Why Didn't I Think Of That?!?

Pinterest; for me, it's a love/hate relationship. I love it for the obvious: awesome ideas, yummy recipes, inspiring quotes, cute crafts and so on...I dislike it because it's addicting, it can make you question your own crafting skills, and it can really make you crazy with that constant "Wow, I really need to keep up with everyone else and try this {recipe/craft} like right now!" Do you know what I'm talking about? Also, how about that constant thought, "Why didn't I think of that?!"?
Well, I did find this super simple idea for me to do with my daughter that only required me to buy one thing, and would provide us an opportunity to work on something together :)
We made some mini lanterns out of Dixie cups and Christmas lights! That's it! Very simple and very cute! She enjoyed the project and the outcome, and most importantly, making something with mom :)
Here is what we came up with...now I know it would look WAY better with a string of white wire Christmas lights, but this is what we had, and, being 7, she really didn't care ;)

So, you take Dixie cups, mark an X at the bottom and cut with an Xacto knife and push light bulb through the X, and that's it! Cute, huh? These are the kinds of Pinterest ideas I love; simple, easy, inexpensive, creative and a good project to do with my kids.

What's your favorite new idea you have found on Pinterest?

~Susan

Summer Fields

Yesterday was a gorgeous day here in Alaska, so a few hours before sunset I took this special girl to a nearby field to capture some sweet moments. I love lighting just before sunset; it's so soft and natural. She definitely enjoyed some special one on one time, as you can tell :)

Hope you all have a fabulous weekend!

~Susan

Birth Announcements

I have been busy the last week or so working on my new branding and over all "look" for my photography business. I am just about finished with my website (yay!) and now have my husband working on a project for me; something I will be using in my newborn sessions....newborns, ahhh, they are so cute and cuddly and soft and sweet! I don't know about you, but I just love them! So, speaking of newborns and the work I have been doing lately with my marketing, I now offer birth announcements! I have 12 different designs that are all customizable and sure to be treasured by your family and friends all over the country!

Here are a few samples of my new announcements. Remember they are all customizable to make sure you get that one of a kind look!


Sample1: front

 Sample1: back

 Sample2: front

 Sample2: back

 Sample3: front

 Sample3: back

 Sample 4: front

 Sample4: back

So, what do you think? There are plenty more to choose from, and the best part? I do all the work for you! You can pick the sample you like best, which photos you would like to use and which colors you would prefer, or, if you just can't decide, leave it all up to me! Couldn't be any easier! I order these from a professional online printing company that guarantees a beautiful product! 

If you know anyone having a baby soon, send them my way! I would love to capture their sweet new one in those precious first days of life. 

Keep an eye out for my new website which will hopefully be up and running within the next week: www.susanwetlesenphotography.com 

Thank you all for your continued support! You are the BEST! 

Goodnight! 

~Susan

susan.wetlesen@gmail.com

6 Days New

Hi there! Here are some photos from my recent newborn shoot. A sweet and cuddly 6 day old baby girl! Best part of the job is holding these little angels! I love newborns! For those of you who dislike the first year and would like to skip it (as I would from age 3-4) just send those babies my way and I'll take care of them and send them right back on their first birthday, sound like a plan? ;)

Sleeping Beauty for sure!

Hope you all have a great weekend!

~Susan

Pearl Harbor

In honor of the recent D-Day anniversary, I thought I would post some photos I took at Pearl Harbor 2 weeks ago. It was a touching experience for sure. Walking through the memorials and reading about the specific events that happened that day was heartbreaking. Being a military wife and an American, I am so very proud of our service men and women, as I am everyday; but walking on that very ground that was attacked like no other in history, brought even more of a deeper sense of pride and appreciation for what happened that day. I hope you enjoy these photos, and remember to count your blessings and be grateful for this amazing and free country we live in; thanks of those who have served and still serve today.



Ford Island

U.S.S. Arizona Memorial, built over the sunken ship

The U.S.S. Arizona ship, underwater

The men and women who are forever at rest in the sunken U.S.S. Arizona

(Crock Pot) BBQ Pulled Pork and Pineapple Cole Slaw

BBQ pulled pork is one of my favorite Sunday family meals. It's easy, simple and delicious; top it with pineapple cole slaw and bread and butter pickles and you've got the perfect sandwich! Pair it with some sweet tea, deviled eggs, corn on the cob, baked beans, macaroni or potato (or both) salad and you've got one scrumptious southern meal ;)

I am trying my hand at food photography. It's actually harder then I thought it would be, getting the right angle and lighting is important. Most of all when you look at the photo, it should make you want to jump out of your chair and go make the recipe right away (or at least make your mouth water :)

If I'm feeling more on the light side and want to save some calories, I make mine into a lettuce wrap, and it is just as good (and I can fill up more on some of those yummy sides, which makes up for those calories I was supposed to be saving, ha!)

So, what do you think? Is your mouth watering? If you need something easy that will feed a crowd and fill them up, then this is what you are looking for.



Crock Pot BBQ Pulled Pork

4-6 lb pork shoulder or pork butt
1-2 bottles of your favorite BBQ sauce

Lightly spray crock pot with cooking spray. Place pork into crock pot and cook covered on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 5-6 hours, or until meat falls apart with a fork. (Some people say to add water, but I find no need for that because all the juices from the fat will come out and cook the meat)
Once meat is finished, take out of crock pot and place on plate. Drain fat from pot and replace meat. Shred meat with fork and pour BBQ sauce and stir to mix. Cook on high for about 30 minutes and then lower to keep warm until ready to eat.

Pineapple Cole Slaw

1 bag of your favorite cole slaw mix
1 bottle of cole slaw dressing such as Marzetti
1 can crushed pineapple

Mix all ingredients together adding dressing and pineapple a little at a time to desired taste. If you want more of a pineapple flavor, you could add some pineapple tidbits, or cut up pineapple chunks. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.


Simple and crowd pleasing; just the way I like my recipes!

Behind The Scenes

Yesterday I did a newborn shoot; a sweet and cuddly 6 day old baby girl. This time I went to the clients house, which is a new experience for me, but, challenging yourself is what makes you better, right?
Anyway, this client is a friend, and while I was soothing the baby and trying to get her to sleep for a pose, I asked my friend if she would take a few pictures of me in action.

All that work to get this shot:

Isn't she precious!?!

I am hoping in the future to bring along another photographer friend to one of my newborn shoots so she can document the process for me.