trees like giants

mr. reid deserves an award

2011-12-17T17:55:00.000-08:00

Alright. So I don't mean to gush, but I have the absolute BEST husband in the entire world. Especially when he wakes up early to take care of you when you get sick with flu-like symptoms at the crack of dawn. He truly is wonderful. He also spent his entire morning off, helping me get comfortable and medicined up, before he went off to work (a looooong shift).

{older picture...sheesh I need to document more of my life rather than clients!}

Being sick is NOT fun...especially when you have a lot left to do before Christmas....I have literally spent all day in one of three places: 1. bed 2. the couch 3. the bathroom

Work has entirely consumed me. That alone has honestly made me sick for awhile now...I am more than longing for break. Only two days left with my 6th graders and then it's vacation time. With that being said, I have to utilize every moment preparing for Massachusetts...we are heading there later this year, so there will be absolutely no shopping time before the big day. I must say, I am slightly disappointed that I wasn't able to craft more this year (like last...)...once again, work has gotten the best of me.

Now that I am finally able to sit up (without feeling like passing out), I think I will go work on some stuff....

Until next time...

peace&love

{danielle}

still{searching}

2011-12-13T19:25:00.001-08:00

source: pinterest

for the mister...by request

2011-11-27T18:55:00.001-08:00

i am really not sure what i want for christmas this year. i honestly don't need anything. i already have a husband & best friend who i love dearly...a family who i couldn't live without...and an almighty God who blesses me more than i realize.

however...i am creating this wish list for mister reid. well...because he said so. without further adieu, here are things i like...

i REALLY like this one...THE BEST!!!

found here.

this one is cute too.

found here.

i really like this one too...

found here.

ae jeans. size two please.

i posted a lot of other things on my pinterest....so check it out!

well...the turkey hangover has come and gone...it's bedtime....school starts early

~danielle elizabeth

tis the season for crafting!

2011-11-12T18:38:00.001-08:00

hooray! it's holiday time...which means there are LOTS of goodies to make...i can't wait, especially since all of the wedding crafting is out of the way...

here are some blogs to be inspired by......let me see what crafts you're up to :)

http://howaboutorange.blogspot.com
http://www.creaturecomfortsblog.com/
http://www.ohhellofriendblog.com/

i LOVE this: http://img3.etsystatic.com/il_fullxfull.269224887.jpg

ps. sorry for being lazy and not posting pictures tonight....

and today

2011-10-29T15:48:00.001-07:00

i am ::twentysix::

happy birthday as well my wonderful husband

more favorites from a recent senior shoot...

2011-10-13T17:23:00.000-07:00

i must say...

2011-10-06T18:23:00.000-07:00

i never have been much of a tv watcher. i mean....yes..the tv seems to always be on..especially when i am working on projects or editing my photography.... in my defense, rarely do i get a.d.d.i.c.t.e.d. to any specific show. part of my problem is my schedule...i get too busy to keep up. many times i just wait until it comes out on dvd. for instance...one of my all time favs i pretty much watched every episode on dvd....which sometimes got to be bad (i'm pretty sure everything else was put on hold....hahah)

i honestly think the only show that i have seen every episode "live" is the office...i dedicated every thursday night of my life for the past couple years...

and recently i've been painfully addicted to none other than the vampire diaries....love...love...love.....i started it when it first came out...but then got busy...thank god for seasons on dvd, like i said!

anyway...the whole point of this post wasn't to talk about my favorite shows.....i really just wanted to mention how this new show on nbs looks really good. for those of you who really know me....this is totally up my alley.

and although this specific show struck my fancy.....i must say that ABCs idea (which seems very similar to me) also looks good...

...needless to say, i think my friday's and sunday's are looking "up" (tv wise!)

what are some of your current favorite shows or what shows do you look forward to?! i am always curious.

alright....lesson planning time....with a side of cookie dough ice cream & vampire diaries....

we all scream for ice cream

2011-10-02T21:22:00.000-07:00

for those of you who know me....you know how much i LOVE ice cream...tonight i decided to whip up my favorite combination.....i like to call it my "oh joy" ice cream...because all of the ingredients bring me oh so much joy.

coffee ice cream + chocolate chips + coconut = YUM

in other news....it's october....and that means i'll be turning another year older. i cannot even utter the numbers. let's just say, i'm getting up there. haha. anyway....when this time of year roles around, it's always fun to create a wish list.

so here are a few of my "yes pleases"!!!

need i say more? even though we've been watching corey's parent's dog for the last month or so....it's just not the same. i want this itty bitty cute one. just look at those eyes. m e l t .

i have always had a thing for leopard print....and now that there are these leopard print toms....yep...i need them. it's more than necessity.

and this jacket?.....duh.

ahh....it's already 12:16....i have to be to work bright&early. can you believe it? blahblahblah. i can't....psh! adulthood. i'll leave you with a picture from a senior shoot that i did today....

&then, i bid you all adieu

::xo::

the cheesiest

2011-09-26T16:17:00.000-07:00

can i tell you how joyous i became when i finally had a chance to catch up on one of my favorite blogs ::abeautifulmess::? um....i'll sum it up in four simple words...ALL ABOUT GRILLED CHEESE! yes. one of my favorite go to sandwiches (i'm not a fan of sandwiches..but when it comes to grilled cheese...mmm mmm good!) most of you who know me know how much i love a modest grilled cheese dressed up in a little raspberry jam. it's something the "frasier" side loves to do...although most of my siblings have nipped that tradition...i, however, say live long oh happy grilled cheese sandwich! check out some of these:

now...time to stop drooling and start planning (plus watching a few vampire diaries episodes...shhh....)

xo.

so... i am pretty much currently in love with you

2011-09-23T19:33:00.000-07:00

vampire diaries.
lemonade&cranberry juice.
katy perry.
my sixth graders.
black&white portraits.
this hat.

clickeroooo

& well duh....i am more than just currently in hearts with the hubs. ps! he just got a job at my school which means we totally get to ride to school together now!...it's fun...

black&white

2011-09-19T19:14:00.001-07:00

source

i enjoy really well done black & white photography. clear cut lines. pretty soon...once things slow down...i would like to a photoshoot with corey so that we can get some awesome black &whites for our walls....like the ones from here.

oh what a wonderful husband i have

2011-09-13T14:31:00.000-07:00

as you can imagine, i have been more than busy right now. with school beginning, changing to an entirely different grade (which means more planning) and it being the final days of my wedding season (for defotography) i am literally overwhelmed and short on time. i was very impressed when i came home after work today (um...yes....over an hour after school got out)....to this:

why yes. my wonderful husband was slaving over the stove. both of us like to try new things, so he decided...let's do something different for dinner. he hopped onto foodnetwork.com and found this lovely dish. let me just say, after a long (but enjoyable) day of work..i was ecstatic to sit down with my favorite person and eat an absolutely gorgeous meal.

now...with that being said, it is time to go back to work. i have LOTS of editing to do...then school work (ohhh 6th grade! i love you....but i have so much to do!)

until next time...

danielle elizabeth

happy{ness}

2011-09-01T12:05:00.000-07:00

i cannot help myself! i love taking pictures of babies!

2011-08-29T13:05:00.000-07:00

meet this little man. his name is Logan. one of the happiest babies that i have EVER met!

from michaela&michael's wedding...

2011-08-26T21:03:00.000-07:00

here is one of my favorites...as you know, i'm a sucker for bow ties....

another cute one from the dillingham girls session

2011-08-20T10:33:00.000-07:00

HOORAY! Ruffled featured our day!!!

2011-08-16T14:19:00.000-07:00

yep. you read that right....RUFFLED, one of my favorite wedding blogs featured our wedding! since i did a horrible job blogging during the whole experience....you should go there and check it out! dont forget to leave a comment!

love.love.love.

the{dillingham}girls

2011-08-16T13:55:00.000-07:00

yep. i got to spend the afternoon with two adorable little girls! jealous? :)

we{got}hitched!

2011-08-08T21:56:00.001-07:00

this post has been a long time coming....today is actually our ONE month anniversary! oh how time flies when you're having fun...

more{wedding}spiration

2011-05-01T17:56:00.000-07:00

{source}

wedding{bells}keep{ringing}

2011-04-19T20:02:00.000-07:00

found

vote for us!

2011-04-06T07:25:00.000-07:00

so as you know my lovely friend heather j. took our engagement pictures.
welp! our photo has been entered into a contest....so go and vote for us please!

http://www.yourblissblog.com/archives/3049

let me know if you voted!

house{spiration} dos!

2011-04-05T08:24:00.000-07:00

{all images found VIA house*tweaking}

house{spiration}

2011-04-05T07:30:00.000-07:00

oh how excited i get when i remember that shortly....i will have my own place to decorate!
here's some things that inspire me for our {almost} humble abode.
{anthro, duh!}

i LOVE and want these from sarah&josh { arrow&apple }

if we get the house that we put the offer on....then i want this in the basement....at least in the entry-way near the stairs...i like the wood and black&white....seen via design for mankind....

we hypothetically have a pool & pool house...it reminds me of an old person's trailor park in florida...comes with pink flamingoes and all! i'd love a little mix&match patio set...possibly thrifted....restyled and painted in colors like these {also from sarah&josh's blog}:

crate&barrel has a new california line with adorable chairs too....

alright. even though there is a storm outside....i am in siesta key and don't want to spend my day on the computer.

til next time
peacelove{danielle}

r.a.d.i.c.a.l.

2011-03-26T21:09:00.000-07:00

so.....after indulging in one of my all-time favorite movies {troop beverly hills} this afternoon...i decided to have a girl-crush post....yep..

the ever-so-lovely...jenny lewis....why yes. she is in rilo kiley. and why yes...she was hannah nefler in troop beverly hills.

She & Him - Don't Look Back from Merge Records on Vimeo.

without being said...i love zooey the most.

the ever-most-lovely audrey hepburn.

umm...girl interrupted? hello, winona.

maggie is more than stranger than fiction....

claire danes.

oh gwyneth.

twiggy.

gemma ward.

edie sedgwick.

nancy sinatra.

this could have probably gone unsaid.

kim walker.

misty edwards.

not sure of her name....but i absolutely love her look!

who is your girl-crush/inspiration?

say hello to my little friend

2011-03-13T17:49:00.000-07:00

i get inspired by a lot of people. we all do. tonight i was very much inspired by katie from skunkboy creatures

everyone should go check out her fantastic work! &order something special from her etsy ;)

i absolutely LOVE her little creations &because i like to do things myself, i decided to give it a shot and recreate a little owl....she has two little wedding owls that i would like to have for my wedding! hmmmm who knows?!

anyway...i will warn you...in no way shape or form am i saying that my little guy even comes CLOSE to her craftsmanship. if i make one again, i already know what things i will do differently...regardless, i'm pretty proud of this cute little fella. definitely made for a craftastic afternoon!

thanks for the inspo katie!

peace&love{danielle}

i get my jesus on

2011-03-13T12:56:00.000-07:00

as some of you may know, i am a pastor's kid. actually...double-fold. my "papa" is also a pastor {in MA just in-case you are wondering}. going to church on sunday, for me, is not just routine or a requirement. for me, gathering is a genuine display of love. loving God is more than just religion. if you know me, you know i hate being boxed into that category. call me what you wish, but i'm a bonafide, self-proclaiming, Jesus-lovin' holy roller.

{true story}

welp. enough about that. if you want to know more about my church & what we believe check us out here:

{at} christ life bible church

skirt{heritage81}

tshirt{tjmaxx}

owlnecklace{handmade gift from my wonderful cuzzo}

sweater{americaneagle}

balletflats{target}

if you're ears need something to listen to, here is one of the songs we played at church today:

what did you do today?

ponder

2011-03-12T20:44:00.000-08:00

why is it, that almost EVERYTIME the time changes...i can't fall asleep prior to? is it because i know that it is about to be a long day tomorrow? especially since we are "springing" ahead? the keyword there that i am intensely focusing on is: SPRING.

ah yes. i am so tired &mopey concerning this snowy, grey weather. please, please be gone soon? oh how i long to feel grass between my toes & so much look forward to days like these:

sorry to sound overdramatic but i loathe the winter. being cooped up in the house, cold. lately, i have felt too frozen to do anything. i immediately put on the most cunning of outfits {why yes, i am talking about a hoodie, my slippers and some not-so-flattering sweats} and curl up on the couch underneath my afghan. it actually makes me sleepy thinking about it.

well...i can definitely say, that due to the circumstances, i have been able to reorganize my blog a little. which is nice. i really never do just sit and take the time. maybe i could do that from now on instead of falling asleep at 8 or 9pm? haha! who knows.

what about you? what have you been doing during these dreaded {at least in my book} winter months?

alright. church comes early in the morning. i have to rest up the old chords & ready the fingers for ivory tickling tomorrow.

until then
peacelove&danielle

more ideas than time

2011-03-12T16:40:00.000-08:00

why yes. yes. yes. this is the story of my life!

i am in dior need of an update...so here are a few of my favorite things...

camera obscure

twenty days until florida
{source}

toms wedding collection

game nights with fun people&learning to use imovie

billabong's shark attack swimsuit...

and

why yes. i am currently addicted.

welp. i think i am done for now. i bought lots of crafting stuff and didn't plan on blogging right now.

til next time
peace.love&danielle

the final set

2011-02-27T15:55:00.000-08:00

i need to get used to a seclusive life

2011-02-26T06:56:00.000-08:00

because that is just how it is these days.

do i like it? no. but the fact of the matter is...it is the story of my life.

i actually am hurt&upset....but too many people read my blog and i don't really feel like sharing. you don't need to read a pity party. i'll get over it.

ANYWAY.....it's wedding-palooza for me today! hooray. it's going to be craftastic.

peace&love{danielle}

alan&jessica

2011-02-25T17:09:00.000-08:00

{tangerine}

{yearbook}

{exposure}

{sunblast}

{classic}

{extra-extra}

invitation mock up #1

2011-02-21T12:38:00.000-08:00

i might get rid of the button....or the lace....not sure yet

alan+jessica

2011-02-19T10:49:00.000-08:00

mock up/proof #1

truth is...

2011-02-06T19:16:00.000-08:00

i don't care one ounce about football.

& i accomplished quite a bit off my list. {and more...}

i spent the afternoon decoupaging. baking. laughing. killing zombies. cuddling.{with the baby now buddy....he has gotten too big}. commercial-ing. disney-ing. dreaming. housing. registering. now i would like to catch some shut eye.
peace&love{danielle}

out with the old....

2011-02-05T20:32:00.000-08:00

in with the new....

cha.

peace&love

tea stains & coffee grounds

2011-02-05T07:30:00.000-08:00

it is saturday.
a saturday after two recent & wonderful snow days.
i have had wedding crafts coming out of my eyeballs and i can't say that i am bored of it yet. i guess it's true, when you do what you love, it isn't work. now the only problem is...i am addicted to reading crafting blogs. they inspire me. thus leading to a more severe addiction: the craft store. i say the craft store because really anywhere that sells any type of supply that i could use, has me hooked. yes. this includes the grocery store.believe you me. i am NOT complaining. however, mr. reid & i are currently looking for a house. well...we actually put a couple bids in and are waiting to here back. this has sent me on a never-ending downward spiral in the blog world. i have somewhat pulled away from my wedding-blog addicted and stepped right into nesting. yep. every little thing. {everything} i wont even say more. with that being said, i really need to refocus my priorities for a few minutes and get some other things done in my life. luckily, i have met with most of my 2011 clients/brides {about photography} and i have my science lessons planned for the next three weeks. talk about super-lady! haha. my room...*gasp!*...it is actually clean too. {yay snow days!}

so, as i try to pry myself away from mr. mac, i will leave you with my to do list for this lovely weekend....don't get me wrong....not all of these rank as priority on some people's list. pf! it's my blog though. no hard feelings....

1. ~~paint my nails {they have been in desperate need..so brittle from this horrible cold! it's been awhile since i have gone "kiss me here" grey}~~
2. look at possible "honeymoon" options...yes...we want to go to disney {not that we haven't been there before...a million and twelve times}
3. ~~drop clothes off at the thrift store~~
4. check out frames and vases at the thrift store {for wedding decor}
5. ~~buy some fluorescent thread for some of my "other" crafting stuff~~
6. mod podge some corey&danielle stuff
7. find my corner edger/rounder
8. cut out more favor cards
9. draw out bridal party busts
10. try some anthro-inspired paper flowers
11. get the ol' kenmore or other sewing machine working
12. if #11 is completed, then sew the escort cards
13. get the wedding budget in order {who else do we need to pay how much..hahah}
14. make more fabric flowers
15. relax?

i am sure there is more...but until this gets done.... peace&love{danielle}

madly.deeply.

2011-01-24T20:03:00.000-08:00

yes please.

julie&julia

2011-01-23T20:01:00.000-08:00

a great blogger is something that i have never claimed to be. although i have been writing online for many years, under many names, on many journeys from xanga...to now....and when i am honest with myself, i know very well that i have promised myself numerous times that i would be a more fervent writer; dedicated. i mean, it is something i love...but i never find the time for it. this is a problem that echoes all across the board of my life....

tonight i watched julie&julia. due to the fact that i have this odd & inexcusable disdain for meryl streep, i was quite surprised that by the ending, i wasn't ready for it to be over quite yet. it could have been that my love for food kept me in awe and quite jealous or maybe it was the fact that i found a lot of good life lessons in it.....like you are never too old, for instance. it was definitely a grab life by the horns kind of movie for me. unfortunately i have been cursed with a dreamer mentality. i always have all of this wonderful ideas....and as time and words pass, through my fingertips like sand they fall.

i must say that currently i am quite pleased with many aspects of my life. on the inside there is always a growing. each day i feel God brings something new&refreshing or altering to me. but on the surface...in the other arenas...i must say that i am mostly happy. at times...i really struggle with work. for as much as i truly love teaching, i feel as though it is a one sided love affair. like i put so much in and receive so little back. i know that this season will one pass. it just will. but in this stress i find solace {some} in planning for the wedding. it is hard to believe how quickly july will come upon us. i am really working hard to put my ideas to life. for someone who has very little time & very much on her plate, i'd have to say that i feel much accomplished.

as i ramble on, i must say that i am not even sure why i decided to write more tonight. maybe it was just because i could. because it was on my mind.

i just thought it important for me to get out my thought on the movie. the thought that....really....i am not old yet. how old is old? just because it hasn't happened yet doesn't mean it never will. i have always been a late bloomer....so why would i deceive myself into believing that this case would be any different?

{two-thousand eleven} i have big plans.

g'night everyone.
just like julie...i am sure no one really reads this...haha...but alas...i write.

peace&love{danielle}

It is never too late to be who you might have been. ~George Eliot

the ever-blessed&glorious mainstreet disney cinnamon rolls....

2011-01-23T17:07:00.000-08:00

why yes. i literally spent my afternoon slaving over these delicious treats....but boy oh boy...mickey always does it right, doesn't he?

anyway...ever year...around this time....i get in my disney mood. anyone and everyone that knows me, knows that. maybe it is because i associate disney with florida and florida with sunshine {duh!} regardless....i have been CRAVING the cinnamon rolls from mainstreet in disney world lately and i just HAD to find the recipe. after some long searching...i think i found it. if not, it sure is a dead ringer. so as i promised, i am posting it! {along with some helpful hints/tidbits...there are some changes i would make...}

corey decided to help....in the beginning......

yes...i made the dough...and this would most definitely qualify "by hand"

dough + cinnamon + brown sugar = wonderful

bake. bake. bake.

and oo la la ENJOY!

MAINSTREET DISNEY CINNAMON ROLLS {copy cat}

What you'll need:

LOTS of butter...haha...this is where you may want to do some altering....

DOUGH:

1/2 cup of warm water

2 packages of fast rising yeast

2 tablespoons of sugar

1 (3.4oz) package of instant vanilla pudding (+ 2 cups of milk)

1/2 cup of unsalted butter, melted

2 large eggs, beaten

1 teaspoon of salt {i only had salted butter...so i barely put any extra in}

8 cups of all purpose flour

CINNAMON MIDDLE OF DELICIOUSNESS:

1 cup of unsalted butter, melted

2 cups of brown sugar

2 teaspoons of cinnamon

CREAM CHEESE FROSTING:

***DISCLAIMER- i think that this whole recipe for the frosting could be cut in half...i had OVER a cup of extra- and i didn't skimp!***

1 8-ounce package of cream cheese, softened @ room temperature

1/2 cup of unsalted butter, softened

1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract

3 cups of powdered sugar

2 tablespoons of milk {i had to use more...}

THE PROCESS:

In a small bowl, combine water, yeast, and sugar. Stir until dissolved and set aside.

In a large bowl, mix the vanilla pudding according to the package instructions {this is where the 2 cups of milk comes in}. Then add the first 1/2 cup of melted butter, the eggs, and the salt {if you choose to add more salt}. Mix well, then add the yeast mixture. Blend well. Gradually add the flour and knead it until smooth. Place in a very large greased bowl. Afterwards, cover and let rise in a warm place until the dough doubles in size.

Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down and let it rise again for a second time.

Once dough has rose for the second time, roll dough on a very large floured surface. Dough should roll out to a long rectangle, about 34 x 21 {i just used my countertop as best i could}. Take the 1 cup of melted butter and spread over the entire dough surface, using a pastry brush {i think you could DEF. cut the butter down here...i didn't use it all}.

In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle over the top of the buttered dough. Roll the dough up like a jelly roll.

Measure dough about every 2 inches and cut with a knife. Take each roll into the palm of your hand and gently pack the roll {this keeps it from coming apart during baking}.

Place each roll into a buttered baking pan and allow to rise in a warm place for about 20-minutes. Bake in a preheated oven {350 degrees} until golden brown in color, about 15-20 minutes {our oven is temperamental so i have to almost go 30-minutes}.

Basically the frosting is just all of the ingredients combined REALLY well. i made sure mine was completely smooth. no lumps! Frost rolls while they are still warm.

i promise....SOOOOOooooooo good!

let me know if you try them!!! they do take a loooong time...but they are so worth it!

until next time,

peace{love}danielle

D.I.Y. {danielle}

2011-01-17T20:32:00.000-08:00

okay...so i haven't posted in awhile...but here is what i've been up to with our anthro-inspired wedding decor!
it's late...so im not editing pictures....

and a tasty treat....

thats all for tonight...

peace&love{danielle}

miss frasier teaches science! {and study skills}

2010-12-10T20:21:00.000-08:00

i figured that it is already december and i have yet to make an album devoted to my classroom. so...

she's making a list...

2010-11-30T21:26:00.000-08:00

&he'll check it twice....

haha. when it comes to asking for presents, i never have a clue. however...corey popped the big question {"but i thought you we're already engaged!"....} ...the OTHER big question, "what do you want for christmas?"

rather than sounding greedy, needy or whatever other word you would like to fill in there....i decided to make an "eye candy" list....meaning....these are things that have sparked my interest....and make the material girl {that is buried really, really, REALLY deep} get a little exposed....

so let's start things out right....

i cannot help myself, but i have fallen completely SMITTEN for this fossil watch. i love it...but no way, no how could i let anyone drop almost $200 for it on me.... {follow me & see...}

HOWEVER, i think i could allow someone to get me the slightly cheaper one.... {follow me & see...} i think i love it just as much....well ALMOST. haha...

then there are always my beloved toms...size 7.5......i really like this style& color {follow me & see}

or these! ray ban tortoise club masters! {you can find them at pac sun....and even ebay}

there is always my favorite scent..... {follow me & see...}

any clothes in size small {shirts} & two {pants}....especially from american rag @ macy's, free people, urban outfitters, anthropologie, american eagle, etc.

or my second favorite scent....{follow me & see}

for the nerd in me.... {follow me & see...}

you can never go wrong with owls......

{follow me & see..}

{follow me & see....}

AND OF COURSE.....ANY ART SUPPLIES.....i'm talking YARN, PAINT, CANVAS, NEW BRUSHES, an EASEL, more knitting books, embroidery floss, inks, cutting boards, papers.....

another idea is getting NYLON back...

i could also take martha stewart living or real simple...i like those too....and vogue and marie claire....just to name a few....

alright...i really REALLY need to sleep. hopefully this gives you some ideas.

peace&love{danielle}

thanks to {run with scissors}

2010-11-23T18:35:00.000-08:00

{source}

ok...so i can't help myself....

2010-11-21T20:22:00.000-08:00

{source}

lazy day sunday

2010-11-21T19:44:00.000-08:00

...after church, after eating scrumptious chili, and after working out at the gym...i spent most of my afternoon cleaning & organizing my bedroom. tomorrow the grandparents {MA} are coming for the holidays and i cannot wait! my cousins {MA} will also eventually be here sometime on wednesday. i have been counting down the days....i am looking forward to seeing them and having a break...
speaking of break, i decided to "partake" in some of my baked goods from yesterday {the magic cookie bars} & washed it down with a little starbucks and blog-reading....i stumbled across this great d.i.y. on the lovely freepeople blog...i can't wait to try it out....

behold the wonderful "elbow patch"...i have ALWAYS admired these. i have the perfect sweater to do this to, too.....

another thing that i cannot wait to make over break are some little goodies for christmas presents....i swear, i can't escape finding these everywhere:

i also like this:

maybe i will revisit some summer day camp memories and whip up some of these:

i really need to get my sewing machine in order....

this could be cute...i want one for me!:

ooo! can you tell i love bags?:

and my goodness! how i love THIS:

alright....that's enough...i am wicked tired now.....
until next time peace&love{danielle}

oh {happy} day

2010-11-20T21:02:00.000-08:00

well...i didn't wake up until almost 10, which can pretty much sum up the whole thing! it was great....then i ate the rest of the banana bread topped off with some delish coffee....i decided i needed to go to the bank so i could pay some car bill stuff....and go to bulk food to pick up some spices for the baked goods i planned on making....

what i wore:

when i got home...i decided to do some cleaning....then i decided to make a little lunch....the best lunch EVER might i add....

i would have to say that this is arguably the best breakfast ever too....raspberry jam and grilled cheese....yummmm.....

after making my tummy happy, i decided it was high time to make my nose happy and whip up some pumpkin walnut bread....

technically it was vegan....

until i made icing......

as it was baking, becca boo and i started some of our ornaments....while watching ernest saves christmas, ofcourse!

{all of the above, made by me}

{below ones, made by rebecca}

after a trip to tjmaxx.....hobby lobby {and taco bell}, we came back home and i made some magic bars:

then corey came over....he did some lesson planning while we crafted away....

.....we ate some of the delicious bread....then called it quits for the night....

oh how i love saturdays with NOTHING planned.....

until tomorrow...peace&love {danielle}

alas....the holidays are coming....

2010-11-19T20:22:00.000-08:00

anyone who knows me knows that i absolutely { love } the holidays. i cannot believe that thanksgiving is this week! that means christmas is literally just around the corner...i love planning...i love making gifts for others...i love celebrating. i know i don't stand alone because all of my favorite bloggers are also in the g ivi n g spirit. tomorrow i plan on crafting and baking ALL day. i bought a bunch of ingredients tonight and already have a lot of the supplies that i want to use to make some gifts.....so i am thinking about lighting my favorite "home sweet home" candle...preheating the oven....getting out the mod podge, paper, felt, scissors, markers, yarn, etc....treating my ears to a little sufjan christmas fun...and just spend the entire day { happy }
i am so very much looking forward to thanksgiving break. school has had me down in the dumps...in all honesty, i don't even want to speak of it right now....so i won't....

ahh....i'm on a better note again...so...for tomorrow...with great crafting comes great craftspiration! {i've provided all the sources i still have...although some of the pictures i saved from awhile ago & are source-less...}

{source}

im sleepy. i think i have fallen asleep several times during this post. until tomorrow...

peace&love

danielle

dear blogger...

2010-11-16T19:24:00.000-08:00

i promise that i have been meaning to write. it just really hasn't been the right time. i mean...with parent teacher conferences, report cards, volleyball ending, lots of lesson planning, corporate gatherings at church...i mean, i have been lucky enough to breathe.
i must say, i am quite excited for thanksgiving break. it's hard to believe it is already only a week away. i really do need A LOT of r&r. i would like to get a head start this week/weekend on getting my lesson plans set for when i get back from break, that way i can spend the whole break enjoying my family, friends and crafts!
i am pretty pumped that the uncle stephen clan is coming, along with meme and papa {from MA}. i feel like i haven't seen them in ages....i know i just saw them at dale's graduation party in july {?}...but still...I LOVE THEM! not to mention, this is the FIRST thanksgiving that i actually get to share with corey. over the past few years he has gone down to TN to visit his family, but not this year!
i have been on a baking kick lately...even more than normal...i want to make something fun for thanksgiving...

how about some butterfinger brownies?

or maybe some chocolate-dipped ginger cookies?

or some "layers of love" chocolate brownies?

or maybe some pumpkin-spiced oatmeal cookies?

ahhh....so many choices...maybe i will have to try a few out this weekend!
anyway, i am somewhat excited...somewhat mixed feelings about the day after thanksgiving. believe it or not... i have my first ever bridal appointment for gowns....it is so crazy to me...i can't believe the time is now...with that said, i cannot wait for break....i have so much planning i would like to do...

anyway, i am so tired. i know this is random and scattered...but i wanted to post an update.....

i hope all is well....how are you prepping for the holidays?

i don't want to be offended when it's all said and done...

2010-10-26T20:51:00.000-07:00

i cannot even begin to fathom the fact that in just a few days i will be turning 25 years old. {t w e n t y - f i v e} i guess it is true what they say, time sure does fly. i will have to admit that many of my 25 years were not so fun, but i do believe that God is refreshing new things in my life. i pray that he continues to rain and keep the ground of my heart soft; ushering in His power, His presence and His favor.

The number 25 is a representation of the Universal Word of God.
According to some, it also means "the law".
According to R. Allendy, "it is the life graduating on all plans and evolving by the opposite polarity game."

i find it somewhat ironic that my name {danielle} means "God is my judge," that my middle name {elizabeth} means "God is my oath," AND that the number 25 deals with His word and His law. i feel that this is the avenue that God is leading me down anyway...that EVERYTHING that is not of Him will be shaken...God is my oath and my judge...He is definitely graduating me...growing me from where i have been for so long.

anyone who still reads my blog, knows that i have really enjoyed the prophetic songs of misty edwards...this week, "Baptize My Heart" has been a good one...the end of the song especially has hit me...i pledge my allegiance to Jesus!

it's time for bed....school comes early

relevance

2010-10-23T20:34:00.000-07:00

i cannot even begin to express how much God is working in my life......

oh how he loves me

2010-10-04T20:11:00.000-07:00

Matthew 6:26 (The Message)

{source}

If you decide for God, living a life of God-worship, it follows that you don't fuss about what's on the table at mealtimes or whether the clothes in your closet are in fashion. There is far more to your life than the food you put in your stomach, more to your outer appearance than the clothes you hang on your body. Look at the birds, free and unfettered, not tied down to a job description, careless in the care of God. And you count far more to him than birds.

that throbbing feeling

2010-09-27T18:31:00.000-07:00

why yes. this is my head. it's hard being a middle school teacher sometime.....throw varsity volleyball coach, photographer, worship leader, friend, daughter, sister and fiance on top of that....and you have all understanding of how i feel.

seriously. i need a break.

should you lose your way.

2010-09-19T20:07:00.000-07:00

i really do love beautiful things.

i really do love driving with the sun in my face and the windows down.

i really do love soft tunes tickling my heart strings.

{source}

how could you not have a wonderful day after starting it like this?

2010-09-11T19:32:00.000-07:00

oh what a saturday. i must admit, today proved my thoughts concerning my photography direction....i really love doing wedding photography, however i feel more connected with family and senior sessions. i'm not saying that i am not ever doing the other, i just REALLY enjoy shorter more intimate sessions.

mr. little-man connor did an awesome job. he was a VERY patient and lovable baby. after his session i came home and did a lot of editing. it was a nice and rainy fall day. perfect for getting things done, if you ask me. i also was able to make some banana bread and no-bake cookies......as well as work on my recipe box and knit! tomorrow i have a lot of lesson planning to do after church, but i plan on crafting a little ofcourse.

i definitely think it's time to go to bed now though. church cometh early.....haha.

til then, peace&love{danielle}

“Our thoughts create our reality — where we put our focus is the direction we tend to go.”
Peter McWilliams

i will be honest

2010-09-10T20:58:00.000-07:00

it has been too long for me not to blog. and though i had great intentions for a "wedding-talk-only" blog....realistically, my life is SO much more than that....especially right now. anymore these days, i can only describe myself as a busy woman. this past week was my first week as miss frasier the 8th grade science teacher. i was miss frasier the 7th grade study skills teacher. i was coach frasier for LA's varsity volleyball team. i was and have been danielle clbc's worship leader as well as defotography. ahha. my job never ends....but in all reality i love it.

i have lots to share, but at 10:30 am i turn back into defotography (a cute little boy is getting his first photoshoot)...so the rest of this update will have to wait.

until then

peace&love{danielle}

you can find me here

2010-07-12T19:14:00.000-07:00

hearts{like}boulders

for now.

dear summer

2010-06-19T19:52:00.000-07:00

can i say that i love you to the max? why yes. yes i do.

its been awhile since the ol' blogger had an update. life has been busy as usual so i decided the time was not right. school ended. i shot my second wedding of the season. my grandparents had their 50th wedding anniversary party. dale graduated and had his party. corey and i finally decided on a date (july 9th 2011)! lots more to fill in but i honestly dont care to. sorry.

anyway, summer is here my friends. my favorite time of year...and today started it off with a bang. i was able to sleep in.....i spent all day at the beach....then i ended it off with a fun night with corey (we went to a friends birthday party...excursions in the woods....bonfires....pizza....birthday cake).....as i lay here smelling like bug spray, i must reflect that the day was perfect. i cant wait for the rest of summer. i have big plans.....none of which include dull moments or wasted time.

but alas....church in the morning which means now is bedtime.
peace.love.danielle.

how will YOU spend your summer?

i think it might be 07.09.11

2010-05-25T18:11:00.000-07:00

further than we hoped. but there is a purpose for all things.

this is from a sarah rhoads engagement shoot {LOVE HER}...but i admire these colors. the reds, yellows, greyish-blacks, teals....

catpower

2010-05-17T20:16:00.000-07:00

Sew your fortunes on a string
And hold them up to light
Blue smoke will take
A very violent flight
And you will be changed

i should have been a great many things, mr. mayer

2010-05-16T20:18:00.000-07:00

there is and always be so much that i want to do. i find it ridiculously stupid that i can sit on blogger and facebook to cry about it though. i really need to get back to print. in my journal. online has become so impersonal. bleh. and i spend so much time on here in this virtual world that i am forgetting what it is like to be an explorer. this weekend i tried to enjoy the outdoors...i took senior pics for a girl named christine....i helped do yard work....i skateboarded in my driveway....went for a walk....swung on the swing....vacuumed my car...sat in the sun....cut mine and coreys hair.....there is so much that i want to do, i just need to start. stop talking and move. that's all.

sit back and lets be honest

2010-05-13T19:41:00.000-07:00

i am in a very emotional state lately.
i am under so much stress, so much pressure...i have cried everyday this week. gator-sized tears. i feel like....i am absolutely helpless of all things. i know its God...prying and trying to get me to hand it all over to Him. i just feel like i see the hour glass constantly being tipped and i am stuck...and time keeps going, but i stand still. my life is constantly in a standstill. while i should be planning a wedding (for what i would love to be next week)..i find myself still without a date (since december!) because i have to try to cater to everyones wishes and schedules. i see the people around me...my age...and younger...moving on with life...making families...growing up...and i remain locked behind the four walls of the bedroom i grew up in. it would be one thing if i had no other options...but i do. but i dont. i could never just......UGHHHHHHHH! i want to yank my hair out. i am so tired. i am tired of crying. i am tired of not knowing.
on top of it...work has really got me down. i am not enjoying it at all and i cannot even wait until summer break. although day camp starts right up when school lets out. i seriously want a year off...to sleep in...do what i want...enjoy life. i feel like i am missing out. ill be honest. every moment is filled right up. i hate it. i can never be me! no one lets me make decisions....then when they want me to, i cant because they have for me my whole life! i am tired of this. i will never be the free-spirit my heart is. i am always tied down and it sucks. i hate it. i hate every moment of it. i hate it. there is so much i want to do....and stupid things stand in my way. i hate being a hypocrite to myself.
gahhh. i want to scream. instead ill just cry....because thats what i know.

my head hurts.

2010-05-13T13:34:00.001-07:00

one day, i am destined to finally drive myself insane. there is so much.....so much. ugh. so much wasted time.

its raining. im cold. and tired.

2010-05-13T12:58:00.000-07:00

and i was bored...so i did this for the heck of it: personality quiz

Counselors have an exceptionally strong desire to contribute to the welfare of others, and find great personal fulfillment interacting with people, nurturing their personal development, guiding them to realize their human potential. Although they are happy working at jobs (such as writing) that require solitude and close attention, Counselors do quite well with individuals or groups of people, provided that the personal interactions are not superficial, and that they find some quiet, private time every now and then to recharge their batteries. Counselors are both kind and positive in their handling of others; they are great listeners and seem naturally interested in helping people with their personal problems. Not usually visible leaders, Counselors prefer to work intensely with those close to them, especially on a one-to-one basis, quietly exerting their influence behind the scenes.
Counselors are scarce, little more than one percent of the population, and can be hard to get to know, since they tend not to share their innermost thoughts or their powerful emotional reactions except with their loved ones. They are highly private people, with an unusually rich, complicated inner life. Friends or colleagues who have known them for years may find sides emerging which come as a surprise. Not that Counselors are flighty or scattered; they value their integrity a great deal, but they have mysterious, intricately woven personalities which sometimes puzzle even them.
Counselors tend to work effectively in organizations. They value staff harmony and make every effort to help an organization run smoothly and pleasantly. They understand and use human systems creatively, and are good at consulting and cooperating with others. As employees or employers, Counselors are concerned with people's feelings and are able to act as a barometer of the feelings within the organization.
Blessed with vivid imaginations, Counselors are often seen as the most poetical of all the types, and in fact they use a lot of poetic imagery in their everyday language. Their great talent for language-both written and spoken-is usually directed toward communicating with people in a personalized way. Counselors are highly intuitive and can recognize another's emotions or intentions - good or evil - even before that person is aware of them. Counselors themselves can seldom tell how they came to read others' feelings so keenly. This extreme sensitivity to others could very well be the basis of the Counselor's remarkable ability to experience a whole array of psychic phenomena.

i am in love.

2010-05-02T13:35:00.001-07:00

http://lovelybride.com/lovelybride.html

for years you've stood by me.

2010-04-26T20:17:00.001-07:00

If you expect to find people who will understand you, you will grow murderous with disappointment. The best you'll ever do is to understand yourself, know what it is that you want, and not let the cattle stand in your way. {janet fitch The White Oleander}

honest to blog.

2010-04-21T13:40:00.000-07:00

right now i am so overwhelmed. i have that taffy-pulling feel again and it's making me ill. i'm to the point where i just want to drop it all and hide away. no offense and don't read into things people....but i am just tired. i am tired of everything and i just want to do NOTHING. if it's not current school job, it's future school job and summer job....if it's not photo sessions, it's editing photo sessions.....if it's not getting ready to lead praise and worship, it's reading my bible....if it's not thinking about my future wedding, it's gettting frustrated about not having time to think about my future wedding......i pull and pull and pull. i do it to myself. i overbook. i over plan. i try to please everyone. i do the things i love, but wish i could do more. i stay up late, wake up early. never sleep in. overdose on caffeine. i never get to read anymore. i rarely watch tv (and completely focus on it...not doing anything else). i don't go on adventures. i don't go to shows. i don't create as much. i don't paint as much. i don't play as much. i don't see friends (especially corey) as much as i'd like. i don't breathe as much. i have no time to run to the bathroom. i haven't exercised in almost a month. i have been eating a horrible amount of junk food. i feel run down. i feel tired. i feel worn. i feel annoyed. i feel sleepy. i feel anxious. i need a balance. i need to balance.

they say it only gets worse.

i don't do this often.....but this is how i feel. thank you jack's mannequin...thank you for being my comfort food again:

"Swim"

You've gotta swim

Swim for your life

Swim for the music

That saves you

When you're not so sure you'll survive

You gotta swim

And swim when it hurts

The whole world is watching

You haven't come this far

To fall off the earth

The currents will pull you

Away from your love

JUST KEEP YOUR HEAD ABOVE

I found a tidal wave

Begging to tear down the dawn

Memories like bullets

They fired at me from a gun

A crack in the armor

I swim to brighter days

Despite the absence of sun

Choking on salt water

I'm not giving in

I swim

You gotta swim

Through nights that won't end

Swim for your families

Your lovers your sisters

And brothers and friends

Yeah you've gotta swim

Through wars without cause

Swim for the lost politicians

Who don't see their greed as a flaw

The currents will pull us

Away from our love

Just keep your head above

I found a tidal wave

Begging to tear down the dawn

Memories like bullets

They fired at me from a gun

Cracking me open now

I swim for brighter days

Despite the absence of sun

Choking on salt water

I'm not giving in

Well I'm not giving in

I swim

You gotta swim

Swim in the dark

There's no shame in drifting

Feel the tide shifting and wait for the spark

Yeah you've gotta swim

Don't let yourself sink

Just find the horizon

I promise you it's not as far as you think

The currents will drag us away from our love

Just keep your head above

Just keep your head above

Swim

Just keep your head above

Swim, swim

Just keep your head above

Swim

http://www.jesusculture.com/cleveland

2010-04-15T04:48:00.001-07:00

anyone care to spare $40?

you have taken these words from my unspoken lips and painted a beautiful picture from it....

2010-04-13T04:48:00.000-07:00

{pic source}

“I am one of the searchers. There are, I believe, millions of us. We are not unhappy, but neither are we really content. We continue to explore life, hoping to uncover its ultimate secret. We continue to explore ourselves, hoping to understand. We like to walk along the beach, we are drawn by the ocean, taken by its power, its unceasing motion, its mystery and unspeakable beauty. We like forests and mountains, deserts and hidden rivers, and the lonely cities as well. Our sadness is as much a part of our lives as is our laughter. To share our sadness with one we love is perhaps as great a joy as we can know — unless it be to share our laughter.

We searchers are ambitious only for life itself, for everything beautiful it can provide. Most of all we love and want to be loved. We want to live in a relationship that will not impede our wandering, nor prevent our search, nor lock us in prison walls; that will take us for what little we have to give. We do not want to prove ourselves to another or compete for love.
For wanderers, dreamers, and lovers, for lonely men and women who dare to ask of life everything good and beautiful. It is for those who are too gentle to live among wolves.”

— Searcher by James Kavanaugh

mail time.

2010-04-12T13:57:00.000-07:00

hello neglected bogger world....why yes, i have ignored you for quite some time now. no offense. it wasn't you....really...it was me. haha. i was in dior need of a break. several actually. internet break. work break...and oh yeah, spring break. i didn't even bring my computer to siesta keys with me! can you believe it? thank god for corey's iphone b/c i was able to keep up on my blog-reading while we sat for hours in a traffic jam (yeees. we drove to florida. yeees. we were stuck in traffic long, extended periods of time. yeees. it took us at least 24-hours to make it home. yeees. i am still exhausted.)....alas, the trip was WONDERFUL. so many things to say and rant about....but once again, i am lazy. i will post some videos from the trip...if i get around to it. haha. *suspense*

i have to tell you. one of my FAVORITE things about coming home from vacation is getting a ton of mail the day you get back. i wont lie. I LOVE MAIL. if you want to send me mail DO IT!!!! i honestly love. it. recently, my friend kimberly (who lives in MA) and i have decided to become penpals because we love mail so much. it has been fun and i was excited to see a lovely letter from her when i got home.....not to mention, guess what else was waiting for me in my mail pile? the pamphlet from the tim burton exhibit that my friend kat (from ny) went to! i was so excited to see it...if only i could have made it to the show! i love tim burton. creepy...but cool. ALSO in my mail pile was a "save the date" postcard from one of my brides for this summer...i always get geeked when couples send me stuff with the pictures i took on them. i cant wait for their wedding....a beach wedding!!! my first one to photograph. its hard to believe wedding season has already started...i have an engagement session to shoot this weekend and two senior sessions coming up too....so past clients and fellow blog readers...feel free to send me your stuff! i love to look at what you have done with it!

...as for summer (haha)...i swung by the salvation army today to apply for day camp. hard to believe i have been doing this for over 7 summers! weird. even when i count it out, it doesn't seem like that long. i can't wait. i honestly enjoy that job so much.

and speaking of work...i am in the process of creating my unit lessons. i cannot wait to have the opportunity to get into my classroom and start setting things up....although that means summer would be over and i have big BIG plans.

well...i think that is enough. i will try not to wait so long next time. hope everyone is well! i am off to enjoy the sunshine.

peacelove&danielle

ps. anyone want to buy me a hammock??? hahhaa.

calypso

2010-03-30T18:52:00.000-07:00

it's only $550....so you can most DEFINITELY buy it for me :)

some items i hope to pick up at partridge tomorrow with the girls...

2010-03-25T19:42:00.000-07:00

i {really} want this romper.

2010-03-23T18:21:00.000-07:00

i carry your heart with me (i carry it in

my heart) i am never without it (anywhere

you go i go, my dear: and whatever is done

by only me is your doing, my darling)

- ee cummings

Oh, what can you do with a sentimental heart...

2010-03-22T19:31:00.001-07:00

i feel like i've grown.
i know i'm not done.
far, far from it.

i w o u l d b e s a d i f t h i s w a s i t . {let the journey unwind}

another doodling adventure.

2010-03-21T19:06:00.000-07:00

i hate my scanner. although taking pictures of my pictures sucks almost just as much. don't mind the horrible shots and color mishaps.

dear person who "borrowed" my colored pencils....i'd like them back now. thanks.

oh how she knows me.

2010-03-21T05:07:00.000-07:00

yesterday was another mel&dani wedding success. first day of spring and ironically it was a group of gm engineers....i sat at the dinner table thinking, "how many of these people know dad?" haha...

anyway, mel and i had a great time...as usual. unfortunately i am going to have to take a mini-hiatus this summer with the mel&dani weddings b/c:

a. i have a lot of weddings myself this year

b. i just got a full time teaching job, in which i need to plan for

c. i'm engaged (HELLO) and still don't even have a date set...

d. day camp starts the minute school ends

e. yeah....i need time to sleep

it is a bittersweet time for us...but she completely understands.....its just going to be a VERY hectic 2010.

in other news....look what mel bought me:

it's a "congrats-on-the-engagement/teaching job-gift". does she know me or what???

alright. i need to finish my coffee and go practice the ol keys before church....

i think this afternoon i plan on crafting....so stay tuned for possible posts!

peace&love{danielle}

sue me.

2010-03-16T15:04:00.000-07:00

yeah. yeah. yeah. i never blog anymore.....well lately. actually, i spend so much time on the computer these days doing work, it annoys me to get on at any other time. for those of you who don't know, a couple weeks ago i had an interview....and i got the job. next year i will be teaching 8th grade earth science (major woo-hoo!) and some sort of elective in the afternoon. i think they said it will be art related....another woo-hoo.

speaking of woo-hoo's (yes, i need another phrase), spring break is less than three weeks away. all of this sunshine we have had lately has really put me in the mood. i cannot wait until we go to florida....oh! and it is confirmed, corey does get to go (way to stick it to svsu....haha)

anyway....thats a quick update. im off to the gym....so yeah.

peace&love{danielle}

need.want.

2010-03-11T19:35:00.000-08:00

{true story}

its true

2010-03-02T20:46:00.000-08:00

kim walker makes me smile.

ten o'clock.

2010-03-01T16:40:00.000-08:00

{Philippians 4:6-7}

Don't fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It's wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.

dear blogger...

2010-02-28T20:15:00.000-08:00

so you've probably been wondering...huh, i wonder where she is? with all her in-depth insight on the world and all that jazz....haha, well i must say i've obviously been here all along...just too lazy to update. it's not because i don't have glorious things to tell you, i just don't even know where to begin.
i guess i can start at I HAVE AN INTERVIEW TUESDAY. yes, yes, yes. for a full-time teaching position at LA. i am already barfing my guts out because i am so nervous. ha. well...kind of nervous. it's more a matter of having the ability to get out the right words. i have no reason to be nervous.....but sometimes my brain forgets to tell my mouth exactly what i am trying to say....and yeah. anyway, i have a joint interview with both principles...i applied for a 5th grade position and a middle school science position. BOTH of which i would be extremely pleased to get. lately i have been in a super "i want to teach 5th grade mood", because it is my absolute favorite grade to teach. i know that there are a lot of people going for that position....but all i can do is bring my A game to the table and if it is in God's plan...then welp, it'll all work out.

so that is some of the big hitting, heart stopping news of the week....as for this past weekend, i just thought i would mention that I HAD A BLAST. my buddy angelle and i had a slumber party. it involved a somewhat horrible chick flick, painting, taking pictures, "mcdaddies", coney island, telling secrets, thrift stores and more. needless to say, we had a great time. not to mention, i really love how well my painting came out. i have this picture in my room that is wood and has gold birds on it...and ironically this matches perfectly! happy girl right here. :)

hmmmm.....i am trying to think of any other updats that i may have forgotten to mention....oh! i am revamping all of my photography stuff. marketing and such. i have had this burning idea in my brain and lack of time/ambition to get it all out there. it seriously took me like 5- {okay maybe not exactly}and a sharpie marker.....i wanted something that reflected my personality....so meet the potentially new face of de{foto}

haha. he actually has a speech bubble that reads "oh snap." which is where the pun comes in {snap....as in the "noise" the camera makes....as in snapping his mouth closed...as in ohhhhhhh danielle please keep your day job} the speech bubble gator is on my flash drive which is not by me right now....and since i am laying down in bed already....well, you will have to wait.

alas, exciting things are brewing for me. so please, be patient if i am lazy....although by now, you should most likely realize....it's a horrible trait of mine.

alright. its bed time. so i'll say adieu.

peace&love{danielle}

dear forgotten book, it slipped my mind how much i liked you.

2010-02-28T05:15:00.000-08:00

Ken Robinson says...

2010-02-22T13:48:00.000-08:00

SCHOOLS KILL CREATIVITY.

i found this on someones page. sooooo good! i feel like i can relate so much.

when you're feeling moot, you can have your conscience all you want...

2010-02-21T19:27:00.000-08:00

sometimes i the only time i think and deeply allow myself to feel is when i am alone lying in the dark....attached to my ipod.

He is doing great things.

2010-02-18T14:39:00.000-08:00

You won't relent

Until You have it all

My heart is Yours

I'll set You as a seal upon my heart

As a seal upon my arm

For there is love that is as strong as death

Jealousy demanding as the grave

And many waters cannot quench this love

Come be the fire inside of me

Come be the flame upon my heart

Come be the fire inside of me

Until You and I are one

{misty edwards:you won't relent}

come on and let's be honest....

2010-02-17T19:47:00.000-08:00

i have not really missed a whole lot in cyberworld. i have actually accomplished a lot in the "real world"....and i feel slightly guilty for even going on now. as some of you know, i decided to challenge myself to see how long i could go without the computer/internet.....well i would say that i had an almost successful three days. i was somewhat obliged to go on today due to work and getting things around for church tonight {music}....but all in all....it was worth it. i am going to try to only allow myself a certain amount of computer time a day. this past sunday really got to me when i wasted an entire afternoon doing absolutely NOTHING productive. some of you may laugh {only because you can relate} and some of you could care less......but i don't function that way...really, i don't. i definitely love the computer. i love sitting down with my laptop top.....blogging.....reading....discovering.....facebook-stalking {haha...come on, we all do it} but in doing so, i waste so much time and energy when i could be putting it forth in other avenues of my life. i definitely need the computer. i need the internet. i would be "lost" without it....especially google. haha....but i knew something needed to and needs to change. when i woke up monday morning, i dreaded the day...just knowing i promised to stay off the computer. my immediate thoughts were "open your eyes. coffee. computer." it was kind of sickening. i realized in these last three days, my gravitational pull was to my laptop...and not out of necessity or need....but merely routine. in these last three days i have occupied my time in other ways. i have started and almost finished the book David Worshipped with a Fervent Faith and i started another book Brain-Based Learning and Teaching. both are VERY good and i plan on sharing them both with you in the future. during my time off, i was also able to hang out with heather and go to somerset mall....i bought some fun Where the Wild Things Are things at urban outfitters....an awesome shadow puppet and calendar....i also bought some wicked cute glitter nail polish....then at anthropologie i bought some of my "future" bowls. i love them. i am addicted and need more. helllllllllllllo registry! hahha. i also gathered a lot more songs for praise and worship......and i worked on my art journal....plus i did some knitting {kind of fell off that wagon for a few weeks}.....hmmmm....let's see....besides that, i got to hang out with angelle two days in a row.....yesterday at work b/c the elementary and ms/hs buildings finally had a PD day together...and then she came to church tonight, so we hung out right after work. as usual (when she comes over) we had mexican for dinner. dad was so funny....he kept saying "this must be angelle food b/c we always have it when angelle is here"....haha...whatever that means. gotta love him. anyway......yeah.....so that is kind of how thing rolled. i am highly considering limiting myself on the computer. i have enjoyed these past few days.....but no worries! i wont stay gone for too long in between :)

until next time,
peace.love.danielle.

goodeveningcyberworld

2010-02-14T21:22:00.000-08:00

...so...today i did a lot of thinking. as most of you know, i am addicted to the computer. i am not just talking about the internet, i am talking about the computer in general. whether its blogging or photoshop, facebook or hulu....i am addicted. starting tomorrow, i am going to take a brief vacation from my computer. i am turning it off and putting it away. i want to see how much i can accomplish by just unplugging. i am not promising myself a certain amount of days or anything like that (just the initial thought of it makes me cringe)....it is more or less going to be an experimental run. i am not doing this because i believe that electronics are bad and overtaking the world, or anything crazy like that....i am doing it because i firmly believe that i have let it consume way too much of my time. i feel the same way about the television. unfortunately, in my household....tv is like a staple of background noise. ha...we may not even really be watching it, but it is always on. so anyway, this is my challenge. i am going to try to document all of the things i do sans-computer. i am very curious on how well this will be accomplished.

speaking of accomplished....i was fooling around on photoshop today b/c i wanted to test printing on my invitations. DISCLAIMER. THESE ARE FAKE. DEAR FAMILY WHO LIKES TO READ THIS AND JUMP TO CONCLUSIONS, WE HAVE NOT-AND I REPEAT-WE HAVE NOT SET A DATE YET! THESE ARE ALSO NOT OFFICIAL. IT WAS ALL DONE IN FUN. hahah......sorry, i am not yelling, i am just trying to make it very, VERY clear to the family...if you get my drift. i used october 29th because that is our birthday.....just sayin. haha. those of you who read my blog know that i received quite a blessing concerning my invitations. the only concern i have is getting them printed/printing them. i am experiementing as we speak....but yes....these are fonts&font combos that i really like. i am searching for some vintage graphics: top hats, bow ties, bride&groom wedding toppers, cakes....so if you find any {especially bow ties: "tie the knot"...haha} puhhhhlease let me know!

in other news, i am VERY excited for tomorrow. it is my last day of mid-winter break, so my friend heather and i are visiting somerset mall {swoon!}....we are going so we can find some cute outfits, etc. {urban outfitters&anthro....gosh, i love that mall} for the corey&danielle engagement shoot {which i am also VERY excited for}i don't get to go to somerset often because it is quite a drive....but it is the closest uo&anthro store...so it is definitely worth the trip!....after our shopping adventure, we are having a delish family dinner!....chicken marlsa. big deal in my house. hahha. gotta love it.

well......it is starting to get late. i am really tired, but have no desire to sleep. figures. like i said folks, once the computer goes off tonight....its off for awhile...the phone will be a dandy way to contact me :)

i wish you all a happy week and until next time,

peace&love{danielle}

i really can't wait.

2010-02-12T18:43:00.000-08:00

peace&love{danielle}

hallmark holiday.

2010-02-10T06:37:00.001-08:00

this one is my favorite! haha.

i have never been a valentine's day girl. (like the whole receiving stuff thing. i love making stuff for my students like last year...or cookies for corey....but simply because it's an excuse to make something) nope. it's not me. i don't care for flowers or candy. (well....if its chocolate...we can talk...ha!) but i am a sucker for vintage valentines. they crack me up. some are just...soooo.....wrong. haha. i don't know how else to put it. here are some great ones i found. inspiration, perhaps?

{source}

winter wonderland.

2010-02-10T05:49:00.001-08:00

okay. so i will like snow TODAY.....but that is because school is out! haha. (*disclaimer: i will never mention liking snow again, unless possibly another snow day occurs) don't get me wrong, i really do like going to work everyday. i really enjoy it, actually. however....this week has NOT been my week.

if you have noticed, i've been blog-lacking lately. sunday i fell sick with the flu. NOT FUN. i slept the entire afternoon and if you thought food was a good idea....well, i shouldn't have pushed it in the "okay" feeling moments. monday morning i woke up...same symptoms. excruciating headache (the worst i have EVER had....i don't know the stipulations of a migraine, but i would say this qualified....even light killed me), i was also extremely nauseous and was having hot/cold sweats like a lady going through menopause (no offense). it was bad. but being the somewhat determine/stubborn person i am....i was raised not to miss work/school/fill-in the blank....unless you are dyyyyyying. so i went to work. well, dad had called to tell me before i left that papa had been admitted into the ER around 1am because of some pain he was having.....dad had asked me how i was feeling and i told him. he told me, just stay home. i said i was going to try to "shake it off". i got to work and emailed dad. i told him to keep me updated on papa. i tried to go through the motions at school, but by 9:40 i finally decided i couldn't hold on any longer. i went home early for the day. i seriously crawled right into bed and slept until after dad got home from work (10am- about 4pm!). i was still feeling horrible.....on top of everything else my muscles were so sore and my throat felt swollen up. just a miserable time. around 6-7ish that night i told myself i was over being sick. i washed all my bedding....showered....really pushed myself. i thought i was feeling better, but when i woke up yesterday....it was like deja vu. i was sweating then freezing LIKE CRAZY. i knew i had art club in the afternoon, so i didn't want to let down the kids. i packed myself and got to work.....to go through the motions again. i battled hot/cold sweats all day...along with the horrrrible headache (i am so serious when i say this is THE WORST i have ever had). i was a survivor (cue in destiny's child....hahahaaa, oh middle school). despite the several mental attempts to go home, i stuck out the day. i made it through school. i made it through art club. i DID NOT make it through dinner. i walked right in the door, up the stairs, hopped in bed....dress clothes and all. i slept through dinner. i slept through "family time at the YMCA" (haha).....i woke up in a sweat. feeling disgusting, i got up...showered...got out...and i was beginning to feel better. seriously....i had almost forgot what it felt like to feel "healthy". the rest of the evening was pretty good. my eyes were extremely tired...i really needed/wanted to sleep. around 10:30pm i got a call letting me know school was cancelled. i rolled over and shut off my alarm clock. ...and wouldn't you know it? i didn't even get to sleep in. i heard my sister talking to my dad, as he left for work, at 4:30am. then i kind of tossed and turned until 8:30am. i had one more "case" of sweating during the night....but i honestly think the fever has finally broke. i feel so much better today...my appetite is back. although i think i can refrain from toast for awhile.......

soooo.....A SNOW DAY. you better believe i have ideas brewing in my head. i'm thinking about doing some serious crafting. a little defotography "growing". a little cleaning. some music making. and several blog posts. (and i am doing it all in my pjs).....welp! it looks like i should light a fire.

til next blog...
peace&love{danielle}

oh april...

2010-02-06T19:23:00.000-08:00

i seriously cannot wait for you any longer. florida makes me so giddy. even the thought of it. i am excited for this year because, like i mentioned before, corey is coming!!!! we rented a condo in siesta keys and were planning on beaching it up everyday. if you know me, i always try somehow to get to disney world. i can't help it. tihs year dad isn't interested in going really....he just wanted to relax...so all of us "kids" are doing the whole volunteer a day, get free disney tickets thing. we already signed up to do it in a couple weeks.....boy, am i getting antsy! just today, while dale and i were in sam's club, we had this conversation after walking by the electronics section....that was playing the movie tinkerbell on a loop...

me: "hey! disney world music. ahhh...it just makes me so happy."
dale: "i know right!? it's like last year when we went and saw fantasmic....i remember thing wow. this makes me so happy. why aren't i always this happy?"
me: "totally!"
dale: "...but then it makes me angry...because they made fake happiness! haha...."
me: "guess that's why they say it's the happiest place on earth.........i think i'll move there.."
dale: "me too."

haha....yes, we are dorks. but its true. we love disney world. we love flordia. and we love family vacations. oh april, how i pine for thee!!!!

nightie night.

peace&love{danielle}

today's to-dos:

2010-02-06T06:30:00.000-08:00

1. drink coffee

2. shower

3. give myself a haircut

4. finish cleaning my room

5. get crafty: it's bow makin' time

6. finish E&G's engagement pics

7. bake banana bread

8. help the faja go grocery shopping

9. buy supplies for art club

10. band practice

11. possibly go to the gym, if there is time

12. hang out with mr.reid

happy saturday!

peace&love{danielle}

my dearest february...

2010-02-01T19:13:00.000-08:00

oh how quickly you have snuck upon us. it is hard to believe that one month of 2010 has already gone by....please do not leave us as quickly. my gosh! as i type, i realize that my countdown is down to its final day. yes, february 2nd means the new and final season of LOST begins. you cannot even begin to understand my joy. february 2nd also means that my art club starts at school! for those of you who haven't read in awhile, once a week i will be having an art club @ LA that allows students to get their creative juices flowing. i am so excited. we will be creating art journals....you better believe i will be too. it is awesome to hear the kids talking about it. some of them begged for it to begin sooner!...i'm totally stoked.

....speaking of totally stoked. blessed. in awe. excited. yes, fill in the blank. today i met up with one of my "brides" (amanda) who royally hooked me up! so...even though corey and i still havent set a date yet, some planning has gone underway. we kind of have an idea of what we want and where we want it, etc. etc. this past weekend i was looking online for invitations and save the dates and everything i found was soooo expensive. its not that we weren't willing to spend it....plain&simple, i'm cheap. i am a DIY-megasaur. i want to and will do everything on my own....especially if i can save some gidas (pardon my spelling)...anyway, amanda had contacted me about confirming wedding plans (for her wedding) this summer...we had got to chatting about invitations and she told me to stop by the Y after work on monday (today). apparently some card shop went out of business and donated a TON of stuff to the Y....she told me i could have whatever i wanted because they were trying to get rid of it. there was a lot of interesting stuff....a lot of ugly stuff....then low and behold....there was stuff that i really loved. stuff that went right along with my "theme" (hahah) it was definitely a blessing from god. i mean, i took home bags and boxes full of stuff....expensive stuff. some of it needs that "danielle" touch to it....but my goodness...what a great launch pad! i just need to figure out how i want to get them printed....i really like the idea of getting a stamp made...but we will see....but ah! i was totally on cloud 9 today. what a total blessing! i will try and take some pictures of the things i think i will implement and post them tomorrow....

...want to know what else excites me? that tim burton's alice and wonderland is FINALLY coming to theaters in march. i have waited a very long time for this. if there is one thing you should know its that i am very fond of the creepy mr. burton films....especially when they are disney infused....and MOST ESPECIALLY when they are johnny depp infused. why yes, i love the oddball. i have loved the story through the looking glass for longer than i can remember. it honestly makes my heart happy. i have always been intrigued by the many interpretations.....whether it be through picture, words or film. i am just uber excited. if there is one movie i must see this year, it would be this one. especially since it will be in imax AND 3d. i am getting chills.....

{watch trailer}

well folks....i still have AM duty which means i have to be up EARLY. hope you all had a happy monday.

peace&love{danielle}

James 3:13-16 Do you want to be counted wise, to build a reputation for wisdom? Here's what you do: Live well, live wisely, live humbly. It's the way you live, not the way you talk, that counts. Mean-spirited ambition isn't wisdom. Boasting that you are wise isn't wisdom. Twisting the truth to make yourselves sound wise isn't wisdom. It's the furthest thing from wisdom—it's animal cunning, devilish conniving. Whenever you're trying to look better than others or get the better of others, things fall apart and everyone ends up at the others' throats.

why yes....i will be counting down to april 1st...

2010-01-31T16:48:00.000-08:00

because yes....we are going to siesta keys for spring break{which makes me a pretty happy camper}

don't get me wrong, it's not like i don't like winter&snow&.....NOT {sorry, i lie....i hate it} i absolutely am a beach girl. warm weather and sunshine is the ultimate mood changer. especially when the ocean is involved. i love the salty air. the sand between my toes. in that place, i am content. all is well. what is even better is, this time....corey might be coming! he has been talking to his prof's. to see if he can get time off {they have a different spring break}....anywhoooooo....i am happy. i feel like we all really need this break. just a mini-escape......

today has been pretty great. i did absolutely nothing after church. after yesterday's engagement photoshoot {elecia&george} i decided today i would play with joshua and edit pics.....that, my friends, is exactly what we did. we even ate ice cream this afternoon...in our pj's.....which was completely out of the ordinary. i didn't leave the house once after church. i didn't feel the need {normally bec and i like to go shopping}...it was nice. no schedule. nothing.

....even though i am not a huge fan of these types of shows...i am going to watch some csi for the evening with the family. i hope everyone had a great weekend.

until next time,
peace&love{danielle}

yes, please.

2010-01-31T16:30:00.001-08:00

{princess leia}

{oo la la}

2010-01-29T18:09:00.000-08:00

{source}

mirror, mirror on the wall....

2010-01-28T19:14:00.000-08:00

...so it started all in harmless facebook fun...."it's doppelganger week!" corey said. ofcourse his is great......he is always told ben stiller.... me, on the other hand?.....the three big hitters:

#1. tina fey

"you look like that one comedian lady....the one who does the sarah palin thing..." ..."tina fey?"...."yes! yes....tina fey" ...."ummm...thanks?"

it's gotta be the winning personality.....

.....or the glasses....i mean why wouldn't it be?...hahaha....

dispite friends telling me this on previous accounts...this also happened A LOT when i worked at sam's club. especially in the time of palin. hahaha....i mean honestly, what else could you say?

which leads to....

#2. sarah palin

"don't take this the wrong way....but you look A LOT like sarah palin"...."ummm....thanks?"

maybe its because we both make weird faces.

last but not least...ALTHOUGH PROBABLY the MOST....

#3. lindsay lohan (pre-SUPERDUPER nasty days)
yes. you did not read this wrong. especially from 2004-2006 i had people telling me left&right that i looked like ms. lohan. thank god that was pre-MEGATRASH days. ....it's gotta be the freckles.

now...merely for fun and curiosity, i decided to try one of those "find your celebrity look-a-like things"...ridiculus. they said i look like sammi cheng. {ummm, don't think so}

so i tried again.....

so according to them....i apparently look asian....or like a boy. classic.

i also stumbled across this. try it :)

ok....bed time

peacelove&danielle

short&sweet

2010-01-27T20:19:00.000-08:00

records day tomorrow. no kids.
PD day friday. no kids.
then THE WEEKND!!!!! {lots to do. engagement session w/ george&elicia. craftastic manifestation. shopping. planning. cleaning. practicing.business stuff.relaxing.}
tuesday club create! starts. i honestly can't wait. i have been planning "lessons" all week...the kids are geeked. i am SUPER geeked. yay! for after school clubs.

....ah.....right now, its sleep time.

ps. i got my new phone finally! i like it. kind of strange, but wicked sweet. its the motorola karma. ha! i like the name....and it texts like a charm.

peacelove&danielle

i felt compelled to write about something else....

2010-01-26T12:37:00.000-08:00

...but it saddens my heart to much to think about. in all honesty, it would and could open a can of worms that at this present time, i will keep shut.

....alas....i hung out with ms. scissorhands tonight. we decided that tuesday night should officially become a night of crafting. our plan was to get together tonight and come up with a "craft game plan"...if this was accomplished...well, i'm impressed. &in the dark. haha. i did however get a tour of her newly&briefly inherited house {long story}...complete with haunted rooms and creepy old lady pictures! i also got acquainted with rocket the super bunny who liked to nibble the bottom of the legs of my jeans. good times. good times.

okay, so...i always have this urge to beat my gps destination time. its honestly like a race. it tells me..."oh danielle, you will not make it until 10:30" and i'm all like "gasp! how dare you doubt my gps-time-beating-skills!" and then i make it home at like 17 after. that's right. that's how i roll. but no, seriously....i can't be the only one. who honestly wants to be beat by machine?!? not i my friend, not i.

i'm pretty excited about tomorrow. not only is it the last day of the month for collecting box tops {BWAHAHA. i'm so competitive. my 7th graders are TOTALLY going to kick butt and get that casual day pass....hahhahaha....} BUT it is also the kids last day for the week. so....ka-ching! that's right. two days of work. two days paid. kid free. although....i must say, without them there, the day drags on for a long time. despite their passion for giving me a migraine, i do like the little buggers.

....i don't know if i can honestly tell you how addicted i have become to online television. 9 times out of 10 i HATE the shows my family is watching. but wahla! thank god for hulu. thank god for fancast. thank god for all of the little people putting the things i want to see, out there. THANK YOUUUUU! ....this past weeked i finished LOST {FEB 2nd. oh how i long for thee!}....so i have been trying to fill my tv with worthy substitutes....eh, its alright. i have recently had the chance to watch charade with my lovely audrey hepburn...and charlie's angles season 3...yes, i am talking about the tv show...NOT drew barrymore.....and it has mostly been season 3 because i have every single other season on dvd. yeah. no lie. i have also been watching my so called life. please tell me everyone remembers it....oh yes, claire danes. i loved her. speaking of "my life"...

....i'd also like to mention that i am now semi-hooked to this:

My Life as Liz - MTV Shows

with thanks to my friend renee who said that "she reminds me of you (me/danielle)"....ofcourse never having seen it before, i had to watch. then watch again. then watch, yes...again. so thank you renee. thank you MTV.

ah, well....i will never want to wake up in the morning. so it's time to call the mister.
peacelove&danielle

photog {love}

2010-01-25T17:55:00.001-08:00

gemma booth