While Pinkle Toes is still technically "closed" through the end of July, I felt like I had to pop on and blog our beach pics. Somehow, an event doesn't seem real unless it's blogged. Frankly, the blog has become the only family record I really have these days...how sad is that? [Before you click "contact" to ask me where I got the above dress, be sure to read all the way to the end of this post ;-)]

We had our annual trip to Port Aransas...it's such a lovely little beach town (even if the hurricane kicked up all kinds of lovely seaweed on the beach). The kids just loved it.  Well, the boys loved it. I'm afraid Amry would much rather be kicking back with a sippy cup and a can of Pringles by the pool than dodging seaweed and surf.

Virgil and I had fun, too, but when did a vacation become so much work, LOL? Virge and I kept having to split up...he mostly hung out with the boys and I had Amry attached to my hip. I don't mind being close to Amry--I love getting to spend all of this time with her. But I really feel like I'm growing apart from the boys. I hope not. I hope it's just me.

And yes. I actually posted a picture of me. In a swimsuit. As is. Muffin top and all. Oh well. I'm obviously tired. But alas, it's me and my girl together and that's all that counts.

Now...about that dress in the top pics. I gotta tell you that it's my most absolute favorite dress I've ever purchased for Amry to date. So unique, so fun, love the colors and the textures. It's unfortunate for me that I like this dress so much because now I'm going to go broke shopping at Zozo Bug Baby on Etsy. This gal is SO creative and I can't even count how many times we got stopped in town by people wanting to know about the dress. ;-)

ETA a link to my swimsuit. Also, some of you asked about the giraffe suit...that's from Gymboree this year, but it's sold out online. You can try in store or ebay perhaps?

[Side note: I know many of you also follow my friend Lyndsay's blog. Her sweet little boy is going through a really tough time right now. I'm very upset for them and I feel pretty helpless, but perhaps if you could let her know you're thinking of them, maybe all of that positive energy will do something to carry them through this.]

Pinkle Toes Photography is now officially "closed" for some workshopping, catching up, summer-like things, new inspiration, family time, and recuperation. To my current clients: don't worry, I'll still be filling orders and proofing ;-), but communication may be sporadic during travel times.

We're still having Xpressions on July 18th and then we'll be back in full swing in August, when [gasp!] the holiday season begins (better book now...October is FULL and September is almost there).

Until then, happy summer!

~M

Anyone who knows me knows that I don't cook. I like to cook, but often, I'm just too lazy to do it. My husband has much more patience and know-how than I do in the kitchen.

Buuuuuut, my sweet sis bought Virge this awesome cookbook for Father's Day and the kids and I were so inspired, we had to try out a few recipes tonight. We made the Turkey and Rice Mice, sweet potato fries, and creamed spinach for dinner. For dessert, the ever-so-tasty and surprisingly healthy carrot cupcakes with cream cheese frosting.

We mostly chose these dishes because the pictures looked so good in the book (who doesn't do that?), but I was VERY impressed with how each dish turned out exactly how it was pictured and even better, they were delicious! The kids really enjoyed helping to grate the carrots and apples for the cupcakes, but their favorite part was mashing together the turkey/rice mixture for the mice. Even my husband (who thinks all things Weight Watchers have no taste at all) said we could make this dinner again. Thanks so much, Nee Nee!

The only negative of trying to cook in the kitchen with the boys was trying to deal with my sweet little tyrannical toddler. Don't let the pictures fool you...she's hit the "Terrible Two's" and she's not even two yet. Fortunately, she gives us just enough cute that we still put up with her:

Recently, I've caught her walking around the house WITH MY CAMERA!! Yikes!!!! I mean, I'd love to encourage her and all, but she certainly isn't ready for the big guns just yet. Although, I did let her snap a few pictures of us during playtime the other day.

The one thing I've found that *can* keep her happy for about 15 minutes (and that's a good chunk of time) is Connect Four. She could seriously put the checkers in and release them over and over again and it never gets old. However, the main reason I posted those pics was to show off her beautiful little anklet made by one of my clients. Check out her site: Rimix Jewelry! I'm sorry because I feel like the pics don't do it justice. Unfortunately, it was the only time I could get baby girl to stand still long enough for me to photograph the anklet ;-).

Okay, back to work now.

I need to be stopped. I've officially gone crazy over these amazing iPhone cases from Get Uncommon (thanks a lot, Lyndsay ;-). I wasn't really sure about the quality until I saw it in person and wow! It's amazing! I may end up with a whole collection of these puppies.

Clients...if you have an iPhone, you've got to give this a try!!! In fact, if you want to use one of the images from any session with me, let me know and I would be happy to format it for you (the wrap can actually be a little tricky as I've learned and sometimes you need a little extra special photoshop work ;-). Contact me by the end of this month (even if you haven't actually had your session yet) and I'll help you out.

P.S. I think these would rock for seniors!

This is what she insisted upon this morning. I admit that I loved it. But mostly I loved that she kept saying, "huuuu-la, huuuu-la" over and over again in her sweet, raspy, baby voice.