tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-68878150918209521782024-03-12T23:46:57.695-05:00{DFW Photographer} Christina Lee PhotographyA recount about the life of a part time photographer and full time Multimedia teacher in the Dallas Fort Worth area of Texas.Christina Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15161503551368477658noreply@blogger.comBlogger123125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6887815091820952178.post-75402966241811068242011-04-23T23:31:00.000-05:002011-04-23T23:31:18.416-05:00Christina Lee Photo has moved!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Gee it has been quite a while since I have updated here! It seems that I failed to let all of you wonderful people know of a big change that I made back in March. <br />
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At this point in time, I have moved my blog and website over to <a href="http://www.christinaleephoto.wordpress.com/">www.christinaleephoto.wordpress.com</a><br />
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I have combined both my website and blog into one location, and I hope that you will join me in this new adventure. After winning an incredible year's subscription to <a href="http://christinaleephoto.smugmug.com/">SmugMug</a>, and really appreciating its benefits, I have decided that it would be difficult to keep up with essentially three websites, along with a web site for a large 5A high school, teach high school kids, be a wife, oh yeah, AND further develop my craft in photography! So, on that note, at this time <a href="http://christinaleephoto.com/">christinaleephoto.com</a> is still under my ownership, I just do not have anything running under the domain at this time, but I plan to get things up and running again appropriately by this summer, once I get this crazy school year under wraps. In the meantime, I'll be posting my updates and latest news and images on my <a href="http://www.christinaleephoto.wordpress.com/">new wordpress blog</a>, and I plan to maintain my SmugMug account that includes my client viewing, and of course, there is my <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/christina-lee/">Flickr</a> page as well, which I have now gone Pro in, so I anticipate a lot more uploads!<br />
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Thank you so much for reading my simple little blog here as I write about my photography adventures, please make sure you join me on this new adventure as well! <br />
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Thanks again!<br />
-Christina</div>Christina Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15161503551368477658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6887815091820952178.post-30727128899575854792011-01-05T21:31:00.001-06:002011-01-05T21:31:49.218-06:00{DFW Photographer} Featuring Jamal Turner<p>I couldn’t help but do a post about this guy.  <a href="http://insider.espn.go.com/college-football/recruiting/player?id=102368&_slug_=jamal-turner&action=login&appRedirect=http%3a%2f%2finsider.espn.go.com%2fcollege-football%2frecruiting%2fplayer%3fid%3d102368%26_slug_%3djamal-turner">Jamal</a> is a student at my school, (he has officially graduated early because he is going to college this semester to do spring training.)</p> <p>Right now I’m watching him participate in the <a href="http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recruiting/feature/index?page=underarmourgame2011">Under Armour High School All American Bowl Game</a> on the white team, number 3.  Jamal is our varsity football quarterback and has been widely recruited across the country to play football beginning next year.  Jamal decided to go to Nebraska after much consideration, and needless to say, we are all excited about his new journey he is about to begin.  (Looks like I’m going to become a Husker fan next year, along with a *cringe* Sooner fan as well…but that is for a later explanation, and another kid.) </p> <p>Now, I normally would hesitate to post his picture on here as well as his last name, but seeing has how if you click on the links above you’ll find out his last name, where he’s going to college, and you could probably even find out his weight, I don’t think a post commending him on his achievements is going to hurt. </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_rmiC1hTLcF0/TSU3nEAUFsI/AAAAAAAAAqU/50ORgTm-MEo/s1600-h/IMG_9958%5B7%5D.jpg"><img style="display: inline" title="IMG_9958" alt="IMG_9958" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_rmiC1hTLcF0/TSU3nelutLI/AAAAAAAAAqY/HV8CM8lvj2M/IMG_9958_thumb%5B5%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="480" /></a> </p> <p>Earlier this year, I had the opportunity to take some pictures for Jamal for our homecoming court portraits, so I decided to post a couple of the shots here tonight in honor of good luck to him and his game. </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_rmiC1hTLcF0/TSU3ntpeBlI/AAAAAAAAAqc/WqM-zV4Haes/s1600-h/IMG_9947%5B7%5D.jpg"><img style="display: inline" title="IMG_9947" alt="IMG_9947" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_rmiC1hTLcF0/TSU3n5yL98I/AAAAAAAAAqg/XRtIW1LGPGE/IMG_9947_thumb%5B5%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="480" /></a> </p> <p>One of the incredible features about Jamal is learning of how he has overcome loss and hardship throughout a lot of his life already.  The first week of school, he tragically lost his mother.  I admire Jamal for his motivation to keep going; he actually played in the game the next night because “<em>because it’s what my mom would have wanted</em>.” All this after loosing an older brother just a couple of years before.  </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_rmiC1hTLcF0/TSU3oJHnnqI/AAAAAAAAAqk/N-uINmFVTTk/s1600-h/IMG_9951%5B7%5D.jpg"><img style="display: inline" title="IMG_9951" alt="IMG_9951" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_rmiC1hTLcF0/TSU3okjecQI/AAAAAAAAAqo/-k-IXxGoijQ/IMG_9951_thumb%5B5%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="480" /></a> </p> <p>He is strong, has perseverance, and a talented athlete.  I wish him the best of luck throughout the rest of his life! </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_rmiC1hTLcF0/TSU3o96feaI/AAAAAAAAAqs/ClLdPjvSN58/s1600-h/IMG_9957%5B7%5D.jpg"><img style="display: inline" title="IMG_9957" alt="IMG_9957" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_rmiC1hTLcF0/TSU3pGRFSUI/AAAAAAAAAqw/F2CvAowURi8/IMG_9957_thumb%5B5%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="480" /></a></p> Christina Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15161503551368477658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6887815091820952178.post-84860541715929766052011-01-05T21:03:00.001-06:002011-01-05T21:07:15.540-06:00{Dallas Family Photographer} Wisk Family<p>A little less than a year ago, I met up with Hillary and Larry on a chilly day to shoot their engagement pictures in Dallas and the Arboretum.  Recently, we met up again to do some family pictures for them and Larry’s soon to be seven year old son, James. </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_rmiC1hTLcF0/TSUxCOTuVLI/AAAAAAAAApc/8sOciNXgekg/s1600-h/Wiskfamily29.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Wisk family2" border="0" alt="Wisk family2" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_rmiC1hTLcF0/TSUxCQipE1I/AAAAAAAAApg/xQExuM3B_H8/Wiskfamily2_thumb7.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="480" /></a> </p> <p>We went to the Mandalay Canal in Las Colinas where it was a little chilly at first, but we made it through with some good shots!</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_rmiC1hTLcF0/TSUxCnGrZYI/AAAAAAAAApk/UjRIglsbyaI/s1600-h/Wiskfamily7.jpg"><img style="display: inline" title="Wisk family" alt="Wisk family" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_rmiC1hTLcF0/TSUxCyd85EI/AAAAAAAAApo/ikW92wEv3mA/Wiskfamily_thumb5.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="480" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_rmiC1hTLcF0/TSUxDJj3M2I/AAAAAAAAAps/siiyirSdK6Q/s1600-h/Wiskfamily610.jpg"><img style="display: inline" title="Wisk family 6" alt="Wisk family 6" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_rmiC1hTLcF0/TSUxDYvUGPI/AAAAAAAAApw/Hx2X0U2wrgw/Wiskfamily6_thumb8.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="480" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_rmiC1hTLcF0/TSUxDqPHkzI/AAAAAAAAAp0/FI5PP0xBagU/s1600-h/Wiskfamily108.jpg"><img style="display: inline" title="Wisk family 10" alt="Wisk family 10" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_rmiC1hTLcF0/TSUxD800hgI/AAAAAAAAAp4/ybzbz2MZUX4/Wiskfamily10_thumb6.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="480" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_rmiC1hTLcF0/TSUxEPnJqLI/AAAAAAAAAp8/cqWoNOEHimc/s1600-h/Wiskfamily98.jpg"><img style="display: inline" title="Wisk family 9" alt="Wisk family 9" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_rmiC1hTLcF0/TSUxETiEZvI/AAAAAAAAAqA/VzG_-J0ldI8/Wiskfamily9_thumb6.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="480" /></a> <br /></p> <p>James was a complete ham---and I love it!  I think it is great that James put on this fun and comfy look with his beanie here!</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_rmiC1hTLcF0/TSUxEjSgVMI/AAAAAAAAAqE/ED-8N832Jb8/s1600-h/Wiskfamily89.jpg"><img style="display: inline" title="Wisk family 8" alt="Wisk family 8" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_rmiC1hTLcF0/TSUxE47zTmI/AAAAAAAAAqI/1xFzR2LKv2M/Wiskfamily8_thumb7.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="480" /></a> </p> <p>“Gimme Seven, cuz you’re gonna be 7!”</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_rmiC1hTLcF0/TSUxFUEGFTI/AAAAAAAAAqM/TnaRMroh3Bg/s1600-h/Wiskfamily117.jpg"><img style="display: inline" title="Wisk family 11" alt="Wisk family 11" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_rmiC1hTLcF0/TSUxFoIp6jI/AAAAAAAAAqQ/vPSn0-ImCng/Wiskfamily11_thumb5.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="333" /></a></p> <p>I’m sorry it’s been so long since I posted.  I have had some problems uploading with my computer.  I’ve actually had this post written for about a week and just now was able to get it to upload.  (Sigh, probably something to do with Explorer; fortunately I use Firefox most of the time.)</p> Christina Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15161503551368477658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6887815091820952178.post-33888015226203508262010-12-06T15:59:00.001-06:002010-12-06T16:04:31.534-06:00{DFW Photographer} The Eason Family<p>This weekend was the first time I ever actually met Amanda and her family in person.  In the past I’ve just connected with her on Facebook and briefly talked with her on the phone about camera settings one afternoon. </p> <p>Anyway, we worked out a trade of sorts and I did a family shoot for them in Waxahachie on Saturday, where the light was wonderful and the scenery, well, it was divine.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_rmiC1hTLcF0/TP1crG6vwiI/AAAAAAAAAok/A8o_YmBKgJ0/s1600-h/IMG_15157.jpg"><img style="display: inline" title="IMG_1515" alt="IMG_1515" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_rmiC1hTLcF0/TP1cre18S8I/AAAAAAAAAoo/sAK9V5mrWu0/IMG_1515_thumb5.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="334" /></a> <br />Amanda is a college friend of my sister’s and has the wonderful luxury of being a stay at home mom while her husband, Andy, works and is in law school.  During her time at home, Amanda has created the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Bitty-Bear-Baby-Boutique/124529740913371?v=app_6261817190#!/pages/Bitty-Bear-Baby-Boutique/124529740913371?v=wall" target="_blank">Bitty Bear Baby Boutique</a>, where she is a sewing goddess with all of her fantastic baby goods, and even some goodies for mamas and daddies as well!  </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_rmiC1hTLcF0/TP1cr1l62PI/AAAAAAAAAos/qG96cooxo28/s1600-h/IMG_15404.jpg"><img style="display: inline" title="IMG_1540" alt="IMG_1540" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_rmiC1hTLcF0/TP1csNxCKFI/AAAAAAAAAow/PcImRPrvPcs/IMG_1540_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="333" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_rmiC1hTLcF0/TP1cstv8AWI/AAAAAAAAAo4/WKqHSn5nWdQ/s1600-h/easonfamily9.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="easonfamily" border="0" alt="easonfamily" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_rmiC1hTLcF0/TP1csy9yYNI/AAAAAAAAAo8/VCEZFdvjD6s/easonfamily_thumb7.jpg?imgmax=800" width="502" height="369" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_rmiC1hTLcF0/TP1ctCdnU2I/AAAAAAAAApA/kewc9ee7dPU/s1600-h/easonfamily25.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="easonfamily2" border="0" alt="easonfamily2" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_rmiC1hTLcF0/TP1ctY819ZI/AAAAAAAAApE/33kzXcAzKs4/easonfamily2_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="502" height="252" /></a>  <br /><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_rmiC1hTLcF0/TP1ct-r3SBI/AAAAAAAAApI/hidfA5RwWKg/s1600-h/BBlogoweb3.png"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="BBlogoweb" border="0" alt="BBlogoweb" align="left" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_rmiC1hTLcF0/TP1cuMk0-3I/AAAAAAAAApM/CkUGkE4If-0/BBlogoweb_thumb1.png?imgmax=800" width="244" height="191" /></a> This weekend, Amanda surprised me with the adorable Mama Clutch in a beautiful damask fabric with pink accents and a SUPER cute fabric flower! I may not be a mama, but I can still carry the Mama Clutch---maybe it’s more like a teacher clutch for me, since it fits well in my laptop bag for work.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_rmiC1hTLcF0/TP1cvv9-VUI/AAAAAAAAApQ/6_3bnZjgqng/s1600-h/frontbuscard5.png"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="frontbuscard" border="0" alt="frontbuscard" align="left" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_rmiC1hTLcF0/TP1cv0H5o1I/AAAAAAAAApU/S63UNTJWWeQ/frontbuscard_thumb3.png?imgmax=800" width="242" height="146" /></a> Amanda also included some of the business cards that I designed for her, and I must say, they came out looking super cute, yet, very professional!</p> Christina Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15161503551368477658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6887815091820952178.post-74207161073480445982010-12-04T10:05:00.001-06:002010-12-04T10:05:12.652-06:00{DFW Photographer} Introducing New Mini Accordion Books!<p>I am so happy to introduce a new product I have over here at Christina Lee Photography! These new mini accordion books are the perfect modern day “brag book” for your latest photo shoot.  </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_rmiC1hTLcF0/TPpmpasf6xI/AAAAAAAAAn0/K_dwDGNalmo/s1600-h/IMG_1377%5B6%5D.jpg"><img style="display: inline" title="Accordion book" alt="Accordion book" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_rmiC1hTLcF0/TPpmp8CWIMI/AAAAAAAAAn4/8zx6URxNXwc/IMG_1377_thumb%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="334" /></a> </p> <p>Wouldn’t this be an awesome way to show off the pictures of your lasted addition to your family? It easily fits in your purse or pocket and is more durable than regular prints! </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_rmiC1hTLcF0/TPpmqHTaiiI/AAAAAAAAAn8/xVuHdURqplo/s1600-h/IMG_1382%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="display: inline" title="Christina Lee Accordion Book" alt="Christina Lee Accordion Book" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_rmiC1hTLcF0/TPpmqYZiNcI/AAAAAAAAAoA/Y9Oq4kZT-TI/IMG_1382_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="480" /></a> </p> <p>How about a gift for Grandma? I think these would be just fabulous for excited grandmas to show off pictures of their new grandbaby! <br />(Did I mention that Christmas is coming up soon too!)</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_rmiC1hTLcF0/TPpmq9fIVII/AAAAAAAAAoE/6rDpyjGhSxk/s1600-h/IMG_1385%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="display: inline" title="Christina Lee Accordion Book" alt="Christina Lee Accordion Book" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_rmiC1hTLcF0/TPpmrDVO_fI/AAAAAAAAAoI/rdW674-csLw/IMG_1385_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="333" /></a> </p> <p>The accordion books are custom designed and printed on linen paper on both sides.  They present the look of classic quality while being new and innovative.  </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_rmiC1hTLcF0/TPpmsCJabzI/AAAAAAAAAoM/6EyU9yF_ExQ/s1600-h/IMG_1394%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="display: inline" title="Christina Lee Accordion Book" alt="Christina Lee Accordion Book" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_rmiC1hTLcF0/TPpmsRfXxzI/AAAAAAAAAoQ/BqzvZJ6q75k/IMG_1394_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="333" /></a> </p> <p>These sweet little babies are double sided as well, and come with a custom front and back cover, and are magnetized to ensure it stays shut when you want it to! </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_rmiC1hTLcF0/TPpmtBkaEII/AAAAAAAAAoU/hc39ZRrKHzg/s1600-h/IMG_1395%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="display: inline" title="Christina Lee Accordion" alt="Christina Lee Accordion" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_rmiC1hTLcF0/TPpmteDCPUI/AAAAAAAAAoY/A6OEr605J-I/IMG_1395_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="480" /></a> </p> <p>What a great way to post pictures on your desk at work, or even on an entry table or bookshelf in your home! I love that these are pretty enough to set out, but handy enough to carry them on the go! They are also super durable to where it’s fine for kids to play with them as well; and we know kids love to have things in their hands and look at pictures! </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_rmiC1hTLcF0/TPpmtneFcZI/AAAAAAAAAoc/mYN4kKLr7Qk/s1600-h/IMG_1399%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="display: inline" title="Christina Lee Accordion Book" alt="Christina Lee Accordion Book" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_rmiC1hTLcF0/TPpmt8jy3CI/AAAAAAAAAog/gHjrP00Wg48/IMG_1399_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="480" /></a> </p> <p>So order your accordion book today with selections from your latest photo shoot on them! </p> Christina Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15161503551368477658noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6887815091820952178.post-32818968042696342552010-11-21T00:27:00.000-06:002010-11-21T00:28:19.415-06:00{Irving Photographer} Miss Mature Irving<p>Today I had the pleasure of doing a photo shoot for one of Cliff’s co-workers, Ann Danford, the 2010 Ms. Mature Irving.  I have worked with Ann once before when we did headshots for her granddaughter, Alex.  This time, we did a session for Ann’s wall photo at the Irving Heritage Senior Center for her Ms. Mature Irving award.  This was my first experience to photograph a beauty queen and it was fun! :) It was great working with Ann again and I look forward to again in the future! </p> <p><img style="display: inline" title="Danford_Ann_Irving" alt="Danford_Ann_Irving" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_rmiC1hTLcF0/TOi8AWXxx9I/AAAAAAAAAnw/JuV_X7o62wo/Danford_Ann_Irving%5B6%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="480" /></p> Christina Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15161503551368477658noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6887815091820952178.post-39685312555429403202010-11-18T20:01:00.001-06:002010-11-18T20:01:01.816-06:00{The New House} Silver Reflections<p><img style="display: inline" title="tealights2" alt="tealights2" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_rmiC1hTLcF0/TOXaW1RKFDI/AAAAAAAAAno/01JNEvBFrZQ/tealights2%5B5%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="333" /> </p> <p><img style="display: inline" title="tealights1" alt="tealights1" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_rmiC1hTLcF0/TOXaXE77I0I/AAAAAAAAAns/t_yrevN1uxE/tealights1%5B5%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="333" /></p> Christina Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15161503551368477658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6887815091820952178.post-33163636506071963422010-11-15T21:52:00.001-06:002010-11-15T21:52:38.679-06:00{DFW Photographer} Our Niece, Zoey Ann<p>Cliff’s brother and his wife gave birth to their beautiful daughter on September 20th, just four days before we closed on our new house, so it’s taken me a while to get to editing her photos from her first photo shoot.  Zoey is absolutely beautiful, and I’m sure she’ll be plenty spoiled this Christmas as she is the very first grandchild in both of her families, plus she is the first girl in the David & Tricia Carpenter family.  I look forward to seeing this beautiful girl grow up and enjoy life!  She is such a blessing to all of our family.</p> <p><img style="display: inline" title="ZoeyAnn" alt="ZoeyAnn" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_rmiC1hTLcF0/TOIABEY8MUI/AAAAAAAAAng/_VVoedXzjaw/ZoeyAnn%5B5%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="333" /> </p> <p><img style="display: inline" title="ZoeyAnn2" alt="ZoeyAnn2" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_rmiC1hTLcF0/TOIABdVZlOI/AAAAAAAAAnk/AYclML7HSNg/ZoeyAnn2%5B5%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="333" /></p> Christina Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15161503551368477658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6887815091820952178.post-89442992994409624802010-11-11T22:06:00.001-06:002010-11-11T22:06:55.338-06:00{DFW Newborn Photographer} Joy in the Season<p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_rmiC1hTLcF0/TNy9XJ1Xg3I/AAAAAAAAAnY/4K6YA8VP7xc/s1600-h/babyjoy%5B6%5D.jpg"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" title="babyjoy" alt="babyjoy" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_rmiC1hTLcF0/TNy9XisUCEI/AAAAAAAAAnc/XI18njsJW4g/babyjoy_thumb%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="480" /></a>This was from part of the end of my photo shoot of baby Joy last month.  I love how peaceful she looks as she lays in her mother’s arms.  </p> Christina Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15161503551368477658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6887815091820952178.post-1594503768123841932010-11-11T17:56:00.001-06:002010-11-11T17:56:53.132-06:00{The New House} Christmastime is a Comin’<p>Well, right now we are planning on having my dad’s family over for dinner on Christmas day, so I’ve started planning for our first big dinner party at our new house.  We are expecting 11 people including Cliff’s parents.  A bittersweet thing about my dad’s family is we are pretty small.  My mom and dad were the only ones to have children of my grandparent’s three children and my aunt and uncle are both single so Jessie and I have been the only children at Christmas for many years, (which was good at times because it allowed for extra special spoiling ;) Either way, it has always been special. We always break out the nice silver and china and have the nice sit down dinner, which is a nice change from the relaxed atmosphere that is the norm these days, plus it’s easier to do when your family is a little smaller.  </p> <p>We always have fun—especially since Jessie and I have gotten older and can crack dirty jokes with my aunt and uncle. ;) </p> <p>In preparation for this special dinner, I picked up the prettiest napkin rings from ZGallerie the other day in Dallas, and can’t wait to use them.</p> <p><img style="display: inline" title="1103napkinring2" alt="1103napkinring2" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_rmiC1hTLcF0/TNyCxCzQ-pI/AAAAAAAAAnU/SFLFa-tJZKw/1103napkinring2%5B7%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="450" height="338" /></p> Christina Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15161503551368477658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6887815091820952178.post-23230733552253499902010-11-08T16:17:00.001-06:002010-11-08T16:17:48.223-06:00{The New House} Lovely Mantle<p>I love our fireplace—it is not messy at all. I love it because even I can start a fire---by switching the “on” switch. :)  At first I hated our mantle---it was just so “blah.”  Then we painted the living room walls the nice Cobblestone gray color and now the white mantle just pops!  Recently, Cliff and my dad mounted our television and then began running speaker wires for Cliff’s new sound system that he “got for his birthday” when really I told him since it would make things easier—he could just go buy the sound system he wanted for his birthday. I decided to add a few of our pictures and I recently bought the cool silver candle holders at ZGallerie in Dallas last weekend. </p> <p>Any way, here is our mantle: </p> <p><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_0458" alt="IMG_0458" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_rmiC1hTLcF0/TNh3ClvYOpI/AAAAAAAAAnQ/dS1sLZ1_kuQ/IMG_0458%5B11%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="329" height="480" /> </p> <p>This isn’t the best quality of picture---it was pretty late at night and for some reason I just could not eliminate the shake on my camera---which means I’m usually too lazy to break out my tripod. Oh well, it’s a picture—so there ‘ya go. :)</p> Christina Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15161503551368477658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6887815091820952178.post-71774315702068594422010-11-03T17:01:00.001-05:002010-11-03T17:01:30.707-05:00{DFW Photographer} New!<p><img style="display: inline" title="custom packaging" alt="custom packaging" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_rmiC1hTLcF0/TNHbt8dHNMI/AAAAAAAAAnE/SLScmgxNUWs/custom%20packaging%5B6%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="317" /> </p> <p>Christina Lee would like to introduce her new custom packaging! :) Who does not like to receive products wrapped up all pretty and arranged nicely?  I know whenever I make a purchase---particularly at a clothing store, I like it much more whenever the bag is of higher quality---like those nice paper sacks with the handles, or even if my clothing items are wrapped in tissue paper.  It isn’t necessary, but it makes the experience that much more special. </p> <p>Here’s a preview of our new packaging: </p> <p><img style="display: inline" title="custom packaging" alt="custom packaging" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_rmiC1hTLcF0/TNHbuPRjlKI/AAAAAAAAAnI/SwVxPjJOvyM/IMG_0449%5B6%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="480" /> </p> <p>I know Peacock isn’t exactly a popular color, but I love it, especially with the damask and black and white.  I find it to be sophisticated, yet fun, and that’s the reason I chose that color, because I want my photography to be exactly that---balanced—sophisticated and exciting at the same time. </p> <p><img style="display: inline" title="Custom Packaging" alt="Custom Packaging" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_rmiC1hTLcF0/TNHbusxQKuI/AAAAAAAAAnM/qZXqXR1IM0Y/IMG_0453%5B5%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="480" /></p> Christina Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15161503551368477658noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6887815091820952178.post-27828600842570131982010-11-03T16:22:00.000-05:002010-11-03T16:23:38.716-05:00{The New House}The Guest Bathroom<p><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="guestbath" border="0" alt="guestbath" align="left" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_rmiC1hTLcF0/TNHS0-xiDtI/AAAAAAAAAm0/zdv7oZ3m3hY/guestbath5.jpg?imgmax=800" width="240" height="180" />Well, the house is slowly coming together.  He have the tv hung and speakers on the wall, cable, and boxes are slowly, but surely disappearing. The room that is probably the most together would be the guest bathroom. So, I thought I’d share some pictures with you.</p> <p> </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p> </p> <p><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_0730" alt="IMG_0730" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_rmiC1hTLcF0/TNHS1NUEHoI/AAAAAAAAAm4/oW4Tw5AWThk/IMG_07309.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="300" /> </p> <p></p> <p><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_0735" alt="IMG_0735" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_rmiC1hTLcF0/TNHS1rDCpnI/AAAAAAAAAm8/nSUvjgFB1B8/IMG_073511.jpg?imgmax=800" width="360" height="480" /> </p> <p><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_0744" alt="IMG_0744" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_rmiC1hTLcF0/TNHS2jOSqFI/AAAAAAAAAnA/Im8Fs9FC6wM/IMG_074410.jpg?imgmax=800" width="360" height="480" /> </p> <p></p> <p>All of the above photos were taken using my Canon Powershot G11 point and shoot camera.  The shots were taken in raw+Large files and edited in Photoshop.  I am still loving my nifty little point and shoot for side and fun projects.  My dad is a little scared that I might abandon my dslr…..which I don’t EVER plan on that one happening.  I still use my dslr for photo shoots and the more serious stuff, but it’s fun to use this little gem as well.  </p> <h4><strong>Now about the bathroom: </strong></h4> <p>We really didn’t do anything in here but paint.  I used all the same materials we had in the old guest bathroom.  I really liked them and the towels were very lightly used, so I just kept the same stuff. </p> <p><strike>We</strike>, Cliff, painted the bathroom walls a cool silvery color by Behr paints that actually shows up more like a light blue---which is just what I wanted, and Cliff just happened to be happy with it. </p> <p>The shower curtain and rug both came from target, while the towels and bathroom accessories such as the soap pump and trashcan all came from Bed Bath & Beyond, (all gifts from our wedding registry.)  The really cool apothecary jar with the cotton swabs came from <a href="http://www.containerstore.com/shop/bath/countertopCollections/glass?productId=10012610&N=71800">The Container Store</a> purchased back about two years ago after we moved into our last apartment.  All the lotions and whatnot come mostly from my mother who likes to give me a lot of Bath & Bodyworks stuff, but I never have the ability to use it all---plus some of it reacts with my dry skin.  </p> <p><strong>**A note about bath products**</strong> I like to take the stuff from hotels and whatnot like a lot of people do---I try to store some of these items in my guest bath in the drawer next to the sink so if my guests ever forget anything while they are staying with us---they have a backup option.  I also do this with some mouthwash and toothbrushes if we end up with extra after we come home from a dentist appointment. (Cliff has gone to the dentist a LOT this year so we have lots of trial mouthwash bottles sitting around.)  </p> Christina Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15161503551368477658noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6887815091820952178.post-5581986091808932202010-10-24T20:01:00.000-05:002010-10-24T20:02:15.681-05:00{Mansfield Newborn Photographer} A Little Piece of Joy<p>Recently, I had the pleasure of capturing some of the first images of a precious bundle of Joy.  My friends the Wyatt family welcomed their first little one to the world in September and she already has her father wrapped around her little finger. </p> <p>Here are some images from the shoot: </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_rmiC1hTLcF0/TMTXAzl-hjI/AAAAAAAAAl8/q9NvYSXl8tQ/s1600-h/IMG_9648%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="display: inline" title="IMG_9648" alt="IMG_9648" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_rmiC1hTLcF0/TMTXBKIIE3I/AAAAAAAAAmA/b3yYKOjpuE4/IMG_9648_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="540" height="360" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_rmiC1hTLcF0/TMTXBeJvjcI/AAAAAAAAAmE/WOrkz6O366Q/s1600-h/IMG_9664-2%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="display: inline" title="IMG_9664-2" alt="IMG_9664-2" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_rmiC1hTLcF0/TMTXCRLS50I/AAAAAAAAAmI/4eAjyjZKVs4/IMG_9664-2_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="540" height="360" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_rmiC1hTLcF0/TMTXCkXx5-I/AAAAAAAAAmM/-3ihP6j_sAA/s1600-h/IMG_9669bw%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="display: inline" title="IMG_9669bw" alt="IMG_9669bw" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_rmiC1hTLcF0/TMTXC0k7O6I/AAAAAAAAAmQ/5mJviZwIezw/IMG_9669bw_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="540" height="360" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_rmiC1hTLcF0/TMTXDDRDB7I/AAAAAAAAAmU/yqX7xUxMQcQ/s1600-h/IMG_9676%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="display: inline" title="IMG_9676" alt="IMG_9676" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_rmiC1hTLcF0/TMTXDtx3rHI/AAAAAAAAAmY/AXzi-9jKMB8/IMG_9676_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="540" height="360" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_rmiC1hTLcF0/TMTXD0wvjmI/AAAAAAAAAmc/G7QUgd8ugqc/s1600-h/IMG_9681-2%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="display: inline" title="IMG_9681-2" alt="IMG_9681-2" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_rmiC1hTLcF0/TMTXEHMC8mI/AAAAAAAAAmg/diN1mGFDH2Q/IMG_9681-2_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="540" height="360" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_rmiC1hTLcF0/TMTXE6mSJuI/AAAAAAAAAmk/SRLBREQKfPU/s1600-h/IMG_9689%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="display: inline" title="IMG_9689" alt="IMG_9689" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_rmiC1hTLcF0/TMTXFM3ecXI/AAAAAAAAAmo/arCqzQgEsco/IMG_9689_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="480" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_rmiC1hTLcF0/TMTXFW48TmI/AAAAAAAAAms/A1i0cKdJ9v0/s1600-h/IMG_9775%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="display: inline" title="IMG_9775" alt="IMG_9775" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_rmiC1hTLcF0/TMTXFuwFrkI/AAAAAAAAAmw/7DVzglX5Zlo/IMG_9775_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="540" height="360" /></a></p> Christina Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15161503551368477658noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6887815091820952178.post-65604359805561114852010-10-12T20:26:00.000-05:002010-10-12T20:27:18.688-05:00Project 365 Update<p>Well, things certainly have been busy around here, but we are taking the evening off to watch the Rangers playoff game.  Hopefully we will go home tonight in a good mood, aka: with a Rangers win. </p> <p>Here are some of my 365 updates from the last couple of days. </p> <p>Day 16: Sunday, October 10, 2010.  I installed new hardware on the typing table that is in the front entryway.  I’ve had these things for a few months. I love the green glass.  I also have coordinating knobs for the white radio cabinet that I plan to re-paint. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_rmiC1hTLcF0/TLUK6zQyWdI/AAAAAAAAAlk/DqcajgJzqF0/s1600-h/IMG_0616%5B8%5D.jpg"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_0616" alt="IMG_0616" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_rmiC1hTLcF0/TLUK7ayaJpI/AAAAAAAAAlo/JMlgnyiEz9s/IMG_0616_thumb%5B6%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="300" /></a></p> <p>Day 17: Monday, October 11, 2010. Our kitchen in its current state with the new kitchen island.  We are so pleased with how this has turned out so far.  It fits perfectly with our kitchen and goes quite well with it.  The black appliances make it easier to bring black into the decor and the wood top with black bottom I just love.  Expect to see some green and white incorporated as well fairly soon! I feel like we could use some more storage space in here, but one thing I love is the built in appliances and the GAS stove!!! I love cooking with gas!</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_rmiC1hTLcF0/TLUK7zyHlxI/AAAAAAAAAls/5Pja8NCbzIc/s1600-h/IMG_0620%5B8%5D.jpg"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_0620" alt="IMG_0620" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_rmiC1hTLcF0/TLUK8NAeUVI/AAAAAAAAAlw/psno3z5YFfM/IMG_0620_thumb%5B6%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="300" /></a> Today’s photo is not of our house…but out at my inlaw’s house in Waxahachie.  Their home is in the city limits, but it backs up to a cotton/corn field, (whichever they are planting that year.)  I love the look of the sunset behind their house.  It’s so pleasant and peaceful.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_rmiC1hTLcF0/TLUK8gi4fTI/AAAAAAAAAl0/ZYxD4PZaNwM/s1600-h/IMG_0645%5B8%5D.jpg"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_0645" alt="IMG_0645" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_rmiC1hTLcF0/TLUK9PRrtMI/AAAAAAAAAl4/AS6Hcl-uu4o/IMG_0645_thumb%5B6%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="300" /></a>Well, that is about it for today…we are STILL without internet at our house—it’s driving me crazy, and I’m ready for At&t to get in gear—especially so I can work on lessons from home like I know I’ll need to do in a couple of days…oh well!</p> <p>Have a good night….and GO RANGERS! </p> Christina Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15161503551368477658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6887815091820952178.post-67433961051129681242010-10-10T18:22:00.000-05:002010-10-10T18:24:33.850-05:00365 Photo Project<p>Well, we have moved into our new house, (even though we have a few straggling boxes left at the apartment and some odds and ends….</p> <p>I have not done a 365 post in a WHILE---so I thought I’d update with some images.  I have not been so successful with capturing an image every single day; it is definitely more challenging than I originally thought. </p> <p>Without further adieu, here are some more of my 365 images: </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_rmiC1hTLcF0/TLJK8NgWdOI/AAAAAAAAAkc/Wyo3nCl5sD0/s1600-h/929chandelier%5B9%5D.jpg"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" title="929chandelier" alt="929chandelier" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_rmiC1hTLcF0/TLJK8tJSwWI/AAAAAAAAAkg/uPtcuSDJTzk/929chandelier_thumb%5B7%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="480" /></a>Day 6: The chandelier in our dining room with the new wall color: Cobblestone from the Martha Stewart Living collection. I am surprised that Cliff actually went for the gray color—I figured it would be more of a fight!  Eventually, I would like to get some white drum shades for the bulbs on this chandelier. </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_rmiC1hTLcF0/TLJK9jBTR3I/AAAAAAAAAkk/5V5sx9joxaM/s1600-h/IMG_0503%5B14%5D.jpg"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_0503" alt="IMG_0503" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_rmiC1hTLcF0/TLJK_TUSlJI/AAAAAAAAAko/-ajSZAH6dpU/IMG_0503_thumb%5B12%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="360" height="480" /></a>Day 8: Saturday, October 2nd. I love this basket that I found at Maypearl’s Antique Alley weekend recently.  I think it will be great on our kitchen island or bar.  It will be especially great for holding some cookies (as shown) or treats during the holidays, (which, we are hosting Christmas this year for my Shankle family!)  This image is from my grandfather’s 80th birthday party last weekend out at the Batchelor cabin in Naples. We had SO many cookies all homemade by my aunts and cousin!</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_rmiC1hTLcF0/TLJLA3f37ZI/AAAAAAAAAks/VlDFEnLPTyw/s1600-h/IMG_0572%5B10%5D.jpg"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_0572" alt="IMG_0572" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_rmiC1hTLcF0/TLJLBRvLJfI/AAAAAAAAAkw/hDsiqJRA75g/IMG_0572_thumb%5B8%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="300" /></a>Day 9: Sunday, October 3rd. Our new kitchen island in the back of my dad’s truck as he’s driving off from Canton First Monday Trade Days with it.  We are so excited about this island! It’s perfect for our kitchen and it’s repurposed out of an old school.  My dad put locks on the casters to make it less likely to move around.  The top has a lot of carvings in it such as, “Viva Mexico, Erika!” and “Carlos” and several other things….including one that is inappropriate that we did not notice until after we bought it.  We are contemplating carving our names in it and the date we moved into our new house---not sure if we’ll do that or not though. </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_rmiC1hTLcF0/TLJLCTjtzWI/AAAAAAAAAk0/iCG_2c-4lkA/s1600-h/IMG_0584%5B11%5D.jpg"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_0584" alt="IMG_0584" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_rmiC1hTLcF0/TLJLC_G4j6I/AAAAAAAAAk4/T1Z5iL0kB30/IMG_0584_thumb%5B9%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="300" /></a>Day 10: Monday, October 4th. Our living room, equipped with new paint! I did not like the fireplace much at first, but with the new paint color---I’m definitely liking it more!</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_rmiC1hTLcF0/TLJLD0zbATI/AAAAAAAAAk8/rTSVRLBd6vU/s1600-h/IMG_0596%5B9%5D.jpg"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_0596" alt="IMG_0596" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_rmiC1hTLcF0/TLJLFHivEbI/AAAAAAAAAlA/dHN1t6eoP0A/IMG_0596_thumb%5B7%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="300" /></a>Day 11: Tuesday, October 5th. I’m so excited that we both have a covered parking spot that no one will take---in our own garage!!! </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_rmiC1hTLcF0/TLJLFtLal0I/AAAAAAAAAlE/FjF5u58a82s/s1600-h/IMG_0586%5B8%5D.jpg"><img style="display: inline; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="IMG_0586" alt="IMG_0586" align="right" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_rmiC1hTLcF0/TLJLG0kzR4I/AAAAAAAAAlI/wCfYS0uU2HA/IMG_0586_thumb%5B6%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="360" height="480" /></a></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p>Day 12: Wednesday, October 6th. Our dining room with the new paint color!     </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_rmiC1hTLcF0/TLJLIiluHjI/AAAAAAAAAlM/efxz-sruETY/s1600-h/IMG_0607%5B9%5D.jpg"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_0607" alt="IMG_0607" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_rmiC1hTLcF0/TLJLJHy0q9I/AAAAAAAAAlQ/NYCRtVVD9xQ/IMG_0607_thumb%5B7%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="300" /></a>Day 13: Thursday, October 7th. I drove through and got some bar b que at the brand new Rudy’s in Arlington on the way home, in hopes of not loosing time on packing. It is SO nice to have a Rudy’s close now! We are big time Rudy’s fans!</p> <p> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_rmiC1hTLcF0/TLJLKlINVzI/AAAAAAAAAlU/cHzCc6WGou0/s1600-h/IMG_0610%5B8%5D.jpg"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_0610" alt="IMG_0610" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_rmiC1hTLcF0/TLJLLDMFEkI/AAAAAAAAAlY/NgPVhM3EPF4/IMG_0610_thumb%5B6%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="300" /></a> Day 14: Friday, October 8th. This is about the time we went to bed---finally on Friday night---why you might ask?  Because we were still packing---and I wouldn’t say we actually finished it—we just began to shove crud in baskets, sacks, and boxes to move other stuff to the house. </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_rmiC1hTLcF0/TLJLLkztMtI/AAAAAAAAAlc/n34qJe_9lw0/s1600-h/IMG_0612%5B8%5D.jpg"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_0612" alt="IMG_0612" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_rmiC1hTLcF0/TLJLMC-K53I/AAAAAAAAAlg/p7ZO94CNnJ0/IMG_0612_thumb%5B6%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="300" /></a>Day 15: Saturday, October 9th. MOVING DAY! Yes, I color coded the moving boxes according to which rooms they went in. Then, I took it one step further and posted a legend by each door the guys would be coming in with our stuff!</p> <p>Well, that is it for now! I’m hoping I won’t lag farther behind on my blogging due to not having internet if At&t doesn’t get their act together and let us know for sure whether or not we can have U-Verse at our house. (All the houses we share a property line with have it---but the website is saying that we can’t.) </p> <p>Happy Sunday, and see ‘ya later!</p> Christina Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15161503551368477658noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6887815091820952178.post-30861416906185640522010-09-28T14:36:00.000-05:002010-09-28T22:28:42.734-05:00{DFW Photographer} Wait, You Mean I’m a Grownup Now?<p>Life has been crazy busy in the last few weeks.  Just in the last week a couple of very eventful things happened in our family. </p> <p>Monday started with the birth of our beautiful niece—the first Carpenter grandchild, Zoey Carpenter!  Zoey decided to come 5 days early because she just couldn’t stand hiding out any longer.  Around 10:00 Monday, September 20th, Zoey made her first appearance into the world. (pictures to come later.)</p> <p>Friday was a very eventful day on a personal level for Cliff and Myself.  We took the plunge, nearly emptied our bank account, and purchased a house.  You might remember that we started searching for a house back in January, and it ended up being quite the ordeal if you have read <a href="http://cleephoto.blogspot.com/2010/04/im-having-nightmares.html">this post</a>. We didn’t broadcast the information very much to our friends or on facebook, etc. because we did not want to go through the frustration of explaining to everyone again if the deal fell through. </p> <p>The house is not as large as the last one we had under contract---but it is of good quality and in a good neighborhood, and it was cheaper! We were able to put the house on a 20 year note, so we’ll have it paid off faster! Nevertheless, we are still very excited to be purchasing our very first home together and getting it ready to move into during the next couple of weeks. </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_rmiC1hTLcF0/TKKyYv3nHPI/AAAAAAAAAkE/v8nQKofi0tY/s1600-h/924closingday7.jpg"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" title="924 closing day" alt="924 closing day" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_rmiC1hTLcF0/TKKyZJwlC8I/AAAAAAAAAkI/mh5OkghyWpk/924closingday_thumb5.jpg?imgmax=800" width="450" height="338" /></a> </p> <p>In lieu of starting a new chapter of our lives together, AND getting my trusty little point and shoot—the Canon G11, (which I am LOVING,) I have decided to start a “365” project where I post one picture a day, (or post several pictures—one representing each day prior,) based on our first year adventure as being home owners in Mansfield, Texas.  I’m not sure that these photos will always be the best quality that I am capable of, but I did want to document this first year journey of becoming home owners because this is a place we worked so hard to get to, and there was a lot of time invested in the search for this new home. (So the above displayed photo of Cliff and me standing in front of our new house counts as day #1.)</p> <p>Here are images from the 25th and 26th of September.  Shamefully, I kind of forgot and didn’t take a singe picture yesterday on the 27th. :(</p> <p>Here is a shot of our cousin’s daughter: Kenna, singing at the top of her lungs with a paint brush in one of our guest bedrooms.  This girl cracks me up, and is not afraid to sing and dance in front of you.  She makes me smile every single time I see her. Love her and her parents SO much! </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_rmiC1hTLcF0/TKKyZRRgHcI/AAAAAAAAAkM/X17eg4mMdXE/s1600-h/926KennaSinging5.jpg"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" title="926KennaSinging" alt="926KennaSinging" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_rmiC1hTLcF0/TKKyZqo15ZI/AAAAAAAAAkQ/wqFG_53nN3k/926KennaSinging_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="360" height="480" /></a>  </p> <p></p> <p>Like I said, these photos are not of great quality but hey, they are photos and they are part of documentation of this new journey we are taking this next year! </p> <p>Today’s image is of the custom cupcake picks I made for my grandfather’s 80th birthday party set for this weekend. Think he might get me for posting an old football picture of himself?</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_rmiC1hTLcF0/TKKyaCygRmI/AAAAAAAAAkU/eYjGtzS9Gss/s1600-h/928picks%5B8%5D.jpg"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" title="928picks" alt="928picks" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_rmiC1hTLcF0/TKKyare6m2I/AAAAAAAAAkY/atiNej1cg_E/928picks_thumb%5B6%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="300" /></a> </p> <p>On another sad note, I am so glad that we were not in Austin today to have to experience the shooting at the University of Texas.  Cliff is a UT alum and we visit fairly often.  If you have not heard, there was a tragic shooting in one of the libraries on campus involving a student shooter who fired off several rounds before taking his own life.  Fortunately, he did not hurt anyone else, but it was scary either way. </p> Christina Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15161503551368477658noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6887815091820952178.post-13469138535822095612010-09-13T01:23:00.001-05:002010-09-13T01:23:35.844-05:00{DFW Photographer} Mansfield Maternity Photography Seven Months in the Making<p>I just started a series of shoots that I have been looking forward to for about seven months now.  </p> <p>One day in February, (I can’t remember exactly which date it was,) we met Ben, Jenn, David, and Tricia at Outback Steakhouse in Arlington.  There, Ben and Jenn announced they were expecting their first child in September. This is the first grandchild of the David & Tricia Carpenter family—and we are all so excited! </p> <p>Immediately, I was looking forward to hopefully taking some pictures for my wonderful brother in law and sister in law.  Today I was able to take some maternity photos for Ben and Jenn after we all recovered from a belated birthday lunch for Jenn and me at Joe T. Garcias in Ft. Worth. </p> <p>We went to Katherine Rose Park in Mansfield, where we found out that earlier in the week, the park pretty much flooded from the sudden gush of rain that hit us and flooded a lot of the area.  Fortunately, the area was not so badly damaged that we could not get some good shots. </p> <p>Here are a few good ones from today’s session: </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_rmiC1hTLcF0/TI3DW9ul1RI/AAAAAAAAAjk/Yv-Onw-6aFM/s1600-h/IMG_9522-2%5B6%5D.jpg"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_9522-2" alt="IMG_9522-2" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_rmiC1hTLcF0/TI3DXAUn_DI/AAAAAAAAAjo/nJJwAmF_Le4/IMG_9522-2_thumb%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="480" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_rmiC1hTLcF0/TI3DXv8L1XI/AAAAAAAAAjs/EXVvbhsAlBc/s1600-h/IMG_9529-2%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_9529-2" alt="IMG_9529-2" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_rmiC1hTLcF0/TI3DX5yf_CI/AAAAAAAAAjw/31mrx73E4f0/IMG_9529-2_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="480" /></a>   </p> <p>One Jenn was really looking forward to was the hands in a heart on the tummy---so we had to make sure and get that one. ;) I think it turned out quite nicely in b&w.<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_rmiC1hTLcF0/TI3DYWtjjqI/AAAAAAAAAj0/pneDm06XHqs/s1600-h/IMG_9549bw%5B6%5D.jpg"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_9549bw" alt="IMG_9549bw" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_rmiC1hTLcF0/TI3DYjfKrMI/AAAAAAAAAj4/771qR2iOihE/IMG_9549bw_thumb%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="267" /></a>   <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_rmiC1hTLcF0/TI3DZIYrXUI/AAAAAAAAAj8/xRNeHcjlsng/s1600-h/IMG_9585-2-2%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_9585-2-2" alt="IMG_9585-2-2" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_rmiC1hTLcF0/TI3DZvowFoI/AAAAAAAAAkA/38LiXI4mj7k/IMG_9585-2-2_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="257" /></a>  </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>It is hard to believe that little Zoey will be here before we know it. My husband will officially be an uncle, and family gatherings will be a little different---definitely in a good way! Our family will be a little more complete with a new generation represented! </p> Christina Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15161503551368477658noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6887815091820952178.post-3868797437194621502010-09-02T00:04:00.000-05:002010-09-03T00:04:45.406-05:00{DFW Photographer}Real Life Moments From a High School Teacher<p>We are officially in the second week of school here in Texas.  Another year I am glad to have the opportunity to be involved and share my love of computer technology and multimedia with high school students.  </p> <p>I feel like I have had the opportunity to learn so much in my two years, going on three at my school. You see, the school where I teach is different than the one I attended. I went to a school where there were quite a few people who had attended the school district since the beginning and many others who had transferred in due to parents relocating for jobs and careers.  I was part of group B.  We moved to Midlothian due to my father taking on a new role in the company he worked for in Dallas.  We all had financial challenges, but we all were still quite comfortable and had everything we needed, some more than others, but our needs were met. The school were I teach has a different assortment of students from various backgrounds.  Some students come from a home with both parents and are as comfortable as I was growing up, others live in a home where their parents speak a different language than they do.  Some students moved to this area with their parents in order to find new work, while others move to this area ahead of their parents with siblings or other family members in order to find them some work.  Some students have a child, others have children, who must leave school to see their child in daycare during lunch, or take the baby to the doctor, or they are concerned about what their “baby momma” is telling their two year old about them and that she’s trying to take the baby away from them.  Many students are dealing with walking in the halls, expecting their first child---some are only 14 years old.  </p> <p>Some students don’t live with their mom but they don’t live with their dad either. Maybe they live with a grandparent, cousin, or other family member, sometimes a friend, but they stay with their parent every now and again. </p> <p>Some students are doing just fine and have two loving parents but someone in their clique got into a fight with another clique last week and then was threatened, and sometimes that carries over into the school. (For the most part though, they do a pretty good job of keeping the gang violence outside the school.)  </p> <p>Some kids face having the electricity being cut off for weeks at a time because the only person able to bring in a paycheck is living off disability, and that does not do much to take care of five or six people. So there is no hot shower, freshly cooked food, and little light at night to do homework. </p> <p>Some students face the unfortunate circumstance of “how am I going to be able to participate in all these senior activities” because their step parent refuses to pay for any of them in the one income household because that child is not their own offspring. </p> <p>Some students are just fine. </p> <p>Some students are not disciplined and just need a good, thick board whipped across their behind. </p> <p>But others are despite all odds that are against them that otherwise say they should be screwed up. But they are not.  They are focused, mature, sincere, and kind. </p> <p>We can’t make excuses for why students do not succeed in school. We must continue to hold them to high expectations.  If we raise the bar, they will meet it. We must teach students how to deal with keeping their life as organized as possible even when the rest of it is chaos. </p> <p>We must teach our students how to deal with challenges and raise their own bar, despite the fact they have been diagnosed with ADHD, Autism, Dyslexia, etc. </p> <p>I had a moment today where I was talking to a parent over the phone regarding a student skipping out on class after lunch. I am so glad my attitude was different than the one I immediately had when I saw that the student never came back to class.  I decided to approach the situation of asking the parent if the child was okay---did they get sick or did something come up during lunch that I did not know about.  As it turns out there was something that came up….a situation that I am fortunate that I have not had to deal with while I was in school---partially due to my upbringing, and another partially due to my situation. </p> <p>My students, my wonderful students.  Sometimes I would love to knock some sense into their head using osmosis, but there are other times I wish I could cradle them and love them and give them the world as well. Little do they know how much they teach me day in and day out.</p> <p>Cheers to a new school year—and keeping my senses. :)</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_rmiC1hTLcF0/TICB6um1E7I/AAAAAAAAAjQ/AeBjsJjRoOg/s1600-h/IMG_8529%5B13%5D.jpg"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_8529" alt="IMG_8529" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_rmiC1hTLcF0/TICB7JiYBkI/AAAAAAAAAjU/363oBHnxwxc/IMG_8529_thumb%5B11%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="427" /></a></p> Christina Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15161503551368477658noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6887815091820952178.post-47574870893175658692010-08-22T20:00:00.000-05:002010-08-22T20:03:13.400-05:00{Allen Newborn Photographer} Meet Baby K<p>This afternoon, Cliff helped me pack up the car and we drove up to see our wonderful friends in Allen for their precious daughter’s first official photo shoot! </p> <p>I have been friends with Nolan and Christina since college, and we were all members of the ETBU Tiger Band together…ahhh memories! Back in 2007, I was fortunate to have the opportunity to shoot Nolan and Christina’s beautiful wedding in Rockwall and now they allowed me to come do pictures of their brand new family member.  She is so beautiful, and I am so happy for my friends Nolan and Christina!</p> <p>Here are some samples from today’s session: </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_rmiC1hTLcF0/THHIeJrxIzI/AAAAAAAAAhc/g4JPYF0-vrU/s1600-h/IMG_8602-2%5B7%5D.jpg"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_8602-2" alt="IMG_8602-2" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_rmiC1hTLcF0/THHIfp7lyjI/AAAAAAAAAhg/67M0gdBUYSc/IMG_8602-2_thumb%5B5%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="427" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_rmiC1hTLcF0/THHIgc953JI/AAAAAAAAAhk/GgSzKqirqDU/s1600-h/IMG_8619%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_8619" alt="IMG_8619" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_rmiC1hTLcF0/THHIguozKwI/AAAAAAAAAho/HyPAs1bzkFs/IMG_8619_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="480" /></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_rmiC1hTLcF0/THHIg2sS8XI/AAAAAAAAAhs/VRzK_nXSajw/s1600-h/IMG_8627%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_8627" alt="IMG_8627" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_rmiC1hTLcF0/THHIhawHTpI/AAAAAAAAAhw/AxewL2rrmTs/IMG_8627_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="427" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_rmiC1hTLcF0/THHIhk7DLAI/AAAAAAAAAh0/zqB6hLYrcT4/s1600-h/IMG_8636-2%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_8636-2" alt="IMG_8636-2" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_rmiC1hTLcF0/THHIvdylBcI/AAAAAAAAAh4/e4ACesUG7x0/IMG_8636-2_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="480" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_rmiC1hTLcF0/THHIvmP6DYI/AAAAAAAAAh8/llMMIALllWQ/s1600-h/IMG_8801-2%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_8801-2" alt="IMG_8801-2" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_rmiC1hTLcF0/THHIv_M4MUI/AAAAAAAAAiA/ZC91tw4LzhE/IMG_8801-2_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="427" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_rmiC1hTLcF0/THHIwdzEB_I/AAAAAAAAAiE/6q4-bz_VhcA/s1600-h/IMG_8696%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_8696" alt="IMG_8696" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_rmiC1hTLcF0/THHIwhVq33I/AAAAAAAAAiI/-IeK1_MLYdo/IMG_8696_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="427" /></a></p> <p> </p> <p>Yes, be prepared to wipe away a few tears with this shot! </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_rmiC1hTLcF0/THHIw8fAnXI/AAAAAAAAAiM/C0w1H3ovhSQ/s1600-h/IMG_8710bw%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_8710bw" alt="IMG_8710bw" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_rmiC1hTLcF0/THHIxbnopYI/AAAAAAAAAiQ/ifncTqsin14/IMG_8710bw_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="427" /></a></p> <p>There is something special about seeing a man hold his first born daughter. I just know Nolan is going to be a spectacular father. Say a prayer for all those boys who will try to date this pretty girl!<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_rmiC1hTLcF0/THHIxmgLiZI/AAAAAAAAAiU/LecyJZiKO_E/s1600-h/IMG_8723-2%5B6%5D.jpg"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_8723-2" alt="IMG_8723-2" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_rmiC1hTLcF0/THHIyAm6WqI/AAAAAAAAAiY/GwvH_i6Ox7Y/IMG_8723-2_thumb%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="480" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_rmiC1hTLcF0/THHIyT2DVmI/AAAAAAAAAic/oXdapELHmJE/s1600-h/IMG_8752%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_8752" alt="IMG_8752" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_rmiC1hTLcF0/THHIygT7ETI/AAAAAAAAAig/PhEZnCeZDgs/IMG_8752_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="427" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_rmiC1hTLcF0/THHIy76uiJI/AAAAAAAAAik/eS8RjoBDac0/s1600-h/IMG_8732bw%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_8732bw" alt="IMG_8732bw" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_rmiC1hTLcF0/THHIzDmHRDI/AAAAAAAAAio/z2Svfyuu-eA/IMG_8732bw_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="480" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_rmiC1hTLcF0/THHIzTTjPCI/AAAAAAAAAis/hnkUc9xt7XE/s1600-h/IMG_8570bw%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_8570bw" alt="IMG_8570bw" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_rmiC1hTLcF0/THHIzgHPZII/AAAAAAAAAiw/8qGIvclHeRg/IMG_8570bw_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="480" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_rmiC1hTLcF0/THHIz50t0WI/AAAAAAAAAi0/gDntXIvS4BU/s1600-h/IMG_8775bw%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_8775bw" alt="IMG_8775bw" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_rmiC1hTLcF0/THHI0Al2FZI/AAAAAAAAAi4/Dlp8kI2sIgo/IMG_8775bw_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="480" /></a>Love this family!!! </p> <p>Well, that’s about it for now! Still recovering and wearing a large brace on my leg. Tomorrow is the first day of school for the 2010-2011 school year. Luckily, I’m able to bum a ride to work from a friend!</p> <p>Hope y’all have a great week!            </p> Christina Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15161503551368477658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6887815091820952178.post-70245094216263928032010-08-08T17:47:00.000-05:002010-08-08T17:49:05.542-05:00Tales of a Woman With a Bum Knee…<p>Well, I have not left the house much, other than to go to physical therapy or to the doctor, with the occasional trip to El Fenix, so there is not much going on around here at the moment.  I just keep sitting around and relaxing and doing my knee exercises in hopes that I’m actually getting better with this whole knee surgery thing.  The most eventful thing this week happened on Friday when I got the staples out of my knee, which allowed me to finally take a full fledged shower on Saturday, my first since my surgery. (Thank goodness, I was SO ready for that shower.) </p> <p>Thankfully, my sister came this past week to help me out some and drive me to doctors appointments. Her help was greatly appreciated.  </p> <p>Since I’m not doing much but sitting on my tail these days, I haven’t really bothered to take many pictures, except of my hideous knee, and I can only get away with so many of those.</p> <p>However, I did find this image in a folder of random summer images taken last month during our trash the dress session in Dallas.  It is of the iconic Dallas Pegasus. </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_rmiC1hTLcF0/TF80X8kPXxI/AAAAAAAAAhQ/RUjWIoNDOuk/s1600-h/pegasusweb%5B8%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="pegasusweb" border="0" alt="pegasusweb" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_rmiC1hTLcF0/TF80YJB1TEI/AAAAAAAAAhU/kWM6150XixA/pegasusweb_thumb%5B6%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="480" /></a></p> Christina Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15161503551368477658noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6887815091820952178.post-59829672326586666152010-08-04T21:02:00.000-05:002010-08-04T21:03:09.870-05:00My Leg in Its Current State, part 2<p>Today was my first day of therapy for my knee.  They unbandaged my knee to where it was open where you could see the staples. This totally grossed out my younger sister who graciously drove me to therapy this afternoon.  When I got home tonight, I decided to take the bandage off again and re-wrap my wound, but not before taking a gruesome picture of my staples in my leg! So, this post’s image is going to be a little gross and will not be good for those with a weak stomach. For those of you with a stable stomach that is stronger, feel free to see my knee below. </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_rmiC1hTLcF0/TFob2yMu5WI/AAAAAAAAAhI/oumnJS4AS9A/s1600-h/kneestaplesweb%5B6%5D.jpg"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" title="kneestaplesweb" alt="kneestaplesweb" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_rmiC1hTLcF0/TFob3c3TMtI/AAAAAAAAAhM/zcmB5Uv-awY/kneestaplesweb_thumb%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="480" /></a></p> Christina Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15161503551368477658noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6887815091820952178.post-20414047806117021082010-07-29T16:17:00.001-05:002010-07-29T16:17:54.100-05:00My Leg in Its Current State<p>Well, I’ve been talking about how I’m laid up in bed and just had surgery, etc, etc. So, what’s all that talk without some proof?  I was finally able to get my hands on my camera and verify my knee issues yesterday:</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_rmiC1hTLcF0/TFHv_Yr_uII/AAAAAAAAAgo/16LyzgILaWk/s1600-h/leg1%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" title="leg1" alt="leg1" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_rmiC1hTLcF0/TFHv_n4cDbI/AAAAAAAAAgs/V-dF_8HwSNw/leg1_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="480" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_rmiC1hTLcF0/TFHv_49K1fI/AAAAAAAAAgw/JUK96Y9wmAk/s1600-h/leg2%5B11%5D.jpg"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" title="leg2" alt="leg2" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_rmiC1hTLcF0/TFHwALPhDTI/AAAAAAAAAg0/a5bfZVBK9bU/leg2_thumb%5B9%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="267" /></a></p> Christina Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15161503551368477658noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6887815091820952178.post-34005397265445651472010-07-27T17:50:00.000-05:002010-07-27T18:14:42.967-05:00Things I Wish Someone Would Have Told Me Going to College.<p>The summer leading up to college was full of excitement. I was watching sale ads and shopping at stores all summer to gather the perfect necessities and accessories for my dorm room. The thought of being able to outfit my own space with items of my choice and going off to live on my own was so exciting. Bed Bath & Beyond and Target became my favorite stores. I wished I could afford the Container Store but obviously, that did not fit into a fresh high school graduate’s budget. However, regardless of researching all the lists of things I would “need” for my college dorm room, there are still some things I wish someone would have told me to think about purchasing. </p> <p><strong>Wall Coverings</strong> <br />We all want to fill our walls with items that are spectacular and full of our <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_rmiC1hTLcF0/TE9i1cCNJyI/AAAAAAAAAfw/n5KIZcvOJoM/s1600-h/mounting%20tape%5B5%5D.png"><img style="display: inline; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="mounting tape" alt="mounting tape" align="left" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_rmiC1hTLcF0/TE9i1wFZb7I/AAAAAAAAAf0/dXXA0ZQrUyE/mounting%20tape_thumb%5B3%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="123" height="168" /></a>personality, so we’ve got to figure out how to fill the walls and get stuff attached to them. </p> <p>1. <strong>Double Sided Mounting Tape.</strong>  I began to buy this stuff like it was going out of style by the time I was a sophomore in college. It’s thick,  strong, and can help hang items on the concrete walls of your dorm room. (Exactly, not all dorm rooms have sheetrock walls, so you can’t put nails in them.) Another good option is spray adhesive. <a href="http://www.acehardware.com/search/index.jsp?kwCatId=&kw=mounting%20tape&origkw=mounting%20tape&sr=1">You can find it at a hardware store</a> or most any big box store.</p> <p>2. <strong>3M Command Hooks.</strong> These things are great, and come off with ease. They allow you to hang cute Christmas wreaths on you dorm room<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_rmiC1hTLcF0/TE9i3EFJw3I/AAAAAAAAAf4/wD585XfzTq0/s1600-h/hooks%5B4%5D.png"><img style="display: inline; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="hooks" alt="hooks" align="right" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_rmiC1hTLcF0/TE9i3bbcsvI/AAAAAAAAAf8/scQbSJsh7Bo/hooks_thumb%5B2%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="148" height="240" /></a> door, or create a hat rack along your wall, OR use ‘em to hang up Christmas lights around the perimeter of your room, creating a nice glow, maybe even consider using them to hang pretty cloth shower curtains on your wall to create a drapery effect of some sort. </p> <p>3. <strong>Candle Warmer</strong>. It is common knowledge that you cannot burn candles in any dorm.  It is not that the school has something against candles, they just don’t want you to accidently burn the place down.  A candle warmer can be easily purchased at Walmart or Target for fairly cheap, then just stick a candle on top of it, (in a glass container) and when it gets warm enough, pull out the wick, and your room will be smelling nice and pleasant in no time. If you like the look of glowing candles they also have battery powered candles and tea lights these days which can be pretty cool as well. </p> <p>4. <strong>Cable Lock</strong> for your laptop or computer. If you value keeping your computer, get a lock for it. Sure you may trust the other people around you, but you never know when someone might walk in your dorm and walk out with your precious laptop.</p> <p>5. <strong>Check the Electrical Plugs</strong> in your dorm room or apartment.  My sophomore year in college, the dorm was really old, built in the ‘50s, back  before gro<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_rmiC1hTLcF0/TE9i36yFipI/AAAAAAAAAgA/KnNCstjtIaA/s1600-h/plug%5B4%5D.png"><img style="display: inline; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="plug" alt="plug" align="left" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_rmiC1hTLcF0/TE9i4Fxj8UI/AAAAAAAAAgE/a_99omOgDaw/plug_thumb%5B2%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="125" height="106" /></a>und plugs were put into electrical items, so as a result, none of the plugs in our dorm had the space for the ground plug! Our computers, television, fridge, etc. None of it could be plugged in as soon as we moved into our dorm! So, we had to race to the local Lowes or <a href="http://www.acehardware.com/category/index.jsp?categoryId=2568454&clickid=topnav_electrical">hardware store</a> to try to find the plug extenders or adapters to put in several of our plugs so our electronic devices would work.  Especially if you are moving into an older dorm, you will probably want to make sure the plugs can accommodate your stuff, and prepare for it if they can’t.</p> <p><strong>Overall,</strong> there are so many things that you won’t immediately think of to take to college, so it is best to do your research ahead of time. Check out lists online that are available and make sure you check with your dorm for a list of stuff that is not allowed, you don’t want it taken up once you get to school.  </p> <p><strong>One more piece of advice:</strong> </p> <p>One thing I didn’t really consider was the hauling of all my stuff to school in the fall. I was just so excited to buy it all and pick everything out that I forgot about lugging it up all those stairs and fitting everything into my car. The great thing about a lot of stores now is that you can purchase an item in one store and pick it up at another! OR you can order something and have it delivered to your school when you move in! THEN you really won’t have to carry it all that far! Let the businesses do the shipping! Another thing you can consider is just waiting to buy some of the necessities in the college town once you get there! Several stores such as <a href="http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/btsHome.asp?">Bed Bath & Beyond</a> will ship the product you order to your school, or allow you to pick it up in your new college town.  Seriously, it will save you some time from packing and what not so check those options out!</p> <p><strong>Not sure what all you’ll need for college?</strong></p> <p>Here’s a suggested school supply list from <a href="http://www.staples.com/sbd/img/cre/centers/backtoschool/pdf/supplies_list_college.pdf">Staples</a>. <br />Bed, Bath, and Beyond has a great page of tips of <a href="http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/btsStudentCollegeTips.asp?">What to Bring and What to Do at College</a> as well as a list of <a href="http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/btsSurvProblemsHome.asp?">Practical Solutions for moving into a small, cramped, Dorm room</a>.</p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>Best of luck on your college adventure, and remember to call me when you need pictures. ;)</p> <p>Now, for a few pictures of my favorite college dorm room from my sophomore year in Lineberry Hall at East Texas Baptist University, where I shared a room with Wendy and Ashley for the first time. I’m willing to bet this was one of the best years of my life! </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_rmiC1hTLcF0/TE9oVvS2cSI/AAAAAAAAAgI/Z280h4KE7D8/s1600-h/100_0162%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Living room" border="0" alt="Living room" align="left" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_rmiC1hTLcF0/TE9oWDsCCxI/AAAAAAAAAgM/h5DpK2O7BeU/100_0162_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="277" height="331" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_rmiC1hTLcF0/TE9oWbefmKI/AAAAAAAAAgQ/q86PpeX-6To/s1600-h/100_0163%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="100_0163" border="0" alt="100_0163" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_rmiC1hTLcF0/TE9oW1pILlI/AAAAAAAAAgU/OeeJ64ObFbc/100_0163_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="277" height="331" /></a> </p> <p>Above: the living room/study space---that’s my desk with the cool lanterns above it! </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_rmiC1hTLcF0/TE9oXGa9WgI/AAAAAAAAAgY/6Iaevf0y_zs/s1600-h/100_0164%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="looking at the front door" border="0" alt="looking at the front door" align="left" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_rmiC1hTLcF0/TE9oX-_AJgI/AAAAAAAAAgc/ye5V_YfkSvg/100_0164_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="277" height="331" /></a> </p> <p></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_rmiC1hTLcF0/TE9oYOUyVSI/AAAAAAAAAgg/4LXdi0At2O4/s1600-h/100_0295%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="my bed space" border="0" alt="my bed space" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_rmiC1hTLcF0/TE9oYpsDwrI/AAAAAAAAAgk/cJF2-c0nOpI/100_0295_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="277" height="331" /></a> </p> <p>Above Left: the living space looking toward the door with the three closets we had, one had entertainment, one was the pantry/kitchen, and the other was a “coat closet” of sorts and mostly held a crate with our dirty dishes. <br />Above Right: My bed space! we fixed up this cool frame with drapes and had these curtains I could close so it was like my own little room within a room. ‘Twas nice. </p> Christina Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15161503551368477658noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6887815091820952178.post-83359685613476918402010-07-26T13:10:00.001-05:002010-07-26T13:10:37.959-05:00Have You Heard of “Salad In A Jar”??<p>Just like the title says, have you heard of Salad in a Jar?  It is a wonderful food blog by a lady I met in a photography class named Paula. She lives in Arlington and works by day, and on the weekends, she’s busy putting together and publishing wonderful recipes that she shares with the world! </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_rmiC1hTLcF0/TE3Pb-4riyI/AAAAAAAAAfA/fWbcbESvrD4/s1600-h/paularhodes1%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" title="paularhodes1" alt="paularhodes1" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_rmiC1hTLcF0/TE3PcvEFj4I/AAAAAAAAAfE/nGWzDo-ZIKk/paularhodes1_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="480" /></a> </p> <p>Most recently, I made her <a href="http://www.salad-in-a-jar.com/family-recipes/bacon-wrapped-jalapeno-chicken-bites">Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeno Chicken Bites</a> for dinner, except on my puny George Foreman Grill since I don’t have a real grill.  They were absolutely delicious! </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_rmiC1hTLcF0/TE3Pd524TyI/AAAAAAAAAfI/eZI4FY84JkQ/s1600-h/paularhodes3%5B8%5D.jpg"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" title="paularhodes3" alt="paularhodes3" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_rmiC1hTLcF0/TE3Pe7B8niI/AAAAAAAAAfM/35iewQoNThc/paularhodes3_thumb%5B6%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="480" /></a> </p> <p>One of Paula’s favorite foods that she likes to blog about is her <a href="http://www.salad-in-a-jar.com/skinny-secrets/healthy-homemade-greek-yogurt">Greek Yogurt</a>, and has lots of recipes that include Greek Yogurt or varying flavors of it! </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_rmiC1hTLcF0/TE3Pfkg4pBI/AAAAAAAAAfQ/qk3g25aJZbs/s1600-h/paularhodes2%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" title="paularhodes2" alt="paularhodes2" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_rmiC1hTLcF0/TE3Pgp0AuUI/AAAAAAAAAfU/ytMk7ddMJes/paularhodes2_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="480" /></a> </p> <p>If you are looking for a great, decadent treat that is also easy to make, try her <a href="http://www.salad-in-a-jar.com/family-recipes/chocolate-chip-cookie-truffles-a-valentines-day-treat">Chocolate Chip Cookie Truffles</a>. They are OH SO good, and a great new take on chocolate chip cookies! </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_rmiC1hTLcF0/TE3PhR35fiI/AAAAAAAAAfY/H9AMsTO2mKk/s1600-h/paularhodes4%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" title="paularhodes4" alt="paularhodes4" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_rmiC1hTLcF0/TE3PitEjPkI/AAAAAAAAAfc/Mhxea7jxISg/paularhodes4_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="480" /></a> </p> <p>Earlier this summer, Paula invited me over to her beautiful home to do some pictures for her for her blog and website. I had a great time shooting her photos and loved seeing her kitchen where she makes all that recipe magic happen.  I just know my sister would LOVE her kitchen cabinets, which are painted red! My sister’s favorite color is red and those cabinets look great painted! </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_rmiC1hTLcF0/TE3PjUrJKkI/AAAAAAAAAfg/S2Lipy-_hVk/s1600-h/paularhodes5%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" title="paularhodes5" alt="paularhodes5" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_rmiC1hTLcF0/TE3PkWk8G8I/AAAAAAAAAfk/MK7Ia8bYMGY/paularhodes5_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="480" /></a> </p> <p>If you haven’t already, scoot yourself over to Paula’s blog and check out some of her great recipes at <a href="http://www.salad-in-a-jar.com/">Salad In A Jar</a>!</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_rmiC1hTLcF0/TE3PlMD4ZnI/AAAAAAAAAfo/ExgP_gQUWxk/s1600-h/paularhodes6%5B6%5D.jpg"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" title="paularhodes6" alt="paularhodes6" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_rmiC1hTLcF0/TE3Pm2_tQ6I/AAAAAAAAAfs/m40kveYxM3s/paularhodes6_thumb%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="480" /></a></p> Christina Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15161503551368477658noreply@blogger.com2