fabreeze {recipes on the cheap}

I'm all for saving some cash and when this stuff costs almost $4 for one bottle, I'll try anything once. 

what you'll need:
1. spray bottle, 28 oz ( I reused my original bottle, why not it was $4)
2. 1/4 cup of fabric softner, use what smells good to you.  We had Downey so that's what is goin in.
3. 2 tablespoons of baking soda
4. hot water

Pour the fabric softner in the bottle
I put my baking soda in the measuring cup and added some hot water to it and mixed it up.  then poured that into my bottle. 
fill the rest with the hot water, put the lid on and shake it up.  I sprayed this everywhere!! Smells AWESOME!  I did read on Pinterest that it's about $0.15 per bottle!!!  You sure can't beat that price!!!  Not sure who thought of this one but they ROCK!!

laundry soap {recipes on the cheap}

Yes, that's right.  I made our own laundry soap!  Fully tested and family approved!!  I've found several on Pinterest and other blogs and figured I'd test one.  I loved this one I found and will have to find her site and give some kudos!!

our participants



1. (1) 4 lb 12 oz Box of Borax
2. (1) 3 lb 7 oz Box of Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda (totally different from baking soda and make sure the box says "washing soda")
3. (1) 3 lb Container of OxyClean
4. (1) 17.1 oz box of Zote Soap (if you can't find the box of soap already grated, you can use 2 bars of soap and grate them with a cheese grater.  someone even used Ivory Soap)
5. (1) 4 lb box of Arm & Hammer Baking Soda
6. (2) 55 oz Downy or Purex Fabric Softner Crystals
7. (1) Large bucket with a lid
8. large spoon for stirring

I found all the above at Walmart.  The cute bucket has lime green handles. :)

The easiest thing to do is add a little of each ingredient and mix well.  I did half and mixed it up and then added the other half.  I suggest doing it outdoors because of the dustiness but if you don't mind that, you're good.  Walmart was out of the Downy Crystals but I think I'll go to my HEB and pick up a container and add it to my mixture.  Store air tight and on a flat surface.  I wouldn't put it on the dryer or the washer because it will all settle and you'd have to stir it up again.  It took a good 10 minutes of stirring but totally worth it.

finished product: (forgive the horrible photos but my laundry room has yuck for lighting.)  I used the little scoop from the OxyClean.

See my green handles and look how much we have!!  One scoop per load.  Also uses less water to rinse your clothes. 

Facts:

1.  Yes, you can use this in HE washing machines

2.  Yes, you can add additional fabric softner to your wash

3.  Yes, ONE scoop is all you need.  It's about 2 heaping tablespoons

4.  Yes, it smells great!

Customizable Cell Phone Covers {Photographers for a Cure}

I created these customized cell phone covers for those that suffer from this dabilitating disease and those that support us.  We need more research to find a cure which means we need $$.  All profits from the sale of these cell phone covers will go to the foundation. 

 If you would like to donate without a purchase, visit my personal site here: 

https://sna.etapestry.com/fundraiser/AmericanSyringomyeliaAllianc/ASAP/donate.do

The 50's {Styled Photography Sessions}

So I'm thinking fun, 50's America, a little like my favorite movie as a teenager, GREASE!!!! 

1.5 hour session, clothing included (if needed)
2-3 clothing changes
10 edited images on CD with print release
5-10 watermarked images for social media sites
1 5x5 album of 20 images, fully edited
$375

email for more info:  wendy@avenue7photography.com

*the fine print*
must sign model release form
must use watermarked images on the web ONLY, no exceptions
deposit of 50% required to reserve your date

Respect {Professional Photographer}

I pulled this from a fellow photog's FB page, Natalie Bee.

Not sure whom the original creator of this document is but they are spot on and should be credited!  Professional photographers work harder than most and when you break down the hourly wage, it's less than someone who is flippin burgers!  Someone will comment with horrific words of "just quit".  I could but why give up on a dream?  Why rob the world of amazing portraiture and art?  What if Ansel Adams just gave up?  Or Annie Leibovitz said just forget it?  How about Anne Geddes?  Just three of the photographers that have inspired me to keep working at what I love no matter the cost.  Think about that next time you stare at the amazing photograph your photographer captured of a family member.

Wishing you all Peace, Love, Hope, and Photographs!

Customizable Cell Phone Covers {Photography Art & Design)

Want your phone covered in an awesome design?  Maybe a photo or a favorite quote?  Just about anything you can imagine can be created for your phone cover.  Current phone covers available:  iphone 3, iphone 4, ipod touch, HTC, blackberry bold, blackberry curve, Samsung Galaxy.

breast cancer logo credit

 <a href="http://www.officialpsds.com/Breast-Cancer-Ribbon-PSD31833.html%22%3E%3Cimg src="http://www.officialpsds.com/images/embedPSD/31833.jpg%22%3E%3C/a>

ATTENTION 2013 SENIORS {Senior Photographer}

Attention C/O 2013!!!

Yes you!  Have you made your appointment??!!  What are you waiting for?  The clock is ticking!  Book now and get FREE STUFF!

2013 Senior Packages

Your session fee includes:

• photographer's time and talent
• pre-session style consultation, 30 minutes
• 1.5 hours of shooting
• up to 2 locations
• 3-4 clothing changes
• editing of 20-35 images
• one brag book, images are choice of photographer
• 24 wallets*
• 5-10 watermarked images for use on social media sites
• $175**
• 50% deposit required to reserve your date, remaining balance due 10 days prior to shoot

*wallets are free with print purchase

Want an all day photo experience??

• photographer's time and talent
• pre-session style consultation, up to an hour
• 5 hours of shooting
• up to 4 locations
• 7-10 clothing changes
• editing of 40-55 images
• one brag book, images are choice of photographer
• 48 wallets (photographer's choice)
• 10-15 watermarked images for use on social media sites
• $600**
• 50% deposit required to reserve your date, remaining balance due 10 days prior to shoot

**session fees are non-refundable and due at time of booking

additional info
password protected gallery is up for 10 days.  purchases must be completed before the gallery expires.  gallery can be re-instated for a fee of $15.  the re-instated gallery is up for 48 hours.  images are deleted after 6 months.  session fee can be applied to purchases of over $600 but not with the all day photo experience.  full packages begin at $200.  payment plas available.

Updated Blog {Family Photographer}

Don't be alarmed, it is the same fun blog as before, just updated!!  :)

A few changes here and there so come back often, you never know what you'll see!