Helping Out of LOVE for Pursuit 31 | Friday Fun
January 27th, 2012Tags / Categories / Comments
Timeline | Wedding Wednesday
January 25th, 2012It’s your Wedding Day
So perfect and fine,
With all your friends round you
To have a good time.
And we wish you much happiness
Starting your lives as one,
Always give love to each other
With lots of laughter and fun
So you are engaged, now what? You are now busy planning your wedding day. The “DO this” or the “DO that” for your special “I DO” day. You are overwhelmed with all the information you have gotten from all of those Bridal magazines or websites. You are not alone. There are millions out there just like YOU! Planning your special day does not have to be overwhelming if you follow a simple timeline….
Everything will fall into place.
Some questions to ask yourself: Home much time do I have (how long is the engagement)?, How elaborate do you want the wedding to be?, Who is helping pay for the wedding?
To save some time for your special day:
Make sure you meet with no more than 3 vendors in each category (catering, music, photography, stationery, etc.). Make sure you do your research before meeting them. Or simply go with word of mouth. Meeting with more than 3 vendors can cause you and your fiancee undo stress.
If you want the stress to be less than hire a wedding planner. They will make sure all is taken care of for your special day and you will be stress free. They have great recommendations for vendors and are up to date with decorating and make lots of inspiration boards for you. They want your day to be about YOU!
So in a nutshell…. decide how long you have, make a budget, and decide how elaborate you want your wedding to be…and you totally should check out Pintrest for lots of wedding inspiration!
Check out merrimentevents.com for more information on the outline below:
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Turn Up the Music | my life
January 23rd, 2012As I sit here poundering what I should write about…my dog is sleeping on the floor next to me, my kids should be sleeping but instead are talking….and my husband is out playing poker. Well, that is my night in a nutshell. I am tired and ready for bed, but my mind won’t stop thinking….
Thinking of all the cool photography ideas that I have in my head…. props, workshops, friends, blogs, websites, mentors, mentees, pursuit 31, and the list goes on!
and then…
I decide to take a look around me…who would have thought that I would be here! Be where I want to be. Everything is falling into place. Weddings, bookings, my family, and spirtually! I am still working on some friendship issues. (It is difficult with work, kids, husband, and life)!
You know that the music can take you wherever and anywhere you want to go!
Just make sure you turn that music UP!
And make some lemonade out of some lemons:)
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Dreams and Blessings | my life
January 20th, 2012“I can’t wait to see the new doors you’ll open, the new friends I’ll make, the new opportunities I will have.”
I have been reading a lot lately and this quote above stuck out to me. I have been praying to GOD a lot lately too and he has been so good to me. He has opened up new doors for me, given me some new friends and I know that there are opportunities out there for me.
If you stay within your faith you will see GOD blossom your life in ways you may have never imagined. This is happening to me as I type. Life, Photography, Nursing, Love, Family, Finances and Friends have all been blossomed because of my faith for God. I know that it is all because of him that things are happening for the better.
I have dreams…. BIG DREAMS.
Dreams to become a better photographer, to be able to just work full-time doing something that I am passionate about and have been for many many years! I have dreams to go around the country. Take my family on a vacation, to visit Hawaii with my husband, to one day be debt free(almost there)! I dream of teaching my children to love GOD more and to take them on a mission trip one day. I have dreams to make lots of new friends. I have a dream to one day educate others about photography. I dream of growing old with my husband, sitting on a porch swing…his hand in mine. My dreams are endless, they go on and on and on…..
Don’t let anyone talk you out of your dreams. Because if you dream it, you can achieve it.
If I wait with confidence, I know that my harvest is on its way. It may be today, tomorrow, a month from now, next year, or 20 years from now, but I know that it is coming. And when it comes it is going to be bigger and better than before!
I know that no-one can keep me from my destiny. So I must continue doing the things that I love and keep on praying.
The difficulties will give me new growth, new potential, new talent, new friendships, new opportunities, and a new vision…..God’s blessings will then be in bloom!
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This is the Stuff I LOVE | my life
January 19th, 2012“The only difference between an extraordinary life and an ordinary one is the extraordinary pleasures you find in ordinary things.”~Veronique Vienne
Well today I thought that I would share with you all some more things in my ordinary life that I love. As for the little things in life that make us who we are.
I have a love for skittles, yes and only the RED ones:)
I have been to Paris and seen the Eiffel Tower and I get giddy everytime I see it in a movie, tv, or picture. Just to know that I have been across the world it makes me know that I am truly blessed!
I have an obsession or love for diamonds. They are a girls best friend, right? Well sort of…
I love APPLE products. I will get an iPhone this year, I swear!
I am obsessed with Aerie. I love their clothes and their undergarments. I know….I am just not that sexy model from Victoria Secret. I am that down to earth kind of girl!
One of my all time favorite movies is ANNIE!
Ruffles are my favorite chips. Yup and my husband went to the store the other day and bought me some. He does know me and my favorites:)
One day I will get the chance to see my favorite singer/songwriter the one and only TAYLOR SWIFT! I just adore her and her music. Well only if she would take the chance to get to know me and my LOVE STORY then she could totally write a song for me, right? So if you get a chance to meet her, tell her she needs to contact me asap to write a song about my LOVE STORY please!
And my favorite pie would be APPLE Pie alamode! Yup, have to have the icecream with it.
And I am addicted to quotes as you know….they are so inspirational!
So here are just some of my favorite things in my little ordinary life that I call extraordinary!
What are some of your favorite things? Leave me a comment, I would LOVE to hear all about them.
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30 day Challenge | my life
January 17th, 2012“All good music resembles something. Good music stirs by its mysterious resemblance to the objects and feelings which motivated it.“~Jean Cocteau
I was once challenged to listen to nothing but Christian music a few years ago and it has changed my life for the better. So I am challenging you to listen to KLOVE (96.9 in Toledo, OH) for 30 days straight. You truly will see a difference in your life. Sure I still listen today to other music, my kids listen to all the new hip music, but when it is me time….I am listening to KLOVE. It is my inspirational dose of GOD that I need and crave. I am going to put you all up for another challenge….When you hear “Hold Me” by Jamie Grace on the radio, text me Hold Me at 419.345.1082 and you could win a FREE $10 itunes card. Here is a quick video from Jamie Grace and one about the 30 day challenge. I hope that you will take this amazing challenge and see your life be changed. AND for all that don’t know me….my all time favorite singer is still TAYLOR SWIFT!
You can follow Jamie Grace at:
http://www.twitter.com/jamiegraceh
http://www.facebook.com/jamiegraceh
http://www.jamiegrace.com/
Here is the video of the song HOLD ME
Here is the video about the 30 day challenge
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Coupons Part 1 | my life
January 16th, 2012Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the LORD Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it.”~Malachi 3:10
I have gotten a lot of emails asking me how do I coupon. I will let you all in on my secret of success! I will give you all the nitty gritty on the process that I took to start saving. I did a lot of research online. There are a lot of videos that you can google on youtube. I follow these blogs to give me links and tell me where the deals are for the week or day: Hip2Save, Freetastesgood, CouponKatarina, TheKrazyCouponLady. Also follow these 4 on facebook as well. They update it periodically throughout the day, so you won’t miss a single deal! Yes, it does take some time to get used to the whole process, maybe even a little nervous at the check out, but just start small and your blessings will be in surplus before you know it! There is a real science to the clipping of coupons. And a little inspiration from fellow couponers. Just an FYI, my neighbor Joni has been on Extreme Couponers on TLC. She has been my inspiration for making all this happen! It just takes a little bit of your time, but you will be rewarded in the end!
So the 411 on couponing.
You must know the lingo.
OYNO- On Your Next Order
IP- Internet Printable
AR- After Rebate
DND- Do Not Double
YMMV- Your Mileage May Vary
WYB- When You Buy
FAR- Free After Rebate
RC- Rain Check
MQ- Manufacturer’s Coupon
MIR- Mail-in Rebate
DB- Coupon Database
RP- Redplum
SS- Smartsource
PG- Proctor & Gamble
RR- Register Reward (Walgreens)
Ups- +Up Rewards (Rite-Aid)
Coupon Angel- a person who leaves coupons throughout the store for others to use.
Coupon Nazi- a bad cashier that doesn’t like customers to use coupons and will give you a hard time about them.
Stacking coupons- using both a store coupon and a manufacturer’s coupon on one item.
Catalinas- These are the coupons that print from a special machine at the checkout counter.
Peelies- These are the coupons attached to the package. You have to peel off the coupon to redeem it at the register.
Blinkies- Coupons dispensed from a machine located on the shelf near the promoted product.
PLEASE COUPON with respect for other couponers. Only purchase what you need for your family and you are going to donate. We do not want to be the cause for stores changing their coupon policies. It is also best to have your store’s coupon policy with you at all times. (most have them on their internet site)
DON’T be brand loyal. Yes you must try new products. I was an avid only CREST toothpaste junkie, but now have learned that the others work as well:)
Buy at least a few SUNDAY newspapers, or have your family and friends give you the coupon inserts weekly. That way you can stock up when there is a deal.
Remember that BIGGER is NOT always BETTER! Buy the smallest size that the coupon will allow.
Always make sure that you check your manufacturer product boxes before throwing them away. Many times there are coupons in the box or on the inside of the box.
You must be ORGANIZED. I use a Case-It binder with Avery tabs and 100 baseball card inserts.
Make it work for you. Clip the coupons while you are watching T.V. Have your kids help you cut or organize them for you by category.
Make sure you play by the rules! Here is a link to read about Crimes of Couponing.
Stay tuned for Part 2…..
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And the Winner is…. | Friday Fun
January 13th, 2012“Winning isn’t everything, it’s the only thing.”
This morning I woke up to a few more comments on my blog….YAY! So happy that someone wants some STARBUCKS:) and of course for all the amazing BIRTHDAY wishes that I received yesterday! I was blown away by all the wonderful people in my life. Well, I decided that I would cut pieces of paper and then draw a name/winner. My kids saw me doing this and my oldest son Kyle picked the winner of the $10 STARBUCKS gift card. So go and enjoy a drink on me….. Emilia Jane. So Emilia just email me your address and it will be on its way to you! (nancy@nancymitchellphotography.com)
Today is Friday Fun, so I thought that I would share a video that has been going around on facebook to enlighten you about the shocking inside truth about the fashion & beauty industry.
The commercial isn’t real, nor are the standards of society! So go ahead and watch it and tell me what you think. I hope you all have a great FRIDAY the 13th
Fotoshop by Adobé from Jesse Rosten on Vimeo.
And here is another cool wedding video:
Groom’s surprise Justin Bieber wedding dance for bride
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It’s My Birthday | my life
January 12th, 2012“This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”~Psalm 118:24
Well today is my day, yup all about NANCY! You see it is my BIRTHDAY today! I believe you should CELEBRATE everything about you on your special day. So today it is all about ME!
A few things you may want to know about me:
* I love the color puple.
* I love anything that is LOVE!
* I love kids, especially my four adorable ones.
* I grind my teeth when I sleep.
* I married my high school sweetheart. Yup, we have been together for 21 years figure that out! We were 14, yikes! I am still madly in LOVE with him.
* I love mash potatoes.
* I love Cold Stone turtle icecream.
* My first job was at Mr. Freeze ice cream.
* I collect willow tree figurines.
* My new obsession is Starbucks Salted Hot Chocolate Carmel Frappe! Thanks to my friends Zach & Jody Gray.
* I love the show Biggest Loser.
* My favorite movie is Annie.
* I love the smell of newborns.
* I enjoy being at home relaxing by our pool.
* I like to enter contests:)
* I LOVE my DIET COKE!
Make sure you watch the video for a special treat! Also just an FYI… this is the first time in years that I have not woken up to SNOW on the ground. YES…I know it is coming soon!
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Pursuit 31 | my life
January 10th, 2012“Who can find a Virtuous Woman for the price is far above rubies.”~Proverbs 31
What is Pursuit 31? Well let me tell you…. It is a community of creative woman in pursuit of walking in greatness through our businesses and our homes for the glory of God.
Pursuit 31 is about making friends, encouraging each other and having awesome conversations
It was created by a Christian wedding photographer, Karen Stott. It is named/modeled after Proverbs 31.
So what exactly has this group done in my life over the past year? I have came up with 10 things that it has done for my life in general.
1. Faith- It has made me realize that it is now that I need to have faith and serve GOD. No time like the present.
2. Marriage- It has made me respect my husband more and more each day. I am thankful for all that he does. I am there to help him when needed.
3. Mothering- This has been difficult because my older kids are a bit resentful, but I am trying to teach my kids the way of Christ in everything we do. I am trying to nurture them with the love of Christ.
4. Health- I care about my body and want to prepare better foods for my family. This is hard to do, but I am going to continue to try to make better food choices for the family. ( No more making Rice Krispie treats, now that one will be a difficult challenge)
5. Service- I serve my husband, my family, my friends, and neighbors when they need it. This is also something that I have been trying to work on, but with my new found craze with couponing I have been able to serve my family with products that they need for cheap or free. This is a great feeling to help others in need. I am going to continue to work on being charitable.
6. Finances- My husband has a strict eye on our finances, as well as he should. I try to spend wisely on things that we need and I seek approval from my husband. Our finances also have been better this past year, due to my new found love of couponing. This has helped our household out tremendously.
7. Industry- I work willingly with my hands and I do not grumble while completing the tasks of the day.
8. Homemaking- I am a homemaker and I use much hospitality to all those who are invited into my home. I hope to do more of this, this year!
9. Time- I am trying to really use my time more wisely this year. I am going to try to work more diligently to get the tasks of the day completed in a timely manner.
10. Beauty- I am trying to show you all my inner beauty that has come from CHRIST himeself. I am trying to use my creativity and my sense of style to create much beauty in my live and to always live for my loved ones.
So, those are just a few things that Pursuit 31 has done for me in my personal life. I know that this group has done wonders for me, and by no means am I perfect, but hey I am trying to be a better person in all aspects of life. I am thankful that I came across it a year ago and was asked to be a part. The woman of the group are so inspirational and helpful. I have had the opportunity to create so many new wonderful friendships that I may have never been able to create without this group.
It has activated my faith and encouraged me to achieve my DREAMS.
It has also made me realize that the BEST days are right in front of me!
So if you are a photographer and you want in this awesome group, let me know so I can invite you to join. Also they are having a Pursuit 31 Conference in October that you should check out. If my finances are right, I will be going to it. It has done so much for my personal life and business life, that I don’t want to miss this opportunity of a lifetime to learn more to better myself.
Love,
Nancy
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