Do Hard Things. Then Eat Oatmeal.

Near the end of the school year, Cman (age 14) said to me "I'm reading a book, and I'm wondering if you would be willing to read it too, so you know where I'm coming from."

You know it's going to be good, when the foreward is written by Chuck Norris.

"Sure!"  I said.

He then went on to say, "The book is called Do Hard Things.  It talks about how society believes that teenagers are lazy and irresponsible and that we should live up to a higher level of expectation.  So, I'd like to take on more responsibility, this summer."

?!?!?!

Inwardly, I shouted "HALLELUJAH!!!" and did a "Praise Jesus!!" dance.

Outwardly, I simply said "OK."


And thus began our summer of doing hard things.

Our Summer Projects List

Our Daily To-Do List

Garden work is a daily task.  (compost area shown)

We built a mini stone wall, together.  :)  (I love me some stone walls.)

 We started organizing a pantry.  (Yay!!)

 He cleaned out the refrigerator, for the first time, ever.

And he helped carry food to the attic, then waited without complaint, in the 90+ degree heat, while I photographed the shot, below.

Blueberry Topped Baked Oatmeal w/Quinoa & Coconut Milk

And those are only a few of the things he's done!

Cman's work ethic has increased and the complaining has decreased.   And might I add, what a swell time for this to happen!  He's man-sized now, so he is truly a BIG help to us.  Thank you, Alex & Brett (and Chuck) for such a perfectly timed message!  And thank you Cman, for rising WELL above our expectations!

For all you foodies, the recipe for the Oatmeal/Quinoa dish can be found here.  I substituted blueberries, omitted the coconut and added walnuts.  Oh, and we lightly whipped the leftover coconut milk (with a wee bit o' raw sugar) and poured it over the top.  It was fantastic!!

A Downtown Lancaster Family Shoot!

There are some families that you just click with (pun intended).

This would be one of them.  :)

The last few shoots were in the country, so we thought we would mix things up and head into Lancaster City.

The photos pop, due to some GREAT clothing choices, by the mama.  Greens and oranges- perfect!!  I love me some color, in the city!

The style of our session was very laid back.  I had a few key spots in mind, but in between those spots, we stopped and snapped, when inspiration struck!  Then to put the icing on the cake, we ended at a charming cafe, for some snacks and beverages.  Now, that's MY kind of photo shoot!

Call me crazy, but I love this shot.

The kids love their nanny!

My "shadow selfie" shot, where I look more like Gru, than a lady.  haha

Chestnut Hill Cafe.  Check em out on Facebook, too!

Ahh!  I SO adore her face!!

A very special happy birthday, to this little one!  <3

When it all comes together...

Wow.  Wow.  Wow.

I'm still sort of glowing from this shoot.

Dana, the GORGEOUS mama was incredibly easy to work with (again).   Her enthusiasm for our shoots is hilarious!  She's just downright giddy! 

Here are a few of my favorite shots.  To view more, visit this Facebook album.

The hat and dress!!  Perfection!  <3

One of the many candid moments.  LOVE!

"And then I was like..."  Don't you wish you knew what babies were trying to say!!  haha

Dana {mama shown here} MADE the baby's outfit!  Again... wow!

SUCH a sweetie!!

hehe  Photobombing!!

Sunbursts + gorgeous family + rams = happiness for me!!

Thank you Dana and family for such a memorable and beautiful session!

Senior Girlfriends Styled Shoots!

You can't imagine your senior year without your best friend.

Why have your senior portraits taken without her?!

Introducing Senior Girlfriends Styled Shoots!!!

Beginning this summer, I am offering a limited number of sessions for senior girls and their best friend(s).

Now, this isn't your normal get-together with your girlfriends and snap some photos.  This is more on the scale of Maggpie... Bohemian-Life... renovate my kitchen shoots!

To start, we'll have a fun conversation, to hone in on your personal style. {romantic? artsy? musical? quirky?}

Next, we'll discuss locations.  {Lancaster County? NEPA? Philly? Coney Island?}

Then, we'll dive head first into a private Pinterest board, to develop your wardrobe {dresses? boots? hats? sunglasses? favorite hoodie?}... props {bike? flowers? cafe? carnival rides?}... & concepts {the possibilities are endless!!} 


And finally, we will have a photo shoot that's not so much a photo shoot, but more like an epic, memory making experience for you and your best friend, that happens to be photographed like mad. 


Portraits will be taken of each individual, as well as many fun "together" shots.

Package pricing {for two lovely ladies} begins at $1,550 and may increase, according to the location and additional props needed.  Price includes style, wardrobe, prop & location planning; sitting fee; and two discs of edited images.  Prints and other items available for purchase, a la carte.

Moms are welcome, too!  Especially if we opt for an over-nighter.  Yes, that's available!!!

Dates are VERY limited, as I'm full tilt into my busy season.

Please call, for more information and to secure your time!  717-689-3277


PS  As mentioned on Facebook- this concept can be adapted to fit ANY best girlfriends.  40 year old best friends want to create a one of a kind experience and document a life long friendship?  This is PERFECT for you!  Sisters?  Definitely!!   Moms and your grown daughters?  Yes!!! Yes!!!!

I may not sleep tonight.  I'm so ridiculously excited!!  ;)