Looking Through the Wright Lens

Happy Valentine's Day!

2012-02-14T14:54:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone is having a wonderful Valentine's Day! I loved making Valentine's with Ruby for her friends. Lucky for her, Grandma sent some Valentine's for her to put together as well!

{idea from here}

An Almost 8-Year-Old {Roseville Children Photographer}

2012-02-10T14:33:00.000-08:00

I had so much fun photographing B last weekend. He is such a sweet and kind boy and was so cooperative, even though he was a little tired coming straight from baseball. Right after our session, he had a piano recital, so he definitely had one busy day! He was great for the camera and I really appreciated his mom standing at the side, not saying a word and letting me do my thing. We had a great time and we got some great pictures!

Happy Birthday {My Boy is One}

2012-02-02T13:45:00.002-08:00

My sweet little boy turned ONE this week! I can't believe that a year has passed by so quickly. I printed out pictures from each month and strung them together to hang as a decoration. I keep going back to them and am just amazed how much he has grown! Life is so much better with him!

Before & After: Master Bedroom {Working with Marissa}

2012-01-24T13:37:00.000-08:00

I had been disliking our master bedroom for a while. It wasn't complete, and I knew I needed something completely new, but I just couldn't find the right direction. Luckily, I started working with Marissa of Roost and she came up with a wonderful master bedroom redo for us. Never mind the fact that she lives across the country. We communicated through email and it was just great. She was wonderful to work with, so patient, and really took our needs and wants into account. She stuck with our tiny budget and found some beautiful pieces that we could use in our bedroom. She answered all my questions and really knew what she was talking about. I am so happy with the result and am grateful to have worked with her. If you ever need some interior design help, go to Marissa! You won't be disappointed!

Here is the before (I know...embarrassing):

...and the after!

I really wanted something that was calm, but liveable. My husband and I wanted our room to be a place where we could all be and not be concerned about dirt spots on our bed or things breaking. I think the style is also very us.

C in San Diego {Maternity Photographer}

2012-01-12T13:32:00.000-08:00

Here is my gorgeous sister-in-law. Isn't she just so cute? She is such a darling pregnant woman and this little baby is so lucky to have her as her momma. We did this session in about 7 minutes flat, but we got some good shots!

As I was going through pictures, I discovered this one. I didn't intend for it to be blurry (maybe my finger just pushed the button too quickly?), but I do love it. Funny how mistakes can turn out to be beautiful.

San Diego {During the Day}

2012-01-09T08:59:00.000-08:00

San Diego {At Night}

2012-01-05T09:07:00.000-08:00

We got back last week from a wonderful trip to San Diego to celebrate my Grandma's 80th birthday. I used my brother's tripod to take these fun night pictures, and I'm glad I took the time to do it. We had an incredible view from the house we stayed in and all of these pictures were taken from the balcony.

Our view...

Can you spot Orion's Belt?

Those dots on the right are from a plane. My daughter thinks it is Santa flying by. :-)

Christmas Outfits

2011-12-17T16:29:00.000-08:00

We headed out to the Sacramento Temple and took pictures of the kids in their Christmas outfits from Grandma Z. It was a bit chilly, but the kids didn't seem to mind and we had such a wonderful time walking around, taking pictures, and focusing our thoughts on the birth of Christ.

C Girls {Sacramento Family Photographer}

2011-12-12T15:04:00.000-08:00

I had the privilege of photographing these pretty girls in their Christmas dresses. It was pretty apparent that they loved their momma and didn't let her out of their sight. I thought it was so sweet. It was also freezing, but these girls were troopers!

J & M {Some of THE Cutest Kids You Will Ever See}

2011-11-28T10:23:00.000-08:00

Here are my nephew and niece. Aren't they just beautiful children? They are the sweetest, too, and we had a blast playing with them when we were in Utah.

Thankful

2011-11-24T09:07:00.001-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving!

We celebrated early in Utah last week (complete with our traditional "Christmas Jello" pictured), but we'll be enjoying a nice, quiet, small celebration with our little family at home. I feel like I have so much to be thankful for...the list is endless. I hope you all have a wonderful day, full of gratitude and thanksgiving!

Baby A {Sacramento Newborn Photographer}

2011-11-05T17:41:00.000-07:00

This baby was so sweet and mellow. She is definitely loved by her older sister and brother and will grow up to be a tough little girl! She wasn't too interested in sleeping during our session, but fell asleep right as I was leaving (of course). Luckily we got some good pictures, anyway!

Three Generations

Happy Halloween! {My Little Dinosaur}

2011-10-31T09:20:00.001-07:00

Hope you all have a safe and wonderful Halloween! Here's my little guy in the same costume that my daughter wore for her first Halloween....I'm thinking we will just pass it down to each child for their first Halloween (assuming it fits each one)...

November Utah Sessions Available

2011-10-24T14:59:00.000-07:00

I am SO glad it is finally looking like Fall around here! I miss seeing the colors change on the mountains in Utah.

We will be visiting family in Utah in mid-November and I would be up to doing one or two photo sessions...any takers? Email me (thewrightlens@gmail.com) and we can work out details if you are interested!

Princess Ruby {In Her Belle Dress}

2011-10-19T15:11:00.000-07:00

Ruby decided that she wanted to be Belle for Halloween this year and told me months ago that she wanted me to make the dress. While it did take some time, I got it finished and with time to spare before Halloween! Doesn't she look beautiful? Oh, how I love this little girl!

K Family {Sacramento Family Photographer}

2011-10-17T08:46:00.000-07:00

I had lots of fun around Capitol Park with this family! Their youngest was the best helper and got everyone to smile and laugh. It was great. Thanks, K Family!

My little helper

J {Sacramento Eagle Scout Photographer}

2011-09-27T09:28:00.000-07:00

J is only 14 and got his Eagle Scout already! I am so impressed! He was so easy to work with and I'm so glad I had this opportunity to take some pictures of him! Congrats, J!

Fall Is Around The Corner!

2011-09-16T14:17:00.000-07:00

We have seen lots of spiders on their webs lately on our runs and walks. Check them out! Fascinating and creepy at the same time.

T Family {Sacramento Family Photographer}

2011-09-08T09:46:00.000-07:00

I had lots of fun with this family, and I have to admit, sometimes it is nice to take pictures of adults that I don't have to make a fool out of myself to get their attention (like with little kids.... :-) That being said, I do LOVE taking pics of little kids...remember how I have two myself?). At first we were only going to take a picture of the boys together, but then I convinced them that we might as well take family pictures since everyone was together! Glad we did!

Oh, and we threw in a few of the girlfriend too... just for fun.

Thanks, T family!

The Most Amazing Pizza Dough {Plus A Reminder}

2011-08-30T15:22:00.000-07:00

First off, just a little reminder that prices will be increasing for photo sessions in just two days! So, schedule at the current prices now!

Second, this is seriously the best pizza crust I have ever had. I won't make any other kind and it beats out any pizza I could buy. It isn't really labor-intensive, but you do have to be home at certain times during the day for rising/punching down. You definitely will not regret making this! Thanks to my dear friend, Elizabeth, who posted about this on her blog!

Recipe adapted from here.

This makes enough for our family of two adults and one toddler (our 7-month-old doesn't eat this yet) to have for dinner plus a little for leftovers the next day.

Ingredients

1 1/2 cup warm water (105°F to 115°F)
3 teaspoons dry yeast (from 1 envelope)
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 teaspoons salt
3 1/2 cups (about) unbleached all purpose flour

Directions:

1. Pour 1 1/2 cup water into large bowl. Sprinkle yeast over; stir to blend. Let stand 10 minutes to dissolve yeast.
2. Add oil and salt, then 3 cups flour. Stir until well blended (dough will be sticky).
3. Turn dough out onto generously floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, adding just enough flour to prevent dough from sticking, about 5 minutes (dough will be soft).
4. Shape dough into ball; place in large oiled bowl and turn to coat. Cover bowl with kitchen towel. Let dough rise at cool room temperature until almost doubled, about 2 hours.
5. Punch dough down; form into ball. Return to bowl; cover with towel and let rise until doubled, about 3 hours.
6.Preheat oven to 500°F. Punch down dough. Form into ball, roll out to desired thickness and place on cornmeal-lined baking sheet. Let rest 30 minutes.
7. Add toppings. Bake on topmost oven rack for 12-15 minutes.

Enjoy!

Birthday Cupcakes {Chocolate Peanut Butter}

2011-08-18T13:20:00.000-07:00

(above pic taken by my sister)

My birthday was last week and I was so lucky that my mom and sister surprised me and drove out here to be with me! My mom made these delicious chocolate peanut butter cupcakes (my request)! Click here for the recipe!

An Eagle Scout {Sacramento Portrait Photographer}

2011-08-12T15:46:00.000-07:00

I was honored to be able to photograph this Eagle Scout. This is such a wonderful accomplishment in his life that he has worked hard for!

ABC's {And a Source to Get Good Deals}

2011-08-09T09:01:00.000-07:00

Ruby has really been into the alphabet for a while now, so when I saw a book that came with foam shapes to form the letters on Zulily, I couldn't resist buying it. She does an excellent job with forming her letters, both upper and lowercase and I know I got a good deal too! Zulily has some great discounts on some great products for moms, babies, & kids (from strollers to toys to clothes). Everything I have ordered has been wonderful. You should really sign up! Click here!

P.S. Zulily has no idea who I am and didn't ask me to do this post. I just wanted to share something great I found! :-)

Wedding Day {R&C}

2011-08-04T15:51:00.000-07:00

Even though I was not the main photographer for my brother's wedding day, I can't resist posting some pictures. The day seemed to go flawlessly and it was beautiful. The weather wasn't too hot and the bride and groom were beyond happy. It was wonderful. Take a look for yourself...

Pictures were being taken with the neices/nephew and my family really gets involved in trying to get them to look and smile...and how could you not?

The reception that night was gorgeous. Unfortunately, we had to leave early because my children were beyond tired, but we couldn't stay any longer. I was sad to miss the cake cutting, the first dance, the bouquet toss, and the exit, but it would not have been fun with our kiddos if we did stay. That is how it goes sometimes. I am glad I captured a little bit though...

Wrapped around a big tree in the backyard were childhood pictures of R & C. Such a fun idea!

I can't tell you enough how much I love this picture--it is a classic face for my Grandpa!

Peter {At Six Months}

2011-08-01T08:32:00.000-07:00

This little boy melts my heart and I count my lucky stars each day that he is mine. He is such a happy little (not really that little...he is quite the chunk!) baby and I had the hardest time taking more candid pictures of him just doing his thing...he just likes to watch the camera and smile! We sure love him and I can't believe it has been half a year already!

Prices

2011-07-30T13:55:00.000-07:00

Hey! I am raising my prices starting September 1st, so if you would like to book a session through December with my current prices, do it now! The Christmas season is right around the corner, so do yourself a favor and get a good deal and don't wait until the last minute!

thewrightlens@gmail.com

Oh, and here is a sneak peek of my big six-month-old...

G Family {Sacramento Family Photographer}

2011-07-21T09:48:00.000-07:00

I had so much fun with this family! I love being able to capture the times when family comes from out of town to be together and it is a rare occasion. One of the sons just got back from serving an LDS mission in Louisiana, so this really was such a joyful time!

Thanks, G Family!

R & C {Part Two}

2011-07-15T14:19:00.000-07:00

More of this gorgeous couple...

(Image by Christian)

(Image by Christian)

(Image by Christian)

(Image by Christian)

(Image by Christian)

R & C {Part One}

2011-07-14T15:34:00.000-07:00

The main reason we went to Utah was because my younger brother was getting married. I was thrilled when they asked me to do bridal pictures and I was also thrilled when my even younger brother, Christian, came along as a second shooter (boy, what a difference it makes!). All pictures are edited by me. Pictures taken by Christian are noted.

We got some great pictures and I think shooting pictures of people in love is so easy because you don't have to direct them a ton...they already show their emotions so easily and they are so genuine. I love it.

We decided that we needed to document the first time my brother saw his future wife in his dress. We decided to blindfold my brother and C would lead him over the bridge, take the blindfold off, and he would turn around. I love the reveal...
(Images by Christian)

(Image by Christian)

(Image by Christian)

(Images by Christian)

Right before he turned around...
(Image by Christian)

(Image by Christian)

(Image by Christian)

(Image by Christian)

(Image by Christian)

The afternoon was gorgeous and it was so fun to spend some time with these two just days before their wedding. C is a perfect match for my brother and I couldn't be happier for them.

(Image by Christian)

(Image by Christian)

(Image by Christian)

(Image by Christian)

Stay tuned for Part Two...

Baby L

2011-07-09T11:48:00.000-07:00

Another one of my dear friends just had a baby so I definitely had to snap some pictures of him! Since he was born 5 weeks early, he has had to go through some yucky medical stuff. He was so content and just went with the flow....even with some naked pictures. I was so happy that we could take some time to capture these moments of him and his sweet mom.

Cute little sneeze...

Baby E

2011-07-05T09:14:00.000-07:00

A wonderful friend of mine contacted me a while back asking if I would be in Utah anytime soon so that I could take pictures of her soon-to-be baby. It just happened to be that I would be so we set up a time! I was so excited to meet little E. She was so sweet and so sleepy. Her parents are so cute with her and I always love seeing new dads with their first baby. There is something so special about it. Of course, little E seemed so tiny compared to my 5 month old. I loved spending time with this little newborn!

P.S. Do Mom & Dad look familiar? I did their engagements a little while ago!

Sneak Peek {My Brother & His Wife}

2011-06-30T16:22:00.000-07:00

We just got back from a week in Utah. I hate having to unpack and it always seems to take me a little while to get back in the swing of things. In the meantime, here is a little sneak peek of one of the reasons we went...

Lots and lots more to come!

Surprises

2011-06-15T21:47:00.000-07:00

Yes, I have been MIA. I guess I have just had other things going on...but, I'll be back soon. In the meantime, I wanted to share a glimpse of our personal life...

I love how little things can capture the attention of a three-year-old for long periods of time. Our friends gave us some strawberry plants to grow on our balcony and as we opened up the bag, out popped a little frog friend. Poor guy probably was a bit confused and hopped right off of our second-floor balcony. I hope he made it alive. He sure made for some magical minutes though!

DIY Bubbles

2011-05-10T13:42:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we needed some good bubble fun...but, we were out of solution. After doing a little searching, we decided to make our own. Try it...most likely you have all the ingredients.

Bubble Solution

2 1/2 C Water
1 C Liquid Dishwashing Soap (we use the grapefruit ajax kind...oooh, it smells so yummy!)
1/4 C Corn Syrup

Mix.
(adapted from here)

Play!

An Easter Dress {For Ruby}

2011-04-24T07:36:00.000-07:00

It is a tradition that Ruby gets an Easter dress from Grandma Z....it is also a tradition to take pictures in it. I have to say that this one was the best one we have done, at least as far as her cooperation goes. I think it has to do with the fact that she is growing up (perhaps a little cookie bribery had a little bit to do with it too). Oh, what a beautiful little girl she is. Yes, I am completely biased....but, I am definitely okay with that.

Family Pictures {The Z Side}

2011-04-16T14:33:00.000-07:00

Just like the other family pictures, we had a very limited amount of time to get these done....40 minutes or so. In fact, my hubby told me he would buy me a shake if I could get it all done....and I did (now I just need to cash in my prize)! Since my brother Christian is in these pictures, and so am I, we set up the tripod and had my brother's ~~girlfriend~~ fiancée push the button...and it worked out pretty well! Not bad, huh?

Grandma, Grandpa, & the Grandkids

Family Pictures {The W Side}

2011-04-14T13:57:00.000-07:00

On our quick trip to Utah, both sides of my family decided that we should take family pictures, since everyone would be there. For my husband's side, we enlisted the help of my wonderful brother to snap the large family pictures and my little family and my sister to entertain/get the kids' attention (thank you so much Christian and Jenn!). I think it worked out pretty well...especially considering the fact that we only had about 45 minutes for the entire session!

Images are by me unless noted otherwise.

Image by Christian

Peter's Blessing Day

2011-04-06T14:16:00.001-07:00

We took a quick trip to Utah to bless Peter. It was a wonderful day and we were so happy to be with family. Of course, I had to take some pictures of him in his blessing outfit. He looked so cute and I am just so in love with this little boy.

It's A Wrap!

2011-03-26T14:14:00.001-07:00

Every single time I venture out and put Peter in this little wrap, someone asks me about it. I LOVE it. Peter LOVES it. He falls asleep every single time.

When I was pregnant, I knew I wanted a Moby Wrap, but seeing how expensive they were, I had a hard time wanting to fork out the money for it. I looked around online and found a tutorial on how to make one. Super easy. Cheap....and you end up getting two out of the tutorial....so, then you either have a spare or you have one to give away as a gift.

What you need:

4 1/2 to 5 yards of Jersey knit material, about 60 inches wide
Scissors

What you do:

Cut down the middle, lengthwise

You are done!

I then went here and found tutorials on how to wrap it. It has been wonderful. And easy.

Spring...

2011-03-16T13:55:00.000-07:00

...is just around the corner!

Peter {As a Newborn}

2011-02-17T16:06:00.000-08:00

I was so excited to take some newborn pictures of sweet little Peter. Much to my chagrin, he certainly wasn't as excited. I was anxious to get some "just diaper" shots, but that was not happening, even on the multiple occasions that I tried. Oh well. I still think he is absolutely adorable and I'm glad I got some pictures of him as a newborn.

Happy Valentine's Day!

2011-02-14T13:31:00.000-08:00

Yep, those are hearts on her nails...pretty simple, thanks to toothpicks

Happy Birthday Ruby!

2011-02-13T12:27:00.000-08:00

Today is my sweet Ruby girl's third birthday! Three seems so old to me as a parent. Ruby is such a wonderful part of our family and I can't really remember much of life without her. She makes us smile every day and I love her so much.

Check out this Monsters, Inc birthday cake my mom made for her this year....

Happy Birthday Ruby girl!

Our Newest Addition {to our Family}

2011-02-06T12:33:00.002-08:00

Peter was born one week ago on January 30, 2011. 7 lbs. 6 oz. 19 1/2 inches long. Completely perfect. I feel overwhelmed with blessings. More to come soon...

Just Because

2011-01-26T14:11:00.001-08:00

I adore this picture of my sweet little girl...a little girl that is getting bigger every single day. I love these rosy cheeks, big blue eyes, and a smile that lights up everything around her. Life is going to change drastically for us any day now with a little brother, so I am trying to soak up all of the Ruby time I have. She will always be my first baby, even if she isn't looking much like a baby at all.

Beautiful F {Roseville Portrait Photographer}

2011-01-19T13:51:00.000-08:00

Here is my gorgeous friend, about to leave on an LDS mission in less than two weeks! I was ecstatic to be able to take some pictures of her before she goes. She has a special place in my daughter's heart and I am so grateful for our friendship. I think she will be an incredible missionary and I can't wait to hear stories and write letters!

I love laughing pictures...

A+L {Sacramento Wedding Photographer}

2011-01-08T14:32:00.000-08:00

Call me crazy to photograph a wedding at 7 1/2 months pregnant...but, I did it and I loved it!

These two were so fun and easy going to work with. They were married in the Sacramento LDS Temple and were just radiating joy when they walked out. I couldn't believe how calm they were, even though it was raining on their wedding day (a HUGE thank you to my wonderful friend and assistant, Felicia, who came and helped me stay dry!)...not the nicest wedding present for these two that flew in from warm Hawaii. Aren't they just beautiful?!?!?!

It was an honor to document this day for them and they are so sweet together. Thanks, A+L!

L Family {Sacramento Family Photographer}

2011-01-03T14:34:00.000-08:00

I had a lot of fun running around in the rain with this family. Luckily it wasn't raining too hard, and there were a few places to go to stay dry. The kiddos did a good job and the adults weren't too terrible either. Thanks, L family!

Grandma and Grandpa with their grandkids

All fifteen!

Just the original kids...

Rainy Wedding Day {Sneak Peek}

2010-12-27T14:29:00.000-08:00

Ooohhh....I can't wait to show you more of this gorgeous couple!

Joy to the World

2010-12-24T14:25:00.000-08:00

"And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord."

--Luke 2:10-11

Have a very Merry Christmas!

Ruby {In Her Christmas Dress}

2010-12-23T08:05:00.000-08:00

Ruby got this special little Christmas dress from Grandma Z. She absolutely adores it. Luckily the rain stopped for an hour or so, so we took advantage of that time and snapped some pictures.

She kept twirling around, saying, "I'm a ballerina, Mom!" It was so sweet.

Oh, she is so cute. I know I am way biased, but seriously...I almost can't handle it.

Peppermint Bark {Easy Holiday Treat}

2010-12-20T14:34:00.000-08:00

Still needing a yummy treat for Christmas? Try some peppermint bark. Super easy and super delicious!

Ingredients:
1 lb. milk chocolate chips
1 lb. white chocolate chips
crushed candy canes
1 tsp. peppermint extract, divided

Directions:
1. Put wax paper over a cookie sheet.
2. Over a double boiler (make one with a pot of water about 2 inches deep and put a glass bowl on top), melt the milk chocolate chips. Add 1/2 tsp. peppermint extract. Pour onto cookie sheet and spread. Chill in fridge for 15 minutes.
3. Melt white chocolate chips the same way you melted the milk chocolate chips. Add 1/2 tsp. peppermint extract. Pour over milk chocolate. Spread.
4. Sprinkle crushed candy canes.
5. Chill.
6. Enjoy!!!

Baby J {Sacramento Newborn Photographer}

2010-12-13T10:02:00.000-08:00

Just a week old. Perfect. I love newborns....and this little one was no exception. Isn't she darling?

The quilt on the right was made by her mother...gorgeous, huh?

The Christmas tree bokeh just kills me!

Cute big brother!

M Family {Sacramento Family Photographer}

2010-12-09T09:22:00.000-08:00

Two sisters married two brothers and so they wanted family pictures with their mother (the sisters)...what a cool family situation! They kept me on my toes and we had a fun time. We met up at Capitol Park and were lucky to avoid most of the rain. Thanks M Family!

M Family {Sacramento Family Photographer}

2010-12-01T08:43:00.000-08:00

I took this family's pictures last year and was so excited when they contacted me to do pictures again this year. They are so easy going and it is so fun to see them a year later. Their little girl was so happy and just wanted to play with sticks....but, what kid doesn't? Thanks M Family for letting me take your pictures again!

Happy Turkey Day!

2010-11-25T09:27:00.000-08:00

Hope you are having a fabulous Thanksgiving!

Turkey Place Cards {A Fun DIY with your child}

2010-11-24T12:56:00.000-08:00

Still looking for a fun Thanksgiving activity to do? Ruby and I had a blast making these darling place cards and we are excited to use them tomorrow (I think Ruby was just excited to use stamps and make her own artwork....)

They are easy and fast. All you need: brown ink, brown pen/marker, red pen/marker, white paper, cardstock, and glue. Use your thumb and one of your child's finger as the stamps for the turkey. I don't think I need to explain anything else...they are pretty straight forward.

Idea from here.

Fall

2010-11-23T08:03:00.000-08:00

Fall is a funny thing in Sacramento. I am used to Utah fall where the leaves start changing on the mountain in September. It has been quite an adjustment for me to wait until late October/November to actually feel like fall. I am really enjoying it, though. I hope it sticks around for a bit longer.

Ruby's Skirt {Easy & Free Sewing Project}

2010-11-20T07:58:00.001-08:00

Don't you love sewing projects where you don't have to buy any materials? That is how this one was. My husband had some old jeans, I had some jersey fabric, and I just used white thread. Easy. I used this tutorial and adapted it for a two-year-old. I think it will even fit her next year.

Apple Hill

2010-11-16T08:46:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving Daily

2010-11-12T13:58:00.000-08:00

Love this!

So I Lied...

2010-11-09T08:40:00.000-08:00

Okay, so I finished a few other projects before the sneak peek of my other one. I was so excited to make three pillows for my little girl's soon-to-be bigger bed. The best part was her reaction. She kept saying "Thank you, Mom!" and "This looks soooo good!" It is so fun that she appreciates what I can make for her.

The pillows were not too difficult to make. The ruffle one took longer than I expected, but that was alright. I learned how to do piping on the letter "R" pillow which was fun and easier than you might think. This tutorial helped a lot.

Pumpkin Blondies {AKA Redheads}

2010-11-03T13:58:00.000-07:00

I told my husband that I found a recipe for Pumpkin Blondies that I wanted to try, and he told me they should be called Redheads...I agree. Nonetheless, these are delicious and you should definitely give them a try!

Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 T. pumpkin pie spice
1 tsp. baking soda
¾ tsp. salt
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
1¼ cups brown sugar
1 large egg
2 tsp. vanilla extract
1 cup pumpkin puree
1 cup white chocolate chips
1 cup chocolate chips

Directions
Preheat the oven to 350° F. Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with foil. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking soda and salt. Stir together and set aside.

In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat together the butter and sugar on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Beat in the egg and vanilla until well combined. Mix in the pumpkin puree. With the mixer on low speed add the dry ingredients and mix just until incorporated. Fold in the white chocolate and butterscotch chips (and pecans, if using) with a rubber spatula.

Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake until the edges begin to pull away from the sides of the pan and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few crumbs, about 35-40 minutes. Transfer the pan to a wire rack and let cool completely before cutting.

To serve, lift the cake from the pan using the foil and transfer to a cutting board. Peel off the foil and using a sharp knife, cut into 24 squares.

Recipe adapted from here.

Happy Halloween!

2010-10-31T10:46:00.000-07:00

Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

2010-10-28T13:49:00.001-07:00

Our Raw Pumpkin Seeds

I love roasted pumpkin seeds and was excited to do them this year. Luckily, my husband and two-year-old like them too. Here is a simple recipe....

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups raw whole pumpkin seeds
2 teaspoons olive oil
salt or other seasoning such as garlic salt or seasoning salt

Directions

Preheat oven to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C).
Toss seeds in a bowl with the oil and salt. Spread the seeds in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake for about 45 minutes or until golden brown; stir occasionally.

My Next Sewing Project

2010-10-25T08:30:00.000-07:00

Just a little sneak peek...

The Pumpkin Game {Easy Halloween Idea}

2010-10-19T09:35:00.000-07:00

My daughter calls this the "Pumpkin Game." She loves it and I needed to do something more to celebrate Halloween.

I just happened to have some magnetic strips lying around needing to be used and used a mailing envelope for the orange pumpkin since I didn't have orange paper. Easy. Quick. Great way to have some fun and keep your child entertained for a little bit. Plus, it is nice to have it in the kitchen on the fridge (perfect for those times you are preparing meals and want to keep an eye on your child).

Want to make one? Here is how:
1. Cut out an orange pumpkin and green stem. Glue together and attach to the fridge.
2. Attach black paper to magnetic strips.
3. Cut out eyes, noses, and mouth pieces.
4. Make your own Jack-O-Lantern faces!

Idea here.

I added these papers later (after some stress and losing a few pieces) with the outline of each part so that each one would have a place. Such a good idea and highly recommended...

L Family {Sacramento Family Photographer}

2010-10-15T08:53:00.000-07:00

We had lots of fun running around Capitol Park chasing squirrels. Little K was thrilled when they "talked" to her and it made me think that next time dressing up as a squirrel might be a good trick...

Capitol Park {Sacramento}

2010-10-11T13:10:00.000-07:00

I had a photo shoot here this past weekend, and couldn't help but to take pictures of the details of this gorgeous park!

Halloween Pictures!

2010-10-06T14:58:00.000-07:00

Want some cute Halloween pictures of your kiddos?

20 Minutes
$25
$10 each additional child
5+ hi-res images on a CD

Email me if you are interested!
thewrightlens@gmail.com

Little Baby B {Sacramento Newborn Photographer}

2010-10-02T11:01:00.000-07:00

Taking these pictures makes me really looking forward to having a little newborn again soon. This little baby was so sweet and so content. It took a little bit to get her to sleep, but it was worth it (the pacifier helped too).

Monterey, California {Family Vacation}

2010-09-30T15:12:00.000-07:00

We took a quick trip to Monterey for the weekend as a last little vacation before baby #2 makes his arrival. We visited the beach, played on a playground, and got to go to the aquarium. If you are ever nearby, I would definitely recommend going!

H at 9 Months {Sacramento Baby Photographer}

2010-09-27T08:58:00.000-07:00

This little guy is so happy and I have loved being able to take pictures of him often! What a handsome boy!

He gives this "look" every once in a while and I was glad I caught it.

I love these pictures with him and his mom. So cute.