Food pantries are everywhere, right? Usually around the holidays you donate some canned goods to your local grocery bins and do your much needed part, and this sustains the system, right? It’s not like the US is in a hunger crisis such as Africa, and this isn’t an issue as close-to-home as something like current tax changes or the suffering economy….right?
We’re wrong. All of us are very wrong in thinking (or not thinking) about this issue. There is most certainly a hunger need in this country, this state, this county, and your town. In Arizona, 19.2% of all children under 18 are food-insecure, which is the fifth highest rate in the country (Dept. of Health and Human Services). When the economy started falling, the needy only became needier, but with everyone else struggling, it’s been leaving our donations very short, so short in fact that many of our pantries are completely empty and as our amazing, kind-hearted, outspoken, go-getting friend Jen Thye of Imoni Events was good enough to remind us, this is something we need to turn around. We at the Kimberly Jarman Photography Studio are joining Jen in her crusade to raise 1000 pounds of food in two weeks for the Arizona Hunger Campaign in every way that we can, and we’re reaching out to all we know to help us in this cause.
We want to ensure she reaches her goal, so we are adding in a benefit for the person that brings us the most food, in pounds, to donate to the Arizona Hunger Campaign- a free portrait session and $200 print credit. Yep, we’re pretty serious here, people. We’re asking for food donations to be brought here, to our studio, by June 18th, and the person with the most food in pounds will be rewarded with a free session and $200 print credit.
We’d like to take this moment to turn the floor over to Jen with the details of this crisis, as her words speak so much better than ours, and hope that everyone reading can find a moment to bring their donations to the studio and we can fully support Jen in her important and giving cause.
Dear Friends-
This email comes to you with a very broken heart….
Recently I had a girlfriend try to volunteer her family at a food bank for Disney’s “Give a Day, Get a Day” promotion only to find out that they literally have no food in their pantry. Then I was at church this weekend and was informed of a state wide push to fill the pantries called The Arizona Hunger Campaign. Their goal is to make sure no child goes to bed hungry. You can click here to read about it’s kick off that occurred this past May 6th.
To be very vulnerable with you all, since my pride is much less important than this cause, I have very vivid memories of walking to food banks when I was a kid. My mom was an uneducated, single mother who worked two jobs to make ends meet. But most months she fell short. If it wasn’t for food boxes, my mom would have to endure putting us to bed with growling tummies. As a mom now, I can’t even imagine that scene without breaking into tears. My mom was one strong lady though, so I am going to be just as strong, and bold.
So, I am asking for your help. I personally want to make a difference in this Arizona Hunger Campaign. But I would love your help! I need your help! You can help two ways.
1. You can buy any of the following items:
Peanut butter & jelly
Spaghetti sauce & pasta
Canned meat such as Tuna or Chicken
Canned fruit & vegetables
Cereal
Canned soup
Macaroni & cheese
Rice
Boxed meals (like Tuna Helper)
Canned meals (chili, Spaghetti Os, etc.)
Boxed desserts (instant pudding, gelatin, brownie mix, etc.)
The goal of Arizona Hunger is to raise 5 million pounds of food in one year. My personal goal is to raise at least 1000 pounds of food in the next two weeks. Huge goal, but I know we can do it. In addition to what I am going to donate already, I am going to match whatever you donate to this cause. Dollar for dollar, can for can. This means a lot to me.
This issue ways very heavy on my heart, but I am hoping the next two weeks will change lots of lives for the better, including yours. Thank you in advance for playing your part!
Love you all!
Jenni
It’s not an isolated problem when it’s a problem in the community in which you live. This is our state, these are our children, and this is something we can all do our part to completely change. Please call or email us at the studio, and bring in your donations ASAP. And don’t forget, the person who brings the most will be receiving a FREE portrait session and $200 print credit! We applaud Jen and stand right behind her in this goal, as we know you all will too!
Studio Info:
126 W. Main Street
Mesa, AZ 85201
480.203.1090
jenny@kimberlyjarman.com
Studio Hours: Tues-Fri 9-3
If you need to drop off during non-studio hours, please contact Jenny to make arrangements
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Kimberly Jarman is a Phoenix Wedding Photographer & Arizona Portrait Photographer, located in Mesa, Arizona. We would love to work with you! Please contact us for more information about how to have us photograph your wedding or portrait.
There are some really beautiful venues out here in Arizona and i’ve had the pleasure of being able to photograph many of them! One that I absolutely adore is Sassi, up in North Scottsdale. It’s truly a Gem in the desert.
I wanted to share with you that they are having an open house for people who are interested in learning more about having their wedding at Sassi! I went to the last one and it really is great. You get to meet a ton of different vendors, check out the grounds, and taste the amazing food. If you aren’t sure yet where you are going to get married, I highly suggest that you go to the open house this next weekend!! Information is below!!
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Kimberly Jarman is a Phoenix Wedding Photographer & Arizona Portrait Photographer, located in Mesa, Arizona. We would love to work with you! Please contact us for more information about how to have us photograph your wedding or portrait.
Don’t you hate it when you FINALLLLLLLLLLY get to your amazing vacation location and realize you have all the wrong clothes? Or you forgot to bring those shoes? Or you look way different than anyone else there? Ah, me too! I thought, with it being summer and all, maybe I should help out all my best girlies and create a vacation packing guide, for a couple common summer trips, and save us all from those, “One of these things is not like the others…and it’s ME!” moments as we vacay away our summer! There’s always ways to plans my sweethearts, always!
Somewhere Breezy, Balmy, Beach-y
Be it San Diego, Hawaii, Bali, or Thailand, beach packing is pretty similar and the place most of us will end up (hopefully!) at least once this summer. The basics are pretty obvious here: swimsuit (suck it up!), shorts, sandals, etc. So let’s talk about what commonly forgotten items we will all wish we had packed when hitting the sand and shores:
1. Different types of sunscreen– I really think you need at least two types of sunscreen before going to the beach, one sport/water resistant type and one really high-SPF designed for your face. The direct sunlight on the beach is so harsh, and the chances of you staying there for an entire day mean that you need to be covered as best as possible, from both UVB and UVA rays. Why go on vacation to age 15 years? You need to be sure you have the right coverage, and that you re-apply liberally ALL DAY LONG. I really advocate one for faces, though, because if your skin is anything like mine, your odds of breaking out and reacting to high SPF are pretty certain, and you’ll be happy later when you aren’t coming home with a minefield on your face.
2. A mesh beach bag– A lot of times in packing, you don’t think to pack more bags, but when you’re going to the beach, you are going to want one! To cut down on the odds of stopping at a shop and dropping cash on a beach bag that you’ve forgotten, just stick one in your luggage. Think of it this way: you’re going to want to bring sunglasses, towels, sunscreen, a cover-up, your kids toys, and about two hundred other things, and you’re not going to roll it out there in your suitcase! A mesh bag folds up small, and is ideal for sandy gear being carted around each day. Don’t forget to toss one into your baggage, you’ll be happy later.
3. A straw hat– Don’t you just want to be one of those chic women in black swimsuits and big straw hats with huge sunglasses on the beach, or is it just me? The beach is BRIGHT! But more important than that, your hair is going to look psychotic after a few hours of jumping in and out of the water, playing in the sand, and then lying back against your towel. This is going to form that popular hairdo called matted-puffed-knotted-bird’s nest. Scary. So instead of trying to fashion some sort of bun without a mirror and half of your hair falling out of it and hanging in weird, wet clumps around your head, whip out your fashionista beach hat and voila! You look incredible! Tip: The bigger the hat, the more confident and sexy you look. And if it’s in a bright color? Well, aren’t you just the vixen of the water, bold mama.
4. Mousse– Even if you’ve never used it before, just go get it for this trip. Your hair is different in a beach climate, meaning it’s wavy/frizzy/everywhere. Don’t be the chick that’s blowdrying and straightening her hair for over an hour because the thick, humid air makes drying your hair take fifty times longer than ever before. Everyone is annoyed with that girl, and then even she is annoyed when she realizes all that drying did nothing because the minute she walked outside her hair started curling and puffing. Be the girl with the beachy, easy hair, and the only way to be her is to put mousse in your hair after you wash out the sea. Mousse in your wet hair, swoop it to one side and stick a flower in it. Done. Now you’re THAT girl, the beachy-breezy girl, and the blowdry chick is looking at you with envy and wanting to know your secret to waking up like that. It’s no secret, it’s just hair product.
A Cruise
Cruises are amazing and if you’re going on one this summer I’m SO jealous!!! Cruises can be tricky, though, in terms of packing, because if you’re not a frequent cruiser, you’re kind of unsure on what to bring. Let’s talk about a few things you’ll really wish you had packed:
1. An evening dress– The majority of cruises have at least one activity that is dressy, and you do need to be prepared with at least one nice dress and heels that you like to wear. You don’t want to be the lady in flip-flops and bo-ho skirt while everyone else is in cocktail attire. Now, I don’t think you need to be thinking of commissioning an Oscar gown or anything, just a nice, black dress and a pair of heels. One is the minimum, but if you’re on the cruise for more than three or four days, you probably want to pack a few evening outfits because the ship will have fun things to do!
2. Non-drowsy Dramamine (2 packages)– Ships rock, dip, and sway. Humans do not. Your stomach is going to be very touchy on this trip, especially the first few days, so be prepared before you get on board. Popping two non-drowsy Dramamine before getting on board, and then a few (hundred) more times when needed, is going to save you those miserable moments in your small cabin bathroom wishing you could just jump and end the nausea. It’ll get you through the nights, too, until you get your “sea legs”. Trust me, this is something you really don’t want to forget, and buyin git on the boat after you’re already sick isn’t as smart as taking them first. Think like the Boy Scout motto: be prepared.
3. Knowledge of where you’re docking– Your ship is going to dock in various spots, and you will want to get off the boat, but depending on the cruise line to entertain you can be both expensive and sometimes overly tourist-y, so do your research before you go. Find out the ports beforehand and google them! Maybe there’s some amazing “locals” restaurant or a great hot springs site that the cruise line doesn’t have listed in their excursions itinerary. Maybe it’s really easy to take a taxi to the next town where they have a salsa club that you just need to go to, who knows! If you’re going on a cruise, you should take advantage of every opportunity to have a little adventure, and really see the places you’re going to. Who knows, you might head into that little town and realize you just found your new home/boyfriend/dress/favorite food. Make your own experience, it’s your vacation.
Visiting Family
Ahhhh family trips. They are so great, they are so fun, they are so very irritating at times! You’ve been getting so excited about leaving town and taking a break, and then you get to your cousin/sister/grandma’s house and it hits you pretty fast: this is no vacation, this calls for a drink. Don’t worry, you can pack some things to ease the strain of excessive family time and make sure you all get to relax:
1. Wine– Unless you’re going to a home where no one ever drinks (turn around, retreat, think twice), bringing the gift of wine is a gift to you also. First off, it’s only polite to bring a gift to someone allowing you to stay in their home, and wine is both classy and useful. After you’ve all settled in, go crack it open with your host and ask what you can do to help. Then keep re-filling her/his glass. This will put them at ease (come on, they’ve been cleaning furiously for days before your arrival and stressing that the sheets don’t match), and will set a great tone for your trip. Wine, the gift of peace, in my opinion.
2. A great book– Your hopes are to relax and you’re goal is to feel like you’re on vacation, but with family they will intrude on your boundaries much more than a stranger would. So instead of feeling the constant pressure to participate in millions of well-intended plans and constant conversation, a book can be the best weapon. Very few people will interrupt someone reading, and even fewer will stick around to watch you read. This means on those odd days when you’re in their home, there isn’t a definite plan, and they’re hovering to figure out what entertainment you need next, you whip out your book and just like that, their pressure is relieved and your privacy is restored in close quarters. Also, when do you have the time to read at home? Take advantage of this time away and get lost in a book. It’ll keep the close proximity friendly and easy.
3. A few ideas of your own– How scary and stressful is it when a person comes into town, to your home, and then just….is?! What do you do with them? How much entertaining is necessary? What the heck does your boring town have to offer anyway? When are they going to leave? Well, when you show up at their home, it’s no different! Yes, they’ll definitely be trying to plan before you get there, but give them a hand. Research the town, find out what movies are showing, find a concert, something! Don’t show up and put it all on your host, because they’re already trying to make sure everything is perfect for your arrival. A really good guest is one who doesn’t put the whole burden on the host, and why would you? I mean, what if they’re planning the lamest activities ever? I picture myself showing up at my cousin’s home in Washington with no plans, and then being told we’re going to hike and camp. Umm…..not happening. Nope, before I get there I’m going to scout out some landmarks from Twilight and see what movies came out that weekend. I’m not going to leave MY vacation in someone’s (possibly camping) hands. Do your part, it’ll make everyone happier.
Vacations are supposed to be the best time spent, but oftentimes they are pretty stressful and if you head out the door unprepared, it can really affect your ability to enjoy the things you’ve been looking forward to so much. I really think you can plan ahead, though, and not just plan the logistics, plan for the way you want to feel. If you’re looking for peace, don’t forget your favorite music and books. If you’re looking for adventure, don’t forget your maps. Here’s an example: I am in San Diego this weekend and my goal is to relax (this studio had a crazy month of May!), and my friend there offered up Sea World. My first instinct is YES! I love Sea World! But then I started thinking…..parking. crowds, long day, seagulls attacking me, children-type noises annoying me in a public space….is that the vacation I really want? So while he was lovely to offer, I declined. This is MY vacation, and I’m packing my personal agenda first and foremost! Head out ladies, with all the essentials, most importantly a good, excited attitude! Vacations are a luxury!
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Kimberly Jarman is a Phoenix Wedding Photographer & Arizona Portrait Photographer, located in Mesa, Arizona. We would love to work with you! Please contact us for more information about how to have us photograph your wedding or portrait.
Is it just me, or is summertime just so amazingly wonderful? I know that we live in a climate similar to that of Hades and the thought of scorching car door handles and melted makeup makes us all cringe, but come on, summer is freaking awesome. Everyone is in flip-flops, watermelons are front and center in the grocery store, and most weekends involve a pool or a trip out of town. It also means a wardrobe-180. Summer weather is conducive, especially in this city, to very little clothing, literally, and that’s not everyone’s favorite thing to hear. Alas, my Coppertone Babies, as always, with a few summertime staples, you can move smoothly from work, to a Fourth of July barbecue, to a swim party, to a weekend in San Diego. So let’s get to it, you sizzling summer sexpots!
JennyP’s Summer Needs List
Summer Need #1: Cut offs
Ok, I know that not everyone can run around sporting teeny-tiny daisy dukes, but stop thinking of cutoffs in such a small term, they come in many forms! I don’t care if they’re full-blown Huck Finn-length capris, long shorts, daisy dukes, or even a cut-off, frayed-edge, jean skirt, you need something “cut off”. Nothing says summer quite like a pair of cutoffs and a tank top. What else are you going to toss on for an outdoor concert, weekend of errands, or barbecue? The key is to finding a length that works for you. I have long legs, so I go micro-mini with my shorts. My cousin Reagan is not a fan of her upper thighs (like most women!) so she rocks these great above-the-knee ones she found at H&M a few years ago. My little sister is always running around in a jagged-edge jean skirt, while I saw a woman on the street wearing a pair of capri cutoffs rolled up once so the frayed pieces kind of hung over—genius. There are a lot of ways to wear a great pair of cutoffs, here are some pics of my favorite lengths and ways to wear them!
Sexy and laid back at every length!
Summer Need #2: Bathing Suit
I know. I know! I KNOW. No one wants to hear this. My friend Tara hasn’t purchased a swimsuit since 1998, and that is the honest truth. But unless, like her, you’re perfectly fine with missing 90% of summertime activities and sitting on the side of the pool in winter garb like a total weirdo, you need to just suck it up and go try on 40,000 suits until you find one, just one, that you don’t feel like bridge-jumping in. I did an entire article on finding a suit for your body earlier this year (The Swimsuit Panic Epidemic) , so let’s not reiterate the whole thing, let’s just say this: it’s summer, you need a suit. One piece, two-piece, cut-out, tankini, skirted, belted, polka-dot whatever, you’re going to find one. Then, when you find one, find some little piece of trickery to help get you from the, “I’m outside the water feeling naked and flawed” to “I’m in the water feeling safer and like water is somehow not see-through,” moments, such as a cute sarong, a terrycloth cover-up, board shorts, mini-dress, gauzy over-shirt, etc. We’re in it together, my darlings, we’re all feeling terrified and exposed in these things, but jumping into that water feels pretty dang good in the end. Also, not looking like the party’s overly-clothed weirdo is nice, too.
These ladies managed to skip the fear and let themselves be photographed in one! You can do it!
Summer Need #3: Killer Sunglasses
There are days when I (KB too) will forget eye makeup altogether, and just wear my huge sunglasses. I feel like sunglasses are magic, and once you put them on you’re at least 15 times prettier. My little sister just bought an amazing, gold-rimmed, Lady Gaga-esque pair that when she puts them on, I swear, her whole attitude gets kind of rock star. Sunglasses do more than just make you cooler, though, they are really important eye protection and wrinkle-safeguard. A summer of squinting is going to result in crow’s feet, and the sun seriously can damage your various delicate eye components, especially in such a bright state, so sunglasses are a win-win. Right now, aviators are so uber-cool, the big, Jackie O pair are always classic trendy and anything with a big, expensive logo on the side are usually a cheap way to add some glitz and glam into your wardrobe. No one looks bad in sunglasses, no one looks uncool, and they fit every body type. Sunglasses are a must. Go big and feel the difference in your strut.
Legit. Sunglasses are LEGIT.
Summer Need #4: Sundress
It’s over 300 degrees outside in the shade, you’re sweating before you even get out of the shower, and it’s only 9am. For me, the most comfortable thing to wear in these inhuman conditions is as little clothing as possible, and that means a sundress. Hello, it’s one piece of clothing! There is no layering, there is nothing hugging my sweaty legs, some styles don’t even require many undergarments, and I don’t have to yank and pull at various items while bathed in scorching sunlight. One piece and I’m done. The added benefit to the sheer comfort and convenience is the fact that nothing is more adorable than a sundress! Strapless, spaghetti straps, maxi, mini, A-line, full skirted, knit, cotton, striped, floral—people the options are endless! You can make them both work appropriate and nighttime ready, you can wear them to church and a pool party, and again, you’re only having to think about ONE piece of clothing to create the outfit! Fashion doesn’t really get better than this, in my opinion. Kim probably thinks I’m the girliest chick ever because she never sees me in anything but dresses, but the truth is that I’m not the girliest, I’m the laziest!
Nothing cuter. Except maybe a little pink bunny or my niece, Molly.
Summer Need #5: Sandals
I was tempted to put the title as flip-flops, but I’m leaving the category open to include a few variations on the normal flippy-floppies, because summer sandals take on so many cute forms! It’s not like you can put on your sunglasses, cutoffs, and bikini, then toss on a pair of socks and sneakers. Well, I mean, I sincerely hope you’re not doing this! You need some great summer foot decorations, and there are so many (cheap!) styles in right now. Gladiator sandals are still pretty huge at the moment, and the many variations on these are endless. Flip-flops are my personal go-to item because I somehow have ended up with roughly 500 pairs over the years in different colors, fabrics, and brands. Leather one-straps, bright pink flip-flops, white gladiators, gold strappy numbers, there are about a bagillion (it’s a number, trust me) ways you can make your feet look summery and fashionable from May-August, and please take a moment to at least stop in at Target at grab something that will work with most of your clothes. I saw a lovely woman in a cute sundress the other day…..with what can only be called orthopedic monstrosities on her feet. Now, if she has some serious foot disability precluding her from better footwear, then I apologize, but if not, Lady, I hope you’re reading. It’s just never OK to do what you’ve done.
If you watch SNL…“I got my swim trunks and my flippy floppies”
Summer Need #6: Undone Hair
Dude, it’s hot. The last thing I want to do is stand in the bathroom blow-drying and flat ironing my hair on a cold day, why on Earth would I want to do this when I’m dying of heat exhaustion??? No way, we each need to work out a summer hair regime with as little prep time and maintenance as possible. If your hair is long, just throw in some mousse and shine serum and let it go, and if this is not working for you, try out a trendy low side-bun (the look I wear 3 times a week to avoid hair washing. Yes, I’m gross), or low ponytail. If it’s short, cute headbands work miracles to cover up an undone look. And want to know the trendy secret weapon to making all undone hair look totally summery-chic? A big, huge, flower pinned to one side, Hawaiian-style. It’s almost like a pair of sunglasses; it covers up a multitude of hair sins. When the temperature outside is over 90 degrees, chlorine is in every strand, and the sun is frying it every time you walk outside, the last thing your poor hair needs is a heat-styling marathon. Give it, and yourself, a break. The plus side: it looks really pretty to “let your hair down” sometimes. You might find yourself matching your attitude to the low-maintenance hair you’re rocking. Retire the blowdryer for daily use, and see what else gets into an easy summer-groove in your life. I’m telling you, personal style affects personal life. It’s scientific, I’m certain.
I love summer hair! Soooo easy and beachy and fun!
Summertime, ladies. Think Bob Marley and bare feet. Let’s leave this one with Katy Perry’s new and fun lyrics as our summertime anthem for fashion: Daisy dukes, bikinis on top, sun-kissed skin so hot we’ll melt your popsicle, oh-oh oh-oh.
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Kimberly Jarman is a Phoenix Wedding Photographer & Arizona Portrait Photographer, located in Mesa, Arizona. We would love to work with you! Please contact us for more information about how to have us photograph your wedding or portrait.
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by kimberlyjarman
Imoni Events Wedding Coordination » Blog Archive » Help me reach my goal! - […] in a chaeck. I also encourage you to find ways to gather more food than you could come up with. Kimberley Jarman Studios has already come up with their creative way to gather more items (in addition to what they have […]