tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83821370537992266202024-03-14T05:26:59.543-04:00Yen Minns Photographya blog about family, friends, God, photography, and life in general.Yen Minnshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10749096073526923418noreply@blogger.comBlogger55125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8382137053799226620.post-44917271595596583362013-01-28T11:36:00.000-05:002013-01-28T11:36:55.562-05:00The Unshops<br />
A week and a half ago, I had the opportunity to go to Mount Vernon, OH to meet some great photographers, discuss the ups and downs of business and just take a break from the expectations of society. Of course, all of that included eating mac and cheese while watching The Office by a campfire, playing some hardcore Mario Kart Wii & Super Mario Bros Wii, and beating my bowling average of 80 by 21 points (yeah!!!).<br />
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I came back confident in my business and where I'm headed in life. God will always throw curveballs. We just need to learn how to play along.<br />
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Thanks to <a href="http://www.facebook.com/KesterImagery?fref=ts" target="_blank">Jeremy and Ashley Kester</a> for hosting such a wonderful event!<br />
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Here are some highlights of what went down!<br />
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In between playing Mario Kart Wii, Jeremy would show us how to find good light in an indoor space.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-00_vgxiiZtA/UQaa_EgJzlI/AAAAAAAAAKM/xGrbiFxuHHg/s1600/Unshops_002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5btKUbIvEmo/UQaa-tB7xPI/AAAAAAAAAKE/XToHCSfYapw/s1600/Unshops_001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5btKUbIvEmo/UQaa-tB7xPI/AAAAAAAAAKE/XToHCSfYapw/s640/Unshops_001.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-00_vgxiiZtA/UQaa_EgJzlI/AAAAAAAAAKM/xGrbiFxuHHg/s1600/Unshops_002.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="590" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-00_vgxiiZtA/UQaa_EgJzlI/AAAAAAAAAKM/xGrbiFxuHHg/s640/Unshops_002.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;">Morning campfire talks</span><br />
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Learning how to use off camera flash in a bowling alley.</div>
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And of course bowling!</div>
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Then we went out and took some photos of each other. Love the friendships I've made. </div>
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And last but not least, learning how to shoot with sunflare! </div>
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<br />Yen Minnshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10749096073526923418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8382137053799226620.post-41476039289136188122013-01-16T11:43:00.001-05:002013-01-16T11:48:32.179-05:00Couples Portrait | Stephanie and Tony | Wichita, KSChristmas break was a wonderful time. We spent a whole week back home in Kansas. 32 hours of driving roundtrip. But it was all worth it! Not only did we connect with many of our family and friends that we haven't seen in a year or more, but we were able to capture the love shared between my beautiful cousin, Stephanie, and her boyfriend, Tony.<br />
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Stephanie, you define grace, humility and love. I have the deepest respect for you. May everyone your meet feel the love that radiates from your smile and kind words. I love you, cousin.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0K3QacHZfG4/UPbWlwUgKFI/AAAAAAAAAIQ/iuITt41mFeY/s1600/StephanieTony_002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0K3QacHZfG4/UPbWlwUgKFI/AAAAAAAAAIQ/iuITt41mFeY/s640/StephanieTony_002.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_6nIZrB6IGc/UPbWlWCIxsI/AAAAAAAAAIA/DwXFoZIlOs0/s1600/StephanieTony_003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_6nIZrB6IGc/UPbWlWCIxsI/AAAAAAAAAIA/DwXFoZIlOs0/s640/StephanieTony_003.jpg" width="640" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"> </span></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y-T1KMaKI9E/UPbWoLGJyfI/AAAAAAAAAIk/wSWF5b9mPPU/s1600/StephanieTony_007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y-T1KMaKI9E/UPbWoLGJyfI/AAAAAAAAAIk/wSWF5b9mPPU/s640/StephanieTony_007.jpg" width="640" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"> </span></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ih9mGmzUcbk/UPbWqFEyOJI/AAAAAAAAAI8/TkuKF1MPP9g/s1600/StephanieTony_010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="476" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ih9mGmzUcbk/UPbWqFEyOJI/AAAAAAAAAI8/TkuKF1MPP9g/s640/StephanieTony_010.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-muSSmuuyDRE/UPbWsxJ3RwI/AAAAAAAAAJM/SUtZC2zAVp8/s1600/StephanieTony_013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-muSSmuuyDRE/UPbWsxJ3RwI/AAAAAAAAAJM/SUtZC2zAVp8/s640/StephanieTony_013.jpg" width="640" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"> </span></a></div>
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<br />Yen Minnshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10749096073526923418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8382137053799226620.post-35498900113776772232013-01-15T17:53:00.000-05:002013-01-15T17:53:19.580-05:00And so the blog lives...I have a mint plant. And no matter how many times I've left its soil to dry out, sucking the life out of its roots and stems, letting the leaves fall crisp and brown, it always comes back to life.<br />
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I'm sorry I've neglected my blog for so long. But once again, I have resurrected its barren page. I may be two weeks out from reviving my New Year's resolution to blog more, but it's never too late.<br />
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<br />Yen Minnshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10749096073526923418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8382137053799226620.post-84477428653931604992012-12-19T16:14:00.002-05:002012-12-19T16:14:48.725-05:00Michigan Photographer | Nicole HaleyI love the photography industry. I don't know how many times I'll say this, but the community is great!<br />
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One photographer with whom I am particularly grateful to have crossed paths is <a href="http://www.nicolehaley.com/" target="_blank">Nicole Haley</a>. Not only have I been fortunate enough to work as her assistant photographer for at least 14 weddings to date, but I have learned a great deal about Michigan, photography, and life in general.<br />
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To my great surprise, I found this in the mail! Honestly, she kills me with her kindness and generosity. :) Thank you, <a href="http://www.nicolehaley.com/" target="_blank">Nicole</a>!<br />
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<br />Yen Minnshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10749096073526923418noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8382137053799226620.post-66922355125557564212012-12-14T15:35:00.001-05:002012-12-14T15:38:50.765-05:00Christmas in KansasWe're coming home for Christmas!!<br />
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With that being said, I am happy to announce that I have set aside some time to do either a mini session or a full session for you and your family or friends!<br />
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I'll be staying in Wichita for the most part, but if any of my friends in the Kansas City area would like to book a session, I can set up a session when we're on our way back to Michigan.<br />
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To book a session, go to the <a href="http://christmas.yenminns.com/" target="_blank">website</a>, find a time slot that works with you, click on "Contact" and let me know which session and what time you would like. <br />
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Here's a rundown of the details. Click on the photo below to go to the website!<br />
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These sessions are good for a couple, a newborn, all of your children together, a simple family session or even a group of friends having a good time! Whatever the occasion, I would love to be there for you!<br />
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As you know from my <a href="http://yen-minns.blogspot.com/2012/12/engaged-ryann-and-eric.html" target="_blank">previous post</a>, I just booked my first wedding with a date set the first week of March. What you may not know is that I just switched from Nikon to Canon, so I don't quite have the gear I used to. All of the proceeds from these Christmas photo sessions will go to funding equipment for the wedding.<br />
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Be sure to tell your friends and loved ones! They may want a photo session too!<br />
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What's a post without a photo? Remember <a href="http://yen-minns.blogspot.com/2012/03/baby-k-newborn-plymouth-mi.html" target="_blank">this cutie</a>? Here he is at 9 months old! Can't wait to see all the adorable babies back in Kansas!<br />
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<br />Yen Minnshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10749096073526923418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8382137053799226620.post-67372441780068837762012-12-07T15:21:00.001-05:002012-12-07T15:34:30.228-05:00Engaged | Ryann and Eric You know what I love about being in the photography business? The amazing people I meet. Since moving to Michigan from Kansas almost two years ago, I have met several wonderful people in the industry. One of whom took me under her wing and allowed me to assist her at several weddings the past couple of wedding seasons. Thanks to <a href="http://www.nicolehaley.com/" target="_blank">Nicole Haley</a>, I just booked my first solo wedding. Nicole has been the sweetest mentor and friend. Because of her, I was able to meet Ryann and Eric.<br />
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Now it is my pleasure to introduce to you my first wedding clients!<br />
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Ryann and Eric, I am beyond thrilled that you have chosen me to capture your wedding day. Until then, may you bask in your engagement.<br />
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<br />Yen Minnshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10749096073526923418noreply@blogger.com3Plymouth, MI42.3735328 -83.509038142.3266108 -83.5880021 42.4204548 -83.4300741tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8382137053799226620.post-57019595456336578262012-04-16T19:18:00.000-04:002012-04-16T19:18:53.945-04:00catherine | newborn | novi, miGod has certainly blessed christopher and i. you see, He introduced us to some pretty amazing friends, <a href="http://yen-minns.blogspot.com/2012/03/baby-k-newborn-plymouth-mi.html" target="_blank">the k family</a>, who in turn introduced us to brian and sarah. both mothers were pregnant when i met them. and both allowed me to photograph their precious miracles.<br />
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o sweet catherine. your curious eyes look out into the world, eager to explore all of God's creation. welcome to this wonderous world.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/phan-minns/6938354506/" title="catherine_004 by simply ❤, on Flickr"><img alt="catherine_004" height="425" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5470/6938354506_6361bb989e_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/phan-minns/7084430181/" title="catherine_003 by simply ❤, on Flickr"><img alt="catherine_003" height="425" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7044/7084430181_e5cb69b80d_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/phan-minns/7084430011/" title="catherine_002 by simply ❤, on Flickr"><img alt="catherine_002" height="425" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7129/7084430011_cc17a60300_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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catherine has such a fun big brother! they are so sweet with each other. the two will be unstoppable!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/phan-minns/7084431017/" title="catherine_006 by simply ❤, on Flickr"><img alt="catherine_006" height="425" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7261/7084431017_6b46b3631b_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<br />Yen Minnshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10749096073526923418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8382137053799226620.post-33120507226969813682012-03-27T19:58:00.000-04:002012-03-27T19:58:57.765-04:00movie | baby ki love using the video mode. enjoy.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="281" mozallowfullscreen="" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/37596884" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="500"></iframe><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="281" mozallowfullscreen="" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/37594679" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="500"></iframe>Yen Minnshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10749096073526923418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8382137053799226620.post-47664651681439419062012-03-19T10:41:00.002-04:002012-03-19T10:51:53.247-04:00baby k | newborn | plymouth, mioh, sweet baby k... you are more precious than words can describe.<br />
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my dear friends m&j [k] have been so kind and generous to christopher and i since we've moved northville. i don't know how to repay them for everything they've done for us. for now, these photos will have to do. thank you m&j for letting me into your life and capturing these precious moments.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/phan-minns/6839786702/" title="krog1202jp_016 by simply ❤, on Flickr"><img alt="krog1202jp_016" height="425" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7196/6839786702_817e4d49a8_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/phan-minns/6985907663/" title="babyk_001 by simply ❤, on Flickr"><img alt="babyk_001" height="478" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7187/6985907663_e3d76ce31f_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/phan-minns/6839787170/" title="krog1202jp_063_BW by simply ❤, on Flickr"><img alt="krog1202jp_063_BW" height="425" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7057/6839787170_70321d74a7_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/phan-minns/6985907147/" title="krog1202jp_018 by simply ❤, on Flickr"><img alt="krog1202jp_018" height="425" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7038/6985907147_d9dc3f864a_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/phan-minns/6839787112/" title="krog1202jp_056 by simply ❤, on Flickr"><img alt="krog1202jp_056" height="425" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7199/6839787112_cea7bb3406_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/phan-minns/6985907453/" title="krog1202jp_054 by simply ❤, on Flickr"><img alt="krog1202jp_054" height="425" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7066/6985907453_608d8a04bc_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/phan-minns/6839786606/" title="krog1202jp_008_BW by simply ❤, on Flickr"><img alt="krog1202jp_008_BW" height="425" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7200/6839786606_7e6b0373e5_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/phan-minns/6839787470/" title="babyk_003 by simply ❤, on Flickr"><img alt="babyk_003" height="478" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7178/6839787470_20cb45d8d1_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/phan-minns/6839786848/" title="krog1202jp_021_BW by simply ❤, on Flickr"><img alt="krog1202jp_021_BW" height="425" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7194/6839786848_fa52ba36e7_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>Yen Minnshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10749096073526923418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8382137053799226620.post-22106915613998746842012-02-24T22:52:00.000-05:002012-02-24T22:52:59.533-05:00where in the www is yen??i'm here! i'm here! my apologies to my amazingly dedicated readers. i disappeared from the blogger world for quite some time. i got lazy when the holiday season hammered down, and christopher and i traveled back to kansas twice in a month. and i literally haven't gotten back on since. shame on me!<br />
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but ... i've been cooking up some yumminess for the business! stay tuned and you will not be disappointed!Yen Minnshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10749096073526923418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8382137053799226620.post-45033855596463170182011-11-15T08:12:00.001-05:002011-11-15T09:13:38.653-05:00maddie and arianaa little something i made last night for my dear friends, alan and emily. so blessed to have friends less than 4 hours away. :)<br />
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<a href="http://vimeo.com/32142395">Maddie and Ariana</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user9285139">Yen Minns</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.<br />
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/"></a><span id="goog_1769278219"></span><span id="goog_1769278220"></span>Yen Minnshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10749096073526923418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8382137053799226620.post-9805197618213037722011-10-06T22:33:00.000-04:002011-10-06T22:34:08.076-04:00pay it forward.this morning, i had some much needed time to myself. so what do i do? i blog stalked. i quickly scanned my google reader trying to get my fill of photos and stories, but one blog stuck with me the whole day: <a href="http://www.jasminestarblog.com/">jasmine star</a>.<br />
<br />
jasmine was fortunate enough to be offered a free website when she first started out, so she is giving away a free website to someone who is willing to pay it forward as well. i was beyond thrilled when i saw this post! i thought that i could have a chance to win a free website. one of my goals was to get a website up and running before the new year begins. but due to unexpected monetary setbacks, it most certainly does not look like that will be happening.<br />
<br />
the conditions of the contest are simply to post how you would pay it forward should you receive the website. sounds simple right? not so much.<br />
<br />
for the rest of the day, all i could think about was what i had to offer to others. i bought my camera fall of 2009, started learning about photography through 2010, and only started getting paid for some of my work here and there since the fall of 2010. reading through the comments left on jasmine's blog, i found a number of motivated readers. many aspire to mentor people of all ages the art of photography, while others offer free sessions and prints to those less fortunate.<br />
<br />
just starting out in the business, i feel as though i don't have much to offer. i have little experience and knowledge of photography. and on top of that, an empty wallet. who am i? what can i give? how can i help others? forget about the free website! i need these answers to help me move forward with life. how can i go on with life not trying to give back to others?<br />
<br />
oh, but i have so much to give. and half the time, i don't even realize it.<br />
<br />
i have an open heart. i have fears. desires. passion. i have a past full of regret, growth, and love. i have a shoulder to cry on and arms that will give hugs like nobody's business. i've been through a lot of darkness and am learning to see the light. i understand failure and embarrassment. i know love. i know God.<br />
<br />
there are so many people out there searching for a passion. and i just want to say that i get it. i get life. and if you are struggling, i am here for you. i will listen and be there for you. i will give all of my heart to make sure you feel loved. because, quite simply, you are.<br />
<br />
and that is what i have to give. my heart.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/phan-minns/6219222442/" title="DSC02433 by simply ❤, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC02433" height="480" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6161/6219222442_44332802d7_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
[taken february 2010]Yen Minnshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10749096073526923418noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8382137053799226620.post-59829475795270059522011-09-28T18:29:00.000-04:002011-09-28T18:41:45.756-04:00tag along | carole & henry | ferndale, mi weddinglast month, i had the amazing opportunity to be a 2nd photographer at a wedding to <a href="http://www.nicolehaleyblog.com/">nicole haley</a>. it was such a blast to work with nicole! of course it helps that her clients are also fun to photograph.<br />
<br />
before the wedding, <a href="http://www.nicolehaleyblog.com/carole-henry-wedding-meadow-brook-hall-gardens/">carole and henry</a> were so relaxed and ready for the moment they would be united. it was clear that these two were meant to be together. thank you nicole for allowing me the pleasure to experience this beautiful day!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/phan-minns/6190961728/" title="LoveWedding01 by simply ❤, on Flickr"><img alt="LoveWedding01" height="426" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6171/6190961728_103aa9694e_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/phan-minns/6190961824/" title="LoveWedding02 by simply ❤, on Flickr"><img alt="LoveWedding02" height="426" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6148/6190961824_21af2ff254_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/phan-minns/6190443441/" title="LoveWedding03 by simply ❤, on Flickr"><img alt="LoveWedding03" height="640" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6145/6190443441_f3128a88a9_z.jpg" width="426" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/phan-minns/6190443497/" title="LoveWedding04 by simply ❤, on Flickr"><img alt="LoveWedding04" height="426" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6017/6190443497_3ac35932df_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/phan-minns/6190443597/" title="LoveWedding05 by simply ❤, on Flickr"><img alt="LoveWedding05" height="640" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6159/6190443597_6055a73ef8_z.jpg" width="426" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/phan-minns/6190962156/" title="LoveWedding06 by simply ❤, on Flickr"><img alt="LoveWedding06" height="426" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6152/6190962156_94dd4d5bc0_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/phan-minns/6190962210/" title="LoveWedding07 by simply ❤, on Flickr"><img alt="LoveWedding07" height="426" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6010/6190962210_edaf3fb187_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/phan-minns/6190962268/" title="LoveWedding08 by simply ❤, on Flickr"><img alt="LoveWedding08" height="426" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6024/6190962268_43c2157ac8_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/phan-minns/6190962356/" title="LoveWedding09 by simply ❤, on Flickr"><img alt="LoveWedding09" height="426" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6122/6190962356_81e1cf693c_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/phan-minns/6190444001/" title="LoveWedding10 by simply ❤, on Flickr"><img alt="LoveWedding10" height="426" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6159/6190444001_596a095160_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/phan-minns/6190444093/" title="LoveWedding11 by simply ❤, on Flickr"><img alt="LoveWedding11" height="426" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6174/6190444093_e503a3f55a_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/phan-minns/6190444219/" title="LoveWedding12 by simply ❤, on Flickr"><img alt="LoveWedding12" height="640" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6155/6190444219_599e38de38_z.jpg" width="426" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/phan-minns/6190444283/" title="LoveWedding14 by simply ❤, on Flickr"><img alt="LoveWedding14" height="426" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6140/6190444283_571a8a6458_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/phan-minns/6190444339/" title="LoveWedding13 by simply ❤, on Flickr"><img alt="LoveWedding13" height="426" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6162/6190444339_9d08eaf0f0_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<br />Yen Minnshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10749096073526923418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8382137053799226620.post-77388177725030258782011-09-14T01:03:00.001-04:002011-09-14T22:06:03.058-04:00kelly moore bag review | 2 sues in raspberryshh... just let me have a moment... sigh. i finally bought a <a href="http://kellymoorebag.com/">kelly moore bag</a>. the newest 2 sues bag in raspberry to be exact. i've been drooling over kelly's entire line of camera bags since january 2010. yes, i check her website almost as much as i blog stalk other photographers. i'm not ashamed to say that i know exactly what colors each bag comes in and wonder why some colors get switched out often. but i do know that this bag is not the last <a href="http://kellymoorebag.com/">kelly moore bag</a> i will own.<br />
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before going into detail about the pros and cons of the bag, i should let you know that this is the only camera bag i own. i do my own portrait photography, but i also shoot as a second photographer at weddings. i don't own as many lenses as a main wedding photographer usually does. here's a peek at what i do bring to a wedding (as a second photographer):<br />
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camera:<br />
nikon d90<br />
<br />
lenses:<br />
nikkor 18-105mm f3.5-5.5 dx<br />
nikkor 50mm f1.8<br />
nikkor 35mm f1.8 dx<br />
nikkor 70-200mm f2.8<br />
<br />
flash:<br />
nikon sb-900<br />
<br />
accessories:<br />
sd cards<br />
lens cleaning cloth<br />
extra batteries<br />
memory card reader (so the main photographer can upload my images)<br />
<br />
other:<br />
kleenexes<br />
tylenol/other meds<br />
gum<br />
candy (don't judge)<br />
lipgloss/chapstick<br />
phone<br />
hair ties/bobby pins<br />
ID/credit cards<br />
wedding schedule<br />
pen<br />
keys<br />
camelbak water bottle (insulated)<br />
<br />
so let's get into it. the <a href="http://kellymoorebag.com/womens/2-sues/2sues-bag-raspberry.html">2 sues bag</a> essentially has two fronts to it. the front side that i use has two deep magnetic flap pockets and two more shallow zippered pockets right behind it. the "back" side is just awesome. there is a flapped pocket that zips out to have one side as a card wallet with the other side dedicated to holding either compact flash cards or sdhc cards. under the same flap is another pocket. if you aren't sick of the pockets yet, there's another zippered pocket right behind all of this!<br />
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i love, love, love these pockets because it fits everything i listed in my accessories and others list minus the camelbak water bottle. i'm pretty notorious for losing my lens caps. these pockets are great for storing lens caps when you're switching out lenses.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/phan-minns/6145489430/" title="KellyMoore_2Sues_Bag_050 by simply ❤, on Flickr"><img alt="KellyMoore_2Sues_Bag_050" height="426" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6075/6145489430_a55a8c5e30_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/phan-minns/6145489478/" title="KellyMoore_2Sues_Bag_051 by simply ❤, on Flickr"><img alt="KellyMoore_2Sues_Bag_051" height="426" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6178/6145489478_4a9a333b62_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/phan-minns/6145489610/" title="KellyMoore_2Sues_Bag_054 by simply ❤, on Flickr"><img alt="KellyMoore_2Sues_Bag_054" height="426" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6206/6145489610_0882de3b7f_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/phan-minns/6145489546/" title="KellyMoore_2Sues_Bag_053 by simply ❤, on Flickr"><img alt="KellyMoore_2Sues_Bag_053" height="482" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6160/6145489546_2a1afd5421_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/phan-minns/6144938127/" title="KellyMoore_2Sues_Bag_057 by simply ❤, on Flickr"><img alt="KellyMoore_2Sues_Bag_057" height="426" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6064/6144938127_03acb174c6_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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i should let you know that i had originally ordered the classic bag because it had three dividers allowing for 4 interior compartments. i knew that with nikon gear, you can't really close the bag, which is a bummer, but i was ok with that. so when i was finally ready to order the classic, the 2 sues came out. uhh tough decision! i really needed several different compartments for the weddings, but i loved the 2 sues bag! the 2 sues bag is slightly narrower than the classic, but it's deeper and higher.<br />
<br />
so i emailed kelly asking if they sold dividers separately. goodness. i could probably write a whole post dedicated to what great customer service <a href="http://kellymoorebag.com/">kelly moore bag</a> has!!! they immediately responded saying they would just include extra dividers for free and would change my order from a classic to 2 sues if i would like. heck yes!<br />
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the great thing about the 2 sues bag for nikon users is that the bag will allow you to have your 70-200 in the bag and zipped comfortably and still have the "slouch" look.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/phan-minns/6145489930/" title="KellyMoore_2Sues_Bag_058 by simply ❤, on Flickr"><img alt="KellyMoore_2Sues_Bag_058" height="640" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6156/6145489930_48b83999f4_z.jpg" width="426" /></a><br />
<br />
but it gets better! it can even hold the 70-200 with the hood out and still zip up!<br />
<br />
hood on:<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/phan-minns/6145489682/" title="KellyMoore_2Sues_Bag_055 by simply ❤, on Flickr"><img alt="KellyMoore_2Sues_Bag_055" height="426" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6180/6145489682_0b9761cd6b_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
and zipped up!<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/phan-minns/6145489754/" title="KellyMoore_2Sues_Bag_056 by simply ❤, on Flickr"><img alt="KellyMoore_2Sues_Bag_056" height="426" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6155/6145489754_184d11f667_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
not shown in the above pictures was my camelbak water bottle. i have a metal one with an insulation sleeve. it gets its own compartment so that my gear doesn't get any moisture on it. my camera fits comfortably with a lens attached on the top of all my gear, and you guessed it. the bag will zip up.<br />
<br />
while i'm out at a wedding, i don't like to zip up my bag so that my lenses are accessible, however, i don't like the thought of<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"> my equipment being so exposed to weather all the time</span>. good news! right above the zipper are two hidden magne<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">ts</span>. that way, your bag will close up when you're not using it. all you have to do is slip your hand inside to open your bag!<br />
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kelly moore forgot to send me my extra dividers, but they are graciously sending them to me without extra charge. again. amazing customer service. and i mean, they respond to your email within a minute. no joke.<br />
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unlike the classic bag, both walls of the bag (and long divider) have the soft velcro along it so you can move the dividers as you please. i really wish the classic had this option. if i end up buying the classic some day, i may just add my own velcro to the inside of it to add extra dividers.<br />
<br />
***UPDATE*** two sources, one of them being kelly moore herself, informed me that the classic is lined with velcro panels, so should you wish to move those dividers around, have a go at it! ...of course, this only fuels my wishes for a classic bag...<br />
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since i don't have a laptop or ipad, i take the long divider out. this gives me more room for my lenses, flash and water bottle.<br />
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another great thing about this bag compared to the classic is the two shoulder straps. one to carry like a purse and the other as a messenger bag. i have some pretty bad back issues i'm working out. this is very conflicting when it comes to having to rush around on a wedding day carrying some heavy gear. however, i keep both these straps on so that when i need to pick up my bag quickly and set it down, i can use the shoulder strap. but if i'm walking around and need my gear on me, i can just use the longer messenger strap. both straps are removable.<br />
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did i mention that this bag is perfect for me because my husband can also rock the raspberry look? **christopher says it's not his color of choice...but it really is an awesome color. :D<br />
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yes, when i get tired of walking around with my bag, my amazingly sweet husband takes my bag without me even asking and puts it over his shoulder. sigh... what's sexier than christopher? christopher wearing my sexy <a href="http://kellymoorebag.com/womens/2-sues/2sues-bag-raspberry.html">kelly moore bag</a>.<br />
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messenger style:<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/phan-minns/6145490118/" title="KellyMoore_2Sues_Bag_061 by simply ❤, on Flickr"><img alt="KellyMoore_2Sues_Bag_061" height="322" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6193/6145490118_98a3786f82_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/phan-minns/6145490188/" title="KellyMoore_2Sues_Bag_062 by simply ❤, on Flickr"><img alt="KellyMoore_2Sues_Bag_062" height="426" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6198/6145490188_ae79132f8b_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
shoulder style:<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/phan-minns/6145490254/" title="KellyMoore_2Sues_Bag_063 by simply ❤, on Flickr"><img alt="KellyMoore_2Sues_Bag_063" height="640" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6185/6145490254_d32341ee90_z.jpg" width="426" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/phan-minns/6144938405/" title="KellyMoore_2Sues_Bag_060 by simply ❤, on Flickr"><img alt="KellyMoore_2Sues_Bag_060" height="426" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6081/6144938405_d33711e38b_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
the color of this bag is just gorgeous. i don't know what you all are seeing on your computer, but on their website, the color is more like a muted raspberry. almost like a coral raspberry. but my bag is a very deep, rich raspberry. it's beautiful. i love it. the color pops, that's for sure.<br />
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one thing i don't like: i can only shorten the messenger strap so much before i can't use the shoulder pad. i'm a short person, and i wish i could shorten it more (and still use the shoulder pad). i know this is a pretty standard messenger strap length, but i just had to put it out there.<br />
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***UPDATE*** i've had a number of people suggest pulling the pad across the buckle or even switching the pad to the other side of the buckle. brilliant! thanks for the help!<br />
<br />
and here's a quick summary of the pros and cons i've compiled. feel free to add to the list!<br />
<br />
pros:<br />
//bag zips with 70-200 with hood on<br />
//messenger style strap allows for weight distribution<br />
//shoulder strap makes the bag feel even lighter!<br />
//no need for a wallet<br />
//room for a laptop/ipad<br />
//if you don't own a laptop or ipad, even more room for lenses!<br />
//the color. o the color! it's very vibrant.<br />
//AMAZING customer service. hands down.<br />
//my husband can wear it.<br />
<br />
cons:<br />
//since i use this as my main bag, i would like it slightly wider.<br />
//for traveling purposes, i would like to have a 2nd layer of padding to cover the lenses when i put my camera body on top and zip the bag close (like the <a href="http://kellymoorebag.com/full/libby-bag-grey.html">libby bag</a>).<br />
//messenger shoulder strap sometimes too long.<br />
//**this one is from my husband** it's not real leather<br />
<br />
***UPDATE*** kelly also said that they are indeed working on a leather version. woot woot! it just may be a little more on the pricey side...<br />
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not only is the bag great for a second shooter, but i think a main wedding photographer, a hobbyist, or even a mom on the go would enjoy this bag. i will most likely use this as a day bag and carry my camera around with me more often.<br />
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seriously... longest. post. ever. if you've made it this far, you're a trooper. i just wanted you to have a detailed review of the 2 sues bag. leave a comment letting me know you made it all the way down here. :)<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/phan-minns/6144938325/" title="KellyMoore_2Sues_Bag_059 by simply ❤, on Flickr"><img alt="KellyMoore_2Sues_Bag_059" height="426" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6200/6144938325_233ebd8fc7_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<br />Yen Minnshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10749096073526923418noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8382137053799226620.post-59265686902630122812011-09-08T23:54:00.000-04:002011-09-08T23:55:38.152-04:00tj | northville, mi | infant photographymeet tj. tj is the most precious thing i have seen to date.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/phan-minns/6099940121/" title="TJ by simply ❤, on Flickr"><img alt="TJ" height="418" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6073/6099940121_9f5a3899f7_z.jpg" width="630" /></a><br />
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and his parents? they are filled with love for their little miracle. </div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/phan-minns/6128546409/" title="Jones_041 by simply ❤, on Flickr"><img alt="Jones_041" height="482" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6210/6128546409_65a280e69b_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/phan-minns/6129094648/" title="Jones_040 by simply ❤, on Flickr"><img alt="Jones_040" height="426" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6205/6129094648_4f44dc0f3e_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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the entire time i was with this family, i could feel their love for one another just radiating out and enveloping each other in God's goodness. i consider myself fortunate to have the opportunity to spend time with this new family of three. for the past few months, God has been showing me all the beauty that michigan and its residents have to offer. clearly, the Lord is wonderful. don't take my word for it. see for yourself.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/phan-minns/6128545767/" title="Jones_028 by simply ❤, on Flickr"><img alt="Jones_028" height="216" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6195/6128545767_2cd5089537_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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terrance is a wonderful father. you can just tell by the way he holds his son.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/phan-minns/6128545331/" title="Jones_023 by simply ❤, on Flickr"><img alt="Jones_023" height="297" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6187/6128545331_5a372d2642_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/phan-minns/6128546651/" title="Jones_045 by simply ❤, on Flickr"><img alt="Jones_045" height="640" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6191/6128546651_b0af4aac3b_z.jpg" width="426" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/phan-minns/6129095008/" title="Jones_046 by simply ❤, on Flickr"><img alt="Jones_046" height="640" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6209/6129095008_42c0548104_z.jpg" width="426" /></a><br />
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did i mention this kid has style?? :)<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/phan-minns/6128545431/" title="Jones_025 by simply ❤, on Flickr"><img alt="Jones_025" height="640" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6202/6128545431_b9b3c28ea0_z.jpg" width="426" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/phan-minns/6129093586/" title="Jones_024 by simply ❤, on Flickr"><img alt="Jones_024" height="297" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6063/6129093586_d8923111b3_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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we went to downtown northville and a nearby park. michigan is ridiculously gorgeous. why did i not know this before i moved up here?!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/phan-minns/6128545723/" title="Jones_027 by simply ❤, on Flickr"><img alt="Jones_027" height="482" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6209/6128545723_74622d1909_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/phan-minns/6128545823/" title="Jones_029 by simply ❤, on Flickr"><img alt="Jones_029" height="426" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6207/6128545823_3458778fcd_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/phan-minns/6129094102/" title="Jones_030 by simply ❤, on Flickr"><img alt="Jones_030" height="426" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6073/6129094102_5a54c97073_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/phan-minns/6128545991/" title="Jones_032 by simply ❤, on Flickr"><img alt="Jones_032" height="426" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6087/6128545991_762fa64445_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/phan-minns/6129094798/" title="Jones_043 by simply ❤, on Flickr"><img alt="Jones_043" height="426" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6080/6129094798_4d3e2ce8ed_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/phan-minns/6129094754/" title="Jones_042 by simply ❤, on Flickr"><img alt="Jones_042" height="426" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6085/6129094754_7792c07977_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/phan-minns/6129094580/" title="Jones_039 by simply ❤, on Flickr"><img alt="Jones_039" height="482" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6199/6129094580_e3fd1eb9c8_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/phan-minns/6129094506/" title="Jones_037 by simply ❤, on Flickr"><img alt="Jones_037" height="297" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6063/6129094506_be86f3cf27_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/phan-minns/6129093722/" title="Jones_026 by simply ❤, on Flickr"><img alt="Jones_026" height="640" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6198/6129093722_a435d8a0f2_z.jpg" width="426" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/phan-minns/6129094868/" title="Jones_044 by simply ❤, on Flickr"><img alt="Jones_044" height="426" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6076/6129094868_1d9e32c63f_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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tj and his family live at the same apartment complex as i do. beyond our front office and pool is a gorgeous lake. we just had to sneak down to grab a few shots before we ended the session!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/phan-minns/6128546761/" title="Jones_047 by simply ❤, on Flickr"><img alt="Jones_047" height="426" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6184/6128546761_0f16184d3d_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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isn't bernice just radiant?! ahh!!! the genes of this child just kills me!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/phan-minns/6129095202/" title="Jones_049 by simply ❤, on Flickr"><img alt="Jones_049" height="640" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6085/6129095202_6fda9ef2e1_z.jpg" width="426" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/phan-minns/6129095148/" title="Jones_048 by simply ❤, on Flickr"><img alt="Jones_048" height="426" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6201/6129095148_62291021a0_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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Yen Minnshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10749096073526923418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8382137053799226620.post-71345731462539751072011-08-30T18:48:00.009-04:002011-08-31T16:21:10.346-04:00sneak peek: tj - northville, mithe past month has flown by! and there hasn't been a week that i don't think, "huh, i should really update my blog!" but do i listen to my sub-conscience? no. now that i look back on the past month, i really have no idea where those summer days went. up here in michigan, the sun is a little weaker, the breeze is a little stronger and my windows are open 24/7. oh, life is good!<div>
<br /></div><div>i was going to wait to show this in a full blog, but i really just cannot contain myself! here's a little peek at what fun i get to have! </div><div>
<br /></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/phan-minns/6099940121/" title="DSC_8069 by simply ❤, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6073/6099940121_9f5a3899f7_z.jpg" width="630" height="418" alt="DSC_8069" /></a></div><div>
<br /></div><div>happy wednesday!</div>Yen Minnshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10749096073526923418noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8382137053799226620.post-20350900247276041862011-07-31T22:23:00.000-04:002011-07-31T22:23:42.316-04:00a new perspective.so i've been waiting to post this since last wednesday! (i'm so sorry for the week long wait, jessie!) but.... <br />
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i got a new lens!!!! <br />
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confession: i did NOT come up with the title... all props goes to the best hubby in the world. uhh... that'd be MY husband. ;)<br />
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anyways, i'm really excited to share this with you. christopher and i decided to make the sacrifice with some monthly payments and starving ourselves silly, but i got my big girl lens! this lens only weighs about 3.5lb, but geez, i am so weak! i can't hold the lens steady for the life of me. practice does make perfect, i suppose. <br />
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so without further ado, here it is!!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/phan-minns/5996470412/" title="70-200 by simply ❤, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6014/5996470412_8c2ff8a2d1_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="70-200"></a><br />
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i took it out for a test run when christopher took the dogs out at 8:45 in the evening, so i didn't have much light to work with, so i couldn't use fast shutter speeds, but i ramped up my ISO and this is what i got. it's not much since my left hand was shaking like crazy. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/phan-minns/5995914715/" title="DSC_5409 by simply ❤, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6030/5995914715_940372a8c5_z.jpg" width="630" height="418" alt="DSC_5409"></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/phan-minns/5995914767/" title="DSC_5410 by simply ❤, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6015/5995914767_8bf19768d1_z.jpg" width="630" height="418" alt="DSC_5410"></a><br />
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just an fyi for anyone that's interested/knows about camera settings, these next two pictures were taken at 1600 ISO. not bad for such a high ISO!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/phan-minns/5996470562/" title="DSC_5411 by simply ❤, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6007/5996470562_529ef7f443_z.jpg" width="630" height="418" alt="DSC_5411"></a><br />
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and last but not least, the newest member of our family. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/phan-minns/5995914865/" title="DSC_5414 by simply ❤, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6122/5995914865_026841a86c_z.jpg" width="630" height="418" alt="DSC_5414"></a><br />
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he's grown so big! he's bigger than macy, but we all know that macy is the dominant one. :)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8382137053799226620.post-16541919642250849792011-07-19T13:43:00.000-04:002011-07-19T13:43:51.882-04:00the past month.i am so lame. i know. i don't update. it's not like people read this blog anyway... so why bother right? i don't get comments, so i'm pretty sure no one cares. :P<br />
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so in the past month, much has happened! <br />
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for the fourth of july, christopher and i took the pups to go camping up in oscoda, mi. not only did the pups get to gnaw on pinecones and sticks all day, but they went on a 3 hour canoe trip down the au sable river with us. and yes, they did get a lot of swim time. sadly, i was enjoying myself so much during the weekend, i didn't get a single picture! but i did learn how to grill ribs, chicken skewers, and corn on the cob! yum. it was a very relaxing weekend well spent.<br />
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we received a lot of camping gear as wedding presents, and we were finally able to put them all to use! so thank you all that gave us camping gear! since we had never used any of it before, we had to test everything before we went out, so you know what that means... a tent in our living room!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/phan-minns/5954614693/" title="DSC_4673 by simply ❤, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6012/5954614693_d67b479b22_z.jpg" width="600" height="399" alt="DSC_4673"></a><br />
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i've met three amazing photographers in the past month! <br />
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i posted in a photography forum offering myself up as a second photographer at weddings. i doubted there'd be someone in my area that would want my inexperienced services, but calynn of <a href="http://www.calynnberry.com/">calynn berry photography</a> emailed me and asked me to join her. how amazing? and that, she was! her personality makes everyone in the room feel welcomed and right at home. i've joined her on two weddings now, and the type of clients she brings in says so much about her. at both weddings, her clients were so full of life and joy! needless to say that calynn and her clients had amazing interaction.<br />
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now, enter <a href="http://stephkoshay.com/">steph koshay</a> and <a href="http://www.nicolehaleyblog.com/">nicole haley</a>. i emailed each of them when i first moved to northville. steph and i met up at <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&client=safari&rls=en&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.&biw=1676&bih=930&um=1&ie=UTF-8&q=rebecca's+northville+michigan&fb=1&gl=us&hq=rebecca's&hnear=0x8824aba2bc557ca5:0xab04ed8f682e86db,Northville,+MI&ei=ciMlTrSXA_KNsAKg-cjWCw&sa=X&oi=local_result&ct=image&sqi=2&ved=0CAQQtgM&cid=0,0,3943207192431896017">rebecca's family restaurant and ice cream parlor</a> in downtown northville. she was so kind to meet up with me, being pregnant and moving into their first house! and don't get me started on how hectic nicole's life must be juggling a full time job while running a fantastic photography business on the side, but she was able to meet up with me for some coffee and tea. (i just want to make it clear that i cannot drink tea. trust me. i've tried many of times.) from the moment i met each of them, we just hit it off. <br />
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i am so excited to get to know each of these ladies!<br />
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in even more exciting news, my friend steve moved back home to michigan! the last time steve and i hung out on a regular basis was freshman and sophomore year at k-state when we lived on the same dorm floor. o the good ol' times... :)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8382137053799226620.post-18255220705313964202011-06-24T10:16:00.000-04:002011-06-24T10:16:45.335-04:00squirrely.so... i thought that the last time i was on the blog was just two weeks ago. it's been a month?! say what?! i have no idea what i've been doing for the past month... i wish i had more to share with you, but really i don't have too much. maybe my brain is just fried from learning how to iron, and spending 3 hours on four shirts and only a fourth of a pair of pants. that's right, i don't know how to iron pants. <br />
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i wish i could say that i have more to share with you, but i don't. <br />
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except... this squirrel that keeps stealing the bird food! i'd rather see all the pretty birds in michigan than all these silly squirrels!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/phan-minns/5865310998/" title="DSC_3977 by simply ❤, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2684/5865310998_319dd398d5_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="DSC_3977"></a><br />
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he's a sneaker...<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/phan-minns/5864756695/" title="Collage-Template by simply ❤, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2747/5864756695_8333c84efe_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="Collage-Template"></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/phan-minns/5865310840/" title="DSC_3975 by simply ❤, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3081/5865310840_ea73c3a924_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="DSC_3975"></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/phan-minns/5865310662/" title="DSC_3966 by simply ❤, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6011/5865310662_0181840bd8_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="DSC_3966"></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/phan-minns/5864756899/" title="Collage-Template7 by simply ❤, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2709/5864756899_7d22f0d6bf_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="Collage-Template7"></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8382137053799226620.post-49847256360286738962011-05-24T09:45:00.000-04:002011-05-24T09:45:42.543-04:00civilization.i'm back! what a week and a half without the internet will do to you...<br />
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at least i had my phone for gps...<br />
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so we are all moved out of our old apartment and moved into our new one! much thanks goes out to christopher's aunt ann and cousin craig. these two helped us load up a 17' truck. apparently, we have a lot of stuff. we also had a third story apartment with three flights of stairs. not a lot of fun. when we thought things were going great, and we were making good timing, ann and christopher were putting the last of the things into the truck when ann fell of the back of the u-haul! she broke her hip and was sent to the hospital for the next four days. honestly, she was an amazing trooper. christopher didn't even notice that she fell because she didn't even make a noise. however, craig saw it unfold. we couldn't possibly have had better help and family that day. to drive four hours to help us pack up and then have to go to the hospital all on our account? i just felt terrible. <br />
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ann convinced us to go ahead to northville to unpack while craig and ann went to the hospital. she's such a sweetheart. honestly. so christopher's supervisor had told us in advance that he'd come help us that day. when he heard of ann's unfortunate accident, he called up the help of another guy from their workplace, his amazingly strong wife and their cute either 3 or 5 year old daughter (christopher thinks 5, i think 3. we can't decide). she was helping us bring the smallest of boxes up the stairs and helped me push large tubs from the back of the truck to the front for the big guys to carry. :)<br />
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so for the past week and a half, i've been unpacking. alone. so really, if you're bored, don't hesitate to call. i'll be here. unpacking. it's the story of my life. <br />
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but my wonderful hubs surprised me with internet to the tv yesterday morning... so now i have netflicks! yay for civilization!<br />
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tune in for pictures to come. <br />
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happy tuesday.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8382137053799226620.post-46347372769235926222011-05-10T16:54:00.000-04:002011-05-10T16:54:03.970-04:00a family of four.we have a very special announcement to make....<br />
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we have another puppy!<br />
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meet connor.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/phan-minns/5707746525/" title="DSC_3409 by simply ❤, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3321/5707746525_531fd318cd_z.jpg" width="419" height="630" alt="DSC_3409"></a><br />
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connor is a 7 month toy poodle. he's scared of everything imaginable, eats like we never feed him, gets into trouble every half hour, runs into walls, and most importantly, he's a lover of my legs. that's right. he loves my legs. when i'm cooking, he has to either sit on my foot or lay behind my feet. when i'm sitting, he needs to be in my lap. when i'm walking, he shoves his nose into my calves every single step of the way. that's just downright crazy. why today, he even started gnawing on my toes like they were his chew toys! either i have some pretty stinky feet or this dog is just straight up insane. <br />
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this is all i have of him so far... but just you wait. this superstar will rock my blog just as much as he's rocked our world. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/phan-minns/5708311704/" title="DSC_3355 by simply ❤, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3017/5708311704_a1e6055367_z.jpg" width="630" height="419" alt="DSC_3355"></a><br />
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o and please excuse the mess... trust me, it's far worse now that i'm in prime packing mode.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8382137053799226620.post-51413804467455874672011-05-06T10:56:00.000-04:002011-05-06T10:56:11.427-04:00far from the home i love.i know many of my readers are from kansas, where i was born and raised, but i don't think many of them know how much michigan is similar to kansas. well, at least from my experience thus far. <br />
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i woke up this morning to find the parking lot wet. cold, dreary, gloomy wetness outside my window. just a couple of hours later, bright sunshine comes through and the pavement is almost completely dry. now, it's just downright cloudy. <br />
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so there you have it. weather has pms wherever you go. <br />
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what is a post without pictures? here are some of the plants i'm trying really hard to keep alive. i don't know how long that will last. also, the apartment we're moving to faces the north, so we'll see if i can get any direct sunlight on these bad boys. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/phan-minns/5693519248/" title="Purple FLowers by simply ❤, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5305/5693519248_240b7c0ede_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="Purple FLowers"></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/phan-minns/5692950189/" title="DSC_3659 by simply ❤, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5148/5692950189_60f14d6629_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="DSC_3659"></a><br />
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now it's back to the packing! happy friday all!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8382137053799226620.post-21901423375640009372011-05-04T17:00:00.001-04:002011-05-04T21:14:21.935-04:00hump day ramblings.in the midst of unpacking this apartment, looking for a job, finding christopher a job, looking for a another apartment, and packing this apartment all up again, i just haven't taken many pictures. it's really sad.<br />
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but i do have a bunch of randoms for you! <br />
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i forgot to mention in the <a href="http://yen-minns.blogspot.com/2011/04/first-date.html">chicago auto show</a> post that i rented a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Nikon-24mm-1-4G-ED-Wide-Angle/dp/B0037KM0X0/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1304541782&sr=8-2">nikon 24mm 1.4 lens</a> just to see how good it was. besides for the fact that the lens was not calibrated to my camera, so back focusing occurred, it was a beauty. i did some test shots first off. <br />
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mmm... m&m... <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/phan-minns/5687784225/" title="DSC_2972 by simply ❤, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5246/5687784225_3179cf72d2_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="DSC_2972"></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/phan-minns/5688353192/" title="DSC_2981 by simply ❤, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5226/5688353192_699623a364_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="DSC_2981"></a><br />
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our beautiful new Sacred Heart of Jesus and Mary pictures carved out of wood. i got that rosary in italy. each bead has the an image of the Immaculate Virgin Mary on it. <br />
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**update: christopher said it's not wood... how sad!!!! it's mass produced... so it's made out of plaster. depressing.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/phan-minns/5688353060/" title="DSC_2923 by simply ❤, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5184/5688353060_69cac2d5b5_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="DSC_2923"></a><br />
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i couldn't resist taking a photo of him. he just looks too good to not.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/phan-minns/5687784365/" title="DSC_2883 by simply ❤, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5104/5687784365_499538cc2c_z.jpg" width="425" height="640" alt="DSC_2883"></a><br />
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i miss that lens. i can't wait until i save up enough money to buy more lenses! for now, it's just back to my regular lenses.<br />
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here's a picture of a very lovely lady by the name of linda. she owns a shop called <a href="http://www.fentonflowershop.com/">fenton flowers and gifts</a>. i went in there one day to try to spread the word of my photography services, and she was so kind and helpful! she's really the only person in fenton that cared enough to talk to us. it's so sad that we have to move away. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/phan-minns/5688353432/" title="DSC_3469 by simply ❤, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5245/5688353432_c7c87f9cd7_z.jpg" width="425" height="640" alt="DSC_3469"></a><br />
<br />
i found this picture just chilling in my photo archives. i'll miss our balcony view. so beautiful! i can't wait for summer!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/phan-minns/5687783911/" title="DSC_2835 by simply ❤, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5302/5687783911_dae4d40d3d_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="DSC_2835"></a><br />
<br />
and lastly, i have a couple of cuties sleeping. this first one is a picture of my cousin's baby, audrina, taken this past thanksgiving break. the second one is of christopher and macy taking a nap during my finals week down in manhattan, ks. o the beauty of little sleepies. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/phan-minns/5687783797/" title="DSC_2560 by simply ❤, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5263/5687783797_c761ea2615_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="DSC_2560"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/phan-minns/5687783687/" title="DSC_2281 by simply ❤, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5268/5687783687_9a9b8373e2_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="DSC_2281"></a><br />
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i hope these pictures brightened up your hump day! only a couple more days and it's the weekend!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8382137053799226620.post-87691182394327599682011-04-30T11:02:00.001-04:002011-05-09T14:50:06.014-04:00the bright side.i am probably the worst blogger you'll ever read from. i didn't even sit in front of my computer for almost two weeks!<br />
<br />
so... good news and bad news!!!<br />
<br />
the good news:<br />
<br />
1. the weather is a lot warmer<br />
2. i started planting flowers and herbs<br />
3. i have been baking like nobody's business<br />
4. christopher's sister and brother-in-law are moving from new york to south bend, indiana so they're closer to us :)<br />
4. ...drumroll please... christopher got a job at roush industries!!!! yay!!!<br />
<br />
the bad news:<br />
<br />
1. we have to move. again.<br />
<br />
call me a crazy roller coaster of emotions and a silly little girl, but i am so attached to this apartment right now, it's ridiculous! it's our first home after being married and we worked so hard to make it feel like home since michigan is so far from kansas and everyone we know. since we were out of jobs, we put our sweat into making this apartment our own. it's really nice and spacious with room for guests should they come visit, an awesome view off the balcony, and it's just down right peaceful. <br />
<br />
ok, enough of the crying.<br />
<br />
christopher found out thursday, april 14th about the new job, signed with them the following tuesday, and was supposed to have started this past monday, but his laptop hadn't come in, so they delayed the start date until this monday. originally, that gave us one week and three days to find an apartment before he started working. o the joys. his work is really close to metro detroit. for over a week, we drove to all parts of the detroit metro area. east, west, into the city... but definitely not down river. everything was so much more run down, i pretty much feared our lives before we even chose a place to live!<br />
<br />
but just at the very last minute, and after 4 tanks of gas, we found a really nice town by accident and chanced upon just the most awesome apartment complex. the downside? we move from a 1300 sf 2 bed/2 bath apartment into an 820 sf 1 bed/1 bath apartment downsize! <br />
<br />
i've gone through almost all we have and sorted through donateable items. umm no, that's not a word, but work with me here. i believe we've made 3 trips to goodwill with about 4-5 large plastic tubs full of clothes and miscellaneous items and a tube tv. yay for donating! :)<br />
<br />
we're especially exciting about the move because that means we'll only be 3.5 hours away from our good friends alan and emily, who are expecting! i fully plan to visit them on the weekends. also, christopher's sister and brother-in-law will also be just 3.5 hours away. they'll be moving right after we move, so that means once we're done moving, we get to do it all over again! yay for moving all the time... and lastly, christopher's aunt, uncle and cousin live within 3.5 hours as well! yay for options!<br />
<br />
so, the moral of the story... always look on the bright side of life. <br />
<br />
now, without further ado... our apartment for the next two weeks... until we move. again.<br />
<br />
so not to confuse you, here's our current layout:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/phan-minns/5666820432/" title="Floor Plan by simply ❤, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5261/5666820432_d60b749b3f.jpg" width="234" height="258" alt="Floor Plan"></a><br />
<br />
the living room was just fabulous! so bright and open with lots of space to play with macy!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/phan-minns/5661438339/" title="Living Room by simply ❤, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5185/5661438339_632ec821ca.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="Living Room"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/phan-minns/5662005332/" title="Living Room by simply ❤, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5028/5662005332_8d2ff5fa8f_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="Living Room"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/phan-minns/5661436857/" title="Living Room by simply ❤, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5029/5661436857_dc1634fcec_z.jpg" width="425" height="640" alt="Living Room"></a><br />
<br />
and the kitchen was excellent! it was a walkthrough with lots of cabinets. :) smiles. lots and lots of time in here! <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/phan-minns/5662006164/" title="Kitchen by simply ❤, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5067/5662006164_3d67d841a9_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="Kitchen"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/phan-minns/5661439423/" title="Kitchen by simply ❤, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5186/5661439423_36e81b1d8b_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="Kitchen"></a><br />
<br />
and it looked into the dining room, which we used as a craft/tool room and a baking room! who wants to eat in an enclosed space when you can eat in front of an 8' sliding door?!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/phan-minns/5662005986/" title="Kitchen/Dining Room by simply ❤, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5070/5662005986_fe626159b4_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="Kitchen/Dining Room"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/phan-minns/5661439231/" title="Dining Room/Kitchen by simply ❤, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5143/5661439231_d365a1a670_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="Dining Room/Kitchen"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/phan-minns/5662005634/" title="Dining Room/Kitchen by simply ❤, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5265/5662005634_e88aa54b0a_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="Dining Room/Kitchen"></a><br />
<br />
umm my other favorite part? the laundry room! yay for laziness and being able to do wash whenever!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/phan-minns/5661439051/" title="Dining Room (from kitchen) by simply ❤, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5230/5661439051_b5b8f40596_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="Dining Room (from kitchen)"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/phan-minns/5661437595/" title="Laundry Room by simply ❤, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5301/5661437595_a55de17446_z.jpg" width="425" height="640" alt="Laundry Room"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/phan-minns/5661439151/" title="Laundry Room by simply ❤, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5021/5661439151_e95da4a21a_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="Laundry Room"></a><br />
<br />
the dreaded office... really, it almost never looked like this. imagine stacks of boxes, paper, random items thrown everywhere! with our desks fully of receipts, bills, homework, etc.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/phan-minns/5662006556/" title="2nd Bedroom/Office by simply ❤, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5068/5662006556_9fb7b67559_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="2nd Bedroom/Office"></a><br />
<br />
and check out my old bulletin board! isn't it adorable?! when we move, i'll make it into some sort of inspiration board. i can't wait. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/phan-minns/5662006278/" title="2nd Bedroom/Office by simply ❤, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5225/5662006278_16ae33595c_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="2nd Bedroom/Office"></a><br />
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here's the guest bathroom. this is where macy gets here bath, and both christopher and macy get their haircut. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/phan-minns/5662004120/" title="Guest Bathroom by simply ❤, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5227/5662004120_6ee4edba21_z.jpg" width="425" height="640" alt="Guest Bathroom"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/phan-minns/5662004016/" title="Guest Bathroom by simply ❤, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5189/5662004016_63efa9e5cf_z.jpg" width="425" height="640" alt="Guest Bathroom"></a><br />
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and last but not least, the master bedroom. see that quilt? christopher's aunt ann was so kind enough to quilt that for us for our wedding. the amazing talents that christopher's mom's family has never ceases to amaze me. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/phan-minns/5661438783/" title="Master Bedroom by simply ❤, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5148/5661438783_267c6a001a_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="Master Bedroom"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/phan-minns/5662005502/" title="Master Bedroom by simply ❤, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5264/5662005502_20e52f8ecd_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="Master Bedroom"></a><br />
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o and just for fun, here's a close up of our closet. i know you probably won't believe me, but christopher has much more clothing out than i do. just sayin'!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/phan-minns/5661437307/" title="Master Closet by simply ❤, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5142/5661437307_7e61437f01_z.jpg" width="425" height="640" alt="Master Closet"></a><br />
<br />
thanks for touring our apartment! we'll be sure to get pictures up of our new place!<br />
<br />
p.s. these pictures were originally meant to post our apartment on craigslist. actually in just a few moments, we'll be turning our lease (starting june 1) over to someone else! the family lives here on site and just wants to upgrade their apartment.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8382137053799226620.post-59857860311895072782011-04-08T03:02:00.000-04:002011-04-08T03:02:15.279-04:00first date.i have failed myself. my goal for this year was to blog at least once a week. and i have failed. it's been over three weeks since my last blog! <br />
<br />
since then, much has happened. christopher has been through several interviews, i have crafted many projects, and we drove all the way to wichita to witness our friends become one under God. and let me tell you, it was beautiful. <br />
<br />
jeff and christine were so in love! nothing else mattered. that, my friends, is the sole beauty of a wedding. it's not the flowers. or the food. or even the gorgeous dress. it's the love that shines in the couples' eyes! and of course, it always helps when the couple is blessed with so many friends and family that love them both as well. :) sadly, i don't have any pictures from their wedding, but i will have more pictures of what christopher and i have been up to later!<br />
<br />
i cherish every financially failing day christopher and i have together before one of us finds a job. we have it pretty easy even though we haven't found a job yet. we have each other. who else gets to spend every morning, day and night with his/her new spouse for three months? if we had jobs right after moving up here, we wouldn't get to spend this quality time together. how's that for blessed? thank you, Lord.<br />
<br />
for now, i'll share our trip to the chicago auto show way back in february. ... i know. slacking. but happy! <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/phan-minns/5599362309/" title="Chicago_AutoShow_02 by simply ❤, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5066/5599362309_93b50dbe62_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="Chicago_AutoShow_02"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/phan-minns/5599370187/" title="DSC_3076 by simply ❤, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5023/5599370187_ac445e2a8a_z.jpg" width="640" height="371" alt="DSC_3076"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/phan-minns/5599952784/" title="DSC_3064 by simply ❤, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5189/5599952784_054a88a68a_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="DSC_3064"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/phan-minns/5599370077/" title="DSC_3073 by simply ❤, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5185/5599370077_af2ddca966_b.jpg" width="640" height="960" alt="DSC_3073"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/phan-minns/5599952912/" title="DSC_3078 by simply ❤, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5065/5599952912_60a91c08a9_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="DSC_3078"></a><br />
<br />
and into the city!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/phan-minns/5599361163/" title="Chicago_AutoShow_03 by simply ❤, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5065/5599361163_a111160a3e_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="Chicago_AutoShow_03"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/phan-minns/5599361253/" title="Chicago_AutoShow_04 by simply ❤, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5222/5599361253_2f710b1479_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="Chicago_AutoShow_04"></a><br />
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we had reserved for two twins for the cheaper rate, but when we got there, they said they had some "queen lakeview" rooms available. upgrade! i was so famished, i made a peanut butter, nutella and double decker banana sandwich. yes. we ate it all. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/phan-minns/5599362561/" title="Chicago_AutoShow_05 by simply ❤, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5270/5599362561_050293f4bf_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="Chicago_AutoShow_05"></a><br />
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after a 10 second guilt trip for downing that whole sandwich, we decided to go for a walk and save the auto show for the next day. that meant hitting some shops downtown! it was so nice being able to appreciate the city without freezing too much.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/phan-minns/5599943910/" title="Chicago_AutoShow_07 by simply ❤, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5303/5599943910_f13c8e4366_b.jpg" width="1024" height="474" alt="Chicago_AutoShow_07"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/phan-minns/5599361305/" title="Chicago_AutoShow_10 by simply ❤, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5107/5599361305_56fea6eefa_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="Chicago_AutoShow_10"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/phan-minns/5599361441/" title="Chicago_AutoShow_08 by simply ❤, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5190/5599361441_f5b56f777c_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="Chicago_AutoShow_08"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/phan-minns/5599361541/" title="Chicago_AutoShow_09 by simply ❤, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5029/5599361541_5dd3c3fe00_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="Chicago_AutoShow_09"></a><br />
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and yes ladies, this sexy is mine. look all you want, but he's most definitely taken. ;)<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/phan-minns/5599943496/" title="Chicago_AutoShow_06 by simply ❤, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5190/5599943496_78b832a646_b.jpg" width="640" height="965" alt="Chicago_AutoShow_06"></a><br />
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my wonderful hubby knew that we were saving pennies, but he took me out to eat sushi!!! and he doesn't even like seafood. how amazing?!?! yes. he is.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/phan-minns/5599944320/" title="Chicago_AutoShow_11 by simply ❤, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5022/5599944320_1a47e44d82_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="Chicago_AutoShow_11"></a><br />
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if there is something you must know about me, is that i hate tofu. but my good friend, brian, took me out for sushi once. and he ordered miso soup. and i ate it. and i LOVED it. then he told me it had tofu in it. what?! apparently christopher thought it was ok... <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/phan-minns/5599944136/" title="Chicago_AutoShow_12 by simply ❤, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5302/5599944136_7682345fe5_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="Chicago_AutoShow_12"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/phan-minns/5599945090/" title="Chicago_AutoShow_13 by simply ❤, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5062/5599945090_2476427a50_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Chicago_AutoShow_13"></a><br />
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christopher opted for the chicken teriyaki and a cooked chicken sushi roll. i of course had my usual spider roll. surprisingly, christopher's food tasted better! but i still LOVED my sushi. mmm. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/phan-minns/5599361665/" title="Chicago_AutoShow_14 by simply ❤, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5270/5599361665_106781966a_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="Chicago_AutoShow_14"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/phan-minns/5599944260/" title="Chicago_AutoShow_15 by simply ❤, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5185/5599944260_d6ba370204_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="Chicago_AutoShow_15"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/phan-minns/5599945150/" title="Chicago_AutoShow_16 by simply ❤, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5270/5599945150_75a31683bc_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Chicago_AutoShow_16"></a><br />
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christopher had never seen the bean, so even though it was dark out, we had to go! i know these aren't the best pictures, but at least we have something!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/phan-minns/5599944410/" title="Chicago_AutoShow_17 by simply ❤, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5142/5599944410_a9e615a09d_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="Chicago_AutoShow_17"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/phan-minns/5599943580/" title="Chicago_AutoShow_18 by simply ❤, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5067/5599943580_44e86c2bab_b.jpg" width="640" height="965" alt="Chicago_AutoShow_18"></a><br />
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it was a little chill, so we ducked into a caribou coffee to warm up. i had such a fun date with the hubs. isn't he just dreamy?! drool.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/phan-minns/5599944432/" title="Chicago_AutoShow_20 by simply ❤, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5309/5599944432_6562a4213b_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="Chicago_AutoShow_20"></a><br />
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i, on the other hand, am unrefined. i must slurp up the whipped cream, chocolate shavings and tiny marshmallows before drinking my campfire mocha. mmm...<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/phan-minns/5599361097/" title="Chicago_AutoShow_19 by simply ❤, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5230/5599361097_bb74c86a26_b.jpg" width="640" height="965" alt="Chicago_AutoShow_19"></a><br />
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we did make it to the auto show the next day. i didn't really take many pictures... but here are two for him!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/phan-minns/5599362055/" title="Chicago_AutoShow_21 by simply ❤, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5189/5599362055_79bec3ed9e_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="Chicago_AutoShow_21"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/phan-minns/5599362099/" title="Chicago_AutoShow_22 by simply ❤, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5141/5599362099_d2fbcf4cb1_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="Chicago_AutoShow_22"></a><br />
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and yes, we did get a couple of pictures together. after all, it was our first date as husband and wife. :)<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/phan-minns/5599945532/" title="Chicago_AutoShow_23 by simply ❤, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5306/5599945532_b7ba9c98bf_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="Chicago_AutoShow_23"></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2