Today I had a fascinating shoot with Nicole here, who is a Reiki Master and teacher. But besides the Reiki, she also makes her own oils (personalized for clients), honeys and bath scrubs. In this photo, she's making an aphrodisiac honey for Valentine's day! Oooolala! And she even sent me home with a jar! It has orange and vanilla oils in it (along with some others) and smells like a creamsicle. Yum.If you have any interest in Reiki treatments (or the honey...) shoot me a note and I'll get you Nicole's contact info!And for your internet share of the day, how about this recipe for beer cheese nachos, eh? Wouldn't THAT be good on Super Bowl Sunday? And maybe this Sunday I'll give you another recipe that will go well with that...
This morning we woke up to a snow storm, and I was going to head out and take some photos but then wrapped up in a blanket and dug into work instead. I had a shoot planned with two Golden Retrievers in the snow this afternoon, and I figured those photos would be perfect for the blog. I mean, really, two goldens playing in the snow? Color me smitten.And then the Golden shoot got moved to a different date in the middle of the afternoon. And then it stopped snowing.See? NEVER PROCRASTINATE. When will I learn? So instead of beautiful snow, you get this photo of the winter light seeping into my living room. (Sorry.)Today's internet share is about 
I was back downtown today getting my hair done, and I snapped this photo of the crowds in the skyway. For those of you not in Minneapolis, you might not realize that once you leave the city's center, everyone has about 2-3 feet of snow in their yards and piled up on streets. So why not downtown?When I worked nights at the Strib, I would see huge trucks being filled with snow in the middle of the night to be taken out of the city so that traffic and parking would remain normal in the busiest areas of town. Fascinating, eh? I bet most of you didn't realize that we not only shovel and plow the snow, but there's an actual system in play to MOVE it on out. And let me tell you, there's a TON of the stuff. I'm talking about caravans of these trucks moving the snow out west.For your internet share today, I'm sending you to a winter treat. My friend Sarah 
This is one of the three fish that occupy a the tank at Alby's radiation center. I took him again today, and I swear my buddy has the best attitude of anyone I've ever met. When you are driving someone to their brain radiation appointment and they are full of laughs and cheer, it really makes you question anything that might be making you grumpy. I am so lucky to have such a wonderful and amazing light in my world.The rest of today was, thankfully, spent indoors as the windchill was -40 degrees. We all know I am smitten with Minnesota, but this month's weather is beginning to dampen the swoon a bit. If we can just get back up into the twenties, I'll be just fine.For your internet share of the day, check out 
We woke up to -22 degrees today, and it's no wonder we went into hiding.Magda here is so funny with the nests she creates around the house. I found her on the guest bed today deep in pillows and her head half hidden, so I brought her a blanket and wrapped her up in it. I came back about 20 min. later and expected her to have wiggled out, but no, she was all cocooned in. Pretty darn cute.For your internet share today, I'm sending you 
I'm happy to be guesting on Shuttersmack today and posting one of my all time favorite meals: a delicious twist on ye ol' chicken soup and dumplings!Why do I love this recipe? It's juicy, the meat melts right off the bones, it's puts up with all the extra vegetables I toss in, it's the best kind of comfort food all year round, it'll make your house smell amazing, it's eeeeeeeasy, and you make it all in one pot! Why do I hate this recipe? It disappears way too fast :(.Treat this recipe as a guide and manipulate to your heart's content. I add extra veggies, use up whatever herbs and spices are on hand, and you know what? Dumplings do nothing for me so I leave them out (but they're a huge hit with the kiddos).Enjoy!♥♥♥ 
Ingredients:1 whole chicken, cut into piecessalt & pepper1 Tbsp. butter2 Tbsp. olive oil4 celery ribs, roughly chopped4 large carrots, roughly chopped1 large leek, roughly chopped2 slices smoked bacon, finely diced3 dried bay leaves2 tsp. thyme2 tsp. basil1/2 c. white wine2 c. vegetable stock2 c. waterDumplings:2 c. flour2 Tbsp. baking powder1 1/4 c. half and half1 tsp. saltPreheat oven to 400 degrees.Rinse chicken and pat dry with paper towels; season generously with salt and pepper. Heat the butter and olive oil in a large dutch oven (or oven-safe pot with a lid) over medium-high heat. Thoroughly brown the chicken pieces (in batches if necessary), about 7-8 minutes per side; set aside.
Leaving the fat in the pot, add the vegetables, bacon, bay leaf, and thyme and cook 15 minutes over medium-low heat. Add the white wine, bring to a boil, and cook for 2 minutes. Add the stock and water and bring to a boil. Remove pot from heat and return chicken to the pot. Place a piece of 
PS,This isn't savory but it's what's for dessert. I'm sorry. 
