Dried Cherry Scones

If you like scones, you'll love this recipe from the current issue of Gourmet magazine, it is also on epicurious.com.  It was fast, the kids got to help add ingredients, and totally scrumptious!  Of course I had to add a healthy twist by substituting whole grain pastry flour for the cake flour and the result was fabulous.  This is now my "base" scone recipe, you can your fave ingredients to make it your own.

Family Portraits

Family portraits sure have changed over the years.  I love the current trend of taking pictures in an outdoor setting, in everyday clothing.  No more matchy-matchy outfits, stiff poses and fake smiles.   Even the pictures of my kids having a meltdown turn out great and provide wonderful memories.  Portrait studios are o.k., but I love the relaxed feeling of the less formal photo shoot, by creative people(a lot of them moms).  And photo shoots aren't just for holiday pictures any more.  Think beach, mountains, backyard. They're also fabulous gifts!

Could you do it yourself?  Sure, I've got tons of great photos of my kids, but let's face it the photographer  has a unique perspective, Photoshop, and not to mention the fact it's nice to have a few photos of YOURSELF with your kiddos!

Two of my favorite photographers are moms.  In southern-cal I ADORE Whitney Hartmann(whitneyhartmann.com).  In northern-cal I LOVE Kim Binfield(binfieldphotography.com)

So check out the wonderful work of these photographers or search out local mom photographers in your area.