It's my birthday...I can write whatever I want to!

I was thinking about the interviews I've seen on E-news (mainly Jennifer Lawrence...I love her!) and how they ask pointed questions to get thoughtful answers. That's what we're going to do for today's post. What are your deep thoughts for this year?

"Whenever anyone asked my Grandma how old she was, her answer was always the same, "39 and holding." (for that reason we never really knew her exact age and she always acted younger anyway.) But, it's made me think about her a lot in the weeks leading up to my birthday, she must have loved this age to hold onto it for so many years. I think there's something special about getting all I can out of the 30's...I plan to be more brave this year and I intend to look for beauty and hold onto hope."

What are you doing differently with photography business?

"This is my second year spending my winter months ("off season") mentoring photographers and I'm realizing how much I love it. I've been teaching photography workshops for years and will continue to do that, but there's nothing like walking with someone for 6 months and seeing them achieve goals they never thought possible!" (Find out more)

"I'm not giving up my day job! I love wedding photography and portrait photography is a close second. I'm going to be doing this for a long time!"

Why are you going back to school?

"I never got my degree and for a long time I didn't think I needed it, but as my youngest will be going to kindergarten in the fall, I started to dream (again) about what I want to be when I grow up. I decided that I love photography too much to give it up, but I love investing in people as well. So, I'm getting my generals at Normandale and probably finishing my degree at University of Minnesota so that I can grow my photography business and start a new life coaching business. Of course, all this is subject to change, but I'm enjoying the ride. Going back to school has been amazingly exciting and totally scary! In each class I'm learning not only about the subject, but about myself...it's been really good. (sounds a little mid-life-crisis-y? maybe. but, I'm okay with that.)"

What does "almost 40" look like for you?

"I have grey hairs. I don't mind the change in color but no one told grey hairs are crazy, coarse, stick straight up and look ridiculous...just cause for pulling them out!"

"I feel a little older (winded after walking up stairs :) but, I also feel a little wiser. I like the trade off."

"And lastly, I would sum it up in one word...quieter. It's hard to explain. I'm still me with all my passion, extroverted-ness, and zeal, but I'm quieter on the inside. More content to just be. Happy in my skin. Does that make sense?"

Anything you want to add?

"Being brave has its risks, but life is worth living.

Life is messy.

I'm messy. I'm okay with that.

I want to learn from my first 38 years and keep learning. I want for you too!"

March 5, 1976 I was born in Montevideo, Uruguay. (long story) But, I googled what was happening that day and here's what I found!

Why don't you blog anymore?

Top ten reasons: 1. I needed a break.

2. My family needs me.

3. I write in my journal a ton these days and don't save much for "the world."

4. I'm not taking pictures...except on my phone (wanna see?)

5. I post to Facebook more.

6. I'm preferring to "be" with people instead of on my computer. (just starting started a 6 month mentoring program with a couple of photographers and I'm loving every minute!)

7. I'm in school and it's taking up a lot of my time. (Microeconomics is so much harder then I thought it would be!)

8. I'm saving up for my birthday post :)

9. I've been blogging for years and I know it's okay to take breaks.

10. I'll write when it's a post worth posting!

Dinner with Chili's at home...

What are you cooking for dinner tonight? I have a plan. I usually cook for my family, but every once and a while this Momma needs a break. We usually go to Chili's for their incredible chips and salsa, but not tonight. Tonight we're eating in and I am going to take the night off of cooking. Thankfully there are some great options from Chili's that we can find in the frozen section at most grocery stores and now we can have Chili's at home! Check out the link and tell me which one looks like it would be your family fav!

SINGLE-SERVE ENTRÉES 1. Bacon Mac ‘N’ Cheese 2. Cajun-Style Chicken Alfredo 3. Cheesy Chicken Pasta Florentine 4. Chicken Bacon Ranch 5. Chicken Fajita Rice Bowl 6. Island Chicken & Rice 7. Mango Chicken with Rice 8. Pepper Jack Mac ‘N’ Cheese

MULTI-SERVE MEALS 1. Bacon Mac ‘N’ Cheese 2. Chicken Bacon Ranch 3. Chicken Fajita Rice 4. Nacho Potatoes with Beef & Bacon 5. Seasoned Chicken Bites with Honey Chipotle Sauces.

I chose chicken bites for our appetizer and chicken florentine for our entree...I'll probably add slices of cucumber for the garden for kicks!

I know the kids will be excited.

I know clean up will be easy.

I know it will be yummy...we like big, bold and tasty flavors in this home. That sounds perfect!

Are you going to have people over for football this weekend? Chili’s® at Home is a great way so you can sit and enjoy your company. Right?

AND...

We started a series at church this month that focuses on "reclaiming the table" and this will count! Our goal is to eat 3 meals together every week and the statistics prove the difference this makes on the family and the individuals! We're eating together, looking face to face, chatting about our day and even using our "reclaimed" conversation starters at our evening meals. We love it.

You need a break? probably. Click this link to get your $1 off coupon for a Chili’s at home product. It is a perfect way to start a new family dinner tradition!

This post is sponsored by Chili’s at Home.

Behind the scenes of a food blogger

Behind the scenes of a food blogger...one of the best, actually. If you haven't "pinned" one of her incredible recipes, you are missing out. Vikalinka I love her blog, but, I love her more. She is lovely. Worth following and listening to. Find out more about my sweet friend...

DIY Leather craft for the home

DIY Leather craft for the home…yes, I'll admit, this is new for me! But, I can not tell you how much I'm loving reinventing my home by repurposing with "stuff" I already have, but never use. It's amazing. And so fun. And I'm doing it with my kids! As you can see we got a little distraction and Clara went crazy with posing. :) Gotta role with it when you're kids want to pose right? So, my plan was to hang some photos on these clean canvases. But, before I do, I wanted your input. Any creative suggestions for how to use these canvases?

I'm linking up with some blogger friends doing the same DIY but in our own way! Go check out their sites and see what they came up with. Brooklyn Berry Designs, Little Light Design Collective, Dugans in Cahoots, Wild Ruffle

Plus, There are 5 sites doing the leather DIYs, so we will have one rafflecopter giveaway, with 5 $50 winners…so if you want to be a winner I'd check out the Rafflecopter and the other sites from Monday to Friday.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

A special thanks to the Leatherhidestore for including NoemiPhotography in this giveaway!

Individual FOCUSED Photography Mentoring

Individual FOCUSED Photography Mentoring…is about learning what makes an image good. And then, taking risks to make images great.

I have been teaching workshops for years and recently decided to mentor more intentionally and customize the mentoring for each individual.

I've started to mentor one-on-one!

This can be a one day session (including: a live shoot, review of website/branding/social media and individual question and answer time)

or

Meeting once a month for 6 months. (Meeting monthly allows time for mentoring and developing your style and business.)

If either of these interest you, please contact me directly (Noemi@NoemiPhotography.com)

I love mentoring and have always encouraged people to ask me anything about photography and business…now I have an organized way to help and I'm really excited about it!

I've already started working with a few women and they are so lovely! We are sharpening each other every day in our closed Facebook page: posting images, offering encouragement and critiques, asking questions and getting answers.

One of the ladies posted this sweet review the other day, "I had my first mentoring session with Noemi yesterday and I just want to say it was wonderful. A person is never sure what you are going to get when you sign up for a class, in the past I was always hoping that it was going to be the one that will help me advance, but was always disappointed. After yesterday, I am very confident that I chose very well this time. Noemi is very patient, explains everything so well and in detail, and is just a fun person to be with. I came away from this session with a little more bounce in my step, understanding my camera better and more confidence than I have ever had. I am so looking forward to our future sessions, working with this talented mentoring group and growing in so many ways."

Can't wait to get to know you and help you grow as a photographer. :)

FOCUSED Photography and Social Media Workshop

Are you a small business owner or beginning blogger who desires to grow their business? Learn how photography and social media know-how can bring your business to the next level at the upcoming FOCUSED Photography and Social Media Workshop.

Noemi Hedrick, a photographer with over a decade of experience, and Cate Mezyk, lifestyle blogger and small business owner, will teach you the ins and outs and tricks of the trade in a way that makes the overwhelming seem easy.

Hurry and take advantage of the December discount - this class is only $89 if you sign up by the end of the month, using code Earlybird2013. Keep scrolling for more details.

Who should attend?

*Photographers new to their camera and photography and those that are interested in knowing how their camera works and learning how to improve their images.

*Bloggers or small business owners wanting to learn the ins and outs of utilizing social media to increase awareness of your brand, including Facebook for business, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Google+ and more.

Cost Includes:

- Over 3.5 hours of hands-on teaching with Noemi Hedrick (Photographer) and Cate Mezyk from Wildruffle (Blogging and Social Media Expert)

- Technical & Creative on the spot training

- Discovering how to gain followers that will truly connect with you and your business and how to drive traffic to your site through social media.

- Learning how to get consistently accurate exposures in changing lighting situations

- Interacting with models, natural posing techniques, capturing images with impact

- Q&A during and after shoot to discuss challenges

WHAT TO BRING?

Bring your digital SLR camera/point and shoot for the photography portion. We also recommend that you bring a smartphone, and a laptop/iPad for the social media portion.

Preferred lens is a 70-200mm to keep everyone at the same shooting distance so we don't get in each other's way. You can bring other lenses as long as you are considerate and avoid standing in front of other attendees during the shoot. All gear should be stored on your person to keep you mobile. Bring paper and pen for on-the-go note-taking.

• Date - Saturday, February 8th, 2014
• Time - 1:00pm - 4:30pm
• Location - Meeting Location will be emailed to attendees.
• Cost $99.00 ($89 PROMO CODE: Earlybird2013)
• Level: Beginner (no prior knowledge of: blogging, social media or DSLR camera needed)

Brought to you by:

Have you heard of Pinterest?

yup. I know. Pinterest is an addiction of photo inspiration. I can lost pinning for hours. I love Pinterest for hair cuts and styles! AND I love to use Pinterest is for the recipes (more like the pictures of recipes) and I keep them pinned to my board until I need them. What to see my Pinterest boards? Click here

One of my favorite chef/blog/pinterest peeps is Vikalinka! I post about her all the time on my facebook page...and I will continue to! She inspires me to cook...and bake...now that's good photography!

She's so personable and willing to take requests and answer questions..."like" her page and ask away.

She lives in England and has done tons of promo stuff. I kinda think of her blog as my little kept secret. But, I had to share it with you.

Visit her Facebook page and...your welcome.

Social media and blog planning e-book

If you're looking for a great tool to help you understand Social Media and Blogging I would highly recommend this new e-book! The author, Rachel Greenhouse, is the reason I started blogging in the first place.

Seriously. I listen to her.

Here's the details:

author + designer: Rachel Greenhouse format: PDF e-book price:   $10 where to buy it: http://letsgetsocialplanning-book.eventbrite.com/ 36 pages, including 7 worksheets to create your own plan + schedule

some of the topics included:

what is social media? what is a blog? why social media? why a blog? which social media? how should you “do” social media + blogging? how shouldn’t you “do” social media + blogging? your commitment + intention = you get to decide!  what is content creation? how do you turn your ideas into a calendar and posting schedule? create your general monthly plan + create your specific monthly plan

also offering classes...only 8 women max per class info is at http://www.rachelgreenhouse.eventbrite.com

What does a Wedding Photographer do any day they're not shooting a Wedding?

Here we go: - Edit photos

- Blog photos

- Connect with my husband!

- Set up portrait sessions

- Tweet a little

- Follow up with clients

- Respond to new inquiries

- Set up workshops

- Work on Workshop teaching

- Edit some more...

- Facebook (business and personal)

- Take care of home and kids

- Edit even more!

- Design albums

- Order album, print, proof books

- Accounting

- Connect with Friends

- Return phone calls

- AND did I mention editing?

As you can see from the list above being a wedding photographer isn't all about shooting weddings...it's a lot of business stuff! But, even though it's a mixed bag of "things to do!" Don't let anyone tell you it's not the greatest job in the world. Here's what I'm working on today!

I'm still processing...laying low and resting.

Last week we had a scare with our youngest baby (almost 2)...we spent 3 days at the PICU at the Minneapolis Children's Hospital. We're home now and laying low for the week. I was reflecting on everything that happened and how it effected me. I started to write and this is what came out.

Everyone is asking, "How are you really doing?" My tiredness is slowly fading My emotions aren't ruling And my thoughts are turning Towards thankfulness.

In the midst of shaking i felt nothing, Afterwards I'm still moving, I keep going back re-living, Stop second guessing, And starting to listen.

I needed you more than anything In the midst of pain I was floating On the prayers of those caring My burdens you were carrying So I could rest and hope.

You were there in the shaking, And now, I'm still standing, My heart you were holding, Keeping me, trusting The one who held me through it all...is the one that holds tomorrow.

This is my 1000 Blog Post!

In honor of all my years of blogging (started in 2007) I would like to do a couple of giveaways! This is to say thank you to all the people who faithfully come and read my imperfect but heart felt blog!

Ohhh...This is going to be so much fun. Giveaway #1 - A free spot in the January 21st, 2012 Practical FOCUSED Photography Workshop! (Click here for the details)

Giveaway #2 - A free Mini Session in 2012! (the dates haven't been released yet but I usually do Mini Sessions March, June and September) Want to learn more about Mini Sessions - Click here!

There are several ways to win this giveaway – VERY IMPORTANT - please leave an additional comment for each entry in order for them to count.

1) Leave a comment telling me the Giveaway your trying for AND all the reasons of why you should win.

2) Post a link to this giveaway on Facebook.

3) ‘Like’ NoemiPhotography on Facebook (click here to do so).

4) Tweet about this giveaway (be sure to include my handle, @noemiphotograph, so I can feel the love!)

5) Follow me on Twitter (I’m @noemiphotograph)

6.) WANT TO INCREASE YOUR CHANCES? Get friends and family to "LIKE" your comment on FACEBOOK! Cause if you can get 50 people to vote for you...it will make a HUGE difference when I randomly pick the winner! There's nothing like increasing your chances!

Good luck to all who enter! This contest will be open now until Saturday, December 31st at 11:59 CST, and the random winners will be announced on Monday, January 2nd, 2012.

P.S. All of my friends who are reading this thinking, "I can't enter because we're friends!" I'd like to say...this contest is open to everyone! Why not my friends too!

'Tis the season for fun presents and doing stuff to make people smile!

Are you trying to build a blog your truly love?

I know a lot of the women who read my blog on a regular basis either write their own blog OR would really like to start a blog but don't know how. I have the perfect course to help you walk through the process! This soul-stirring, blog-boosting online class gives you the motivation, insights and resources you need to turn your blog into a rewarding, fulfilling, authentic extension of YOU.

You’ll drool over in-depth interviews with 20 incredibly inspiring and successful blogging all-stars, from best-selling author SARK to internationally-known artist Kelly Rae Roberts to Tiny Buddha founder Lori Deschene {get the full list of contributors here}. You’ll flex your creative muscles and kick fear in the teeth. You’ll define your blog’s purpose, which will keep you motivated for years to come. You’ll dive deep with introspective exercises – there’s audio, video and creative worksheets to keep you on your toes. You’ll gain access to a private Facebook community full of fellow bloggers and potential new friends. You’ll create a blogging blueprint that’s unique to you and your sacred space on the web. You’ll learn how to lovingly leverage your blog to gain exposure, earn money, and build community. You’ll receive a 300+ page PDF of all class content so you can revisit it whenever you need.

Click here to view more details

This ecourse is ideal for anyone who longs for their adventures in blogging to feel more rewarding and fulfilling, whether you’re just starting out or ready to take your blog to the next level. Topics we’ll cover include…

How to define and enhance the purpose of your blog How to attract the best readers you can imagine {and keep them coming back for more!} How big-name bloggers have let their hearts lead them to great success {see all 20 superstar contributors!} How to write authentic, creative, compelling posts and never run out of ideas How to make sure your blog’s design reflects YOU {or your business}, including easy + awesome design tips How to promote your blog without feeling like a used car salesman How to prosper from your blog in ways that feel right for you {in-depth details on affiliate marketing, sponsorships, giveaways + more} How to realize your blog’s business-boosting potential {awesome for entrepreneurs + small businesses} How to decide where your blog should live {from domain services to blogging platforms – all are not created equal} How to build a super-cool, like-minded community of readers and fellow bloggers How to learn from my mistakes {I made a bunch of ‘em early on and don’t want you to do the same!}

When is it? This six-week course runs from January 9, 2012 – February 17, 2012 .

How does it work? A new lesson, exercise or interview is posted every day, Monday through Friday, on our password-protected site. You simply go to the site, log-in with your password and soak up the latest content!

Do I have to show up at a certain time? Nope! If you don’t have time to check in every weekday, you can follow the course at your own pace, whenever it’s convenient for you. However – it is beneficial to follow along if you want to connect with fellow classmates about each topic via the comment section and our private Facebook group.

How much time will this take? For those who want to stay on-track, it’s recommended that you reserve 2-5 hours a week for reading posts, working on exercises, watching videos, and connecting with classmates.

What if I fall behind? Don’t worry about falling behind! You’ll receive a 300+ page PDF at the end of the course so you always have access to the content! Past students have found huge value in this, so it’s now built into the course price.

Click here to view more details PLEASE JOIN US!

Are you a Blogger wanting to build a better blog? (say that 5 times fast!)

I was involved in this incredible course earlier this year and I'm so happy to be doing it again!

If you are trying to build your business through your website/blog (which is pretty much every Small Business Owner I know) you will want to take this course.

When is it? This six-week course runs from January 9, 2012 – February 17, 2012 .

How does it work? A new lesson, exercise or interview is posted every day, Monday through Friday, on our password-protected site. You simply go to the site, log-in with your password and soak up the latest content!

Do I have to show up at a certain time? Nope! If you don’t have time to check in every weekday, you can follow the course at your own pace, whenever it’s convenient for you. However – it is beneficial to follow along if you want to connect with fellow classmates about each topic via the comment section and our private Facebook group.

How much time will this take? For those who want to stay on-track, it’s recommended that you reserve 2-5 hours a week for reading posts, working on exercises, watching videos, and connecting with classmates.

What if I fall behind? Don’t worry about falling behind! You’ll receive a 300+ page PDF at the end of the course so you always have access to the content! Past students have found huge value in this, so it’s now built into the course price.

Click below to find out more and to REGISTER!

https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?ii=990454&c=ib&aff=173305&cl=122825

I'm going to be taking the course and teaching the photography portion! Obviously I'm giving it my stamp of approval! Please let me know when you sign up cause it'll be fun to take the journey together!