Happy New Year!

Wishing you and yours a happy, healthy 2016!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Cheers to 2015!

2015 was a busy year for us. My husband's business kept him very busy. We did some traveling. I launched my photography biz and it kept me pretty busy.

I look forward to 2016! I hope my business continues to grow.

I have a few goals for the new year:

Photograph at least 3 shoots/month

Improve/update my wardrobe

Do a more "nice" things for myself

Read 50 books

Exercise 3 times/week

Wishing you a Happy New Year!!!!

Christmas Week

Christmas is a week away! WOW!!!!!

Wishing you all a wonderful holiday.

20 Questions

Rachel over at This Italian Family posted a 20 questions post a little while ago. I will take this idea from her. Thank you, Rachel!


1. Favorite Food  Chocolate (especially Snickers and Milky Way bars); I enjoy a good sandwich or pizza


2. Flip Flops or High Heels I would have to say flip flops, BUT I do like wearing heels now and then


3. Favorite Place to Shop for Yourself  Goodwill, Clothes Mentor and Kohls


4. Standard Coffee Order  Either black with a cream or a white chocolate mocha (depends on my mood)


5. Road Trip Must Have Snack Pretzels and Twizzlers


6. DIY or Hire Out I am married to a professional handyman - if it's hired out, there's a BIG problem!


7. 5 Favorite TV Shows Ooooo - tough one!   Friends; Chicago Fire; Outlander; Survivor and Modern Family


8. Favorite Book  One book?! I like too many of them to be able to pick just one.


9. Favorite Form of Exercise Walking


10. How tall are you? 5'5"


11. Do you try something new at restaurants or stick to favorites? I like to try new things.


12. One make up item you can't live without Eye shadow


13. What's on your nightstand? A lamp; alarm clock; a stack of books to be read and chapstick


14. What is one thing motherhood has taught you? Expect the unexpected; "don't tell mom" moments that get shared with mom usually cause more grey hair


15. Music that reminds you of high school Anything from the 80s and early 90s


16. If you could live anywhere besides your current location, where would it be? San Francisco; I left my heart there when we visited in 2007 and I can't wait to go back!


17. Tell us something we might not know I'm a pretty open book. If you want to know something - ask!


18. Website you browse/read besides blogs Amazon; several photography sites


19. Morning person or night owl Morning person


20. What's your best feature? Listening. I listen to a lot of people about a lot of things.




Feel free to share this on your blog. Are we similar/different?

Season's Greetings!

I hope you are all having a wonderful holiday season so far! It's amazing how fast this year has flown by.


I read quite a few books this year (I know my reviews are lacking here...). I got a few things crocheted and I have hopes of completing a few more projects this winter.


My photography started to take off this year. I love it and hope that 2016 will continue grow my business.


I'm sorry I have neglected my blog. One of my goals for next year is to blog at least twice a week.


Here's wishing you and yours a healthy, joyful holiday season!

Oh hey there!

I keep saying I am going to write a blog post, I am going to write a blog post....but alas, I have failed thus far.

So HI!!!!!

I have been swamped with photography stuff the past 6 weeks and I LOVE it! I'm shooting; editing; posting; sharing; etc.


So, if you want to check out what I'm up to, the best place to find me socially is:


My Photography Blog
My Photography Facebook
My Photography Pinterest
(and feel free to spread the word)


I would love your comments; follows; likes; etc.


PS: My Cubbies are in the postseason and ready to take on the Cardinals in the NLDS. #FlytheW #GoCubsGo

Hey Scrappy Friends!!!!

In an effort to get myself back into scrapbooking (I have missed it!), I have been resurrecting my profile at scrapbook.com


Are any of you on there?  Here's my profile!!!


Help get me inspired....what are you working on? I have LOTS to scrap and am still looking for my mojo.

What I'm Loving Wednesday

Hey y'all!!!! Just a little post today - linking up with Rachel for a What I'm Loving Wednesday post.


1. My husband - I could not ask for a more supportive and encouraging man! No matter how tired he's been lately, he asks if anyone called or emailed for a photo appointment or if he can see what I got edited. Love you babe!


2. My kids - their craziness keeps me sane. (Weird, huh?!)


3. Further education - I'm in the midst of a photography class right now. I was worried because after I enrolled, my calendar filled VERY quickly with shoots. It's a GREAT thing but it is definitely keeping me out of trouble.


4. My photo clients - you have been a BLAST to work with!!!! I'm looking forward to my upcoming appointments and know it will be fun.


5. It's September and my Cubbies are still in the thick of the race. Keep going, guys!!!!


What are YOU loving this Wednesday?!

Hey there!

I'm not going to COMPLETELY "disappear" from this blog but am going to continue lightly posting for a while. I am focusing on getting my photography biz going right now. I post over on THAT blog a couple times a week if you want to check it out.

Photos by Jen

I will try to pop around here now & then with a little something so don't completely give up on me!

Hugs and thanks for reading my blog.

WILW

Happy Wednesday! I hope your week is going well.

Here's a few things I'm loving this week:

Texts and emails from friends and family.

The Mr. encouraging me to take a photography class

Sunshine

Coffee and cookies for breakfast (not that I've done that...but I've "heard" about people who have)

Morning rides to Grandma's with Little Miss


What are YOU loving this week?

New photo blog post...

A little travel photography blog post is up today over at my photography blog.
You can check it out:
HERE

I hope you're having a great week!

A couple things...

Happy Monday! I hope you all had a good weekend and your coming week is great!

Have you gotten your copy of Center of Gravity? Where have you been reading it? Take a picture and post it to social media so we can all see. (use the hashtag [#] of #CenterofGravity).

I sat on the front porch with some iced tea yesterday to read.

The first 11 minutes of my cousin's directorial debut came out yesterday. You can check it out here:

 

They are trying to get the backing to finish the movie.

 

How was your weekend?

 

#CenterofGravity

#MaximumCoppage

Friday Letters

I haven't done one of these posts in a while.

Dear Blog,
I'm sorry I have been neglecting you. There is a WHOLE LIST of excuses. I'll try to be more attentive.

Dear Friday,
Happy to see you!

Dear Weekend,
GO SLOW!!!!

Dear Self,
Look at you stepping way out of your comfort zone and it's starting to pay off. Keep it up!

Dear Bloggers,
I'm sorry I haven't been visiting your blogs lately. I will get caught up with all of you one of these days. Keep blogging!

Dear Summer,
Why are you flying by so fast?!

Dear Books,
Why are you not holding my attention right now? Does anyone have a reading recommendation?!

Dear View Bug,
Thank you for offering me the opportunity to be a community curator. A small part of me feels a little more accepted in the photography world.

Dear You,
Thank you for stopping by my blog. I hope you had a great week! Enjoy the weekend.


Happy Friday!

Be fierce!

WILW

What I'm loving this Wednesday:

1. My photo blog (link is: HERE). I've gotten a few posts up this week of some recent photo shoots.

2. My friend Laura's book came out yesterday

I hope you'll buy a copy or get it from your library.

3. Had an awesome meeting with a fellow photog on Sunday - looking forward to shooting with her in the future. I feel very inspired!

4. Twitter (I didn't think I'd ever say that!). I have started using it for my photography promo and am getting some pretty awesome retweets and followers. (PS: my twitter handle is: cubsfan3410)

5. It's Wednesday!!!!!  Come on weekend.

6. Armchair traveling. Some of my fellow bloggers and Instagramers are taking some AMAZING vacations this summer!

What are you loving this Wednesday?

Book Review - Once Upon a Cowboy

Today I am linking up at Tasty Book Tours

 

About the Book

In this sexy Whisper Creek romance for readers of Kristan Higgins, Susan Mallery, and Molly O’Keefe, a red-hot cowboy uses some Montana magic to give a reclusive beauty her happily ever after.

Yoga instructor Jessalyn Alcott radiates peace, calm, and serenity—on the outside. Inside, she still feels like the broken, desperate girl from the trailer park. She’s got dark secrets she can’t share, which is why she never lets her relationships go beyond the third date. But when she travels to the Whisper Creek dude ranch for a friend’s wedding, Jess is enchanted by a cowboy whose deep blue eyes, dimpled smile, and rock-hard body make it tough to remember why she keeps running scared.

Cole Driscoll has struggled to find his place on a family ranch where he’s always played second fiddle. His future might be uncertain, but he’s sure of one thing: He wants Jess by his side. Easier said than done. When it comes to getting close, she’s full of excuses, and he longs to fix the hurt he sees in her eyes. Now that she’s at Whisper Creek, there’s nothing he wants more than to break down the walls around her heart and heal her pain with the power of love.

285 Pgs. |Heat Level: 3 | Purchase: Amazon | B & N | iTunes | Kobo | Publisher
I gave this book 4 stars.

WILW

Happy Wednesday!  I am back with a What I'm Loving Wednesday post this week.

 

*This little girl:

Who hasn't felt this way when their favorite player leaves the team?

 

*My husband! He went with me (and suggested we go) to an attraction he wasn't real wild about but knew I wanted to go. Thank you honey!!!!

 

*St. Louis - we love that city! There's so much to do and it's so easy to get around in.

 

*My Cubbies beat the Cards yesterday in 2 games! :-) Keep it up boys.

 

*My friend Laura McNeill has a new book coming out next Tuesday (7/14) - it's fantastic and you should buy a copy! (And visit her website...)

 

*Booking photo shoots for August and September - keep those emails and calls coming! I'll get you in.

*The Project Life app!

*The Minions movie opens this weekend!

 

What are you loving this week?

Book Blast

Making a Comeback
More than a Game # 3

By: Kristina Mathews

Releasing July 7th, 2015

Lyrical Press

Blurb

With a divorce in the works, Annabelle Jones heads out to Southern California, the land of sun and starting over. She wants to prove to herself and her young daughters that she still has what it takes to turn heads as a swimsuit model—that she doesn’t need a man to take care of her. Until an accident forces her to rely on the hunky, yet mysterious man next door…

Nathan Cooper is trying to revive his own career. Once a top left-handed relief pitcher, he tried to get over a hidden injury with the aid of banned substances. Not only was he caught and suspended, he was traded and missed out on winning the championship. Now he’s a free agent without a contract, and that means life is ready to play ball…

Link to Follow Tour: http://www.tastybooktours.com/2015/04/making-comeback-more-than-game-3-by.html

Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23649051-making-a-comeback?from_search=true 

Goodreads Series Link: https://www.goodreads.com/series/124028-more-than-a-game

Buy Links:   Amazon | B & N | iTunes | Kobo | Publisher

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Making-Comeback-More-Than-Game-ebook/dp/B00Q1I2SDM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1428107471&sr=8-1&keywords=9781616509996

B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/making-a-comeback-kristina-mathews/1120817226?ean=9781616509996

iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/making-a-comeback/id965703915?mt=11

Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/making-a-comeback#3

Publisher: http://www.kensingtonbooks.com/book.aspx/31379 ​ 

Author Info

Kristina Mathews doesn't remember a time when she didn't have a book in her hand. Or in her head. But it wasn't until she turned forty that she confessed the reason the laundry never made it out of the dryer was because she was busy writing.

While she resigned from teaching with the arrival of her second son, she's remained an educator in some form. As a volunteer, parent club member or para educator, she finds the most satisfaction working with emergent and developing readers, helping foster confidence and a lifelong love of books.

Kristina lives in Northern California with her husband of more than twenty years, two sons and a black lab. A veteran road tripper, amateur renovator and sports fanatic. She hopes to one day travel all 3,073 miles of Highway 50 from Sacramento, CA to Ocean City, MD, replace her carpet with hardwood floors and serve as a “Ball Dudette” for the San Francisco Giants.

Author Links: Website | Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Website: http://kristinamathews.com/ 
Blog: https://kristinamathews.wordpress.com/ 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kristinamathewsauthor 
Twitter: https://twitter.com/KristinaMathews 
GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7870884.Kristina_Mathews 

Rafflecopter Giveaway ($15 Amazon or Barnes eGift Card)

Link to Rafflecopter Page, http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/share-code/NTIxYWM0YzhjYmFkNDc1MDkxYzA3ZDNmMjhhM2RjOjcyOA==/?

Excerpt

Today was a good day. A glorious day. Sitting at the stoplight in the Southern California sunshine, Annabelle Jones did a drum solo on the steering wheel of her convertible Mercedes. She didn’t care if people stared at her singing along to “Don’t Stop Believing.” She hadn’t stopped believing, and look at her now, fresh off her first modeling job since filing for divorce. So it wasn’t the cover of Sports Illustrated, still, it was a job. Something she could be proud of. Her daughters could be proud of her.

It wasn’t about the money. The income she earned from this modeling job was more about pride. Having something to offer the world, even if it was just her face.

Annabelle wanted to show her daughters that a woman didn’t need a man to take care of her. She could stand on her own two feet, and return to the career she’d given up when she married Clayton Barry. She might not fly off to exotic locations or work with the world’s most famous photographers, but she was working.

She lifted her face to the sun, soaking in its warmth. It was as if the fog of the last few years had finally lifted. Nothing but blue skies ahead for her and her six-year-old twin daughters.

Today’s shoot was just the beginning. Her agent had two more jobs lined up for her before the end of the month. He’d also scheduled her to attend the televised celebration of the fiftieth anniversary of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue. She hadn’t been able to make the photo shoot last fall in New York for the magazine, but he thought making an appearance on the live show would give her plenty of exposure.

Hopefully, she’d be able to juggle it all. Part of what appealed to her about today’s job was that it was close enough that she’d be able to shoot for a few hours and still get home in time to meet her daughters when they got off the school bus.

Annabelle glanced at the clock. If the light didn’t change soon, she wasn’t going to make it to the bus stop in time.

The song ended and Annabelle turned down the volume. She’d started listening to Journey during the Goliaths’ World Series run. So the song was five years older than she was, the message still rang true. It was about hope. Starting over. Believing.

The traffic light turned green, and she pulled into the intersection. A flash of yellow appeared out of the corner of her eye. She turned in time to see an SUV blow through the stoplight. Before she could react, the vehicle struck her Mercedes just behind the driver’s side door.

Her head slammed into the side window. Glass shattered and she looked down at the blood on her blouse. A thousand black pixels danced before her eyes.

And then nothing.

Photo blog

I put up a new post on my photography blog this morning:

PHOTO ESSAY

And I would like to add, if you know someone in northern Illinois who is looking to have photos done, please let me know. My email is: jenmcgee34@yahoo.com  I would love to talk to them.

Thank you!

Project Life

I recently downloaded the Project Life app for my device. I am enjoying working with this app and creating layouts. Here are a few using our vacation photos:

Wicked Charms book review

Wicked Charms by Janet Evanovich

3 out of 5 stars

Pub date: June 23, 2015 (today)

Publisher's synopsis: Lizzy and Diesel return once again in an all-new adventure in the #1 New York Times bestselling series from Janet Evanovich and her co-author, Phoef Sutton!

Murdered and mummified more than ninety years ago, bootlegger Collier “Peg Leg” Dazzle once found and re-hid a famous pirate’s treasure somewhere along the coast of New England. A vast collection of gold and silver coins and precious gems, the bounty also contains the Stone of Avarice — the very item reluctant treasure seeker, Lizzy Tucker, and her partner, Diesel, have been enlisted to find. While Lizzy would just like to live a quiet, semi-normal life, Diesel is all about the hunt. And this hunt is going to require a genuine treasure map and a ship worthy of sailing the seven seas . . . or at least getting them from Salem Harbor to Maine.

Greed is eternal and insatiable, and Lizzy and Diesel aren’t the only ones searching for the lost pirate’s chest. There are people who have dedicated their entire lives to finding it, and are willing to commit murder or make a deal with the devil, just to hold the fortune in their hands. One of those people may even be Wulf, Diesel’s deceptively charming and enigmatic cousin. Wulf desires the Stone of Avarice. He also desires Lizzy. It’s hard to say how far he’s willing to go to gain either one.

It’s a swashbuckling adventure full of raiders, monkeys, minions, and mayhem. Lizzy and Diesel are going to have to do everything they can to keep their heads above water and hope they are living a charmed life.

My thoughts: This was the 3rd book in the Lizzy & Diesel series and the first one I had read. I received this as an ARC from the publisher. I thought this book was ok. Some of dialogue was witty, some of it was a little cheesy and predictable. I like Lizzy & Diesel's characters and LOVE the secondary characters - they really tie it all together.
I will probably go back to read books 1 & 2 now to really catch up.

Happy reading!

Vacation 2015, Day 7

Happy Friday!

Day 2 of the Grand Canyon. BRRRRRRR!!!!!!!! The weather predicted for that Friday was cold (high of 34) and snow. Both were correct! We weathered the weather and enjoyed it anyway.

 

 That haze? That's snow!

 

A survey marker at Hopi Lookout:

 

 

 

 

 

 

My disappointment was eased as we drove out of the park - we finally saw elk (right alongside the road)! [It never fails to amaze me the morons that approach the wildlife - LEAVE THEM BE!]

We stopped at McDonald's for lunch and drove onto Kingman Arizona for the night. We drove through a white out on the interstate. We got off the interstate and drove on Route 66.

 

This is AFTER the whiteout had lightened:

 The kids were GREATLY amused by the Burma-Shave signs along 66.

We stayed at a Hampton Inn in Kingman - quiet and comfortable.

 

You can read the other posts of our vacation if you want:

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

Day 5

Day 6

 

 *Once I finish all the vacation posts - I will share more little vaca stories and "outtake" pictures.
 

Wishing you all a great weekend!

WILW

HAPPY WEDNESDAY!!!!!

It's time to link up with Jodi and Rachel for What I'm Loving Wednesday.

1. Everyone (ok, A LOT of people) in the Chicagoland area is flying high this week after the Hawks win on Monday night.

 

2. Has a fun "play day" with Little Miss last Thursday at Six Flags. It rained us out but we got almost 4 hours of riding in and the crowds weren't bad!

 

3. Office outings. Our office played Whirlyball yesterday. It is SO fun but boy do I feel banged up today.

 

4. This joke...

 

5. My morning ride with Little Miss - our chats are fun.

 

6. More advance read copies of books - so excited my summer reading list is full!

 

7. My Cubbies aren't looking too bad right now. Keep it up guys!

 

I hope your week is going well. I hope you haven't been flooded by all the rains across the country.

Happy Wednesday all!

 

Last night was a good night

Happy Monday!

We're halfway through June. WHAT?! This month is flying right by too. The Blackhawks try to win the Stanley Cup tonight - we'll see what happens.

Let me recap our weekend quick:

Friday, the Mr. and Young Mr. (they work together) worked late so Little Miss and I just hung out at home - started some housework and laundry.

Saturday, we all sat around until about 10 then decided to get going on the things we should have been going on about 2 hours earlier. So, Little Miss and I headed to a garage sale that had "teen clothes" listed and the Mr.'s headed to a job. Little Miss found a couple of tops and a scarf she loved.  We all headed together to run errands in the afternoon. Lunch at Chick-fil-a; a little resale shop shopping; Menards and home again.

The resale/consignment shopping...went well! For about $100 I got two Dooney & Bourke bags; 2 skirts (1 was a brand new Calvin Klein) and Ann Taylor pants with no wear on them at all!  I will return again!

 The tale of the pants: I went primarily to get black & khaki dress pants. I had tried on AT LEAST 10 pairs of black pants and none of them fit right. The Mr. brought me this pair and it was Cinderella trying on the glass slipper - PERFECT fit! New pants for me.

 

Sunday, Little Miss and I cleaned out her closet. And did we clean it out!!!!!  We took 7 (yes SEVEN) full garbage bags of clothes that were too small; she didn't like; didn't want to Goodwill.  The four of us went out to see one of the Mr's customers (nothing like some quality reading time while he met with them); went to Menards; got the kids new bath towels (and trying to get a 22 year old and an 11 year old to agree...); shower curtain and bath mat; got Little Miss rubbermaid containers for her closet and room (still in the process of organizing them).

Mr. and Young Mr. headed back to work and Little Miss and I attacked her room again and got the bathroom "re-done".

 

Before (yes, the shower curtain is torn and the towels are probably 6 or 7 years old):

 

After:

It's not much different but it's freshened up a bit.

 

How was your weekend? What did you do?

 

PS: If you want to read some fun blogs, check these few out:

Life as a Baseball Bride

Pierced Wonderings

The Jessa Olson

Val's Outside Voice

 

Have a great Monday!

 

 

 

 

Photo link up

Aimee over at Aimee Lynn Photography was hosting a photo link up and I am struggling with finding it (love your new site, Aimee!).  So I decided to go ahead with the theme she posted for this week:

black & white

 

I took these a couple weeks ago while on a photo shoot/play day with a photographer friend. I am pretty happy with how these turned out but would love your thoughts on what you think/what can be improved.

 

 

What did you shoot this week?

Blogiversary

June 12, 2015

Dear Blogging Friends,

When I started this blog 9 years and 1300+ posts ago (WOW, that long!!!!), I didn't let many people into it and I didn't really know where it would go. I used it to keep little reminders of what we'd done and little anecdotes. Over time, I have shared my blog with others and I feel like I have a nice little following now.
I have had lulls in posting and some marathon posting stretches. I have posted random, rambling posts. I have posted photos; book reviews; news events and linked up with many others over the years. I have shared a lot of my life here.
I've had readers/commenters come and go and lots of blogging friends that no longer blog. I appreciate all my readers and their comments over the years.
I have enjoyed the blogs I have read and the blogs I still read. I enjoy sharing in your lives; your fashion and beauty tips; your reviews; your social commentary and every little thing. Thank you for sharing your blogs with me!
Blogging has led me to make many connections I never would have made otherwise. I have enjoyed my friendships, no matter how long or short they have been.
I plan to continue blogging for a long time and hope that I continue to have visitors and readers while this blog exists.
So...
THANK YOU for reading.
THANK YOU for commenting.
THANK YOU for your friendship.

Truly,
Jen

WILW

HAPPY WEDNESDAY!!!!!!

 

I hope your week is going well and continues to do so. If you're having a tough week, I hope it gets better!

 

I'm linking up again today with Jodi and Rachel. I hope you'll link up too and share what you're loving this week!

 

*The weather! It's steamy today but it's been very nice for the most part this past week.

 

*A new book from Net Galley - looking forward to reading it

 

*An A+ science fair project completed from Little Miss

and today is her last day of 5th grade

 

*A photo shoot with this man and his parents, this past Sunday between rain showers that was really fun!

 

*A chocolate surprise left in my mailbox at work - it was a nice treat to find on a Monday!

 

*A "play day" tomorrow if the weather cooperates

 

*An offer from a fellow photographer to possibly be her second shooter for weddings (um, yes!)

 

What are you loving this week?