IT'S BEEN BUSY

I feel like we've gotten a lot accomplished in the last week or two. There's always so many things to do and forms to fill out when you move! We finally got our California driver's license - I haven't taken a written test since I was 17! There's also the fun of getting new car plates and insurance as well as a smog test. It's all done though.

I just got my business license for photography so I'm excited to get started.

I converted our garage completely into a studio and it's all set up and ready to go.

I've never had a dedicated space to hang up all my hats and props. I've always had all my stuff tucked away and in all different rooms, so that when I needed them I would forget what I had - I'm hoping that will no longer be the case!

 

There's a local kids boutique just down the road from us that is now selling my felt shoes, so that's exciting! She requested some Valentine's shoes to display in her window - I don't think she was expecting me to drop of 7 pairs! She now has 11 pairs of my shoes in her store!

I just started making some patterns for boys (and girls) moccasins and I think they are adorable!

I just have to pic some colors and make some for real!

I have a little bit of leather scraps I might make a few out of. I might just have to buy some suede too.

ERRAND DAY

When Jared asked me yesterday if I wanted to go to San Francisco today, I said sure!

But the real plan for the day involved going to 3 different Fairmont Hotels to pick up supplies he needed! He did tell me this was the reason, but I was in agreement with Aubrey on the car ride - this is boring. It started out fun, but most of the trip was in the car and it was so nice out - I wanted to be outside!

 First hotel stop - Fairmont San Francisco. It's pretty amazing

 

Then we went to the Ferry building to get some lunch (this crab was not our lunch!)

2nd hotel stop - Fairmont Heritage Place in Ghiradelli Square

 We stopped off for the view but the sun was not our friend.

Then we went another 45 mins North to Sonoma to the 3rd hotel stop. Then back home to the 4th hotel stop - in San Jose to drop everything off. Phew.

We finished the day with smoothies and watched Sleeping Beauty - goodnight!

VALENTINE MINI SHOOT $99

Here's a few photos I took to advertise my Valentine mini shoot:

CALIFORNIA LIGHT

We've been stuck inside for the last couple days so I tried to take a few photos of Aubrey outside and in our garage - I'm thinking it might work as a natural light studio. I have a large wall that I could permanently hang some backdrops on - that would be so handy!

Singing into her microphone

 

In the garage

Her choice of pose

This pose (she says) is her "mommy pose" - hands on the hips!

CHOCOLATE AVOCADO PUDDING

I can't believe I've never made this before!

It was so quick and easy and you have all the ingredients in your kitchen already!

I used this recipe.

 

The recipe is basically avocado, cocoa powder, honey (I used agave), vanilla and salt.

I'm going to have to use avocado in more baking now that I have an endless supply!

You can substitute it for butter in most baking recipes!

I also got to use the Christmas present I got Jared - food processor/immersion blender combo. Here's what I got him: The top half of the hand blender comes off then attaches to the top of the food processor which powers the blades. I highly recommend something like this as it takes up little room and it's two different uses in one!

PRACTICE

DOLLHOUSE BEDROOM

The bedroom is almost complete - I ran out if trim for the baseboards and crown molding.

I made the vanity out if matte board as well has the tray of perfume bottles out of beads. The mirror was made out of silver scrapbook paper, cardboard and painted crocheted lace. The stool was made out if a toilet paper tube, large button and fabric.

I'm not sure what else to put in here, it's kinda empty in the middle. Maybe a rug?