It’s not uncommon to find me in a coffee shop in Seattle as soon as it opens in the morning, like this one. Truthfully, I’m a morning person, and get the most out of my day between the hours of 6am and 11am. Sometimes Billy doesn’t believe me because he leaves for work at 5 in the morning, but I’m usually up and starting my day not too shortly after him. I like to keep on (somewhat) of the same schedule, that way I’ve put in a full day by the time he strolls in the door at 3:15 and I don’t have to feel guilty about turning work off for a few hours to just hang out with him and live LIFE.

Life, what’s that? Oh yeah, it’s the stuff we’re doing when we aren’t taking phone calls, answering emails, having meetings, attending events, or running work related errands. It’s the stuff in between, the stuff we actually work so hard to enjoy. The “life” part of my life is about to get more complicated with the addition of the Bean come February, so I’ve been spending some time researching work/life balance.

How many of you struggle with work / life balance? I would wager than anyone who has the kind of profession they feel a slight twinge of passion for takes part of it home with them, finds their mind wandering during down time… to what has to be done at the office, or genuinely would rather work than do most things. That’s where I’m at. I would rather do “work”  than do most things.

According to most of the things I’ve Googled on the subject, including Wikipedia (our most trusted source) and the Mayo Clinic… that’s pretty unhealthy.

Some of my favorite tidbits on how to manage a freelance, self employed life have come from the genius mind of local Seattle writer Michelle Goodman. She’s the author of the Anti 9-to-5 Guide, and My So-Called Freelance Life. Good friend and fellow freelancer, Liz Andrade turned me on to her books right after I took the freelance plunge in 2008, and while I’m completely guilty of not following a single word of her advice on most occasions, I think she’s got it right. I use Liz as my shining example of what to live up to when it comes to work/ life balance. She has a fabulous blog on what it takes to be a freelancer, and you can check it out here.

Things to consider when the Bean comes in February to maintain both a healthy thriving business, and a healthy thriving life:

- Taking actual maternity leave. Setting all autoresponders and voicemails to reflect that I’m taking legit time away from work. Every new mom is entitled to that.

- Working hours will likely change, and a lot will have to give.

- Learning to say no. I’m fully aware that I have a problem saying no. Anything and everything that isn’t directly contributing to the happiness of my life or the success of my business is going to have to get the axe. I’m only one woman. I’m going to have to practice this one over and over. “NO I’m too busy to help you” “NO I’m sorry, you’ll have to either hire me or find someone else to do that project for free”, “NO” “no” no” “no”. Next time you see me, ask me to practice on you. Trust me, I need the practice.

- Rearranging my priorities; Family first, then business/clients, then every other distraction.

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It’s going to take some work, as there are a lot of changes to come. Changes I’m sure I’m not even aware of, but in the end it will be worth it. Having a family, for us, is what life is all about.

What are some of your helpful work/life balance tips? Anyone have advice on managing self-employment with kids?

And because everything is better with a photo, here is a belly update! This crew photo is from a recent commercial shoot I did with Bella Signature Design for Event Solutions Magazine! We used the new space next to Sodo Park, The Oasis. So excited to share the details and rest of the images of the shoot, but it’s pretty top secret, so I even blurred the props out. You might recognize me  [Sidenote - I'd like to point out that this dress was a flawed purchasing decision and has since made it's way to the bottom of my closet, never to return. I think I look HUGE! It's either the dress, or I need to put down the bagel chips. I'm going with the dress (probably in denial)], the rest of these amazing people are Daniela and her Bella Signature crew. A team of very talented Seattle Designers.

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His confidence even surprised him a little. They strode off the elevator once they reached the top of the tower and he knew exactly where to go. Leading her gently, he held her hand and walked through the doors to the observation deck. The chilled fall air blew off the sound, but it didn’t seem to phase either of them. It’s the kind of air that soaks into your lungs and refreshes you, and from this height you can almost taste the sweetness of the clouds. He wrapped his arms around her as they looked out over the railing at the city below, soon to be their city. They’re planning to settle here, and who can blame them?

He whispered in her ear and grabbed her close, all while reaching in his pocket, hand slightly trembling, for the box… THE box. As his hand slid out, his knee dropped down and he said the most important words he’ll say until their wedding day. Would she be his wife? Would she say yes to forever with him?

Her hands flew to her mouth and she cried out YES!! As the crowd around them erupted in applause and cheering. Wind, tears, salt air in her face, she said yes to marry this man. Smart girl.

Congratulations Mike and Bri!

I was so honored to be a fly on this wall, tears streaming down my face, I’ll never forget this beautiful moment either.

Warmly,
Laura

I’m not sure what I said here… but these two think I’m REAL funny.

View a slideshow of the rest of the moments we captured from the day Mike proposed to Bri by clicking here.

Contact us about photographing your special moments, including proposals!

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Last year around the holidays, in true Oprah fashion, I blogged my favorite things for the winter holiday season. Crafty me, I actually scored some of the things on my list as awesome Christmas gifts. Too easy, easier than writing to Santa Claus. Truthfully, winter… eh. Take it or leave it. Fall is where it’s at for me. In the last two weeks, we’ve plummeted into the fall season. I took an escape to Hawaii for a couple weeks, and when I returned, fall was here patiently waiting for me. What a glorious gift to come home to.

Today I wanted to celebrate fall with you, and share some of my favorite fall things.

1. The Pumpkin Spice Latte (2 pumps, not 4 please)

Fall always arrives for Starbucks before it does for the Northwest, but when the PS Latte rolls into town, you know that the cold and wet are following diligently behind. I actually like the taste of coffee, so I order mine with 2 pumps of syrup instead of 4, and currently I order it in decaf form. (Decaf, pish posh)

2. Crisp mornings, sunny days = sweaters with skirts

I’m not going to go on pretending like I’m some kind of fashionista… 99% of my clothes are recycled. HOWEVER, if there is one season I identify with the most style-wise, it’s fall. Bust out the Layers, warm hues, scarves, sweaters and boots! finally the boots are back! But still cling on to some of those key summer pieces. It’s not time to pack them up yet.

3. Early mornings that can start calmly

There is something about waking up with the sun in the summer (admittedly I’m a morning person), that charges me with a jolt of energy. The fall is quite different. I’m still up early, but the sun sleeps in. It gives me a solid 2-3 hours before it decides to crawl out of bed. In this time I’m able to stay in my bathrobe, make my morning decaf tea, have long talks with Brady (and Lady), read, write, and relax. The fall is a wind down from the busy summer months, and in this profession we deserve a little calmness at some point during the year.

4. Parties, Soirees, Wedding Showcases, Fundraisers galore…

These are the months when a majority of my favorite events for the year happen. Let me highlight a few that I can’t miss each year.

Every weekend in October is the Camp Korey Fall Festival, which the hubs and I fully plan to attend with bells on. Proceeds go to support this amazing charity, and we can score kettle corn, s’mores, and pumpkins. HOLY COW!

October 10th, my bestie Marie has her birthday. She usually tries to come home from Missouri around this time each year because she likes to party. This year she’s throwing a bash at her parents house featuring a tiered Harry Potter cake. I’m going as Hermione.

October 13th, Urban Unveiled happens at Benaroya Hall. Wedding showcase unlike any other put on by two of my favorite designers in the Seattle area, Jesse and Travis of True Colors. Still contemplating what to wear to this one. It’s going to be phenom!

October 27th, Get Hitched Give Hope is only the single most amazing soiree of the year. Not only is it a party, auction, and wedding showcase rolled into one, but the wedding professionals are donating their services on behalf of granting wishes to cancer patients. Perty amazing. You can support and get tickets here… and if you’re a bride, there are deals galore to be had!

October 30th, Bunco party. Ummm yeah. Can’t wait for this one. Joining up with some fabulous ladies for a night a month of holy hilarity and bunco. Win win.

NOW, to find some appropriate party dresses that A. fit, and B. don’t make me look like a whale.

Know of something in the area not listed here? I’d love to hear about it! Leave it in the comment section below so I can fill up my social calendar. k thanks.

5. Cooking with fall ingredients

Something about the fall makes me want to wake up in the morning and bake something. Mostly desserts, cakes, breads and such. Maybe this is more a pregnant thing than a fall thing… hmmm. Anyhow, I’ve been scrounging up my favorite fall recipes and here are some of the ingredients that really stand out.

Pumpkin (of course) and all other kinds of squashes… yummers: pretty much anything made with pumpkin, I’m guaranteed to like it and ask for seconds.

Cinnamon

Cumin (is it CUE-men or KOO-min) I never know.

Chilis

Walnuts

Flavored Butters

Hearty Mushrooms

Time to make some delicious breads, soups, pasta dishes, and pies… Have a recipe to share? PLEASE email me!

6. Cozy family time by the Fire.

Lady curls up with us, or makes her way dangerously close to the door of the fireplace with a bone, and Billy and I lounge on the couch with the remote and the fall lineup. We do this in the winter as well, but it’s somehow sweetest in the fall when it’s not completely necessary in order to keep from freezing to death. I’m also REALLY excited because now that we’ve rearranged the house to make room for Brady, my office now has a fireplace in it. Score!

7. Fall television is the best.

I’m a TV junkie, ugh, as much as I wish I wasn’t… TV is SO GOOD right now! Summer leaves no time for television, so I relish the fall when regular programming resumes and we can catch our favorite shows. Including but not limited to: Wheel of Fortune, Unsolved Mysteries, The Office, Modern Family, Parenthood, and Fringe.

8. College Football

Could go in above category, but not only is it a television event, but a live one as well. Since meeting my husband, I’ve grown to love college football. I prefer actually going to the game over watching it on tv, because the experience is where it’s at for me. I love the tailgating, cornhole, drinking games (although not at present mother… don’t worry), sporting your cutest team colored outfit, stadium food, mittens/earmuffs/sunglasses, eyeblack, yelling, pom pom shaking… I love it all.

Go DUCKS.

What is your favorite season? Do you love fall as much as I do? Tell me what I’ve missed here… there is SO MUCH TO LOVE! And on that note, I’m off to take a walk in the brisk morning air.

All images snagged from Pinterest… like what you see?

Not a nerve, only calm confidence. She slipped on her Jim Hjelm gown, and her attendants slaved over the perfect bow tying and retying until it hung exactly right. She steadied herself and slid her feet into her adorable Kate Spade heels. They sparkled as much as her smile. Jenny touched up her makeup and Kristal put the final pins in her hair… Kelsey just laughed easily and talked about her excitement for the evening. Ready and waiting almost an hour early for her time to see Justin, Kelsey was the vision of perfection.

Justin and Kelsey…. so sweet, so endearing, so in love. Where one of them lets go, the other picks up. Kelsey would describe her husband as shy. He’s more of the strong silent type, where Kelsey couldn’t be more opposite. Her bubbly little personality warms you to the core from the moment you meet. They are each others’ perfect compliment. We broke into what makes them tick at their springtime engagement session. It had me anxious for more!

Justin carried his father’s pocket watch. A charming heartfelt memento of a father I’m sure would be so proud of his son on his wedding day.

We headed to the roof of Hotel 1000 for their first look, and some stunning Seattle views. If you’ve been a long time reader of my blog you know how much I love the first look. From my own experience, to watching other couples share this intimate moment… I just think they’re amazing.

Kelsey’s favorite flower… and I can see why… made for a STUNNING bouquet. Flown in from some rare South American location and then artfully assembled by Maureen at Posh.

These girls call themselves Alvin and the chipmunks. So allow me to introduce you to Simon, Alvin and Theodore. :-)

So sweet…

I must say… Herban Feast really outdoes themselves everytime. I absolutely adore them.

Justin and Kelsey’s all star lineup:

Venue: Sodo Park by Herban Feast

Coordinator: Bobbi Roth Wedding Design

Floral: Posh Wedding Flowers

DJ: Adam Tiegs, Adam’s DJ Service

Lighting: Adam Tiegs, Adam’s DJ Service

Dress: Jim Hjelm,  La Belle Elaines

Hair: Kristal Locke, Lockes on Location

Makeup: Jenny Bowker Makeup

Getting Ready location: Hotel 1000

Cake: Ashleigh Stebner

Officiant: Rev. Ray Van Winkle

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We left you yesterday with the first half of this detailed filled, stunning fall wedding at Pine River Ranch in Leavenworth, Washington. Here are few of our favorite reception details we captured for Bryce and Annicca… Enjoy!

Bryce and Annicca,

It was so AWESOME being your photographer for this amazing day. I enjoyed every minute!! Your bridal party? TOPS… seriously, tops the charts. They were a handful yes, but felt like old friends at the end of the night. Thank you for making us feel like family, and putting so much into your day, it was a visual feast! We wish you both the very very best in life and love, and can’t wait to see what life has in store for you!
Warmly,
Laura

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