She’s a little late for the Polar Bear Plunge, and no, we don’t live in any tropical place.  In fact, we live in Maryland where were are being prepared for yet another snow storm sometime today into tomorrow.  “They” are predicting anywhere from 10 – 20 inches…AGAIN!  And here is my little Emma donning her bathing suit!  I guess the girl has some serious cabin fever, or maybe she is trying to will Spring & Summer to get their butts in gear!  Whatever she is thinking, she’s doing it while wearing this swimsuit & flip flops.  She’s also packed her little suitcase with clothes for “hot weather” as she tells me.  Maybe she’s planning on sneaking out to Florida or someplace tonight.  I better keep an eye on that one!

And if this snow is getting you down, I have two fun things for you!  First, go to Accu Weather and watch this crazy meteorologist.  You’ll crack up!  His name is Jim Kosek & he’s CRAZY!  Second, go to Living Locurto & download some FREE printable & super duper cool Valentine’s.  They are for boys or for girls & might help if you are stuck inside for a few days.  And it also might be Valentine’s day before we get back to preschool!

I’m off to clean up the Summer things and make my kid put some clothes on!

This post seems kinda “all about me!”  But, I gotta show off my husband’s hard work…I mean, he made me an iPhone App out of love, and who doesn’t want to brag about that?  So, I’m giving away 10 free copies of my iPhone App “Live Click Capture.”  The FIRST 10 people to comment (that have iPhones) will be e-mailed an access code to download my app for FREE!  Now, I know, 99 cents isn’t a lot of money, but that’s like almost an entire large Sweet Tea at McDonald’s!  And to help get the word out about my app, I’m giving these away in the hopes that you’ll download it, like it, give positive and/or creative feedback, and tell your friends!  Thanks for participating!

Oh, and this app isn’t meant ONLY for photographers….Josh & I designed it with anyone in mind.  Anyone with a camera who is looking for ideas when they are shooting.  You don’t have to be a “professional” to use it.  Now go get it!

I met the Johnson family through my daughter Emma’s preschool.  Amy and I had many conversations about location, clothing, and ways to make the girls feel at ease.  We decided on Quiet Waters park, casual dress, and LOLLIPOPS – giant lollipops to be exact!  Amy & Wayne got some awesome lollipops on their beach vacation and we pulled them out when the girls could take no more smiling.

We couldn’t have asked for a better day either.  The impending storm held off for us, brought nice cloud cover, and the park was giving free admission & a concert that day!  We only had one snaffu – Drew fell & got a boo-boo!  But she handled it wonderfully.  You’ll see the sweet photo I snapped of Amy cuddling her later on down in the post.

Thanks so much Wayne, Amy, Drew, & Kate for letting me get in your face with my camera.  I really enjoyed watching you all interact!  Here’s your preview…

Mommy makes it all better

www.givingisawesome.com

In the spirit of this Christmas season that is fast approaching, I’ve joined “Giving is Awesome.” What is this, you may ask? Giving is Awesome is a simple effort by photographers worldwide to give back to their communities. Regional contests are sponsored by photographers across the globe. Each photographer gives away a session fee and a certain amount of portrait products (i.e. – photographs), to a worthy individual or family this holiday season.

To summarize, I’ll be giving away $250 worth of my photographic services to a truly deserving family or individual this holiday season.  The winner will be announced on my blog on Christmas Eve, December 24th.  The rules to nominate are:

1.  You cannot nominate yourself.

2.  The person you nominate must be sincerely incapable of purchasing my services.

3.  The nominee must reside in Maryland.  Tell me who you know, what they’re experiencing, and why they deserve my artwork.  Please include a way to contact both your nominee and yourself.

4.  You must email me the full story at mandysroka@gmail.com

The winner will be announced on Christmas Eve – get nominating!  I can’t wait to read all of your entries!

Open your heart to someone this holiday season – and thanks for giving me the opportunity to open mine.

With love,

Mandy

If you or someone you know is getting married in 2009, and you already have a date chosen, you can win a free wedding photographer courtesy of my wonderful friend, teacher, and fellow photographer – Stacy Richardson! Visit her blog for details…but hurry, this contest has a deadline! Below are just two of her STELLAR images. She’s great at photography, and super easy to work with (trust me, I’d know!). So write your greatest love story, submit it, and wait for the winner! Good luck!

Copyright Stacy Richardson Photography

Copyright Stacy Richardson Photography