Last night, I was on my way to dinner with my dear friend Nyberg, when I demanded she pull over so I could jump out and take photos of my favorite Christmas Tree stand in the dark. And because she's an angel, she didn't hesitate one bit.This is such a fabulous fixture in my neighborhood, and it brings me joy every single year. But it is *especially* wonderful when there is a fresh dusting of snow on the branches.The stand is run by the Forestry department, and it has been here for 40 years. Charming doesn't even begin to describe its beauty.And for your internet shares of the day:+ Great work, Time. Have you heard about their person of the year? So, I guess Trump was lying. Again.+ This quote is my mantra.+ And in "Damn, this girl has great taste but not the budget to match" news, I have found the perfect holiday wreath to fit my native-Kansan self. And I want to bring in the new year toasting with these amazing glasses that are far too spendy. Let the estate sale hunt for something similar begin!

We've had 16 family photo sessions in the studio in the last four days, and man, is that place getting a workout! The roomba is working full time to get up all the snow/glitter/confetti/tinsel, that's for sure!But the best part has, for me anyway, been the families that bring in their dogs. Holy moly, does that make this girl happy! So for the next week or so, I'll have a few features on dogs all dolled up for the holidays. Like this little lady here. Those barrettes! So adorable!And for your internet shares of the day!+ Here is a list of the best new restaurants in the Twin Cities in 2017. I've only eaten at one of them, so I have my work cut out for me! (That said, I'm hitting up another one tonight, yum!)+ I have always loved Patagonia clothing for its outstanding quality. Now I like them for their outstanding moral compass.+ On kids and cussing. (I'm in big fucking trouble.)

Did you guys watch Gilmore Girls? Well, I did, and let me tell you. Sometimes, it is truly like my neighborhood is verging on Stars Hollow territory. Like this weekend.After photographing TWELVE families on Saturday (ahem), I came home, grabbed the kid and headed out to our neighborhood trolley station. They had everything decked out in lights, there was a bonfire, hot cocoa, s'mores and ... wait for it... Santa.We waited in line for a little under an hour (man that kid of mine is patient... unlike me...) and then we rode the decked out trolley for 10 minutes before heading home.It was fantastic. I loved it when the kid said, "Mama! I'm getting to go on a date with you IN THE DARK!"Yeah, yeah, it was a big hit. The photos? Not so great. But I wanted you to get the idea.The tracks were lit the whole way with luminaries and it really was magical.For your internet shares of the day:+ Realistic birth announcements.+ People ask me all the time what kind of computer they should get. And I tell them a mac. And then they get a PC to save money. And then this happens. (PSA, these friends didn't ask!)+ Oooooh, the life of a screenwriter!+ And how to be a good girl friend.

My girl turns five today! I can barely believe it.On the one hand, it feels like last week that she was tackling us in bed with her sharp teeth at 5 am demanding walks and playtime. On the other hand, since she has arrived we've remodeled two bathrooms, a basement, a kitchen and had a kid. So it seems like ages ago.She's still got her spunk, and she still tries to taste every single person's brain with her tongue-up-the-nose greeting, but she's become more of a snuggler and is far better to walk on a leash now. And we won't mention the white whiskers creeping in around her sweet face. For your internet shares of the day:+ On one hand, I don't think I could spend $145 on a pair of pants. On the other, man would these look sexy on.+ I love my analog daybooks. Here are some ideas for others of you who love to take notes with actual pen and paper.+ The surf from above.

This week, one of my clients brought her amazing dog, Milo, into the studio for photos with the family. How could I possibly resist snapping a few of this gentleman by himself? Such a gorgeous and well-behaved pup.Also? He reminds me so much of my mother-in-law's dog Rafie (whom we adore).And now for some internet shares of the day.+ I would make a terrible princess. No garlic? No voting? No thank you.+ Some of my clients were written up for their good deeds.+ I don't have the patience to ever attempt anything like this, but it sure is fun to look at.+ Oh, how I love these kitchen floors.

This weekend, after we recovered from the turkey feast, we put up our Christmas tree and hauled out a lot of the decorations.One of my favorites, as a child, and now one of Ezra's are these Swedish angel chimes. We love lighting the candles, watching it spin, and then the highlight for sure is blowing out the candles at the end.I'd love to hear about your favorite holiday traditions from when you were a kid! Please share them in the comments!And for your internet shares today:+ No wonder that as a kid growing up in Kansas, forests always seemed so magical to me.+ This book seems like a great gift for the ladies in your life.+ LA vs NYC. Secret: You can see one of Jamie's old apartments in this post. 

A few weeks ago, one of my favorite people on the planet gave birth to this sweet little girl. And the day after Thanksgiving, we went to visit her (and to snap photos!).Weirdly, I have four clients who are due with babies in the next three weeks! So I'll be showing you more babies soon, I bet.In the meantime, here are a few more of this adorable little lady. Enjoy! And now for your internet shares of the week:+ Beautiful photos in horrible locations. A true ad for photoshop if I've ever seen one.+ These panda photos made me laugh.+ I love advent calendars. But I'm lazy so I buy chocolate ones at Trader Joe's.

I don't know how many guests you all had for the long holiday weekend, but this was our only guest. His name is Boris (the tortoise), and he's from Ezra's preschool class. We cared for him all weekend.And what might that entail? A bath, a shell polish (really), some free time on the bathroom floor and lots of lettuce, tomatoes, apples and grapes. It was a fun change of pace, but I think we're ready to go back to Magda as our only pet.For your internet shares of the day:+ These pies are gorgeous.+ Maybe no is the right answer.+ A great guide on how to do... anything.