On Christmas Eve, we were all done with shopping and we knew the deep cold was coming soon. We wanted to get Ezra outside to burn some energy while we could (once it gets to zero degrees, we try to stay inside as much as possible). So we opted to take the kid to the zoo. We figured it wouldn't be crowded (good guess!) and it was warm enough (20 degrees -- it's amazing how living in Minnesota changes your view on what is actually "cold") to walk around a bit.Ezra's favorite part was the penguins, while I loved seeing the reindeer.We are heading back to the zoo tomorrow -- which is the warmest day of the week (a high of 11), but this time we'll stay inside in the tropical areas. Sorry reindeer, I might not see you again for quite some time. No internet shares today. The internet is super quiet, as it should be this week. I hope you all are taking time to enjoy your families! We are cooking new recipes and making art projects, playing games (we introduced Ezra to Twister!), so there are a few suggestions there! Go forth and relax to your fullest!

Oh man, it is so cold outside today (this week, really). This morning we woke up and it was -3, and right now, we busted through today's high of ZERO and made it to ONE. I should really stop complaining though because on Saturday the high will be MINUS FIVE.Anyway, it made for a good day to capture the few snow crystals we get on windows around the house right after the sun rises. For your internet shares of the day:+ I liked this time lapse of a rocket launch in California.+ This toy is awesome and I think I must own it.+ I might try this on our own steps at home. What a cheap and easy refresh!

A few weeks ago, I brought Mags into the studio and Lucy and I worked with her for our holiday card.You guys, this might be one of my favorite things to do each year. SO. MUCH. FUN!Anyway, this top image was my favorite, but I'm including the outtakes below. Having a company mascot is a blast (for us, anyway!).I hope you all have a wonderful holiday this weekend. I'll be posting sporadically this next week before jumping back in full force after January first. Cheers!And for your internet shares of the day:+ The best letters to Santa.+ This list of favorites at Trader Joe's is A+. A few of these are my faves, and a few I need to try asap.+ Annie Leibovitz is teaching a master class and you can take it from home. Ply me with wine and I'll tell you my complicated feelings on this woman. But for now, I'm just pondering the class.

Well... someone forgot to blog yesterday. I'm gonna blame it on this horrendous head cold that I've come down with.I actually remembered last night around 10, but then I just rolled over and went back to sleep. Sorry about that.Internet shares are slim today -- everyone must be gearing up for the holidays.+ I am going to see this movie, and I cannot wait. I love how women are getting more of the action in Hollywood these days.+ I'm making this for dinner tomorrow. I've made it many times before, and I cannot express how delicious it is.+ Stumbling upon one of these would make me so happy!

You guys! I have finished shooting for the year! And to celebrate, I got a fabulous, sparkly manicure yesterday and today I sipped champagne with Lucy and my man over at Tilia as we celebrated what we accomplished and pitched goals for next year. It was perfect.But I thought I should show you some photos of the adorable dog baby I shot yesterday.This client is one of my favorites as I shot this couple's wedding FIVE years ago (!!) over in Wisconsin, and then I got to photograph their puppy when they got him and now their little girl! Watching families expand is seriously one of the best parts of my job. Below are a few more photos from the day. Enjoy! Oh wait. You probably wanted to see the baby. What cute kids, eh?I only have one internet share today, but it's fantastic. Secrets from a hair stylist. You are welcome.And now I have a request! I'm heading to NYC next month, and I want your favorite street food suggestions. I can research fancy restaurants all day long, but I want to know about the casual, eating on the go options that you love! Thanks!

Yesterday, we spent some time building Ezra's first fort on the new bed. And when I broke out the lights? Ooooo boy, was that exciting! It's so cozy in there! Even though I prefer the look of the bed without the fort on top, I must admit that from the inside, it's truly wonderful.I snapped a few shots of Jamie and Ezra during storytime last night. These are the moments of parenthood that I want to remember forever.But don't get too sentimental. There's a whole other category of parenthood that I'm ready to forget (WHEN DO CHILDREN LEARN HOW TO WIPE THEMSELVES?!?). For your internet shares of the day:+ I love how I can see all kinds of new art every day on Instagram (even though the new algorithm is TERRIBLE). This is an example of a wonderful new find.+ Sugar-free January? I might give it a go.+ Things every kid should hear.

[video width="1920" height="1280" mp4="http://www.shuttersmack.com/images/2017/12/LCH30.mp4"][/video]I don't know if this is going to work, but I'm gonna try to put a movie up in here. Lucy shot a time lapse of two shoots we did in the studio, and I thought a behind-the-scenes might be fun. Enjoy! (If it works!)I'll probably post a few actual photos from this shoot next week, but until then, you can see a quick glimpse at how we make our tiny studio work for a bigger commercial shoot.And for your internet shares of the day:+ Jamie and I are doing this tonight. Yay!+ This story warmed my heart.+ Just an interesting read -- especially if you enjoyed The Office.

Jack Frost has landed here in Minnesota, and I don't see any of this melting away soon. Which, frankly, I'm totally fine with. I love winter, and I love snow... in December. And January. It's the snow in May that gets me grumpy, but that's a ways off, so we won't think about that right now.Instead, I'll focus on the fires in the fireplace, the cozying up on the radiator, the hot tea and evenings reading under a blanket. This is my magic. And lucky for me, my winter work break is only two shoots away, so I can really focus on fantasizing about it all now!Yesterday I decided to snap a few photos of winter's bleakness down near the Harriet bandshell.These are the images I came up with.  I think the first one from the road is my favorite.For your internet shares of the day:+ Freezing homemade cookie dough is so genius! And I love it as a hostess gift!+ Something for us all to think about during the holiday. Especially the grandparents.+ And lastly, tips on packing from flight attendants! Great nuggets in here.