Mattel Recalls 9 Million Toys

Mattel is voluntarily recalling 9 million of its toys including popular characters such as Batman, Barbie, Polly Pockets and a toy from Pixar's "Cars" movie because of hazards to children, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said Tuesday.

Today's Recall
Barbie and Tanner - hazardous magnet
Batman - hazardous magnet
Polly Pockets - hazardous magnet
Doggie Daycare - hazardous magnet
One Piece - hazardous magnet
Sarge cars - lead in paint

All affected toys were made in China for Mattel

Wow, that's a lot of toy recalls lately. We didn't have any of those things here, but I do know that some of you have daughters that like Polly Pocket. It's good to know that Mattel is serious about toys hazards though, this is the second recall in a matter of weeks from the company. (Mattel is the parent company of Fisher-Price)

My Apple's Jacked.

So two weeks after getting it back, my computer got fried again. It's back at the "authorized service technician", who is actually super nice - even if I never want to see him again. Now, if I were you, I would probably tell me to get a new computer, obviously my old hunk of junk isn't cutting it. Except this computer that keeps crashing and dying is only 6 months old. I also got it completely tricked out, and it was top of the line. Macs are not supposed to have these problems, and as my Mac tech-guy tells me, "sometimes bad things just happen". Yes, but twice in one month?

I'm waiting to hear back how long it will take, I am still playing catch-up from the last crash, so I may have to find out a way to work without ol' Big Mac.

***UPDATE***
I just got off the phone with Paul from Bexx Systems (the computer place) and I guess the hard drive is fried. So brand new hard drive for me, yippee! Ok, that was a bit of false enthusiasm, but at least it's going to be fixed. The downside is that it will probably take about a week before I get my machine back.
I can work on my MacBook Pro though, so I'll try to continue on with editing sessions as much as I can. Bad for me, and I guess bad for you in return is that I'll need to start from scratch, so it's going to be slow going. To the girls from the Saskatoon Farm, I'm so sorry - they will be done as soon as I can get caught up. Thanks for your patience!

Fisher-Price Recalls Almost A Million Toys

Fisher-Price Recall Page

It was announced this morning that Fisher-Price has recalled 83 different types of toys due to excessive amounts of lead paint.
The recall involves various figures and toys that were manufactured between April 19, 2007 and July 6, 2007 and were sold alone or as part of sets. The toys were sold at retail stores in the US and Canada from May 2007 through August 2007 for between $5 and $40. Consumers should immediately take the recalled toys away from children and contact Fisher-Price. You will need to return the product and will receive a voucher for a replacement toy of the consumer’s choice (up to the value of the returned product).

Yikes! We have a lot of that stuff, but it's all older - so we're ok. Please check the list for any toys you may own or have bought recently. There are a lot of Elmo/Dora/Diego/Backyardigans stuff there.

CONTEST!

Drumroll please . . .


Fresh Sugar is adding a new area to the biz, and it's . . .
TEENAGERS!

Right now I am in need of two things - models for the new website - and a NAME for the new website.

First thing, models. If you are (or know someone who is) between the ages of 13-20 and would like to do a model session, please email me at info@freshsugar.ca
You will receive a free session, a disc of websized, watermarked images perfect for Facebook or MySpace, and 50% off all prints you would like to order. This offer is ONLY for the month of August, so email me now!
I am especially looking for anyone who would like to "trash" their grad dress, contact me for more info.

And now for the contest! I would like to keep Fresh Sugar Photography, and add a subtitle underneath. For example, Fresh Sugar Photography - Teens. If the word Teens wasn't kind of dorky, I would just use that. So I need something that conveys youthfulness and glamour. Please send your ideas to info@freshsugar.ca and if I choose your name - a $50 iTunes gift card is coming your way.

And to get those creative juices flowing, here are a couple of shots from some recent models. Thanks so much girls, it was awesome to work with you!

New Baby Love and a Teaser

This little man has been long, long awaited. It's a bit different to take the photos when you are good friends with the Mom and Dad, and you are just so darn excited that he's here! I kept tearing up at this session because not only is he a little angel, but he's got two loving parents who are just going to be so great at raising him. Welcome to the world baby O'Shea!

Now for the teaser. There is going to be a BIG addition to Fresh Sugar coming this fall. A new side, a new style, a new site.
I'm super excited, and will let you know more in a few days - because I need YOUR help to get things started!
Stay tuned.

Big Mac Is Gone!

I had a complete hard drive crash this week, and my computer, which is affectionately named Big Mac, is in for service. They've managed to recover everything, but I had just backed up everything two days before, so all sessions are safe and sound. Unfortunately though, I am not able to work on anything until I get Big Mac back - so I'm sitting by the phone waiting for them to call and tell me to come and get it.

Perfect.

I don't think this photo needs me blabbing about it too much, it really does speak for itself. This family is the best, I think I overstay my welcome everytime I go over there, I just have to much fun at these sessions - I never want to leave.
Happy, happy family. And it shows, doesn't it? ;)

The Moment

As my clients can tell you, I rarely pose anyone, but let everyone interact with each other and I try to capture what's going on.
Of course, sometimes I will brush some strands of hair away, or suggest certain things to do with arms, but I don't go crazy with posed shots.

Which is how I can get these amazing, emotion-filled portraits that just really speak for themselves. I love when I get home and take a look through the photos as I'm uploading them, and I just see that "Moment" that I was lucky enough to be a part of. Sometimes it's a little baby smiling in his sleep, sometimes it's a look or a touch that dad gives to mom.
I seriously have the best job in the world.

Daisy!

This 9-month old guy said his first word in a field of clover at Sunday's session. As he was looking at stalk of clover - he said "daisy"! Ok, maybe not really, but it sure sounded like it. I know I talk an awful lot about fun families, but I am just so lucky! My clients are all just a total hoot, and this fam was no exception. I love my job - I had a fantastic morning at the park!

Blitzkreig Bop and Other Thoughts

So I was telling the mom of this little cutie this weekend about how my 4 year old had her first kiss a few days ago.
4 years old! I, showing all the decorum I still possess today, at least waited until I was 5. Well now today, my little woman/child is rocking around the house singing "Hey, Ho - Let's Go" and lest you mistake it for a similar sounding song by some dwarves, know that she has the timing and head-banging down pat.

But back to the little one up top here. I'm just uploading these images onto my computer today, and grabbed this one because the outfit is so fun. Pretty much like the mom and dad. And my daughter.

The big day

The big moment is almost upon us. Sephora opens its doors in Calgary, first at Market Mall, then at Chinook Centre.
July 6th is the very big day. Only 18 more sleeps!
If you head down there, keep your eyes peeled for me, I'll be hanging out at the Philosophy section sniffing everything.
:)

Art For Kids

While cruising around checking out blogs today, I found a creator of the cutest children's art you will ever see. I can't decide what to buy, I think I might have to get them all!
Check her out:
http://www.relentlesstoil.com/

Yep, that's my girl!

I've had a few people email me wondering if that's my little girl Emma on Calgary's Child again this month.
It sure is!
She was just over 2 when that photo was taken, and now she's a very . . . shall we say . . . spirited 4 years old.
Calgary's Child is having the birthday party guide coming out in their next issue - be sure to check it out.

Gorgeous!

Wow, what a stunning mom she is!
Soon to be a mom of two, this supermom works from home because her son's allergies are so severe.
Gorgeous on the inside and out.

Shiny, Happy, People

This family was was such a fun session. Mom and Dad were lots of fun, and it was clear just how much they enjoyed their children. Instead of a photo shoot, it felt more like I was invited into their lives for a couple of hours.
Look at this little guy, he obviously was having a great time!

So comfortable!

These clients were so darn comfortable in front of the camera. It made for a really easy, relaxed session. Well, when their cat wasn't growling at me, haha!

Need a last minute Mother's Day gift?

Fresh Sugar Photography gift certificates are a great way to show the mom in your life how much you care. Let her be in some of the photos for once!
Email gift certificates are now available. Contact info@freshsugar.ca for more information.

Oh, that hair!

I think I must have said this 50 times at our session.
Such beautiful, dark, thick hair!
I know I wasn't the first person to mention the resemblance to a certain high profile celebrity baby.

Fun new find - Cookie Magazine!

As my recent clients know, I've been busy, busy, busy this month.
I plan on posting some of my favorite photos from recent sessions in the next few days.
But today, I wanted to tell you all about a fab new magazine I found today - Cookie!
It's geared towards hip moms, with interesting articles, beautiful photos, and it's fun to read too!
Check it out - http://www.cookiemag.com

Viva Las Vegas!

I'm off to the Wedding & Portrait Photographers International Convention & Trade Show in Las Vegas, Nevada! I hope to learn a lot, and find some cool new products to offer my clients! I'll be back on Friday, March 30th.