A little something from my mom's (aka cheerleader) garden. I wanted to keep this shot about simplicity because what draws my eyes in these garlic scapes is where the white transitions to the green in the bulb - so beautiful.

What a pleasant session this was - pleasant in the, you are an amazing family kind of way. From the moment their little, self-assured, gorgeous little person marched in the studio, announcing "yah, I'm here," I knew we were off to a great start.

But before, I share what we created here is photo number 12  - which of course comes with a bit of a story.

After being announced by their son, the rest of the Mackay crew came into the studio, looking smashing and bringing gifts. Pagan had made me a little basket with some local Gone Crackers, and the most amazing veggie pate.

Pagan, that was so sweet. I know you told me we could freeze the pate, but we ate them both to fast and our apples look super cute in the basket (and definitely will be used for a photo sometime as well.) Thanks so much!

I had a huge wedding yesterday, an amazing romantic wedding (but more of that in a few days,) and then I ran off to play at Music Fest and now, I am going to gear up and do the same.

So a cheater shot, but an informative one.

Yes, that is yesterday's bride Alison with a Surgenor beer. Surgenor is our very new local brewery - it was about time this town had one. Alison and her hubby organized to have Surgenor at their wedding and the brewery was able to set them up with a nice keg table and a staff member to bartend. How fantastically local and awesome is that?

Day Nine is feeling not Fine.

Cupcake Hangover.

I use to just have a love relationship with Jen from Sugarheads Cupcakes, now it is love/hate - sorry Jen, that's what happens when you make such killer cupcakes.

If you are in need of cupcakes that have moist flavourful cake and icing good enough to break down any resistance you might have had to eating too many cupcakes Sugarhead,s are for you.

Jen and I, along with the crew from Our Big Earth throw the big Today Present Cupcake Party at the studio every year so I am intimately acquanted with these cupcakes, but after this latest round of indulgence I am pretty sure she has elevated them to a new level.

FYI - you can order these cupcakes for weddings, parties or just because you need them. They also make an appearance at the Farmer's Market now and then. - check out their website. 

The mint one makes me melt.

There is a little perk to having my studio where it is and that is the really yummy neighbours I have. One of them is Brambles. Owners Jim and Angeline actually use to live next door to me, so we aren't home neighbours anymore and instead are work neighbours.

Although it was great having them live next door to us, given the choice, I would take them as work neighbours - it comes with more perks. I recently acquired back door privileges, which means when I just have  sec I can sneak in the backdoor to say hello or, as is usually the drill, grab some lunch.

The other day when I popped in their was a demo going on as part of the 30 Day Eating Local Challenge. The Hot Chick Spice Company was handing out samples and I made off with more than my share - for photography purposes of course.

There two different varieties here, one on a piece of bread.

and in the name of balance, this is a short blog post as I am off to have some chill time with John. But first, I have to tell you I had an amazing day which ended with a session with a fabulous family who even brought along some home made treats for me to take home (thanks Pagan and crew!)

 If you are just tuning in these photos are my part in the Our Big Earth 30 day local food challenge - 30 days of local food photography.

This photo was taken at one of my favorite monthly events. Once a month six of us families get-together for a theme based meal. We have been doing it for almost six years. This months theme was "local". It was an amazing feast that not only left our bellies satisfied but left us feeling very grateful for the feast from our hood.

So do y'all know what this photo is?

I'll admit, I almost didn't get to it today - but here I am arfter a day of shooting, family and dinner with friends.

Loved today, and the crumbs on top were the quintessential weekend snack - which I totally gave myself over to.

If you haven't yet discovered Hard Bite Chips, it just means there are more for me.

These BC made chips are available at Brambles.

I am super excited to share tomorrows shot.

When I moved from the big city I didn't know about a lot of things - no need to admit them all in one swoop, but I will confess one of them is farming.

So, shotly after arriving in the Comox Valley, I, for a reason I can't recollect, found myself at Eatmore Sprouts - it was like arriving on another planet and began the opening of my eyes to connecting with where my food came from.

I thought it was so cool that sprouts grew near me, it was like I had never thought about it.

Christine, my office manager, often buys them and pops them in the fridge. Which I appreciate when I make my otherwise dull, and not very healthy cheese sandwich.

They are kind of fun to play with as well.