FINALLY! I have a custom blog that is completely me! I’m proud and excited to welcome you to the latest addition to JFP!

It all started about a year ago. I contacted Kristy at Wreckless Photography & Design after seeing the wonderful work she did for one my fave photogs Jamie Delaine. After figuring out a work schedule for the project, Kristy gave me homework. But this was fun homework. I got to put together a list of things that I liked. A list of things that inspired me. A list of things that said ME and my biz! It really opened my eyes and I began to see my business in a whole new light.

While this was going on, I also had a friend of mine (thanks Rachel!) working on a rebrand for JFP. At first it all seemed like a lot, but I was glad these two things were happening together. I got the rebrand finished with my friend and was able to hand that all over to Kristy as inspiration for my blog design. Never in a million years would I have thought my brand would include bright pink, crafty details and a pennant banner, but it speaks so clearly to me and what I want my business to feel like and be. (Check out my JFP packaging board on Pinterest that Kristy used as her final inspiration: http://pinterest.com/jessicafike/new-jfp-packaging/; don’t they match so well!? THANK YOU for all your hard work and creativity, Kristy!)

So what will this blog be about? It’s explained briefly in the little welcome area above, but let me expand a little. I want this blog to be a place for more than just business stuff and pretty pictures. I want it to be a place for me to share Ally moments, yummy recipes, Pinterest finds, blogs of inspiration, craft ideas, and biz tips, alongside the wedding pictures and lifestyle portraits. Sort of a hodge podge of goodies, but all things relevant to me and my biz. And maybe you’ll find them relevant to your life, too? I hope so. 🙂

Here are some of my specific ideas/what you can find on the blog in the near future:

-Small Business Spotlight Series
-Who Says?/Breaking the Rules: ideas for stepping outside the box (for your wedding!)
-From Pinterest: friggin’ cool ideas (actually do them!)
-Bridal Bliss: tips for a fab wedding day
-Business tips
-Life stories…that will include my Ally girl!

So that’s just a little taste of what’s to come! I hope you’ll find a place for the JFP blog on your daily read list!

And because all bloggers and blog readers know posts are better with pictures, here’s some snap shots from Ally and I’s secret Valentine’s Day project:

As you can see, we started off on-edge…

And then we got the paint out. Ally is very particular when it comes to texture. If it doesn’t feel good, she doesn’t want anything to do with it! That’s especially true with food.

But then she got a little more comfortable with the paint. Thank goodness it was non-toxic and very washable because it ended up in her hair, all over her face and of course she tried to eat it!

And as you can see, things didn’t end so well. Ally spotted the play room and she was done with my grand artsy idea! She did end up making two pretty pieces of pottery for her daddy for Valentine’s Day, though. And that was our secret project!