Hey, have you heard?!


It's Halloween!

It's going to be a warm (65 degrees), but very soggy trick or treat night for the kiddos in my neighborhood. My brother, sister, and I always trick or treated together every year as kids! Our dad would take us all everywhere in our neighborhood and the surrounding neighborhoods and my mom would stay home and give out candy. The best part was when we'd dump out all our candy, take stock of our stash, and start trading! Halloween was always fun for us because we'd get really excited to pick out what we wanted to dress as and we often had homemade costumes. In my family we had homemade clown costume that become iconic. All three of us kids wore the clown costume at one point or another. I went through some old pictures this morning and was so excited to find photographs of my brother, Brett, my sister, Courtney, and I through the years in this clown costume!

Brett as the clown and me as Cookie Monster (1986).


Brett as a NASCAR driver, me as the clown, and Courtney as a football player (1988).



Brett as a penguin, Courtney as the clown, and me as bride (1992).
Have you heard that the Red Sox
won the world series last night?!

Here's my Halloween costume this year:
Hope your Halloween is full of
 treats and not tricks!

Xo, Ashley

What the What?!

Happy Hump Day! The end is near! To help celebrate Hump Day I have a mini giveaway! Follow A Cute Angle on BlogLovin', Twitter, and Facebook and win free beauty products! Already following A Cute Angle on one, but not the other two? You're still eligible! Just make sure to go back and "like" A Cute Angle on every form of social media. This giveaway only goes until Friday, November 1!

Thanks for joining me for What the What Wednesday! Today is the day I share things that I find weird funny, odd, and amazing – anything that makes you say What the What?!


//One// Yes, this really happened. This is the scene outside my work last Thursday (10/24). I'm never ready for this. Luckily it was gone as fast as it came.


//Two// Tieks by Gavrieli – The ballet flat, reinvented. I found these really neat foldable flats and loved them... until I researched them further and found how much they cost.  Sure they are made of genuine Italian leather and have non-skid soles, but one pair for $175? That's the low end of the spectrum. The most expensive is $295! No thanks!!! I'll wait until they catch on and a different company sells them cheaper... much, much cheaper.
Feel free to join in on the What the What?! fun! Just make sure to link it back here!




Fall Swaps

I participated in three Fall swaps! I got my first box from Allie at The Gypsy Teacher last week. See all the goodness here.

This past week I received my last two Fall swap boxes from Royal and Janene. I got paired up with some very thoughtful, creative ladies. The best part was getting to know them and supporting their blogs!



This first box came from Royal at Royal Proclaims. You can already tell how crafty she is by the address on the box! My glitter name looked so cool!

Inside was this spooky house, which Scout was dying to help open!



Royal hooked me up with nail polishes, candy, candy corn Yankee candle votives, a blinking skeleton, and lip gloss! The candy was gone the first night. I was so excited to get so much nail polish. There are so many ways to mix and match these fun colors! It included crackle polish, which I had never used before, and I really like it!



Royal featured the goodies I sent her on her blog. Make sure you check it out!

My third swap box came to me through the Cara Box swap from Janene at Celebrating Life. I am absolutely in love with the way she wrapped this! She also made an nifty handmade card!



Scout loved this box too.



Janene sent me some awesome stuff too! She sent me a nail polish, a scarf, some blank note cards, Vanilla Chai tea (which my hubby loves!), chocolate covered espresso beans, and a Starbucks gift card! I know all this will come in handy in the next few months. I love the color of scarf. It will give a great pop of color and you need that here in Michigan in the fall and winter! I also just ran out of stationary so the timing worked out perfectly!


What about you? Have you been participating in any swaps?
What are some of your favorites for the Fall and Winter?


Monday Madness!



Monday has come way to soon again. I hope everyone had a great weekend! To beat the Monday blues I have mini giveaway! Follow A Cute Angle on BlogLovin', Twitter, and Facebook and win free beauty products! Already following A Cute Angle on one, but not the other two? You're still eligible! Just make sure to go back and "like" A Cute Angle on every form of social media. This giveaway only goes until Friday, November 1!
 

My weekend was pretty low key (as usual)!On Friday night Nick and I had a little date night and ate at Longhorn Steakhouse. I love steak and potatoes. The food and company were both amazing! We splurged and got dessert. It was the best Moulton Lava cake I have ever had. The cake was so moist! I was impressed!!! I wish I would have taken a picture.

On Saturday Nick and I headed out to the movies. Saturday matinees are kind of our thing. We went and saw Captain Phillips. The movie portrayed the true story of Captain Richard Phillips and the 2009 hijacking by Somali pirates of the US-flagged MV Maersk Alabama. It was the first American cargo ship to be hijacked in 200 years. It was so good. Tom Hanks rocked (but when doesn't he?)! I really thought about how sad it is that Somalis have to steal and murder in order to provide for themselves. What the hijackers did was no doubt illegal, wrong, and immoral, but this is what they are forced to do because of the state of their country. It made me think about how good my God is and how if more people knew him this world would be so different. It was super interesting that on Sunday, our pastor talked how war, hate, murder, etc. comes from the devil, not from God. Hmm... Ok, God, what are you trying to say to me here? If you want to learn more about the topic of why evil exsists in a world where God does check out The Case for Faith by Lee Strobel. Anyway, Somalia is in a really bad state right now and is a very dangerous place to be. Read more about it here. It an never hurts to learn about someone else's culture so I hope you'll take time to click the link.


Have you seen this? Kate is just like us! I love that she is wearing an outfit that any of us can!






A new formal photograph from after the christening

Have you seen this spoof with the look-a-likes? Awww, so cute! I hope they really do this!

I did a little online shopping on Saturday morning. I've noticed I needed fall essentials! I also bought some skinny jeans so I can show off my cool new boots! I also shopping a little for my nieces' and nephew's Christmas presents since I will be taking them with my at Thanksgiving!


My guys... so cute!



I hope everyone had a good weekend! Have a great week!



The Christening of Prince George of Cambridge


Everything you need to know about the christening of
His Royal Highness Prince George Alexander Louis of Cambridge 

in five minutes or less.
 


Age of Prince George: 3 months and 1 day old
Date: October 23, 2013
Location: The Royal Chapel at St. James's Palace, London, England


Time: Three o'clock pm

In Attendance: Twenty one of the couple's closest friends and family including The Queen, Prince Phillip, Prince Charles, Prince Harry, Camilla Parker-Bowles, Carole Middleton, Michael Middleton, Pippa Middleton, James Middleton, and seven godparents with their spouses.





The Officiant: The Archbishop of Canterbury
The Service: The service lasted approximately 45 minutes and included two hymns, two lessons, and two anthems. Uncle Prince Harry read John 15:1-5 and Aunt Pippa Middleton read Luke 18:24-7.




The Godparents:

Olive Baker – William and Kate's friend from St. Andrew's University

Emilia Jardine- Peterson – Kate's school friend from Marlborough


Earl Hugh Grosvenor – son of Britain's wealthiest land owner and family friend

Julia Samuel – good friend of the late Princess Diana


Zara Tindall – William's cousin, daughter of Princess Anne

Jamie Lowther-Pinkerton – The Duke and Duchess's personal secretary

William van Cutsem: William's best friend

The Fashion:
Prince George wore an elaborate satin and lace christening gown. It is a replica of the one made in 1814 for the christening of Queen Victoria's youngest daughter. The replica worn by Prince George was made by Angela Kelly, the Queen's couturier, in 2008 to help preserve the 170 year old original. Prince Charles and Prince William wore the original at their christenings.

Kate wore ruffled cream colored Alexander McQueen suiting separates and a floral fascinator by Jane Taylor.


Carole Middleton wore a navy blue coat and off-white dress created by Catherine Walker and a grey hat by Jane Corbett.


Pippa Middleton wore a cream Trapeze coat and Paris dress created specifically for her by British designer Suzannah Crabb. Much like her sister, Pippa wore a cream floral fascinator. Hers was designed by Edwina Ibbotson.

 
The Party: Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, hosted the guests in their home, Clarence House, for tea and christening cake. The christening cake is a tier from Will and Kate's 2011 wedding cake.









What the What Wednesday

Congratulations to Sarah Bowley! She won the October Giveaway. Enjoy your goodies, Sarah!


This weekend I spent some time updating my About page. If you are new to A Cute Angle or if you've been reading for a while and your not sure about the girl behind the blog, make sure to check it out. I'm glad to have you here!




Thanks for joining me for What the What Wednesday! What the What is a segment Kathie Lee and Hoda do on the fourth hour of the Today show (which I have on every morning while I get ready for work). I've decided to bring this concept to the blogging world. The idea is to share things that are funny, bizarre, amazing, or exciting that what you stop and say. “What the What?!”

//One// Kate Middleton's body after baby. Have you seen this picture? She had her baby three months ago... whaaat?! Diet and exercise a can do so much. This girl has got some good genes. Her butt and abs are amazing!

 
//Two// Nick bought a sweater! What the What?!?! You have to understand – I've been with Nick for 6 ½ years and have known him for at least 7, and he has never once owned a sweater. In fact he has always told me about how much he hates sweaters and would never wear one. He came home from a shopping at Kohl's on Monday night with an awesome, trendy zip up sweater! I was beyond excited. I've always wanted him to have a sweater. I asked him if I could get a picture of him in it and he said no. I tried! I also tried to convince him that all the guys are wearing this type of sweater with a collared shirt underneath. He didn't go for it. What can I say? Baby steps...

//Three// Security Words. I feel like a complete moron with these things. I can never understand the letters or numbers they want me to type in. They are so hard to read! Is it only me?



//Four// Kim and Kanye are making it official! Kim Kardashian and Kanye West are engaged. Kanye reportedly rented out AT&T Stadium where the San Francisco Giants play, had all their family and friends here, and topped off the engagement with fireworks and 50-piece orchestra. Kanye gave Kimmy a 15-carat Lorraine Schwartz ring estimated to be worth around $750,000! Congratulations, Kim. Third time's the charm! KIMYE FOREVER!


//Five// Hot Scissors. The newest trend in hair care! This could be the answer to split ends, ladies! “Hot Scissors” are hair dressing scissors that can be heated up to 310 degrees. The claim is that they seal the ends of the hair with the heated blades. Traditional scissors open the cuticle and leave the hair susceptible to environmental stress that can cause frizz and dryness. The heat
from the hot scissors seal the end of the hair to trap in moisture and protect the hair from damage. Stylists can adjust the temperature depending on hair type (270 degrees in recommended for fine hair and 310 for course hair), yet doesn't make your head feel super hot. It is said these scissors work best on fine, frizzy hair because they smooth ragged edges and make the hair look more and feel more voluminous. They are also a good option for people not willing to sacrifice their length to repair damage (like me!). What do you think? At this point getting a hair cut, or a "thermo cut," will cost you a couple hundred dollars!



Join in on the What the What fun. Hop over to Twitter or Facebook!

Xo, Ashley
 
 
 



 

Lori & LG Photography

Meet Super Woman Lori - mom, wife, friend, photographer, and business owner. She does it all!

Lori has recently realized a dream by launching her own photography business, LG Photography.  Lori grew up with a camera in her hand. After finishing high school, getting married, and becoming a mom, Lori realized she could turn her passion into a career. In order to start a professional photography business, Lori invested in state of the art camera equipment and classes at a local photography shop. "I still love taking classes and furthering my knowledge," Lori says.

Lori runs a full service photography business. She shoots engagements, newborns, children, families, pregnancy pics, weddings, senior photos, special events, and boudoir and offers on-location and studio shoots. Lori has a small studio in her home that she often uses for  first birthday cake smashes and holiday shoots. "My favorite shoot changes regularly because I love them all for different reasons," said Lori. She includes newborns and one year old cake smashes as among her favorites. "If I have to choose, my favorite has to be my Santa shoots. Every year the real Santa, my uncle Paul, comes to my studio and we book solid appointments all day long."






LG Photography is a one women business, except for on certain occasions. For weddings, Lori calls in a second shooter, Becky Groller, of Rebecca Groller Photography. Being a multi-tasking mom is helpful at these shoots. Not only is Lori the photographer at the wedding, but she often finds herself multi-tasking by helping the guys with their boutonnières, helping with the bride with her corset and bustle, acting as an event planner when something isn't going according to plan, and sharing kind words with the bride. "My job as a wedding photographer is to not put any more stress on the day and more importantly, take away any stress that I can," said Lori. "This is also is also my job as a mom."




Lori's mommy skills also come in handy (of course) when shooting children. "Being a mom makes me be able to deal with kids the way us moms know how," she said.  Lori had been known to pull out some crazy antics including getting on ground, singing silly songs, jumping around, and making goofy faces. She always has her shutter finger ready for when her crazy antics do make the child smile!  "The emotions that go through those children's hearts and minds is priceless. We laugh, we cry, and feel every emotion through them!" said Lori.


Facebook and word of mouth are LG Photography's only form of advertising. "Word of mouth is the very best form of advertising," Lori admits. She often hears positive feed back from potential clients the first time they inquire about her services. "My established clients have built me up and continue to every day. I am so thankful for an amazing following. I have clients that have stuck with me since day one."

When Lori isn't busy with a photo shoot she has her hands full at home with her two children Katie, 6, and Rocco, 4. Lori says, "Managing the time spent between working and having a family life can be a challenge." It is a  common misconception that photographers take some pictures and the work is done. "The truth is that an hour or so on average spent taking the photos for a regular shoot and about two to three hours are  spent editing," Lori explains. Weddings can take days and sometimes weeks to edit. Aside from the work generated by her business, Lori's days include making the kids breakfast, working out at the gym for an hour or more, letting the kids swim in the family pool in the afternoon (weather permitting), and starting dinner early if she has a shoot. After dinner is usually when she heads off to a shoot. Family time happens after the shoot, before the kids go to bed. After the kids are in bed Lori often heads down to her studio to edit for a few hours before she turns in for the night. Lori credits her husband of seven years, Mike, with thinking of how they can get more family time. "Mike is an amazing husband and father," Lori says. She describes parenting and owning a business as a team effort between herself and Mike. He is always willing to lend an extra helping hand when Lori has work obligations.




Lori stays motivated to be a both a great mom and great photographer by reflecting on how much her business as already grown. That and positive feedback gives her excitement for the future of LG. In the future she hopes to grow her business by improving on organization and time management ,and hopes one day to be able to hire a photo editor. As for her person life - a 10K may be in her future, but being a good mom and raising respectful, grateful children is Lori's number one focus. She continues to be heavily involved in her church as Nursery Director and a Sunday School teacher.

Lori Generose
Owner | Photographer LG Photography
On-location and studio photography
From newborns to senior portraiture and everything in between. Weddings, corporate and special events. 
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