Starr Mercer :: Small Town City Girl

2011|11|7

2011-11-07T21:41:00.002-06:00

Voting day

2011|11|6

2011-11-06T21:41:00.004-06:00

Piper & Coco

2011|11|5

2011-11-05T21:40:00.002-06:00

Our very dirty family van!

2011|11|4

2011-11-04T21:39:00.003-06:00

We had our family photos taken by the lovely & talented Jocelyn Harvey this evening...so thrilled by how they turned out!

2011|11|3

2011-11-03T21:38:00.002-06:00

We love our Calgary Flames fan!

2011|11|2

2011-11-02T21:37:00.000-06:00

Parents day at Scarlett's dance studio...what a treat to watch!

2011|11|1

2011-11-01T21:33:00.039-06:00

www.obviouslychic.com

Today is website launch day and I am so proud to be a part of it!

It has been a honour to work alongside Jess and to get to know her as a friend over the past few months. I have worked as her photographer for the store & website...it's been so exciting to get involved in fashion photography with product shoots and editorial photo shoots...fabulous & amazing!

I made a special trip to Jess's Estevan store this morning to congratulate her on her success. Snapped a few photos of the obviouslychic.com warehouse on this memorable day...I know in years to come when the business has grown by leaps & bounds, we'll all look back to where it all began with fond memories!

2011|10|31

2011-10-31T10:15:00.003-06:00

We were happy to return from Montreal to be home with our Bobofett, Little Watermelon & Gypsy.

2011|10|30

2011-10-30T12:21:00.002-06:00

For our last day in Montreal, Cory finished up at the Chalifour show and I strolled around Old Montreal with my Starbucks for the morning. It was relaxing to walk around the city and be inspired by all that I saw. Cory accomplished alot for the lumberyard on the trip and I know it was nice for him to get away. I'm very thankful for having the opportunity to accompany him and looking forward to coming back next year. We were very excited to get home and see the kiddos...miss them.

2011|10|29

2011-10-29T11:54:00.001-06:00

Today we had a full day at the Chalifour show. Made many contacts, decided on the point-of-sale system for the store and received lots of great help from suppliers on merchandising shelves. So after we were all finished with business, it was time for some touring around.

We discovered the Notre-Dame Basilica Church just down the street, toured some shops, and enjoyed walking the cobblestone streets. This area is a photographers dream (everyone told me I need to go to Quebec City next if I was impressed with Montreal).

We had a nice dinner together, just the two of us, which seems really special these days when we seldom get a date night. I can't even remember the name of the restaurant, but it was quaint, trendy with great food & wine. Our waiter treated us to a glass of Spanish sherry...it topped off a great evening!

2011|10|28

2011-10-28T09:12:00.027-06:00

We jetted to Montreal for the lumberyard to attend the annual Chalifour Show. My parents were so sweet to look after our three kiddos while we were away. We had an amazing trip!

We arrived, attended some meetings and then went sight seeing in Old Montreal. We loved the feel of the city, maybe because we slowed down enough to enjoy it with being away from work, but there was just something we both loved about Montreal. Around every corner was a wine & sushi bar, art everywhere, the architecture was gorgeous and we had no trouble talking to the french locals (I brought my Grade 8 French/English dictionary just incase).

This evening we stumbled upon Toque Restaurant for a late dinner. Being tourists, we didn't realize we need a reservation...I think the maitre d' felt sorry for us anglophones and found us a table for two. It was a delightful evening ended with a stroll back to our hotel.

2011|10|27

2011-10-27T22:48:00.000-06:00

We had lunch together at my office today...the phone calls seem to follow him around.

2011|10|26

2011-10-26T22:47:00.000-06:00

Scarlett woke up tonight and came out to snuggle up on a chair in the living room...just had to snap a photo.

2011|10|25

2011-10-25T22:47:00.000-06:00

Shhh, don't tell my {hair stylist} sister I am trimming my bangs!

2011|10|24

2011-10-24T22:46:00.003-06:00

I've been meaning to share this card that touched my heart. Britt, one of the Dyer siblings I photographed a week ago, made a point of dropping off this card before her session with her siblings. It said 'thank you for taking time away from your family and children to photograph us'...I feel so special and like I had a connection to my clients already!

2011|10|23

2011-10-23T22:45:00.000-06:00

This is one of my absolute favourite meals...I love a good casserole. A Calgary friend, Casi gave it to me years ago, and we renamed it CASI-ROLE.

CASI-ROLE

(from Casi McKernan)

INGREDIENTS

2 cups raw rice & water to cook

2-3 chicken breasts (cubed)

1 tsp vegetable oil

1/2 large onion (chopped)

1 medium carrot (grated)

1 1/2 cup canned mushrooms (sliced)

1 cup celery

1/2 red pepper (chopped)

2 tbsp flour

1 1/2 cup milk

2 garlic cloves (minced)

1 cup sour cream

2 tbsp lemon juice

1 tsp worcheshire

1/2 tsp thyme

1/2 tsp basil

1/4 tsp rosemary

1/4 tsp salt

1 can water chestnuts (sliced)

1/2 cup slivered almonds

1 cup cornflakes

DIRECTIONS

Cook rice according to directions. Cook chicken in large frying pan with oil, set aside. In the same pan, sautee all veggies for 3-4 minutes & add flour & milk. Then add garlic, herbs, salt & let thicken (approx 5 minutes). Add sour cream, lemon juice, worcheshire, cooked chicken & stir. Mix in rice & water chestnuts & transfer to casserole dish. Sprinkle almonds & corn flakes on top. Bake at 300 degrees for 20-30 minutes.

2011|10|22

2011-10-22T00:55:00.000-06:00

This mama is away on a Scrapbook Retreat at Kenosee Lake this weekend. I just love going on retreats to create and relax...I always come back so fresh and smiling.

Some of my creations over the weekend...

2011|10|21

2011-10-21T01:19:00.001-06:00

Sometimes we need to remember to have fun and 'celebrate life'.

2011|10|20

2011-10-20T01:04:00.000-06:00

We are reminded...beauty is all around us!

I ♥ FALL

2011|10|19

2011-10-19T00:55:00.000-06:00

Checking out birch trees in the area after a client requested their family shoot to include them as a backdrop...now realizing how peaceful & beautiful they are!

It's our 9th anniversary today. Sometimes it seems like just yesterday this picture was taken...then other times, looking back on all our accomplishments and changes over the years, it reminds how far we've come together!

2011|10|18

2011-10-18T00:52:00.000-06:00

Chinese lanterns...saw these on a drive to the States today and couldn't resist capturing them.

2011|10|17

2011-10-17T00:50:00.001-06:00

Another Obviously Chic photo shoot today...here's Alex, our model doing a little cleaning 'cinderella style'.

2011|10|16

2011-10-16T00:48:00.000-06:00

Me with my three kiddos...out for a wagon ride.

2011|10|15

2011-10-15T01:37:00.000-06:00

Date night with our friends Curt & Cindy...with a slight detour to Walmart for a few things before heading home.

2011|10|14

2011-10-14T01:34:00.000-06:00

Jewelry shoot at Obviously Chic today...this adorable camera pin caught my eye!

2011|10|13

2011-10-13T01:31:00.000-06:00

School portraits day...I always like to take my own version before they head off to school.

2011|10|12

2011-10-12T00:59:00.000-06:00

2011|10|11

2011-10-11T00:32:00.000-06:00

Starting this short week with a coffee in my favourite mug.

2011|10|10

2011-10-10T23:45:00.002-06:00

Baking pumpkin pies for Thanksgiving dinner tonight.

It's always good to get together with my sisters...I love how they're always willing to take part in a photo opp!

2011|10|9

2011-10-09T23:38:00.001-06:00

It felt so good to take a family trip today...just the 5 of us. We headed to Meandher Creek Pumpkin Patch...the kids had a blast! We all chose our pumpkins, loved the variety of different pumpkins they had. This family will definitely be back next year for another visit.

2011|10|8

2011-10-08T14:29:00.005-06:00

A long overdue dinner out with friends...what a relaxing evening!

2011|10|7

2011-10-07T14:25:00.049-06:00

Obviously Chic Editorial Shoot!

This photography session I shot in Oxbow with Obviously Chic store owner Jess 'Coco' Cote and models Alex Thieven & Bradley Swayze was a blast! The shoot was to showcase fall outfits in coordination with the launch of Obviously Chic's online store. When I heard Bradley was heading home for a visit in SK (he models in Calgary), I asked if he'd be interested in the shoot with the store model Alex and it all came together wonderfully!

I packed up a few antique items including an old yellow dresser, books, mason jars of marbles, pop bottles of crush, some fresh cut flowers and custom cupcakes made by my niece Kyra. We shot for two hours in the fall landscape of the Bow Valley (just minutes from Oxbow) until we lost light. Then we moved uptown to the historical Greer Block building, owned Lorri Solomon, where I set up my lights and we finished up the shoot.

Here's a taste of the shots we pulled off that day...you can see more here. Looking forward to future shoots like this one...it was so fabulous!

2011|10|6

2011-10-06T20:13:00.000-06:00

Spending some time with Amber & Kim before Kim heads back to Calgary.

2011|10|5

2011-10-05T20:09:00.000-06:00

Auntie Kimmy is down for a visit (for a funeral unfortunately, but we're happy we can have a visit). Scarlett loved getting her nails painted and having some quality time with Auntie Kim.

2011|10|4

2011-10-04T20:08:00.001-06:00

I think he was eating cotton candy...too cute!

2011|10|3

2011-10-03T20:07:00.000-06:00

Don't you just love a fresh box of crayons?

2011|10|2

2011-10-02T20:06:00.000-06:00

Water popsicles...gotta love what their young minds come up with!

2011|10|1

2011-10-01T20:01:00.000-06:00

Happy October

2011|9|30

2011-09-30T20:00:00.000-06:00

What wonderful weather we're having for the end of September...an extended summer. Coco...just swingin'!

2011|9|29

2011-09-29T19:59:00.000-06:00

Fall Leaves...LOVE!

2011|9|28

2011-09-28T19:57:00.000-06:00

If you ask Scarlett what her favorite toy is, she will say 'white puppy'.

2011|9|27

2011-09-27T19:55:00.000-06:00

Oxbow was chosen to be in the CTV Hometown Tour...what a great way for us to represent our wonderful rural area!

2011|9|26

2011-09-26T19:54:00.001-06:00

2011|9|25

2011-09-25T19:53:00.001-06:00

3 Little Munchkins

2011|9|24

2011-09-24T19:51:00.000-06:00

My Dad wouldn't really be a fan of me posting this photo...but when he popped over and Coco wanted to just hang with Papa, I had to snap a few pics.

2011|9|23

2011-09-23T19:40:00.003-06:00

Scarlett had the pleasure of attending Rhett's birthday party today at the local library (just 2 days after his Mom Missy had her 3rd baby). I always love the thought & detail Missy puts into everything...she inspires me to keep being crafty because it is such a special gift. Scarlett had a great time, from the outdoor storytime to the bookworm treats, it was a memorable party to say the least.

2011|9|22

2011-09-22T19:37:00.000-06:00

I have been trying to get back into a morning walk routine...I love beginning my day with breathing in the fresh morning air.

2011|9|21

2011-09-21T19:35:00.000-06:00

It seems that overnight it has turned to autumn around here...my favorite season!

2011|9|20

2011-09-20T19:35:00.000-06:00

Coco's FIRST freezie!

2011|9|19

2011-09-19T19:32:00.000-06:00

One of my favorite summer salads...I learned this one back in my college days.

2011|9|18

2011-09-18T19:24:00.000-06:00

Early this morning I headed out to take photos of 80 runners in the local marathon 'Run the Ox'. Seeing the great turn-out of athletes was awesome and I had a chance to capture each of them once they crossed the finish line. Both of my sisters and niece & nephew ran in the race...way to go everyone!

2011|9|17

2011-09-17T19:20:00.000-06:00

Auntie Amber playing with Coco at Nana & Papas. I seem to remember playing with Amber in the same highchair and the same toy about 23 years ago (oh my, that makes me feel old).

2011|9|16

2011-09-16T19:19:00.000-06:00

Round 2 of the Kindergarten hand photos!!

2011|9|15

2011-09-15T19:16:00.000-06:00

Kindergarten Hands

Scarlett's teacher asked me to take some photos of the students' hands since they are learning all about their 'gentle hands' and how important they are.

2011|9|14

2011-09-14T19:14:00.000-06:00

Our mornings are back to rush, rush, rush. Here's the car full of kiddos on our way to drop everyone off at their destinations (babysitters or school)...then this Mama is off to work!

2011|9|13

2011-09-13T19:12:00.000-06:00

I stumbled upon this today...my Dad & Rich building my sister Amber's deck.

2011|9|12

2011-09-12T19:09:00.001-06:00

More birthday celebrations at Nana & Papas for Ace

2011|9|11

2011-09-11T19:08:00.000-06:00

4 boys had a fun time during Ace's birthday campout!

2011|9|10

2011-09-10T08:01:00.000-06:00

Ace's campout birthday was so much fun (and easy). We had a watermelon eating contest, tent sleepover, watergun fight and a campfire. The best part was that we had a very happy 7-year-old!

2011|9|9

2011-09-09T07:57:00.001-06:00

Happy 7th Birthday Ace!

2011|9|8

2011-09-08T07:53:00.000-06:00

Scarlett received this unique birthday party invitation in the mail from her friend Rhett. His Mom Missy (a friend of mine) has the most wonderful crafty ideas, I thought she deserved mention here for her great ideas.

2011|9|7

2011-09-07T07:51:00.000-06:00

Scarlett's first day of school. She was so excited to start Kindergarten and would go everyday if she could. We are so excited for this new beginning for her and we know she'll do awesome.

2011|9|6

2011-09-06T07:47:00.000-06:00

Garden fresh tiny tim tomatoes from my parents garden.

2011|9|5

2011-09-05T15:56:00.001-06:00

Summer Smores...yum!

2011|9|4

2011-09-04T15:54:00.002-06:00

Drawing baby.

2011|9|3

2011-09-03T14:46:00.000-06:00

Today we discovered we ran out of waffle mix when the kids requested them...shouting and jumping up and down excited to have their favorite breakfast. So off to the internet I go to search for a quick recipe...don't you just love online recipes! We tried this version and loved it so much we made a double batch and froze the rest to pop in the toaster. Here's the recipe!

FROM SCRATCH WAFFLES

(Adapted from allrecipes.com)

INGREDIENTS

2 cups flour

1 tablespoon baking powder

1 teaspoon salt

3 tablespoons white sugar

4 egg yolks

4 egg whites

1 1/4 cup milk

1/2 cup vegetable oil

DIRECTIONS

- In a large bowl mix flour, baking powder, salt & sugar. Make a well in the center of the bowl.

- In a separate bowl, mix together the egg yolks, milk and oil. Pour into well of flour mixture and stir well. Stir just until ingredients are moistened.

- In a small bowl beat egg whites until stiff. Fold into batter.

- Cook batter in waffle iron.

Yield: 6 full sized waffles

2011|9|2

2011-09-02T09:55:00.002-06:00

Today was the last day for the kids with Nanny Kelsey...they had a wonderful summer with her and Cory & I couldn't have accomplished all that we did with our businesses without her. Thanks Kelsey...we wish you the best as you go onto becoming the Preschool/Pre-K teacher here in Oxbow...you are such an aspiring, capable young person to have in our community.

2011|9|1

2011-09-01T02:06:00.000-06:00

Ace's first day of Grade 2!

What a month...August 2011

2011-08-31T01:12:00.000-06:00

Wow...August was a blur!

Some major changes in our family's lives this month. With the amalgamating of the two lumberyards, Cory working full time at the lumberyard, I working full time at the liquor store AND us both carrying on our other careers in the meantime, not to mention family life...there was alot of adjusting for the 5 of us in August. Thank goodness for our nanny Kelsey who kept things going on the homefront as we sorted things out at work. We went from a staff of 6 to a staff of 16 and had 5 people down in one week (3 quit and 2 sick/injured). I definitely asked myself 'why are we doing this' several times and just kept thinking...it's going to get better.

I'm glad it's over, I'm glad we survived...we're so lucky to have each other and hopefully we'll look back one day and think fondly about our accomplishments.

2011|8|31

2011-08-31T01:09:00.002-06:00

Melted Crayon Shapes

Made a little craft today with the kids on their last day of summer before school begins.

2011|8|30

2011-08-30T01:08:00.000-06:00

Happy birthday to our little lady COCO!

2011|8|29

2011-08-29T01:06:00.000-06:00

Cory's Grandparents were so sweet to make a special trip to see us to celebrate Coco's first birthday. Scarlett was so happy she got to pose for a photo with Great Grandma!

2011|8|28

2011-08-28T00:54:00.003-06:00

Coco's turning ONE...we celebrated tonight with a family celebration!

2011|8|27

2011-08-27T00:58:00.000-06:00

Our first trip to the beach this summer...and Coco's first time putting her toes in the sand.

2011|8|26

2011-08-26T01:00:00.000-06:00

My sister and I packed up all of our kids and headed to Minot ND for the day.

2011|8|25

2011-08-25T01:02:00.000-06:00

We whipped up a batch of KoolAid Play Dough this morning...here's the recipe.

2011|8|24

2011-08-24T01:05:00.000-06:00

Headed to the ice cream shoppe for a treat after supper tonight

2011|8|23

2011-08-23T00:46:00.000-06:00

A trip to our local Co-Op grocery store...just a snap of everyday life around here.

2011|8|22

2011-08-22T00:50:00.000-06:00

I remember how much I loved coloring with my Mom as a kid, so it's so special to see Mom coloring with my children!

2011|8|21

2011-08-21T00:45:00.000-06:00

Oh those smiles...so cute!

2011|8|20

2011-08-20T00:44:00.001-06:00

On another lovely summer walk with the munchkins, we stopped to take some photos (imaging that).

2011|8|19

2011-08-19T00:42:00.001-06:00

I loved seeing my friends during summer holidays when I was a kid...because when there's no school, you just don't see your friends as much. Ace and his friend Dominic at the moble playground program.

2011|8|18

2011-08-18T00:40:00.000-06:00

Coco is WALKING!

2011|8|17

2011-08-17T22:57:00.000-06:00

Life is made of moments, small pieces of silver amidst long stretches of tedium. It would be wonderful if they came to us unsummoned, but particularly in lives as busy as the ones most of us lead now, that won't happen. We have to teach ourselves now to live, really live…to love the journey, not the destination. - ANNA QUINDLEN

2011|8|16

2011-08-16T22:33:00.001-06:00

I'm at home to enjoy the kiddos for a week! I have been missing them (and my old life) like crazy since we've taken over these local businesses 2 months ago. Last week I came to the realization I was overwhelmed, so this break is definitely needed.
On a walk today with the kids, we stopped to admire this very full apple tree.

2011|8|15

2011-08-15T00:16:00.001-06:00

During this busy busy month of August we are undergoing...I like that our calendar reminds us to slow down in life and 'spend some time' (with a good glass of wine).

2011|8|14

2011-08-14T00:14:00.002-06:00

Naptime...don't you just love when they're out cold like this and having a great sleep!

2011|8|13

2011-08-13T00:13:00.000-06:00

It's so nice to have a Saturday-night bbq supper on the deck in this nice weather!

2011|8|12

2011-08-12T00:10:00.000-06:00

We had a little impromptu performance from Scarlett this afternoon...she broke out in song and dance from her recital 2011. She makes me smile!

2011|8|11

2011-08-11T23:45:00.001-06:00

Taking time today to capture the little things.

2011|8|10

2011-08-10T22:50:00.000-06:00

Ace had a sleepover with his friend Kyle tonight...the kids had a blast!

2011|8|9

2011-08-09T21:40:00.000-06:00

Coco is taking her first steps! Love that she's wearing all of Scarletts old clothes...just love this summer outfit.

2011|8|8

2011-08-08T21:41:00.000-06:00

We were guests at my Aunt Loelle's home tonight as she hosted a family bbq. I just could not resist taking a photo of her dining room chandilere...it's so elegant!

2011|8|7

2011-08-07T10:49:00.001-06:00

Summer Raspberry...capturing a bit of the season's sweetness.

2011|8|6

2011-08-06T09:12:00.001-06:00

It was adorable to see these two playing together in the empty laundry baskets this morning while I was getting ready for work. Ace doesn't play with Coco as much as Scarlett (since he's usually playing with boy toys) so it was good to see them bonding.

2011|8|5

2011-08-05T08:14:00.002-06:00

Sandy hands on this fine summer afternoon.

2011|8|4

2011-08-04T08:24:00.000-06:00

The kids baked cookies with their Nanny today. Scarlett is such a sweetie, she wanted to deliver them all to the neighbours.

2011|8|3

2011-08-03T08:12:00.000-06:00

Preparing a special gift for some friends today.

2011|8|2

2011-08-02T07:56:00.001-06:00

Ahhh, nothing beats a beautiful Saskatchewan sunset!

Bow Valley Jamboree 2011

2011-08-01T22:52:00.000-06:00

Amazing entertainment in Oxbow this weekend! And from what I hear, the Bow Valley Jamboree is going to be an annual event. (top left) Hangin out with girlfriends from highschool. (top right) Corey and Christa (my sis) and their sunburns. (bottom) Bands playin in the valley!