Happy Birthday, Grandmother

For the past few weeks, I've been using my free time to make sure that every single detail was perfect for my Grandmother's 85th surprise birthday party. 

Unfortunately, there are some things I cannot control- one of them being traffic. The poor woman was an hour late to her own birthday party. 

Everything was set- ready for the birthday girl to arrive. 

When she finally did arrive- she was the life of the party. As always. 

Well, except for when Anniston was trying to steal her thunder by being so stinkin cute and showing everyone how she waves. 

She had so many presents it was like Christmas in July! She seemed to really enjoy her photo book, and I think she loved the memory box we put together for her. It included lots of family photos, and letters from each one of us. 

We love her so much, and for so many reasons- we had to make sure she knew it. She's the kind of woman who is always doing things for us- this night we made everything all about her. 

I hope we made her as happy as she makes us.

Happy Birthday, Grandmother!

Anniston

 I'm sure you are sick of me telling you how beautiful my niece is. But she is. And now she's got a bubbly, sweet as sugar personality to match. 

Point is, these don't do her justice. It's taken me a long, long time to be "done" with editing them (my apologies to my sister) mostly because I wanted them to be perfect. As perfect as she is. 

 I finally realized that is impossible.

So, here they are. 

Weekend Snapshots

A Pretty For Me, A Preview For You

A few weeks ago the Kate Spade boutique here had a little party with 20% off. Of course, Kelly and I couldn't resist. I already knew I wanted a new work bag, but I didn't expect to find this beauty.

Pinks and purples have been my favorite lately. Plus, this bag is this perfect size for me, because I can fit my iPad and my camera in it. And polka dot fabric on the inside? Please. This bag was calling my name!!

Kelly and I are almost done with our big photo shoot with Anniston. It's taken a while because when you mix a beginner photographer with a busy 7 month old, sometimes results are unpredictable. But, here's a little preview for you. More to come soon. 

Some Crewlade and Random Thoughts

Guess what? Three days this week, I got dressed in clothes that were not scrubs or workout clothes! That must be a record for me this year. I've been so proud of myself lately- I've held out on purchasing all of my J.Crew items until they went on sale. And I mean sale, plus 25% off!

For example, this skirt- I got for about $60. 

And this bag, about $70. I treated myself to it because I knew the large size would come in handy once I start my new job. Which- good news- is next week! 

That's been my "excuse" for my MANY J.Crew sale purchases recently. I get to wear fancy clothes at my new job when I want!

In running news---

My post-funk success has continued! I'm still not running as much as I'd like, but I'm trying to take it slow and still have fun with it. I think May 1st will be my official day to start training for San Francisco.  I'm still really, really enjoying riding my bike. So much so that I want a real cycling bike so that I can go super fast. I figure if I can't be super fast while running, I can be super fast while cycling. 

Also, I own these beauties now.

Source: store.nike.com via Judith on Pinterest

Problem is, they are so beautiful I've been scared to wear them because I don't want to get them messed up!

I took pictures of a beautiful 2 year old last week. She was a little shy and nervous, but I somehow managed to pull out a few (IMO) good ones.

When I'm not working, exercising, or spending time with family, I'm online. Lately I've been shopping way too much, but the majority of that time I'm stalking other photographers and reading anything I can about photography.  

Really that's what's going on with me in a nutshell. I work. I shop. I run. I bike. I take pictures. 

Dixon Gardens, Memphis TN