's or children's day, when they wake up to a special note from you.

i can't think of a better way to motivate your loved one as they are working.

decorative reminder to always give thanks and lift others in prayer.

not so much of a dreaded chore anymore.

a fun way to send off or welcome home your family.

let your children know why you love them.

note: I’m in the process of opening an etsy store for all of my craft adventures, but until then if you are interested in these little items, please get my attention by sending a message to me at pixbyemily@cox.net

[ps i love you frames start @ $15]

r&d... ... wedding [sneak peek]

2012-01-20T08:09:00.000-08:00

introducing mr. & mrs. k

congratulations!

look harder

2011-12-17T09:49:00.000-08:00

recipe binders ... ... debut

2011-12-17T09:41:00.000-08:00

did you happen to see the before & after post i did on my recipe binder? if not go here for the fun transformation. well apparently peeps noticed and were almost as excited as i was. i say almost because when i actually made mine, at a recipe binder party (what is that you ask? a ton of women sharing their delish dishes and exchanging recipes all while decorating a binder to keep them organized in. also known as, food & fun.) uh...where was i... oh yes, at this party, i seemed to be a tad, who am i kidding, much more excited than the other ladies when it came to creating the binder. i arrived with photos i had taken and printed & special labels. i wasn't just throwing together some fancy scraps of paper...i was taking this serious. (thus the laughter and pointing you'll read about in a minute.) i saw mine as a family treasure that could be passed down to future generations. the thought of my daughter in law, or niece, or grandchild, flipping through these pages and baking from the same words passed down from my grandmother just makes me smile. if you can relate, thank you. if not, then feel free to point and laugh or tease, but trust me you are going to want one. i had several requests/orders and a few i wanted to make for gifts, so i began the creative proccess and assembly line. mmm about 2 months in and i found myself with half finished binders and no way of justifying the time i would need to spend on them. this where my friend nicole entered and put on her elf hat (which if you know her, you know how stinking adorable she looks in hats! even elf hats.) she literally left my house one day with a basket of supplies and not quite finished binders and a week later delivered them to me all complete! thank you does not even come close to expressing my gratitude for you my friend.

so many styles from fresh & bright colors to french provincial.

the cover and each divider has photos taken by me giving it a professional 'cook book' feel.

each divider is secured in a sheet protector with double sided grommeted tabs.

a hand stamped thank you tag and some italian parsely seeds for you to plant are the final touch, right before it is shipped two day priority.

custom family titles and photo covers are available

see my recipe binder for an example

if you are interested in or have questions, please contact me pixbyemily@cox.net

JOY to the world

2011-12-17T09:10:00.000-08:00

this year we had our family pix taken by Summer Montoya Photography and then i designed a simple photo card to share with our friends and family.

and another of my dear friends & fellow photogers, mary, allowed me the honor (two years in a row!) of taking their pix and custom designing a card for them. we worked well together and i fell in love with the final product.

i took a bit of a break this year from creating/designing holiday cards but i missed it. i think i'll start sketching in january and be ready for some fun new layouts in the Fall of 2012.

old things new life... ... [revisted]

2011-12-16T15:15:00.000-08:00

remember these old things?

here they are in their new life.

my friend Lynn called me up a couple months ago and said she had some 'old windows' in her possession...was wondering if i was interested in them...of course i said YES. above is one of them. thank you for thinking of me

oh the plans i've had for the 'space above the kitchen window' since we moved in 3 years ago. valance? no valance? "elbows welcomed on the table" vinyl lettering? collage of art? mammoth pottery barn fork and spoon? today i am SO THANKFUL that I stared at that blank space for 3 years and waited for this... mad props to nicole marshall for turning an idea, some scraps of fabric & and an old, very tattered window frame into a special, very special, corner of our home.

lady eleanor

2011-12-16T14:49:00.000-08:00

simple.comfort.warmth.made by hand.with love.

-shout out to my girl summer for demonstrating how to look cute and wear an infinity scarf-

my friend jeanette, is full of fun artisticness (yup, look it up!). above are my two favorite items. the infinity scarf...believe it or not i sport my quite often during the desert winter - all 2.5 months. AND the wristbelt, which she makes from repurposed belts. everything she sells is handmade by her and given unique attention all along the way. check out Lady Eleanor's facebook page and place an order!

the j family... ... [sneak peek]

2011-12-16T14:34:00.000-08:00

one of these kids is doing their own thing

one of these kids is not like the others

the m family pix

2011-12-16T14:31:00.000-08:00

laughing.smiling.joking.kissing.giggling.dancing.chuckling.loving.

they did it all and they did it well.

told ya.

the p family pix

2011-12-16T14:03:00.000-08:00

fun mom + fun son = super fun session.

isn't she gorgeous? YES she is!!!

tenderness.sillyness.young man.tough.mature woman.beautiful.sweet.

crystalyn kae winter '11 collection

2011-11-23T14:41:00.000-08:00

cute and sophisticated. handmade and original. with a splash OH color.

go. shop. http://www.crystalynkae.com/

the l family pix

2011-11-23T14:20:00.000-08:00

laughter. tears. hugs. smiles. pedaling. pouting. fits.climbing. kissing.

this family knows love.

this is motherhood.

another friend in the bizz...check out mary's photography work @ http://marylessigphoto1.blogspot.com/

the m family ... ... [sneak peek]

2011-11-22T14:01:00.000-08:00

fun new location. dear longtime friends.

summer and i are usually partners in crime on the 'other' side of the lens, but this time she was front & center. check our her amazing work http://summermontoyaphotography.blogspot.com/

crystalyn kae winter '11... [sneak peek]

2011-11-21T13:56:00.000-08:00

i got to work with Crystalyn Kae's amazing handbags again.

the p family... ... [sneak peek]

2011-11-20T14:23:00.000-08:00

here's the story of a lovely lady...busy with a growing boy of her own.

the L family... ... [sneak peek]

2011-11-04T06:26:00.000-07:00

this is family.

thank you L fam for helping me 'see the ~~light~~ shade' that morning.

crystalyn kae... fall 2011

2011-11-03T08:31:00.000-07:00

fall.fashion.frenzy.

all of these amazing purses are handmade by the creative genius, crystalyn, herself

a taste of seattle. the great northwest will always be my home.

seriously one my favorite shoots to date. strolling around wallingford, stopping for coffee, with family and the wonderwoman of purses right smack in the middle of my favorite season, autumn.

thank you crystalyn for opening your studio to me and trusting me with your awesomeness!

shout it out... baby T

2011-11-03T06:54:00.000-07:00

look at those eyes. his & hers.

you are such an amazing mother! i will so enjoy watching your family grow.

landon

2011-11-02T06:50:00.000-07:00

a boy and his mama.

perfect combination of rough 'n tough & sweetness.
and his mama could not love him more.

the gift of a child

2011-11-01T15:44:00.000-07:00

you've heard it before... 'life is a gift'.

this little newborn life is truly a gift.

'C'...is for Christian

2011-11-01T15:09:00.000-07:00

learning can be fun too!

old things...new life

2011-11-01T14:58:00.000-07:00

i was given some old things.

i have plans to give them new life.

r&w ... ... [wedding]

2011-11-01T06:31:00.000-07:00

mr. and mrs.

-album design: template courtesy of http://melissadavisphotography.com/templatesforyou/ -

... first look

here comes the bride...

raise a glass & put on your dancin' shoes...

pure romance.

finding JOY

2011-10-15T22:35:00.000-07:00

it is all around you. open your eyes. breathe. take it in. deeply. dare to find the joy in the ordinary.

the coffee shop... ...[sneak peek]

2011-10-03T08:09:00.000-07:00

num.num.num.

hungry? get there. http://www.thecoffeeshopaz.com/TCS/

crystalyn kae handbags... ... [sneak peek]

2011-10-03T07:46:00.000-07:00

received an invite to visit the studio of the amazingly creative Crystalyn of Crystalyn Kae Handbags . Turned into an on the fly outdoor Fall Fashion Frenzy!

go.shop.drool.buy.

http://www.crystalynkae.com/

stay tuned for the reveal of the custom photography bag that she is making for me.

baby T... ...[sneak peek]

2011-09-22T06:52:00.000-07:00

little.brown.toes.

Landon... ... [sneak peek]

2011-09-22T06:50:00.000-07:00

ONE smart TWO year old.

r&w... ...wedding [sneak peek]

2011-09-22T06:48:00.000-07:00

they did.

HE met me.

2011-09-20T09:46:00.000-07:00

in a song from my mailbox on my way out of town. in the empty middle seat on my flight up. in the parking lot outside a beauty salon. with the smile of a friend not seen in 14 years. under the canopy of branches behind a church. by a hot rod with bright orange flames. with open skies and a red barn wall. through kind thanksgiving from a bride & groom. on a ferry in the Puget Sound. with a cup of clam chowder. in the skyline of my childhood blanketed in mist. in a text message from a friend back home. with a snuggly baby in my lap. in the morning when i woke and didn’t need to get out of bed. with a view from the car window on my way through the city. in a studio of one very creative girl. with colors & textures. on an overpass; by a brick wall; in a coffee bar; on a blue bench; with leaves on a hill. with overcast skies yet no rain. with a chocolate shake to share on a curb. in a two year old boy’s brown eyes. in the front yard of a house for sale. with the sweet smell of baby. in the wrinkles and folds of a 2 month old. in a dance with our families next generation. with a warm meal in a home filled with love. with laughter and joy. with wide open arms of a sweet long haired girl. in the care of my mother. in an honest conversation with my big cousin. with a warm fleece blanket at 3 a.m. in the message of a dear friend. as i stood in line at the security check point. with a familiar face and the conversation of a stranger. by an outlet in the airport. with the reunion of an old friend in a sea of people i didn’t know. in the voice of my love calling to say he’ll meet me in three hours. with snuggles and kisses and stories of their adventures. in the words he spoke; words of his love & appreciation; words of our friendship; words that are engraved upon my heart forever.

HE met me... ... when & where i didn't expect. i am humbled that HE cares and orchestrates all around me for HIS GLORY.

mr. & mrs. B + belly

2011-08-25T22:45:00.000-07:00

simple. true. real. i learned a lot from this shoot. fancy coordinated and finely ironed clothes don't make the photo. professional landscaped backgrounds don't make the picture. a clean shaven man and glamorized girl don't make the picture. what is simple. what is true. what is real. that is what makes a picture. these two are no strangers to my lens, see their sweet wedding session here . i thought i was prepared to preserve this season in their lives...but that overcast day, in their front yard, during a break from home improvements for the new bundle arriving just weeks away, i was taken by surprise. thank you f & j for being you and letting me into your world. mrs. b you shine, i mean really shine when mr. b is being goofy. most wives would have been annoyed with their husband being silly during a maternity photo shot, but it was so obviously clear to me that you were meant for eachother. she shines, really shines when he is being goofy. and trust me he was being goofy. i feel like i was blessed with seeing and capturing you two and your love in its purest form. looking forward to snapping some pix of that handsome baby outside your belly.

below is a custom announcement i designed to announce the birth of their little man.

the H family...also known as 'the moose family'

2011-08-25T22:18:00.000-07:00

laughing. running. playing. loving. that is what this family is all about. and i am so thankful to have been able to spend an afternoon with them. if they could bottle Little Miss Moose's energy they'd be millionaires. That battery bunny has nothing on her!

(making it official - they are engaged to be married next year) YAY!

hugs 'n kisses to & from the Moose Family!

whatch'ya got cookin'?

2011-08-08T20:43:00.000-07:00

before. (recipe book makeover) while this one is cute, in a farmhouse sorta way, and it is small (allowing for easy storage)... it IS small. for this wife of twelve years, and mom of two boys, there isn't a lot of time spent on handwriting recipes. more often it involves a search on google or an email from a friend, at which point i quickly print it out and get cookin', or bakin' as the case may be. thus my cute & small recipe book has accumulated many folded, recipes. this does not make for easy meal planning, nor timely retrieval of a particular recipe when i need it. so it was time. time for a makeover.

step one. picked up some super fun scrapbook paper, gathered some scraps of ribbon, printed a title page as well as some labels and set up my dining room table like the set of a commercial for all things food. snapped a handful of themed pix to use for my dividers.

step two. edit, print, cut, & assemble. i layered the complimentary papers. arranged my themed food pix. stapled on some tabs and stuck on the labels. then came the glossary. one of the challenges of my old recipe book was that i had a pile of folded recipes in no particular order, so when i knew which recipe i wanted, it took me way too long to find it. i printed out a few pieces of paper with columns -one for each letter of the alphabet- as i add a recipe i assign a page number (note: each section has its own numbering ie. breakfast is b1, b2, b3...lunch is l1, l2, l3) log it in the appropriate column and look forward to the ease of finding it quickly when i want it.

after. when it all came together, i found myself oddly giddy about how organized it all was and actually excited to sit down and plan meals. and i hope that some day it will be a family treasure for future generations.

e... ...business headshot

2011-07-09T01:34:00.000-07:00

OK, pay attention. i've known this beautiful & successful woman since i started out in the 'real world' as a bank teller back in 1996, in Washignton State. she inspired me and encouraged me in ways she isn't even aware of. we've kept in touch over the years...though more recently only once or twice a year. out of the blue she calls me to see if i have plans of traveling to WA at all in the next few months...she was in the process of creating a business brochure and in need of some headshots. NOT KIDDING, i had a ticket already purchased and was sneaking away for a break to Seattle, just 3 days after she called. it turned out i was staying only 20 minutes from where she lived (up until last year we would have been at least an hour drive away from one another) so we were able to meet up. i had two other shoots that weekend and lots of family & fun time scheduled, but i am so thankful that God made an appointment for me too!

E you are STILL inspiring and encouraging. i love ya.

a&j... ... wedding

2011-07-09T01:12:00.000-07:00

guess who holla'd my way, again??? that's right, Summer Montoya and I paired up for another super fun day of shooting. i look at these pix and i can't help but smile because of how blessed i was to spend 8 hours with an amazing friend and fellow photographer.

not to mention what a crazy kewl wedding we were capturing. speaking of... ...

Fun is the word that describes this couple, and the amazing circle of friends & family that surround them. From getting ready to closing down the dance floor, this gang knew how to celebrate such a special union. i really felt honored to witness it and be a part of it for a day. So thank you a&j for being YOU and welcoming me into your world. And a big thank you to my partner in crime, Summer for trusting me to be her wingman.

a break from MY norm.

2011-06-30T21:38:00.000-07:00

seattle evergreen lake washington bellevue square slugs emeral city ferry rides dick's drive in special burger port of tacoma nirvanna puget sound olympic mountains tully's coffee rain space needle layers the great northwest salt water duke's chowder house moss mt rainier driftwood farmers markets overcast seattle sounders downtown historical pearl jam queen anne hill broadway starbucks seafair weekend hendrix

the great northwest

a&t... ...wedding

2011-06-30T21:19:00.000-07:00

Summer Montoya called again and asked if i wanted to hang out with her for an afternoon - evening, oh AND shoot photos. yup, i jumped at the chance to be her 2nd shooter and it proved to be yet another great event.

Love! love is the word i use to describe this wedding. yes the bride and groom were oozing with adoring love for one another, but honestly it was everything else that boldly spoke of love. the many friends and family that gave their time, their talents, their all to create an unforgetable wedding day for this couple. it was a simple, backyard ceremony, yet there was really nothing simple about it. this wedding was much more than an expression of commitment and love between a man and wife it was a pouring out of support & joy from their friends and family.

super fun wedding party too!

You're Here... ...album cover

2011-06-30T20:55:00.000-07:00

this was by far one of my f.a.v.o.r.i.t.e. photoshoots everrrrrrr! a dear friend and personal mentor of mine called me and shared the wonderful news that she was making an album and asked if I would help her with pix for the cd cover. i was excited about her making an album and simply honored that she would invite me to be a part of it. and let us all be thankful that she didn't ask me to perform a duet with her. photos i can do, singing? not my thang. we headed to a local pistachio grove and waited for the sunlight to come out and play. it did, and so did we.

a beatiful woman, inside & out (i know that's cliche, but it is the truth) great sense of humor, which made for a FUN-tastic shoot and the voice of an angel (i know i know, but really God blessed this woman with an amazing voice!)

ABOUT THE CD: titled 'You're Here', it will be released on September 1st of this year. It is a collection of 10 songs, 2 of them are original. The songs are inspirational and meant to encourage the listener in their faith. Proceeds will got o 'Finisterre Vision' to reach the tribes people of Papau New Guinea with the gospel of Jesus Christ.

When the album is released, I'll post more on how to purchase a CD as well as details on the ministry the proceeds are going to.

i'm looking forward to that duet...in the privacy of my own home!

a&a... ... wedding

2011-06-30T20:41:00.001-07:00

1st things 1st: a big shout out to my super fly friend & fellow photographer Summer Montoya who invited me along as her 2nd shooter. It really isn't 'work' with you girl!

Wow! that is the word i choose to sum this wedding up. from beauty (i began to wonder if it was a prerequisite in order to attend the event) to silly craziness (much laughter was had from photos to the dance floor) to oh so sweet tenderness (the goom shed a tear or two during the ceremony) this afternoon had it all.

both bride and groom have vibrant personalities which reflect a vibrant love and i for one was happy to witness it. congrats to the Mr. & Mrs.!

Fourth Annual 4th

2011-06-17T20:58:00.000-07:00

Every year since my sister & her family moved to the desert we’ve celebrated the 4th OH July together (and every other holiday we possibly can) so naturally I’ve been planning the festivities and have decided to step it up a notch yet keep it home-spun if you will. The menu: baby back ribs, corn on the cob, macaroni n cheese, raspberry lemonade, brownies and s’mores. The fun: swimming in the pool, dancing in the kitchen, bbq-ing in the back yard and lighting up the sky in the driveway. The extras: all American tunes, all things red-white-&blue… canning jars full of red licorice, glow sticks & star beaded necklaces for the kiddos, platters of baby ruths & nestle crunch bars, all trimmed with a homemade paper banner. Which leads me to the purpose of this post – the banner. I’m always up for a craft project so I challenged myself to this one…a few google searches and a 5 for $1.00 sale on scrapbook paper at Joann Fabrics and I was ready to go. Keep reading to learn for yourself.

Step 1: hit up your local scrapbook store and try not to spend the entire day in there.

Step 2: create a simple triangle template, trace onto stacks of paper and get busy cutting.

Step 3: lay them out into a pattern

Step 4: pin the ribbon to the front of each triangle, lining up with the top edge and allowing ¼” – ½” of overlap from paper to paper.

Step 5: start sewing the ribbon on

Step 6: that’s it! Find the perfect place to display…around your front door, in front of your buffet table or along a stair rail.

Note: this is a very simple banner, all about the papers. You can easily fancy it up by cutting triangles with decorative edge scissors or adding layers of colored papers & cut out letters. I also found a no sew version, using a hole punch and weaving the ribbon, which allowed for easy folding and storage.

I saw these AHmazing strawberries last year http://kreatid.blogspot.com/2010/07/strawberry-awesomeness.html and you can bet they’ll make an appearance on our table again this year.

come and knock on my door.

2011-06-17T16:02:00.000-07:00

Below are pix of a little weekend project. (Okay maybe a few weekends.) This June marks 3 years in this house and we’ve been trying to make it ‘ours’. Truth be told we wanted to paint the entire exterior last Fall and just couldn’t validate the expense of it. So I went into thrifty creative – not gonna give up – mode and came up with a few little changes that would update the front of the house. New paint for the door & trim, and for the metal railing on the upper level; new light fixtures for the entry & garages; updated door knocker and new kick plates; some greenery and clean door matt; purchased some new house numbers then built & routed a custom wood plaque for them. All inspired by the custom made ‘welcome’ sign (by my friend Jessica http://www.joyframeworks.blogspot.com/ ) a $2 chair I rescued from a yard sale and a cranberry wreath I snagged at Target in the Holiday clearance bin.

When Joe broke his toe (the weekend we had planned to start) I wasn’t sure any of this would get done. We had the HOA approval and all the supplies already purchased so I just went for it. And I am so thankful I did. It would be too hot to tackle any of it now.

Don’t be surprised if you get stuck behind me on our street…every time I back out of our driveway, I have to check it all out!

before & after

Jordyn.........senior part 2 [continued]

2011-06-01T14:14:00.000-07:00

beauty. pure. stunning. sweet. wholesome. beauty. jordyn you are unique for SO many reasons and i am so honored to have watched you grow up over the years. you already know that you can achieve anything you want, so i'll just remind you to follow the path HE is laying out before you and continue to shine along the way.

we took some of her favorites shots and turned them into a mini accordian book. such a fun keepsake. read more about 'em here .

i {heart} faces...MOTHERHOOD.

2011-05-09T09:57:00.000-07:00

this week the peeps at i {heart} faces chose an appropriate subject for the weekly challenge...motherhood! this little mama has a heart larger than life and she fills it with Jesus, her husband and 4, yup f.o.u.r., little ones. (Her oldest daughter (4yrs) is not in the photo). On my most tough days with my two, yup one-two, boys, I look at this picture and see what motherhood truly is. Doing whatever it takes, going to whatever lengths, pushing yourself to do the near impossible in order that your child/children feel secure and loved.

Celebrate more mothers at http://www.iheartfaces.com/

Jordyn... ... senior part 2!

2011-05-05T13:18:00.000-07:00

sneak peek!

nuff said.

Bree... ... SENIOR

2011-05-01T21:09:00.000-07:00

Super fun girl + beauty = Bree.

She really does shine from within and I was honored to capture her in this special milestone season of life.

high school S.E.N.I.O.R. products

2011-04-30T13:06:00.000-07:00

I recently threw together some of my favorite high school senior session pix and made a promo card. One of these days, I'll complete an entire line of marketing materials, but for now i'm trying to get the word out to all of the incoming seniors - what up class-o-2012! I started using a new lab (for me anyway) and was very pleased with their service and quality of products.

-senior promo card-

I also spent some time designing a mini accordion book. these are the coolest things ever. magnetic closure, protective case and 12 pages of your favorite pix! another quality product. i would love to design one just for you!

-mini accordion book-contact me for more info on products offered pixbyemily@cox.net

Anna... ...SENIOR

2011-04-29T21:17:00.000-07:00

Meet Anna. Quiet, sweet, g.o.r.g.e.o.u.s. Anna!
One of her best features is that she doesn't even realize how pretty she is.

Anna's custom designed grad announcement

i {heart} faces... ... slice of life

2011-03-28T20:36:00.000-07:00

this week the fabulous peeps at I HEART FACES have tossed out a challenge to capture a 'slice of life'. This style of photography was my first love. When you really catch a 'm o m e n t' it is as if God plated you up a little treat to indulge with your lens. People & emotions just as they are. I {heart} photojournalistic...lifestyle...candid pix!

(two boys and their daddy, their hero.)

Please stop by the I {heart} Faces diner and treat yourself to more slices-of-life!

i {heart} faces... ... sunFLARE!

2011-03-15T09:28:00.001-07:00

I {heart} the peeps over at i {heart} faces for having a SUN FLARE photo challenge!

(sun kissed)

wash

dry

fold

repeat.

view all the FLARE-ific pix by clicking above

[vintage] for me it is a time...

2011-03-11T20:10:00.000-08:00

here is my entry for the latest Kreatid Photo Challenge [vintage]

A clothesline was a news forecast, to neighbors passing by.
There were no secrets you could keep when clothes were hung to dry.
It also was a friendly link, for neighbors always knew
If company had stopped on by to spend a night or two.
For then you’d see the “fancy” sheets and towels upon the line.
You’d see the “company tablecloth” with intricate design.
The line announced a baby’s birth, from folks who lived inside
As brand-new infant clothes were hung, so carefully with pride!
The ages of the children could so readily by known;
By watching how the sizes changed, you’d know how much they’d grown!
It also told when illness struck, as extra sheets were hung;
Then nightclothes, and a bathrobe, too haphazardly were strung.
It also said, “Gone on vacation now,” when lines hung limp and bare.
It told, “We’re back!” when full lines sagged with not an inch to spare!
New folks in town were scorned upon, if wash was dingy and gray,
As neighbors carefully raised their brows, and looked the other way…
But clotheslines now are of the past, for dryers make work much less.
Now what goes on inside a home is anybody’s guess!
I really miss that way of life - it was a friendly sign;
When neighbors knew each other best by what hung on the line.

-anonymous

If you like it, please head over to Kreatid's Facebook Fanpage HERE (if you haven't already, 'like' the fanpage) and then vote for my photo. Each 'like' & comment earns me a point!

THANK YOU

P.S. check out the OTHER pix. It was a battle to the end, but I could only pick ONE.

[TyPoGrApHy] photo challenge

2011-03-01T20:27:00.000-08:00

*note: above photo is featured in this month's contest [vintage]

These challenges hosted by Jen at Kreatid Photography & Design simply ROCK! I am having so much fun looking at ordinary objects and moments in a new way.

[MEMORIES] 4 the win!

2011-02-03T12:14:00.001-08:00

winner winner, chicken dinner! WOW! thx to all the peeps that voted for my pix, I won. HUGE shout out to kreatid photography + design for inviting us to think with no boundaries. Please follow the link to see Jen's thoughts on the winning pix. And THANK YOU to OneLateNight Handmade and Vintage for generously giving such a coooool prize! keep watching for the next challenge and this time ENTER your own! ...and then vote for mine! wink wink.

[memories] through the years

[memories] my life...chapter one, i can't remember a day that she didn't love me; chapter two, i still can't remember a day that he hasn't laughed with me; chapter three, i can't imagine a day without them

The D Family - Party-O-Four

2011-02-03T08:42:00.001-08:00

Oh how I hold a special place in my heart for this family! We met through Craigslist. They purchased some items from us when they were expecting Little Boy #1. From the minute they walked into our home I just felt like I had known them. After a few emails exchanged we realized we lived only blocks from eachother. A few meals delivered and some boxes full of hand-me-down clothes later, they were expecting Little Boy #2 and wanted some family photos before his arrival (Feb 2nd!). After spending some time with them during this shoot, I am super excited to meet and snap a few shots of another new baby, and I can not wait to see Big Brother in action. As a mother of two boys, I may be a little biased, but I think brothers are the best! Thank you D Family for letting me in on this season of your lives.

[PASSION]

2011-01-25T19:41:00.000-08:00

1.27.11 update: My entries came in 2nd place! thank you to everyone who checked out all of the amazing entries and for supporting me. :o) go to Jen's site here to see her post on the top 3.

another weekly challenge by Kreatid Photography & Design, this week she is asking us to share what we are passionate about. My entries are below.

my passion? i've wrestled with this for 3 days and concluded that technically people are my passion, but it is much more than that. encouraging people, that is my passion.
note: antique tin memo board credit to JOYFRAMEWORKS

passion: intense, driving, or overmastering feeling or conviction
TO ALWAYS FIND THE LIGHT & GOOD IN EVERY SITUATION.

If you'd like to vote for them, you can go to Kreatid's facebook page HERE (like the page) then scroll to my entries and like/comment on them. Be prepared to be inspired by all of the amazing entries!

my [WORLD] comes in 3rd

2011-01-19T19:52:00.000-08:00

Anyone who 'really' knows me, knows that i am always game for some friendly competition. So when I heard that fellow photographer/graphic designer/Christ follower/Gilbert AZ dweller & friend, was hosting a 'contest' on her facebook fan page, I just had to do my part in supporting her, right?

Jen @ [KREATID photography + design] challenged anyone & everyone to share 'their world'. My entry is below:

in MY WORLD i am a tightrope walker. finding balance between Him, him & them. in MY WORLD i am a conductor. orchestrating my roles as daughter to The King, wife to my beloved and mother of our two boys. in MY WORLD i am me. comfortable and smudged, graceful and polished.

I am so thankful to be a part of a community of such amazingly creative and open people.

NOTE: you can read Jen's post displaying the top 3 entries here .

ten million strong....and growing!

2010-12-01T20:59:00.000-08:00

do you remember that jingle from the Flintstone's vitamin commercials? That is what I hear in my head when I spend time with this a.m.a.z.i.n.g. family! Husband and wife still so in love and working in harmony as they raise up the four wonderful children God has blessed them with. When hanging with this family, I am humbled and HE is glorified. We've seen the twins before, but oh how I enjoyed time with all SIX of you.

Framily.

2010-11-26T15:31:00.000-08:00

You know those friends who are so close they are like family. You don't have to clean your house before they come over. You can wear your comfy clothes and cry in front of them. All the while knowing that you won't be judged. Meet my Framily.

So blessed to have her in my 'framily', what doesn't this chic do?
check out her awesomeness here
Summer Montoya

A+J+L+E=W

2010-11-14T15:20:00.000-08:00

This family holds such a special place in my heart. She was my very first maternity shoot -see it here
and one of my favorite custom birth announcements . To see them growing as a family and have the opportunity to capture them in this season, was truly a blessing.

Tyler....Senior, uhhh I mean Freshman!

2010-11-03T07:30:00.001-07:00

This is not the first photo session I've had with Tyler. Last year I got to capture he and his mom in some 'family' pix for a wall gallery. He wanted to surprise her for her birthday this year with some updated pix. What a sweet son huh? I hope my boys will think of me like that when they grow up. AND he is only a freshman! Nicely done Tyler. It was a blast working with you.

hOliDaY pAcKagEs & CaRdS

2010-10-23T22:17:00.000-07:00

the 2010 Holiday Packages & YOU-nique Cards are finished.
Please check them out by clicking on the

*hOliDaY pAcKagEs & CaRdS* Page Tab located just below the blog title,
-OR-
on this link {HolidayPackages & Cards}.

You'll find afordable photo packages and cards. This year I'm offering 'design files', double sided 5x7 linen finish cards & 6x7 1/2 photo cards with a 4x6 keepsake option, allowing your family & friends to preserve your photo in an album or display it in a frame long after the holidays!

Sincerely,

Mrs. 'Cotton-Headed Ninny-Muggins'

i {heart} faces....beef!

2010-10-12T07:36:00.000-07:00

A slight drift from the 'normal' challenge which must include a face...this week it is all about BEEF. Each year for Father's Day I try to wow my hard working & devoted husband with a hearty, usually beefy, meal. This was one of our favs.

here are my notes from the Father's Day feast pictured above…

BURGERS:
2 lbs lean sirloin, 1 med onion or ½ large, (grate 3-4 T and chop the rest for topping later), 1/3 lb smoke gouda cheese, 1 T worsteshire, ½ bottle of beer (obviously the alcohol will cook out, but certainly okay to skip this), 2 T parsley, a palm of Montreal grill seasoning, palm of paprika – smoked sweet, palm of cumin, 2 cloves garlic – finely chopped.
Mix all together and make 4 patties – tip was to make them thinner in the center so you don’t get that burger bulge when they shrink up on the grill.
**I have side note that says to ‘drizzle in evoo’ but I don’t know how much???**

Top burgers with lettuce, pickles, sauce(see recipe) & chopped onion. Serve with corn on the cob (see recipe)

BURGER SAUCE:
Handful of dill – chopped, 4 T spicey mustard, 4 T sour cream

BBQ SAUCE (for Corn below):
2 T vinegar, 2 T brown sugar, 1 T worsteshire, 1 T hot sauce, 1 T montreal seasoning, ½ C ketchup
Mix and cook on medium low heat

CORN ON THE COB:
Cook corn first then - squirt juice of 2 limes and drizzle some evoo on corn + some salt (like those measurements?), and put on the grill for a few min to get ‘grill marks’, then baste with prepared bbq sauce and top with chopped onion.

That is all she wrote, literally those are my notes in entirety- bon apetit!

wanna drool some more? click below!

thank you to TxBeef.org for sponsoring this week’s yummy challenge! And Nolan Ryan Beef
who will be rewarding one of the entries with a $250 gift certificate.

textures.warm tones.cool weather.sweet flavors.

2010-10-08T15:32:00.000-07:00

I count down for this season ALL YEAR LONG...yay for Fall!

don't you just love that 'welcome' sign? I sure do! It is a hand crafted/restored piece of the past, created by a local artist and amazing friend of mine. Be inspired by her blog and fill your home with one of a kind decor from her etsy store . I induldged and also picked up a large tin memo board with scripture magnets for the desk in my kitchen. (I'll post pix once I've filled it with all sorts of goodies!) A HUGE {thank you} to Joy Frameworks for making 'this' Fall even more worth waiting for!

GHS Senior Girls...sneak peek!

2010-10-07T21:36:00.000-07:00

five...fabulous & fun, gorgeous, graduating girls of Gilbert High.

stay tuned for more... ...

Jordyn...Senior

2010-10-07T21:02:00.000-07:00

This high school senior holds a very special place in my heart. She is pretty much the only babysitter we've EVER paid to watch our boys. She and her family became our next door neighbors 7 years ago and the blessings have flowed ever since. Their kindness often makes me feel like we are living in black & white sitcom. Sweet, simple kindness. We could all use more of that right? I was so excited when she asked me about Senior Pix. She is a 'Senior Rep' so you'll be seeing her b.e.a.u.t.i.f.u.l. smile and a.m.a.z.i.n.g. eyes a few more times over the next few months.

thank you Jordyn! I am looking forward to our next PIX adventure.

Jordyn....sneak peek!

2010-09-16T22:06:00.000-07:00

Here is a -sneak peek- of Jordyn, my unofficial Sr. Pix Rep. B.E.A.U.T.I.F.U.L. She won't be paying a penny for her pix. contact me at designedbyemily@cox.net to find out how.

i {heart} faces challenge... VrOOm vRooM!

2010-09-13T14:52:00.000-07:00

This week's challenge at i {heart} faces is all about cars. I could not resist entering this photo. Such effort and time into stacking these 3 cars and then just sit back and dream about them. I wish I could have heard his thoughts!

Okay, here we go. Focus. Speed. I am speed. One winner, forty-two losers. I eat losers for breakfast. Breakfast? Maybe I should have had breakfast? Brekkie could be good for me. No, no, no, focus. Speed. Faster than fast, quicker than quick. I am Lightning.

checkered flag here I come!

feel the need? the need for speed? then check out the other entries at i {heart} faces.

i {heart} faces challenge... B E A C H

2010-08-24T14:56:00.000-07:00

this week's challenge from i{heart}faces is beach.

B E A C H. sand in my toes. sun on my skin. salt in the air. wind in my hair.

'EMBRACE the ocean with OPEN arms and SANDY feet.'

C'mon, take a mental & visual vacation with the amazing photographers at

i {heart} faces challenge...sunglasses

2010-08-17T14:49:00.001-07:00

i {heart} faces challenge of the week? sunglasses.... you would think living in Arizona would provide a pluthera of photos with faces adorned in sunglasses, and while I did have a few to choose from, most of the time you ask people to remove them before taking the shot.

I myself have a love hate relationship with sunglasses. I love that they protect us from the harmful rays of the sun. But I have struggled since a little girl when it comes to finding a pair that 'fit' me. Don't be surprised if you see me in the kids section. Not kidding! But I do love the many different styles of sunglasses...something for every personality...for every season (maybe only in Arizona) ...or every mood. Sunglasses can turn you into a rockstar, a pro athlete. They can transform you into a diva or just give you class. Go get some and express yourself today!

I chose this shot because even though you can't see behind the sunglasses at this little man's eyes you can still feel what he is thinking.

Check out more amazing pix at

Summer Vacation

2010-08-10T19:04:00.001-07:00

Just a little collage to share some of the things I've been hunting & gathering over my summer break. We have been in our house for just over 2 years now and it is reeeeeally beginning to feel like ours. I am inspired by the contrast of shiney & new married with vintage & used. Blank walls and cabinet tops are slowly being filled, creating a story of things renewed and things yet to be used. I crave raw, organic textures. Metal, wood, paint, linens....things that once served a family....things that are fresh from the store in need of a family to serve. And I am often inspired to make something myself.... and find great joy & satisfaction when I can step back and L O V E what I see, knowing that God blessed me with hands to do such work.

i {heart} face challenge - pets

2010-06-29T14:31:00.001-07:00

'LOVE IS A FOUR-LEGGED WORD'

Pets. I am not a pet owner right now, but my 4 year old is sure anxious to get one. Just last week we were praying over our breakfast and he requests, '...and God, would you please help Sparks bark for real?' Sparks is his stuffed puppy dog. TOO CUTE right? A few more of these moments and Daddy is sure to cave. So for this challenge I borrowed a pet from my friend. I just love this picture and how this little one is soaking up the sun & wind.

For more stunning PET pix go to I heart Faces.

i {heart} faces challenge - 'Celebrating Teens'

2010-06-22T07:27:00.000-07:00

I love this weeks i{heart}faces challenge. You may recognize this beautiful teenager from her Senior Pix post. Kaydee brought her sister along on our shoot and we had SO much fun - it felt more like hangin' out with friends. Honestly as a mother of 2 young boys, I really look forward to the moments I share with adults, however few & far between they are. And this time I was treated to even more than grown-up conversation...THIS TIME I got to feel like a teenager again. Thanks Kaydee & Taylor for your contagious laughter and free spirits!

Do some more 'celebrating' & check out the other entries at...

the L fam

2010-06-21T15:18:00.000-07:00

Last week I had the pleasure of doing a 'mini' shoot for a friend of mine. This super cool chic marches to a beat of her own and always has others wanting to join in! The idea was to capture her life @ 30 - a recent milestone for her. I did my best to focus on her, but my lens simply couldn't resist these kids! Such sweetness & curiosity. Mary & Rory are high school sweethearts who share a wonderful love for eachother and God. Thank you!

SWEET opportunity!

2010-06-11T14:11:00.000-07:00

I can honestly say - and most of you already know this about me - that I have been a HUGE fan of The Coffee Shop since it opened in Gilbert, AZ. It feels like a little slice of Seattle in the desert. It is contemporary and sophisticated, yet family owned and run so it manages to keep that small town, 'mom & pop' feel that is rare around these parts. I have found myself thinking at times, 'when I grow up I want to work at The Coffee Shop' or wondering if they are ever hiring for a Scone Salesman - man I would be GREAT at that job! Anyways, you can imagine the excitement when Jessica (one of the owners) contacted me and needed some pix to represent them on The Food Network's website for a recent show they were contestants on...Cupcake Wars. It was a blast and an honor to work with these girls. Not only are they drop dead gorgeous but hilarious and down to earth too! This shoot didn't even feel like 'work'. And because of it, I've seen my pix up in their shop and in the local newspaper.

i {heart} faces challenge...PLAY

2010-06-08T20:43:00.000-07:00

So the i{heart}faces challenge was a tough challenge for me...as a mother of THE most adorable two boys on the planet, I have a pluthera of pix demonstrating PLAY in its rawest and rarest form. For some reason the one posted below just spoke to me. Maybe because it was January and 70+ degrees out in sunny Arizona and yet my boys were puddle jumping... maybe because it was only the 2nd time they'd worn those boots in actual water...maybe just because they are my boys! Regardless, I hope it makes you want to 'play'.

For more 'fun & games' check out the other entries at...

The W Fam

2010-06-07T21:50:00.000-07:00

The Dubb-yuhs...oh how I love the W's. If you want to laugh so hard you'll cry...call them. If you want to experience true friendship...call them. If you want to see more cuteness than one face can hold...call them. If you want to eat off your floors...call them, well call Dale, he owns and runs Clearly Clean carpet & tile cleaning (480) 664-3322. Seriously though I had the pleasure of taking Emily's Senior Pix last year and was so excited when they called to schedule a family session.

i {heart} faces challenge...Barefoot Week

2010-06-02T14:29:00.000-07:00

the challenge from i {heart} faces this week is non-competitive and allows more than one entry. the idea is to introduce us all to an amazing organization souls4souls

About Soles4Souls: Soles4Souls is a Nashville-based charity that collects shoes from the warehouses of footwear companies and the closets of people like you. The charity distributes these shoes free of charge to people in need, regardless of race, religion, class, or any other criteria. Since 2005, Soles4Souls has given away over 7 million pairs of new and gently worn shoes (currently donating one pair every 9 seconds.) The shoes have been distributed to people in over 125 countries, including Kenya, Thailand, Nepal and the United States. Soles4Souls has been featured in Runner's World, Ladies’ Home Journal, National Geographic’s Green Guide, and The New York Times. It has appeared on CBS, ABC, NBC, FOX, BBC, CNN and thousands of regional news outlets across North America. Soles4Souls is a 501(c)(3) recognized by the IRS and donating parties are eligible for tax advantages. Anyone can join our cause

please spend some time checkin' it out.

4 grown hands + 4 fresh feet...what could be cuter?

the protection of daddy's hands will remain even when the feet no longer fit

my feet would much rather be there right now

note: please excuse my older watermark...'designedbyemily' is my other site and how i started. but it is still me.

To check out more entries head, or rather 'foot' on over to i{heart}faces

your help.

i {heart} faces challenge...celebrating mom

2010-05-11T19:10:00.000-07:00

this weeks challenge at i{heart}faces is all about motherhood. they've asked that we share a photo that illustrates 'celebrating mom' somehow, someway...so without further adieu I present to you one of my favorite moments as a mother. Yes I am actually in this photo, with my first born son Colby (2 years old at the time) and my 2nd boy, Parker (6 months in the oven). It was Colby's first time at the ocean/beach and we had a blast getting sand everywhere we could!

To do some more celebarting head on over to i{heart}faces

kaydee

2010-05-02T21:54:00.000-07:00

I was blessed to work with Kaydee three times. Go here and here to see our other sessions. I feel so honored to have played a part in capturing some amazing milestones in her life. She helped turn some of my ideas into reality and they turned out even better than what I saw in my head.

I {heart} faces challenge - SMILE

2010-04-27T09:10:00.000-07:00

the wonderful folks at i{heart}faces have challenged us to share a photo that has at least one person in it and reflects 'happy and fun'. I immediately thought of this photo. Big sister and her younger bro - aren't they just adorable? in a grown up kinda way. I love that you can't see their eyes but you feel the closeness they have for one another. Yes, Big Sister and her younger brother...truly adorable!

To view more 'happiness & fun' head on over to i{heart}faces

Lil Miss Kenzie

2010-04-04T15:08:00.000-07:00

this little cutie arrived hours after the maternity shoot i had with her mama...talk about perfect timing. here she is displaying her inherited good looks and strength.

i {heart} faces...'dramatic b&w'

2010-03-29T15:19:00.000-07:00

this week at http://iheartfaces.com/ the challenge is 'dramatic black & white'. i asked myself what is dramatic? i googled the definition and came up with: applies to situations in life and literature that stir the imagination and emotions deeply. the photo below 'stirs my emotions deeply' for a couple of reasons...1. the beautiful bride is my cousin, the baby of our family & 2. her father lost a long battle with cancer just 10 months before this photo was taken. to see such joy in its purest form after such pain simply warms my {heart}.

go to http://http//iheartfaces.blogspot.com/2010/03/week-13-dramatic-b-photo-challenge.html to view all of the amazing entries.

by emily for emily

2010-03-29T14:50:00.000-07:00

em, thanks for the opportunity. you are such a light and joy to be around.

holla!

2010-03-17T14:18:00.000-07:00

Shout to the world...

a new baby or new home? celebrating a graduation, birthday or anniversary? need friends & family to save a date or know how much you appreciate their thoughtfullness? YOU-nique & custom, affordable announcements.

note: photos courtesy of PIXbyemily unless noted otherwise

summer montoya photography

Brown Bottoms

2010-02-28T14:59:00.000-08:00

I have disclosed that one of the purposes of this site is to be my 'classroom' well what better way to challenge yourself and learn that to take on a newborn session with twins!

Kaydee+1

2010-02-17T14:45:00.000-08:00

Meet Kaydee and her belly! Stay tuned for newborn pix of the little miracle in hiding.

F & J...wedding celebration

2009-12-06T20:15:00.000-08:00

This was a very special occassion that I will always cherrish deep in my heart. My baby cousin got married in August to a wonderful guy and they planned a celebration reception the following month. I was fortunate enough to be in attendance and honored that they asked me to take some pix.

L & M...wedding [2nd shooter]

2009-11-06T14:54:00.000-08:00

L & M set the stage for a simple & intimate wedding. A small backyard wedding...with enough joy and love to fill the largest of event venues. It was such a treat to witness their two lives join together. It was even better through my lens. And all around wonderful when I'm working side by side with my amazing friend and photographer Summer Montoya. She was kind enough to invite me along on this special day as the 2nd shooter. To see more of her work check her site http://www.summermontoya.com/ .

please contact me for package & pricing info: designedbyemily@cox.net 602.920.5553

N & A...wedding

2009-10-06T14:22:00.000-07:00

What a wonderful day. I am so thankful for the opportunity to capture this couple's love for one another and for their friends and family.

check out this custom thank you card! (think of all the time you'll save!)

please contact me to discuss what part I can play in your special day.

email: designedbyemily@cox.net phone: 602.920.5553

W Family

2008-08-07T22:20:00.000-07:00

We split this shoot into two sessions, one outdoors on location with expecting mom & dad (big brother was asleep in the stroller) and then for the 2nd half I hung out at their house and captured mom and big brother in some tender moments of preparation for little sister's arrival.

Package & Pricing Info

2005-09-27T13:58:00.000-07:00

Below is my Package & Pricing Info... please contact me directly with any questions

designedbyemily@cox.net

***click on image below to view larger***

current specials

{HOLIDAY SPECIALS} available now, check out the hOliDaY pAcKagEs & CaRdS tab at the top of the page

Adoptive {Families} receive 50% off the regular price of a family session + images/rights.

ABC... 1,2,3, {school pix} contact me about capturing your children 'just they way they are' each school year.

lets talk!

2005-05-28T15:16:00.000-07:00

contact info

email: designedbyemily@cox.net

phone: 602.920.5553

other site: www.designedbyemily.blogspot.com