Looks of Love Photography

Sunday, February 8, 2015

A Sunday morning in Charlottesville

Because sometimes a perfect morning is exploring downtown with a new friend (and photographer)... This girl right here! I'm so looking forward to shooting together with her, and seeing how she lights her own business on fire! Thanks for letting me take your oh, so pretty picture!

Be sure to check her out :-D Emily Marie Photography

Monday, February 2, 2015

PinWheels, Chickens, and Bicycle Tassels

*Preface: This post has nothing to do with photography, other than that it has photos in it* ;-)

Upon first glance, a post about chickens, pinwheels, and bicycle tassels don’t seem to fit in the same sentence. But I promise, it will all make sense very quickly. Let me explain with a little backstory.

This past June, a box arrived via the Post Office with 16 precious little bundles of fluff. A big reason for me moving out of Northern Virginia was so that I could have some space to breathe and raise some chickens. So when that box arrived, I was over the moon excited! These little loves of mine. I've been with them since their day 1 (or 2-3)

Fast forward to present day. Life is not always peaches and cream. In the past half a year, I have lost 50% of my girls. I realize that they are chickens, but they are mine. They are my girls, and I want to protect them, keep they healthy, and eat their yummy eggs. So yesterday when I pulled into my driveway after work, I knew something had to change. You see, when I pulled in yesterday, I noticed a big, black mass huddled in one corner of the chicken enclosure. I then noticed Velvet and the girls huddles against the opposite side. As I walked towards them, the red shouldered hawk flew away. At least I knew what did it this time.

First, I was really nervous that my poor Hazel (yes, they all have names) was still alive. I quickly assessed that that was not an issue ( I did NOT want to have to do that dirty work.) My nervousness quickly turned to concern for the remaining 8. By farming standards, my predation has been pretty low. But I don’t care. These are my girls and I don’t want any more of them to become supper for someone else.

Enter the pinwheels and bicycle tassels. Last night, I ran to Wal-Mart to see what I could find in terms of warding off predators of the avian variety. I first considered netting, but with the size of the fencing, that wasn’t going to be a feasible option. I had heard that shiny objects confuse predatory birds, and makes them unable to hone in on a victim. I’m sure one of my biology/zoology friends will have something to say about that, but I figure it is worth a try. So, I went home and created my “anti hawk” contraption. I now look like I live in West Virginia (sorry if you're from West Virginia.)

The girls aren’t too sure about it. Velvet has been crowing non-stop, warning everyone of the scary new objects.

These little ones are precious to me, and I figure it’s worth a try! I’ll update you all on whether this works or not (time will tell)

And one more for good measure. My Velvet is now a feathery beach ball! (I'm 5'8 for scale)

Saturday, January 10, 2015

Creative at Heart Conference | Staunton Virginia

I had heard about the Creative at Heart Conference a month or so ago. Since moving down to Central Virginia, I have been feeling a little isolated (my own fault!) and in need of an inspirational and creative kick. So attending C@H was really a no brainer for me. The problem was my 9-5 job. I started it back in August, but they have very strict vacation day policy. Basically, until you have been there a year, you are technically not allowed any time off. Crazy, I know. But with some love and encouragement from a sweet friend, I worked up the courage to go to my boss, and explain why I NEEDED to attend this conference. To my surprise, he was supportive and that was that! I went home that night and reserved my spot! What I came away from this conference with was more than I could have asked for.

A group of 85 creatives from all over the country came together at the Stonewall Jackson Hotel for a 2 day conference on, “Blogging, social media, branding, finances, and legal-business tips.” We also focused on, “work-life balance, becoming a better small business owner and finding motivation in those moments when you just want to quit!” I did not leave disappointed.

Creative at Heart was the labor of love of many people, but began with Taylor Schumann of Letters of Grace Calligraphy and Kat Schmoyer of Dear Sweetheart Events. These two poured their heart and soul into making this a truly memorable and one of a kind experience. All of the speakers had so much invaluable information to share, but more than that, they have purpose for what they do. Purpose that is bigger than themselves. I think that is a part of what made this so inspiring. The last day of the conference, Kat gave a touching presentation that I think spoke to me most of all. It was as though I could let out a sigh of relief knowing that I am not the only one who goes through the intense ups and downs of starting a small business. I know I am not doing the best at explaining this, but know, it really struck a chord with me

Thank you to everyone who made this possible, and cheers to all the beautiful women (and men!) who attended Creative at Heart. There were many laughs, tears, inspiration, vulnerability, and community. I left this conference with new friends, new ideas, and a recharged battery of full of inspiration.

If you are thinking of attending a Creative at Heart conference, I say go for it! I personally cannot say enough wonderful things, and encourage you to check it out!

Below are photos taken from my phone, as well as a compilation of all the sweet gifts we received as attendees.