Monday, March 7, 2011

Day 4: Winter Birds

Winter Birds

During the summer months I always look forward to being woken by the birds. There may not be many others out there like me, but I particularly love the sound of the birds around here. I'm so happy that on warm days like this one that the birds are visible and can still be heard! They're a gentle and precious addition to a bitter winter here up in the north! Another wonderful reason to stay positive as we endure the 7 months of cold!

Saturday, March 5, 2011

20 Days of Winter

Will be posting Day 4, 5, 6 and 7 on March 7th!

Thursday, March 3, 2011

Day 3: Candle Light


Candle Light
Sorry! It's late today, but better late than never! 
In northern Alberta, we're blessed with short winter days. And when we're challenged with these short days, always with a challenge comes an opportunity. I absolutely love candles! I know, it seems like a theme going on for the past few days- hot chocolate, lotion, candles... but I promise there will be more of the outdoor variety! 
Anyway, what I'm trying to say is, take the opportunity to treat yourself with candle light! It's calming, and very beautiful on a winter night... especially if you belong to a household without a fireplace! It's sweet and short, mostly because I'm crunched for time today. 
All in all, candles are a wonderful escape in the cold realities of winter and they're one of my favorite parts of the darker parts of the year!

 

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Day 2: Vanilla Spice Body Lotion


Vanilla Spice Body Lotion
by Time & Again
It's by far the richest, most calming lotion I've ever experienced. Everything good about the vanilla bean, spice and shea butter packed into one precious package. It smells like heavenly love! 

Most women can agree that along with the long winter months come dry, dry, dry skin! Hand and body lotions are another comforting solution to the winter blues that I absolutely love. 

Allow yourself to wake up to warm anticipations of hot showers and your favorite lotion! Treat yourself with the anti-aging effects of using moisturizing body lotion daily! It only takes seconds, and the enjoyment lasts the whole day through! I can assure you, it will make your day that much brighter!

How can so much enjoyment come out of a 245mL product? Well, it's not the product, but the self-confidence that taking some time for yourself gives you!

Happy Indulging!



“Blessed is the people that know the joyful sound: they shall walk, O LORD, in the light of thy countenance. In thy name shall they rejoice all the day: and in thy righteousness shall they be exalted.” (Psalms 89:15-16)
  



Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Day 1: Hot Cocoa and Christmas Mugs!


Hot Cocoa and Christmas Mugs
There's almost two daily photos put into one today! During the cold winter months, there's nothing like a hot drink to soothe your body! A hot chocolate drink that is!  "A substance in chocolate called theobromine triggers the release of endorphins, which are chemicals, produced by the brain, that act like a natural antidepressant and can temporarily relieve the blues." Since I'm not a coffee drinker, hot chocolate is my go-to drink when I'm needing a pick-me-up from being outdoors. There's just something comforting about it! Plus, you can't miss the mini marshmallows on top. I don't know about you, but just the mention of the drink makes me smile inside!  For me, it encompasses all the pleasures and feelings of winter! And it makes me thankful to be indoors!

Every year when my family and I pull out the Christmas decorations, I always look forward to re-stocking our cupboards with all our Christmas mugs. The mug in this picture, happens to be my favorite one of all! It was given to me this past Christmas- and I plan to never put it away with all the Christmas decorations! Penguins, as most of you probably know- are one of my favorite animals. They're cute, innocent and just make you feel cuddly! Drinking from Christmas mugs actually put the Christmas spirit in me all over again every time.  

Whoever said that stuff wasn't important?! Little things like hot chocolate and Christmas mugs can be sweet daily reminders of our past memories and feelings!

So, next time you think a nasty thought about winter, remember that we can always be thankful for the small comforting things that temporarily take our minds off the cold!
Check in tomorrow to see Day 2 of the 20 Winter Photos!

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

The Last Days of Winter: Daily Photo

Starting March 1st

 I will be taking one photo daily until March 20th (The first day of spring)

In Canada, it's often difficult for people to accept the cold realities of winter.


 For 20 days, I will bring you into the world of positive thinking by looking on the many bright sides of winter here in the true north strong and free! 

Each of the 20 photographs will represent something about winter that I love!

Enjoy!
Courtney

Monday, January 17, 2011

Note: In regards to the Valentine's Day Sale. All bookings made between January 14 to February 14th are eligible for the sale but specific sessions do not need to take place during the sale in order to receive a discount. You can book now and receive the discount for a session much later in the year!

Sunday, January 16, 2011

Ukrainian Perogies

A super easy recipe bringing you a delicious tradition made in just a couple hours! 

From the kitchen of: F.G. Miller Jr./Sr. High School 2009
Makes: about 32 perogies without using leftover dough

Filling
5 large potatoes (Red potatoes are especially good for this)
4-8oz grated cheddar cheese
1/2 finely chopped onion or onion powder 

Peel potatoes, chop and boil until soft.
While potatoes are boiling, finely chop onion and saute in butter until soft and translucent.
Mash the potatoes with the sauteed onions or onion powder to taste and cheddar cheese, adding salt and pepper to taste. You can also add some fresh parsley, bacon bits, chives or other enhancements if you desire. Let the potato mixture cool before forming perogies.

Perogy Dough Ingredients
3 cups flour
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup lukewarm water
2 tbsp oil

Sift flour and salt, then add water to make a soft dough. Mix & knead until smooth. Let stand covered in a warm place for half an hour. (I put my dough in a greased metal bowl covered with saran wrap and placed over an element on the stove which is openly connected to the oven. I turned the oven on to 350 degrees, just to let the dough keep warm.)

Next, roll the dough thin (about 1/8 inch thick) on a floured surface, cut with a round cookie cutter or drinking glass, about 3 inches in diameter or more. Place a small ball of filling (about a tablespoon) on each dough round and fold the dough over, forming a semi-circle. Press the edges together with the tines of a fork. If you are having a hard time getting the edges to stick together, you may have too much flour in the dough. Add a little water to help get a good seal.

Place perogies on a cookie sheet that is covered with a kitchen towel for the freezer and transfer them to a freezer bag when they are frozen through, or cook right away- dropping into boiling salted water with 2 tbsp of oil, boiling 8-10 min or until the perogies float. Serve with simmered onions, sour cream and bacon.

___________________________________________________

Here are some pictures to help you along the process:
Cutting Circles

Ball of Potato Mixture on Dough

Formed & Uncooked Perogies

___________________________________________________

Tips on Kneading Dough:
How To Knead

Enjoy!

Thursday, January 6, 2011

Courtney's Photography Facebook Fan-Page

You can do it! 
Invite your friends to become a fan of 
Courtney's Photography on  facebook
The person who invites the most people by 
January 31st, 2011
will receive 
1 FREE 8x10 print of their choice
from Courtney's Photography albums. 
Message me to enter the number of people you've invited and 
I will indicate the contest winner at the end of the month! 
Good Luck!

Saturday, January 1, 2011

.



Happy New Year!

I will put up a new calendar of all my
booking dates as soon as I can!

Have a wonderful 2011!




Courtney 
courtneydmac@gmail.com