{Everyday Inspiration} The Red Balloon

Posted by kristinloffertheiss on June 05, 2011 in balloons, Everyday Inspiration, new header, The Red Balloon, year blog anniversary | No Comments

When we found out that we were having a little boy, one of my first purchases was the book, The Red Balloon. The movie had such an impact on me both emotionally & artistically that & all I could picture when I imagined what Sayer would be like, was the little boy in this story. For Sayer’s third birthday this year, I took a bunch of pictures of him with a bundle of surprise birthday balloons that I had hidden for him in the studio. I was so tickled with that process & watching his sheer enjoyment. Those pictures are some of my favorites & inspired more balloon photos of myself for my 40th birthday a month later.

To celebrate one year of having this blog, I wanted to create a new header. After a lot of thought, I decided to incorporate one of my favorite photos of Sayer with his balloons. To me, it says a lot about how I approach life, what is important to me, & what I’m drawn to aesthetically. It just seemed to fit. With some help from a sweet friend, this week I was finally able to see it all completed & it makes me smile.

The Red Balloon started it all & continues to inspire me in so many ways. My official one year anniversary for this blog was actually March 23rd (I’m just a smidge late to recognize it). I wanted to make sure that I officially said thank you to everyone that has read this blog & left comments. I can’t really tell you in words how much it means to me to have made the friends that I have made though the klt:sketchbook. Truly, this has been an amazing adventure & I can’t wait to see (in pictures) how this next year unfolds. Thank you!

Hope you are having a wonderful weekend!

{Everyday Inspiration} The Red Balloon

Posted by kristinloffertheiss on June 05, 2011 in balloons, Everyday Inspiration, new header, The Red Balloon, year blog anniversary | 6 Comments

When we found out that we were having a little boy, one of my first purchases was the book, The Red Balloon. The movie had such an impact on me both emotionally & artistically that & all I could picture when I imagined what Sayer would be like, was the little boy in this story. For Sayer’s third birthday this year, I took a bunch of pictures of him with a bundle of surprise birthday balloons that I had hidden for him in the studio. I was so tickled with that process & watching his sheer enjoyment. Those pictures are some of my favorites & inspired more balloon photos of myself for my 40th birthday a month later.

To celebrate one year of having this blog, I wanted to create a new header. After a lot of thought, I decided to incorporate one of my favorite photos of Sayer with his balloons. To me, it says a lot about how I approach life, what is important to me, & what I’m drawn to aesthetically. It just seemed to fit. With some help from a sweet friend, this week I was finally able to see it all completed & it makes me smile.

The Red Balloon started it all & continues to inspire me in so many ways. My official one year anniversary for this blog was actually March 23rd (I’m just a smidge late to recognize it). I wanted to make sure that I officially said thank you to everyone that has read this blog & left comments. I can’t really tell you in words how much it means to me to have made the friends that I have made though the klt:sketchbook. Truly, this has been an amazing adventure & I can’t wait to see (in pictures) how this next year unfolds. Thank you!

Hope you are having a wonderful weekend!

{Fun} the big four- zero…

Posted by kristinloffertheiss on February 18, 2011 in 40, balloons, birthday, cheesecake, color, Louis Armstrong, photography | 22 Comments

Today was a good day. I turned 40 & it wasn’t that bad. Actually… I liked it. I feel like I sort of earned it really. It feels good to know who I am & to have learned a thing or two along those bumpy roads to here.

One of the things that my birthdays continuously remind me of (other than the reality of gravity), is that I have some truly wonderful people in my life. – Remarkable people who make me feel so lucky & brighten my every day. I find that I’m surrounded by friends who always go out of their way to make me feel special & I’m genuinely touched. On a day like today, I want to give something back- something simple & sweet for those that I care about….

Mini Cheese Cakes

24 Vanilla Wafers

1 tsp. Pure Vanilla Extract

2/3 Cup Sugar

3 large eggs

3 – 8oz. Philly Cream Cheese (Original)

Large can Cherry Pie Filling

1/2 tsp. Almond Extract

* Line muffin tins with cupcake liners. Place one vanilla wafer in each.

* Beat sugar, eggs & cream cheese for 5 minutes until smooth. Add vanilla.

* Divide into muffin cups & bake at 325 degrees for about 15 minutes. Will crack and brown slightly.

* Cool and chill overnight.

* Mix almond extract into Cherry Pie Filling to cover “tiny” taste.

Put 3-5 cherries on each serving. Can be eaten with fingers or spoon.

Makes 24-28 cheese cakes.

I’m telling you – this is goooooood cheesecake. I’ve requested this cheesecake for my birthdays since the days of braces, rollerskating, & slumber parties. Tonight, was no exception. We introduced Sayer to the wonders of these little gems & tomorrow (as tradition dictates) they will be my breakfast. This secret weakness of mine lies in your hands now… enjoy! Thank you for your friendship- it means the world to me (& it’s not just the wine & cheesecake talkin’)…