Bella's 1st Ballet "Recital"

Yesterday was Bella's last session of her summer ballet classes. She was in the very beginners class for 2.5 - 3 year olds. The last class was an observation class, not really a recital, but it was good enough for us. I was so amazed at how the teacher incorporated the basic skills into the most simple, easy to understand activities with a "princess" flair. Bella had a big audience and for the most part did well to stay focused! My dad, Christy, Andy, and Mother and Father in-law were all there to watch and support her. It's such a wonderful feeling seeing how prideful your little one is that you are there for them and Louie and I were also full of pride to see her follow the teacher's lead so well. Hoping this is the 1st of many more to dance classes to come!

a few clips to enjoy....

Mother - Daughter

Playing dress up

A few weeks ago I was reminiscing about my wedding day...I can't believe it was 6 years ago. I remembered that I still had my dressing hanging in the guest room closet - I haven't laid my eyes on it since my wedding day. I thought Bella would enjoy seeing it so I pull it out, laid it on the bed, opened it up. I didn't have the money to have it preserved after the wedding, we were so broke, so I knew I might not find the dress in the best condition. I was right, the sequins on the top part of the dress were all yellowed and the bottom of the dress was soiled from dancing. Luckily, I didn't spend a ridiculous amount on the dress. Bella won't ever get to wear this on HER wedding day and probably just as well, I"m sure the styles will change in 20+ years when she is ready to be a bride (At least my veil is in great condition and she can use that). Just then, I remembered a pin on pintrest that made suggestions for photography of young girls; one was photos of your little girl in your wedding dress. I proposed the plan to Bella and, of course, she was excited to play dress up, especially with mommy's dress. I slipped it over her head, pulled out my veil, pearl necklace and bracelet, and grabbed the silk flower arrangement that I saved from my wedding rehearsal. Looking at her in MY wedding dress, although it was many sizes too large for her little baby body, I had chills. This was the perfect alternative - a great way to remember her in my dress since I didn't preserve it for her wedding day; at least I could capture her beauty and innocence in this way.  The photos came out great, I look forward to displaying them at her wedding.... in the distant future.

Creative Update

{AT WORK}  Kennesaw State University Magazine - Spring 2013

Our team of 4 designers (University Relations, Creative Services) each get one opportunity a year to design the University's magazine cover to cover. My turn this year was to design the spring issue and it finally got published! I had been working on this issue since February and I was so glad to finally send it off to the printer - we experienced many hiccups along the way which pushed back the deadline, but it's done and I would like to share my blood, sweat and tears! 


A few of my favorite spreads:

** Click here to view the entire magazine online.


A few concepts did not make it in the final version, but I'd like to share those anyway:

The cover concept ...

And an interior story spread that did not make the final cut...

More designs to share coming soon! KSU Athletic posters!

{AT HOME} Painting

I've been itching to paint - its been a long while - I finally found some spare time to really just create something for ME - this will hang nicely in my soon-to-be revamped master bathroom (inspirational color palette).