10 Days of Sharing: Mommy Playdate Cards

Tonight, accompanied by my bridesmaids, Kelley and Rebecca, I attended a private tasting at Cork & Co, “Sip With A Sommelier”, where we were greeted with sparkling wine & a pair of Michele Leiser Designs earrings. The night only got better as we launched obvious relish in two different Riojas, a Granache, an Albariño and a port.  Each wine was paired with goodness – notably the chocolate cake balls with gorgonzola cheese. I think that after tonight I may have to forgo sugary confection until Christmas morning. It looks like Santa can keep his milk and cookies after all.

 

Speaking of all things social, we made friends with a little family at Whole Foods last week and because I ran out of business cards, we had to go the traditional route of pulling out cell phones to exchange information. Inspired by this impromptu dinner and meeting, I thought what better way to arrange Operation Wear Out Tot than with chic Mommy Cards? No more digging for a cell phone or piece of scrap paper while a child makes a beeline for the parking lot. A must have for busy parents without looking too please-talk-to-me-again-I-need-adult-interaction-outside-of-home-or-I-may-go-stir-crazy. Not that I ever feel that way. Nope. And for kids like Tulsi with an entrepreneurial spirit and endeavor to start his or her first business by age five, these can be used as business cards for wee execs, too.

Basic Photoshop skills required, however I am happy to help the first 10 moms with file set up . Send me your photo to info at ziemphotography dot com. To download the free template: Get Your Jingle Bells Ringing Right

 

Above Prettiness courtesy of fellow Mama Mafia and Smug Mom + Lifestyle Blogger Extraordinaire

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{Austin Wedding Photography} Rachel + Nathan

It was during their third dinner together, while sitting together across a small table in a dimly lit room, that this couple knew they would be spending the rest of their lives together. While out grocery shopping {only like old married couples} later that night, they found temporary bands to seal their commitment until their forthcoming engagement. Swoon.

You may recognize Rachel and Nathan as they made their debut here on the blog not long ago. What I failed to mention earlier was that they happen to be dear friends of ours and two lovely individuals we also, coincidentally, adore.

Nathan and Rachel treated their east coast relatives an Austin-themed Jewish wedding weekend and what a true honor and joy it was to be a part of a celebration so full of love, culture, and tradition. Now, please raise your left ring finger if you’ve ever heard a bride’s vows in Arabic. (Me!). There were many moments of surprise and delight – not the least of which was seeing Rachel’s grandfather who, due to an unplanned trip to the emergency room the week of the wedding,  was able to watch, listen, and later speak to the couple and their guests all from the comfort of his bed via an iPad. I think it is time I wish I had one!

A third shooter was brought on board to shoot welcome photos and candid photos and several guys were brought in to print photos as the guests dine and danced. Then, at the end of the night, each family and couple received a personalized photo album filled with photos from the wedding as a party favor. Technology+Instant Gratification=Tru3 Love 4ever.

Thank you, Rachel and Nathan, for allowing me to be part of your special day. I am so happy for you both and I hope these memories will be cherished for many generations to come.  Now let me go plan a second marriage (to the same person of course) – one which will also involve a horah and schtick –  as I patiently await news of your pregnancy and an iPad in my stocking. Mazel Tov!!

xo,
Ziem

 

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10 Days of Sharing: Pay It Forward

How to give great gifts? Let me count the ways.. From now until Christmas, at random, I’ll be bringing to you “Ten Days of Sharing” here on my blog. I can’t spill the egg nog but a little elf told me there will be holiday design layouts and a one hour portrait session thrown in somewhere, so be sure to check back!

Perhaps it came from our neighboring Dallas, responding to the news of Lamar Odom/Chloe Kardashian/E!’s impending move, or it was the sudden jolt after an epiphany I had while running around the lake with my husband as I sang along to Rihanna, but let me go ahead and apologize to all of you  {and your tea cups} for the unexpected quiver yesterday. While I have certainly prepared for the holidays – shopping underway, Christmas cards mailed last week, wardrobe finally winterized – I realized 3 miles into my run that I have only donated one portrait package to an Austin non-profit in 2011 {which helps the organization raise money through a silent auction} and rudimentary math tells me that if I want to keep up with years past I better find four beneficiaries. Stat!

So to truly get in the spirit of the season and avoid the title Bad Santa than a little giveaway, one inspired by a blogger extraordinaire who happens to be a part of my Austin “Mama Mafia”. She’s a retired lawyer and a buddy of mine happens to be a detective, so if either of the two hold your entry suspect, it is grounds for elimination.

I will donate $50 to a charity of one reader’s choice, given these parameters:

  1. Leave a comment naming the charity and its mission.
  2. Charity must be a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization.
  3. Entries close on Sunday, December 18th at 11:59 pm CST and a winner will be selected via a True Random Number Generator.
  4. Winner will be announced on my blog Monday, December 19th.

If you decide to follow suit, let me know and I will be happy to spread the news via my blog.

And how could this entry be complete without a photo of my Royal Diva? Notice the Halloween toy which made a very inconsiderate appearance in my would’ve been Christmas card photo.

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Here’s the concept – I will be making one $50 donation to the charity of one reader’s choice, in the name of whomever you designate, given the following guidelines:

{Austin Wedding Photography} Melissa + Jesse

Melissa and Jesse are two of the most genuine, kind, and fun people you’ll ever meet and Scott and I were thrilled to be a part of their wedding day. It was another one of those events where I can’t believe I get to call having fun my job while I spend time with a host of fabulous people. Their wedding and reception took place at Laguna Gloria (it doesn’t get any more charming or beautiful for an Austin wedding) and they were surrounded by a spectacular cast of friends and family. Melissa was all aglow from head to toe, literally, she rocked the dance floor all night in her rhinestone-studded heels as a very grand husband looked on.

Congratulations, again, Melissa & Jesse! Thank you so much for allowing me to be a part of your special day. Here are just a few of my favorites. I hope you enjoy the rest!

xo,

Z

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Raising Money for a Charity We All Love

Dear Friends and Family,

As many of you know, I am proud member of the Young Women’s Alliance (YWA) in Austin, Texas. What you may not know is that through its philanthropic arm, the Young Women’s Alliance Foundation, YWA provides funding to empower tomorrow’s female leaders in the area by awarding educational scholarships for girls and women and providing grants to the organizations that serve them, ultimately inspiring all women to give back to their community.

Our goal this year is to raise $16,000 for the Foundation through the individual fundraising campaign and my personal goal is to get 50 people from my wonderful circle of family and friends to donate $10.  I hope you will take a moment to visit my personal fundraising page to learn more about YWAF and help me in raising money to support the future young women leaders of Central Texas.

I thank you sincerely for your thought and generosity, and I know the young girls and women of Central Texas who benefit from the YWA Foundation thank you from the bottom of their hearts as well.

Sincerely,

Ziem Malkani

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