10 on 10 - December

I say it every month, and I'll say it again, this month FLEW by. Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday, and we always host for lots of friends and family. This year was no exception. We had friends from the area and family from Oregon and Washington. My sister even came out from the 303 for two whole weeks. Needless to say, a good time was had by all.

Normally, our "Black Friday" tradition is to avoid all the crazy crowds and meander on up to tMt. Hood for some family snowshoeing. It's a good way to burn off all those extra carbs that I stuffed in my face the day before, and we usually end up with a pretty spectacular x-mas card photo. This year however, the mountain hasn't had much snow. It's been crazy cold, but not enough moisture, so we sadly had to forgo that option. Instead, we decided to get a jump on Christmas and go hunt down our tree.

I thought "tree hunting" would be a fun thing to post for my 10 on 10 this month because since many of you are visiting from around the country, I thought you'd like to see where some of your Christmas trees come from! One of the awesome things about Oregon is all the greenery. There are many farms all over the area growing grapes, veggies, nuts, and TREES! We chose to head over to the Helvetia Christmas Tree Farm just outside of the city to find the perfect tree, and of course since we were in the area, we ended the day with some wine at Helvetia Winery. Nabil's cousin Connor was in town from Seattle and had never cut down his own Christmas tree, so we decided to forgo the "modern conveniences" aka chainsaws and take this thing down the old fashioned way.

Of course, it always takes a little longer than expected, so Syd and I decided to wander around with the camera while the boys finished up...

And there you have it, a Christmas tree adventure at it's finest. Now that you have soaked up your monthly dose of Oregon, head on over to all the other 10 on 10ers to check out their monthly post. They promise to be fantastic, as always, so get excited.

Anya Elise Photography

CLB Creative

Twinty Photography
Jamilah Photography - Jamilah just had a baby boy (and by just, I really mean JUST; it was less than a week ago), so I doubt she's found the time to edit and post some photos. I left her link up there just incase. If not, I bet she'll have something good for you all next month :) Congrats again Jamilah!!

Holiday Sale - Mini Photo Session

It’s almost that time of year! The holiday season is only a few short months away. Hard to believe, I know.

If you know me very well at all, you would know that I love the holidays, so this year, I am offering mini photo sessions for families in and around Portland! …AND to make things even bigger and bad-asser, not only am I offering the photo shoot, but I’ve also teamed up with graphic designer, Jehn Glynn. Not to sounds too fan-girl or anything, but Jehn has done amazing design work with people all around the country and just moved here to Portland. In other words, she’s kind of a big deal. She will be designing a collection of holiday cards exclusively for this holiday shoot!!!

If you have any questions about the shoot, feel free to e-mail me, but the details of the shoot are below. There are a limited number of appointments available, so sign up fast. Plus, since it is the holidays, I’m also throwing in a little somethin’ somethin’ on the side: The first 15 people to sign up get a free, personalized app of photo gallery included in their package (works on all iPhones, iPads, and the latest Android), which is perfect for sharing images with friends and family.

What am I getting?

Mini-session

$95

20-minute session

thumb drive with 10 images

$15 photo print credit

Mini-session with Choice of  Exclusive Holiday Card Design

$175

30-minute session

thumb drive with 15 images

$25 photo print credit

Your choice from one exclusive holiday card designed by Jehn Glynn

What are the dates?

Saturday November 2, 2013

Sunday November 10, 2013

Where will we go?

Two outdoor locations have been chosen based on location and the variety of options for environment. Both locations are in the greater Portland area.

Anything else?

Session will cover groups of up to 4 people. You may use this time however you like: kids, whole family, couples, etc. $15 per extra person. Pooches are welcome too.

*opportunity to reschedule due to inclement weather conditions

How do I sign up?

To schedule your appointment please click here and follow the instructions. I will be in contact shortly about times available on the date you choose. You may also e-mail me if you have any questions/concerns.

Give me more!!

Alright, alright, but only because you asked so nicely. We are also offering you a referral discount! Please pass the word on, and if you refer someone who also books a mini-shoot, you will get 5% off your booking. So go on, tell a friend!

Until next time...

Christmas in Oregon 2011 begins

This Christmas season has been busy busy busy. Since we are spending the holiday at our house this year, and Mama Schilling is flying in, we have a lot to get ready for. Shopping, decorating, cooking, etc. The time is flying by, and there is barely any time left for important things like blogging or catching up on Pan Am with my home girl Brooke.

This weekend we had to get the tree. Can't have Christmas without a tree, right?! The past three years we have used our dinky little fake tree, but this year, since we are spending Christmas at the house, we decided to get a real, Oregon-grown tree. We even went out to the farm where we were able to cut it ourselves. 

How do you ever choose. There were so many trees!

...but then we found her. A Grand Fir beaut!

What a sweet manly man, cutting his wife down an x-mas tree.

seven years old?

Here she is at home, and all lit up. More pictures to come once all the decorations are finally up. ...but not until I finish the Christmas card.

Until next time...