Baby Love ......

I love working with babies, but especially with this one.  Imogen is the sweet little 6 month old of my dear friends Shari & Michael.  We've made time for photoshoots whenever we can, so while I was in Thunder Bay in January they drove up from Dryden for some play time (for us grownups and for the baby) and a session, of course.  

Showing off her Holiday Dress before it's been outgrown

Daddy walking her around to soothe the teething and crying 

The morning of our shoot was day 2 of her cutting her first 2 teeth, so there was plenty of cuddling time after what had been a very rough night for her.  Aside from Mom & Dad, her Giraffe pal Bette Davis brought her back to her usual happy self.  I love that Bette is so similar to her with the big eyes and lots of hair.

I can't wait for my next chance for a playdate and photosession!

Happy Anniversary

Here's a more personal post sending a little love to one of our favourite couples.  Shari & Michael were married in Cuba 2 years ago on the same day they started dating 11 years ago.  As very close friends of ours, their wedding was one of our favourites, and Shari has become my unofficial 'poster girl' (you've seen her in our wedbyhand post, or our facebook profile photo, or the site,the list goes on).

Another Happy Note:  Their wonderful daughter Imogen, who lights up rooms wherever she goes with her beautiful smiling face, was 6 months old yesterday.  We met with them for a session while in Thunder Bay and I will be able to share a little more of that with you next week.    Can I just say how sad it is that I'm all the way across the province and don't get to be around this little one more often?  She is pure joy!

Immy at 7 weeks visiting Ottawa

Being cute at Norma Jean's Diner

Sending love to the two of you (with kisses for Imogen).  Nat and Darcy

Hello Neighbour! Thimblecakes is here....

Notes From Wednesday's Snowstorm.....

I know many of you may be cursing this huge snowfall, but I have to admit, I love it!  Especially going out for a walk with no real need to be anywhere, with the snow falling heavily in big flakes.  I took today's joy and doubled it by taking myself out for a mini break to the nearby used bookshop and then... Cupcakes!

Thimblecakes opened up weeks ago, which was long-awaited by me since they are at the end of my block and I passed by their pretty storefront almost daily in December.  So far I've popped in a few times since they opened.

Sunrta as Barista

Try Jackie's fave, the Pumpkin Chocolate Chip!

I've been loving the mini cupcakes (only $0.83) which allows me to try a few different varieties.   The flavours seem to always be changing, and there seems to be a little more selection in the regular size cupcakes which are still so light and delicious I feel pretty guilt-free about.  They have some gluten-free, sugar-free or vegan options to offer as well.  They're open 11-7 daily, and Apt613 suggests getting there before 1 or after the second batch goes out for the day for the best selection.

Today I tried the lemon with Vanilla Bean Buttercream, Double Chocolate and Pumpkin ChocolateChip(with Chocolate Buttercream).  I'm not usually a fan of chocolate buttercreams or chocolate icings (and I'm a serious chocolate lover) but theirs is perfectly rich and cocoa-y.  I loved it.

If they have the pumpkin cupcake when you go, it's a must-try.  I was skeptical, but Oh My was I wrong.  Absolutely great.

I popped back in with my camera after lunch.  They have some cupcakes in the window that will be available for Valentine's Day, and really, they were just too adorable not to take photos of.

While I was there Wendy, the owner and her partner Sunrta were setting up the Thimblecakes twitter and enjoying some coffee and Jackie was helping the customers coming in from the snowstorm.  The shop is full of vintage velvety chairs in gorgeous colours, and is lightfilled and calming but still cozy.

I've enjoyed picking up some cupcakes to bring back to my desk, but their space is so tranquil and lovely I may just need to start taking a proper break some days and enjoy coffee or tea with a cupcake there.  It might just be what I need to help me through endless hours of editing and emails.

Find them on Facebook for updates about what's going on in the shop!

Giveaway!

We've partnered up with our friends Don, Jenn & Claire at FoodiePrints, Ottawa's resident Foodies and resource for all things tasty in the Capital.  We love their blog, so we loved the idea of giving their readers a chance to win tickets to WedByHand.  This event is a fresh alternative for all things wedding and will have some free nibbles, workshops, and will be an all around fun afternoon with great swag bags, too (for the first 100 people there).                                                                                                                                 
You can check out Amy's Splendid Events' blog, her workshop sounds incredible and will no doubt fill up fast!  A couple other workshops let you learn some tips and tricks from these talented ladies; Cake Decorating with Sophie of Ottawa Cake Company and DIY Bouquet and Flower arranging by Erin of Full Bloom Floral.  Workshops are all free, tickets to the event are $10 single ticket/$18 double ticket at the door or less in advance.


To score a pair of free tickets from us go to FoodiePrints  and comment on the article with your email address and something you'll be making for a loved one this Valentine's Day.




We'll see you at the show!  We'll be offering a few giveaways for a few lucky winners and can't wait to meet you!

*For anyone looking forward to catching the Superbowl this Sunday, don't worry this event starts at 10 am so you can make it to Wed By Hand and still be able to catch a ton of pre-game!