For A Moment Photography

A Toy Story

 

new "cool trick"

her new whip (whip= car)

I was pretty excited for today because I planned on doing some Christmas shopping for Presley Pres-er-tain.  After spending several hours on the computer this morning trying to find Strawberry Shortcake and all her friends on ebay (why do I even open that portal of terror?) I headed to Kidstop, it's a specialty toy shop in Scottsdale.

I would love a cute lil' mom and pop toy store on Mill Ave but for now the Kidstop will do.  It's much smaller then a Toys R' Us but the selection is a bit over whelming (for me).  I went in there today knowing already what I wanted for Presley, Magnatiles, horse accessories and an Etch-a-sketch.  Then I got there and went into a shopping shock of sorts.  Wow, so much to choose from!

Then I walked out with less then expected and nothing from the list...  I  decided to grab a huge box of wooden blocks instead of the horse corral.  Presley has such a better time creating corrals herself anyway.  She does it a lot with her wooden alphabet blocks.  Then I saw this really cool wooden car that she can take apart and mix with other cars (if she had more) and of course it's pink! 

This is her first year really receiving any gifts (she requested) and to where she is expecting them.  She's only asked for lil' pet shop animals (got those Thanksgiving weekend) and a Strawberry Shortcake doll (please come through ebay).  My parents gave her a mini Etch-a-sketch last weekend so I decided I didn't "need" to get the other.  

It's just so hard to not get carried away with the gifts at this time of year.  I'm still debating the Magnatiles and considering putting paint and paint brushes on the list again this year.  The good news is her birthday is only a few months after the new year! 

After my afternoon of shopping we went to the park where I played with my new camera and she showed me her new "cool trick".  She's just so cute it's hard to not give her everything!

 

 

Crossfit Phoenix

Me on the pull up bar.

I've recently blogged about a event I was taking part in at my gym, Core Crossfit in Phoenix.  After speaking to several friends it's clear that a lot of people don't know much about Crossfit.  So I thought I would blog a little about it to just clear things up.  Or at least explain what it is for me.

It's funny because I always have a hard time explaining "what" crossfit is.  During the free Saturday morning workout Coach Adrian always explains it by saying something along the lines of, "we take everyday movements do them at a high intensity for a short amount of time so that you can move more weight a longer distance faster."

A lot of what people hear about these workouts scares them.  In some workouts you'll do pull ups, squats, dead lifts or use kettle bells.  For someone like me all of that was new.  I've always worked out however I've never been able to do a pull up.  The great thing about Crossfit is it's all scalable so that everyone can Crossfit.   

In the photos above I'm doing a pull up with the help of a rubber band.  During this work out I think we have a total of 30, by this point I was feeling the burn.  What you can't tell is that I was kicking my free leg trying to find the power to complete the pull up.  I am still new to a lot of the movements and workouts at Core Crossfit.  But I'm doing so many things I never would have done outside of this gym.

Another draw to the Crossfit workout for me is people at the gym.  A lot of the members refer to each other as family, brothers or sisters.  During the workouts we all cheer each other on and that's huge when you want to quit or not push as hard as you know you can.  The coaches are the best you could ask for and making sure you stay safe and healthy.  When you're doing these type of workouts, moving weight it's so important that you do it properly.

I feel pretty lucky to be apart of this group of athletes.  The gym keeps me motivated and accountable.  I've had a membership at Lifetime Fitness since 2005.  I know many of the instructors and people working there.  I have to say in all the years of being there I've never had anyone ask why I missed class last week.

 

 

 

 

Olive in Paris~ Paris Envy

 

 

I was already on this side of town so I had to stop by a few of my favorite stores (T.R.O.U.B.L.E).  Paris Envy is a store I've been going to for years now.  I love everything in the store, I don't buy much but love to look and have tons of items on a "wish list".  I'm still thinking about a prop for a newborn session I saw there...

Since my last visit they have added a boutique shop in the upstairs portion of their store, Olive in Paris.  Today I had a chance to speak with Loni the owner.  She was very nice and found out she had a stand alone shop for several years and just recently moved "Olive" to Paris.  Olive is the little girl on their logo.  I thought the name was a play on words, "I'll live in Paris- Olive in Paris."  I'd live in Paris or Rome for that matter...  Anyway, I found a bunch more things to put on my wish list.

Loni had these summer dresses that were one of a kind made out of vintage material and lace, so cute.  One dress had this embroidery stitching that I swear my grandmother had the same pattern.  It was the wrong size, which I'm sort of thankful- because today wasn't going to be a shopping day for me.  Anyway this is another great place to shop and find unique gifts.  

 

 

Beauty in Arizona: Rust and Roses

Day 8:

 I live in Tempe and love it but I adore the 7th Ave shops in Phoenix.  Today I was at Rust and Roses stopping by before I headed to lunch.  I had (unlike most days) decided early in the day what I was going to photograph for my project.    

  While I was shopping I could not help but want to take photos!  I have to say that every time I walk into Rust and Roses I get this burst of energy and can hardly wait to see what new treasure awaits me around the corner.

  Before I changed my mind I asked Shelly, chief junkster (owner) if I could PLEASE take a few photos!  She politely agreed and I grabbed my camera and now here we are.  Today I had planned on taking landscape photos (different location) so I was a little unhappy with the lens I had but I think the few I posted turned out well.  In another post I will have to photograph items I have previously purchased (today I was caught up with my photos).

  Rust and Roses is filled with beautiful antiques and garden stuff.  One should really check out her shop (4200 North 7th Ave in Phoenix) or her website (www.rustandroses.net).  I named this spot a Beauty in Arizona because Shelley has done such a great job with the items she buys for her store it shows that this is something she has a passion for.  A quality I truly appreciate and find inspiring...

 

  After reading this entry I have to add, I am just a patron.  Today was the first day I introduced myself to Shelly.  I am a strong supporter of Woman and Locally Owned Businesses.

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