Driving up the Coast to Hearst Castle

This weekend we took a little weekend trip up the coast to visit Hearst Castle.  Brandon's parents and sister flew into town from Georgia and St. Louis for a short visit.  Brandon and I had heard how breathtaking this castle and the views are, so we decided to check it out with the family.   The history of the Hearst Family's financial success was just as impressive as the ocean views, flower gardens, and architecture.  We went on a couple of tours that tell the history and it was so interesting.  During the tour we got to see inside some of the rooms of the castle.  I especially liked seeing the time period clothing from the 1920s and 1930s set out on the beds.  The clothing was from a time when the family would entertain distinguished guests, including presidents and famous actors.  If you ever have a chance to see it, it's definitely worth it.  Make sure that you go on the official tour where you can see inside the castle and hear the history.  I was happy with the pictures I got from my point and shoot camera.  It did a good job!

After staying the night in a cute guest house down the road in Cambria, we did some more touristy activities... including a visit to see the Elephant Seals on the beach.  They were just sleeping and soaking in the sun and they were just enormous!  In Cambria it was in the mid 60s during the day, so it was a nice break from the summer heat of Pasadena.  Can you tell how windy it was from our hair in the photos?

What a great little getaway weekend.  Thanks, family, for coming to visit us!

Creating Something New | Pasadena Photographer

I love the process of cooking and baking.  It is a relaxing escape for me when I cook.  I love that you can start out with separate individual ingredients, follow a certain set of steps, combine the ingredients together in a particular way, and you end up with a wonderful, new creation.  As long as you follow the steps the same way each time, you know you can count on the same end result.  Cooking is very predicable that way, and I like that I can count on it's certainty. I think that most people have a deep need to create something.  Some create through writing, some through music, some through visual arts, some through decorating, and some through cooking.  I went through a phase in high school where I would bake several days a week.  I usually just baked cupcakes and brought them to school to share with my friends.  I enjoyed the element of creating something new and pretty from a bunch of separate parts.

When I married my husband, I realized that I needed to include a few new recipes into my cookbook.  His childhood favorite is Poppyseed Chicken Casserole and he just loves it!  The first time I went with him to visit his family in Georgia his mom gave me the recipe.  Although we were just dating, she gave it to me, and I quickly realized the importance of the recipe.  Cooking is not just about fulfilling a need to create something.  Cooking can be a gift that you give someone in the form of a favorite childhood meal.  The first time I had this recipe, it quickly became a favorite indulgence of mine.  It is so rich and yummy... the true definition of southern comfort food.

For those interested in creating something new, try out this amazing Poppyseed Chicken Casserole.

Ingredients:

1 pound of chicken breast tenders; boiled and shredded

2 tubes of Ritz Crackers crushed

2 sticks of margarine melted

2 tablespoons of poppyseeds

2 cans of cream of chicken soup

8 ounces sour cream

The key ingredients: poppyseeds and cream of chicken soup

Start by boiling the chicken breast tenders and shredding it once it's done cooking.  While the chicken is cooking, crush the crackers in a ziplock bag.

Mix together the shredded chicken, sour cream, and cream of chicken soup in a bowl and set to the side.

Melt the margarine in a pan and add the poppyseeds to the melted margarine.  Once it's mixed thoroughly, add the crushed Ritz crackers to soak up the melted margarine.  Turn off the stove and set pan to the side.

Take half of the cracker mixture and spread it over the bottom of a 9x13 glass plan.  Create another layer using all of the cream of chicken mixture.

Add the second half of the cracker mixture to top it off.  Spread it around evenly.

Bake uncovered at 350 degrees for 30-45 minutes.  It's done when the middle layer is bubbling up on the edges and the cracker crumbs are golden brown and look crispy.

Scoop a serving onto a plate and enjoy!  You must go back for seconds... it's the rule with this recipe. Enjoy!

Erin Sullivan Photography | Pasadena Newborn Photographer

BabyPhotographers.com is a great new resource for mothers who are trying to find a professional, custom baby photographer in their area.  I was excited to add my photography business to their directory today.  This website regularly writes helpful articles about all topics related to custom baby photography, from "How to have the perfect newborn session" to "Why is professional baby photography worth the price tag."  If you are a professional baby photographer or an expectant mom that wants to find a top-quality photographer, I recommend that you check out this website. Enjoy!

Happy 40th Anniversary! | Laguna Beach Family Portrait Photographer

In honor of their 40th wedding anniversary, their adult children surprised them with a family reunion portrait session.  What a fun-loving, enjoyable family they were for me to photograph.  It was like my own little reunion to see some of you again, and a pleasure to meet those of you for the first time who were vacationing from out of town.  Thank you for the honor of including me in such a big celebration! Congratulations, again, on 40 years of marriage.  What a huge accomplishment! Enjoy this extra long sneak peek from your session!

The Honored Couple...

... Loved by all of their granddaughters!

Before...

... and after a big wave!

These three sisters were so fun and full of ideas.  This last shot is one of their ideas they wanted to try... nice jump, ladies!

Thank you for a wonderful afternoon together!  I hope you enjoyed the rest of your vacation in California. :)

Locks of Love Donation | Pasadena Children's Photographer

I would like to start by thanking everyone for their overwhelming support and encouragement!  Last week I posted a couple of comments on Facebook to see if anyone has donated to Locks of Love before, and I had a huge response from so many people who have donated their hair in the past.  Everyone had wonderful things to say about the experience and the cause, so I took a risk, and chopped off at least 13 inches of hair and donated it to Locks of Love. As I have previously mentioned, I am a sentimental person.  The night before the big haircut, I asked Brandon to take some photos of my long hair for posterity.  I may have to commission him as my second shooter in the future, because he did an exceptional job with the composition and focus of the photography. Great job and thank you, Brandon.

Although I was nervous before the haircut, I thought of the cause, and I thought of everyone who had given me encouragement on Facebook.  I even posted that I was for sure doing it, so I couldn't wimp out. :)  Overall, it was a very meaningful experience, and I am so happy that I decided to do this.

If you are considering donating your hair to this wonderful charity, I would highly encourage it!  If you donate your hair to Locks of Love, I will give you two complimentary mini portrait sessions: one with long hair and one with short hair.

A lot of people requested to see before and after photos... so enjoy!

BEFORE

The donation needs to be at least 10" long before it's braided.  My ponytail was 13" long before it was braided.

AFTER... and I love it!