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What is Blu Couture? Posh + Lovely. An exclusive launch by BLU. haha that sounded expensive! A limited launch by BLU. hehe that sounded expensive too!
WIN a free trip to WPPI Las Vegas March 17, 18 and 19. Blu will pay for airfare, 3 night hotel stay and hook you up with a VIP pass to the hottest party in town March 17th sponsored by BLU. Deadline is February 13th at midnight. Send me a photograph of "LOVE" + in the photo you must display a can of Red Bull. kailee@bludomain.com
Need an invite to the hottest party in Las Vegas WPPI? Invitations will be sent out by March 7th. The party has been confirmed for Monday March 17th. Location is still under wraps. Unfortunately we can't invite everyone so you MUST have an invitation in your hands to get in! kailee@bludomain.com
Not many photographers can inspire lust quite like the ones that I will introduce to you in my SERIES titled " A Look Back at 2007." Join me daily as famous photographers show you their favorite 5 photographs of 2007!
Fusing art and photography, The Image is Found is an indulgence that you are unlikely to regret! There is something beautiful about passion! www.theimageisfound.com
BONUS :: Did you know that the most important trait for a man in his relationship is trust.
2. Ever time I go camping I would come back with a mosquito bite! If you are like me and need someone to give you first aid over a silly little bite, then you will appreciate an Intelligent Talking First Aid Kit
BONUS ::: Did you know that the first on-screen kiss was between John C. Rice and May Irwin in the 1896 movie titled The Kiss
3. I love guys that wear bad*@*$ shoes! Check out Timberland's livid-in, rugged new vintage inspired shoes! BUY YOU SOME NEW SHOES
4. The NEW MacAir notebook will be too small for the conventional notebook bag! Look what I found! www.sfbags.com
5. People are talking about Coach's new spring line. I was thrilled to see the new Bridget Metallic Clutch. Young + Flirty! www.coach.com
6. Have zero $$$ to hire a caterer or wedding coordinator for your wedding? DIY Wedding makes it easy to spend less and create an event that is entirely original. Inspiring ideas, countless resources, budgeting tips, contract templates, plus start-to-finish projects ease the planning pressure. The DIY Wedding
9. Impress your wife I girlfriend for Valentine's Day. Staxx Rings- a unique custom ring that is stackable. BUY HER A FUNKY RING
10. 1. The Best Find Today ::: The finest bicycle in the world! Each bike is designed for the client and built from scratch. How can you resist??? www.vanillabicycles.com
Comment box will be off during off business hours!!
Coming soon
::: Blu Couture
::: Splash pages galore!
::: Meet George's new best friend
::: baby mini sites for your clients.
::: That "b" word
WIN a free trip to WPPI Las Vegas March 17, 18 and 19. Blu will pay for airfare, 3 night hotel stay and hook you up with a VIP pass to the hottest party in town March 17th sponsored by BLU. Deadline is February 13th at midnight. Send me a photograph of "LOVE" + in the photo you must display a can of Red Bull. kailee@bludomain.com
Need an invite to the hottest party in Las Vegas WPPI? EMAIL BLU!!!! Invitations will be sent out by March 7th. BTW everyone and everybody will be there. The VIP list is HOT! NEW information 400-500 people will be INVITED and the list will be whittled down once location is confirmed.
Not many photographers can inspire lust quite like the ones that I will introduce to you in my SERIES titled " A Look Back at 2007." Join me daily as famous photographers show you their favorite 5 photographs of 2007!
Will he be BLU's next Photographer of the Year? Not only is he one of America's best senior photographers, he is only 23 years old! Dan Brouillette
1. This distressed hobo by Rebecca Minkoff is big enough for all the things you have to schlep—and cute. www.rebeccaminkoff.com
2. This new children's show has preschoolers grooving to the beat. Meet Yo Gabba Gabba Muno! www.babesta.com
4. Season 3 ended with a flash forward of Jack and Kate off the island. Season 4 premieres on ABC this Thursday. Yep, I can hardly wait.
5. Claws often come out when there are hot new bracelets to be had.www.dillonrogers.com
6. As close to an outdoor experience as you'll get without leaving your home! www.xbiking
7. Snacks that are VERY good for you! String cheese + almonds + green apples + water + protein bars.
8. Himalayan White Gold Crystals for the bath are reputed to be equivalent to a 3 day de-tox. www.spacenk.com
9. Did you know that ... Ordering extra foam instead of whipped cream next time you are at Starbucks can cut up to 110 calories and up to 11 grams of fat.
10. French Toast ::: 2 slices of Ezekiel cinnamon raisin bread + 2/3 cup of egg whites + 1 cup blueberries + 1 tsp, Splenda + 1 pinch salt + cooking spray + sugar -free syrup.
Whisk egg whites, milk, Splenda, and salt. Soak the bread in the mixture. Heat skillet with cooking spray. Cook bread one slice at a time until light brown. Top with berries and sugar-free syrup.
Did you know 1 slice has ONLY 323 calories? Did you know one IHOP stuffed french toast has 1,500 calories?
FYI If you are missing any prizes from BLU contests email me immediately at kailee@bludomain.com. Some prizes are still back ordered but I found out today one person is REALLY missing there prize.
** Stay tuned BLU giving away one FREE TRIP TO WPPI (includes airfare, 3 night hotel stay and VIP invite to the hottest party!) What it doesn't include: food or transportation. Contest rules to be announced tomorrow.
Is Blu about to launch it's biggest launch yet? Stay tuned.
Blu locks down the HOTTEST location for WPPI party. I could explode.
Need an invite to the hottest party in Las Vegas WPPI? EMAIL BLU!!!! Invitations will be sent out by March 7th. BTW everyone and everybody will be there. The VIP list is HOT! NEW information 400-500 people will be INVITED and the list will be whittled down once location is confirmed.
Not many photographers can inspire lust quite like the ones that I will introduce to you in my SERIES titled " A Look Back at 2007." Join me daily as famous photographers show you their favorite 5 photographs of 2007!
Boutwell Studio is a brand that takes it's name seriously. Where crazy, beautiful meets playful bliss. What is there NOT to love about Chenin Boutwell? www.boutwellstudio.com
1. If you have been itching to time your fastest 40 .... www.nixonnow.com
2. Clearly inspired by the late 80's and 90's these Claw Money sunglasses are dope for summer! BUY SUNGLASSES
5. Need a swimsuit that is a little more racy than a one-piece and not as revealing as a two-piece? 2008's hottest piece of swimwear is the cut-out swimsuit. www.newport-news.com
6. Canon unveils 12-megapixel EOS Rebel XSi.... a new entry-level SLR camera. I won't pretend to know more about cameras then my audience! Available in April 2008.
7. Ketosis ::: When our body uses fat for energy. Need to jump start your weight loss? 2 meals a day for 12 days. One meal: 4 ounces of cream cheese + 3 whole eggs. Meal two: green vegetables + 4 oz of beef or fish (no white fish) + 4 oz of cream cheese. Drink only tea, coffee or water. Why pay for inside information hehe.
8. Super Bowl XLII Tidbits
* Super Bowl XLII will be held at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona
* No host city team has ever played in the Super Bowl in their home stadium.
* The NFC leads 21-20 all-time but the AFC has won eight of the last 10 games after losing 13 straight.
* 21 Quarterbacks have been named MVP of the Super Bowl, the most of any position.
* The Patriots have won three Super Bowls; with a win they’ll join the Steelers (5), Cowboys (5) and 49ers (5) as the only franchises to win 4 Super Bowls.
* Tom Coughlin is coaching in his first Super Bowl as a head coach.
* 18 sets of brothers to have reached the Super Bowl. Eli and Peyton Manning are the first set of brothers at quarterback.
* Tom Brady + The Patriots WIN Super Bowl!!!
9. Girls pay attention.... Oversized Hobo Handbags, Black and White Frame Bags, Exotic Clutches, Bold Chain Detailing, Fringes, Retro Styles, and Candy Colored Handbags are HOT this spring season. zacposen.com
Need an invite to the hottest party in Las Vegas WPPI? EMAIL BLU!!!! Invitations will be sent out by March 7th. BTW everyone and everybody will be there. The VIP list is HOT! NEW information 400-500 people will be INVITED and the list will be whittled down once location is confirmed.
Not many photographers can inspire lust quite like the ones that I will introduce to you in my SERIES titled " A Look Back at 2007." Join me daily as famous photographers show you their favorite 5 photographs of 2007!
WWW.JINKYART.COM is a sanctuary of some of the world's most awe-inspiring photographs. Here's why most people can't get enough! ( do you love this photo of famous photographer Barb Uil and her children? Taken live in Australia in the middle of the night just for you. )
1. May you rest in peace Heath Ledger.
2. Draw attention to your red hot mama this Valentine's Day with the NEW "pretty in pink" IPod at www.apple.com
3. Spread the love! The perfect + most unique Valentine cards by Rick Ruggles. www.foundhearts.com
4. The top 8 things a guy can give his sweetheart on Valentine's Day:
Jewelry * Lingerie * A Weekend Getaway * An Hour at the Spa or a Day at the Spa or a Weekend at the Spa * Flowers * Chocolate * A Special Date * Sex Toys...... and don't forget the handwritten card professing how much you truly love her! BUY PRETTY THINGS
5. Whether you walk or run BLU is encouraging you to take on the 2 miles a day ::: 5 days a week challenge. Starting today! Challenge ends February 29th. 2 miles keeps you motivated + and is an easy mileage to do 5 days a week. Plus consistency is the formula to results.
6. Get caught up in the drama of Sia's new album "Some People Have Real Problems!" www.siamusic.net
7. Super Bowl XLII :::: New England Patriot Quarterback ::: Tom Brady + New York Giants Quarterback ::: Eli Manning
New England Head Coach ::: Bill Belichick + New York Giants Head Coach ::: Tim Coughlin
Did you know that Patriots LB Adalius Thomas and Giants DE Justin Tuck are cousins.
Did you know that Jeff Feagles will be the oldest Super Bowl participant at 41 years, 365 days.
Did you know that The Giants are the only team in NFL history to win 10 straight road games in a season!
Did you know the New England Patriots will win the Super Bowl!!!!
8. It's pretty and shiny, but it's black so it's very lady like for my laptop. It works if I am dressed up or dressed down and fits everything! Laptop Cases at J CREW
Need an invite to the hottest party in Las Vegas WPPI? EMAIL BLU!!!! Invitations will be sent out by March 7th. BTW everyone and everybody will be there. The VIP list is HOT!
Not many photographers can inspire lust quite like the ones that I will introduce to you in my SERIES titled " A Look Back at 2007." Join me daily as famous photographers show you their favorite 5 photographs of 2007!
Jesh De Rox truly excels in detecting the beauty that extends beyond time and place. He is truly inspirational! LifeAsAnArtform.com
1. "There's only one corner of the universe you can be certain of improving that's your own self," Aldous Huxley
Pick up a copy of this week's hottest fitness read the 12-Second Sequence Book by famous celebrity trainer, Jorge Cruise. www.12second.com
2. A pretty pedicure + gladiator shoes. Tragic but true, the gladiator shoes are going to be a huge trend this summer! My heart cries on the inside. www.samedelmanshoe.com
3. Did you know I am a pescatarian? Yes I abstain from eating all meat and animal flesh with the exception of fish! The best meal: A fresh piece of wild salmon. onions, garlic and a glass of red wine. www.vitalchoice.com
4. A Chocolate Dipping Adventure by Hotel Chocolat will give you the satisfaction of having a one night stand. Hotel Chocolat
5. Political fashion. STEVE JOBS FOR PRESIDENT!! For those of you who do not like the choices presented to you in this year's Presidential Race perhaps you can find room in your wardrobe for this item.
9. Daily Super Bowl tidbits. PRINCE is set to perform in the PEPSI SUPER BOWL XLI HALFTIME SHOW. Grammy–Award winning performer BILLY JOEL will sing the National Anthem during the Super Bowl XLI Pregame Show on CBS. And Tom Brady will lead the New England Patriots to a Super Bowl XLII Win in Arizona.
10. Did you know that the Aepyornis Maximus is one of the best extinct animals? The elephant bird stood taller than a basketball hoop and you could make 40 omelets from one of its foot-long eggs
CONGRATULATIONS TO one of our BLU photographer who was discovered YES in our clients launched page by a BIG IT GIRL in Hollywood and booked for one of 2008's BIGGEST weddings this summer today. Once they shoot the wedding I will post what I can! I am told an hour ago by this Hollywood IT GIRL that she is going to use this BLOG + site as a resource tool and has asked me to provide her a list of the photographers who are SUPER talented. She also mentioned some BIG magazines, producers and other peeps she knows that will be personally contacted by her to introduce BLU. I love that this photographer is NOT well known yet.
Happy Monday!
::: Blu to head to WPPI in Las Vegas! Email Me to get on our VIP invitation only party list. The list is growing! PS I will not confirm your email at this time due to the large amount of requests for invitations. March 7th you will hear from BLU about the HOT details.
::: Blu to launch BLU Couture. My favorite yet!
::: Life is getting back to normal at BLU! Thank you for being incredibly patient. WOW!
1. One step away from perfection! First I want to say I looooove Tom Brady! The New England Patriots undefeated journey continues.... and I am rooting for them.
2. The company that should be on your radar! Teavana has carved a niche for itself - a la Starbucks- for tea drinkers. Trust me 100 percent on this one, if you love tea then you will LOVE Teavana! The company has not gone public but when they do I will be buying stock. They are on my hot list for 2008. The tea is highly addictive and incredibly healthy for you.
4. Playful and seductive, Prada 'Infusion D'Iris' Eau de Parfum Spray is an enticing scent! My new favorite! www.nordstrom.com
5. WHY YOU SHOULD READ THIS BOOK : In Defense of Food shows us how, despite the daunting dietary landscape Americans confront in the modern supermarket, we can escape the Western diet and, by doing so, most of the chronic diseases that diet causes. We can relearn which foods are healthy, develop simple ways to moderate our appetites, and return eating to its proper context -- out of the car and back to the table. www.amazon.com
6. Hands down my favorite for a super long lasting energy boost. 5 Hour Energy Drink gives you hours of energy without crashing!
Dying is not the correct word. A big thank you to Jessica who did a wonderful job relieving me while I was "sadly" not on VACATION.
This week the team is devoting time to "cleaning up" our email boxes and finding any clients that fell through the cracks due to unexpected PRESS.
::: BLU COUTURE TO LAUNCH SOON. Posh and Lovely.
::: BLU HIRES NEW CONCIERGE! MEET HER SOON!
::: BLU DENIES INVITATION TO BE ON ONE OF BIGGEST SHOWS YET. Duh! That was an easy decision.
::: 2008 you will not believe where we take you next in our goal to give you the best product.
What a great learning experience and what I love about BLU, is that it is the learning curves that keep us inspired, positive and seeking and devising new solutions, tactics and on the mission to have the best customer service in the industry. hehe I can feel you rolling your eyes but when you are hit by unexpected good press it can sorta turn into NIGHTMARE press. REALITY is that we knew we did the best we could in the midst of the storm and we can only say we are VERY sorry if we made you disappointed, sad, mad, angry, frustrated" Please forgive us because it was kind of not our intentions.
No more on this subject. We are moving on to inspire, innovate and gosh I have never been more excited then BLU COUTURE!!!
Peace and love and spread the word BLU is aware that we were unprepared for unexpected press.
My last post and my last giveways!! I want to thank all of the designers and artists that have donated to all of these fun contests. I would also like to thank all of you that have been participating. It's been fun!!
Our winner for the logo contest is Dani Van Steelandt. I LOVE this!! There were so many creative logo creations. You guys would not believe how cool some of these were. Congratulations Dani!! You win a customized logo by Tina Wood at Piece of Cake Designs. You are going to love working with Tina. She is awesome! So easy to work with, not one complaint, no matter how picky I was. ;)
Sarah Skow has won the pink grapefruit contest. Congrats Sarah!! You win an Asuka action book from Pink Grapefruit Designs These are so fun to build and so easy to use.
This little man is our superhero tonight. His Mom, Jocelin Blohm.
What a cutie!! Jocelin wins the Kubota #3 pack of actions from . Congratulations!!
Shannon Post Is our winner for the messiest room! She will win
Eye Candy Presets. Congratulations and thank you for helping me feel better about my messy house!!
The winner of our self portrait contest is Pandora! Congratulations girl! I'll be sending you a $50 to Lensbabies. Congratulations!!
Congrats to all of the winners over the last 5 days. Thanks so much for tuning in. It's been fun!!
I have a winner for the Chocolate Cactus logo contest. Now remember, this was just for fun, Jodi will not be using this design, I just wanted to see what you guys could come up with since she has such a unique and interesting business name.
The winner, Joyce Blohm, will receive half off Jodi's logo design templates!! This is a savings of $200!! Huge!! Congratulations!! I would love to see your logo when Jodi is finished. She is very talented!
I have sooo many subjects that I love to photograph....seriously! I love newborns, kids, families, weddings and professional dancers to name a few.;-)
3. What is your absolute favorite subject? Why?
Call me crazy, but I love family shoots. I just love the interaction and spontaneity...especially when young kids are involved. There is never a dull moment.
4. What is your least favorite? Why?
After having wasted part of my day trying to take a new self portrait, I'd have to say my least favorite subject is ME. I'm most uncooperative.;-)
5. What camera do you use?
Right now I'm using the Canon 20D but am finally upgrading to the 5D in March.
6. What is your favorite lens?
My favorite lens that I own is my Canon 28mm 1.8. My favorite rented and "lust after" lens is the 24-70mm 2.8.
7. Do you do on location photography, studio, both?
While I have big dreams of eventually having my own studio space, I'm strictly on location for now.
8. What is your favorite thing about being a photographer?
Not having to work in a cubicle.;-) That and I LOVE being able to capture personality, interaction and special moments in an artistic way. And while editing can sometimes be monotonous, the job as a whole is anything short of boring.
9. If you were a teacher of photography, what is the first thing that
you would teach your student?
I would teach my student a few things. First, that no matter what, you will never know it all....there is always more to learn. Second, never get complacent. And third, ego's are just plain ugly.
10. Can you share two photoshop tips with us?
Ok, well I'm not really as PS savvy as I wanna be, but two things that I love and that help save me time are:
1. PS shortcuts
2. The ability to edit jpegs in ACR with CS3. Even though I shoot RAW, it's nice to have this option...especially in second shooter circumstances when you need consistency in your editing.
11. Define your photography style.
I would like to think that it's unpredictable (in a good way), moving and creative.
12. How do others view your style?
I've been told my style is fun, bold and spontaneous. And my dance work has been described as "elegantly twisted". I think I'm gonna go ahead and take that as a compliment.
13. How long have you been in the business of photography?
I've been in business since the beginning of '06.
14. Do you use actions and presets or do you manually edit each photo?
Yes and yes.
15. If you use actions and presets, what are your favorites?
I use itty bitty actions in addition to lots of free actions out there. I'm really diggin' Marina's underground presets too.
16. What's your favorite movie?
Pursuit of Happyness.
17. What kind of music do you like?
I really and truly like it all! My all time favorite artist is Sarah McLachlan. I have to say my two recent faves though, are Anberlin and Yoav (so excited for the new album coming out on the 28th!).
18. How long does it take you to get your clients proofs back to them
after a shoot?
My site says 10-14 days. I try to keep it closer to the 10 day mark.
19. Can you share two favorite photos with us? Oh man, this is so difficult to do! I have so many faves. Oh well, here goes....two of my all time faves:
Who wants to win a $50 gift certificate to Lensbabies? First person to send me in a new self portrait will win this certificate. I need a self portrait, that has been taken tonight!! So I want to be able to read "I love Blu" in the photo. It cannot be added with photoshop, it must be in the photo. Send your photo no larger than 660 pixels to blu@jessicahughes.com.
This blogging takes a lot of time out of the day! My house is a wreck! I want to see your messiest room (so I don't feel so horrible). All photos are due in by 10:30 pm central time. This gives you an hour. You'll win K.Lane's presets, which rock!!
Eye Candy. Send your entry sized no larger than 660 pixels to blu@jessicahughes.com.
One more!!! I have one more gift from Pink Grapefruit Designs. One more Asuka book action template. Yay!! I need someone to draw me a photo of a pink grapefruit against blue background. Make it pretty. ;) First person to send me this drawing, with colors, crayons, markers, paint, whatever, sized at no lager than 660 pixels to blu@jessicahughes.com,will win!!
Our first place winner is Meredith Williams Congratulations!! I love, LOVE the color that you have captured here. Very creative and appealing to the eye!!
You win the storyboard templates from
Pink Grapefruit Designs, which is a $200 value. You're gonna love these!!
Second place goes to Erik Kirchhoff. You win an Asuka ACTION book Template from Pink Grapefruit Designs. I own this one. It makes it so easy to make an Asuka book, and I love her simple design. Congratulations!! This is a great photo. I am limited by size on uploading photos. I hope it shows up large enough so you can see each person. Love the expressions on their faces! This is fantastic!! Congratulations! This is a great photo. I am limited by size on uploading photos. I hope it shows up large enough so you can see each person. Love the expressions on their faces! This is fantastic!!
Third place goes to Emily Clark. Emily wins a collage/ template from
Pink Grapefruit Designs. Congratulations! This is a great photo. I am limited by size on uploading photos. Emily Clark. I love your creativity Emily. This little girl is adorable! Way to put everything together!!
I've decided on my new logo! I'm excited to use it on my new marketing pieces that I'll have coming out soon. This was made by Tina Wood at Piece of Cake Designs.
Tina is giving away one free logo design...tonight!!
Here are the contest details.
I want you to make Blu's logo out of something in your home, take a picture of it, and send it sized no larger than 660 pixels to me at blu@jessicahughes.com. I will accept entries until 10:00 pm central time. I will make the winner announcement soon after.
Want to browse around and check out some talent? Here are some of the photographers that I admire.
Another fun contest!!
Kubota Image Tools is giving away Kubota Artistic Tools Vol 3. Actions!! I have these and LOVE THEM!!
If you are familiar with the Kubota website and products you know that they have a superhero theme. I want to see your superhero! I will accept photos until 10:00 central. The winner will receive the actions. Please send your photos no larger than 660pixels to blu@jessicahughes.com
I'll be back in an hour or two with another interview, contest, and the winner to the Chocolate Cactus logo design. :)
This is my last night here. I've had lots of fun with you guys! Thanks for putting up with me. Kailee will be back tomorrow, and whew...she deserves lots of hugs and kisses. She works hard to keep us all entertained!
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