One of my best friends is Martha Stewart.  Well, sorta like her.

She has her own blog called The Stocked Pantry, the acronyms are TSP like teaspoon!  Cute, right?

She’s a little shy.  Which is sort of ridiculous since if you search her in my blog, you can easily find photos of her (so, do that).  Michelle is Mrs. M on her blog.  She shares her amazing cooking tips and it’s almost semi-annoying how good she is at everything she does that if she wasn’t one of my best friends, I might be ridiculously envious of her.  Cooking is her passion, and she’s also a graphic designer!   I subscribe to her blog posts so her recipes come in my inbox when she updates her blog, I like it that way. I also suppose that I should learn since I’ll be a Mrs. very soon.

Enjoy a little Q&A session with Mrs. M.  Then don’t forget to wander over to her fabulous blog that is starting to get more hits than my own, and subscribe to her amazing recipes!

How long have you been cooking?
Since I was a little girl cooking has been apart of my life. There are many great cooks in my family so I had a lot of practice but most of my cooking began with my grandma. I remember being in her kitchen with a huge apron tied around my waist, she always encouraged my help. As she would prepare the food I watched and learned. She made everything from scratch so I had a good teacher.

What made you decide to start a blog?
I love to cook food, talk about food and help others be creative in their cooking. What better way to express all three than to start a blog I can have for myself and share with others.

Where do you find your recipes?
Most of my recipes originate while I flip through cookbooks, food magazines and cooking channels. I see a yummy dish or recipe and I build on the idea. I love to be creative in my cooking and try new things.

Name a few staples one should have in their pantry – be easy for the gals who don’t normally cook!
Buy ingredients that can be interchangeable with different dishes. Here are some examples: extra virgin olive oil, canola oil, cans of diced tomatoes and tomato sauce, cans of beans (black beans are super rich in protein), whole grain pastas, brown rice*, whole wheat bread*, flour*, baking powder*, baking soda*, sugar*, honey, peanut butter, jelly … not to mention the staples in your frig/freezer and spice rack! You should always have milk*, eggs*, butter*, lemon juice*, grated cheese* in your frig. Your freezer should have at least one protein in it and a few bags of your favorite veggies and fruits, maybe even some flour tortillas! As for your spice rack, salt, pepper, garlic, dried onion, parsley, basil. From there you can grow, become creative in your cooking and always have a healthy meal.

* Freezable foods that will last much longer if you don’t use them often.

Do you think anyone can be a good cook?
Cooking is like any other skill we have to work at and practice. While some things come easier to some than others, I think that if your heart is in something you will be able to succeed. With that said, if you are determined and you continually practice and learn from your mistakes I think you can become a good cook.

Share your favorite recipe.
This is a hard question for me to answer; I don’t tend to have favorites. I wouldn’t say these are my all-time favorites but this week, as the leaves fall and there is a chill in the air, I enjoyed my Acorn Squash Soup and my Pumpkin Gingersnap Cheesecake!

Diana Elizabeth is sometimes forced to be put to work in the kitchen when she is with Michelle.  Michelle just throws an apron on Diana and commands her to make homemade pie crust, ice cupcakes, or something of the like.  But, she gets to eat it afterwards so she’s really not complaining.

Portraits

Best of luck to the gorgeous girls that stepped in front of my lens that are competing for the title of Miss Arizona Teen USA and Miss Arizona USA November 19 and 20 at Mesa Arts Center!

The Miss Universe Organization is just as important to me as the Miss America Organization because I have also participated in the system having competed as Miss Metropolitan USA and Miss Phoenix USA several years ago and met some of the most incredible women that became my closest friends!

Thank you to Crowning Concepts for collaborating with me on Headshot Day!  Brenna Heater was Miss Arizona USA 2006 and placed Top 15 at Miss USA!  She now coaches contestants who compete in pageants in all systems.

Makeup and hair by Crowning Concepts.

Diana Elizabeth knows that pageants have shaped her tremendously.  Poise, speaking skills, self confidence and self discipline.  And, you can win scholarship money depending on the pageant, score!

Portraits

Brenna Heater, one of my close friends (I was a bridesmaid in her wedding), was Miss Arizona USA 2006 and placed top 15 at Miss USA.  She’s a working model and actress with the FORD/RBA Agency and a busy pageant consultant, coaching girls who are often the winners of several pageant systems.  She is currently on the Miss Utah USA and Miss Arizona USA prep team and is now offering makeup services!

I shot Brenna in my backyard to shoot for her FORD comp card.  When our girlfriends get together, we often share beauty tips.  It’s sort of like a gab fest of the latest and greatest goodies out there, we love sharing! So I thought I’d ask Brenna a few questions to share with you all, whether you’re interested in a few beauty tips, or even entering a pageant!

If a girl wants to get info modeling where does she begin?
Success in modeling has a lot to do with genetics: are you tall (5’8″ – 6′)? Are you naturally thin? Do you have good bone structure? I’ve never been a huge believer in modeling classes–either you have what it take or you don’t. Of course, once you’re with an agency there are seminars and runway technique coaches that will certainly help. Avoid modeling agencies that are attached to a specific modeling or acting school or insist you spend x amount of money on photos with their photographer. Those are red flags and the first sign that the agency is a scam. Also look out for agencies whose websites have “Be a Star” plastered all over the home page. Scam. Look for agencies that are licensed through the Screen Actors Guild (SAG). The best agencies will be tough to get into-because they’re the best. They only accept the best talent. But don’t give up if you’re not accepted the first time you submit. Get practice in front of the camera, learn the best angles and poses for your face and body, and submit again in 4 to 6 months.

What are your best beauty secrets?

1. Wear sunscreen SPF 30 or higher on your face, neck, chest, arms, and hands every day. Even when it’s cloudy and/or cold outside.The sun will age you faster than you know it! And stay out of tanning beds–that one’s a doozy.
2. Drink lots of water! We need 64 ounces of water a day. Water will naturally keep you energized (no more caffeine!), alert, and clears your skin from breakouts!
3. Don’t smoke cigarettes, abuse alcohol, or use drugs. Not only will they harm your body and mind they also deteriorate the condition of your skin, nails, teeth, and hair.

What are your favorite beauty products?

• Fake Bake self- tanning products. I said stay out of the sun, didn’t I? But everyone looks better with a tan, don’t they? They sure do! So use Fake Bake.
• Palladio Rice Paper Oil Absorbing Sheets. I use these throughout the day and night to absorb excess oil from my face. They also leave behind a little rice powder to minimize shine so you don’t have to put more makeup on which in turn leads to oiliness. Genius!
• Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion. This is a makeup staple. I use it everyday and always use it on my makeup clients. It holds the shadow in place all day long with no creasing, fading, or smudging. I have the Original color and just started using the Sin shade. It’s a gorgeous pink-champagne color with a hint of shimmer.
• Make Up For Ever HD Microfinish Powder. Great for all skin types and shades. A lightweight, translucent loose powder helps to minimize shine, smooth pores, and lessen the appearance of wrinkles.

For those who don’t know anything about pageants, what are some systems women can enter depending on their stage in life?
The biggest pageant systems are Miss USA and Miss America (yes, they’re different pageants, with different winners, and different competitions). Miss USA is for single ladies 18 to 26 while Miss America is for ladies 17 to 24. Miss America requires a performing talent while Miss USA is solely a beauty pageant. These pageants both have fantastic teen divisions: Miss Teen USA and Miss America’s Outstanding Teen, respectively. There are also many pageants available to married ladies: Mrs. America and Mrs. United States are the two largest Mrs. pageants in the US.

For more information visit www.crowningconcepts.com.

Diana Elizabeth’s favorite products include: NYC Brow Kit, Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray, and Lancome Bienfait UV SPF 50+.

Portraits

I love Buckeye girls.  I do.  They’re from the country, and they’re sweet as can be.  Kat is actually an original California girl like myself, but when she married Gary after meeting him while at college at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo (also where my little brother attended), she became a Buckeye girl.  We headed to where else?  The family Buckeye dairy farm where Gary helps manage.

Kat was my realtor and helped me find my perfect home that you haven’t stopped hearing about since I closed.  Or rather, since I started.  It was because of Kat I started the real search because she read my blog and I had casually mentioned it, she set up my own personal MLS and the obsession began.  Kat, thank you for not disowning me as a friend when we searched the handfuls of property and made fun of them, but also thanks for reminding me that the perfect one would pop up when timing was right.  Your friendship is so special to me and I couldn’t be happier for you and Gary for your little one. I cannot wait to meet her.  I’m sure she’ll be just as photogenic as you and Gary *smile*

The little one already has her own private plane.  Lucky girl.

Diana Elizabeth wonders if she’s a country girl for loving the country look so much.  But she doesn’t listen to country music.  So, maybe not quite just yet.

Portraits

This little guy Eli turned one last week!  Look at his adorable outfit and kicks!

Diana Elizabeth really uses this orange ladder.  The orange matches her gardening hat from Anthro and her fruit picker.  You’ll see.

Portraits

Well, his parents who are my best friends think he will be one day.  Anderson is now six months!

Diana Elizabeth thinks that collecting globes might be a new thing for her.  She will just need more space!

Portraits

All the cuteness of la Ricki’s styling and an adorable location, JAM in Old Town Scottsdale, this will be a mini-holiday session that will be sure to please!

It’s not too late to reserve your time now, just pop me an email diana{at}dianaelizabeth.com.  Payment is due at time of booking to reserve your spot.  Custom cards will be available to order at your session too.

Hope to get you and your gorgeous family in front of my lens!

Holiday Mini Session – $250

• 20 minute session
• Immediate family only, additional sessions may be purchased for extended
• 5-10 images burned on disc ready Sat. Dec. 3 for pickup at JAM

Saturday, November 12
@ JAM
9:00 – 9:20 – BOOKED
9:30 – 9:50 – BOOKED
10:00 – 10:20 – BOOKED
10:30 – 10:50
11:00 – 11:20 - BOOKED
11:30 – 11:50 - BOOKED
12:30 – 12:50
1:00 – 1:20
1:30 – 1:50
2:00 – 2:20 - BOOKED

Sunday, November 13
@ JAM
10:00 – 10:20 – BOOKED
10:30 – 10:50- BOOKED
11:00 – 11:20
11:30 – 11:50
1:00 – 1:20
1:30 – 1:50
2:00 – 2:20 - BOOKED
2:30 – 2:50 - BOOKED
3:00 – 3:20 – BOOKED

Diana Elizabeth loves teaming up with some of her favorite like-minded creatives.  The theme will be vintage Christmas and will compliment all wardrobes.  More details to come to those who book as we get closer to the date.   You’ve seen what DEP + la Ricki can do together!

Photography, Portraits

Headshots for pageants, LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, your business, oh and don’t forget MySpace (just kidding!).  For those in the Phoenix valley who need professional headshots, let’s jam it out on Saturday, September 24.  I’m offering mini sessions so let’s update all of your social networking profiles!

Headshot Day – $275

• 30 minute private session
• Two looks
• 80+ images burned on disc as jpegs to immediately take home
• One edited image

Contact me if you have any questions and to reserve your time.

Diana Elizabeth says you’ll be amazed where she can shoot to get you some great headshots.  Don’t forget to hire a professional makeup artist if you can!  She loves Miss Lizzy Marsh who also did her makeup for her promo video.

Portraits

We have the same heartbeat, Ricki and me.  It wouldn’t surprise me if we had the same blood type – our hearts are intertwined with Anthropologie and J. Crew.  Not only do Ricki and I love the same things – clothing, burlap, natural organic goodies, hand crafted goodies (but not overly stenciled scrapbook mom-like).  We squeal and are inspired by the same things.

This might be the reason why when Ricki Uster of la Ricki event design is the brain behind a wedding, engagement session or anything that is in front of my lens, I know it’s going to be aaaaahmazing.  And, a reason why our sessions together end up being featured on popular event and wedding blogs.  She also was the set designer for my promo video that you see featured on the top of my blog.

Take a peek at some of our work together:

- Orange Anthropologie Inspired Wedding featured on Wedding Chicks
- Mini Cooper Themed Baby Shower featured on On to Baby
- Orange & Green J.Crew & Anthro Wedding
- Tropical Inspired Wedding Reception

This good friend of mine is also helping me design my new studio at the new house.  I have the furniture layout pretty much set up however I need Ricki’s eye to help with the functionality while also making it clean and beautiful.  Meet Ricki, the mastermind behind many of my lovely shoots, and if you love my photography style, hire her for your next event to make it lovely.

Of course I have to ask her a few questions!

What made you decide you wanted to be an event designer?
After planning my own wedding!  I did it all myself, with the advice of one of my dear besties, stayed up until wee hours of the night making favors, decorations and the like.  I know what it is like to love so many things and what a challenge it can be to streamline them into a cohesive and beautiful day. It is so important to have someone that understands your passions, wants and “most importants” on your special day.  It helps when that person isn’t part of the wedding party, a family member and can remain impartial and oh so helpful in turning the event into your dream day!

Seeing two people share such a special day and all their guests enjoying the moment, there just isn’t a greater moment to be a part of!  That moment always me to continue to enjoy my work and live a little bit through them.

What trends are you seeing in wedding design this fall and into summer?
An overall trend in weddings whether the season is fall or summer is doing a reinterpretation on weddings.  Bride & Groom are finding the things that are special & unique to them as a couple and expressing that throughout their event.  For example, they may not have their 1st dance at a specific time in between courses and instead their 1st dance is they come down the aisle newly married.  Or instead of a traditional cake, the Groom loves pies and offer an assortment of pies for guests to enjoy.  It truly becomes whatever the couples heart’s desire!

Another trend is the idea of a rustic, vintage or anthro-inspired wedding.  These are expressed with arenas like farms or farmhouses, backyard and barns.  Couples are finding a real love with re-used or re-purposed items to decorate their venues.  With this trend, any color palette or special theme can transfer easily.

What is the trend in regards to shower gifts, bridal or baby showers?  Are they to be opened at a shower anymore?
There is a trend towards not opening gifts during a shower.  Many feel it is more enjoyable to socialize, as well as, do a fun & creative craft project as a way to pass the time together.  Yet it is a delicate change in trend as it is seen as a tradition to open gifts and show one’s appreciation.  So if the shower is more modern and the majority of guests are open-minded then opting out is well-suited.  But if the event is on the more traditional side, opening gifts may have to happen.

Share with me a few things you love.
I live for old and re-purposed pieces-old drawers, birdcages, glass jars, fabrics-all things that have or potential to add character and meaning.  I absolutely love paper and the amazing things that are made from them, especially the items I can create.  The best complement is when I’m asked where did I buy something and my response is “I made it!”  Also, I adore floral arrangements.  I am continually, blissfully impressed by the bouquets and centerpieces I find on blogs-they are stunning.  Flowers, that go with the season and colors of a wedding, make an enormous impact to the eye.  And guess what?  We can even create the bouquets + centerpieces out of paper, vintage broaches, or fabric.  Just a suggestion!

Diana Elizabeth did shoot this lovely portrait session in her backyard.  So nice to have a go-to place!

Portraits, Weddings

I bought a rusty, old metal side table for $13 at For the Love of Old, on the corner of Bethany Home Road and 16th Street in Central Phoenix.  I visit often if I feel like actually walking into the Starbucks across the way, instead of going through the drive thru.  Don’t you love Drive Thru Starbucks?

I was planning on leaving the table just as it was, old, worn, tired and rustic until my mom asked if I planned on either washing the table or painting it.  Then it made me start to think, it would be adorable to spray the table with the brightest, happiest yellow spray paint I could find to contrast with the 9,000 square feet of greenery I have at the new house.  So, here’s the result. I loved it so much that I headed back and bought another one.  I mean really, $13, can you beat that?

Vintage Metal Table: For the Love of Old / Chalkboard Sign & Wire Basket: Found by Domestic Bliss / Krylon Spray Paint: Ace Hardware / Kraft Bags: Michaels

Diana Elizabeth knows that she has over 9,000 square feet of grass because she had received a quote for landscaping work.  When she heard the cost was $250 a month, she told the man that that cost was like a lot of pairs of nice shoes.

Personal, Portraits