Bruce Gardner Photography

I was so happy with my wedding photographer. Twice since the wedding he has taken family photos for us- including my profile picture for this blog. His work is super good and affordable. Also he has a darling daughter- she was born the same time my daughter was born (I think at under 30 weeks). When we were going around to meet wedding photographers he was the only one that my husband actually liked- all the other ones just ignored him and he is quite camera shy. I liked his photojournalistic and professional style, and my brother Paul took about 200 photos of him at the wedding. you can check out his work at http://www.bgardnerimages.com/ or http://www.bgardnerweddings.com/
Here is a description of the full day package
Full day Package…$2,000.00
(20% discount for Utah Weddings)
Includes up to $400.00 in travel expenses, up to 8 hours of photography on your wedding day with multiple formats including the Hasselblad H1D 22 mega pixel digital camera, the Mamiya 645 medium format film camera, and the Hasselblad Xpan panorama film camera. Your choice of either a bridal or engagement sitting, all hi-resolution digital files and film with copyright. Custom effects on 50 images of your choice, and 50 5x7 prints. Optional custom wedding album, any style, is available for an additional $500.00 plus expenses.
This package is an absolute steal! Especially since you get all the film and copyright! I am convinced more people should use Bruce, and everyone I know loves our family photos.
Studio: 435-657-0940
Cell: 435-714-1749
email: bruce@bgardnerimages.com

Total Cost $2500.00

Wordle.net can make the coolest word art- you can just type in your blog address and they will randomly select words from your blog and make something really cool. Also if there is a word in your cloud that you don't like you can always remove it which I think is an awesome feature.

Total Cost? Free.

Jamie Sampson Photography

I noticed the the photos for kennedyandfriends were so good- so I decided to look at her blog and she had a link to the person who did the photos. I always want to get more photos of Danielle and I noticed that Jamie Sampson had a Salt Lake number. We are going to be in Salt Lake next weekend. As always there are benefits to visiting and posting a comment on her blog. I would love to get her to take some photos of my little one. I would need an individual Session. She does the prints or you can buy the negatives for an additional cost.
Total Cost $150.00

Baby Tutus

They are everywhere now, baby tutus for your little one. Danielle wore a tutu from kennedyandfriendsco.etsy.com and they really helped me out. You should check out her super awesome blog which talks a lot about shopping. I got lots of great ideas from it and I will have to spend more money now. That is life I guess. I got another tutu but realized I didn't like it a few days before her birthday and I contacted them- they got me the tutu right away and it was super high quality. I really like the mint and chocolate tutu and the blue and pink one. she has the cutest design for a birthday- and the tutus fit a long time so you daughter could wear the tutu for every birthday. I love the photos of kids in little leg warmers and tutus but a lot of tutus are just tied around an elastic band. These are really well made with fantastic details.
Total Cost $36.00

3d Designs

One of my favorite people on Etsy is 3DDesigns. She makes jewelry that is super affordable and really cute! I think it is nice to find such great sellers who are making things that are cute and cheap! At four dollars a pair you can afford to get a different color of earring for every single outfit you own. I love how she uses color and she always has great communication.

Here is a description of one of my favorite pairs of earrings
These Turquoise Star dangles are wire-wrapped on Sterling Silver, and are approximately 3/4 inch long.

Would be a great addition to your interchangeable earring collection!

Check out my other listings for the sterling silver interchangeable leverback earrings, or starter sets that include the pair of Sterling Silver leverback earrings and an assortment of dangles.

*** Buy 3 or more sets of interchangeable dangles (at one time) and I will give you the Sterling Silver interchangeable earrings FREE! ***

Thanks for visiting my store!

Total Cost $4.00

Bratt Decor Cradle

One thing that I wish I had for a baby was a cradle. They are so beautiful and timeless. This piece from Bratt Decor is something I could give to my children. I love that it is white and I like the idea of having the cradle in our bedroom with us- this looks so much better than a co sleeper that attaches to your bedside!
Here is a description:
The quiet beauty of the Chelsea cradle in buttermilk is undeniable. A solid structure, that rocks to and fro, this beautifully carved cradle is the perfect place for your little one to dream. Bratt Decor has discreetly incorporated an anti-rock, or locking, mechanism that renders the cradle stationary without detracting from the beauty of this product. The manual stopper is fashioned in the same finish as the cradle and sits subtly at its feet. Bedding is not included. Available in the following finishes: antique silver, buttermilk, espresso.

Total Cost $576.50

HomeStudio.Etsy.Com

My sister Rachelle just gave me a fantastic gift. It is a pendant that says Faith Hope and Charity. I really like the crown and I love purple. She got it at HomeStudio.Etsy.com and they are having a great sale right now where you can get a free pendant if you buy two! I love the scrabble tile made pendants they have such careful detail and are a joy to wear. The next pendant I want is this green wildflowers one. Home Studio has some of the best pendant designs available.
I really like their stuff and they are an inexpensive personalized gift. I think I might get my mom the "keep calm and carry on" pendant, or maybe just a bird on a wire so she doesn't worry about me calling her high strung. Plus they are using Scrabble tile pendants- I want my pendant to have the letter J on the back of it.
Cost of One Pendant? $6.50

Trash Can

I would love a new trash can. Danielle likes to get into the Trash can. It motivates me to keep the trash can empty but one time I was sitting in the play room and Danielle brought me a diaper out of the trash can. Yuck! This morning she knocked over my Grandma's trash can so she could get trash out of it. Like our dogs used to do, only she is much more crafty. It is important that the trash can I own has a good seal on it- for the dogs if they can't smell it they are less likely to try to break into it and I want to throw diapers in it. Baking soda in the bottom only goes so far.

When I went to the Container store I saw the perfect option, a tall trash can with a small hole Danielle couldn't reach. Plus it is Stainless Steel which I love. The Container Store is such a great store and their summer sale is going on now- that is where I got storage boxes on sale- fabric ones that everyone seems to like. This trash can would be so convenient for my life right now!

A Description from the Container Store:

Our Lock-Tight Can is an exceptional choice for out-of-doors - on the patio, by the pool or by the grill. It has a convenient locking inner lid to keep out insects and moisture while locking in odors. The rubber ring keeps a plastic trash bag in place while a side hook holds the lid so you have hands-free access to the opening when needed.

Total Cost $139.00

Emile Henry Faitout

I thought I should talk about this item that is on sale at Williams Sonoma. Some of the advantages include that I have no idea how to pronounce what this is. I know that most people mispronounce the name of the crockery but what is a Faitout? I think it looks like a fancy soup bowl and I love it. I love that it is blue and so is my kitchen. I love that it is on sale. Something about items on sale makes me feel urgency to empty my pockets.

williamssonoma.com
Here is a description from Williams Sonoma:

In French, fait tout is translated as “does everything,” and this traditional ceramic casserole certainly lives up to the name. Ideal for baking and serving everything from Thanksgiving dressing to vegetables and other side dishes, the covered pot circulates heat and moisture during baking, then keeps foods warm at the table. The sturdy piece with integral handles is handcrafted of Burgundian clay to withstand the most extreme temperature changes, which enables it to be safely transferred from freezer to oven. The colorful glaze won’t chip or craze over time. Microwavable and dishwasher safe. 4.2-qt. cap.; 11" diam., 6 1/2" high.
General Information
Dishwasher, freezer, microwave, oven and broiler safe.
Never use abrasive cleaning products or scouring pads.

Total Cost: $49.99

The Soft Kingdom

Well John and I decided to build a rock climbing wall in our house. I really like it but we haven't fully overcome the problem of Danielle and what we can do with her. She likes the rock climbing wall. So I remembered a kid zone at Momentum Rock Gym and wanted to get one for myself. Google Checkout took me to at site with something called The Soft Kingdom.

It is from csnsupply.com and is the wesco 4789 Soft Kingdom. csnsupply offers free shipping on this item and in 1-2 weeks I could have my fantastic new gym. I think Danielle would love it. It could live on the garage floor and could become her new floppy zone so she wouldn't have to flop on my bed. I would love it. I guess this means that I shouldn't be too cheap about getting a small air conditioner for the garage. She loves climbing on these things! Here is an online description.

This range of tiny tot modules can be combined in any number of ways so that tots can experience a variety of situations in terms of expressions and relationships. Children often delight in climbing high up and exploring. This Soft Kingdom will allow children to develop motor skills as they crawl and climb on the comfortable modules.
Features:
Consists of 2 Half-Moons, 2 Soft Waves, Valley, Hilltop, Four Wave Mat, 10" Cylinder, Two Steps, 2 Small Slopes, 3 90 Degree Corner Mats, Small Hump, Two Wave Mat, 2 Basic Mats and Trapezium
Made from high density foam jersey lined vinyl covers sewn with a very strong nylon thread
Meets fire safety requirements
Covers can easily be cleaned with soapy water
For children ages 3 months to 3 years

Total Cost $1089.00

Line Upon Line

My sister told me about these great cards at lineuponlinecards.com Some of them are pretty tongue in cheek references to Mormon culture and scripture. For example a newlywed card that says families are forever then "Hope you like your in-laws." Who hasn't thought about that at one point in being married. Just the other day we were on Family vacation with my husband and my sister in law was talking about how we are all an eternal family. I told her good thing we have agency.
Or a card that says you are so talented.. Will you do that for me for free? I know lots of people who want free services- a free haircut from a visiting teacher or a free quilt from someone who knows how to sew. How annoying is that? Some of the cards are just sweet but I am glad there are some cards with more sarcasm.
One of the cards says "bless your heart." But I am still waiting for the bless her heart card- followed by a really negative comment.

Each Card $3.00
Pack of 5 $12.50

Scribble It Online

Well I have recently discovered how neat decals can be. I have this fantastic vinyl decal that says "I wouldn't eat that" on my fridge at home. I put it on my freezer full of ice cream and I laugh about it. Yes I should not be eating ice cream and my blue decal tells me that. Decals are a great way to decorate a room without buying expensive wallpaper. Also they are removable- you can save them for later when you want a decorating change. My mom thinks this bird in black would make a great Halloween decoration. I think the idea of having temporary decorations is so exciting! Now I can put up snowflakes for Christmas!
Scribble it has a blog and a website and my favorite- an Etsy shop! You should go enter their giveaway on their blog this month.
http://scribbleitonline.blogspot.com/

Cost of the Diet Help? $7.50
Cost of the Raven $9.50

Motherhood from Brandon Dayton

When I was in college I knew this guy named Brandon Dayton. In the glorious tradition of Facebook I found him and read his blog. He is a really talented illustrator and I thought I should show some of his great work. This illustration is called "motherhood" and I don't have three kids, but I think it is Fabulous! You can order prints of the illustration. You can also commission Brandon to make a drawing or illustration. How cool would it be to have your own personal illustration of your family? For example in my motherhood picture I would have to have blond hair. My baby has recently discovered how funny it is to pull out mommy's hair. I say no and that it hurts and she laughs. When daddy tells her no she cries. I can't wait until she can talk and starts to use her little baby powers. Brandon is super funny and a great guy. I would recommend giving him money just because he is quite entertaining but as a plus he sells great stuff. Because we all need a little super hero illustration in our homes.

Cost of the Motherhood print? $31.38 That's on Canvas!

The Most Beautiful Crib

When I had a baby we bought a crib that was a floor sample sale. It is cherry and beautiful, but I hate it. I wish I had twins so I could get a different one. Restoration Hardware just started a baby line and their clothes are beautiful and their cribs are beautiful. This is the crib I always wanted. Too bad by the time I have enough money to get it I will be too old to have children. Also how do I tell my husband that I want a new crib when there is literally nothing wrong with the old one? Why can't my dog just start chewing up furniture and pick our crib as his item to destroy?
I have a fundamental belief that baby cribs and furniture should be white. Also I love canopy beds. I wish I had one. And I wish my baby had one.
Their description of my dream crib:

• Handcrafted of hardwood with fine birch veneers
• Tapered posts
• Features hidden hardware, an easy drop side, four height settings and scissor springs beneath the mattress for superior support and easy adjustability
• JPMA (Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association) certification ensures that the product was safety tested by independent laboratories for compliance with current ASTM (American Society for Testing & Materials) standards, and passed their rigorous testing. JPMA-certified products meet or exceed all requirements of current safety standards. For more information about JPMA, visit www.jpma.org.

Total Cost? $999.00
Conversion Kit $129.00
Shipping surcharge $99.00

I love rugs

Well since we live in a place with pretty cheap carpet I have learned to love a nice rug even better. I love this rug from the Pottery Barn and I wish I had another one! I love the dark brown rug and the neutral colors are great for the carpet- I like just a solid color and the Henley Rug is a classic. Here is a description
The subtle design and tone-on-tone palette of our Henley Rug make it exceptionally versatile. The sheared wool pile is dense and soft to the touch. Canvas backing. Use with our Rug Pad (sold separately). Imported.
My sister needs a 9 by 12 rug for her floor and I think the Taupe one would look perfect since it is a neutral color.
Total Cost $749.00

Lois Hill Earrings are FANTASTIC

I have sensitive ears so it is hard for me to find good earrings. No one wants cheap earrings and I feel like jewelry stores don't have very much diversity- it is the same Diamond studs and pearl creations that I could do without or already have. So I love Lois Hill- she works with silver so her earring posts are soft- be careful with your lovelies. But they don't irritate and look great. The silver gives it a classic look. I found a pair at Nordstrom- (really my favorite store ever) that make classic hoops look more interesting. The best time to buy these is the half yearly sale- they become so affordable! If there are any left after the half yearly sale they are a STEAL! That's where I try to get all my pieces.
The description:

Finely woven band of sterling silver with cutout detailing is flanked by hammered contrast on handcrafted hoop earrings.

• Post back.
• Diameter: 3/4".
• Width: 3/8".
• Sterling silver.
• By Lois Hill; imported.

Total Cost: $114.00

A new Bag

I am in love with bags. Actually I wish I had the money to be in love with bags. In all actuality I like how my older sister has really nice bags- they are just lying around with her stuff. It breaks my heart that she doesn't want to donate them to charity- the younger sister charity. Kate Spade is one of my favorite designers and I like what she has done lately with bold colors. I am absolutely in love with this red baby bag from Nordstrom. Wouldn't that look great with My red shirt? Nordstrom is so great and I love their customer service. Going to the King of Prussia mall isn't as personal- some of the salespeople are downright rude- but every other store I have been to has been fantastic.
Here is a description of my new bag:

Topstitched leather trim and updated metal logo accent an oxford nylon tote with plenty of pockets and a coordinating changing pad.

• Top zip closure.
• Drawstring side pockets.
• Interior zip, wall and bottle pockets.
• Stroller straps.
• Leopard-print lining.
• Nylon/leather.
• By kate spade; imported

Total Cost: $385.00

Travel High Chair

I love travel high Chairs. They attach to the table at a restaraunt or a friend's house so baby mess can be minimized. I don't really like feeding Danielle exclusively from my lap so we decided to get one. Then I realized that there are some really cute ones out there. I found a pink one earlier but as I was searching today I couldn't find it. But I love cute colors- don't just get a black travel high chair- yuck! I found this high chair on John Lewis.com and I am in love.

Total Cost 34.95 Pounds.

Magnolia Pottery

My sister in law gave us a lesson on pottery the other day. It was pretty exciting actually. I had never done it before and it was hard- my first attempt fell apart. She was really positive though, which I liked. She has a website for her pottery and it is cute- actually she really should take the date out of the photos and make the background white but I think she focuses more on craft shows and word of mouth for sales. And family supports family so she has made a vase for my dad. This vase if my favorite she has right now. The glaze looks so cool and interesting- it is beautiful!

Check out Magnolia Pottery

Total Cost of My Favorite Vase? $30.00

www.magnoliapottery.com

Colespic Cards

I love the idea of sending someone this card from colespic. The card says Hope you have an upped your meds sort of day. What a great card! My favorite part is probably the huge pill with antidepressant written on it. That woman looks great! Unfortunately many of the people I would give this card to actually take anti-depressants or just wouldn't think it was funny. This site also has reusems cards and you write your name in it and then give it on- what a great idea- people like reusing cards and I feel like this celebrates that- why not just come out with it!
you can get cards or a letter set.
www.colespic.etsy.com

$5.50