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Currently Loving :: September Edition, Etcetera.

Ladies and gentlemen... please pardon the dust that's been collecting around here over the past two weeks. I've been a little absent because I've been in technology hell.

Actually - I still have one foot planted there. Last week, I burnt a hard drive with all of my work catalogs on it to a crisp. I fretted and fretted and fretted until some nice boys from the local computer shop stayed late (like 3 hours after closing on the second day they had it) to extract the data and put it on another drive.

It was awful nice of them. I took them some homemade Italian wedding soup when I picked it up to express my thanks. One side of me thinks they were just trying to go the extra mile for me - and give excellent customer service - while the other secretly thinks they must have thought I was a total psycho who would probably torch the place if they didn't get it right.

Gah.

Then - I installed Lion - the new Mac OS onto my big daddy iMac and ever since - IT'S the psycho in the house. It can't decide whether it wants to play nice with the internet. Wi-Fi ON, OFF, ON, OFF, ON, OFF, ON, OFF. A tailspin of frustration.

Like I always say - the internet is a fabulous land and shant be denied. (Actually - I never say that.)

So - Play nice iMac. Or else!

A zillion phone calls over several days with several Apple advisors later - I now have a direct phone number and extension of a Senior el Capitan Mac guru that is handling my extra bizarre-o case. Yet still no resolution.

I say again... Gah.

I'm so OVER technology already.

 

Let's talk about something entirely more fun, shall we?

Here are some things I'm currently loving this month.

1.

I'm rather loving this font... Its a free one called Desert Dog Hmk. With a some good ol' fashioned Courier thrown in. :)

2.

Really need a pair of black boots (that don't look like hooker boots - and won't fall apart in two seasons). I already have a pair of Frye Campus Boots in the butter color that I LOVE and plan on keeping for 20 years.... Expensive boots - but worth it in the long haul with good care.

I'm thinking I need another pair of Frye's in black - and a different style than the Campus. Frye's are just plain dope. Let's face it.

What do you think...

These?

or these?

I'm thinking Santa may have to decide for me. :)

3.

Speaking of Christmas - all the little ones my household... and the nieces and nephews that we buy for are getting the newly released Tiny TOMS. For those of you reading - I'll be calling for size info!

I'm currently loving these...They are so much cooler than CROCS for kids - and about the same price. :)

So cute right?

4.

The other day when I was uploading the video of the little missus walking to Vimeo - I stumbled on this. The still image of the butterfly on her leg was what sucked me in. I thought it was a cool photograph so I clicked it.

At first I thought it was utterly strange... then I started to think of the girl singing as a really really talented Phoebe from Friends and I was instantly utterly captivated. I kinda wanted to stop watching half way through - but I just couldn't make myself do it. It was oddly entertaining.

 

Anyway... Anyone heard of this band? CANADA?

What did you think?

5.

Speaking of music and video. Adele is just breathtaking. And whoever directed this is genius. What a great way to portray and interpret her lyrics. Just beautiful.

 

The melody and lyric of that chorus just cuts me deep.

What say you?

6.

I'm wearing this shade of eyeshadow as a base nearly every day right now...

bareMinerals eyeshadow in NUDE BEACH.

7. Bought two of these prints from this great little shop called MONORAIL STUDIOS in Austin, TX on etsy last month. This one for Macho's room in RED and one I gave to my Aunt whose 3 of 4 sons are in the Navy (the 4th is still in high school!). Her's was white with navy lettering.

8.

I've had this sitting on my nightstand since it came out - but just cracked it open a week or so ago. For no reason in particular. Gosh - I do love me some P-Dub. I giggle out loud while I'm reading it while Clark is sleeping! Ree never disappoints in anything she takes on. I'm anxiously awaiting her new cookbook.

Oooh. That reminds me... gotta check on that release date.

9.

Red lipstick and these TOM FORD sunglasses. I secretly dream I'm a long lost Kardashian sometimes. I've always had the booty to prove it. ;)

I own this shade - Cover Girl Lip Perfection in HOT.

I hear Kourtney's bathing suit is from H&M. I like the top more than the bottom. A simple black bottom would be better. ;)

10.

MY VITAMIX!

Kids - I'm going to do another week of raw. I'm so utterly addicted to this machine. I've even become a Vitamix affiliate!!! Click the link to the right -  over there ------------- to find out more.

I'm making all sorts of stuff in it... hummus, frozen cappuccinos, smoothies in an array of colors and tastes. I'm going to make bread dough and hot soup in it next... 

And - get this. The kids are eating their veggies because I'm smuggling them into their smoothies.

LOVE LOVE LOVE.

If you want one of your own - I can get you FREE SHIPPING! (a savings of $25!)

Just use my code :: 06-006644

There will be more Vitamix posts coming your way.

That's all for now!

:)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lauren's Maternity Session :: Maryland Maternity Photographer

She was effortless. The two of them together? As sweet as can be.

Lauren and her cutie pie husband, Dan joined me in St. Michaels for some photos - featuring Lauren's little bun in the oven. Their first - a little girl - due in early November.

We had such fun. Driving and jumping out of the car here and there (thanks Dan for chauffeuring!) taking advantage of some neat little spots around the quaint little community on the water.

Congratulations guys! Can't wait to meet her!

Here are some of my favorites. Enjoy!

She So Totally Would!

When I returned home last night... oh what a feeling. Macho came running with open arms! Little mamma was all smiles and just kept hugging me and resting her head on my shoulder again and again. It was heaven.

And then - Clark said... We have something to show you...

And handed me his iPhone.

 

 

I know... She SO totally would do that the very first time I leave home overnight IN. HER. LIFE.

Like Murphy's Law or something.

LOVE that she gives herself a little round of applause there at the end.

---

So... today

I'm putting my little life back together from my whirlwind excursion to the big bad city.

Had a great time, by the way.

Ate Thai and great Mexican... drank great wine and margaritas... did a little retail therapy... talked about business... about life... saw some amazing fashion... got ripped off by a rickshaw (that's another post all together). Met some interesting people... pumped the ol' boobies in some pretty random spots (the train... in the back of the Thai restaurant... my, my that sounds dirty....!)

SO SORRY. T.M.I. :)

AND slept two nights through in a hotel bed without being awaken by a half-pint human!

It was faaaabbbulllouuuusss.

Today, however, is another matter.

My ALL important external hard drive is looking like a dead fish and I'm in a bit of a state of panic. I have several photography jobs in process and one completed but not yet delivered on it.

The darn thing isn't showing up on my desktop at all when I plug it in.

On either of my computers.

When plugged in with either of two compatible USB cords I have for it.

As you can see, I'm very nervous about this.

Helpticket is submitted. Online troubleshooting articles have been read and home remedies tried.

Awaiting email response from helpdesk.

The magic 8 ball in my head is telling me "outlook does not look good"

 

Please, if you don't mind - say a little prayer for me today - that the technology Gods will kindly grant me a small miracle.

 

Hope you are having a splendid - techno-stress-free Wednesday.

:0)

 

 

 

Fight Gone Bad Result & Giveaway Winner!

Howdy guys!

Still in NYC so I'm gonna keep this short and sweet.

Justin totally rocked out his CrossFit challenge over the weekend. He raised $1,680 for the Fight Gone Bad Challenge (his goal was $1500) benefitting the SOWF (Special Operations Warrior Fund).

He sent me this photo...

Thank you everyone who donated to this great cause!

As promised - I'm giving away one of these yet to be released prints... 5x7 mounted on metallic paper...

Six of you made donations - and I used the Random # Generator to pick the winner. #3 was the pick.

The third person to donate and leave a comment was ::

Crystal M who said...

Hi Katie! Agree with Nikki, that this past weekend was very emotional.....living right outside of DC (now, not 10 yrs ago) it really brought close to home how scary of a world it truly can be...thank GOD for our military and all they do to protect us!!! On top of that, my husbands best friend from high school is HUGE into CrossFit and has been for years...best of luck to your friend Justin!!!!! :)

 

Congratulations Crystal! To claim your loot - email me at katiepegher (at) gmail (dot) com!~

And Congratulations Justin! I speak on behalf of my readers when I say WE ARE PROUD OF YOU!

xoxo

 

10 Months!

The little lady turned 10 months yesterday. I plopped her in the yard with a little number thingy I made with some paper and a smore's stick. :)

We had fun goofing around a little bit.

Still waiting to hear how Justin's weekend Crossfit challenge went. As soon as I hear back - I'll report and pick a winner for the knot print!

In the meantime - I'm in NYC the next few days on a work trip. I love the beat of the city... almost moved here once. Then Clark swept me off my feet.

No regrets.

 

 

 

Nate & Amanda Get Married :: Western Pennsylvania Wedding Photographer

This week has been just crazy. A lot of LATE nights turning into mornings editing. The end result, however, always makes me wiggle in my seat - just so excited to deliver the galleries to my clients and share some of my favorites here with you that I forget the fatigue and JUST. KEEP. GOING!

Nate was my brother's best friend growing up. He was at our house with the sort of frequency that he just became part of the family. He was there for birthday parties, and family vacations and getting into trouble and just plain ol' Saturday afternoons on the couch. He was also an instrumental voice in helping me pick out which dress I should wear for prom or homecoming or what have you. There's also the story where I carried him down the steep hill we lived on after a huge snow storm when he ended up with a compound fracture in his leg. Yeah... you heard me right. His tibia was sticking out of his leg. It was nasty. The result of a wicked bad sled riding accident. We were hard core back then, what can I say. Yep - I carried his ass back to the house for help, even though we were in high school and he outweighed me at the time. Like I said. We are close. Nate is, without a doubt my brother from another mother.

Of course life happens. And for the better part of the last 15 years I haven't seen that handsome face except quick time or two. But that never matters in frienships such as these. You can't erase those magical years growing up in a small town. The way our lives are knitted together in a way that cannot be undone, regardless of relationships or breakups, or births or deaths, or jobs - across the miles and years. They endure it all.

So when one day last spring I recieved a call from Nate out of the blue telling me he was getting married and would I be the one to capture his day - in an instant I was just humbled and grateful. That he would call ME for this most special day. Though, I'm a good six hours away from him, he still called ME!? What an honor. Love that boy.

And over the months of planning and chatting and getting excited I had the gift of meeting and getting to know Amanda. She is SO the ying to his yang. A beautiful girl. A beautiful soul. I do hope that strength and grace she has translates in the photos. Her love for him and for their little girl, M, is endlessly abundant. Her eyes sparkle. And, she gets my highest approval on the job of "replacement best friend" to my brother.

Their day was an intimate affair. About 30 guests, mostly family, they wed amid brief summer showers and sunshine.

I felt so blessed to be one of the lucky few in attendance.

Clark.... oh my darling Clark - always my support - joined me as second shooter. And... like all things - he was pretty darn good at it! Thank you honey. I love you so so much.

Congratulations Nate and Amanda. Loved reconnecting with you. Thank you for believing in me.
Much love to you both in your many years ahead.

xo

Katie

Please enjoy some of my favorites.

Amand a had some killer shoes... not to mention a killer dress... all on her ultra killer bod.

Mr. Handsome, himself.

Nates two sisters just kill me.

Girls.

We took this huge ATV and drove to a spot, we in my hometown like to call "the top of the world."

It's picturesque and romantic... and was the perfect backdrop for our time alone together.

Amanda - you are fierce.

I loved this... In an in between moment - Nate just wrapped his arm around her like this. They are so easy together... You can really see they are best friends.

Clark took this one! GO honey GO!

Green eyes.

Blue eyes.

Just messin' around.

"You come 90 - and I'll come 10."  ~ Hitch

Okay.

Their little booger, M. Playing in the fountain.

So full of wonder, children are.   

I had to include this shot. No, the camera's focus on M isn't tack sharp, but Nates face.... MAN alive. That look he is giving her.

Like she's his entire world. That look just cut me clean through and I had to share.

Beautiful family.

Cheers you guys! What an incredible day.

Congratulations!

Have a great weekend everyone!!!

xo

Instagram Love

Decided to do a quickie digi layout with some Instagram pix I've been assembling on the ol' iPhone.

This template was a freebie from the one and only Cathy Zielske.

P.S. Did I tell you guys I broke down and got a Vitamix? Ohhhhhhh yeeeeeaaaaah. And it lives up to every promise of function, muscle, ease of use - not to mention you can make just about anything in it. I'm totally blown away and am in the process of becoming an affiliate. Much more on the Vitamix to come... I've made smoothies, hummus, frozen cappuccino... up next on my list - fresh bread dough, hot soup, salsa, and bbq sauce....

As Ferris Bueller once said of Cameron's Ferrari, I too shall say of the Vitamix...

"It is so choice. If you have the means, I highly recommend picking one up."

But back to the matter at hand.

No I haven't documented anything about either child in a matter of months - but dang it - I'm gonna document my culinary adventures and missteps!

:)

_{LAYOUT SUPPLIES :: Adobe Photoshop CS5, Template: Insta Freebie from Cathy Zielske, Cardstock:: Michelle Martin Siri Solids Paper Pack, Fonts: Avenir, Market Deco, Brisk, Embellishments: Katie Pertiet Dried Brush Edges}

Also - a huge thank you to those who have donated to Justin's fundraising challenge. The rest of you - It's not too late! What a great cause (the SOWF) it is - click the post below to make your pledge! xo

 

Honor Those Who Have Sacrificed...

Ok - so my good friend from college Justin, (a former Div. I Football player), is doing something great. I've decided to sponsor and support him as he takes on a huge physical challenge this weekend - a nation-wide fundraising event called FIGHT GONE BAD 6 in support of the awesome charity "Special Operations Warrior Foundation"

Here's their mission statement ::

The Special Operations Warrior Foundation was founded in 1980 to provide support and assistance to the families of fallen and wounded Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps special operations forces, which include (but not limited to) Army Rangers and Special Forces (Green Berets), Navy SEALs, Air Force Combat Controllers and Special Tactics, 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, and Marine Corps special operations personnel.

The SOWF provides the surviving children of fallen warriors with a full college education, including tuition, books, fees, room and board, and a computer and printer.   

We also provide immediate financial assistance to the families of severely wounded special operations warriors.

--

Justin will be participating in Fight Gone Bad - executed by CrossFit in Washington, DC this weekend (9/17) to raise money for SOWF.. 

What exactly is CrossFit? Well - it's tough. And TOUGH. AND TOUGH. Here's how they define it...

CrossFit is a strength and conditioning brand that combines weightlifting, sprinting, gymnastics, powerlifting, kettlebell training, plyometrics, rowing, and medicine ball training.
 
CrossFit athletes run, row, jump rope, climb rope, and carry odd objects.  They frequently move large loads quickly over short distances, and use powerlifting and Olympic weightlifting techniques.  CrossFit athletes also use dumbbells, gymnastics rings, pull-up bars, kettlebells, and many bodyweight exercises.  CrossFit is used in nearly 2,000 affiliate gyms worldwide by many fire departments, law enforcement agencies, and military organizations.

And...

This part will blow your mind...

The workouts? They are only 15-30 minutes maximum each day. Think it sounds easy right? Think again.

Try doing this for 17 minutes straight...

or how bout this maybe?

 

I know... crazy right?

Here's how Justin describes his workouts...

"I started CrossFit at the beginning of June.  Typically you have a WOD (Workout Of the Day).  A WOD is usually a string of exercises that's either timed or you're trying to do as many reps as possible.  On any given day most WODs take anywhere between 10-30 mintues long.  Yup, that's it.  Trust me, I consider myself an athlete and the intensity that you push yourself, after 2 minutes you're trying to catch your breath!   

CrossFit is more focused on pushing yourself, changing your lifestyle, and after a few days, you're like family with all other CrossFitters in your "box" (gym).  These family and friends (teens to the elderly) push one another to achieve something that you didn't think you could do in the past. 

Let me give you an example.  I would consider myself in fairly good shape (6'2", 235 pounds), and before I joined CrossFit I worked out by lifting at the gym 3 days a week and playing basketball and flag football once a week, as well.  I've deadlifted before, but never more than 275 pounds. 

Well, at CrossFit you learn your 1 rep max (the most weight you can lift in 1 rep on any given exercise) in most Olympic lifts.  I was able to get to 465 pounds, but I almost killed my back in the process just out of sheer competitiveness trying to get the bar off of the floor.  I didn't even attempt weights close to that weight for a while.  Then one of our WODs was to figure out our new 1RM for deadlift.  I was shooting for 435, but when it came so easy, my fellow CrossFitters pushed me to keep going higher.  I did, kept pushing, and was able to max out at 500 pounds, and my back was fine!  That was something I was truly proud about, but I wouldn't have even come close to it it my new friends weren't pushing me that day.

You may have read that last paragraph and said, "Olympic lifts?  Deadlifts?!  Pull-up?!  500 pounds?!?! I can't do any of that!"  There is a lot of exercises in CrossFit that I cannot do yet, or I do it poorly.  That's the beauty of CrossFit, you'll be able to complete these exercises over time, along with some practice and hard work.

Trust me I know the difficulty of starting something new.  Within the first 4 minutes of my 19 minute - first day, I thought,  "What am I doing?! This is hard!  I don't want to come back tomorrow!"  But when I was done with the workout I felt like I achieved something.  I was proud.  I even had people cheering me on who I'd met only 5 minutes before I started my workout. I couldn't NOT come back. I wanted to come back to feel motivated by those cheering me on, and to see what else I could do! 

I guess I never told you why I joined CrossFit.  And you thought I was finished!   I wanted to challenge myself like I was when I was a college athlete, playing football at Penn State.  In the past, I would typically go to the gym 3 days a week.  Honest truth, yes I went to the gym, but it was so monotonous that I would take off a month or months once I got to a critical point of boredom or "man I look good!  I don't need to workout for a while!", which would turn into, "Man I'm fat!  Why did I stop going?!" 

With Crossfit I never do the same WOD.  I've been going to the "box" for 3 months now, 3/4 times a week, and I've never done a single workout twice. Eventually, I will do the same WOD again, but it might not be for 6 months to a year.  NEVER boring.  CrossFit pushes me to want to do it every day just to see what I'm capable of.  I found myself wanting to do WODs while I'm on vacation! Crazy, I know!

I can't wait to challenge myself this weekend AND help out a great cause.

I know times have been tough for many, but I'm fortunate to know many wonderful people that also donate their time and money for great causes.  I'd like to ask you for a donation (tax deductible), large or small.

Here's the link where you can donate

DONATE NOW

Let's never forget to honor those who have sacrificed for our freedom.

Sincerely, 

Justin Ingram

--

Well said, my friend.

In addition to making my own donation - I asked Justin to share his story on the blog today and I'd put out the call to my readership and see if any of you could get on board with him.

I know roughly how many of you read this sorry rag each day... and I know if each of you gave $10 we could get Justin to his $1500 goal by Friday easy peasy. $10? That's a cup of coffee and scone at SBUX.... C'MON you can do it!

I've also decided to sweeten the pot for you readers who do decide to open up your pretty wallets...

If you make a donation - come back and leave a comment here below saying so and I'll enter you to win one of my latest - and yet unreleased Fine Art Prints...

This one, called "Tied Up" comes 5x7 printed on metallic paper and mounted on 2mm styrene backer board. (*Note: print will not be watermarked.) Veerrrry niiiiiiice.

I'll pick a winner on Monday or Tuesday and report back with the money Justin has raised for SOWF and how he made out at the Fight Gone Bad competition this weekend.

To read more about EXACTLY what Justin will be doing this weekend - click on the DONATE NOW button above and get the scoop on his 17 minutes.

With all that has happened in recent events from the eradication of high level terrorists to the recent helicopter trajedy of our elite Navy SEAL teams, to the anniversary of 9/11... I can't think of a better time to show our support.

GO JUSTIN GO!!!

 

Making the Envelopes...

Hey guys! Had a few requests on how I made the envelopes for Macho's yearly letters... so I went ahead and did a little video for ya.

Yes - I totally used masking tape to mount my little Flip Camera to the shelf while I was gabbing away. I'm THAT crafty.

Oh yeah - and here's the link for the envelope template thingy that I use here.

Any questions on this just leave me a comment! :)

 

And - here is the finished product. Thank you iPhone for the lickety split - oh no its getting dark and I don't wanna pull out the big camera tonight - shots.

Veronica's Bump - Straight from Jolly Ol England! : Maryland Maternity Photographer

She has a beautifully blended British-American accent. Her husband swept her away from the US of A and moved her to his native Great Britain a few years ago. Now they are expecting their first baby. And while still cleared for air travel by her doctors - she made a trip back home to see her girlfriends who thoughtfully suggested me to her. 

We had a great time racing around the Eastern Shore just one day before Hurricane Irene was set to hit us. As shops were boarding up their windows we were out snapping in gorgeous sunny weather.

Veronica was so sweet to entertain all my crazy ideas... The girl has such attitude. Chutzpah. And natual beauty topped off with a fresh mother-to-be "glow." She was a dream.

Here are just a few of my favorites. Enjoy.

Loved this weeping willow tree... so dreamy.

I wanted a nice casual indoor portrait of her... 

Then came the silly ideas... I had this thought to do "a bun in the oven" theme... Dress her as a 50's housewife. She rocked it. And best of all - her husband is a chef - so it totally applied to her. :)

One more outfit change later I had to capture the essence of the Eastern Shore for her. They don't have landscapes like this where she lives - and I know she wanted to take a bit of "home" back home with her.

Girlfriends since grade school.



Veronica thought we were done with this location... The three of us were doing a bit of beach combing separately when I snapped these. The black and white below might just be my favorite of the whole lot. I adore the composition - the huge white space in the sky... her elegant posture... and the candid nature of it. Fave.

More girlfriends... LOVE.

Cutting up.

Congratulations Veronica and Jonathan! SO honored to capture this magical time for you!

xo