Sunday, December 18, 2011

{Ideas} Picture Perfect Gift Wrap

I enjoy wrapping presents almost as much as I do giving presents. And I try to get all of my wrapping done early, so that all those presents I spent so much effort wrapping get to sit under my tree and be enjoyed.
While pleasantly pleased with this year's wrapping for our family, it wasn't my original idea- that will have to wait until next year. This year, I used green polka dot paper, red yarn (lots of it), and home made stickers. The stickers are really my favorite part, and I'm thinking of offering them as a gift with my Christmas mini sessions next year.
My nieces and nephews who opened their gifts at our Christmas celebration today loved being able to see who their gift was from. My own kids were able to tell everyone else which gift was from them, "That's from me!" They loved it! And, as a momma, I loved that they really saw they were giving, not just getting.

{Ideas} A Tasty Treat

I've decided that I would try to blog more about things I do and create for myself, even if they're not something I'm marketing. And this idea, while you can't purchase it from me, maybe it will inspire you to create a home made tasty treat of your own to gift.
We decided early on in the Christmas season that we wanted to share one of our most favorite breakfast treats with the kids' friends- home made donuts and chocolate milk! The kids had so much fun helping me make them. They got to punch out the donut holes and sprinkle them with cinnamon and sugar. (And maybe eat one here and there.)How to:
All you need is a can of regular biscuits (one biscuit makes one donut)
Cooking oil (I used vegetable)
Cinnamon and Sugar

Cut the centers out of the biscuits using a tiny circle biscuit cutter or small circle cookie cutter.
Drop the biscuit and donut hold into hot cooking oil. Flip the donut once it has browned on the bottom , and then pull it out when the other side has browned. This all happens very quickly. DON'T walk away!
Let the donuts and donut holes rest on a napkin.
Sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar, and enjoy!

Monday, December 12, 2011

{This one's just for me...} The most wonderful time of the year, Reason #2

Anyone who know me knows that this is my favorite time of year. Not only because of the Christmas season and the celebration of the most wonderful gift I've ever been given, but also because my birthday is on Saturday!
So, when this little number comes in the mail, I can't help but get excited. This store inspires me greatly with their displays and unique ways of displaying the most common items. It really challenges me to think outside the box. And this tiny birthday card is no different. Very clever, Anthro. (standing, applauding slowly) I think I will take some me time. You are very convincing. :)

{Wear} Lumberjack-ish scarves for the ruggishly handsome baby boys out there...

Okay, so maybe the title is slightly over the top. And I say lumberjack-"ish", because I was really going for a different plaid, but saw this and liked it. Then, I realized it's kind of like the Burberry plaid, and I'm sure there's a lumberjack out there that likes Burberry. Maybe.
Anyhow, I do believe this is one of my most favorite creations yet... and so simple, too. A wonderful client of mine asked if I could make something unique and special for her friend's boys over in Germany. (Yes, folks, that means I'm international. Score!) I absolutley LOVE it when my clients give me free reign to create as I may. And this is the result.
This is one of those projects (like so many I do) that started out a great idea in my head, but needed some tweaking, only to be discovered as I'm knee deep in it. As I'm sewing along, I start to think, (use a sultry voice as you read this, because that's how I think in my head) "How is this going to fit over the baby's head? If he's anything like my son and his pumpkin head..." (I can only think that in my head. I would NEVER tell him that.) Enter scarf escape hatch. As you can see in the decent commercial photography below (see previous post for non examples and explanation), I made the scarf so that it could slip open. Genius! Go me.
I can't wait to see these on the precious, I mean, ruggishly handsome baby boys.

{Decor} Oh, Smoke!

The Little Red Caboose is one of my favorite stories I read with my son. It has such a great message- be happy with who you are, for you were created with a great purpose.
So, when one of my besties told me she's doing her baby boy's room in trains, I new exactly what I was going to create for her. My favorite part of the story is when the little red caboose is complaining and says "Oh, smoke!" It just silly enough that it makes my son and I laugh a little every time. It also helps when you say it with a pouty lip and a voice like the little kid from A Christmas Story (the little piggy). Try it. You'll laugh just a little. Promise.
I apologize for the mediocre commercial photography lately. I've been working late into the night on projects that are to be packed and shipped out first thing in the morning. So, I've been forced to take pictures by the light of the moon, or at least with my flash. Still thankful for all the wonderful creative ideas I've been able to take part in.

{Print} The Story of Sweet Baby June...

A friend of mine commissioned me to make a baby book for a sweet little girl that is about to make her debut. While the real story is yet to be written, I created a place for mom and dad to write it all down.

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

{Photog} Blame it on the Rain, Yeah, Yeah...

Meet the P family. Dad is a friend of mine from high school (whoa- that'll take you back), and now has an awesome family of his own (cue uber-hot wife, gorgeous daughter, and mini-Sam with the unbelievably cool hair). This particular day really had me off my game and on my toes. Oh, the rain! On again, off again. While it forced me to be extra creative on the spur, it also kept me disorganized (at least the list of shots I wanted in my head). As I was going through this family's session for the first time, I couldn't believe how many kissing shots I got of mom and dad. Did I really ask them to smooch that many times? (Mortified) Not that they seemed to mind at all- they probably just began to wonder about me, especially after I morphed mom's name into something new 45 minutes after I had been calling her by the correct name. What is wrong with me? I guess, in the famous words of Milli Vanilla (here go the flashbacks again), blame it on the rain... Enjoy your preview P family! Your gallery will be up soon.

{Photog} My Kind of Circus...

This is the third and final of my "blue door" sessions. Oh, how I love this location, and the D family! We always have such a great time. Mom, a fellow photographer, and dad are usually my "hey, can-we-try-this" subjects, as they let me audition all of my new ideas with their precious family of 6. Not only are they excited about anything I ask (even if I've asked them to do it for the 100th time), but the kids are always posing on their own, smile ready- "How about this?", "Look at me!" and mom and dad are just about the cutest couple you will ever meet. They're so in love with each other and their family.
When they got out of the car, mom was questioning their clothing choices, but they really are a perfect example of what to wear for portraits. She said she felt like the circus was coming to town, and I felt the same way, but for different reasons. All the laughing and smiles, antics and cut-ups, "Dude"s and dares...I'm always SO excited when this family's session hits my books. This family is my kind of circus. :)

Monday, December 5, 2011

{Photog} A Smile Worth a Thousand Pictures

If one picture is worth a thousand words, than this sweet senior's smile is worth a thousand pictures. Meet Cortney. She's every bit as happy-go-lucky as she looks. Fun. Sweet. Smart. Gorgeous. Everyone needs a Cortney by their side. I have no doubt she brings you up when you're down, always has a kind word ready and definitely a smile to share, and has a perpetual glass (or boot shaped mug) that's always half full. I heart this session and all of the images that resulted! I've been torturing myself trying to choose only a "few" favorites. Enjoy your preview! Your gallery will be posted soon (smile).



Thursday, December 1, 2011

{Photog} G-R-O-W

Love this sweet family! Remember Joshua? I can't believe how much he's grown just in the past 6 months. This is a great reminder of why it's so important to take pictures so frequently. I can't stand the thought of not being able to remember a single detail about my kids being little.

My business has also been growing, and I'll be making some huge changes in the month of Decmeber. I'm so thankful for all my clients who have helped me along the way. BIG props coming your way. :) It's not too late to get in on the digs!
I'm offering a great deal if you plan for next year. Book your Winter/Spring 2012 session by December 31st, and recieve 2011 rates! This offer is good for all types of full sessions- baby milestones, senior portraits, yearly portraits, etc. Prices will be changing January 1st. E-mail me for details. LauraVeno@sbcglobal.net

Enjoy your preview, sweet P family! It was so good to photograph you again. :)

Monday, November 28, 2011

{Photog} Some Kind and Delicious Family Ties

Meet the Y family. I began working with mom years ago as a teacher- me fresh out of college. I'll never forget, that she was the first to compliment me and encourage me on the work I was doing. I still have the copy of the note she wrote me. While she probably didn't think much about it, those words will stay with me forever. They (Jesus and my mom) say that what ever is in your heart will eventually come out of your mouth. It became extremely clear to me as we became friends that "that note" is what her heart is filled with.
Over the years, she began her family of uber-gorgeous kiddos (it's easy when you're a hot momma with a handsome hubby), and I continued to watch her (Yikes! Is it sounding a little stalker-ish?) fill her family's hearts with those same kinds of kind words and acts. When they are around, a calming warmth consumes you, and suddenly all is right in the world. I feel like I need a blanket to snuggle.
So, naturally, I feel like it shows in their portraits. It sounds sappy, but I teared up the first time I went through all of their images. Then I went and snuggled my own kids and told them how "delicious" they were. They kind of made a whining noise and pushed at me so they could go back to sleep. :) I hope this preview makes you feel calm and warm and want to snuggle a blanket.

{Photog} A Merry Little Piece of Christmas

My favorite and gorgeous Miss Taylor came to the studio for a quick Christmas card mini-session. While these pics won't be on the card (I can't ruin the surprise!), they are some of my favorites, and really put me in the Christmas mood. Break out the sugar cookies with cream cheese icing and hot chocolate with whip cream, 'cause this is a sweet one! In true Miss T style, she was all smiles and waves, just as delicious as always.

{Photog} One More to Snuggle

A couple of weeks ago, I got to venture down to the Austin area to meet my new nephew, Grayson. Scrumptious! What a sweet little family. (Remember the Maternity session?) We had a great time snuggling and playing dance party 'til late in the evening (late for us mommies and toddlers). Of course, I couldn't come by without snapping a few pics. Mom and dad did a great job on his room- a forest friends theme. (Remember the shower?) A perfect fit for this strapping young laid back lad.
While Baby Grayson's mom, dad, and myself would argue that 4 is better than 3, the jury is still out for big sis. I'm sure in time (code for "He's not leaving"), Miss Addison will love bossing, I mean taking care of and playing with Baby G. After all, he's so snuggly and sweet, even tempered and easy going. Can't wait to hold this one again. :)

Sunday, November 20, 2011

{Photog} So Happy Together

I'm right in the middle of a mad rush on Christmas cards, but I wanted to take some time out for you to meet the G Family, one of my newest clients- fun, easy going, and so happy together.

Thursday, November 17, 2011

{Photog} Spontaneous + Fun + My Big Boy = a heart full of moments

Disclaimer: This is an extremely long post for me, due to the extreme measures it took to get these photographs. No kids or husbands were hurt or strangled or even yelled at during these sessions (I totally kept my cool). I hope you enjoy the story and the pictures, as I think they may have taken a year off my life.

I can't believe my little boy is already four years old. Where does the time go. I'm so proud of him and how kind he is. Don't get me wrong, he's still quite the comedic whirling dervish he has been since he could talk and move, but it definitely keeps us on our toes and laughing around here.
As with every year, his four year portraits have been on my To-Do list. I didn't expect to be quite so busy this year after starting my photography business (but am so glad I am & LOVE all my clients!), so I've had some issues getting him in. As with most things, though, my best ideas come on the fly.
A couple of days after his party, I noticed his balloons still floating in the kitchen. I threw some clean clothes on him, shoved the balloons and kids in the car, and away we went. At the time I didn't think much about his unkept hair that needed to be cut, or the impending thunderstorm heading our way (it was only sprinkling outside...). And this is the result. :)A few days and a hair cut later, knowing I still wanted to do a part 2 to his portraits- something with kept hair and more outdoorsy, since that's where he always wants to be, we were driving home late afternoon and I was thinking how pretty the day was. When we got home, I decided that was it! We needed to get those pictures! Sunset was only in an hour. I changed his clothes, grabbed a few supplies and jumped in the car with kids. This time didn't go so well, though...
There's a great little place at the end of our street that has a creek and a meadow, and that's where I wanted to be. I had walked over there before, but we were in a time crunch, and I had two kiddos with me this time. I was in a Jeep, after all. What's the problem? So, we off roaded on over the creek into the meadow, no problem. Doin' good. I get the tent all set up, pull Trenton out of the car, and that's where it started to go down hill.
I first realized I didn't fix his hair. It's cut, but still unkept. I went to grab a water bottle out of the car in hopes of doing a small miracle with his kind of curly hair, and that's when I heard the scream. He got his hand in the mud on my tires, freaked out and wiped it all over his pants! (Don't get angry- he needs to be happy in the pictures...) No big deal... Breathe. I open my camera bag to grab my camera- It's not there. Ugh. Ugh. Ugh.
We jumped back in the car, left all of our things there- I could make it. We still had 40 minutes or so. Out of the meadow, down into the creek, and we get stuck. Not kind of stuck- really stuck. After all this, I was determined- these pictures would happen.
I threw the little one on my back, helped the portrait child stay out of the mud (because he WAS going to have his picture taken that day), and hoofed it through the field, up the street to the house, where I forgot the garage door opener. Argh! Now it's just getting comical.
Thankfully, the neighbor had our key. Grabbed my camera (still forgot to fix his hair), and ran back to the meadow with the portrait child on my back. 15 minutes til' sundown! And this is the final result... We ended the day, Trenton laughing in the front passenger seat as I sprayed mud all over my car while daddy towed us out. It was all worth it. Including the lecture I got about my "Barbie Jeep". Thanks honey for pulling us out. Don't you love the pictures? I think he looks just like you. Oh, how I love both of my boys.

{Party} a SUPER fourth birthday

This was a SUPER party for a SUPER boy. While I'm a little partial, I do think my son's 4th birthday party was the most fun party we have had at our abode as of yet. I'm in love with all the details and am so thankful for all the help I had in pulling it off.
It all began 4 months ago when I said, "Hey Trenton, what kind of birthday party would you like to have?" Without pause, it was "Super Hero". I usually ask a few more times over the next few weeks, just to see if he changes his mind. Not this time. Super Hero it was. While I take care of the decorating and planning details, I do let my kids choose what kind of food they would like to have at their shin-digs. They never fail to surprise me. Last spring it was Sophia with her peanut butter on a spoon. This time, "Trenton, what would you like to eat at your party?" "Pickles." "What else?" "Cheeseburgers." "Anything else?" "Broccoli." Really?!?!? Broccoli at a party? And no, he wasn't changing his mind. What can I say. They boy does love his broccoli. And so, there was the Broccoli Bar- Top it the way you like it! Right next to the cheeseburgers.
Check out the pics for the rest of the SUPER details: masks & capes, Create Your Identity station, a Training Facility, Action Shots, and SUPER cupcakes and extra SUPER cake (strawberry on top, peanut butter on the bottom- are you drooling yet).
Vendors & Inspiration:
Invitations & Print from The Bird and The Bee Custom Creations (that's me!)
Party inspiration from AndersRuff Custom Designs
Capes & Masks from WalMart (Don't tell Martha my plan to make them fell through...)
Cake from Cupcakes to Go/ Occasional Creations in Keller (pics and super hero added by me)
Cupcake liners & Striped Straws from In the Clear, Etsy
Photo Booth back drop, I pulled the city scape from my son's room decor, created by me, The Bird and the Bee Custom Creations
Photography by me, too, Laura Veno Photography

Sunday, November 13, 2011

{Photog} Christmas Mini's Round 1

Christmas is right around the corner, and these 3 families aren't wasting any time. This was our first round of Christmas mini sessions in my favorite field. Two of my favorite families, and some newbies (boys that kept me laughing) added to the mix. Your galleries will be ready soon! For now, enjoy this little teaser. :)

{Photog} The Little Things

I had the pleasure of photographing another little one I didn't want to put down. So sweet and cuddly, he slept like a champ! Enjoy your preview, mom and dad.

Thursday, November 10, 2011

{Photog} Oh, Boy!

I had the pleasure of photographing another addition to one of my fabulous and photogenic families. Remember Maddie and mom here? Meet Braylon. He is every bit as precious as he looks. Mom and dad did well, and big sis is so proud. I couldn't get enough snuggles from this one. Enjoy your preview! Your gallery will be ready soon.

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

{Decor} A Bathroom for Big and Small

Since my son was born (four years ago) I've wanted to redo our kid's/guest/hall bathroom, but have been unable to find a solution I could be satisfied with. I didn't want the bathroom to scream "kids", because it's only 1 of 2 in our humble abode- the one that our guests typically use, unless they, for some reason, use our master bath, which, for some other reason, at least to me, is always so awkward. Am I the only one? I don't feel like I should be in there... and it makes me want to peek in their cabinets, like they do in the movies...but I don't...Really.

Anyhow, if you've been in my house, you know that I do like the shabby feel of an old vintage piece of furniture (whether it's really vintage or not). And, with a rich history in education, Eric Carle holds a warm place in my heart. Thus, when I came across this Hungry Caterpillar towel, a new idea was born. I would marry two of my loves- garden vintage and children's literature, for this common stomping ground. I may continue adding a few more branches and pieces here and there, as like with any good author- a great piece of work is never done. For now, this is it, and I am happily satisfied.

While I adore my kids painting creations, I'm not sure that others will, so they will not appear in my Etsy shop. (Don't worry. Your disappointment will dissipate.)However, you may see my own from this collection there soon. In the mean time, I'll continue working on the kids painting skills.

Sunday, November 6, 2011

{Photog} The Little Things, like Twirling, etc.

A friend of mine, who I adore, let me borrow her precious twin girls for a portrait session early in October. I have to admit, I some how always reason in my head that twins are cut out of a cookie cutter and they are exactly the same, but these two couldn't have been any more individual. One of the great things they did have in common was their sweet sisterly love for the other. They warm my heart. Click on the spreads for more about these giggly girls and our adventure at the gardens...

Friday, November 4, 2011

{Decor} A Room for a Super Hero

When my son asked me for a Batman room, I knew it would be a creative challenge. I couldn't just buy the batman sheets and wall sticky from the store. It had to be original and fun. So, here's what we came up with...
Like what you see? There is a possibility I will carry the Batman pillow, Cityscape chalkboard, and POW and BAM signs in my Etsy shop. I'm still weighing the choice, so keep posted!

Thursday, November 3, 2011

{Photog} A "Nice" Senior

Meet Barrett, Senior Class of 2012, one of the nicest young men I've ever met. "Nice" doesn't really do it for me, though. I can't explain how "nice" he is. It's not like "oh, he's nice." It's the kind of "nice" that makes you smile, fills your heart with warmth, and makes the sun shine in the darkest parts of your world. That's pretty nice. Did I mention how funny he is, too? Very, very funny guy. This will always be one of my most favorite sessions...Definitely walked away smiling. :)

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

{Wear} Holiday Scarves Have Arrived!

Check out my Etsy shop for my (humble) line of 2011 Holiday Scarves for toddlers. (How exciting, I have a "holiday line". I really just like saying that, "My holiday line..." Maybe next year I can have a Holiday Book!...)
Back to the scarves, there are 2 new! (Like I said, humble... but I'm in love with both of them.)

Layers and layers of purple and black ruffles reverse to a more casual black and purple stripe, perfect for the toddler girl who likes her patent Mary Janes as much as her faded blue jeans.

And then, for those toddlers who really know how to have a good time, the sophisticated black knit is jazzed with shimmering beads of silver foil.

These will only be available for a limited time, with only 2 of each in stock right now!

{Photog} And the winner is....

The winner of our "Charlie Brown" Session Credit Give Away is...
Comment Number 2, Sharee Forman said...

"Oops, and Tristan is going to be Lightning McQueen's racecar driver. Verdict still out on Miss Priss. :)"

Hope you had a wonderful Halloween with your beautiful kiddos. I'll be emailing you details on your credit for you and a friend!
Thanks everyone for participating!

Friday, October 28, 2011

{Photog} A Refreshing Bride

I'm so excited!...
#1, that our good friends, Justin + Angela are happily married, and
#2, that I'm finally able to post this oh-so fun, creative, and slightly quirky bridal session.

Meet the now Mrs. Horn! While I love a traditional bride, I'm completely drawn to those who creatively break the rules. From the top of her bird-cage veiled, blue-fabric-rosette-embellished red hair, to her hand made button bouquet, all the way down to her swiss dotted navy peep toe pumps, Mrs. Horn made my creative heart swell. A bridal session at the gardens just wouldn't do. Instead, we ventured down to a soda shop, where we could kick up our heels, take a few sips, and play a little tic-tac-toe. Enjoy the preview!