jen mcken lately | southwestern, pa photographer

 

As traveling is winding down (for a little while at least), I’ve been using this time to spend lots of time with family and friends before my next big wedding surge this spring. Here’s a little series, I’m calling “jen mcken lately”, just little snap shots of what’s going on in my life behind the “photography world” scenes. Real life…….all thru  my handy dandy Instagram (jenmcken)

In no particular order…..

 

As in other parts of the US, our Southwestern PA Spring….isn’t quite so “springy”. The sun has been trying SO HARD…. but one good reason to color eggs this year…..so that you can find them in the snow!

This is Erin, she’s my besty from college AND she’s Prego…….with twins!!!  A few weeks ago, I traveled out to Michigan to attend her baby shower, the theme was obviously Dr. Seuss’s “Thing 1 Thing 2”. I can’t take any credit in how awesome her local friends did in decorating for it, since I live so far away, but the girls did an amazing job and it was super cute! I can’t wait to meet Lilliann and Lane! Eeeek!!!

While visiting in Michigan, my Mom and I ventured into a few antique shops around town where we found these little gems! Donut Seeds!!! After we laughed until our bellies hurt, we bought a few packs to bring home. I love a store owner with a sense of humor. Besides, you can return them for a full refund if they don’t work! hahaa! Oh and you may have noticed my green dog. Yeahhhhhhhh….well, I can explain. About a year ago when I dog sat my mom’s white poodle, we dyed her every color of the rainbow so when my mom picked her up, she was Rainbow Bright. Well…….while she watched Gracie while we were away in Key West….let’s just say she got me back! She dropped Gracie off and said, “Happy St. Patrick’s Day!” It’s a good things he needs a haircut, because it almost all came out at the groomers.

We dont’ JUST dye our dogs around here….we also color eggs…you know, so we could find them in the snow!! Just like in everyone elses’s family-it’s tradition. I think it’s funny that she color coordinated them though…..OCD like her Mommy! The funniest thing is, she dyed a couple of the eggs that hadn’t been boiled yet. I feel bad for the person who tries to make egg salad with that one! haha!

We went to see the move The Croods and Mallory gave it two thumbs up….and so did we! It was super cute! For all my photographer friends, you’ll get a kick out of their method for taking a family photo (which they show at the VERY end)…….thank god we’ve come a long way!!! Oh and do you remember these chinese fortune tellers? Mallory and I spent an afternoon putting some of these together. In this particular one, my fortune was “you will get an iphone when you turn 10″……….ohhh to be 8 again!

My dog is a trooper. Not only does she get dyed, but she gets tortured by Mallory! She seriously is the best dog for our family-not only does she not shed (thank you baby jesus!) but she’s so awesome with Mallory. She does basically anything Mallory wants to do and never runs off. I’m so glad that Mallory is growing up with such an awesome pet. You might noticed Gracie’s hair is just a BIT shorter……and white! haha!

I found this rug at one of the import stores I love to shop at. As soon as I saw it, I knew I had to buy it. It reminds me so much of the rugs my Grandma use to put in her kitchen. Besides, I needed a little pop of color! For those of you who know Greg and I in “real life”, you know that Greg is obsessed with restoring old cars. His recent projects include a 50’s chop top rat rod…but he recently purchased this ’53 Apache…..so not only will he have a shop truck to drive around…..but Mama’s gonna have a new prop! Right now she’s looking a little rough, but he’ll have her shined up in no time!

And this one……….well, these past few months have been challenging for me. I’m on my way to becoming healthier. Due to some medical issues and flat out “pure laziness”, I have put on a few unhealthy pounds. With the support of some good friends and an awesome new eating lifestyle, I have managed to loose 30 pounds already…but I have a ways more to go. I’m determined to be able to walk into any store, pick something off the shelf and KNOW that it’s going to fit without having to try it on. I’ll just have to stay away from those “donut seeds”.  I think I’ve done really good so far with having to travel and make good choices at the restaurants while I’ve been away, but I’m hoping come summer….there’ll be a whole lot less of me! And lastly, I  was down to my very last stamp…..and ironically, I thought it was appropriate for yesterday. <3