introducing the Alaska Blog Network

I am so excited to reveal a project I've been working on like crazy for the last couple of days, the Alaska Blog Network. This is something that is very near and dear to my heart, because, well, I created it! I've had the idea floating around in my head for months, but never really took the time to really stop and think about it.

Now it's here and it's very new and basic, lots of improvements will need to be made in the coming days and weeks, but I'm pretty dang happy with it anyway. If you're wondering what-the-heck this whole thing is about, here's an excerpt from the 'about' tab on the new website:

The Alaska Blog Network is an online community for Alaskans who write blogs and for everyone else who reads them. Come here to connect with other bloggers from all over this great state, and to read weekly guest posts from Alaska Blog Network members. We also post regular updates with information about upcoming events in a variety of communities across the state.

You can also find information about how and where to get out all over the state, with links to some of our favorite Alaska websites and retailers as well.

If you would like your blog to be added to the Alaska Blog Network, please submit an email with a link to your blog and a short description of who you are, where you live, and what you blog about to alaskablognetwork@gmail.com.

Head over and check it out, and if you have any suggestions or comments or whatever, please let me know! I've looked over the page about 100 times - I need some fresh eyes over there! Thank you so very much in advance:)

photoshoot at Treft.Punkt Studio

A few weeks ago I dropped Riggs off at my sisters house in Anchorage and spent a seriously fun couple of hours at Treft.Punkt Studio for a photoshoot. I was so sick with crazy seasonal allergies, my nose was completely congested and my eyes were weatering like crazy - not the best scenario for trying to look beautiful in pictures, ha. Luckily, a few eyedrops later and my eyes stayed less-red and dry long enough just to make it through the shoot.

Mitch was taking headshot pictures for use here on my blog and for over on his blog, where I've been helping out with writing and editing. Melissa Salazar-Blake did my hair, and Brenda from Gracie Boucoup worked her magic with makeup (seriously, these ladies did a great job - I so wish I would have taken a 'before' picture to compare with the 'after' lol).

behind the scenes
in the studio with Mitch behind the camera

Once hair and makeup were done I had such a fun time posing it up (and actually looking nice in the pictures, thanks to Shalem's guidance) and just being silly with Mitch and the rest of the team. It was a great little break for me from mama-duty and I just love how the pictures came out! I've picked one favorite out for now, but there were so many good ones that I'm going to have to purchase a few more at some point.

what I wore

pants | top | shoes (old from target)

back home in my sweats:) pants | hoodie (in fawn)

Graduation!

May 1st was graduation, and I haven't been doing much since then!  Bike rides, reading fiction, and generally relaxing and being a lazy bum.  I did start working full time again last week though and that has sort of taken it out of me...but I thought I'd post a pic of me at graduation to share with my blogger friends.

Me on the left and my friend Lindsey on the right...

This is the best pic I have so far, I'll have to hit up my parents for some better ones...

birthday fun

Saturday was my 24th birthday.  It was a great weekend of birthday fun.  Friday I went to Mamma Mia with my sister and my mom.  It was hilarious!  I wish I could have gone again with Steve...he would have died.  We got great seats - five rows from the front, thanks to house manager Bob.  I hung out with my nephews earlier that day when my sis went to get their babysitter.

Corbin - my "peanut butter jelly" 

 Me and Noah, my little snuggle worm

My gift from Kelsey, adorable! 

Watching Bugs Life with the boys... 

Saturday we got up early since we had lots to get done.  I did research all morning, until about 11am.  Then we headed out into the yard to do fall clean up.

 Me and Annabelle, enjoying the last bit of sun before winter hits

 She's a climber!

 We love raking!  not.

"Whitney" birthday party.  Me and my friend Whitney, who turned 24 Sunday (hers was golden)

What a great weekend.  Now Steve's off to work and I'm back to school, work, and research...

End of May and sunny days...

After checking out my sisters blog, I decided it was finally time for me to get one.

Today was a rainy day, which is one of my favorite things. Unfortunately I had to work all day, which is one of my least favorite things. But I still managed to have a pretty great day, all things considered. I was able to get over to the Mill and pick up some flowers for my parents gardens; now comes the fun part of arranging them just right and planting them in their forever home.

Tomorrow there is house cleaning and finishing my photo project.

Can't wait! I'll be back tomorrow...