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.