Any other photogs reading “The Luminous Portrait by Elizabeth Messina”? I pre-ordered it on Amazon a couple months ago and was so excited to receive it in the mail today – Elizabeth Messina is one of my favorite favorite favorite photographers! (Check out her amazing blog here).

I can’t wait to read it – so far the reviews are great!

I had photographed my lovely friend Vickii’s cupcakes while I was on holiday in London over Thanksgiving last year (see them here) and she got the photos printed onto these cute business cards for her baking business. She was here to visit not to long ago and gave me one of each card – How cute are they?!

Vickii owns the divine baking blog called “I Bake Therefore I Am” which you need to visit immediately; While she isn’t state-side, she does share some lovely recipes on her blog that you can try out. And if you live in London you can contact her via her blog for her cake list and how to place an order.

I hope everyone has had a wonderful weekend.

Back soon with more updates.

Notice my new Lulu Lemon workout mat :)

Now a little background on this video – I’ve owned it for over two years and started the program twice but never got past 3 days of working out. I found every excuse on the planet as to why it was ok for me to quit – I’m taking spin class, I walk a lot, I look great in my clothes, my wedding dress fits, it’s too hard, my body hurts, my head hurts blah blah blah….And then Nicole Murphy’s body (Eddie Murphy’s ex wife) was EVERYWHERE. I  almost lost my mind (along with everyone else) and all of a sudden my occasional spin class/gym visit was no longer enough.Honestly,  if seeing Nicole Murphy’s body post 5 kids couldn’t motivate me, I’m not sure what could. (See for yourself here)

Fast forward one month and I’m proud to say I COMPLETED  the entire 30 day shred program. 30 workouts, 34 days (1 break day a week) and I can’t believe I did it. It was a total love/hate relationship with Jillian Michaels but  I lost inches and even a little weight and I’m stoked about the results. Working out is hard and painful but it’s totally worth it!

Now I wake up and the first think I want to do is work out. Who ever said “It takes 21 days to form a habit” is so right. Those 21 days are hell especially when you are making a conscious effort but afterwards, its not so bad. I’m halfway through my next personal fitness challenge (see next photo) and I wish I had done this earlier! I’ve already started planning the next program I’ll be doing once this new one is done (Jillian Michaels Yoga meltdown – watched a preview online and it’s insane!).

Anyway,  I hope I’ve motivated someone :) As Jillian Michaels would say – Mind over matter!!

Photographs taken with Fuji Film X100

My favorites quotes from the bag -

• Your outlook on life is a direct reflection of how much you like yourself
• That which means the most should never give way to that which means means the least
• Life is full of setbacks. Success is determined by how you handle setbacks
• Friends are more important than money
• Don’t trust that an old age pension will be sufficient
• Write down your short and long term goals four times a year. Two personal, two business and two health for the next 1,5 & 10 years. Goal setting triggers your subconscious computer

Hopefully you are inspired too!

Photographs taken with Fuji Film X100

All images taken with Fuji Film X100

British Vogue, October 2011

Any good book recommendations from anyone?

Images taken with Fuji Film X100

Last year I challenged myself both personally and work wise which helped me stay motivated throughout the year (although not without some blah moments) and now looking back at 2011 and seeing what I was able to accomplish I’m excited about what 2012 will bring. I’ve set my goals and I’m so ready to take them on now.

I’m grateful to God for so much – family, friends, work, life, health – If I were to make a list it would be miles long.

Here’s wishing all of you a prosperous 2012!

Michael submitted our photos a few months ago and now our wedding is currently featured in the Spring/Summer 2012 issue of The Knot Pennsylvania & Delaware (congrats to Michael – your work is beautiful!).  Below is a collage of our feature -

This was the best 15 minute photo shoot I ever did if you ask me!
These pretty little cupcakes were made just for me by one of my best friends Vickii while I was in London.
Did I mention she’s the best baker in the whole world?
If you are in the London area, Vickii bakes for events and her cakes are amazing!
Visit her blog -  I Bake Therefore I Am

Both images taken with Fuji Film X100
Image 1 taken near Trocadero Paris; Image 2 taken on Double Decker Bus