DIY - Chalk Paint Project

Chalk Paint Projects have been really fun at my house lately! So easy and really fun for me and the kids! We took an old wood plaque and some winnie the pooh canvases that were a gift for one of the kids… and I let the kids paint it with primer and chalk pain. It took a couple of layers of chalk paint, but I'd loved how it turned out. Then, I got some chalk markers and wrote out the words. (The kids wanted to help, but I didn't let them)

The finished project is a quote that's been in my heart the last couple of months.

Trusting is so hard.

Trusting with all your heart is even harder.

I want to be a trusting person that trusts in love and truth.

So, I chose to trust in the Lord…with all my heart.

Kindred Spirits

“Kindred spirits are not so scarce as I used to think. It's splendid to find out there are so many of them in the world.”L.M. Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables

Anne of Green Gables was a HUGE part of my childhood and I think I've spent my life looking for "kindred" spirits. I've found them along the way but, like Anne, my friendships were painful and wonderful addition to my life. 

I remember being at a conference and hearing a speaker say, "Everyone has a book inside of them. What's the story or topic is being written in you that you want (or need) to share?" I knew immediately that I would write about friendship. Not because I think I'm an expert, but because I feel like I understand women and their desire to be friends.

Kindred Spirits are worth fighting for. But, you do have to fight for them.

Over the next couple of weeks I'm going to be writing from my heart and sharing my thoughts about friendships. Take it for what it is…just my thoughts. I hope it's encouraging for you and maybe even a little enlightening. I hope you come back and read each post.

I really believe friendships are one of the keys to a happy woman.

For a long time I didn't understand why adult friendships were so much harder. But I get it now. When I was a kid I spent all my time at school or playing with the same set of kids. That was the same for high school and then, even more so for dorm life! Everything changes when you stop spending every day, all day with your friends. Life changes and your job (and maybe husband) becomes central and you have to start working to keep friends and working even harder to make new friends. Does that make sense?

“Isn't it nice to think that tomorrow is a new day with no mistakes in it yet?” L.M Montogmery

Now, I know you've been hurt in relationships. We all have. Girls can be mean…and women can be meaner. We've all been there. I wish I could say that after high school that meanness goes away, but it doesn't.  I'm sorry for every friend that hurt you…I really am. I want to encourage you to try again. For you and for the friend out there that needs you. We are all lonely and we need each other. Breathe. Thanks for reading. I can't wait to share more.

“Life is worth living as long as there's a laugh in it.” ? L.M. Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables

Spring Photography Ideas...

The weather has been amazing and so you know what that means? The snow is melting and with the warmer weather bring new Spring photography ideas. Minnesotans come out of hibernation - instead of seeing your neighbors cars vanish inside their garages you start to see them outside pruning, fixing planting and playing with their kids! It's a great time to pull out your camera…blow off the dust if necessary :) 1. Spend hours outside playing with your kids and take pictures of them doing what they love! Just move the playing close to a window or sliding door and use the window light...you'll get great shots!

2. Go to a park you've never taken your kids too and capture their faces as they explore new equipment!

3. Another great idea is to clear your cards, charge your battery, pack a picnic lunch and take the kids to the Minnesota Zoo for the farm babies  (open from April 1 until April 30th!)

4. If you are in the Minneapolis area…take your kids to a different library! we have so many good ones and it you're like me we usually go to the same one EVERY TIME. Boring. So we ventured out to Shakopee last week and loved their library! Click for the link of events for kids and adults.

5. Take pictures of new life. Anything you see that's green and coming…capture it from all different angles.

Do you have more ideas? leave a comment with the info and everyone will see it!

www.noemiphotography.com

Water please…first thing in the morning.

One of the best things you can do after you wake up: drink at least 16oz (500mL) of water. Water fires up your metabolism, hydrates you, helps your body flush out toxins, gives your brain fuel, and may even make you eat less. (Full article from ayearofproductivity.com)

I don't know why I didn't know this little stat about having water as soon as you get up in the morning, but I tried it and it works. I usually chug water and I don't feel like drinking when I first get up…kinda makes me gag. BUT, after a couple of minutes I feel the effects! It makes me feel more awake and energized. I drink water as soon as I remember and I usually wait to eat for a bit. (sometimes have coffee in the middle)

Can I eat right away? (I did some checking and here's what I found from menprovement.com)

You should wait at least 15 minutes after drinking your water to eat. The optimal length in Japanese culture is to wait 45 minutes until eating. The “exact protocol” of the Japanese water cure is as followed:

1) As you wake up in the morning before brushing teeth, drink 4 × 160mL glasses of water

2) Brush and clean the mouth but do not eat or drink anything for 45 minutes

3) After 45 minutes you may eat and drink as normal.

4) After 15 minutes of breakfast, lunch and dinner do not eat or drink anything for 2 hours – i.e. you can drink straight after a meal (within the first 15 minutes) but not for 2 hours after that.

5) Those who are old or sick and are unable to drink 4 glasses of water at the beginning may commence by taking little water and gradually increase it to 4 glasses per day. (full article)

I like this article from bodywisdomnutrition.com:

Quick tip for a healthier you:

Drink a glass of water FIRST THING when you wake up in the morning.

Well, brush your teeth first if you’d like, but then down that full cup of water!

Would you be surprised if I told you that the biggest nutrient deficiency in America is water?

We are a chronically dehydrated nation and many of our chronic health complaints, from headaches to constipation to arthritis can be improved by simply drinking enough pure water every day. It makes sense when you think about the fact that our bodies are 70% water, and water is fundamentally important to every system and function of our bodies.

When you wake up in the morning you are at your most dehydrated. You’ve been breathing all night and have lost moisture with each breath since water moistens oxygen for easier breathing. (full article)

Want to try this with me?

It's free, easy, and can't hurt right?

I think by having water first thing I actually feel better, happier and more alert. Who doesn't want that?

My birth story.

Today I'm 38. (for those of you who follow my blog I actually thought I was 38 last year and was so happy to get a year back!) In the past I've written about birthday traditions, posted fun shots of me in Vegas and shared some lame family photos. But, today I really am 38. nothing special about this birthday but, it's the day I was born. There's a story behind every person and how they came into the world.

I'm the cute little baby

This is my story.

My mom and dad were living in a Canada and they just had my sister Elizabeth Sunshine (pretty name right?) My sis was 6 months old when they found out they were pregnant with me. (After having 3 kids of my own…I realize how crazy it must of felt to be adding a second, when you're first is still a baby.)

My dad was from Uruguay (small country just below Brazil) and after several years in Canada, they packed up or sold everything they owned and moved to Montevideo (the Capital.) Beautiful beaches. Tons of Latin family. A fresh start. A lot of hard work and impossible transitions.

I made my first international trip at 13 weeks...I mean my mom was 13 weeks pregnant with me. My Mom's life was about to radically change and so was mine.

We landed into a new country, with a new language, a new culture, a new family…well, you get the point.

My dad went to work to support us and my mom took care of Elizabeth and learned spanish on the streets: markets, conversations, tv and living with family.

I can't imagine what it was like. Can you? In this new place I grew.

Incredible adventure mixed with scary unknowns…all the while she's caring for the baby in her arms and the baby in her belly.

I was born on March 5th, 1976, six months after they arrived in Uruguay. My mom delivered in a small hospital where none of the medical staff spoke english. Thankfully my dad was there to translate…but again, labor and delivery is hard enough let alone not being able to understand anyone trying to help you.

They named me: Noemi Isabel Albojer (what a mouthful…but I guess that's appropriate because I always have something to say! )

My name actually means: pleasant, consecrated to God. I like that.

I was born without hair and didn't have much for the first year of my life.

Now the plot thickens...Elizabeth was 15 months and I was a newborn and we moved into the building my dad had renovated…the paint was still fresh when we came home.

My first bed? A suitcase.

Red hair and brown eyes…fair skin and a perfect nose.

After 6 months my parents were now expecting my younger sister Cindi and decided that they would prefer Canada. So after was born, we made the long trek back and started over again.

So why the spanish name? Elizabeth was born in Canada when they thought they were staying there. I was born in Uruguay so they gave me a spanish name thinking they would be staying. By the time they had Cindi, they knew they were coming back. So, I'm the only one in the family with a spanish name. They meant well. :)

In the midst of my dad setting up a new business and raising 3 girls…along came my brother. They had 4 kids in 5 years and moved back and forth between countries twice. They were brave. They worked hard. They did the best they could.

I love where I came from. Latin culture explains a lot about me and my personality.

This story is messy but…that's okay...it's mine.

Noone's story is perfect.

You know what you can give me for a birthday present? Leave a comment and tell me something unique about your birth story. 

DIY Photography in the winter

If you're like me, you're spending a lot of time inside because this Minnesota winter has pushed the limit. I heard we're really close to breaking the record for the coldest winter on the books. At this point, why not go for the record? At least then we get some credit! Enough about the weather…and back to the post. DIY Photography in the winter is not as hard as one may think. For this DIY, I'm walking you through bath time and a simple family photography session.

Step One - Find the biggest window in the house and clear an area. Then make your subject comfortable…and start shooting. i suggest shooting at a low aperture 2.8 - 4.0, shutter speed as low as you can go with the lens you have. I try not to shoot below 1/70 if I'm hand holding to avoid shake. My ISO will start at 400 and I'll bump it up if necessary.

Looking out the window.

Step Two - Move to a different room with similar light and keep shooting. Put yourself between the window and your subject.

Then switch so that you are shooting into the window light and capturing the silhouette. (I love the softness of these shots)

Step Three - Keep capturing moments happening close to the window. Anything goes.

Step Four - Family Photo - have the family face window light.

Random thoughts...

Every now and then I get some random thoughts and I like to share.

1. Where I grew up in Canada is warmer then Minnesota…every winter.
2. I'm the second of four kids in my family and 2 of us are photographers.
3. I always wanted to have a least 2 girls so they could know what it's like to have a sister.
4. I don't like accounting. Not that I don't like it being done, just not by me.
5. I love all things APPLE or MAC. They just "get" me and make it easy.
6. I drink tea a lot. I call it my winter water.
7. My birthday is next week. I'm turning 38. I like my age.
8. Changing my hair is my way of starting over.
9. I work out more then I ever have in my life and I'm starting to like it.
10. I love wool socks…got some for Christmas and I wear them all the time.
11. I would watch a movie over TV shows ANYDAY.
12. I love epic films! Everything from Marvel to Hitch
13. My family is something I cherish over almost everything else. I hope my choices reflect that.
14. I'm sure there's more…but I'll save that for another post.
15. I love blogging.

Ballerina Birthday Party

Clara decided she wanted a ballerina birthday party 2 days after her last birthday. All year, if anyone did something nice for her she would respond by saying, "You can come to my Ballerina Birthday Party!" It was a big deal to her. I loved making it a big deal to the whole family.

We have a friend, Nicky, that is a professional ballerina and she loves kids! So she came up with amazing ideas for the party:

- learn about the life of a ballerina

- make your own tiara

- have ballerina cake

- go on an adventure (incorporating a whole ballet class)

- laugh with friends

- and then take a nap!

IT WAS SUCH A GREAT LITTLE GIRL BALLERINA BIRTHDAY PARTY! Thanks Nicky for making it perfect! The pictures speak for themselves.

***If you have a little girl who loves ballet…you should plan a ballerina birthday party and have Nicky come! Contact me for details. (noemi@noemiphotography.com)

Color me. Blog readers decide.

I'm going to dye my hair again. It's dark brown right now. I picked two colors.

1. I like this one cause it's brassy red! 2. I like the next one cause it's edgy burgundy! Here's the two: compare and pick your fav!

Which do you like better. Choose 1 or 2! You decide which you like best and leave a comment with your pick! The most comments wins…you have until tomorrow at noon. I kinda want to do this soon!

Road trip, heart break, and making family memories.

I'm not a stranger to grief. We've meet before and my heart remembers.

We're not friends, but know each other well.

Grief is messy. Unpredictable. Breathtaking.

Grief is different every day and for every person.

While in Canada I was visiting  a family living with grief and I wanted to "do" something, so we took some time to take family photos on Sunday. Something to freeze time. And to laugh because we still have each other.

DIY - Painting Project (on a budget)

so it's no surprise to any of us that it's freezing outside and that means we're spending tons of time inside…that's when the creative ideas start to flow! I love saving money and I can't wait to share my fun-finds with you in the DYI post!

I'm creative, but not when it comes to my house...I get really nervous about making big changes and spending money on stuff I may not like. But I have ideas and so I tried to do some of my painting projects on a extremely low budget! You can't really beat updating 2 rooms for $36…right? And that's truly all I spent! A gallon of paint, a roll of blue tape and a brush! (we already had the roll stuff at home)

So, I've been posting my projects and getting a ton of questions about the paint and the "how to do it?" So, thus the blog post!

Here's my creative process!

Step 1 - Have a trusted creative friend (or two) walk through your house with you. If you're not sure who this is in your life ask anyone who's house you've been in and love. Chances are they would love to help you! Tell them everything you love and hate about the current decor…listen to them and their suggestions. (thank you Anna and AJ)

Step 2 - Set aside time to do it! (Pinterest is awesome, but pinning pretty pictures doesn't change my home - I WISH!). So, I packed up the kids and went to Home Depot. I got one gallon of Benjamin Moore - Bella Blue - did you know they can type in and color and mix for you right there? Love America! And how did I know I would love it you may ask? Well, I saw it in my friends house (thank you Shannon Lindsay!) and said, "Do you mind if I copy this color?" I'm a visual person and need to see it on a wall before I know if I like it. AND, as I already mentioned, I'm scared of making a mistake.

Step 3 - Prep your little heart out. I don't know about you but when's there paint sitting in my house I want to "get 'er done" but I took my time and tape every last inch! Then the actual painting was a piece of cake! Done in a day. It only took 2 coats to cover the old color.

Step 4 - (This is where it gets interesting.) Reuse your color! What do I mean? Well, my son's room has been destroyed by every transforming, lego created, monster truck smashing thing you can imagine…it needed healing. But, the Bella Blue didn't match so I went back to home depot and for free they added color until it was dark blue! I brought it home and started project #2!

(side note: you will need the proper repair stuff when attempting a boy's room!)

Step 5 - Repeat step 2 and 3!

Step 6 - add decorations to complete the look!

I love how painting changes the feel of a room and I did both projects in 3 days! I'm loving the finished DYI projects and had to admit I kinda want to keep going! What update do you want to attempt next?

Welcome to my new blog and website!

Wow. It's finally here. Welcome. Grab a cup of tea...you may be here a while. When you get the idea to re-brand, change your website and update your blog you think it's a great idea...then you start working on it and your realize what a HUGE undertaking it is.

This update was so long over due and I'm sooooo happy about the clean new look.

For those of you who have been waiting...thanks for your patience.

This wedsite matches me.

And it matches my photography.

It's light and happy.

Somewhere I want to come and look at pictures.

So please, come on in. Take a look at all the links and all the photos...I chose each one carefully.

Enjoy! (picture me doing the happy dance!)

AND Feel free to invite a few friends to join you. Share, like, link, email, call those your love the most and tell them my website is done. :)

Family Portraits - Tips from a Professional Photographer

There's nothing like taking your own kids out for a photo session...one of the most humbling experiences EVER. They want to be silly...

or they don't want to smile...

or they smile too hard...

or they just run away...

LOL.

I'm sure it's very entertaining to watch!

Tips from a Professional Photographer:

1. Hire some outside your family to take pictures

2. Don't take your kids out during their dinner hour

3. Bring treats to bribe

4. Have someone behind the photographer to make them giggle

5. Don't yell at them, or criticize, or scold - all things that don't make them smile

6. Do have lots of stories about tooting, farting, burping on hand.

(I broke every rule except #6 on my last shoot with my kids...it's amazing what you resort to when trying to make your kids smile for the camera and that's why rule #1 is so important!!!!!!)

Here's the final product...they are still THE MOST BEAUTIFUL KIDS I have ever seen.

Because at some point I just let them be kids. The poses at the end are their own creations. They are amazing kids.

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.

Canada is a part of me...and always will be.

I went back to Canada a couple of weeks ago...it was all about family! I had to bring my camera though...just so I could capture their beauty. My sweet sisters.

My nephew and my sister.

My new niece and bro-in-law.

My siblings...who live in 3 countries...are together.

Bath time.

Family photos.

Crazy hair day.

Simple laughs...playing with the phonebook :)

And quiet baby moments.

I love that.

Summer is filled with Memories.

Milestones. Try and try again because we have time and the weather is gorgeous. Family fun...because we're together.

Late Dinners and even later outside play.

I love summer. Because it's filled with new memories.

What's your favorite summer memory? Are you able to capture it? Get out the camera. I did.

I just finished my first 10 day juicing fast...

...yup, you read correctly. I did a 10 day juicing fast. What does that mean? 

For 10 days I have fresh fruit and veggies "juiced" for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Why?

Brace yourself.

I watched a documentary. (I'm totally turning into my mother)

Why else?

I could see my body struggling with sickness and before going to the doctor I wanted to give my body the opportunity to heal itself.

And? How did it go?

It was so hard. I'm not going to lie. It was not easy. First it's choosing to drink the juice and then it's choosing to not eat everything I want to! But, I believe self-control is a virtue...something to be sought after...something beautiful. Even if it doesn't "feel" so good.

It hurt too. The first 4 days I had horrible de-tox headaches.

I was cranky and tired.

But, after 10 days, I feel good.

My nails and skin look amazing.

I'm eating again but staying away from dairy and sugar for the next 3 weeks. THAT IS SO HARD! I can't believe how much I eat dairy or sugar.

I'm still juicing once a day, but now I'm doing it cause I LOVE the effects...energy, lightness, and craving good food over junk.

Today's juice ingredients:

-3 huge handfuls of Kale.

-1 zucchini

-4 carrots

-3 celery

-1 apple

-2 oranges

-1/2 a lime

It was delicious. AND I know I would never eat all of those veggies and fruit today. Juicing is my medicine and I like it.

I'd love to hear your thoughts. Have you done something like this before?

The Willcock Family...continuing the story of the adoption.

I love God's heart for the orphan. He adopts them as his own.

He loves the orphan and the fatherless.

This family aligned their heart with His and opened their home to 2 beautiful kids from the Congo. I'm amazed at their hearts. Want to get caught up on their story? 

Here's their new family:

From the pastor wife to the cop wife.

Today is my anniversary. My husband and I had been in ministry at a local church in the Twin Cities for the last 13 years...actually it was 20 years for him. We have started a new chapter of our lives.

On June 17th, 2013 Matt was sworn in as a Police Officer to the town of Hastings, MN.

So just like that, life changes. I'm excited to see what the next 13 years hold...I know the plans He has for us are good.

Mommy time: balancing is really hard.

I'm not going to lie...resting is really hard for me. I like doing. I like feeling like I'm getting things done. It makes me feel useful and important...but then I slow down and start to think about what I really value and things change. I change. I change in ways I need to but it's a constant battle. So, I'm going to share some of my life questions with you and see how you answer them...this is for you and your health and your relationships. When do you rest? What is your fav type of rest? How often do you rest? What would recommend for me in regards to rest? What did sundays look like when you were a kid? What was your fav about that day? How are you at creating a sabbath/rest day for your family? What are we modeling for our kids?

What does God want for you? Why did he create the rule to begin with?

He created for 6 days and then rested ? Why? He didn't need rest. He was taking in his creation, enjoying life, setting an example, being still and knowing He was God.

What one thing are you going to do to teach your family about resting/sabbath? How are you going to model it?

Why don't we stop? We were created to work hard and rest. We will break down if we don't listen to how we were created to function.

Today, I'm breathing deep. Praying for my family and my business. Asking for balance...wanting to put love first.