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{Baby Taylor’s Birthday Bash}

Tuesday, March 9, 2010 at 9:42pm

The year of Baby Taylor came full circle with her First Birthday Party last weekend!

The party was complete with dozens of cupcakes, tons of balloons, tears {of joy, I’m sure}, giggles, and presents. Taylor was totally a social butterfly as she knew everyone at the party. There was a huge turn-out with tons of people there who love this little babe. She will grow up surrounded by these people who love her.

Happy Birthday, T!

Taylor had a balloon {or 2!} in her hands at all times.

Zoe-Kisses!

There were lots of cool chicks in the house.

The CAKE! It took a little coaxing.

I love this shot. A little help from Mom.

Cake? What cake?

And there were some tears shed… only because someone took her balloon.

I love these next two shots. Great-Grandpa loves Taylor so much. He kept taking pictures of her with his cell phone. Only a great-grandpa would tolerate a toddler tugging on his cheek!

The Blake Family!

Happy Birthday, Sweet Taylor!

Posted in Babies, Families, Kiddos, Party

by Melissa

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Laura Taylor Blake - these look great, but then again everything you do for us looks great!

Sneak Peek: {Baby Taylor’s Birthday Bash}

Monday, March 1, 2010 at 7:45pm

One-Year-Old’s know how to party.

Don’t believe me? Check back later this week for more pics of this balloon-crazed bash!

Posted in Babies, Party

by Melissa

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Laura Taylor Blake - oh so sweet! can't wait to see the rest!

Spring Fever!

Tuesday, February 23, 2010 at 8:28pm

I get it inevitably every year – Spring Fever. This year it seems especially bad as we’ve had a bout of snowy weekends and several months filled with freezing breezes. Thankfully, the retailers have taken advantage of me – yet again – as I listlessly wander around their websites headed in no particular direction. The stores are carrying bright, happy color this Spring and it’s a beautiful mix of femininity and classic pieces!

And while I drone away inside my “cabin” of a house and wait around ’til Spring (and Wedding season!), let me share with you some of my favorites. Maybe it will inspire you during these dreary late winter days. Enjoy!

I’d kill for this adorable polka dot frock by Kate Spade. And the ruffles? Yes, please!

I’m determined to buy this purse by the end of Spring. I’ve never bought a designer purse before, but I think this is the one. This lovely “Ocracoke Stevie” is by Kate Spade, too. Something nice to take along on my trip to Mexico in May, no?

No one else does unique color than J. Crew. I do admit that I’m a bit obsessed with J. Crew, but I have good reasons to justify my purchases I’m dying for these shoes in lovely lilac!

And since I’m having a horrible time decorating my new home, I can always count on my favorite Etsy sellers to come up with something unique. I love the idea of a framed quote in interesting typeface to hang in my bedroom! This particular quote is from Pride & Prejudice. If you’ve never read it or watched the movie, please do so immediately. That is all.

I love Paris. So much so, that I want to hang it on my wall. Where do you think I can get a map this large? I love the idea of separating it into a series! The inspiration is taken from Greige, one of my favorite decorating blogs.

I love this pillow. And it goes in every room in my house.

Lastly, I adore this chair and I want to put it in a reading nook somewhere. Perhaps it will encourage me to read more! Crate & Barrel has some fabulous upholstery choices!

Happy Almost Spring!

Posted in Art, Uncategorized

by Melissa

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Cathy - Hey Melissa I was in Applebasket yeterday and they had a picture of the Eiffel Tower that was seperated into 3 framed pieces. Not a map and not as big, but thought you might be interested.

Miscellany & More

Monday, February 15, 2010 at 10:01pm

I could hear it from my bedroom upstairs – the velvety smooth voice of Johnny Mathis. My Mom was cooking dinner. I slumped slowly down the stairs as any minute, my Dad would be home from work. As I ran circles around my mom while setting the table, she continued to sway to the music as I imagine she did years ago. I caught a glance at her pearl earrings, which she always wore. Without hesitation, I ran to my trustworthy dress-up jewelry box to find my Great Grandmother’s clip-on’s. Just as I did a final check in the mirror, I could hear my Dad walk through the door. I stumbled up the stairs and into the kitchen to see my Dad and Mom, slow dancing in the kitchen as if they had never left their Senior Prom in 1961. That vision was and is the epitome of romance for me all growing up, and even now.

So in honor of Valentine’s Day, which was YESTERDAY (I’m a little behind the ball), here are my parents, who just celebrated their 43rd Anniversary last week. (Just a tid-bit of info…my Mom was also 43 when she had me.) 43 years later and they’ve still got it

In other news, Maryland got dumped with almost 3-4 feet of snow this past week! What results from Cabin Fever?? Booking a trip to Mexico! That should cure it! My honey and I are headed to the Mexican Riviera for a week to celebrate our 3 year Anniversary a little early. I did venture out into the snow for a little bit, but it was too cold and I was much too comfortable in my yoga pants and sweat shirt to brave the cold!

This one is one of my favorites! About .54053 seconds after I took this, Bobby nailed me with a snowball and I marched myself right inside and didn’t take any more pictures while it was snowing. It’s all his fault!

I hope you have a great week!

Posted in Art, Family

by Melissa

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Love is in the Air

Wednesday, February 3, 2010 at 9:10pm

It’s that time of year again.

When star-crossed lovers meet. When couples re-kindle their flame. When Johnny tells Suzie he loves her. When Tom Hanks met Meg Ryan on the top of the Empire State Building. When flowers are delivered to your girl at work. When we eat too many boxes of chocolates. Yes. It’s almost Valentine’s Day!

I’ve never been a grump about Valentine’s Day. Perhaps it’s because I’m an optimist. Perhaps I’ve just always loved love. Bobby says it’s because I like getting presents. And while that may be true, I just look forward to Valentine’s Day every year.

This year, however, I discovered Etsy. And, well…I’ve gone a little crazy. I love the fact of investing in small businesses and encouraging unbelievable and talented creative minds to pursue their dreams and create! People invest in my small-business, so I love being able to give back and spread the love. Love. Oh yea, Valentine’s Day. So, in honor of the great holiday of love, I wanted to share with you some of my Etsy (and some not-so-Etsy) finds to get you in the spirit! Each picture has a link above it to the associated website for credit AND so you can go forth and purchase for yourself!

P.S. I love Valentine’s and snail mail. If one of yours just happens to be sent to me, I wouldn’t be upset. Just sayin.’

And speaking of love, I still have some dates open for 2010 weddings! Please contact me at Melissabphoto@gmail.com to get more information.

Enjoy!

Jenrotert on Etsy. One of my favorites!

So sweet! These are printable at home, just buy the copyright! By Pinecone and Lola on Etsy.

Hello! Lucky has some super whimsical and vintage-inspired cards.

J’adore! I am inheriting an old-fashioned tandem bicycle once I can figure out how to get it down here. I plan on using it for props for photo sessions! This card by Satsumalynn on Etsy.

This might be one of my favorites! By LouellaPress on Etsy.

And for those of you who are a bit on the cynical side… by Owlyshadowpuppets on Etsy.

Perhaps if not a gift for your Valentine, this would make a fabulously stylish Wedding Present! The tree comes in all different colors. They have some more cute designs like this one, too. By SilhouetteBlue on Etsy.

I love, LOVE this idea for a wedding instead of a guest book. What do you really do with a guest book anyways?! This one can be framed and kept as a sweet and clever keepsake. Guests dip their thumb in ink as a “leaf” on the tree, then sign their name next to it. Cute! By Lovliday on Etsy.

And for all of you planning brides out there, here are some of my favorite blogs for wedding inspiration:

Ruffled Blog – Everything Wedding!

Paper Crave - Paper Ideas

Green Wedding Shoes – Southern California Wedding Inspiration

Grey Likes Weddings – Colors, decorations and more!

DIY Weddings – For the Do-It-Yourself Bride

Minted.com – Eco-Friendly Paper Designs

Calligraphy & Design – Fabulous Calligraphy for Wedding Invites

Happy Hump Day!

Posted in Business, Holiday, Uncategorized

by Melissa

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Mindy - I love the thumb print tree too! I actually saw it a few weeks ago and we're considering doing it for our wedding. :)

Angie S - I bought the family tree!!! I'm so excited to see the finished product after our wedding :)

{Taylor Turns One: TuTu Fabulous}

Thursday, January 28, 2010 at 4:31pm

Get ready to hold onto your tutu’s, folks. The sweetest little valentine you ever did see is about ready to turn ONE!

I met Baby Taylor when she was a mere one month old. I’ve been chasing after her with my camera for almost a year now, and it’s amazing to see what a sweet little lady she’s “grown up” to be! Her bright blue eyes smile with joy and her contagious laughter lights up any room. The little lady is surrounded by a big family who provide no shortage of love and care. Taylor, I hope you grow up to spread that same kind of love to everyone you meet!

And now, for the most fabulously puffy tutu you’ve ever seen… Happy Birthday, Taylor!

It’s her party and she can cry if she wants to! Poor baby.

Are you wondering if that’s an iPhone she has in her hand? Why yes, it is. Oh dear, those baby blues just slay me!

Girl loves her some music!

Such determination! I love her face here.

If she could have fit the entire lolli pop in her mouth, she would have! A sweet ending for a sweet girl!

Posted in Babies, Kiddos

by Melissa

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Laura Taylor Blake - oh these are SO adorable!

Meghan - These are so fantastic - great ideas!

Suzanne Scott - love love love the tutu

Jessica Sievers - Gorgeous! Can't believe she's 1 already! Loved watching her grow!! What a beautiful girl!!!

Megan Beth - Adorable session girl! That last one with the lollipop is so cute, and definitely my favorite!

Laura Taylor Blake - ok so I just realized that the picture of T crying is really my sister Lindsay not me, too funny!

The Youngest One

Monday, January 25, 2010 at 6:41pm

I’m the youngest in my family. Normally, that wouldn’t be such a big deal…except that I’m the youngest out of all FIVE of my brothers and sisters. There are 18 years between myself and my oldest sibling. We’re all spread apart though – the first three arrived before 1974 – and then there was a nine year gap. My closest sister and I like to think the years 1983 and 1986 brought the most joy to the world, as that’s when we arrived. Although I still like to think that 1986 was the best year of all

My sister and I. “Christina and Melissa.” We were always referred to as a pair. I didn’t mind it so much except between the years of 1993 – 2000. Once I got to high school, however, my sister and I stuck together. We both ventured to a new high school. Away from everything familiar. Away from all of our friends who we had grown up with. We clung to each other that one year we were there together and we’ve been close ever since.

In 2006, I stood next to my sister as she walked down the aisle to a fabulous man. And in 2007, she stood next to me as I walked down the aisle to my wonderful husband. Although we live over an hour away from each other, we still tease each other via e-mail almost every day.

Like most sisters, we had our fair share of fighting, stealing each others clothes, and endless games of “I’m-not-touching-you” on car rides…but I wouldn’t trade those moments for anything. I was always the youngest one, but she was always the prettiest one. Here’s to you, sis!

Here’s where we started out… (Sorry Bean, I had to!) Christina – Left, Me – Right.