VLV Photography

What a busy weekend! I hope everyone had a wonderful Easter! It was nice the sun finally decided to shine yesterday; just in time for a little Easter egg hunt for the kiddos. I was hosting this year for my family and I think I’m still suffering post-Easter-guest-fatigue! My family discovered a new game everyone enjoys-”Farkle.” You’ll have to give it a whirl and for only $5, it’s a pretty fun and cheap game buy! It’s a dice game of risk but the directions can be a little unclear. I don’t think I’ve played it the same way every time! It’s fun though! Check it out! Even our oldest {almost 6} caught on and enjoys it!

I’m still having some back-end issues with getting all the info up on my site. It’s a work-in-progress, so I apologize if it’s making navigating my site frustrating. Believe me, I’m beyond frustrated but it’s only because I just don’t understand and like code very much. This is one area of my business I wish I “got.” I like code and website stuff about as much as I like math……not.at.all!

This will be a short post today as I’m playing catch-up and wake-up! Coffee just isn’t cutting it today. Totally feels like a Monday. I didn’t use my TurboFire at all this weekend and I really did feel it…really sluggish and “blah” feeling. This am I just wanted to sleep in a little but hopefully I’ll make the time to do it at some point today.

I’ll leave you with another “What to Wear” guide and this time I really think we finally have Spring! Yay!!! Enjoy the weather before the rain comes in and make it a great week!

Until next time…Live, Laugh, and Love the one you’re with….because Spring is in the air!  FINALLY!!!!  Go celebrate & enjoy with the ones you love!  

I hope everyone is having a great Monday!  I’ve been busy working on stuff in the background of my business.  I’ve gotten a few business forms that I use to keep myself organized all squared away, got a gallery of the lovely Nate & Krista completed, and am now working on getting some info prepared as my website goes through some much needed updates!  Thank you to the lovely Genevieve of Lilac Creative.   She’s an amazing code wonder woman and has been so very patient with me, as I’m sure I must have changed my mind a million and one times!  It’s all to make my website better for my clients & my visitors so I hope the changes will make your experience that much better.

In other news…I’ve received some images to add to the small business feature I posted this past Friday.  You can view Susan’s Private Quarters post HERE along with those added images.

Oh, regarding that contest on Facebook on The [Framed] Show with my [innocence] image I submitted of the cute little boys….mine wasn’t chosen for the top 32.  It went solely by the number of “likes.”  Now those top 32 will get judged by a panel of photographer’s for top honors.  Thank you to those that took the time to vote;  I appreciate it!

Also new is a little something for the brides & grooms!  Brides-I’m sure you’ll love this!  If you have a couple or someone that is near and dear to your heart, or maybe they’re no longer with you in person but are in spirit, then this is a beautiful way to pay tribute.  I would have so loved to have this on my wedding day but I did receive a lovely locket from my loved ones.

Also, from now on-you no longer would need to go to a jeweler to add-on pieces to your existing necklace or bracelet.  From now on, let me take care of that for you, FREE of charge!

If you check out the bottom of my website, you may already notice a few changes.  Just doing some spring cleaning and making things a little neater!  Once all this snow melts maybe I’ll be in the mood to finally do some spring cleaning in my home!  I’ll take the snow any day though compared to what we could be getting.  I sure love living in ND.  But I do wish our summers lasted longer, would share make picture-taking that much easier!

Until next time…..Live, Love, and Laugh with the one you’re with….. to create more memories.

Hello all my chilled friends!  I know, no cold/winter/snow jokes today!  The sun will shine….this we know!

I just wanted to bring you this month’s second business feature!  I went to a demonstration of what Private Quarters offers and I found several things I love.  I especially loved this little head massager that is almostas relaxing as going to the hairdresser and getting your hair washed.  Who DOESN’T love that?  I wish some days that I was a celebrity just so I could have my own private hairdresser.  Seriously, that would be one of my 3 wishes if a genie ever appears! lol!  Oh…back to reality though, that “head massage-a-bob-er”-$7.99 and oh so worth it!   I wanted to mention this business though for my brides and senior girls especially!  A great way to earn free stuff as you embark on your new journey in life!

ANYWAY…..I’ll let Susan take it away….

Hello, my  name is Susan Meidinger.  I live on a farm in rural Zeeland, ND with my husband, Kenny and next door to my son Adam.  Kenny and I have been married for 30 years and have worked together farming, custom harvesting, raising cattle, and our three children.  I am also proud to say that I am a grandmother of two handsome little boys, JD and Levi {Victoria here-true, I should know-I photographed them!  See that post here which seemed just like yesterday. :)}.

In January 2011 I became a sales consultant with Private Quarters.  Private Quarters is a company that focuses on in-home sales demonstrations of high quality linens and comfortwear for the bed and bath.  It was founded in 2004 and is now the nation’s premier, direct selling company of high qualtity bed and bath linens.  The decision to become a consultant with Private Quarters was easy for me.  I fell in love with the products when I was invited to a party and got to touch and see the comfort behind it all.  Since my children are grown, I felt like this was something fun I could do to keep busy and reconnect with people.

Along with home based parties, Private Quarters also offers Bridal and Graudation Registries.  This has been a great way for graduates and newlyweds to earn and receive products of their choice as gifts from friends and family members.

If you or anyone you know would like to check out the products Private Quarters offers-please check out this website www.myprivatequarters.com or my personal website is www.privatequarters.net/smeidinger.  The easiest way to earn these products for FREE is to have a party.  Each month there are different Hosstess and Guest Rewards offered.  Having a party is always a great way to get people together and earn FREE products!

And just because I think we all could use a laugh and I think this is pretty stinkin’ hilarious…here’s my middle one.  She really did fall asleep with these on.  I guess she didn’t need the “head massage-a-bob!”  She had something in her eyes and after much rubbing, they hurt.  So…..in my “sneaky-mommy” way, I told her to lie down, relax, and those would make her eyes feel better but only if she kept them closed.  Hook.Line.Sinker.   See you back here Monday! Have a happy weekend!

P.S. Please head over to my Facebook business page and vote for an image I submitted to the [Framed] Show also on Facebook.  You must like the [Framed] Show first then ”like” my image for your vote to count!  Thank you so much!  I can win some great prizes for my business!

I posted a few hours ago that something good was going to be posted today.  Some of you will care, particularly past/future clients, and probably one pair of love birds that are featured!

I’ve kicked around the idea for a while about doing slideshows, mostly for the web/social media as a way to not only promote my business but also give clients a FUN way to share their images with family/friends.  This slideshow, in particular, is my very first and there is a bit of a learning curve so forgive me for any inadequicies.  The images in the slideshow are images that are from an album design.  I have YET to purchase a sample album and it’s something I’ve been quite anxious about as their are SO many options for vendors out there and it’s also quite the investment.  Albums are not cheap, neither for you, nor for me. I thought this would be the perfect way, though, to not only show what a slideshow looks like but also what a wedding album layout is like.

So….enjoy the show and please share what you think either here or FB.  More details are to come on these as slideshows could be an option to purchase in the future.  I really need a more expanded music library and royalty-free music does not come cheap.  See….you have your copyright rules for your prints/digital files and I have my own copyright rules I need to follow as well!

Considering it’s finally feeling like Spring outside and you’re probably getting ready to bust out those sandals, I thought I would share another what-to-wear for Spring example.

Well folks…I hope you all have a great Monday!  Since my girls are still napping, I think I’ll go get my butt kicked by Chalene of TurboFire!  Love this program!

Until next week…Live, Laugh, and Love the one you’re with…even if they don’t have any fashion sense or a TurboFire bod!

Well this is posted much later today than anticipated.  I really had quite the Tuesday.  You know some days, those little things that happen that just put a little speed bump in your day and are just annoying…well, a lot of those little things happened today and it was quite the off Tuesday for me.

I headed out of town for my son’s wrestling tourney this afternoon and just got back but was bound and determined to get this posted yet tonight.  So…..here this sweet couple is!   I’m so excited for this wedding.  It will be quite different than any other wedding I photographed as it will take place on a cliff overlooking the river and at sunset to boot!  Now if that isn’t romantic-I don’t know what is!  I’m a sucker for romance so I’m anticipating the tears at this one!  Yes, I cry at weddings.  I’m not ashamed to admit it.

Well, here is the lovely face behind Kika Marika {the small business feature I had this past Friday}.  Congrats you two love birds!  I look forward to seeing you both {& Ethan} again!

Enjoy!

Good morning!!  I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend!  I got to meet Krista & Nate who will be tying the knot this June in MT, and I have to add….they’ll be saying “I Do” by a cliff overlooking the river at sunset!  Sweet!  Their engagement session was so much fun but you’ll have to wait until tomorrow where I’ll share the details and some images from their session for their sneak peek!  On another note though, I saw Krista’s work {see her business feature for Kika Marika HERE} first-hand and I just have to say “GORGEOUS.”  The blankets are to die for and so custom with detailed stitching of either designs or words.  Her and her mother, Jan, do some very quality work.  If you are looking to give that special person a one-of-a-kind baby blanket with either an animal on it or even the child’s name and custom beautiful colors/patchwork-Kika Marika is your one-stop shop!  Here are some of the fabric patterns she has of the minky material, which is so super soft.  LOVED their workshop too…I was about to put a hitch on my hubby’s little nissan and pull it home to be my photography studio!  A girl can dream!

Also, since I THINK we officially have Spring in the forecast and Easter is upon us, I had to share these little cuties.  I had so much fun during this session too, as the location was on a ranch and they had these cute baby sheep.  This location was a dream for any photographer, so much to work with but these sure made me smile.  I even got to bottle-feed one-too cute!  

Yesterday it was snowing again and it was very much a hot chocolate kinda day.  It was funny though-to look out, see the snow, and then see some robins playing in the water.  I’m sure the robins are even wondering what the heck was going on!

I will be receiving a lot of goodies this week for client orders and I will be taking some pictures!  A beautiful canvas, custom image box with some mounted prints, and a few other goodies.  I will surely be making some clients smile this week!   I’m excited to see everything myself!

In other news, I will be getting out a Spring newsletter this month.  I haven’t gotten the whole subscribe thing worked out yet, as I’m having changes made to my site {hopefully soon} but if you would like to be put on the list, email me and let me know.  As of now, only those that have made a purchase from me as a client are receiving it.  I don’t do these regularly, just with the seasons, so you won’t be bombarded with them in your inbox.  You’ll want to get on the list for the fall newsletter though….just sayin’ as that’s the only way you’ll find out about something I have up my sleeve!

Oh, I came across this website recently and I just had to share.  My kids have their tasks they are to do-clear their plate from the table, put their own clothes away, brush teeth, etc. but as they get older they’ll be getting more chores {muh-wahhhh-evil laugh}.  I LOVE this website and plan to utilize it myself!  If you’re having a hard time getting your kids involved and doing what they’re suppose to and just simply hate pestering….this might help!  The best part-IT’S FREE!!! http://www.myjobchart.com/ 

Well folks, that’s all for this Monday.  Oh-availability for Saturdays this summer is getting slim.  If you’re wanting/needing a Saturday session, you might want to schedule asap!  I have one Saturday in June and three for August.  July is completely booked for Saturdays.  Thanks for reading and make it a great week!

Until next time….Live, Laugh, and Love the one you’re with because Spring is FINALLY in the air!

Hey folks…Happy Friday!!  Today’s featured business is a client of mine who will be marring the love of her life this June.  I’m actually traveling to Montana today to do their engagement pictures and I’m super-excited as the location is a ranch.  The ideas are already swirling!

Back to her business-Kika Marika-whose shop is on Etsy.  If you’ve never heard of Etsy-you’ve been warned.  You can get lost in all things homemade on there from aprons to zipper pouches!!  It’s an amazing marketplace for any entrepreneur as the audience you can reach is worldwide.  If you can get your name out there, big things can happen.  My last featured business-Knotty Blocks-also has an Etsy store.

Kika Marika creates homemade baby items such as blankets, burp cloths, bibs, diaper changing pads, and for moms-some very beautiful quilts {completely sewn by hand-the image I included in the second set on the right is the one I love}.  Go check out her stuff and you may find a nice gift for someone special!  If you place an order, let her know you found her on my blog! 

Without further ado….Kika Marika!  Isn’t her stuff gorgeous??

Now the lady behind Kika Marika….

Hello, I am Krista or often referred to as Kika by my close friends and family. I live on our family farm in Glendive, Montana with my 2-year-old son. We raise sheep, cows, and chickens along with doing some farming. Most recently we purchase a small herd of registered Dorset ewes and I have had a great time learning and teaching my son how to care for newborn lambs. If you can imagine me having any spare time between lambing and calving, I use it to create new and adorable baby accessories.

I have been sewing and quilting since the age of 8 and owe all of my sewing knowledge to my mother. I specialize mostly in custom quilting, but can’t resist wandering back to the baby and toddler creations. I am a stay-at-home mom and could not be more thrilled that I get to hang out with my son all day while getting to do what I love.

Using my imagination to create kid’s and baby’s quilts and blankets is what I enjoy the most. I started Kika Marika shortly after my son was born when I realized that, while being a stay-at-home mom was a ton of work, I still needed something I could do for me. Since then my son has been lulled to sleep by the sound of my sewing machine.

Kika Marika offers a nice range of baby to toddler to adult blankets and throws. Our most popular item is “Minky Blankies” featuring a fun minky print on one side and a cotton fabric on the other. Every Minky Blankie is custom quilted and bound in a coordinating minky fabric. They are available in baby/toddler size and an adult size. Also done in minky, our burp cloths are a huge hit at baby showers. The silky minky front is perfect for baby to snuggle into and the terry cloth backing is super absorbent for that unexpected mess. Kika Marika’s originally designed bibs are great for any age of baby or toddler. Bibs are made using 100% cotton fabric with a layer of poly-blend batting and a sturdy pearl snap. All of these items are machine washable and dryer friendly.

We also offer more specialty blankets in a lower price range. These are referred to as “Cuddle Throws” and “Cuddle Hugs”. They are made from a double sided material and then bound in either minky or satin. There is so much more that Kika Marika has to offer and the website is constantly updating. I take custom orders on almost anything and your satisfaction is my priority.

So there’s this month’s first small business feature!  I hope you enjoyed it and stopped by her shop to see what she has to offer!  In two weeks I’ll be featuring a small business that can bring your family/friends together and earn you some beautiful bed & bath items!  Stay tuned……

If you or someone you know has a small business they’re just getting off the ground, I want to know about it.  It might just be featured on my blog!  Word-of-mouth is priceless and the cheapest advertisement you can receive in small business.  Networking and creating buzz is essential.  Let me help you by getting the word out about your business!  And if you don’t have a Facebook page for your small business-you’re totally missing the boat!  Get on it, it’ll take your business to a whole new level!  It did for me!  I only wish I wouldn’t have taken so long to do it!  Thanks Carrie for your encouragement!

Make it a great Friday….I’m off on the road to MT!   Check next week for my My Life Monday and Tuesday for a sneaky peek of the lady behind Kika Marika and her shweetie!