If you had a session earlier this year and would like to have your proofing gallery reopened let me know. I’d love to design custom holiday cards for you.

#1 – If it’s not on the calendar it’s probably not going to happen. I’m a big stickler to this and schedule as much as I can in advanced (dentist/doctor appointments, lunch dates with friends/ea. other, hair cuts, school meetings, date nights, festivals, family time, client meetings, parties, school functions, portrait sessions, play dates, gym classes, etc.)

We have a centrally located family calendar in our kitchen/dining room area.  It’s a chalkboard vinyl wall piece (let me know if you want the Etsy seller details, I’ll dig them up). Everything that is on this calendar is also on my Google calendar which I sync with Outlook, so it can be accessed on my computer (Outlook or through the web), and on my phone.

You’ll notice that today is Sept 1 but the calendar is still on August.  I’m getting there!

#2 – My Husband is a great person, a huge help, and I definitely couldn’t do everything I do without him. He watches S during the day when I’m at work or if I’m at a session or client meeting.  Cooks dinner (when I meal plan… so need help getting back on the ball with this!), does his & S’s laundry,yard work, and cleans a bit around house.

#3 – I have a 3-ring binder that we use as a “cook book”. Any recipes we use regularly or seasonal are in there.  Most are ripped pages from magazines or printed from websites.  Our book is categorized by “Weekly Meals” which are the meals we are really enjoying lately and make them almost weekly; “Desserts”; “Spring/Summer Meals”; “Fall/Winter Meals”.

#4 - I love blogs, and being inspired from others.  I mentioned in my last Seven on Sunday post that I have 320 331 blogs I follow.  If you have a blog addiction like me you need to be using a tool like Google Reader?  I have blogs categorized and I can go through my “All Items” list and star the ones I’m interested in reading for later.  I access my Google Reader during lunch or anytime on my phone and star articles.  Then I read through blogs while laying in bed when I should really be already asleep.

#5 – I have a task checklist for the photography business. It lists any current session and all the tasks I do.  Each item is checked off when it’s completed.  Once everything’s completed for a session, they are erased.  I’m a very visual person, so this helps me see everything I have going on.  Original idea was by an awesome person named Mille!

#6 – A must have is a DVR. That is, if you like tv as much as I do.  I can’t live without Bravo drama queens, Lifetime’s Army Wives, or ABC’s drama series.

I wanted to make natural play-dough so we had to find something that would make a nice colored dye. Being that a lot of curry is cooked in this house it’s no surprise that we had turmeric on hand.  That orange-yellow seemed like a great option for the dye color.

Color Dye Recipe

Put two teaspoons of turmeric in a pan with a cup of water. Bring to the boil then gently simmer on stove for 20 minutes.

Other color ideas here.

Playdough recipe

½ cup of flour
½ cup of dyed water
¼ cup of salt
½ tbsp cream of tartar
½ tbsp cooking oil

1. Combine all ingredients in a pan

2. Put the pan on a medium to low heat and keep stirring until mixture forms a ball.

3.  Allow it to cool a little and knead.

We’ve played with it every day, so far.

Definitely my child… lining them all up nice and neatly.

Today we (er, I) made SpongeBob, Patrick, and Gary.

She’s already requested purple for the next batch.  Guess I need to get some blueberries.

Hope everyone had a great weekend.  We dip down into the 70s yesterday morning (and today) but hit around 90 by the evening.  This weather made for some awesome fun outside this weekend and is a glimpse at the Fall weather that’s coming.  Except, of course, I’ve had a sore throat all week and my voice sounds hilarious by the end of the day if I’m on the phone a lot.  But all in all, I’m so excited for the season change… the beautiful yellow, oranges, & browns; Fall festivals; hot cider; pumpkins & gourds lining our front steps.  Hands down my favorite season!

1. Speaking of Fall weather, I have several openings for Fall sessions.  Look HERE for a list of dates and session details.

2.  August 31st is the last day to book a Fall session and receive 4 complimentary packs of wallets with your session.  HERE’S the full details on this.

3. We need to make our first batch of THIS stuff maybe today.  S lots playing with it and we’re all out of the store bought ones.

4. Check out THIS awesome blog if you are looking for new recipes or just want to drool over the food(ography).

5.  I’m a sucker for blogs… I love being inspired by others and that’s why there are currently 320 blogs in my Google Reader.  THIS one being my newest addition. She had some good ideas for organizing your jewelry that I wanted to share, here.

6.  Read how THIS MOM gave up soda pop and caffeine.  I’ve been trying very hard to cut out pop and once you’re over the hump you really don’t crave it anymore.  I’ve been drinking only water,the occasional Gatorade, unsweetened tea, and coffee for about a month now, then this week I had 2 cups of diet soda and then 2 cups of a slurpee.  I saw it and gave in but it tasted disgusting so that was a good thing.

7.  Last year, August we spent time harvesting yummy tomatoes, red onions, and green peppers from our garden.  Many trips to the parks for walks and playground time.  S took her first airplane ride and we cruised to the Bahamas.  I can’t believe how much she’s grown in the past year.

Old Navy Womens Belted Shirtdresses
Gap Ribbed ruffle leggings
Gap Suede flower ballet flats
Old Navy Mens Patterned Western Shirts
Gap The classic khaki (straight fit)
Gap Smock neck floral dress

Old Navy Womens Tie-Front Wrap Dresses
Gap Suede flower ballet flats
Gap The classic khaki (straight fit)
Old Navy Mens Patterned Western Shirts
Gap Corduroy smock neck dress
Gap Intarsia bear bottom tights

Old Navy Womens Tie-Front Wrap Dresses
Gap Suede flower ballet flats
Gap The classic khaki (straight fit)
Gap Two-pocket end-on-end shirt
Gap Tiered smock dress
Gap Intarsia bear bottom tights

Book a session during August 25th -31st to take place in September or October 2010 to receive a 4 pack of complimentary wallets.  This is 28 wallet size images.  You choose up to 4 images from your Fall session. ($40 value.)

Contact me by email at info@sarahshahportraits.com or via phone at 316-209-3593 to book your session!

1. This month we took a day trip with family to Abilene, KS.  We rode the Abilene & Smokey Valley Railroad train to the next small town, watched them switch the engine, went inside the engine & caboose, and S got to toot the train’s whistle.  We toured one of the many historic mansions, and rounded out our day by checking out a wooden carved carousel.

Obviously, the 3 year old did not want her picture taken with us. LOL

2. Kansans have you been to Tanganyka Wildlife Park? Yep, it’s a bit costly for the number of exhibits there but THE EXPERIENCE IS NOTHING YOU’D FIND AT THE ZOO.  Seriously worth checking out, even if it’s only once a year.  We went on a Westsider deal day and the entrance fee was only $5 per person.  We did spend $10 in tokens but it was worth it.  S got to fee the lemurs cransins, and then rode a camel with Daddy.

3. S is starting school in just a little of a week.  I have huge mixed emotions with this new milestone.  I’m so excited for her and this new age group that we are embarking on but at the same time my little baby girl is growing up.  At least she still likes to cuddle up.

4.  Two more weeks until the pools close for the season.  This year we’ve spent so much time at the pool that it’s very bittersweet.  We’re heading there tomorrow for some fun with friends.

5.  The office+playroom space is finally clean out and we’ve started re-arranging it.  I know I want to paint for sure but I’m not sure what color theme to go with on this one.  The wainscoting is white, the pink cubed shelves will be painted, the big doll house will be in there, and my white/creme desk will be moved into there.  I have decor designing ADD, and need help!

I really like light grey with accents of yellow + blue + white but I sort of want to do that in my bedroom.  What do you think of a very very light blue shade for the wall paint, paint the pink cubed shelf white… but what accent color(s) should I add in?  Or should I just go with a very light creme shade, and what accent color(s)?

I’m looking for a 4′x6′ rug.  Does anyone have those carpet squares that make rugs?

My head’s spinning already.  Any help you can offer is greatly appreciated.

6.  I am the type of person that rips recipes out of magazines.  And not just magazines I purchase but those at the doctor’s office, dentist’s office… Am I the only one?  So I do have a 3-ring binder that holds these hole punched, ripped out sheets of recipes and I’ve really been thinking that I need to organize this monster.  Lately, I have to go through the binder three times before I do find the recipe I’m looking for or just give up.  This just leads to wasted time and effort.  I came across this nicely organized magazine recipe binder HERE just this week.  It’s a sign for sure.

7.  Fairy mini sessions are now available!! Come let your daughters have fun playing dress up. I have pettiskirts/tutus, wings, and crowns available. For more information see THIS blog post.

Book a session during August 18th – 24th to take place in September or October 2010 to receive a complimentary 8×12 float wrap.  You choose the image from your Fall session. ($77 value.)

Check THIS post about my Fall 2010 session dates and details.

Contact me by email at info@sarahshahportraits.com or via phone at 316-209-3593 to book your session!