Pinterest: Thanksgiving Chalk Art

I did it!! I finally did a project from Pinterest!!

Of course, it was so simple, you could barely even project, but still...I did it!! haha ;)

Here is the inspiration:

via & originally from here

And here is my version {right}, along with my "Fall" Gallery {left}:

via

I don't have any chalkboard markers {yet} and I didn't feel like busting out a projector {which I also don't have yet, haha}, so I just eyeballed it and prayed that my cheap white chalk from Michael's would work.

Although it was the easiest little project ever, it still felt great to glean something from that insanely inspirational site!

So, what have you been Pinning - and actually doing - lately?

P.S. HAPPY almost THANKSGIVING!! :)

Twilight!

Buy this card for your sister or friend - just in time to see the movie! :)

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3 days! 

But who's counting? ;)

New vs. Reconditioned

The husband and I are on the hunt for a new refrigerator. Our must-haves:

* stainless steel

* bottom freezer

* french doors

* 22+ cu. ft.

Here is a lovely example:

Instead of cramming the fridge into the pre-made fridge nook or buying a smaller fridge, we're moving the fridge to the other side of the room where there is already an empty wall. So size is not an issue. However, price definitely is.

There are lots of great stores nearby {HH Greg, Sears Outlet, etc.} to choose from. However, I cannot pass up a good deal, so here is my question:

Is it worth the risk to buy reconditioned appliances?

Normally, I would never even consider buying anything refurbished. The risk of the item breaking again is far too great, and since the item is refurbished, it is unlikely that it comes with a warranty. However, let me shed a little light on the subject.

Here you have the Maytag {MFD256VEM} refrigerator:

via

Looks great, meets everything on our check list, but the price?

$1529.

Granted, that is much better than the original price of $1700, but it's still much more than we'd like to pay for something that keeps our food cold.

Now here is the exact same model but it has been refurbished:

via

The price?

$1080! That is $450 in savings from the sale price and $620 from the regular price!

I'm sure there are drawbacks to buying a refurbished fridge {like the ones I listed} but can anyone with experience please let me know if it's worth the risk? Whether it was a refrigerator, washer/dryer or another large appliance {small appliances are a whole different story}, I'd love to hear what you have to say!

Or, if you know of where we can purchase less expensive big ticket items, please let me know! Thank you! :)

More Photography

Photography certainly takes up a lot of time! What with meeting with clients, editing photos, and the sessions/events themselves, I hardly have time left to do anything else! Oh well, at least editing photos of adorable little families like this takes a little bit of the stress away. :)

more photos on facebook

also, be sure to check out my website!

Big Projects Soon to Come!

So, I know I've been a terrible blogger lately...but that will hopefully change in the very near future!

The hubs and I put in an offer on a short sale and it was approved by the seller, so now we're just waiting for the bank to do their business and then it will officially be ours!

I have a list about a mile long of projects I cannot wait to start, and I will definitely be blogging every little thing we do in our very first home! Here are a few things on the agenda, compliments of Pinterest:

Update the Laundry Room

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{I drew a picture of what I wanted to do in here and then found the EXACT picture from my head on pinterest! Eerie, huh?}

Refinish Wood Floors

via

Paint, Paint, and Paint some more!

via

Build a Pantry

via

Create a Fun/Functional Entry

via

...just to name a few! :)

Christmas Cards

I've been so busy with my photography {and lesson plans} that I have yet again neglected my blog! Here are some adorable Christmas card mock-ups I made from sessions this year and last year. Do I have the cutest photography clients or what?!

Now booking Fall Family photo sessions in Philadelphia, PA/Wilmington, DE/Owego, NY & surrounding areas! :)

www.nataliewagnerphotography.com

Time

What has two thumbs and STILL hasn't finished her Pinterest Project?

...

<-- this girl!

Ugh. There is just too much to do and not enough time! I now have a 7-3 work schedule, which is glorious {minus the whole getting up at 5:30am thing} but I still can't seem to find the time to get everything done in the afternoon/evening. Right now, I'm in the middle of:

:: finishing up a photo album for a client whose wedding I shot awhile back {and holy moly, it looks good!}

:: writing my Kindergarten Lesson Plans for the Fall


:: prepping for an upcoming engagement shoot {scouting locations, looking for inspiration photos, etc.}


:: house-hunting {glorious and awful all at the same time}

Not to mention general household chores, cooking, and also spending time with family & friends. First world problems, huh?

However, I actually haven't been slacking off {per usual}. I took a week off from the internet {except for e-mail and house-hunting} and have been able to get SO much done! Case in point: newborn photos! Check out my facebook page for more pics of adorable little Zachariah:

© natalie wagner photography

Prettiness

Some prettiness for your Tuesday evening:

Now I'm off to make Jenni's Confetti Chicken Pasta...let's hope I don't screw it up!

Pinterest Project Delay

I am STILL not done with my Pinterest Project! I know I said I'd share the results last week, but life {editing a recent newborn session, driving up to NY for Ben's 10 year reunion, meeting with a wedding photography client} has gotten in the way!

And now we're about to embark on a week-long vacation in Holden Beach, North Carolina!

So, you'll just have to wait and see which project I chose...if I ever have time to finish it!

I hope everyone has a great weekend & next week! I know I will! :)

Pinterest Challenge!

I am FINALLY taking part in Katie Bower's Pinterest Challenge!

Here are some of the projects that have been completed in the past:

watercolor jellyfish

beanbag pouf

spray-painted ornaments

clothespin chandelier

And I am going to tackle one of these little projects:

animal place cards

book page wreath

tile coasters

Wish me luck!!


If you'd like to take part, pick a project and share your results on Tuesday, July 10th!

I hope everyone has a fun & safe 4th of July! :)

Scratch That

Well, I didn't get any of the dresses mentioned in this post. Actually, I didn't buy a dress at all! Half of the dresses were nowhere to be found and the other half looked different in person or just weren't the right fit for me {Shelby, I loooved the one-shoulder dress, but I have giraffe legs and it was way too short! dang it}.

Instead, I shopped their $1{ish} section and came home with a bunch of adorable 4th of July themed plates, cups, and napkins for when our friends come up to visit in July! It was just as fun as dress shopping! :)

via

Summer Dresses: 2012

Two posts in one day! It's a new record. ;)

Last year, I had you guys vote on which dress I should purchase for the summer. I ended up going with option #6:

me & the hubs in Annapolis, Maryland

It was perfect for strolling around downtown Annapolis in the morning and spending the rest of the day at the Chesapeake Bay Wine Festival.

Please let me know your favorite one this time around.
Again, all of the dresses are from Target...I am OBSESSED with that store!

 #1

 #2

 #3

 #4

 #5

 #6

 #7

 #8

 #9

#10


I plan on going shopping tomorrow afternoon, so please share your input ASAP! :)