capturing the sweet life.

Questionable Fashion Choices at the Emmy's

Well, there's always a few, aren't there?  A few stars who step out of their limos or walk on stage and you think to yourself,

 "What in the...?!  With all the money these people make, and all the thousands of dollars they spend on their clothes for these events and THIS is the best they could do?"

 That's what I thought, anyway, when I saw the following outfits:

Lauren Graham - looks like she's wearing a big napkin.  Great if she's headed out to a rib joint after the show, though...

Anna Paquin - Oh, no.  Looks like she ran out of the Roman Colosseum bathroom before her big Gladiator-style debut with the front of her dress stuck in her panties.  Shame.

My heart BREAKS to put my favorite Mad Men lady on this list.  She's a wonderfully gorgeous, voluptuous woman who rarely seems to find the right red carpet look to complement her obvious assets.  But her appearance here has less to do with her dress (though it does look like it was caught in the Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce paper shredder) and more with her hair and makeup.  Disheveled is the word that comes to mind. 

Oh, Rita.  Rita.  Rita.  Rita.  The dress.  The hair.  The shoes.  Wrong, wrong, wrong!  I know the 60's are back, but what's that's old saying about if you lived the trend the first time, you shouldn't try it the 2nd time?  She's such a bea-u-tiful woman - it's a shame to see her looking like a washed up go-go dancer.  Take a page from Edie Falco and keep it elegant - age gracefully - look like the Hollywood royalty that you are.

Well there's nothing else to it.  Padma Lakshmi looks like a hot mess.  End of story.

Mindy Kaling from one of my other favorite shows, The Office.  It's really not that I dislike this dress immensely.  It's just completely wrong for her.  She's like 5 feet tall.  This dress is eating her for breakfast, lunch, AND dinner. 

*Sigh* Another one of my favorite stars from another one of my favorite shows.  Men, this is how NOT to try to be different and unique.  Brown shoes with a gray suit are never, I repeat NEVER okay.  I'd rather he were just wearing socks.  Or nothing.  At least then he would have been able to give a funny story about how his shoes got stolen/lost/never arrived back from the shoe shiners...and, lord, don't even get me started on the dress SHE'S wearing...there are no words.  

 

And lastly, a word on the general consensus for Sunday night's WORST dressed...

I think most people are calling January Jones worst-dressed because you'd expect so much more from her.  She is drop-dead gorgeous and has a body that could rock ANYTHING.  Well...almost anything.  I actually don't hate this dress as much as everyone else seems to.  It's true, I've NEVER been a fan of the short in front, long in back dresses.  And the things on her boobs are WAY wackadoo.  But the color is stunning on her.  I LOVE the pleating and detail work on the whole thing.  And I admire her willingness to take some fashion risks - she never seems to show up in traditionally beautiful gowns (see Claire Danes, Elisabeth Moss).  So while I think she would have perhaps been better suited in something else (I think she actually would have looked stunning in Mindy Kaling's above dress), I'm not hating this look as much as everyone else seems to.

Fashion Wrap-up - Primetime Emmy's

Half of the reason I sit down every year to watch the Emmy's is to see the beautiful gowns (for the other half, see my next post!).  Us regular folk will never have an occasion to don such singularly spectacular pieces of wearable art so I love to ogle the stars as they walk the red carpet and/or appear on stage.  

So today I give you the looks that I loved the most from yesterday's Primetime Emmys.  Tomorrow you can check back for the looks that sort of had me scratching my head.

Elisabeth Moss from Mad Men - way to work it out sister!  She far outshone her fellow female castmates in this gorgeous  Donna Karan gown.

Claire Danes - lending further proof to my assertion that Armani Prive does some of the most spectacular dresses on the planet.  This girl's come a long way since My So Called Life

While I never doubt the comic wit of dear Tina Fey, sometimes her red carpet looks have me wondering if her style needs a little professional assistance.  But I think this Oscar de la Renta dress is just gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous and perfect for her.

Edie Falco from Nurse Jackie - I don't necessarily think this was a spectacular gown, but I thought Edie Falco looked the best I've ever seen her last night.

 
Dianna Agron from Glee - I think this Carolina Herrera dress is so lovely.  Intricate and yet fresh and very youthful.    Perfectly age appropriate.

Lea Michele from Glee - LOVE this navy Oscar de la Renta gown!!  Love the color, love the neckline, love the ruffles.  Love her necklace.  Absolutely stunning on Lea. 

And, some love for the boys, too...

 David Burtka and Neil Patrick Harris - it's so hard for guys to stand out and be original without being obnoxious or flashy.  I think NPH's suit is the PERFECT way for a guy to express some creative originality while still looking classic and event-appropriate.  His partner, David Burtka, doesn't look half bad, either!

Ryan Kwanten from True Blood -   I also think the subtle plaid in Ryan's suit is very unique without being garish.  In a sea of black penguin suits, doing something just slightly left of middle keeps it modern and interesting.

So that's it for my favorites.

Were there any outfits that stood out to you??
 

Emmy Fever

Man, I didn't think it was possible for me to love Jimmy Fallon, Tina Fey, Jon Hamm, and George Clooney any more than I did yesterday afternoon, but then I saw these and have a whole new level of adoration for them!

I thought the Emmy's were terrific last night - I was a little bummed to not see more acting awards go to people in shows I actually watch (ahem, Jon Hamm!), but Series wins for my two most favorite shows on TV, Mad Men and Modern Family (can I get a "Holla!" for Cam winning Best Supporting Actor!) more than made up for it.  And a little screen time for my boy George never hurts either.

{Fabulous Finds} Friday

 

Here's the latest round of Internet fabulousness I've come across...Enjoy!

1.  What a lovely way to teach kids about gratitude.  Who's day wouldn't be made by receiving one of these from your favorite short person?!

2.  I think I may have found the perfect thing to do with my stairwell wall...now, who wants to come help me?!

3.  Every time I see what Ana's doing over at Knock-off Wood, I honestly have to restrain myself from heading to Lowes to buy a jigsaw and some wood glue.  Girl can build!  And I want to, too!

4.  Definitely have to make one of these for Nat, soon.  I get anxiety when I think about teaching her to tie her own shoes!

5.  Is it weird that I'm totally excited about this new Sharpie?  Or that I really want these snazzy pencils?  

6.  Wow, I'll never look at an old dress the same way again!  This chick totally has me inspired to see beyond what is readily apparent.

7.  I save a lot of cards and things that I get from Brian, my mom, etc.  But I think this is just a really lovely way to share the past with your kids and build a connection to past generations.

8.  It can be hard to find creative birthday party ideas for older boys.  That's why I think this Secret Agent Party is so brilliant!

9.  I love these pillows as gifts for friends or family who are moving out of state.  What a fun way to remember from whence you came?!  Or, since Brian and I met at MSU, I think the Michigan one would be particularly meaningful in our home...

10.  Aren't we all trying to save money right now?  How about some Grocery Store Saving Tips?  And ever wonder if that sale price really is the rock bottom?  Well Julia over at The Frugal Find has done some of the legwork for the rest of us.  Here's her list of "Buy it Now" prices that she doesn't pass up on lots of everyday items.  

Hope this weekend finds you enjoying the tail end of summer!  I, for one, am regretting taking fewer trips to the beach, but am pretty proud of how many things we've been able to cross off our to-do list.  And, since Fall doesn't officially start until Sept. 21, there's still plenty more time to cross the rest of those items off.

For all of you starting school next week or have already started, best wishes for a wonderful school year!

Janie and Jack

I have kind of a love/not-so-much-love relationship with the kid's clothing store, Janie and Jack.  They make very sweet clothes that often border on TOO cutesy and prim.  However, their upcoming fall collection is full of really lovely options and provide a welcome relief to some of the other kids trends out there.  Have you seen the skulls and crossbones?  Or the bordering-on-streetwalker-esque lace leggings?  I mean what parent wants to dress their 4-6 year old in that?!

Anyways, check out some of latest offerings from Janie & Jack:

 

   

See...it IS possible to be stylish and still age appropriate.  Old Navy, Crazy 8 and other retailers selling teen trends for preschoolers- take notice!

{Fabulous Finds} Friday

My kids had a wonderful find this week in the pool - a little froggy they chased and tormented for about a half hour.

Here's what I found this week in blog land:

1.  If you've gotta live on a postage stamp in NYC, might as well make it the most fabulous 300 sq. ft of real estate you can!

2.  I'm always looking for fun kid's party ideas and I think this Nature Themed one would be great for a boy or a girl of just about any age (well, maybe not for the teenagers...)...

3.  My next DIY project...I've been loathing our frameless bathroom mirrors since we moved in, but instead of replacing them, I'm totally just going to doctor them up.  Brilliant!

4.  I had so much fun planning my wedding...definitely went over the top and did more than I needed to, but sometimes I wish I could get married every year (to the same man, of course!) just so I'd have an excuse to plan a different type of wedding each time.  I love this NYC wedding and wonder if Brian would object to us running away together to NYC for a vow renewal ceremony or something...

5.  Clay hand molds are super cute, but how about a modern twist on the classic keepsake??

6.  *Sigh*  I hope to raise kids who are as crazy into books as the little lad over at Young Bibliomaniac.  He feels like he was "made to read."  How awesome is THAT?!  Kudos to his parents, too, for not only encouraging his love for books, but giving him the tools to share that passion with the rest of us.

7.  A friend of mine suggested that a big 'ol group of us head up north this winter for this little getaway.  Chocolate, wine & snowshoeing???  I'm totally there!!  They have a brownie contest, for cryin' out loud - I think I might even have a recipe that could be a winner...!

8.  Need this.  Badly.  (No wonder Brian says I have a hard time distinguishing a "need" from a "want")

9.  Mmmmm....yummy homemade granola.  I've kind of fallen in love with the idea of homemade goodies given as gifts for all sorts of occasions.  Don't be surprised if I show up on your doorstep with one of my jammy jars...

10.  Pretty sure I've adequately expressed my love for Mad Men.  But just in case you're still wondering what all the fuss is about, let me just say the clothes are to die for.  The whole styling of the show is, but the clothes, in particular, are simply stunning.  And thanks to the style mavens at Banana Republic, you, too, can channel your inner Betty or Don Draper.  I, personally, am leaning towards the Joan looks - which are your favorites??  (P.S.  One of the reasons I love the show so much is that it gives me a little glimpse into the [admittedly highly-2010-stylized] world my parents grew up in.  Mom, I can't believe you got to grow up around this kind of style and fashion!  I feel as though my childhood fashions in the 80's and 90's won't be quite so highly regarded by my own kids!!).

Wishing all of you a wonderful weekend!
 

Stormy Weather

Little known fact about me -- I'm an avid weather watcher.  As a kid I remember my grandpa and, later, my dad watching a storm blow past out on our back porch or in the garage.  Must be in the blood, because I, too, love to watch a good storm.

This past Wednesday, however, another genetic anomaly expressed itself - the "fear of storms" gene inherited from my Aunt Bonnie who runs into the basement with a flashlight and battery-powered radio at the slightest hint of inclement weather.

Here's what prompted my shouts of "Auntie Em, Auntie Em!"

 

   

Photos can rarely capture the awesome nature of storms forming, but suffice it to say that it honest to goodness looked like a tornado was forming directly above my house and we were moments from being sucked up into its vortex.  So I did what my Aunt Bonnie would do (after snapping a few photos, of course - I'm still a Quinn, after all!) -- I turned off Dora and told the kids we had to head to the basement for shelter.  Safety first!!

**Turns out the above "storm" was a heck of lot scarier looking than it actually ended up being.  A little wind, a heavy downpour and that was about it.  But it's never to young to learn proper storm evacuation procedures, right Bon?!

 

Brotherly Love

A few weeks after getting to shoot my first set of sisters, I also got the opportunity to photograph another set of adorable brothers.  I hadn't really realized it before, but having these two shoots back to back really illustrated a stark contrast between shooting boys and girls.  

When I'm photographing girls, it seems as though they're usually quite aware of the camera.   Where I'm at, what I'm doing, what kind of smiles to give and when...and they're so eager to please.  This usually results in lovely images of girls smiling right at the camera.  However, it can also result in unnatural smiles, too many demure looking poses, static images...I have to work a little harder to get shots of girls acting naturally.

Boys, on the other hand, usually couldn't care less about me and my stinkin' camera.  They're too busy looking at bugs, chasing squirrels, kicking up dirt...this results in some really wonderful images of 'boys being boys', lots of action shots, etc.  It can also mean that I have a harder time getting the boys to look directly at the camera for those "wall-worthy images" parents are usually expecting.  I get a lot of back-of-the-heads and blurry shots b/c I'm usually chasing these little explorers all over the place.

My intention is not to stereotype ("all girls look at the camera", "all boys run from it!"), but just to illustrate the unique challenges facing a photographer when they photograph different children.  The mom in me LOVES photographing girls because I usually get more face-to-camera shots, beautiful smiles, cooperative subjects.  However, the photojournalistic-style photographer in me loves capturing the essence of boys just being boys.  No posing, no forcing, just observing and capturing.  This is my goal when photographing all children - to give the parents images that represent WHO their child is.  Not just what they look like when they're smiling at a camera.

 

 

Of course, I'm a mom, too, so I certainly know the value of a winning smile and how it has the potential to melt your heart!

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As a photographer, I'm hoping to provide families with a nice balance of the two types of images and to remind them that it's just as important to capture their children BEING children as it is to get that smile on film.

I hope you like the images of your boys, Alice!  Thanks for allowing me to capture them in all their boy-ish glory!

It's Been Awhile Since I've Been to a Frat Party, but...

A friend of mine, Becky Spratke, just posted the following little nugget to our Mother's & More discussion board and I thought it was HILARIOUS!!  So I wanted to share it with all of you!

Why Having a Toddler is Like Being at a Frat Party

10. There are half-full, brightly-colored plastic cups on the floor in every room. Three are in the bathtub.

9. There's always that one girl, bawling her eyes out in a corner.

8. It's best not to assume that the person closest to you has any control over their digestive function.

7. You sneak off to the bathroom knowing that as soon as you sit down, someone's going to start banging on the door.

6. Probably 80% of the stains on the furniture contain DNA.

5. You've got someone in your face at 3 a.m. looking for a drink.

4. There's definitely going to be a fight.

3. You're not sure whether anything you're doing is right, you just hope it won't get you arrested.

2. There are crumpled-up underpants everywhere.

1. You wake up wondering exactly how and when the person in bed with you got there.

 

Original Source for the above list credited to Suburban Snapshots

And my favorite additions from her comments page...

Your one goal is to get someone in bed and, when you're finally successful, you're so tired all you want to do is go to sleep.

At least one person is lying on the floor, either face up or face down, singing at the top of their lungs.

You lie to your parents about what's going on at your place.

There's bound to be someone dancing naked in the front yard.

You sit down on the sofa in the morning, and a few minutes later start to wonder why your butt is wet and suddenly realize someone must've peed there again.

There is always that one guy who wants to tell you about how great his penis is.

There is no such thing as personal belongings. Every closet, cabinet, and drawer in the place has been snooped through multiple times, just to see what's there and to determine if you are hiding anything of interest.

All around you there is babbling and drooling, and at some point, someone will be drinking from the dog's bowl.

Do you have any to add??!!

{Fabulous Finds} Friday

Time for another edition of {Fabulous Finds} Friday!!

 

 

1.  In honor of the return of Mad Men (love, love, LOVE this show!), I'm finding myself drawn to some of the 60's inspired clothing choices at Ruche.  Super cute clothes and, the best part...SO AFFORDABLE!!

2.  Love this idea for a kid's music party...Jake would totally dig this!

3.  ...and how about a Taste Testing for a unique take on a wedding or baby shower?  So much fun and so different from probably anything your guests have ever been to before.  Or maybe it's just an excuse to have mint chocolate chip ice cream and bacon at the same party...

4.  ...I also think a Favorites Party would also be super fun to do with your girlfriends (or as a chapter meeting, fellow M&M'ers...!).  I think I'd bring either Burt's Bees Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream or maybe some Skippy Natural peanut butter with my Peanut Satay Sauce recipe...what would you bring?

5.  I'm totally thinking of signing up to do this class after my photography class is done.  I'm completely clueless when it comes to sewing (my home ec teacher would be so disappointed), but would love to learn just a few basic projects.  Anyone want to be my study partner?!

6.  This falls into that whole "Why didn't I think of doing that?!" realm.  But this mom is just beyond creative and I'm in awe at the totally unique images she created with her baby girl.  What is your baby dreaming of??

7.  In addition to being a bit of a stationary freak, I'm also an organizational supplies zealot.  I love the bright colors over at russel + hazel.  So fancy.

8.  Very cute kids clothes over at Peek...Aren't You Curious?

9.  ...and also over at Polarn O. Pyret.  Love that they're eco-conscious, too.

10.  What a wonderful way to honor someone on their birthday!  He/she doesn't have to be 90...you could make a beautiful keepsake for any age, or start a tradition with your own kids to do something like this each year on their birthday ("10 Fun Things We Did This Year" or "18 Tips for Surviving College").  Personalized gifts like this mean so much to people and it's something they'll treasure for the rest of their lives.  Now that's the perfect kind of gift.

Hope you enjoyed this week's finds!!  Remember to post a comment if you find something you really think is fabulous!

Cabin - Sunday

We had high hopes for some cooperative weather for Sunday at the cabin, but just couldn't catch a break.  Luckily, it was pretty much just overcast with only occasional sprinkles, so we decided to take a chance and get in some outdoor fun anyway.

We started off with a hike along the Highbanks trail, which runs right along the Au Sable River...

  

   

 

And then took the kids over to the Lumberman's Monument...

We climbed the lumber stacks (which I vividly remember doing  myself as a kid!)...

 

 

And then descended the 272 (!!!) stairs down to the river below.

Of course, going down 272 (!!!) stairs means we had to come right back up those same 272 (!!!) stairs.  At least we got in our workout for the day.

  

The sun started to peek out just as we were leaving the monument, so the kids were happily able to get in a quick swim before we had to pack up and go.

 

   

 

We're so lucky to have access to such a wonderful family getaway.  This cabin has been in my family since I was probably Natalie's age.  I remember our entire extended family going up with all of us cousins running around in the woods, swimming in the lake, walking up to the little store for candy cigarettes and Lick-M-Aid... 

 

It makes me so happy to know that my kids are getting the opportunity to experience the cabin pretty much just as I remember it from my childhood.  I'm especially grateful that my Aunt Bonnie has decided to hang onto the property and that my brother sees to it that the cabin is kept clean and well taken care of.  I look forward to the memories that Natalie and Jacob will have of this idyllic place and hope it's in our family for another 30 years.

Cabin - Saturday

Last weekend, Brian and I took the kids up to our family cabin for the first time this year.  The weather did not exactly cooperate with all the "outdoorsy plans" we had (rained most of the time we were there), but we were still able to find ways to have lots of fun.

We woke up bright and early Saturday morning and started the day off by taking Murphy for a swim in the lake.

   

 

We then headed into Tawas for pizza at G's (something I ALWAYS look forward to!), followed by a walk on the pier and then dessert at Marion's, a Tawas institution.

 
   

   

   

 

 We capped off the night with a little Jiffy Pop popcorn - we had intended to pop it over the campfire to go with some yummy s'mores, but the rain just wouldn't stay away.  Next time, though, for sure...

 

Can't wait to go up again next month!

Swagger Wagon

Brian and I have recently been debating the merits of purchasing a mini-van.  He's all for it, I'm staunchly against it but am quickly running out of valid excuses for not purchasing one.  Basically all I have left to cling to is that they're just not cool.

Well, knowing my aversion to what is, in my opinion, the vehicular version of sweatpants, a friend of mine posted the following video to my Facebook Wall.  Perhaps they aren't so uncool after all...