Looking back on 2021, I am thankful for so many things.

• First, I'm beyond happy for travel. I was able to host visitors, visit family and friends, and take trips with my husband.  
• My photography business continues to grow and I'm so excited about that! I'm grateful for everyone who chooses me and look forward to photographing everyone this year, both new and current clients.
• I started Teacher Tribe, an online community for educators on Patreon, and had so much fun creating content! I can't wait to share more with everyone and hope to expand my following.
• I'm lucky that I'm able to donate a portion of my session fees, volunteer with Greenville Women's League, and give to causes my husband and I believe in.

This year I hope to continue traveling and spending time with loved ones, book lots of photo sessions, write (journaling and blog posts), network much more with fellow creatives, make a difference in my community, and continue to learn about marketing and business.  

How about you? What did you love about 2021? What are your dreams for this year?

Happy New Year!!!

Need holiday gift ideas? I'm here for you! We try so hard to keep our holiday season low stress, but that can be easier said than done. The thing that causes me stress sometimes is thinking of new gift ideas. I like to find unique gifts and shop local/small as much as I can. It can be challenging coming up with new ideas year after year. This year I thought I'd share some of my favorites with you. 

Shop Small - I wrote a post a few weeks ago highlighting some of my favorite small businesses, if you missed it take a look HERE

Experiences - Sometimes shopping for someone can be tricky because what do you get the one who has it all? I love giving the gift of a fun experience.  Some ideas include gift cards for ice or roller skating, an arcade, trampoline park, museum, play, concert, movies.  I like to think outside the box here and find something fun and different to do.  The first couple of  years that my husband and I were together we bought  each other birthday/holiday gifts. But then we started planning something to do together like going to a concert, sporting event, or on a mini getaway.  Quality time together is so much more meaningful to us. 

Gift Cards - I am not a huge fan of gift cards, but if you can get one for somewhere special, it's more significant.  Instead of a big box store or chain restaurant....try getting a GC for a local business such as a boutique, restaurant, or cafe. Etsy is a great site for a gift card as well. 

Photography - Photo gifts are wonderful.  People enjoy decorating their homes with prints from their favorite places and photos showing some fond memories.  Framed prints, canvas, metals, home decor, mugs, ornaments, and jigsaw puzzles are a few examples of great photo gifts.  You could also get a family a GC for a photo session.  This is an especially good idea for moms.  

Do you have any other ideas? I'd love to hear about them!

Happy Holidays!!

     "GivingTuesday was created in 2012 as a simple idea: a day that encourages people to do good. GivingTuesday was born and incubated at the 92nd Street Y and its Belfer Center for Innovation & Social Impact in New York City. GivingTuesday is now an independent nonprofit and a global movement that inspires hundreds of millions of people to give, collaborate, and celebrate generosity."
 

Throughout 2021 I am donating to teachers' classrooms via Donors Choose. It brings me joy to be able to support education even though I am no longer in the classroom. I know how much it means to the teachers and students to receive donations. If you are looking for somewhere to give back, Donors Choose is a wonderful organization. If you haven't heard of them, take a look!  Visit here

This holiday season I donated a portion of my mini session proceeds to local, Pitt County teachers on their Donors Choose pages. I love any opportunity to help our community and I'm grateful for all of my clients and that I'm able to give back for Giving Tuesday and all year long. 

I encourage you to choose your favorite cause and give back today. We can all make a difference. No matter if it's a little or a lot, you are helping someone and that is amazing. 

     "I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the water to create many ripples." - Mother Teresa