Vendor week day one

Welcome to vendor week at the Savvy blog~ we are glad you are here!

The Savvy blog is so thankful for all of the vendors who make the Savvy blog the special place that it is. They are all so generous with their giveaways and specials just for the Savvy readers. They each have something wonderful to offer...and if you haven't gotten a chance to check them out, here's your chance.

Stay tuned for a week of fun introductions and some Savvy specials...you'll be glad you came!

Now let's start the introductions...

DESIGN AGLOW

Tell us your name and the name of your business...

I am Lena Hyde, a founder of DesignAglow.com

Describe your business in five words...

Amazing photography, design, and inspiration.

Do you work out of your home {in your jammies} or do you work out of an office/studio?

I work out of a downtown loft studio which I have had for the last seven years. I love it~

Where can we find you on your time off?

I take lots of fun vacations with my husband and kids. We usually spend the whole summer in San Francisco, our favorite place.

Why do photographers need your product/service?

Design Aglow helps photographers bring their businesses to a higher level, with innovative marketing concepts, sales tools, and products for their clients. Our contributors feature the best and brightest in the industry and we are constantly offering new inspiration and ideas for our readers. Our aim is to help our readers achieve a high level of success as professional photographers. Stay inspired with our daily blog at http://www.designaglow.com/blog

Tell us your favorite joke...

How many photographers does it take to change a light bulb? 50. One to change the bulb, and forty-nine to say, "I could have done that!"

Thank you Lena!

Design Aglow has a great special going on now...here's what Lena told us...

It's almost spring and Design Aglow is thrilled to keep your studio offerings up to speed with new marketing ideas that will make you the talk of the town! How would you like to offer a real magazine to *wow* your target market? Take a peek at  the new Luxe Portrait Studio Magazine for print or web....or both, and boost your P.R. with a product that looks like it took thousands of dollars and a team of publicists, designers, and writers to create. Save a savvy $55 with introductory pricing today!

ADDY LANE

Tell us your name and the name of your business...

I’m Christy from Addy Lane.

Describe your business in five words...

Sweet Vintage Art Enhancing Actions

Do you work out of your home {in your jammies} or do you work out of an office/studio?

I’m a Jeans and t-shirt kinda girl and get most of my work done on the go from my lap top.

Where can we find you on your time off?

If I’m not working you can find me chasing after my 4 lovelies, or watching King of Queens re-runs with my man.

Why do photographers need your product/service?

Photographers who enjoy soft vintage colors will love our actions for their versatility and gentle tones.

Tell us your favorite joke...

Photons have mass? I didn’t even know they were Catholic! (OK that’s awful!)

Thank you Christy!

Denny Manufacturing Company

Tell us your name and the name of your business…

The Denny Manufacturing Company, INC.

Describe your business in five words…

World's Largest Manufacturer of Photographic Backdrops

Do you work out of your home {in your jammies} or do you work out of an office/studio?

We have an office/warehouse located in Mobile, Alabama

Where can we find you on your time off?

On our time off we are enjoying the wonderful southern weather and the ORIGINAL Mardi Gras!!

Why do photographers need your product/service?

Photographers need us to create unique photographs using our Genuine Freedom Cloth® Backdrops along with our vast array of props and lighting!

Tell us your favorite joke…

It is truly said that children brighten a home - they never turn the lights off!

Thank you to the entire staff at Denny's...{my Mobile buddies}

They would like to offer the readers a coupon code for 25% off Any ONE item using the code....savvy110304
valid Monday 2/28/11- Friday 3/4/11(midnight (CST))

biggest ever Savvy Sale

We think 10,000 fans deserves an amazing sale…so here it is!

For one day only, the first fifty people to use the coupon code fifty, you will get fifty percent off all digital products in the Savvy Store!

The sale starts now…hurry and grab up some digital goodies.

***the sale is just for digital products…not for flooring, framing or camera bags.

The Savvy Store

Want an idea of some of the fabulous digital products you can grab up for half off?

Our most popular item…the Memo Board Dry Erase Templates

The Chore Charts for dry erase boards

The Placemat Collection for dry erase boards

The Beach House Canvas Collection Templates

The Savvy Canvas Collection Templates

Dvd/ CD Case Collection

the biggest ever Savvy Sale

We think 10,000 fans deserves an amazing sale...so here it is!

For one day only, the first fifty people to use the coupon code fifty, you will get fifty percent off all digital products in the Savvy Store!

The sale starts now...hurry and grab up some digital goodies.

***the sale is just for digital products...not for flooring, framing or camera bags.

The Savvy Store

Want an idea of some of the fabulous digital products you can grab up for half off?

Our most popular item...the Memo Board Dry Erase Templates

The Chore Charts for dry erase boards

The Placemat Collection for dry erase boards

The Beach House Canvas Collection Templates

The Savvy Canvas Collection Templates

Dvd/ CD Case Collection

the winner is

The winner of the gift certificate to Marketing and Props for Photographers is lucky number 53..Delaine Hildreth...Congratulations!

Thank you Deb for the great giveaway!

Giveaway day

It's giveaway day here at the Savvy blog and we just love giveaways! I think you will love this sweet prop just for newborns...here's what Deb from Life's Images tells us about she stumbled upon such a great find for photographers..."As a necessary step in upping my studio's "edge" in the market, I began looking for beautiful props that would enhance and give detail to images while still letting the subject shine!  I happened upon beautiful antique replica bowls for newborn photography which I now offer (among other great finds!) at Marketing and Props for Photographers."

Deb is giving one lucky Savvy reader a $40 gift certificate to her store. Here's how to win...head on over to facebook and like The Savvy Photographer and Marketing and Props for Photographers.

Then come back here and leave a comment for each.

Want an extra entry? Post on your facebook status for your photographer facebook friends to like us...then leave another comment here.

If you spread some savvy gossip about the giveaway on any photography forums, leave a comment for another entry!

The contest ends tonight at midnight {EST} and the winner will be announced tomorrow morning. {Feb 24th}

Good luck!

Walls we love and Workspaces we want

{Images from the lovely Lonny Magazine }

Spaces we Love

Shutterbox Designs one day sale

Shutterbox Designs is very excited to announce it’s new Graduate Template line to their store.  They have received rave reviews so far about their new Graduate Info Packet that can be viewed here: http://www.shutterboxphotos.com/SeniorSample . This is the perfect compliment to the Family Welcome Packet that can be viewed here http://www.shutterboxphotos.com/WelcomeSample.

Not tech savvy? Don’t worry – they are including a little instructional video too with the Senior Guide and/or the Family Guide. They are offering a ONE day sale TODAY with the option to buy all of the new Senior Stuff only or you can buy the ENTIRE store too!  In addition, if you spread the word on your facebook about this great one day offer, post back to the Savvy blog, we will randomly pick one winner to receive a full refund!

*While they do include an instructional video, if you still need additional help, they do provide this at an additional cost that can be purchased through their store

Option 1: GRAD STUFF ONLY: http://www.shutterboxdesigns.com/shop/products-page/business/one-day-grad-stuff-only/

Option 2: ENTIRE STORE : http://www.shutterboxdesigns.com/shop/products-page/business/one-day-entire-store/

Sale ends February 17^th at 10am.

home office makeover

Today we are showing an office makeover submitted by Heidi Lawson. Thank you Heidi for giving us a behind the scenes look at your workspace…we love it!

Here’s what Heidi had to say about her office makeover.

“My home office was a disaster. 4 kids ran in and out, as it is the main spot for all things homework, photo editing, bill paying, email checking, facebooking … and worst of all … the place I brought clients for image presentation appointments for my photography business (www.wishfulthinkingphotography.com). And so I took a long, hard look one day and realized I was embarrassed to actually have people seeing this space. Sooo many things were NOT working. While I tried to clean up the desk space (and those books off the floor!) before people came into my home, there just simply wasn’t enough room for everything! CDs were stacked haphazardly everywhere, boxes of papers were a jumbled, overflowing mess, there were stacks of things “to do” everywhere, and books were taking over the space. Change was in order!

And so began the great home office makeover. The goal? A space I could be proud of to bring clients in that could also meet the needs of my family ~ and not break the bank. Three weeks later … after painting, organizing, installing, lots of shopping, and dreaming … I have an office that makes me giddy when I peek in. I’m not a designer. I just went with paint and furniture and decoration that I loved. That said “ME”. But I am so happy with the end product. And now every time I walk into this room I get a little thrill now. Seriously, my heart skips a beat.

My favorite things about the space? Chocolate brown and sky blue color combination (same blue that I use to brand my photography business!). Lots and lots of storage space. My parsons chairs (from overstock.com) and felt pillows (local boutique). To-the-ceiling bookshelves (from Ikea). A reminder every day to “dream until my dreams come true” … as well as to “keep calm and snap on” (these signs can be purchased at photojojo, but I made this one myself to match my color scheme). Cameras on display ~ one is my very first SLR from when I was about 15, two belonged to my grandpa, and one is a folding camera just bought off of eBay. I have a vintage Brownie on the way, but I just couldn’t wait a second longer to take these pictures! Corner desk and long work table (from Ballard Designs). B&W photo of the Colosseum, that I took when I was 17. On display as a reminder that I have been dreamin’ this dream for a long time …”

Heidi Lawson

www.wishfulthinkingphotography.com

home office makeover

Today we are showing an office makeover submitted by Heidi Lawson. Thank you Heidi for giving us a behind the scenes look at your workspace...we love it!

Here's what Heidi had to say about her office makeover.

"My home office was a disaster. 4 kids ran in and out, as it is the main spot for all things homework, photo editing, bill paying, email checking, facebooking ... and worst of all ... the place I brought clients for image presentation appointments for my photography business (www.wishfulthinkingphotography.com). And so I took a long, hard look one day and realized I was embarrassed to actually have people seeing this space. Sooo many things  were NOT working. While I tried to clean up the desk space (and those books off the floor!) before people came into my home, there just simply wasn't enough room for everything! CDs were stacked haphazardly everywhere, boxes of papers were a jumbled, overflowing mess, there were stacks of things "to do" everywhere, and books were taking over the space. Change was in order!

And so began the great home office makeover. The goal? A space I could be proud of to bring clients in that could also meet the needs of my family ~ and not break the bank. Three weeks later ... after painting, organizing, installing, lots of shopping, and dreaming ... I have an office that makes me giddy when I peek in. I'm not a designer. I just went with paint and furniture and decoration that I loved. That said "ME". But I am so happy with the end product. And now every time I walk into this room I get a little thrill now. Seriously, my heart skips a beat.

My favorite things about the space? Chocolate brown and sky blue color combination (same blue that I use to brand my photography business!). Lots and lots of storage space. My parsons chairs (from overstock.com) and felt pillows (local boutique). To-the-ceiling bookshelves (from Ikea). A reminder every day to "dream until my dreams come true" ... as well as to "keep calm and snap on" (these signs can be purchased at photojojo, but I made this one myself to match my color scheme). Cameras on display ~ one is my very first SLR from when I was about 15, two belonged to my grandpa, and one is a folding camera just bought off of eBay. I have a vintage Brownie on the way, but I just couldn't wait a second longer to take these pictures! Corner desk and long work table (from Ballard Designs). B&W photo of the Colosseum, that I took when I was 17. On display as a reminder that I have been dreamin' this dream for a long time ..."

Heidi Lawson

www.wishfulthinkingphotography.com

may love find you today

awesome photog love giveaway

I completely forgot to tell you all about the big giveaway going on over the blog of Laura Winslow. Today is the last day to enter...ends tonight at midnight. 61 shops have donated prizes valued at $2600...one very lucky winner!

featured

I was so excited to have my home featured in the Design Aglow "Living with Art" series!

In case you missed it, you can see it here...Design Aglow.

taking a break

pardon the dust at the Savvy blog...

I have the flu...the dreaded flu and it has hit full force.

No work for the week...just rest. See you all soon~

Kelli France, of Francypants Academy, is giving away a FREE spot to her 6-week online mentoring course in March, valued at $1195!

To enter, simply email francypantsacademy@gmail.com with your full name. Be sure to include “Francypants Academy giveaway + your name” in the subject line of your email. All entries must be received by midnight (PST) Tuesday February 8th.

Then get everyone you know to visit http://www.francephotography.com/blog to vote for you. Voting will take place February 9-13. The person with the most votes wins! The winner will be announced on Valentine’s Day.

the broken zipper

There are people that touch your lives even if you have never met them.

I think one of the best things about the internet is connecting with others that you wouldn't have ever met before.

I am touched beyond words at this family. Valerie is a photographer but most importantly...a mom and a wife...a wife who is losing her husband.

I saw this video a couple of weeks ago on her blog. Through my tears I emailed her and ask her if I could show it on the blog...she politely said yes and said she was flattered. I don't know her but I love her...odd uh? I feel that sense of love for her and I just want to hug her and tell her what a wonderful and courageous person she is.

She has two little ones that are watching their Daddy struggle to live to each day. I just read her last blog post {I'm afraid to read each day hoping not to read the words we all don't want to read}...the post hit me hard...very hard. They had to take him to the hospital in the middle of the night due to pain....the ambulance came to get him...my memories came flowing back and I was not prepared for that.

The last time I saw my Dad, the ambulance came to our house to take him away to the hospital...I was 13 years old. He died of lung cancer a few days later. I was heading out for the beach for a week babysitting for a family {more of a mommy's helper}. I knew when the ambulance took him away I'd never see him again. I'm sad to say I was relieved. We had watched him slowly die for the last year...I think we were all ready for the pain and suffering to end. The day he died I was at the beach house watching TV with the kids I was babysitting...it had rained all day and the feeling in the air was a cold, dreary feeling and I can't even describe the haunting way the sky looked. I'll never forget the way the air felt that day. As I watched TV, the phone rang. The parents and their friends were in the kitchen happily cooking and laughing when one grabbed the phone. Suddenly everyone was quiet and they began whispering...I knew that second but tried to keep watching TV..hoping the call had not happened. The sweet Mom {who was also our neighbor and knew our family well} walked over to me and ask me if I would walk outside with her....no...please don't ask me to go outside. I slowly walked out starting to cry. She told me that was my mom on the phone...and the rest is a blur. I do remember her telling me that she too had lost a parent when she was my age...her mom and that she knew what I was going through...and she truly did. But all I could think was thank god it wasn't my mom. I remember walking back inside and everyone was there just watching me. It was a horrible feeling. I wanted {needed} my mom so bad. I went into the bedroom and packed my suitcase and as I was zipping it, the zipper broke. I was crying so hard I couldn't see. I didn't know then that for the rest of my life when I zip a suitcase, I think of that moment.

This post wasn't supposed to be about me...I sat down here to write about Valerie...and in turn I told the story that I have never told anyone.

Please pray for Valerie... please pray for Wayne... and their family.

Kiss those babies of yours today and hold them a little tighter...tell them the things you love most about them. Call your Mom and Dad today if you are lucky enough to still have them around. Tell them that you love them. Tell your spouse you love them...and will through sickness and in health...till death do you part.

Click her to visit Valerie's blog

The video was made by Jami Davis

florabella love~

We love the new Florabella actions...check out the new blog for more images and info!

florabella love

We love the newest release from Florabella Collection...

Florabella Luxe II Photoshop Actions set includes 35 actions + a Try & Combine action.

I just found these images from our summer trip to Fairhope, Alabama. I never downloaded them...sad it took so long to see them because I just love these...and I love my sweet girl!

it's the start of a new season

{Setsuban}

I thought I'd share a little about our dinner this evening since it was special for us. We celebrated Setsuban...a Japanese tradition. Here's a little more about how we celebrated starting with dinner.

Notice the sushi without the nori...I'm not a fan of seaweed...I can't stand anything that has seaweed in it. That's mine...without seaweed and I loved it! Which is a big surprise for me.  Every one said I wouldn't leave Japan without loving sushi. While eating the sushi, we had to face a certain direction {the direction changes each year} and you can't talk while eating your roll. It brings you luck when you eat it without talking. {I think this is correct...I'm still learning all about it}

After the meal, we were excited to throw our beans...yep, we threw beans to get rid of the bad spirits and bring good luck in to our home. Our sweet cleaning lady also cooks for us...every Thursday she arrives with her groceries from the Japanese market and cooks us dinner {and cleans it up afterwards...thank goodness} before she leaves. I love this! I've also started shopping at the market and trying some of the things she makes.

Here she is...

The beans {roasted soy beans} that we threw at whoever was wearing the mask, they all took turns wearing it. Once your throw the beans at the person, they run out of the house {getting the bad spirits out} and then put on another mask {the happy one} and we throw beans at them again...bringing in the good luck. The kids had a great time and this is a memory they will always have of  Japan.  February 3rd is the day for Setsubun...it is the day before the beginning of spring in Japan. The name literally means "seasonal division".

lost in translation

This is the view from my bedroom. Sunrise in Japan. It's a beautiful sight to see every morning. I don't even mind the big green crane {it's a great color green}.  We seem so far away from our old life...the normal, everyday things like going to Target is what I miss most. All of us here dream of going Target...just 30 minutes is all I need in there. As I'm writing this, I'm watching Lost in Translation. So many have talked about this movie after coming here and how much they can relate. It's quite entertaining after experiencing Japan.

In order to talk to my cleaning lady, she will type in what she wants to tell me in her little pocket electronic translator/dictionary and then I read it...she was trying to tell me something and the translation came up "I want to give you a bath"...laughter erupted from both of us after she realized what she wrote. The language barrier is the hardest thing here. Before I got here, I really thought most people here spoke English...I was wrong. But a sweet bow from these very kind people makes the language barrier seem not so bad.

I miss the States...I miss so many things that you do and see on a daily basis that I can't wait to do.

Before I know it I will be missing this place. I will wonder why everyone can't be as nice as the Japanese. I will miss the food {even though I haven't acquired a taste for most of the food yet} I will...and that is something I'll crave back in the States. Why do we always want what we don't have? Life is funny that way. Being content is sometimes hard. I always look forward to the next move, the next house instead of enjoying where I am at the moment. Maybe that's my way of coping with the constant moves...knowing there is something new right around the corner. We are in the process of deciding where we will go after here. We get choices of what is available for his next job...and from that we decide what we want. Sometimes we don't have a choice...sometimes we do. The choices were not my ideal {one was Cairo, Egypt...we'll pass on that for now}. It looks like back to DC in the most logical choice but I'm keeping my fingers crossed something will open up in San Diego. I miss Coronado more than ever. I want to go back to the sweet days of walking to dinner and afterwards stopping by Mootime for ice cream. I miss the morning walks on the beach...then stopping by Starbucks. I miss meeting friends for drinks at the Del...I miss bonfires on the beach.

Are you still there?

I'm  just talking and hope someone is listening. If you are still there, God bless ya for listening.

Tonight is my night for venting I guess. All three of my kids are in bed asleep...which is nice...but I'm exhausted and trying to stay awake to finish answering emails. I'm so behind on emails and never seem to catch up. I hate that I don't email people back right away...sometimes not at all. I don't like that about me...it's not intentional...the emails that have a quick yes or no answer are easy to return. But when I want to say more than that, I put off writing it until I have more time...and I haven't seemed to find that time. {maybe I should quite writing now and get to work huh?} I vow to get back on track with emails...and blog post {where are the interviews lately?? I know what you are thinking}...

One more thing to tell you before I head off to bed...tonight while cooking dinner {actually looking for marshmallows for smores} I knocked a bottle of olive oil off the shelf in the pantry...it was glass and shattered all over the floor. Olive oil....can you imagine...mixed with glass. How do you get up olive oil? It's a mess...most of the glass is up but the oil is all over the kitchen. And it will be until the morning. Did I mention my mop broke?

I'm off to bed...good morning to you all! Have a good day and if you go to Target, enjoy~