{Earth Day might be over for the year, but our responsibility to the planet is not! Here's a post from 2009 that I wanted to revisit. Happy week after Earth Day!}
Green is more than a color we wear and splash all over everything on St. Patrick's Day. Green is a mindset, a philosophy, a way to live one's life. "Going green" is something that I am passionate about, and has been as far back as I can remember. Although what we call it may change, being "green" is not a fad, nor is it a new idea. Here are some reasons why I "go green."
"When you tug at a single thing in nature, you find it attached to the rest of the world." — John Muir
One year for Earth Day, way back in elementary school, my class went out to the school yard and picked up trash. I don't remember what grade, or which teacher, but I know that something clicked inside me. A value was instilled in me. The tree hugger inside me was born.
The next year, Earth Day fell on a weekend. I didn't have a class to go outside with to pick up trash. So I took it upon my self to go pick up trash at the park across the street from my home. I got some gloves and a garbage bag, and off I went.
Trying to save the planet can be super overwhelming. As a kid, I thought it was all about picking up litter, recycling, and not using aerosol spray cans. As an adult, it's about every choice we make in our daily lives: what we buy, what we eat, what we reuse, what we wear, how we vote, how we drive. If you are wanting to be more "green" but feel like it's just way to much to deal with, just relax, breathe, and take it one step at a time. You don't need to go spend your life savings on solar panels and a hybrid car and putting up a windmill on your lawn.
This Earth Day, I challenge you to focus on one way you can make your lifestyle more earth-friendly. While you're at it, invite a friend or a child to participate with you. Talk about why it's important to take care of the Earth. Talk about what other "green" things you'd like to start doing in the future.
Here are some simple activities you can try out:
1. Pick up trash in your local park or neighborhood.
2. Learn about your city's recycling policies, and start using a recycling bin.
3. Stop drinking bottled water. Buy a filter for your faucet or fridge, and purchase a fun reusable bottle.
4. Switch out your incandescent light bulbs for CFLs.
5. Install a low-flow showerhead.
6. Build a compost bin, and start using it.
7. Build a vegetable garden.
8. Check your tire pressure on your car.
9. Install a programmable thermostat.
10. Watch "An Inconvenient Truth."
The most important thing is to share what you're doing with others! Please let us all know what you're doing this Earth Day in the comments too. Happy Earth Day!
Tis the season for engagement sessions! I often have brides ask me for ideas of what to wear for the engagement session, so I thought I would put together some of my favorite and must-have items that add a little individuality to the photographs.
1. A fun, flirty dress that makes you feel like a million bucks. Dresses always add a little romance, plus, it gives you an excuse to twirl around. Here's a pretty one from modcloth.com. (And if dresses just aren't your thing, break out your favorite sassy jeans.)
2. A pretty headband adds whimsy and flare no matter what your hair type. Check out Etsy for many styles, or the one shown here from BeSomethingNew.
3. Umbrellas save the day when raindrops come. Doesn't hurt if you get a super cute one like this one from Target.
4. A pretty pair of shoes can make your outfit pop. They're also a great way show off your unique style. These purple beauties are from zappos.com. Note: If you're planning to wear super-high stilettos, you might want to bring a second pair of shoes to the shoot. (Leave the dirty flip flops at home.)
5. I love chunky, bold jewelry. It adds color and personality to any outfit. Added bonus if it's vintage like these beads from SmittenVintage.
6. Whenever you're planning to have your photo taken, apply your makeup a hint more boldly than your regular daily application... but don't overdo it. If you're not confident in your makeup skills, ask a competant friend or better yet, have it done professionally before the shoot. (In either case, be sure to do a practice run beforehand.)
7. What's cooler than a pair of glamorous shades? If sunglasses are a part of your signature style, bring them along for a few shots. This pair was found at oldnavy.com.
8. In Minnesota, it's jacket weather about 9 months out of the year. So if your shoot doesn't happen to fall on the warmest of days, a favorite tailored jacket can add some style (and warmth!) to your outfit. (We MN girls have to find ways to be stylish in the cold months too!) Here's a bold red jacket from modcloth.com.
9. Add a little mystery with a hat. (Especially great if you didn't get in to touch up those roots!) Love this fedora from Anthropologie.
10. Manicure those nails! Make an appointment at the salon and pamper yourself before the session, or just give them a good clean and file at home. It's a good idea for an engaged woman have well groomed hands and nails... since everyone is always wanting to check out that ring!
Hope everyone had a great weekend! Another two days of beautiful Spring weather!
This morning I would like to introduce you to Alicia Weigel of Bliss Events & Weddings! Alicia is a talented wedding planner based in the Fargo/Moorhead area. (If you are newly engagaged, I highly recommend you give her a call! A wedding planner is an awesome asset to your wedding, no matter how large or small.) In order to get to know more about her and Bliss Events, I asked Alicia to answer a few questions for us, so read on and enjoy...
How long have you been a Wedding Planner?
I coordinated my first wedding in May of 2006 after I planned my own wedding for over 500 guests. I always knew I wanted to be a event coordinator though – I have always enjoyed finding a reason to throw a party for friends or family – now I get to do it all the time!
How did you get started?
I planned weddings for free J I wanted to make sure this was something that I did in fact enjoy doing and that I was good at, so I offered my “services” to friends, co-workers, and friends of friends to get hands on experience. Once I had done several events, I decided I was ready to try marketing my skill set. I spoke with local hotel management staff and got some great advice on what their clients were asking for and tailored my services to meet the Fargo/Moorhead area’s need for coordinator services.
I am inspired in life by God, my family and goals I set for myself. In my craft, I am inspired most often by my clients! They come to me so excited and full of energy! They have so many ideas and it’s my job to find that really shiny one, the one they’ve had stored away since they were little that they want to portray on their big day and make it come to life. And then, I go to Hobby Lobby! J I can be found there weekly wandering the aisles, playing with merchandise, creating little centerpieces on the shelves. I love to use unusual items in my place settings too – pulling in things you wouldn’t expect to see adds a little conversation for the guests.
When you're not working on wedding plans, where can we find you?
At the softball fields or at the lake! We are an avid sports family, so we can be found on any of several ball fields throughout the FM area between T-Ball, little league and adult softball.
What's your favorite part about the business?
Never having to do the same thing twice. I love that each couple wants something different and that no two events are ever the same. I also love that the sky is the limit on creativity and I am working on pursuing other aspects of the industry to create even more options for my clients. Look for updates on our website!
Do you implement any green practices in your business?
I offer rental services that allow brides to reuse my items instead of purchasing their own – saves them money and the environment! I’ve also recently started purchasing inventory that is made of more energy efficient items – like LED lighting for head-tables and backdrops, and more.
What are some of the benefits of hiring a Wedding Planner?
Having someone in charge of finding your vendors is a big plus. I get some discounts the average person isn’t going to get because I can offer repeat business and I also know what vendor will fit into a price range, saving time calling people that aren’t going to be an option in some cases. I also hear from my clients that it is such a relief knowing that they don’t have to put a family or friend in charge of their day. The stress can be a lot for one person, and me and my team take that off the couple and give them the freedom to completely enjoy their day.
What’s one thing you wish you would have known when planning your own wedding?
Where to start! I was so confused with what to book and when I needed to have it booked by. Now I have checklists to make it easier for my clients along with budgeting outlines that take the guesswork out of where their money is being spent.
What should couples come prepared with when they meet with you for the first time?
A date is a good thing! I can work with them having nothing else in mind, but I do need to have a date at least tentatively set.
Anything else you'd like to add...
Clients call us from all over, so even if you don’t live in the area, we can still work with you – I have worked with couples who are planning a wedding in Fargo/Moorhead or a surrounding area, but live in other states or are even stationed in another country. This is a particularly tough situation for these clients since they may no longer be familiar with what is available in the area or the newest vendors in town and they don’t want to put this responsibility on a friend or relative. I started this business to help people with all budgets enjoy one of the most special days of their lives and we’ll work very hard for each client, no matter what the situation.
You can reach Alicia at Bliss by phone (701)261-4730 or via email at [email protected]
While I was trying to figure out where everything is in the "new" Facebook format, I came across some random notes about me I wrote way back in January 2009. It amused me, so I'm sharing this randomness with you. Happy Tuesday!
We recently had the opportunity to photograph the fabulous and adorable Joanna before she graduates from college and moves away. She plans to be a high school choir teacher... and we know she will be the most fun teacher ever! :) We had a fun session out at Rustic Oaks and Joanna could not stop laughing and showing her infectious smile.
Thanks for being an awesome subject Joanna! Congrats on your upcoming graduation, and many blessings in the future!
Anyone else on a candy overload this week? :)
As a wedding photographer, I get a chance to meet and work with a wide variety of wedding vendors. I also know that as a bride, it's not an easy task weeding through all the different vendors out there to find one that matches your style, personality and budget. So I will be sharing on the blog some of my favorite wedding vendors in the Fargo-Moorhead area that I think have a style that many of my brides are looking for, and are really great people to work with.
Last week you got to meet Kindra Hall, the Wedding Writer. This week, I would like to introduce to you Lindsay and Ty Hagerott, the creative minds of Song 3:4. Song 3:4 works with couples to create gorgeous custom wedding invitations and save-the-date cards.
I asked Ty and Lindsay to answer a few questions so you all can get to know more about them and Song 3:4! So, here we go...
What's your style?
Custom, Custom and Semi-Custom. We each have our favorite style...Ty loves what he calls "vintage inspired retro-modern" and Lindsay loves simple & clean designs. As far as style for invitations, the possibilities are endless and that is why we say "custom," we can make anything happen.
What inspires you?
So many things...our marriage, our baby boy, seeing other people's art work, reading books, chatting with engaged couples...
How long have you been designing invites?
This is our fourth year in the invitation business.
How did you get started?
A good friend asked us to design her wedding invitations. We had never done invitations before (except for our own), but she begged and pleaded. We fell in love with custom invites and word started to spread.
When you're not working on Song 3:4 projects, where can we find you?
Ty is a graphic designer by day for a local business and Lindsay is at home with our son, Simon. We are home most evenings and love to spend time as a family before Simon has to go to bed...afterwards we work on Song 3:4 projects. We also love to relax at local coffee shops.
What's your favorite part about the business?
Our absolute favorite part is meeting new people. We love to get to know the couples we design invitations for and develop something unique to each bride and groom. Ty also loves the challenge of creating new art.
Do you implement any green practices in your business?
We love people and the environment! Our invitations are printed with soy based inks which are biodegradable and make for an easier process when recycling paper compared to traditional petroleum based ink. Additionally, our printers take great efforts to reduce harmful Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) in their factories thus protecting their employees and the environment. On the back of every Song 3:4 invitation is a sweet little recycle icon.
In our home we recycle: paper, plastic, aluminum, and glass. We also use cloth diapers on Simon.
How soon should save the dates and invites be sent?
Save the Dates should be sent out 6-12 months before the wedding. Invitations should be sent out 6-8 weeks before the wedding.
What should couples come prepared with when they meet with you about a custom design?
First, we would like to say that couples can purchase any of our existing designs featured on our web site. We will tweak colors on any of the designs without considering it custom. Couples who want a custom design should come to us with an idea or theme in mind. Things that help us come up with a design are: a picture of something they have seen before and like, photos of the wedding dress, bridesmaids dresses, flowers, cake, etc. or even descriptive words. The more we can get to know a couple and what they have planned for their wedding, the easier it is to make a the perfect custom design.
Anything else you'd like to add...
Although one of our favorite parts of our business is the opportunity to meet with couples it is not essential. We have worked with couples in Texas, Minnesota, California, Iowa, and in various locations across North Dakota. We can create custom invitations and communicate through email and phone.
Thanks Lindsay and Ty! If you'd like to see more of their work or get in touch with them, please visit the Song 3:4 website!
This past weekend I had a little extra time on my hands, so I finally got around to doing something that I have been wanting to do for a while now... open an Etsy shop! I often have people interested in my non-portrait photography, so I thought this would be the best way to share some of my favorites with everyone.
Over the years, Minnesota's north shore has been a constant inspiration in my art... you can see it in a rare watercolor, my acrylic paintings, and of course in my photography. Most of my photographs shared in my shop have some northwoods influence, but I will add some travel photographs along the way as well. Currently photographic prints and fine art canvases are listed in the shop. Select sizes are posted, but all photographs can be ordered in custom sizes as well. Whatever suits your fancy!
My shop's name is Aspen Valley. It comes from my maiden name, Espedal. In Norwegian, espe = aspen, dal = valley. Love it! If you have a chance, go ahead and check it out. The direct link to my shop is: http://www.etsy.com/shop/fmslaura
Photographers in Moorhead, MN specializing in weddings and seniors.
Recent Comments