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The Ackerman Family | St. Louis Family Photography
Posted on October 16, 2011
Last Monday we got to hang out with another family we’ve had the awesome pleasure of watching as they grow! These four boys have been around just about as long as Kim and I have been together as we photographed Paxton and Bauer during our first fall together! And now they’re TWO! Since that newborn session this was the first time we’ve gotten to photograph everyone together and it was so great! The boys were perfect and it was so fun to chat with Carrie! Tom’s pretty cool too but we just adore Carrie!
Anyway, they’ve been so patient while they waited this week for all the giveaway craziness to end so before I crash tonight I wanted to post their sneak peek! I’m nursing one hell of a cold/sinus infection/something really horrible and can barely keep my eyes open!
Thanks you guys! It was so great to see you again this fall!
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WINNERS!
Posted on October 15, 2011
1. The winner of the pouch from Apple Blue Handmade + Vintage is Rachel Blazer!
2. The winner of the headband from Livi Belle Bowtique is Bridgette Melton!
3. The winner of the handmade soap from Farmhouse Kitchen Lab is Tree!
4. The winner of the headband from Happy Gnome Headbands is Kelly Decoteau!
5. The winner of the artwork from Suzanne is Adriane Muehleisen!
6. The winner of the listing on birthphotographers.com is Heather Beadles!
7. The winner of the outfit from Sweet Petunia is Carey Schutte!
8. The winner of the custom cookies from Cookies To Impress is Amanda Jones!
9. The winner of the headband from Here’s The Diehl is Melissa Bowen!
10. The winner of the crown from Naptime Knittery is Sarah Exley!
11. The winner of the facinator from You Facinate Me So is Jackie of Willow Me Crowns
12. The winner of the gift card for Yummy Design Studio is Christina (Closer to the Heart Photography)
13. The winner of the nursing cover up and burp cloths from Designer Jules is Melissa Ann!
14. The winner of the headband from Lavish Photography is Lindsay Johnson!
15. The winner of the tumbler from Poppy and Blooms is Kinsey!
16. The winner of the custom journal from Emmy Cate Designs is Linda Hare!
17. The winner of the hat from McKinley Rose Boutique is Gypsy!
18. The winner of the gift card from Puddle Jumpers is Megan Harde!
19. The winner of the cake from Catherine’s Cakery is Amy Riley!
20. The winner of the fragrance from Arbonne is Vicky K!
21. The winner of the print from Brittsnap is Amy Beachy!
22. The winner of the headband from Gremadcha is Courtney Jade!
23. The winner of the cleaning products from Better Life is Jamie PB!
24. The winner of the custom album from Madness Design Company is Megan Sanders!
25. The winner of the diaper cover from Slobber Box Shoppe is Carrie S.
26. The winner of the frame from The Organic Bloom is Melanie Briggs!
27. The winner of the gift card from Pickles and Ice Cream Baby Planning is Danielle Harder!
28. The winner of the headband from Little Keira’s Bows is Sarah Wickersham!
29. The winner of the card design from Madilu Designs is Abbie Enlund!
30. The winner of the headbands from JuJuBee’s and Co. is Carrie Reed!
31. The winner of the crown from Willow Me Crowns is Alison Campbell!
32. The winner of the gift card to Fresh Art Photography is Ellen Caffey!
33. The winner of the tutu from AmyLou Baby is Suzanne Epstein-Lang!
34. The winner of the hat from Fancy Schmancy Pretties is Jenna Fones!
35. The winner of the photo blocks from Preserved Photography is Linda Weiss!
36. The winner of the print from A Bit of Whimsy is Mandy at Eight is Enough!
37. The winner of the pots from Priss Pots is Catherine Serra!
38. The winner of the bag from Thirty-One is Erin Miller!
39. The winner of the crown from Lillian Grace is Kristine Schopp!
THANK YOU to all the awesome people that offered to give away their amazing creations! And thanks to everyone that played along!
Chris and I were sitting here watching a movie and I had him call out random numbers! And then if the person mentioned something they really wanted I tried to match it up, if they didn’t or what they wanted was already taken I just put them on the next open giveaway. NOT rocket science but I tried to make it fair! If you are a WINNER please go to the website/FB/blog of the item you won and contact them directly. Please only email us if you can’t get through to them.
Please let me know if you have any concerns or questions about anything! This was INSANE but so much fun! Thanks again!
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Oh yes! We do love a good THOUSAND giveaways! HA!
Posted on October 13, 2011
Let’s finish this bad boy up tonight shall we?
I’m not numbering them because that took as INSANE amount of extra time so if you want to leave a comment and let us know specifically which ones you love, just name the company or something. IF you have left a comment before you are entered into the giveaways already so the only reason to comment here is to 1. send some love to the artists/businesses and 2. to let us know what you love. Or to just say hi to us!
Ok, that’s it! Let’s get this shin dig rolling!
First up is the sweetest tutu from Amylou Baby!
Amy’s email was so cute… she said we had so many headbands to giveaway but not any tutus!
Check out Amylou’s website HERE and like her on FB HERE! Thanks Amy!
Next up is a cute little 3-12 month crocheted hat by Fancy Schmancy Pretties!
In her own words: Red crochet kufi hat (3-12 mos.) With interchangeable ivory “pretty” on partially lined alligator clip.
Thanks so much Sandi! Make sure to like her on FB (HERE)!
I am in LOVE with this next giveaway! Melissa from Preserved Photography makes the best photography-related gift idea! Her photo blocks are to die for!
I want a whole set with my kid’s silly photos on them so we can build family towers! Thanks Melissa! Make sure to like her on FB please! Go HERE! For more info on the blocks go HERE!
Joanna from A Bit of Whimsy is giving away the sweetest drawing she’s titled, “Innocence”.
Oh how I wish I could draw like that! She’s incredible! Make sure to check out her FB page HERE to see more of her beautiful work! And HERE is her flickr stream! And her awesome ETSY shop HERE! Thanks Joanna!
Candi is giving away a super cute gift idea (for someone else or just for you!)!
In her own words:
Isn’t it awesome that she donates 25% of each sale? SO GREAT! Thanks so much Candi! Check her out HERE and like her on FB HERE!
She even sent over this photo of all the swatches you can chose from! Such a great gift! Thanks Emily! HERE is her website!
How have I never seen these before? Aren’t they adorable? I think I’m going to order one for Parker’s birthday coming up!Filed Under Uncategorized | 37 Comments
23-32 of 32 Giveaways for Jodie’s 32nd Birthday! LAST POST!
Posted on October 12, 2011
Last batch! Enjoy!
I am SO excited about this first giveaway! These are the ONLY cleaners we use in our house, they are locally made and the owners are AWESOME! Truly, everyone that works there is amazing! But the cleaners? To die for good! SO good!
BETTER LIFE! Oh how I am in love with Better Life!
Totally kid-safe cleaners… here is a shot they sent over that I love…
They are giving away a SIX PACK of their cleaners and the best part? YOU GET TO CHOSE! So you could get six of one cleaner or try six different ones! How cool is that? It’s a GREAT prize!
Find Better Life on their BLOG, WEBSITE and on FB! Thanks Better Life!
My awesome friend, Trish, is giving away something GREAT for well, anyone! I was going to say it’s great for photographers, because it is, but anyone that has images they’d love to see in an album could use her prize! She is an incredible album designer and I feel so honored to be able to give someone her work!
She is still working on her website so if you’re interested in using her for your business (it might really help, especially during the busy season!) you can email her: trish at madnessdesignco dot com. She does mostly wedding albums but can do baby, family, senior or anything! Here is her giveaway: I’ll give away a 10 spread design and they will get the High Res JPG and PSD files for printing at their favorite lab. Thanks Trish!
All you new(er) moms are going to die when you see what Allison of Slobber Box Shoppe is giving away tonight!
Could that be any cuter? I mean seriously! You can’t beat a cute diaper cover!
LIKE her on FB HERE! Thanks Allison!
HELLO PHOTO LOVING PEOPLE! Get excited about this giveaway from The Organic Bloom! Hands down the BEST framing company around for pro-photogs! ANYONE can win this though, not just a pro-tog!
Photo credit HERE!
So we actually have two of these amazing frames and as soon as the most insane time of year fall is over we’ll show you how we’re using them! Let’s just say I haven’t loved a product more though!
What are they giving away? An 8×10 of your choice! How awesome is that?
Follow their blog HERE and LIKE them on FB HERE and check out their website HERE! Thanks everyone over at The Organic Bloom!
Remember Erin?
She’s launching her new business soon and is giving away something AWESOME to all local St. Louis parents-to-be!
In her own words: Pickles & Ice Cream was founded by baby planner professional Erin Meckfessel to help take away some of the stress and confusion of preparing for the arrival of a baby – that way, expecting parents can relax and focus on enjoying one of the most remarkable and life-changing experiences of their lives.
The giveaway: Soft Serve Pickles & Ice Cream (value $99.00)
Kicking Things Off: We’ll start with an initial 30-minute consultation over the phone or through video chat, to figure out exactly what you’re looking for, both before and after your baby is born.
Let’s Make a Plan: Once we’ve gotten to know you, and exactly what you’re looking for, Pickles & Ice Cream will email you a baby plan customized just for you, from pregnancy until after your baby’s birth. Based on the needs we determined in your initial consultation, your plan may include, but is not limited to:
• Product suggestions
• Product demonstrations via video
• Service suggestions
• Information on birthing options, green options, fitness programs, clinics and classes
Stay In Touch: You’ll have access to unlimited email consultations with Pickles & Ice for 15 days after you’ve received our initial plan.
Thanks so much Erin! I know you’ll be SO helpful for all soon-to-be parents! Like her on FB!
Kaye from Little Kiera’s Bows is giving away a headband we JUST used (she’ll send you a new one! ha!) and well, fell in LOVE with! It’s perfectly made and SO beautiful!
Go check out Little Kiera’s Bows on FB and her awesome ETSY shop!
Thanks Kaye!
Our sweet friend Kim from MadiLu Designs is a SUPER talented graphic designer who creates things with photographers in mind! She has awesome templates and things any pro could use BUT the best part is that she also designs cards, invitations, etc for anyone!
Today she’s giving away: *Custom design for Christmas 2011 or Valentine’s Day 2012. Client will receive flattened digital files that they can upload to the printer of their choice.
So awesome! Thanks Kim! Check out her website HERE and like her on FB HERE!
Another one of our favorite headband creators is Debbie from JuJuBee’s & Co! She’s crazy talented and we use her headbands at almost every single newborn photo shoot it seems like!
Today she’s giving away TWO headbands!
Photo credit for the above image HERE.
Super cute right? Thanks Debbie! Check out her website HERE, her ETSY shop HERE and like her on FB HERE!
Jackie from Willow Me Crowns is giving away an insanely cute and tiny little crown! Look at these!
Aren’t they adorable? SO cute! And she had this to share: I’m also doing a comment game on facebook for new styles tomorrow night- 8pm central is when the game starts!
How fun is that? Thanks Jackie! Check out her photography site HERE and her Willow Me Crown FB HERE!
AND…
Last but not least….
Kim and I are going to give away a $320 gift certificate!
IF you want this prize, since it’s really the only one that’s completely local, please specify that in your comment because I would hate to pick someone who lives out of town!
OK! You made it! THIRTY TWO giveaways over two days to celebrate my birthday! THANK YOU for following along and sending these awesome artists some love! AND for the birthday wishes! Thanks!
Now, last night I put out a call for a few more businesses and got a few more than I needed! SO! Let’s just say that later this week we might just have ONE MORE big giveaway post! One more and then I think I’m done with giveaways for a while! HA! Who knew putting together 32 would be so hard? So if you sent me an email with your giveaway and you don’t see it here just know it will pop up in a day or two!
Thanks to everyone who contributed something, everyone who spread the word and everyone who’s trying to win! This has been a lot of work but SO much fun!
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13-22 of 32 Giveaways for Jodie’s 32nd Birthday
Posted on October 11, 2011
ROUND TWO! GO!
Lucky #13! Our talented client, Julia, offered to do a giveaway like TEN years ago and I’m so excited she offered again (since I dropped the ball a million times!)!
This giveaway is PERFECT for new moms!
In Julia’s own words: The breastfeeding cover has an adjustable neck strap and two terrycloth corners that you can use to wipe baby’s mouth. The burp cloth is made from a diaper/burp cloth with same fabric attached. This is my best selling combination of items. Enjoy!
Find her on her BLOG and ETSY and FB! Thanks again Julia!
Abby from Lavish Photography and Lavished Boutique (on FB!) is giving away this adorable headband!
Isn’t that awesome? It fits anyone from toddler to adult! Thanks so much Abby!
I SO want this giveaway for myself! I’m drinking a LOT more water these days and how cute is this?
A customized tumbler! Created by Natalie of Poppy & Blooms! Super cute! Thanks Natalie!
Kristin from Emmy Cate Designs has a super cute giveaway! PERFECT for the little people in your life!
She’s giving away one of her customized journals and YOU get to pick the colors! How awesome right? She’s NEW so send her some love on her FB page!
Lisa from McKinley Rose Boutique is giving away this perfect little hat!
Pretty cute huh? Perfect for your little one as winter comes or as a photography prop! You can find Lisa HERE and HERE! Thanks Lisa!
Danielle from Puddle Jumpers has an AWESOME giveaway! A $25 gift card to her digital shop! Check out these awesome photo borders…
Aren’t they adorable? I love that through this giveaway Kim and I are finding all of these hidden treasures out there! Danielle, thanks so much!
Check out here ETSY shop HERE and her website HERE and find her on FB HERE!
OH MAN! Coming from a birthday girl without a cake this next giveaway is just calling to me! Check this out!
How awesome is this CAKE? WOW! And Catherine, from Catherine’s Cakery, is giving away a CUSTOM zebra cake! I might have to rig the votes and get this for myself before my birthday (month) is officially over! HA!
Find Catherine on FB HERE and her website HERE! Thanks Catherine!
Arbonne is one of my FAVORITE companies… I have loved their skin care line since college! And Tara is offering up one of their new fragrances for the giveaway! In her own words… ARBONNE is a vegan health and wellness company. Their products are 100% botanically based and are pure, safe and beneficial. There is no chemicals, fragrances, or dyes. Our block-busting selling is the amazing RE9 anti-aging skin care line… There is truly something for everybody. I would like to give away one of the three fragrances we have exclusively for the holidays! This is a $78 value. All you have to do is sign the guestbook on my website located at the bottom right of the home page! AND – all orders that are placed through my website are entered to win their complete purchase for free!
She’s also offering anyone that orders TODAY a 32% discount in honor of my birthday, just tell you her came from Fresh Art!
Thanks Tara!
I think this is such a neat addition to the giveaway and not to scare HIM off, but a man is participating! After all the women I was SO excited to see Martin’s email! HA! And Martin, of Britsnap Photography, is SUPER talented!
He’s donating this incredible award-winning image! In his own words: As an 11×14, mounted on board, shipped to winners address via mpixpro.
Find him on FB! Thanks Martin!
Last (of this post) but certainly NOT least is our dear friend, Greta! You guys know we LOVE her headbands! Hands down my favorite because of their sheer creativity!
She’s an incredible artist and it plays straight into her headbands. And this is the one she’s chosen to giveaway! SO cute!
Check out her ETSY page HERE and find her on FB HERE! Thanks Greta!
OK! Ten more AWESOME giveaways for you guys! And TEN more to come!
We ran into a few issues on the last post I want to address… please only leave a comment on the main post. While clicking on the image allows you to comment on individual items it does not register you to actually win any of them! So make sure to comment at the bottom of this post!
Also, not all vendors are on FB so while we are asking that you “like” the ones we’ve linked to it is not required that you search the ones not linked. Meaning, don’t feel like you have to search FB! I’ve already linked the active FB accounts within each giveaway… I did the hard work for you! We just appreciate these awesome artists offering to help us pay it forward a bit so they deserve some love!
SO! LIKE our vendors who have FB links and comment here to win! SUPER simple!
AND please spread the word to your friends about the giveaways! 32 items is a LOT to giveaway and a LOT of winners!
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Today.
Posted on October 11, 2011
Today that’s how I’m celebrating my birthday and I would love you to join me! And if you think of it, come back and share what kindness you shared today! I’ll be posting about all 32 tonight on my personal blog HERE!
And keep spreading the word about all the giveaways!
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12 of 32 Giveaways for Jodie’s 32nd Birthday!
Posted on October 10, 2011
TODAY Tomorrow (posting this a day early so we can break up the posts! Thank goodness I’m not turning 50!) IS MY 32nd BIRTHDAY and to honor ME we’re hosting 32 AWESOME giveaways! A little way to give back to all of our awesome blog readers! To WIN all you need to do is leave a comment on this post AND go “like” the vendors on FB! (Visiting their blog/website would be awesome too to let them know you appreciate them!) Doesn’t matter what you say BUT something fun would be great, you know, since it’s my BIRTHDAY and all! We will choose the winners for ALL 32 giveaways on Friday!
Amanda from Apple Blue Handmade + Vintage is donating an awesome lined+zippered pouch!
Look at how cute this is!
AND you get to chose the interior and exterior fabric! How cool is that? CUSTOM!
Thanks Amanda!
Kari from Livi Belle Bowtique is giving away one super cute headband!
Yep! We photographed her daughter wearing one of her cute headbands! And Kari is letting you pick which ever headband you’d like! How cool is that? Thanks Kari!
Next up is April who runs HANDS DOWN the sweetest antique shop just outside of Cuba, MO! When Chris and I went out of town for our anniversary about a month ago we stumbled upon them and well, I just died. I even made her and her mom pose for a quick photo because meeting them was one of the highlights of our trip! Her blog, Farmhouse Kitchen Lab is awesome too! Today she’s giving away her handmade soap!
SO great! Thanks so much April!
Don’t they look like women you’d want to hang out with? We drove away that day and I told Chris that April and I were meant to be best friends! HA! Thanks ladies!
Amy from Happy Gnome Headbands is giving something awesome away today for all of your photographers! Here are her own words: I am willing to give one free five in one headband set including shipping. This set is awesome because you only have to put the headband on once and then you just change out the colors depending on what you need. No more waking up babies with snapping elastic!
You guys! I am the WORST at snapping babies heads! You should ask Kim! HA! This looks like an awesome product! Thanks so so much Amy! Find her on FB too!
Our AWESOME client, Suzanne, is being SO kind and donating her beautiful painting! There are two pictured below and you get to 1. pick which one you’d like and 2. (in her own words) The current paint layer is drying now, but there will be another layer of a larger flower, monogram, or block print wording on the lower left-winners choice for “commissioned” art!
Suzanne, this was so sweet and these painting are beautiful! Thank you so much!
Calling all birth photographers!
My AWESOME friend, Lyndsay Stradtner, is giving away a free listing on her website, Birthphotographers.com! You know it’s cool because we’re on there! HA! This is a GREAT gift for any birth photographer but especially one just getting their business started!
Thanks Lynds! You rock!
You guys ALL know how much we love Sweet Petunia Clothing right? I mean, if you don’t, you can look HERE and HERE and HERE to start! HA! Anyway, look at the adorable outfit Ellen is giving away today!
It comes in sizes 12m, 18m, 2, 3t, 4t, 4, 5, 6 Value $74! Is that awesome or what? Thanks Ellen! Please LIKE them on FB HERE!
Jen has a YUMMY giveaway today! She creates amazing custom cookies! AND she’s local which means I will be using her at some point! OR I’ll rig the contest so my mom wins and gifts them to me for my birthday? No? Ok, anyway, check these out!
Aren’t those awesome? Check out her blog: Cookies to Impress for even more great choices! Thanks Jen!
Nicole of Here’s The Diehl has a super cute headband to giveaway!
We can attest that these are so sweet and SO soft! Great for photographers obviously OR a momma who wants her baby girl to look cute! Thanks so much Nicole!
One of my best friends answered my call for giveaways today and I bet a lot of your photogs will be excited!
Yep! My friend Adriane is giving away one of her awesome crowns! This one to be exact:
Check out her awesome ETSY site: Naptime Knittery and like her on FB! Thanks Adriane!
This is a super unique piece I’m excited to show you!
Marcella from You Fascinate Me So is giving away this FASCINATOR! Isn’t it gorgeous? In her own words…
This elegant fascinator is made with peacock feathers and peacock feathers! Two eye feathers, a sword feather and peacock plumage create a striking profile. A segment from a vintage bracelet centers the piece.
Each fascinator I make is attached to an alligator clip and can be worn directly in your hair or clipped to a headband. They are the perfect accessory for women, girls and babies. For a newborn photography prop simply clip to a soft woven headband. If you are interested in a lapel pin message me and I can change the backing to be pinned onto clothing.
***Headband not included***
Add a satin wrapped headband to match for only $2. Each headband has a small loop you can clip your fascinator to for a different look. Listing: http://www.etsy.com/listing/
For babies add a soft adjustable elastic headband for only $1.50. See listing: http://www.etsy.com/listing/
Thanks Marcella! Find her HERE and on FB!
Check this one out!
Isn’t that awesome? Jennifer from Yummy Design Studio is giving away a gift card so you get to PICK what you want from her adorable shop! HERE is her website and HERE she is on FB! AND she’s a photographer! HERE! Thanks so much Jennifer!
OK! This post is SO huge I thought I would break up this giveaway a bit! AND we’re still looking to fill a few more spots to hit our 32 number! SO more coming tomorrow night but feel free to enter these giveaways today! A day early! Well, two hours early! HA!
AND I know some of these giveaways are pretty specific (so many are for photographers) so if there is one you’re really hoping for, please leave that in your comment!
AND if you want to donate something to help fill my dream of giving away 32 things for my 32nd birthday please email us asap! We need quite a few more so please spread the word!
AND please show your love to all of these awesome people by visiting their sites or “liking” them on FB!
THANKS!
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