simplifying digitally

Written by Shannon Leigh

So as most of you know 2011 is all about simplifying in this hizous, yes I just pulled a Tom Haverford.

Not only have I tried to simplify my home and business life but I've also tried to simplify my "digital life." What is a digital life you ask? Let me explain.

We live in a digital world friends and SO much of my work is done digitally, especially concerning photography (although I'm headed back to film, hooray).

Anyway you slice it all of us have LOTS of digital files that NEED to be maintained in a proper archival way, can I get a witness?

Amen.

There are a few programs that have REALLY helped me get organized during this blissful year of simplifying. Allow me to elaborate.

1. Google Docs

If you don't use Google Docs, START.

You can store, access and edit any document that you need in any form (.doc, .pdf, etc) from ANYWHERE. It's amazing. I have used google docs for years now and I really don't know what I did before.

I even have a google docs app on my phone so I can send clients documents when I am not near my computer. This has proved to be my best friend since now I don't come home to one billion emails after I am gone for a few days. I try to knock out as many as I can from my phone. Holla.

I have uploaded all of my important work documents and can access them from ANYWHERE.

Matt and I also have a few shared documents that we can constantly update, like our budget. It's pretty sweet. Double holla.

2. Flickr

I'll assume most of you know what Flickr is. It's a website that allows users to upload, organize, store, search, and share photos. I use it as an internet back up for all of my files. I can organize each group of pictures and make them searchable based on any criteria. I LOVE IT. For me it's my back up to my back up to my back up if you know what I mean.

I find downloading files from flickr a bit cumbersome but I rarely have to download anything. I generally use it for uploading pictures to my blog or sharing them with friends.

You can make your files public or private which I also find nice. I have the desktop app that allows me to upload files while I don't have a browser open. It's super convenient and less of a hassle than any other system I have tried thus far.

For $25/year you can get a pro account and upload UNLIMITED files which I obviously need considering I currently have 41, 482 items uploaded. I have spent the last few months uploading and organizing EVERY single digital photo that I have and now I am OH so happy. I mean seriously peeps talk about SIMPLIFIED. I am now working on getting the files put in a safe deposit box at the bank. We all know how important my photos are to me. :)

To show you how quick and easy flickr is - I pulled up a picture of each newborn nephew and I in about 1 minute. Sure beats uploading each one individually.

Kellen Mitchell

Keagan Gabriel

Kade Isaac

3. Quickbooks

Halleuluah for a program that keeps my business finances easily organized. I am also super grateful that my handsome hubby is my business partner and stays on top of things financially. I wouldn't say he does ALL the finances but he certainly helps me out. :)

(Any business owners out there- If you have any tips on better programs or on how to make things even easier I am definitely open to suggestions).

On a completely unrelated note, I have been photographing lots of newborns lately and I am LOVING it.

Newborns are a LOT of work since they're completely unpredictable but they are oh so precious. I have been encouraging my clients (especially the moms) to get in at least a couple of photographs with the babies.

I refused to be in any photos when Ruby was a newborn and I totally regret it. It's such a great way to remember how itty bitty they are.

Here are a few shots from her newborn session

{taken March 15th, 2010}

And here is Ruby and I when she was about 2 months old. These are the only pictures I could find of her and I when she was still pretty little.

I was setting up for a shoot that day and did a few test shots with my Ru. I am SO glad I have these, even though I look like a hot mess without any makeup on and my hair all nasty. :)

I am in love with her skinny little legs.

{take May 10, 2010}

This made my night

Written by Shannon Leigh

LOVE.

How to Clean a Stove: According to my Husband

Written by Shannon Leigh

{This picture has NOTHING to do with this post- I just like it}

Matt and I have a gas stove. Gas stoves are notorious for being grimy. Or so I'm told.

You see, gas stoves have lots of parts. The knobs, the pan support, the flame tube, the flame cover-upper, etc - you get the idea. You can't just wipe it down like those fancy flat top electric ones. Gas stove tops are much more complex in the cleaning department.

I'm a messy person. I can't help it. I've tried, I've truly tried. I'm not the type that gets something out and puts it away. I'm the type of person that gets something out, uses it, forgets that I got it out and moves on to something else. Then I glance at the clock and realize that my "I hate messes" husband is getting home in 30 minutes and I do a whirlwind cleaning. What can I say? I need a little pressure.

I'll tell you what, when I do clean I do a bang up job. I am very thorough and quite particular. None of this mopping business, I scrub the floors on my hands and knees. I usually pile everything up in the middle of the room and then put each item away in its rightful place. I'm a messy perfectionist. Is that possible?

However, when it came to the stove, I had a lot to learn. About a year ago, we were having quests stay with us so I cleaned the house the best I could before they got there. Dusted, vacuumed, washed the floors and toilets, you get the idea. I also cleaned the stove.

Matt got home from work and said "wow the house looks great!" I was beaming with domestic bliss. He then walked over to the stove and said... "ohhh and you tried to clean the stove." Tried? TRIED? I didn't try, I DID clean the stove. But clearly not to his specifications. My domestic goddess bubble had been burst.

Over the next few months I completely gave up on cleaning the stove. Clearly I wasn't the Stove Master like Matt was. But the day I went into labor with Ruby (2 weeks late) I decided I HAD to clean the stove before she got here. So giving up all pride, I called Matt at work and asked him how he made the stove shine like the top of the Chrysler building.

The phone conversation went something like this.

Matt: You're really going to clean the stove? (I could hear the excitement in his voice) It's really easy and it only takes 10 or 15 minutes!

me: 10 or 15 minutes? That's ridiculous. I can wash the whole floor in 15 minutes.

Matt: You'll need 4 different cleaning products.

me: 4 different cleaning products? That's ridiculous. I don't use that many products to clean the whole house.

Matt: Ok. This is what you do.

1. Fill the sink with soapy water. Take all of the loose parts from the top of the stove and soak them in the soapy water.

2. Wipe down the top of the stove with soapy washcloth to get all of the "junk" off.

3. Once all of the junk is off the top of the stove, slather with soft scrub and let it sit for a few minutes.

4. Wipe soft scrub off with wet paper towels.

5. Once the soft scrub is off of the top of the stove, spray the top of the stove with 409. This reduces any greasy residue that is left over.

6. Wipe down top of stove with paper towels until 409 is wiped off. The stove will be streaky.

7. Spray windex on stove top

8. Wipe down with paper towels to remove any streaks.

9. Scrub each stove part that is still in the sink soaking.

10. Dry each part and put back in the appropriate place on the stove.

I think I laughed pretty hard but was sick of Matt being unimpressed with my stove-cleaning abilities. It was time to learn.

So I cleaned the stove using the crazy clean-freak-Matt-method.

I have to admit the stove was spotless and shiny and looked brand-spankin new. Later that night I went into labor.

I will always attribute my laborious stove cleaning for putting me into labor. Thanks honey.

Most couples fight about money or how to raise their children. Matt and I hardly ever argue about those matters. But the neatness of our house is a CONSTANT battle. I don't mind a mess, Matt can't function with a mess. See, with marriage you gotta give a little. So if it means I have to clean the stove using 4 different cleaning products I guess it's worth it. Man I must really love that guy.

Things I am Thoroughly Enjoying.

Written by Shannon Leigh

Since I started staying home with the Rubster I have learned to appreciate the small things.

It's all about the small victories... the little battles won. You know, like showering and finishing the laundry in one day.

I'm really enjoying this season of life. I get to spend my WHOLE day with my sweet little girl and still run a growing business! Not to mention spending my evenings with my very handsome hubby. I feel very blessed.

There are a few things getting me through these HOT summer days. Allow me to share!

1. My BEAUTIFUL Limelight Hydrangea in the front landscaping. It's really thriving this year. It's the only "antique" thing about the outside of my house. I've been snipping off bundles and placing them in milk glass all around my house. The best part? The flowers are starting to turn lime green. You know what that means? It's ALMOST fall. OH my heart just skipped a beat.

2. My French Press. Enough said.

3. My coffee grinder. I prefer to grind Hawaiian flavored beans... they are light and bright and are JUST right in my french press. I have really perfected my morning cup o' joe.

4. Tiramisu coffee creamer paired with the Hawaiian coffee beans. It's like drinking dessert for breakfast. I highly recommend it. YUM!

5. This ADORABLE elbow dimple that Ruby has recently developed. It makes me want to nibble on that sweet little arm.

6. The smiles and puddles of drool that greet me when Ruby wakes up from a nap. PRECIOUS! Well the smiles, not the drool so much.

7. When Izzy hears Ruby cry she runs to her door and lays down. When I open the door, she runs over to Ruby's crib and promptly jumps up on the side. Some my find this disturbing. I find it sweet. Ruby LOVES it.

8. THIS video. Hilarious. Don't worry, no babies were harmed in the making of this video ;)

My Head = Hot Mess

Written by Shannon Leigh

WAY too many things going on in this crazy head of mine.

OHH the shopping list. I dread to make you.

I dread the actual shopping even more.

I'd like to hire a personal shopper. Any takers? How much do you charge?

Apparently Izzy has ants.

They got into her dog food bowl somehow. Who knows how long she's been eating them. I'd like to see an x-ray of her belly. Do ants show up on x-rays?

Izzy tends to rub her face on our couch, especially after she eats and drinks. But usually it's a swipe or two and she's done. I think it's a way to wipe her mouth. What can I say? The girl has manners.

While Ruby and I were out of town yesterday, Izzy was rubbing her face on the couch an excessive amount. At first Matt just yelled for her to stop but she continued- with gusto. Eventually he got frustrated enough to check her out and to his surprise there were tons of tiny ants coming out of her mustache. Yum.

Like any man would do. He took her out back and hosed her down. It didn't work. He then picked out each ant individually. I really wish I could have been a fly on the wall, or maybe in this case, an ant. I can just imagine his enthusiasm.

Apparently Izzy ate some of them once he got them out. Not surprising. Have I mentioned that we got a poodle because they are so smart. eh hem.

Matt disinfected both the ant-infested dog bowl and gave Izzy a bath, at my request. I appreciate that I can count on him for things like that.

Now Izzy is de-anted and squeaky clean. Her curls are currently to die for. Good thing she has those curls. Sometimes that's her only saving grace.

I bet you all want to come over and sit on my couch... don't ya?

Ruby and I made it down to meet baby Kade, oh that sweet little munchkin.

He's perfect - in his tree frog, monkey arms kinda way. His hands and feet are slightly larger than Ruby's, who is exactly 4 months older. That's how the Slater kids roll. Big hands, big feet, big hearts. Oh how I adore those boys.

Ruby LOVED watching Keagan and Kellen play. I'd like to rent some toddlers for a few hours a day just to entertain her. As long as I don't have to change any diapers, wipe any noses, or feed any meals. I can pay with lots of hugs and kisses. I'm good at that.

I took Ruby to her 4 month appointment. The doctor says she looks great.

She weighed 13.5 (40th percentile) and she was 25 3/4 inches long (90th percentile). She is still super long and skinny. We are getting ready to start rice cereal. Seriously? "Real food?" How can it be? She really isn't old enough is she? In fact, I got out the baby spoons out of the drawer and showed them to Matt. He said with a sigh, "put them away... there's no WAY she's ready for that."

We have to- I mean get to- keep my parent's dog Oscar next week. He's a shitzu poodle mix and is super smart. He can catch just about anything in his mouth. He's like a little black ninja. Sometimes he crawls into my parent's convertible in the garage and can't get out. Maybe he's not THAT smart. He whines A LOT oh and he HATES Izzy. Hatred for Izzy+being away from home= EXTRA whininess. Maybe they will learn to get along this time. It should be interesting.

I'm really looking forward to this week being OVER.

I have TONS of sessions that need to get out but instead I'm on here... writing about all of the things going on in my brain. But maybe this will make me more productive?

Tea anyone?

Written by Shannon Leigh

Did you know that I collect teacups? It's humble- but a collection nonetheless.

I don't collect just any teacup. I pick up a teacup from every new country I visit (Canada doesn't count). I'd like to add many more... maybe Greece, Australia... a girl can dream.

My favorite? A teacup from Portobello Road in London. It's the street where the riches of ages are stowed after all.

It's a vintage Grafton teacup made in England. It's special, just ask Matt. We searched every china vendor on Portobello Road for the perfect one. I think the little blue flower on the inside of the cup sealed the deal. Every time I see it I think fondly of our two year anniversary in London and of the previous owner. I hope she was a sweet little English lady who sipped tea out of it everyday. And no... I didn't find the second half of Astoroth's spellbook, although I looked.

I also have a handcrafted teacup from Capetown, South Africa. I adore it's little imperfections, they give it charm. My cousin Lesley has one in blue. We were there on a mission trip and spent one morning at a local market. I also bought a little wooden table with a rhino engraved on it - but that my friends I will save for another post.

And this little guy is from Costa Rica. We bought it while we were on our honeymoon. I remember wanting a big glass pitcher so bad but we were on a - just got married and we are totally broke- budget. I settled for this sweet little teacup instead. Every time I look at my little Costa Rican teacup I get sentimental and daydream about our honeymoon. Ahhh...

Speaking of teacups... when Matt and I were in London we bought my mom and mother-in-law teacups from the Cotswolds - probably one of my favorite places in the entire world. While wewere packing up the room to leave I noticed that my teacups were GONE! The maid in our hotel either stole them or threw them away. I was so upset, I am pretty sure I cried.

Guard your teacups well, I know I do.

The End.

Down with Bill the Bus Driver

Written by Shannon Leigh

I "commute" to work.
I park in a parking lot, that I pay for, and then wait for a crowded bus to pick me up. I am then squished with students in sweats, whom I envy, and am carted to the middle of campus, where I then sit in a cubicle all day. Did I mention I dress up everyday? To sit in a cubicle?
I know it's not like those poor people in Chicago and London and New York, but it's a commute none-the-less.

Being 36 weeks pregnant has it's challenges. Being 36 weeks pregnant in the winter presents a whole new set of challenges. Being 36 weeks pregnant in the winter AND dressing up everyday is daunting (trust me). Being 36 weeks pregnant, dressed up in the winter AND commuting on a bus available to 30,000 students is just plain insane. And today, Bill the bus driver ticked me off.

I used to work in research park, an area that is technically "off campus." I didn't know how good I had it while I was there. But boy, I would sell an organ to be able to park in the parking lot directly outside of my building (and have very little interaction with students). Granted I was traveling a lot back then and training people face to face. I didn't really mind dressing up back then. But then, I wasn't pregnant.

Bill, the bus driver, made me step in a big, icy puddle as he sped up to the bus stop this morning and was RUDE to everyone who stepped foot on the bus. He was condescending and took the corners WAY to sharp. Peanut's foot (the one that is permanently lodged in my right ribs) was holding on for dear life. The poor little thing probably thought we were riding the Beast at Kings Island (arguably the greatest wooden roller coaster ever built). I might have given a scowl, which is NOT generally like me. But then I've never been 36 weeks pregnant in the winter, dressed up and commuting. I'm really a very gracious pregnant lady after all. I swear.

The only thing that redeemed my morning was the jelly-filled doughnut that I ate. Yes I actually LIKE jelly-filled doughnuts. Apparently not very many people do. I wonder what percent of the population actually enjoys them. I bet Homer Simpson does. This particular jelly-filled doughnut wasn't as good as the one's I used to get from Mel-O-Cream as a kid, but it did the trick. My sisters used to make fun of me for getting jelly-filled doughnuts, they thought they were gross.

My eyebrows are out of control. I'm tempted to go to the salon and have them waxed but then I ponder all of the things I would RATHER do with $15, like buy 15 jelly-filled doughnuts. I get the unruly eyebrows from my dad who literally has caterpillars over his eyes. They are endearing on a man, not so much on a woman. You can always tell if I'm taking care of myself by the state of my eyebrows. Being 36 weeks pregnant in the winter and being exhausted from dressing up and commuting doesn't bode well for them. I'd take a picture but I'd be too embarrassed to show you.

Good thing I had that jelly-filled doughnut to make my morning better. I wonder if Bill, the bus driver, likes jelly-filled doughnuts?

If he does, I think I'll give them up.

We like to eat tacos... outside

The weather has just been TOO nice to eat inside.
This has become our evening ritual.
Not the tacos, the eating outside part.
Enjoy the Fall-like weather.
I know I have been... note the scarf.

To my Lover: I Will be Your Soda Bearer

Written by Shannon Leigh

Matt is on a mission trip this week with the junior high youth group from our church. Although I miss him dearly I am glad he got to go and I know he is being stretched/sharpened in more ways than one. I'm jealous actually. If we weren't smack dab in the middle of training at work I would have gone with them. I think it would be such a blessing to see what God is doing in all of our little Sunday schooler's lives. For some of them this might be their first experience helping out the less fortunate and sharing the gospel. I hope you all will pray with me for the work that God is doing there.

Speaking of being sharpened... Matt is addicted to soda. A few months ago he gave up soda for 30 days (he didn't even drink a soda on his birthday... I was so proud). He went from drinking about 3 a day to zilch. He was pretty miserable for the first few days. He had pretty hardcore caffeine headaches. When he left for the mission trip last week I don't think he took his caffeine addiction into consideration. Because you see, this particular mission trip doesn't provide soda at meal time, or any other time for that matter and he's basically car-less so he can't run out and get a fountain soda (one of his favorite pastimes). Apparently, he had a massive headache for the first day and a half.
Last night I received a text from him that said
"By the grace of God..."
At this point I was waiting for a story about an amazing spiritual encounter. But the rest of it said...
"I dunked a basketball and we had soda with dinner."
Man you gotta love that guy. He really has his priorities straight. At least he recognizes that it's by God's grace.

That leads me to the next topic... I was browsing some party planning websites and I came across THIS. It is a gourmet soda bar at a wedding! What a fantastic idea! I mean it's genius really. Matt would have loved that ( & me too).

{photos via Project Wedding}

Anyway, I only have a few lonely days left until Matty gets home. I'm hoping to accomplish a lot before then. That way when he gets here, we can sip on some gourmet sodas and he can tell me all about his trip. Man I miss him.

Right Now...

Written by Shannon Leigh

I just got in from planting flowers, Matty is mowing the lawn, and Izzy is drinking out of the toilet (someone always forgets to leave the toilet seat down).  

It's getting ready to rain so my flowers will get a nice big drink.  I think I'll get Matty a fountain soda, I think he'd really enjoy that.

New Location

Written by Shannon Leigh

After church on Sunday, I took Matt to a new location for possible photo shoots (we only had a few short minutes).  I wanted to check out how the place photographed, so I made him pose for me (to his delight I'm sure).  They turned out AWESOME!  I cant wait to shoot some seniors here...

But in the mean time... here are Matt and I acting like 17-year-old seniors. 

Just a few photographs

Written by Shannon Leigh

Of a lonely adventure.  The way I prefer it.