Let's Party!

My sister Lori and I have lots of things in common.

In the past year or so, though, we have embarked on
similar but very different adventures.

I started my own photography business.

Lori started a business named "Cooking Sense" with her friend Terri.
They offer cooking classes in your home for you and a group of friends.
Pick a menu.  They teach you how to make everything - hands on.
Then they leave and you enjoy a dinner party with your friends.

In addition, many people have been asking them to cater events
such as parties, wedding showers, and even weddings.

While I was visiting before Christmas, they were preparing to cater
a Christmas party, so I was happy to help out in any way I could.
After days of shopping and detailed prep work, the party began.

It couldn't have been a more perfect place for a Christmas party -
a beautiful log house on the hillside above Anchorage.

 The family had built the Anchorage airport out of gingerbread on the
island in the kitchen.  It was fabulous!

 They even made the Northern Lights and hung them from the ceiling...

As the sun was setting outside,

 the party began with appetizers...

There were skewers of tomatoes, salami, and olives drizzled with balsamic dressing...

and a cheese fondue with plenty of options for dipping!

 While the appetizers were being served, we were busy in the kitchen getting the dinner ready.

 Lori chopped lettuce for the salad.

There were many toppings for the salad and scrumptious scones.

Carrots...

 Terri was the one slaving over the stove and oven getting the hot dishes ready.

 Chicken marsala - so yummy!

 Hasselback potatoes - a Swedish recipe.

 And something special for the vegetarians in the group.

After the dinner buffet was set out for the guests to eat,
we were once again busy in the kitchen preparing for dessert.

White chocolate covered strawberries...

Home baked chocolate donuts and home-made peppermint bark.

 White chocolate mousse in home-made waffle cups.

But the hit of the dessert table, especially with the kids,
were the mini milkshakes!

Terri and Lori pulled off a VERY successful party with MANY compliments
on the delicious menu, from start to finish!

Congrats to Lori and Terri!

I'm glad I had to opportunity to see them at work and experience the work
that goes into catering a party.  I'm also glad I was just the worker bee who
did the easy stuff and had time to take pictures!

My Talented Niece!

While I was in Anchorage last week, I had the privilege of watching
my niece, Hali Carr, work her magic!  She was doing hair and
make-up at Nordby Photography Studio and since I love
photography and love Hali, it was an exciting afternoon for me!

When I arrived, I caught the end of a themed shoot for a contest
that Nordby was running.  The cupcake/candy theme was at its
most messy.  Hali had just sprayed Jillian's hair pink and was
adding pink frosting to her face, hair, and body along with pink
sprinkles.  It was fun to watch and it was definitely very different!

After this, Hali was doing Leah's hair and make-up.

Leah was doing a boudoir shoot that she was a little nervous about.
Not only did Hali do a fantastic job getting Leah ready to go in front
of the camera,

she was also there to give encouragement and make adjustments
as the shoot went along.

Leah looked so beautiful!

Even at home, Hali did Kerry's make-up one day...

even though Kerry didn't take it quite so seriously!

She looked absolutely beautiful!

Hali has recently started a blog about style, fashion, make-up...

Check it out at halicarr.blogspot.com

Here are a few pictures of other girls that Hali has worked her magic on:

Oh yes, this last one was done for Halloween!  This is Hali.
Her talent is endless!