How Sweet It Is - Sweetopia Desserts

"A balanced diet is a cookie in each hand."

~ Author Unknown

"Life is uncertain. Eat dessert first."

~Ernestine Ulmer

There are few things that can stop me in my tracks like the aroma of freshly baked desserts wafting through the air. So you can imagine my dilemma during my photo session with entrepreneur Jennifer, of Sweetopia Desserts. We set up at an outdoor location full of green grass, shady trees and cool breezes. It was all I could do not to pull up a chair (and knife & fork) and help myself. Her creations were picture perfect and smelled divine. And although I did not have the pleasure of tasting the "models" of the day, I did get the opportunity to indulge myself in Jennifer's handiwork when I ordered my daughter's birthday cake and cupcakes from Sweetopia. The first bite had my eyes rolling back in my head! Hahaha. Let me compose myself...

Once I was able to focus, we got down to the business at hand. Allow me to show you the sweetness of Sweetopia.

Custom Cupcakes

Are you hungry? Sweet tooth aching? Mine is. You can contact Jennifer at info@sweetopiadesserts.com.

Live (Sweetly) in Love,
}:{ Keda }:{

Bzzz: Artist Session with Bee

Have you ever heard a voice so soulful it gave you chills, but so smooth it warmed your heart at the same time? Yeah, that's what happens when Bee's pipes get to work. I first had the pleasure of meeting her during the time she sang at my church. Her tone & vocal choices instantly made her my favorite person on that stage every Sunday. Add her sweet (and goofy) personality, and I knew I had met a one in a million creation.

I've had Bee in front of my camera before...she was gracious enough to model for me during the creation of the cover art for Riisa Renée's book Breaking the Silence. Although a different image was chosen, Bee produced my absolute favorite image of that day.

When I found out that she was embarking on a new adventure as an Alternative Soul artist, I jumped at the chance to photograph her again. I had a blast, and happened to capture some nice moments along the way. Bee, thanks for hanging with me for a bit. I hope you like what we got!

Be sure to visit her page at ReverbNation and show her some love! Thanks for looking...let me know what you think!

Live in Love,

}:{

Perfectly Imperfect

I often have a picture in my head of how I want my kids to look, how I want them to behave, how I want them to be. And as I'm sure you guessed, that picture hardly ever matches my reality. Truth is, the same is true for me. But I'm learning that sometimes "good enough" is just that...good enough. They may not sit still for a photo, may not eat how, what and when I want them to. They may not keep their shirts tucked in or pants hole-free. But they're mine. They shine in other ways, and that's good enough for me.

A Mama & Daughter Moment

I woke my baby doll up this morning and, as usual, she groaned quietly, refusing to open her eyes. So I rolled her over and got her dressed in her half-asleep state. When she finally sat up, eyes still closed, she quickly nestled herself into my lap and snuggled her face into that crook in my neck that always seems to fit just right.

"She's so big," I thought to my self. "But I already know that I'll let her do this for as long as she wants to."

I let my mind roam to the not-so-distant future, to boys & shopping, car keys & braces. And there's something that tells me that, no matter how grown my baby gets, we'll still share brief moments like this one. And they'll remain buried in my heart forever. So here's to beautiful Mama & Daughter moments. Cherish them, always.

With Mother's Day quickly approaching, we've reached that time of year when our kids pick us dandelions, give us homemade cards made from construction paper & markers, and shower us with more hugs than we thought our arms could hold. It's the perfect time to reflect on girlhood dreams, wondering what it would be like to have a baby, wanting to experience that rite of passage. It's a time to rekindle the passion that was birthed in our hearts the first time we laid eyes on our tiny treasures. It's a time to inhale the sweet fragrance of motherhood.


Live in Love,
}:{ Keda }:{

Nessaja Camille Presents: The Paparazzi Party

I love my girl. She's a beautiful person from the inside out. Selfless, giving, sweet & full of hugs just for me. In celebration of the wonderful young lady she's becoming, we decided to go all out for her birthday this year. Not the usual Incredible Pizza/Flip 'N Out/Mini-Sleepover affair, but something that just could be the talk of the playground. After much brainstorming, phone calls to my sister, and discussions with the birthday girl, we decided on:

Nessaja Camille Presents: THE PAPARAZZI PARTY

I decided to work with a wonderful event coordinator, Oneika J., Principal Event Designer at Stylëvënts. Now let me tell you, the timeliness, professionalism & creativity of this lady were out of SIGHT. I knew I was asking for a lot when I told her about the concept, but Oneika made everything breezy. Oneika, may I just say that you are phenomenal! If you are ever planning an event in the Houston area and are looking for some quality event coordination, look no further.

Now that the concept was solidified, it was time to get to work. First order of business: invitations, created by Papillon & hand delivered to 10 superstars.

Once the RSVPs began to roll in, we knew we were in for a great time. When the big day arrived, I took the little lady of the hour to the salon for a mani/pedi. (Sidenote: the nail technician was looking at me like "Why aren't you getting one for yourself?!?" lol! I know I could use it, but it wasn't about me that day.)

Once we got back home, we had about an hour or so before the superstars began to arrive. And when they did, they entered in grand fashion. The first stop was the Superstar Salon, where the ladies received manicures & mini make-overs. Next stop, the Red Carpet. Paparazzi were eagerly waiting with cameras/camcorders in hand, and a reporter was there to speak with the superstars as they made their grand entrances (Angie, you were AWESOME! You made the day so much fun!).










Check out the pose below on the right!!! Baby girl is only 2, but she's already working it!



Looks like the birthday girl & one of her guests are having an intense conversation about lip gloss...

What a gorgeous group of superstars!


Next on the itinerary: Break for Cake. Cotton Candy Cupcakes & a Star Cake created by Jennifer of Sweetopia Desserts was the perfect addition to this Superstar celebration.


After the superstars enjoyed their refreshments, they had a bit of time to brainstorm about their upcoming "performances."


Some chose to dance as a group, some chose to dance separately, and others decided to act. All of the performances were worthy of standing ovations!

Once the superstar performances wrapped, it was time for the premier of "The Paparazzi Party." All the little ladies enjoyed being able to watch each other on television (from their Red Carpet entrances, to their talent showcase). After that came a bit of dancing, presents, the distribution of "Swag Bags", then it was time for the superstars to make their Grand Exit. It was a beautiful, (tiring), fun day. I call it a success because my Baby Doll had a smile on her face as big as Texas. Usually in our family it's all about the little things, but on this day, it was okay to do it big.

I'll leave you with some detail shots 'cause, hey, a LOT of time went into them! I hope you enjoyed our little adventure. Stay tuned for a video & Saja's "Thank You Mini-Magazine" from her Paparazzi Party.


The "Swag Bags" included a bracelet, lip gloss, nail polish, notebook & pen in a customized canvas tote.

Talk about detail oriented, Oneika even had Superstar Punch to match the party theme! That punch went QUICK!!!



Live in Love!
Keda

April 18, 2003...

...was one of the most momentous occasions of my life. It was the day I became "Mama." It was the day I met the most beautiful girl in all the world. It was the day I realized that my heart could exist outside of my body.

That day was 8 years ago. EIGHT YEARS! Where did the time go? When  I look at my beautiful work in progress, I marvel at her character, her selflessness, her creativity, her heart...and I'm certain that I know what love looks like.











Live in Love,
Keda

*Stay tuned to see how we celebrated her big day!