Seattle hosts numerous new-parent support networks. See my favorites listed below. How do you connect with other new parents? Share your favorites with others beginning a new adventure– parenting.

Little piggys in the house -- help is on the way. Join a parenting network!

I might occasionally feel overwhelmed with motherhood, but today is no comparison to when I struggled with those first months of motherhood. On Ellie’s first day of life Tim and I each learned to change a diaper. That’s how ignorant we were.

After my smooth pregnancy, I was taken off guard by how little I could achieve and how my schedule and autonomy disappeared overnight. Even completing simple, mindless tasks like washing dishes seemed a momentous feat. Our first self supportive move was the installation of a dishwasher. Remaining was the problem of emptying it.

Balancing a professional life with being a mom has it’s own special challenges. I found camaraderie and tips from numerous resources listed below.

To the rescue…
PEPS (Program for Parenting Support)
Directly from the website is this description: Since 1983, PEPS has helped new parents to connect and grow. Parents come together each week to share the joys and challenges of parenthood and develop confidence in their own parenting abilities. For many parents, their PEPS Group becomes part of their extended family, a supportive community that lasts a lifetime.
Tim and I still swap babysitting and enjoy an annual camping adventure with our PEPS group. We’ve done this for 6 years and counting. The babies were all born within 2.5 months of each other.

A happy parent creates a happy family. Take care of yourself for your kids sake.

First Weeks with Ann Keppler, RN, MN and co-author of Pregnancy, Childbirth, & the Newborn.
Ann is fabulous beyond words. A gentle, generous, intuitive soul, Ann clearly cares for each and every new parent who enters the door. No problem was too small, weird or embarrassing. Ann is brilliantly insightful. She recognizes the worth of one parent sharing with or keenly listening to the experience of another new parent. The class was invaluable for showing me I wasn’t alone. Many of us felt overwhelmed. We shared in discussions regarding reflux, yeast infections, setting limits with grandparents, pet attacks, lack of sleep, soothing a colic baby, sharing resources regarding every medical condition, temperament, and sharing referrals for every service known to parent-kind. At the time I didn’t think I needed any help, just community. I found both. Having a glimpse of the outside world would be reason enough to commit myself to the weekly gatherings. First Weeks was THE most supportive of all my resources.

Neighborhood mother groups are invaluable for parenting discussions from where to find certain supplies or toys to home maintenance referrals. I personally use and love Greenlake Moms and Ballard Moms. I have also listed several other area moms and parents groups. Note some require an email first which selecting the link will indicate.

Seattle Neighborhood Communities for Mothers
Greenlake Moms
Ballard Moms
Belltown Babies
Madrona Moms
Lake Forest Moms
NE Seattle Moms : for Laurelhurst, Bryant, View Ridge, Windermere, Wedgewood, Sandpoint, Ravenna and UDistrict.
Montlake Moms
Mount Baker Parents
Queen Anne Moms
City-wide Communities for Mothers
Seattle Single Moms
Moxie Moms, a fitness and support group.

The joy of daddy and son being silly

Seattle parenting groups to support both Moms and Dads
Capital Hill Parenting
Magnolia Moms and Dads
Seattle Families of Multiples Families with twins and all multiples.
Seattle Chapter of Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals and Transgenders

Seattle Single Parents Meet-up Group

Eastside Communities for Mothers
Mothers and More
Eastside Mothers of Multiples
Kirkland Moms
Eastside Attachment Parenting

Rosh Sillars breaks down the basics of social media networking and builds from there. As an experienced teacher and a photographer himself he knows the field and how to inspire action. I learned of his talents during the free Joystart your Year webinar series inspired by business guru Sarah Petty. This is a top notch influential series inspiring new ways to spread the love of the photography business, coddle a wonderful client base, and stoke the fire of inspiration.

Rosh Sillars is an invaluable mentor and SEO expert

Rosh Sillars is inspiring to say the least. He makes the Social Media process sound as easy as sending a formatted email, yet he makes it brilliantly clear SM is imperative in today’s business world– it’s worth all the time investment possible, so put it on the calendar. Did I mention putting on the calendar the creation and following of social media as part of your weekly networking?

Take care of your current and future clients by letting them know more about you and your offerings. Seems like old news, but Rosh updates networking methods in an easy to digest form encouraging all to keep up with today’s style of using multiple methods of personal connection. I appreciate his “I will help others” attitude.

While today’s webinar was free and a one time gig, Rosh does sell his beginning and intermediate/ advanced concepts on the Joy of Marketing site. The Joy of Marketing’s Joystart your Year series generously saves me time and money maintaining my public presence.

The series is specific to the photography industry yet I can imagine many segments being helpful to multiple fields, especially those visually focused.

CALL TO ACTION! There is but one more Wednesday to go. JOM is continuing the free, amazing seminars with speakers Jules Bianchi on Weddings, Erin Vorbeck on SEO, and Sarah Petty herself on Branding.
It’s on my calendar!
The times are Central Standard Time. Because I inadvertently missed a few of my favorite speakers including Seattle’s own Bruce and Josh Hudson.

After much contemplation and unanticipated angst choosing a grade school, my husband and I finally chose The Meridian School for our daughter (in 2009). The angst was not caused by Meridian School- we felt immediately comfortable with administration and the parents who warmly welcomed us. The angst was our own; a result of many fine private schools to choose from. (See this past post for a few others great Seattle private school choices.) Saddened by the transitions and chaos (at least during 2009 and 2010) within the Seattle public school system, private school seemed the obvious choice. Sixteen kids per class and academic/ social-emotional focus being equally addressed at Meridian continue to be obvious, if presumptive, advantages.

No-- gambling isn't a part of Meridian's curriculum!

Meridian continues to receive our vote of confidence.
Who might not be best served by Meridian? In my non-expert ( read NON-EXPERT) opinion, Meridian has many socially adjusted kids who range academically from perhaps average up to very high achievers. If tests indicate your child falls at the tippy-top of the 99th percentile, and/or if social impairments are dramatic, schools such as Seattle Country Day, Evergreen, and in the downtown or North ends, Lowell Public School may be a better fit. In downtown and South end, Public School Thurgood Marshall has an excellent academic reputation.
Here are a few moments illustrating life at Meridian School in Seattle including our wonderful park campus and community service focus. Here for more photos, including Community Service Day.

As fun as Meridian School is, Kids must wear shoes! Parents are nearby.

Meridian School puts emphasis on building community

Pure joy at Meridian School's adjacent Park

Meridian School Playground

Meridian School Playground hints at Spanish emphasis

It's nice to know Meridian Kids are in good hands at the Good Shepherd Center

Sharing a building with Seattle Tilth has lovely advantages

We knew Meridian was for us after visiting the classrooms. There we found attentive students expressing themselves and turning towards each other to give and receive support.

If you have an impression of Meridian School, or any other Seattle school, please add your voice. For other voices search the blog for “Meridian”.

Be Boutique will flaunt the many advantages of the boutique photography experience. That will be me in the corner gawking, in awe of 5 amazing women in the pro photography circuit- Thanks to Dane Sanders’ inspiring Escalate LIVE.

I’m probably not the only one bursting at the seams to ask so many questions of these immensely successful photos and one sleek-geek wizard. The wizard is none other than THE Julieanne Kost, from Adobe. who I have turned to many a time with PhotoShop design and user questions. She’s the Photoshop tutorial video MAASTA. The lineup of Mega-successful portrait photographers include the renown Vicki Taufer, Lori Nordstrom, Tamara Lackey, Julia Woods, and Kia Bondurant. Because I’m bursting at the seams, and even though I know this is a well rehersed program not at all designed to answer the following questions, I’m hoping to sneak in a few over wine, or dinner, or the bathroom sink.
Here are questions for the powers that be:
1. Resources to help with marketing that don’t cost the earth; i.e. gorgeous blogs, and printed materials.
2. Who, specifically is helping design, write and produce blogs, fliers, album page designs, boxes???
3. Affordable packaging/branding materials (when I’m not sponsored by any companies-yet. Cough)
5. Are those on the panel selling wall portraits, or are small prints ruling the walls and tabletops?
6. Do any sell the originals/digi files (I’m just going to “no” after 5 years of “yes”, but had 20 years of Hassalblad negs that I never sold so I could control the quality of the final product, among 100 other reasons.
7. Projection proofing vs. paper proofs vs. online sites vs. photographer hosted galleries and built in shopping carts.
8. Who exactly helps with the physical (and conceptual) design of these carts?
9. How else are these ladies making their income?, if not too personal a question. Perhaps Self-producing products, partnering with companies, selling videos of techniques or advice, speaker circuits? Perhaps 100% shooting and sales directly related to these sessions?
10. How many hours a week do they put in individually. How many hours per week do staff put in, cumulatively.
11. What do you outsource? Do you double check their work? Who are you using?

I recognize this is late in the game. I’m just asking and hoping for input on the endless curiosities ricocheting in my buzzing, overworked head.
One excited photographer,
Janet

Janet Klinger’s blog will occasionally feature tips and resources for starting a photography business or other small business in Seattle and beyond.
This is an amazing low cost or even free place to start.
1. SCORE Workshops
All Day Workshops (8:00AM – 4:00PM)
* Starting a New Business
Start your business with the right legal, marketing, operations, personnel, insurance and accounting advice. Learn how to finance your product or service, identify key customers and develop a marketing plan.
* Building a Business Plan
Use your marketing and financial data to build a fact-based business plan. Learn proven techniques to generate sales and a positive cash flow.

* Starting and Growing a Consulting Business
Turn your professional expertise and experience into a profitable consulting business. Learn how to work smart, generate business through “word of mouth” referrals.

Half Day Workshops
(more…)

My father-in-law is awesome. Not only does he spawn great kids, he spawns fish themselves. His wood carvings of fish in their environments have always astounded me with the minute detail and true-to-life subtle hues.
Now Bob has been recognized by the Courier Journal. Perhaps you’ll meet Bob Rohleder on an autograph tour.

Bob Rohleder with one of his many fish carvings. Each glistens in subtle hues. Photo by Pam Spaulding of The Courier Journal

Tis the season of the wedding coordinator. Recently working with each, I LOVE IT when people choose to work with the best! I’ve worked with all (except the impressive Yolanda) for years.
In Seattle, the extremely experienced, save-the-day impressive Merry Beth Turpin of Aisle of View,
At your complete service, more than you expected, fun to be with, Janel Schlitt of Occasions LLC
The soft spoken yet makes-it-happen, adorable Melissa Parker of Amazing Events
Near Bellingham, Intuitive, spectacular details adorning, subtle, Anne Rasmussen-True Bliss Events, LLC and
Ms accommodating, last-second changes are no problem, it’s your day, Yolanda Haley from Dallas Texas- yhaley2002@yahoo.com

For those of us blogging or with websites, it’s both exciting and informative to view our web stats. One magnificent marketing expert, Think Splendid shares her expert thoughts on the subject.
With permission, I quote:
How to Read Web Stats
Analyzing traffic statistics is an important part of maintaining a
business website or blog, but they can be confusing, especially
when you aren’t sure what it is exactly the numbers mean. Here is
an abridged explanation on how to measure stats effectively:
Hits
Hits are incredibly misleading because they do not equal
people. A hit is tracked for every file loaded each time your
page is loaded. This means that each photo is tracked as a hit,
so if you have a blog heavy with pictures, each time a reader
loads that page, you are getting a substantial amount of hits.
For example, if you blogged about a recent wedding and have
10 photos up from it, then that post counts as 11 or more hits
each time it is viewed by one person. So if you had 100 visitors in
one day and 10 pictures on your first page, that would be over
1,000 hits just because of the photos alone. A lot of people like to
measure hits because the numbers are inflated and it makes
them feel as though they are receiving a lot of traffic and are popular.
While the ego boost may feel nice for a while, it is based on numbers
that don’t actually mean too much and that do not measure how
effective your blog or site actually is.
Page Views
Page views vary per visitor because they are tracked each time
a new page is loaded. Knowing page views is useful because it
can help you determine how long people are staying on your
site once they arrive. Did they find your blog and leave
immediately or did they stick around and dig through your
archives? If you are tracking your website, it is important to know
if the information you are presenting hooked them in to learn
more about you and your company, or if they got bored and
went on to the next planner’s site on their list.
When analyzing page view numbers, it is important not to give
them more weight than they’re worth. If your aunt is reading
through everything you ever wrote, then those numbers don’t
really count for much because she is probably not a potential client.
Same goes for a competitor searching through all of your archives
or site pages to see what you’ve been up to.
Unique Visitors
Well, if you want to read Splendid Communications’ further insights on stats here’s the rest of the free e-book. Or simply explore her informative marketing web blog.

Proud spouses frequently share their partners successes, and I simply can’t help myself. Tim’s architectural firm, Rohleder Borges, was included alongside the “big boys” in NW architecture.
Amanda Reed on WorldChanging wrote “…the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Seattle Committee on the Environment hosted a public presentation of the top eleven projects in the running for the 2010 What Makes it GREEN? Top Ten Regional Green Awards,

Highline Heratage Museum by Rohleder Borges Architecture

Rohleder Borges Architecture, along with the citizens of Burien, were honored when the Highline Heritage Museum stood tall among other creative winning projects; 9 designed by (seemingly) giant firms.
Amanda shared, “The Highline project also provided the most feel-good moment of the afternoon. “
(Bold is mine, the proud spouse.)

Vote for which project you think is the most “green” in the People’s Choice Award category here.

Read the entire article.

Woe is me. I MISSED it. Tucked in with too many emails was an invitation to Robin Layton’s one-night-only art show. She superbly blends modern photography with hand chosen relics. Empowered with inspiring energy, wit and an appeal all her own, Robin pushes the display envelope blending photographic moments-in-time into, on top of, or around period based decor. Keep an eye out for more from Robin Layton Works,(I know I will) or simply purchase her creations!
See you at the next opening.

Seattle is full of excellent grade schools.That makes choosing one very difficult. Once we started exploring private school possibilities we narrowed it down to Meridian School, UCDS, and Bertschi. All of these are fabulous choices. Meridian stood out in several ways for our family. We mattered to them. Both admissions director, Ted Holmes, and Head of School, Ron Waldman, treated us like they wanted us there. Ted recognized us each time we visited . He listened with clear interest to our thoughts, concerns and enthusiasm. For a family who is involved in the community this was one sign glowing brightly in favor of Meridian. We were excited too by the curriculum, teachers and physical environments inside and out. To see other parents input on grade schools or to contribute your own, see my former post on the subject.

Gently this worm was moved during a weeding fest

In addition, the families blew us away with their openness. I could see the involved parents and students were an intelligent, warm, welcoming community. Thank goodness we were accepted! The fact Meridian is located within 11 acre Meridian Park doesn’t hurt. (fabulous playground, apple grove, open grassy fields, gardens, large covered shelter, Seattle Tilth is here so the entire park is Pesticide free-something I WISH we could take for granted everywhere.)

Have community, grab a rake

Once accepted we were introduced to our Buddy Family, who turned out to be yet another excellent match, thanks to Ted Holmes’ intuition. So much fun has been had with their intriguing foursome.

There's our Buddy Family's 1st grader, 3rd from right. We're so lucky!

Meridian’s social integration also provides play dates all summer, ice cream socials, new family coffee, a skating excursion, movie night, and any activity the classroom Social Coordinator creates. My favorite event occurs each Friday; an all-school gathering to which families are invited to join in song (where Head of School Ron Waldman occasionally plays the guitar), presentations, dance and all Spanish games. Community building and involvement is a family value we build daily, hence Meridian School is It for us.

Yes this is Ron Waldman, Meridian's Head of School. He gets his hands dirty!

Like any proud parent, we want the best for Ellie. Academically I can already see the zeal with which the many specialist and teachers share their talents. I almost didn’t mention academics, thinking it’s a given priority. Socialization is equally important and harder to come by in a schools mission. Meridian has what we want and need. We’re proud to be part of this extraordinary community.

These photos are from Meridian School’s Community Service Day where parents, teachers, staff and students work together to take care of our neighborhood, including those creatures and plant life we live among daily.

That pesky photographer ASKED us to pose. We WERE working hard before she came along.

Oh so carefully

Modeling preparedness!

Taking a close look at nature and neighbor

Playing in order to understand roots in the garden, math, history...

Should we really go back inside?

Scalpel please

Developing the right tools at Meridian School!

And I thought brushing my teeth was tiring

Take good care. It will grow

Golf Club at Newcastle is renown for it’s expansive views and brilliant sunsets. Utterly professional are the women who support lucky couples who choose this amazing venue. After an hour with the GCN crew it’s easy to love the glam-gone-giddy side of the otherwise professional Babes of Newcastle.

Tonhya photographed this lovely group in the JKP studio during our last “Happy Hour Special”. See. Don’t they look happy? Tonhya did a great job capturing their playful side.

Keep watching the blog or sign up for RSS. We have another “Happy Hour” planned for the near future…

Monica Khurana and Vikrant Duggal put on a 4th of July extravaganza. Not only was theirs an above average wedding, it soars above even my (formerly) favorite Indian weddings, many of which are lush and exotic.
No white or blue to be found, but red was present in a thousand folds. Gold folds too. Between the attire and the draping, this lush event was one of my favorites to date. “Honored to be a part” feels trite. I was blown away. Above all, Monica and Vikrant handled this multiple-ceremony celebration with elegance and grace (and stamina too).

Behind every great event is a great team. Naturally Monica’s wisdom lead her to Janel of Occasions LLC- a fabulous event planner. She took care of hundreds of details on the day-of. Even before that, Janel and Monica were often seen attached at the hip pre-planning this event. Janel makes herself available, from her core being. The fact that she cares so much comes shining through. I’ve raved about Janel again and again, and after each event we participate in I only have more to rave about. Monica and Vikrant chose to commend her during their reception thank yous. “Our friend” came affectionately from their lips describing the culmination of their journey together.

Everyone of the vendors were carefully chosen to fit this grand day. If you care to, see the list below their sneek-preview images.

Thanks to Janel Schlitt for providing this list of choice A vendors, and for introducing me to Monica and Vikrant.
To see the list (more…)

Announcing the fabulous Sharlane

The impression that Associate Photographers are “less than” simply isn’t true at Janet Klinger Photography. The ever popular Sharlane Chase has come on board as a Featured Photographer. Together we have formed a win-win relationship. The first part was easy for me: choosing to pursue Sharlane as an Associate. Ever since meeting her, I have been impressed with Sharlane’s positive, creative energy. I fell in love with her work for it’s natural, playful, yet somehow classic style; exactly the same qualities that shine in Sharlane herself. If you are lucky enough to secure Sharlane for wedding photography, you’ll find someone who is passionate about creating something unique just for you. Not only is this inspiring for Sharlane’s clients, but for Sharlane herself. Finding the differences, enhancing the traditions in each wedding, Sharlane remains inspired as an artist, year after wonderful year.

So why would Sharlane, a popular, highly skilled, much published photographer want a Associate relationship? (more…)

We’re Nominated! King 5 TV Evening Magazine lists Janet Klinger Photography for “Best Wedding Photographer in Western Washington”! We’re thrilled to be included as a nominee in their 16th annual “Best of Western Washington” contest.

Voting ends Monday, October 13th. King 5 is encouraging us to reach out to our colleagues and clients to participate in the process.

If you would like to, we’d be honored to receive your vote and perhaps even a review of our work.

Vote here! Then simply press the yellow “Vote” button.

I am thrilled and honored that the Readers of Seattle Bride voted me, Janet Klinger, the “Best Photographer 2008″. THANK YOU! From the bottom of my heart. Granted it was a TIE, but according to Ali Basye (the Editor of Seattle Bride) we split the largest number of votes ever cast in a tie. Spreading the love.

The fabulously talented J Garner won Best Photographer in the “Vendors Choice” category along with his wife, Katarina. These two are not only incredibly talented, but industrious, personable, and business savvy. Hmmm. Wait. Don’t hire them. Hire me! After all, this is MY blog.

Other Winning Vendors (A partial list as it’s late. Purchase the latest edition of Seattle Bride for details.)

True Color Events: Best Wedding Planner AND Day-of-Wedding Planner. Vendors’ Choice.
Aisle of View: Best Wedding Planner AND Day-of-Wedding Planner AND ALL AROUND BEST WEDDING VENDOR. Readers’ Choice. Go Merry Beth!!!
Luly Yang Couture: Best Custom Dress Designer AND Best Bridal Accessories. Readers’ Choice.
Luly Yang Couture: Best Custom Dress Designer AND Best Dress Shop. Vendors’ Choice.
Golf Club At Newcastle: Best Location for a Sunset Wedding. Readers’ Choice.
Flora Nova: Best Florist. Vendors’ Choice. (She’s all over this blog. Do a search!)
Aria Style: Best Florist. Readers’ Choice.
Moms, Maids and More: Best Mother-of-the-Bride Apparel AND Flower Girl Dresses. Vendors’ Choice AND Readers’ Choice.
E.E. Robbins, The Engagement Ring Store: Engagement/Wedding Rings. Vendors’ Choice.
The Healthy Bride: Bridal Fitness Plan. (I work out with her too, but I’m a healthy “Goddess”, not bride.)
The Michael Benson Band: Best Live Band/Entertainment. Vendors’ Choice AND Readers’ Choice.
Wave Link Music: Best DJ for the Reception. Vendors’ Choice.
Hotel 1000: Best Hotel for Guests. Vendors’ Choice.
A Heavenly Ceremony: Best Officiant/Clergy. Readers’ Choice.
Fairmont Olympic Hotel: Best Quintessential Seattle-Area Reception Site. Readers’ Choice.

Anyone notice anything in common? Nearly all of these vendors have been featured on Janet Klinger’s Photography Blog. Love to say I told you so. For more Wedding Vendors we adore, choose the “Vendor” category on the right.

Phinney Ridge is such a fabulous neighborhood. Here preschool, groceries, parks, zoo, Greenlake, bakeries, and friends are less than a 10 minute walk away. We’re lucky beyond my dreams to live in this politically aware, socially conscious neighborhood where neighbors help each other and the urban village thrives.

Our community revolves around the PNA where members can borrow tools for home projects, and classes cover an enormous array of interest. A tiny portion of the class list includes yoga, pilates, swing, tap, belly dance, computer, musical instruments. Weekly gatherings include Spanish conversation, book clubs, social, political, musical and neighborly events. The recent embracing of the Greenwood Senior Center has added an additional wealth of opportunity for old and young to learn, play and bond together.

Some of my favorites Phinney Ridge / Greenwood establishments include

CLOTHING for Women: The Frock Shop, as if the owner has been sent from heaven to be my personal shopper- unique, trendy yet affordable. Wish packs-in adorable funky items to mix and match, Hip Zephyr for designer clothing in a casual boutique setting, Lemon Meringue for high end wear with an eye toward casual. Small but hip maternity collection too. Tweed represents local designers (funky casual) at still affordable prices.

CHILDREN’S Mimi Rose featuring owner-designed clothing and select toys, books. Rising Stars for adorable new & used clothing, books and gifts. Top Ten Toys is first to come to mind when I want a classic toy or I’m stumped for creative project ideas. playmatters, an indoor playground for kids, networking and seminars for adults. My daughter Ellie gets her hair cut at Beach Combers, where she gets to ride on a turtle while watching a video. Such a treat!

CAFES: The Asian infused Fresh Flours (The azuki bean- green tea cake is second only to their blueberry stuffed muffin) , The happy to be politically correct Green Bean (caters to those with kids. Super comfy atmosphere and tasty treats), Herkimer Coffee (best without children or when you need to work on your laptop) .

RESTAURANTS:

DINNER: Santa Fe Cafe for a flavorful Southwestern treat, Carmelita for vegetarian food (seasonal NW) and hip atmosphere, Il Giardino for tasty Italian, Chef Liao serves Asian fusion in a family run, casual setting.
SMALL PLATES with interesting drinks I choose Oliver’s Twist or Tigertail.
MEDITERRANEAN is popular here: Yannis’, Gorgeous George’s, Olive You, Georgia’s.
SIMPLE BUT TASTY Red Mill Burger, 74th Street Ale House, Crash landing Pizza.
BREAKFAST eateries: Phinney Market for Sunday Brunch, kitschy Mae’s Phinney Ridge Cafe or the sweet family run Pete’s Egg Nest.

OTHER valuable assets. We’re also home to the Phinney EcoVillage, lead by former Seattle Times writer and activist Paul Andrews. Phinney Farmers Market at the PNA. Woodland Park Zoo. Greenlake for swimming indoor, outdoor and all things done comfortably around a 3 mile trail. (Biking and rollerblading at a leisurely pace due to throngs of people enjoying this popular park.)

Come visit Phinney Ridge. Everyone is welcome here.

Blogging eats time. Writing, image selection and photo prep are basics. I ache to have something pretty (well gorgeous actually), functional yet personable and still get to work with my awesome clients from time to time. Help is on the way. At least with the “pretty” part.
Jennifer Apple at Photoshop support shares concepts on design, functionality and links for templates & add-ons. Finally we have a favicon thanks to her clear simple explanation (and my Can-do staff person, Jane Patterson!).

Through Jennifer I discovered a link to the site of helpful God of the Blogging Universe, Paul Stamatiou. After hours of reading (Burp- scuze me!) you realize that this man is smart and enormously generous with his knowledge. Paul, if I ever meet you in person, forgive the bear hug.

Paul helps encourage “lurkers” to come forward to mutual benefit. (I’ll reveal Myself when I get some more TIME!) As suggested, we’re now registered with Technorati and are building our own Ping Configuration page.

I’ll stop here. Needless to say, the time-saving is all relative. Getting referred to these sites saved time in research. My time was spent reading high quality, relevant information presented simply. Gads. Look what time it is…

In the ever-present struggle to regain balance between personal and professional life, life as momma to Ellie and wife to Tim, Thursday night has been carved out as “MY” night. Granted one Thursday each month I’m at an informative PUG meeting, or an educational Woodland Park 3-5s co-op meeting, or occasionally an inspiring Soulumination meeting. Still, 1 to 3 nights each month are for doing as I please. This tiny freedom rejuvenates.

I usually spend that time with friends, so much do I miss being social. Now it’s easiest to build friendships with other working moms who are also motivated to go around Greenlake at 8:30 in the pitch blackness.

But last Thursday, oh my! I had forgotten the sheer pleasure of nestling into the warm sands of Olympus Spa. Blissful, rare relaxation overcomes me as I bake in the mud & jade room, then cool down to warm in the charcoal room. I don’t know the exact purpose of these “earth energy” rooms. Who cares about energy anyway. Give me it’s antithesis!

Then into the mugwort steamroom. Yuck. Slimy on the butt! Might that be why they gave me an extra tiny towel? With towel in place, mind off the slime, my pores couldn’t be happier, my breathing easier. To cool off, into the freezing waterfall pool. Gasp! Then into the hottest of the pools to soak before I have a 50 minute Korean body scrub.

1) Mud & Jade room 2) Relaxation lounge with foot message 3) Waterfall pool surrounded by 3 other warm to hot pools.

Why work if you can’t splurge now and then? Use of the spa for a day is $35 in Lynnwood, $30 in Tacoma. The bodyscrub is $65/60 Lynnwood/Tacoma. I’m so happy Tim and I figured out a way to have some time for each of us. I’m ready for another week.

Talk about a huge success. Not only has Luly Yang Couture taken Seattle by storm, and thrown a world-wide net around her captives, but I– the jean wearing, boot stomping momma from Phinney Ridge have been spell-bound and taken captive. Why should I care about fashion so much, living the active lifestyle my 3 year old requires? Because Luly makes ME look good. I’m not referring to stepping-out for my Valentine dinner with sweet hubby Tim. (hint hint) I’m talking about when my portfolio features her gowns. After 23 years of being a pro-photographer I now give credit where due.  All I have to say is that if you’re donning a Luly Yang creation, hiring me is all the more important to help save the dignity for your bridal party and family who would otherwise look woefully drab next to you.

Gorgeous as Luly Yang’s gowns are, they look even more so because David Galliett of Rented Elegance helped create this sapphire inspired ambiance.