Category Archives: Holiday

My mind is having trouble writing an introduction to this post. I want to tell you all about what I’ve been up to & where I am going, but I think that will be another post on another day. There has been a lot of thought & intentional planning behind the scenes to transition my old content to a new format. I am still working on curating my work, but thrilled to see my online pages begin to reflect where I am.

It has been a dream of mine to open a portrait studio. Until then, I’ve been renting studio space downtown as needed per session. It is hard to believe it snowed the week of this late March session, but we were cozy inside with little Cayden.
Loved his sweet cheeks & classic rompers his mama dressed him in celebration of turning one.

Spring Portraits in Dayton, OH by AndreaDozier.com

Spring Portraits in Dayton, OH by AndreaDozier.com
Spring Portraits with AndreaDozier.com in Dayton, OH

Spring Portraits with AndreaDozier.com in Dayton, OH
Spring Portraits with AndreaDozier.com in Dayton, OH
Spring Portraits with AndreaDozier.com in Dayton, OH
Spring Portraits with AndreaDozier.com in Dayton, OH
Spring Portraits with AndreaDozier.com in Dayton, OH
Spring Portraits in Dayton, OH by AndreaDozier.com
Spring Portraits with AndreaDozier.com in Dayton, OH
Spring Portraits with AndreaDozier.com in Dayton, OH
Spring Portraits with AndreaDozier.com in Dayton, OH
Spring Portraits with AndreaDozier.com in Dayton, OH
Spring Portraits with AndreaDozier.com in Dayton, OH
Spring Portraits with AndreaDozier.com in Dayton, OH
Spring Portraits with AndreaDozier.com in Dayton, OH
Spring Portraits with AndreaDozier.com in Dayton, OH

Spring Portraits in Dayton, OH by AndreaDozier.com

Packaging Inspired by the lovely pins from Artifact Uprising.

Gift Certificates for Mama’s Day Portrait Sessions available until May 4, 2014

Jennifer Stanley, of Lost & Found Vintage Rentals has been so gracious to open her studio to other photographers. She has a great selection of vintage pieces and she does so much during the sessions too!
She can hold a reflector & make babies laugh, a woman of many talents! ♥

 

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  • Justine - April 24, 2014 - 6:59 pm

    This family makes my heart sing. I love who they are and what they stand for! You captured their inner beauty, Andrea. What a treat your photography is to them and the world!

 Love is Christmas
by Sara Bareilles

I don’t care if the house is packed
Or the strings of light are broken

I don’t care if the gifts are wrapped
Or there’s nothing here to open

Love is not a toy, and no paper will conceal it
Love is simply joy that I’m home

I don’t care if the carpet’s stained we’ve got food upon our table
I don’t care if it’s gonna rain, our little room is warm and stable

Love is who we are, and no season can contain it
Love would never fall for that
Let love lead us, love is Christmas

Why so scared that you’ll mess it up? When perfection keeps you haunted
All we need is your best my love, that’s all anyone ever wanted

Love is how we do, let no judgment overrule it
Love I look to you, and I sing

Let love lead us, love is Christmas
Let love lead us, love is Christmas 

As I’ve been ironing & trimming the last few scraps of muslin fabric, tying the last pine branches to picture packages,
and assembling prints for the last time this year, I’ve been drinking in the message of this beautiful song.

I first heard it as I was losing my mind “Christmas spirit” as I wrestled stubborn broken lights that wouldn’t untangle from my
pre-lit tree. My hands were scratched from hours of trying to undo the perfect wrapping of lights that were clearly never
intended to be removed from the tree. It was the beginning of the month and I was already failing.

When Decembers roll around, I want to give my kids a hearty portion of treasured Christmas memories.
The truth is, it’s nearly impossible for any of us to squeeze in every ounce of our good intentions.

Aiming for perfection as a mother is a guaranteed quick fail.

Instead of surrendering to the certainty that I will always be inadequate during this season,
I’m encouraged that tender love will be remembered far more fondly than shiny packages or plastic toys.

Boys Playing Magicians in a Storage Container

Kevin handcuffing Damian and teaching him the “magic trick” of getting out.
He is obsessed with magic tricks this year!

Parking lot fun
Snow
Snow fight

My glasses broke in this snowball fight. It will always be epic to us.

Love when he can wear big brother

I loved that he was able to fit his big brother’s old coat & sweater.
He loved his red ambulance & wearing a green Angry Bird on his forehead.

Love is Christmas

We live simply & imperfectly & I am so grateful every second of this wonderful life. ♥

Really though, check out this song if you haven’t heard it already.

All images taken from my iPhone 4 and edited in the app Afterlight with the exception of the last one.

 

 

 

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The other day, my almost seven year old, Kevin, surprised me with a question.
“So mom, did your life turn out how you planned it to?”

I asked him to repeat himself a few times because I was stammering to answer my restless philosophical twin.
Of course, what I dreamed as a girl does seem very abstract compared to what it’s like to have my own little boys.
They are exactly what I hoped for as well as the cosmic force that blindsided me at first cry. Twice.

I wanted baby scented dolls.
Instead my heart has been threaded and sewn into a primal devotion
that will never know any man made condition or exception.

It scares, saves, humbles, motivates, exhausts, and empowers me.

I’m not sure what I said to answer him.
He cut short my rambling by pinching me for not wearing green.
He said nail polish doesn’t count.

Love that kid.

Star Wars BIrthday Party \\\ Yoda Soda \\\ AndreaDozier.com
Kevin turned Seven on Saturday.

We plan to celebrate his birthday later this spring when all of our family can be in town together,
but we still wanted him to feel special on his actual birthday.
Enlisting the help of family, we had a small dinner with a Star Wars theme.
He’s been obsessed with Jabba the Hutt this year and all Star Wars Lego sets.

Star Wars BIrthday Party \\\ Jabba the Hutt Cake \\\ AndreaDozier.com
Star Wars BIrthday Party \\\ Yoda Soda \\\ AndreaDozier.com
Star Wars BIrthday Party \\\ AndreaDozier.com
Star Wars BIrthday Party \\\ AndreaDozier.com
Kevin was able to Skype with Daddy first thing in the morning. Love how excited he was to do it.
Kevin Turns Seven | Star Wars Style

Star Wars BIrthday Party \\\ Yoda Soda \\\ AndreaDozier.com
Kevin Turns Seve | Star Wars Style
After I covered the cake with the crumb coating, I realized I loved the texture… and left it alone.
Perfect for Mr. Hutt.
Star Wars BIrthday Party \\\ Jabba the Hutt Cake \\\ AndreaDozier.com

Star Wars BIrthday Party \\\ Jabba the Hutt Cake \\\ AndreaDozier.com
Star Wars BIrthday Party \\\ Jabba the Hutt Cake \\\ AndreaDozier.com
Star Wars BIrthday Party \\\ Jabba the Hutt Cake \\\ AndreaDozier.com
Star Wars BIrthday Party \\\ Jabba the Hutt Cake \\\ AndreaDozier.com

My mother-in-law treated us to “Yoda Soda,” something she found on Pinterest.
She made ours with a scoop of lime sherbet & Sprite.

Star Wars BIrthday Party \\\ Yoda Soda \\\ AndreaDozier.com
Star Wars BIrthday Party \\\ Yoda Soda \\\ AndreaDozier.com

Star Wars BIrthday Party \\\ Yoda Soda \\\ AndreaDozier.com

Star Wars BIrthday Party \\\ Yoda Soda \\\ AndreaDozier.com

My sister-in-law found really cute Star Wars favors and decorated for us.
Kevin wanted to be “Lego Dude General.”

Star Wars BIrthday Party \\\ Star Wars Party Favors \\\ AndreaDozier.com
She also thought to use these Star Wars Easter Egg as favors. They were perfect!
Star Wars BIrthday Party \\\ Star Wars Darth Vader Easter Eggs \\\ AndreaDozier.com

Star Wars BIrthday Party \\\ AndreaDozier.com

Star Wars BIrthday Party \\\ AndreaDozier.com
A very kind person who works with my husband sent a box of Star Wars figurines for Kevin.
We will treasure them, thank you!

Star Wars BIrthday Party \\\ AndreaDozier.com

My mother-in-law also found a cute DIY on Pinterest for making Pool Noodle Light Sabers.
They were a huge hit for the boys. Especially on the snowy day after the party!

Star Wars BIrthday Party \\\ DIY Pool Noodle Light Sabers \\\ AndreaDozier.com

Star Wars BIrthday Party \\\ DIY Light Sabers with Pool Noodles \\\ AndreaDozier.com

Star Wars Party >>> AndreaDozier.com

Star Wars BIrthday Party \\\ DIY Pool Noodle Light Sabers \\\ AndreaDozier.com

Star Wars BIrthday Party \\\ AndreaDozier.com
The day of Kevin’s birthday was chaotic, fun, and fast paced day so I just took iPhone pictures.
I took advantage of the quiet Sunday {with Damian napping} to photograph many of the details I posted.
Kevin and I were almost finished and he wanted me to get a picture of him “using the force,” on a balloon.

It was tricky!

I thought that a little gif {made it on an app called Gif Boom} would be perfect for our attempts…

AndreaDozier.com

Today is a snow day & closed school.
I think these two will find plenty to do to keep me on my toes.

Thanks for following along with us, it’s hard to believe that when I started this blog Kevin was three! ♥

Find me on Instagram // Pinterest // Facebook // Twitter
@AndreaDozier

 

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  • Justine - March 25, 2013 - 7:35 am

    What a sweet party! Simple and rad. He’s a lucky man. Hope I see you soon. =)

  • Andrea - March 25, 2013 - 8:56 am

    Thanks Justine! My mother-in-law and sister-in-law had all the cool ideas, I just got to enjoy the whirlwind with the kids! Can you tell I LOVED your gold balloons?! 😀

  • […] at I’m Topsy Turvy created. Also scope out wedding photographer Andrea Dozier’s hilarious Jabba the Hutt cake, which made me laugh out loud when I first saw it. (Top your cake with a Pop! Star Wars: Jabba the […]

Don’t you love when you see a Pin that seems like something you can actually do?
I saw this “Anti-Pinch Polish” St. Patty’s Day gift idea on Pinterest
and fell in love with the idea!

Here is my own little label for my two favorite shades of green nail polish.
I had fun painting nails with my sisters!

St. Patrick
St. Patrick
St. Patrick

St. Patrick
St. Patrick

St. Patrick

St. Patrick

St. Patrick
St. Patrick
St. Patrick
St. Patrick
St. Patrick

St. Patrick
My “model,” is my gorgeous sister Abby. Many of you will recognize her as my assistant at weddings this past year.
I’m so happy to have her on my team and will share more about that this Spring! ♣

Find me on Instagram // Pinterest // Facebook // Twitter // Vine
@AndreaDozier

 

 

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  • Sofia - March 11, 2013 - 11:51 am

    This is really cool!! Oh and BTW your sister is gorgeous!!!!

  • Anna @ IHOD - March 11, 2013 - 4:38 pm

    I love this idea Andrea! And the photos are perfectly done:D
    This would be so fun to make or give to friends.
    x, Anna

  • Katie O'Keefe - March 16, 2013 - 7:52 am

    This is such a cute idea! I would love to make these as gifts for my co-workers. Love it, and have a great weekend!

  • […] what I said to answer him. He cut short my rambling by pinching me for not wearing green. He said nail polish doesn’t […]

  • Andrea - March 25, 2013 - 9:09 am

    Thanks ladies! I had a lot of fun doing this and I love getting to hang out with my sisters while I work! 🙂

Valentines crept up on us quickly this year. Ours was a busy with a very fun shoot for me, haircuts for the boys, homework, card writing, and Chipotle for dinner. They both had parties and got to come home armed with sweets & cards. Nothing handmade here, I copped out with Mickey Mouse {for Damian} and Lego Star Wars Valentines {for Kevin}.
I bought myself some {droopy} white tulips and have been daydreaming about spring ever since.

Red Velvet Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Icing | AndreaDozier.com
Red Velvet Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Icing | AndreaDozier.com

Last year Kevin & I made a sailboat Valentine box. This year the class decorated bags but he insisted on making a Spaceship box.
He is truly a child after my own heart.

Red Velvet Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Icing | AndreaDozier.com

I’m starting to collect too many coffee mugs.
Damian’s hands are almost the size of mine.

Red Velvet Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Icing | AndreaDozier.com
Red Velvet Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Icing | AndreaDozier.com
Red Velvet Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Icing | AndreaDozier.com
Red Velvet Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Icing | AndreaDozier.com

Red Velvet Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Icing | AndreaDozier.com

Red Velvet Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Icing | AndreaDozier.com

Red Velvet Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Icing | AndreaDozier.com

We had a family birthday so I jumped at the chance to make Red Velvet Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Icing. Around Christmas time I stumbled across Vanilla Bean Curd, so I added that to my frosting instead of vanilla. It helped give them the flavor I wanted & maintain a thickness that makes it easier to pipe and decorate. Definitely plan on using it in more frostings in the future.

Cream Cheese Icing Recipe

  • 2 Packages of Cream Cheese {softened}
  • 2 Sticks of good quality butter {softened} <<< I use Land of Lakes unsalted.
  • 4 Cups Powdered Sugar
  • 2 Tablespoons Vanilla Bean Curd
  • Food Coloring {optional}

Cream butter & cream cheese until it becomes a soft paste without lumps. Slowly add powdered sugar, one cup at a time on low mixing speed. Add vanilla curd & food coloring. Cream Cheese icing can be tricky and sometimes needs more or less powdered sugar, and possibly a few minutes in the freezer to thicken up {especially in the summer when kitchens are hot}. Also great as a fruit dip.

My piping skills are pretty rusty so it took a few tries to even get the one semi-acceptable rose topping you see. After I wiped off the cupcake to re-try, I kind of fell in love with the faux painted brushstrokes.
Might be inspiration for a new batch of cupcakes.

Red Velvet Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Icing | AndreaDozier.com

Hope your weekend was sweet! ♥

 

 Find me on Instagram // Pinterest // Facebook // Twitter // Vine
@AndreaDozier

 

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  • Erin Davenport - February 19, 2013 - 3:13 pm

    What a lovely day! Beautiful icing work, looks delicious. Your kiddos are adorable 🙂

  • Justine Worthington - February 20, 2013 - 3:36 pm

    Oh man those tulips never took off? So sad! Even droopy tulips are pretty, I think. =) And I think we need a baking day or three sometime soon. I’ve dabbled in hobby-level cake baking and decorating and see that you are going to be my perfect partner in crime! See you soon. xoxo

  • Andrea - February 26, 2013 - 10:08 pm

    Thanks Erin! I’m so excited for you & to watch your gorgeous little one grow!

  • Andrea - February 26, 2013 - 10:14 pm

    Justine, they did better than they would have if you weren’t there to help! Yes, bring on the baking! I don’t do it enough anymore & I miss it. Plus it’s way better when you have people to share it with! 🙂