What ever happened to Beanie Babies and Tickle Me Elmo?

Monday, December 14, 2009 at 9:06pm

I had a "oh crap" moment today when I realized there is less than 2 weeks until Christmas... Time passes too quickly with work, shopping, decorating, wrapping... etc. I forget to stop and appreciate the month leading up to one of my favorite holidays. Next time you're out and about frustrated at Toys R Us because they're all out of Zhu Zhu pets, take a deep breath and remember it's the most wonderful time of the year!

Don't forget to nominate a family by December 24th!

This year's Christmas card- Gigi was not very happy with Mommy for making her wear those silly antlers. But doesn't she look soooo cute!?

Miss Brooklyn | Newborn

Monday, November 30, 2009 at 4:53pm

I loooove little babies- their tiny toes and hands and fingernails... so cute! I adore watching new parents coo and cuddle their little ones. Miss B is a lucky girl to have such loving parents!

Christmas Gif

Friday, November 20, 2009 at 4:28pm

My Grandy passed along this Christmas morning tradition to Rachel and I. She and her siblings (she was one of 5) would wake up to open stockings, properly clothe themselves (Christmas attire has always consisted of dress clothes in this fam- gotta look good for all of those pictures!) and eat breakfast before they were allowed to see the tree and open presents. The kids would wake up and try to be the first to say "Christmas Gif" to someone else. Supposedly this is what slaves in the south once did because they weren't able to give gifts- it was their way of celebrating.

This year, NBP is offering a "Christmas Gif" to a deserving family.

You know someone. You know someone who's experienced a tragedy, is struggling to stay afloat, is raising kids while holding down more than one job, or is volunteering selflessly despite extenuating personal circumstances. You know someone who can't afford custom photography, but who would cherish it this holiday season. You know someone who deserves a year-round reminder of their family's spirit, love, and beauty.

You know someone. I guarantee it.

I want to know who they are, and I want to give them the chance to experience complimentary custom photography - $500 worth, to be exact. Whether it's canvas or albums, prints for Grandma, or a slideshow to watch over and over, it's in your power to give them the artwork they deserve this holiday season.

Oh, and the best part? The person who nominates the winner receives a $250 print credit. What better reason to show some love could there possibly be?

The rules:

- You cannot nominate yourself, and the person nominated must sincerely be incapable of purchasing my services. (Being unable to make mortgage payments for a two-million-dollar-vacation-home in Paris does not qualify as sincere financial need.)

- The nominee must reside in Illinois. Tell me who you know, what they're experiencing, and why they deserve my artwork. Please include a way to contact both your nominee and yourself as well.