Our Annual Camping Trip
You might remember my post from last year about my first camping trip. Turns out, we loved it and the sweet friends we accompanied so much that we decided to make it a yearly event. Since I've become a seasoned camper now (HA!), I've decided that, along with photos, I'd share a few of my favorite camping recipes and ideas. I knew this year that I didn't want to fall completely away from healthy choices just because we were camping, so I did a little extra prep to make sure to take the healthy options along with us. If you're planning a trip this Spring, feel free to try out some of these! Unfortunately, because I'm a girl and I was usually too worried about food during meal times to photograph, I don't have any photos of them. You'll just have to take my word for their deliciousness. (;
GREEK YOGURT & CRANBERRY CHICKEN SALAD
1 SAMs Club Rotisserie Chicken (or 5-6 chicken breasts cooked)
6 Stalks Celery (finely chopped)
1 Cup Dried Cranberries
1 Cup Greek Yogurt
2 TBSP Mayo
8 Boiled Eggs
Garlic Powder, Salt, Pepper, Cayenne, Lemon Pepper
Use food processor to chop up chicken and celery. Mix all ingredients together. Enjoy!
CAMFIRE QUESADILLAS
1 Pack Xtreme Wellness Spinach Tortillas (Walmart)
2 Chicken Breasts Seasoned, Cooked, and Chopped
1 Pack Mexican Blend Shredded Cheese
1 Habernero Pepper (Finely Chopped)
Put all ingredients in tortilla and use aluminum foil to wrap and place onto fire grate. Let cook until cheese is melted and dip in Healthy Guac Dip (below).
HEALTHY GUAC DIP
1 Ripe Avocado (smashed
3-4 TBSP Greek Yogurt
4 TBSP Fresh Salsa
Lemon Pepper, Garlic powder
Mix up and enjoy along with tortilla chips, quesadillas, and fajitas!
And of course, no camping is complete without some ninja fighting. Clearly.
In addition to quesadillas, I also brought some veggie and meat packed kabobs and green smoothies for breakfast in mason jars--which was a complete win. I learned from last year that the more prep I did beforehand, the more smoothly it all would go. Feel free to use any of these ideas or comment some of your own!
Happy Camping!
What I'm Loving: Kale, Sausage, and White Bean Soup
I don't know about you, but in the middle of a season, I often find myself cooking the same few recipes--and well, it gets a little dull. After a serious hankering for a hearty, healthy soup last week, I came across a Kale, Sausage, and White Bean Soup recipe on Pinterest. I've had a few kale cooking doozies before, so I was a bit apprehensive, but after trying this one, I was sold. I love kale, but sometimes it takes the right dish when cooking with it. The best part is that it was pretty painless to whip up, and Preston loves it too!
I tend to cook large pots of things, so I actually doubled the original recipe I found and amended it a little to my liking. Feel free to half this recipe if you aren't a leftovers person. (:
KALE, SAUSAGE, & WHITE BEAN SOUP
1 lb Jimmy Dean Breakfast Sausage HOT
1 lb Turkey Breakfast Sausage
3 TBSP olive oil (divided)
1 Yellow Onion
10 Large Cloves of Garlic
1/8 tsp Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
6 Carrots (finely chopped)
4 Celery Stalks (finely chopped)
4 TBSP Tomato Paste
10 Cups Organic Low Sodium Chicken Broth
4 15oz cans of Great Northern Beans
2 Large Bunches of Kale (center ribs removed, leaves chopped)
2 TBSP Minced Rosemary
Freshly Grated Parmesan (optional)
Sea Salt, Black Pepper, Garlic Powder, Cayenne Pepper
DIRECTIONS
- Heat 1.5 tablespoons of the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, carrot, celery, rosemary, and a generous couple pinches of salt and cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften, about 6 minutes. Add the tomato paste and garlic and cook until fragrant, 45 seconds. Add the broth. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat to medium low, and simmer gently until the vegetables are tender, about 15 minutes.
- Meanwhile, heat the remaining 1.5 tablespoons of oil in a 10-inch nonstick skillet over medium-low heat. Combine the turkey sausage and Jimmy Dean sausage in a bowl and form small bite-sized meatballs. Add the sausage meatballs, and cook, flipping about halfway through, until browned and cooked through, about 10 minutes.
- Add the kale to the soup; cook 1 minute, then add the meatballs (discarding any of the rendered fat and oil) and the beans; cook for 4 more minutes to meld the flavors. Season to taste with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Ladle into bowls and garnish with grated parmesan.
A Christmas Tree Farm Engagement | Tulle Skirts & Flannel Shirts: Megan + Jordan
As she walked out of the car in her flannel outfit, I complimented her on her stunning brown boots. She replied, "Jordan picked them out for me for Christmas last year." After having spent some time with them already, I believed every bit of that statement was true. These two have a respect and nurturing affection for one another in the most refreshing of ways. Gentle, kind, and so clearly ready to spend the rest of their lives with no one else but one another.
Megan and Jordan's engagement sesh has me giddy as all get out for their wedding day. Seeing the fabulous eye Megan has for pairing outfits and details, I know the wedding day she has in mind will be absolutely picture perfect.
Between the fun we had trailing around the Christmas tree lot and the festive love these two have for this time of year, I just couldn't.....even.
Jordan's nurturing tendencies towards Megan truly left me in awe--as did her radiant, bright personality.
Jordan dabbles in a little guitar and brewing his own beer, so we had a little pow wow among brews and tunes in the middle of a field at sunset. Be jealous.
And in case you thought you couldn't love these two more, meet the most perfect holiday outfits I ever did see. Crunchy leaves and tulle skirts, I'm pretty sure there's a spot like this in Heaven.
Soft kisses, dances in abandoned lots, and newsboy caps--my holiday heart is so very full.
Megan and Jordan, I could not adore you two more. I absolutely cannot wait to witness your vows to spend the rest of your lives together.
Rodriguez Family | Louisiana Family Photographer
You probably remember this captivating little face from her session this Spring. It was absolutely my pleasure when Rhyan's momma Tracee contacted me for a full family session this Fall. I've known Tracee since I was younger and seeing her beautiful family grow over the past year has been an immense treat. Speaking of treats, Rhyan's wardrobe is full of the cutest mini pieces I ever did see. Just look at her plaid puffer vest. I mean...
This is such a beautiful age. I love when littles are so reliant and enthralled with momma and daddy's love. 
Seriously, I've considered contacting Baby Gap with the inundation of perfect babies I've had the pleasure of watching grow this year.
Tracee and Bobby are both very interactive with Rhyan--such sweet little quirks in their family of three.
Tracee, Bobby, and Rhyan, thank you once again for the utmost pleasure you've given me in documenting your beautiful family. I just adore all of you.
Holiday Exclusives - Lincoln, NE (Kids and Family Photography)
Last week's announcement of Holiday Exclusives went so well that I decided to add a date for my Midwestern friends! I'll be traveling to Lincoln, Nebraska in early December and decided to extend the holiday cheer to my friends there!
**This year I am offering Holiday Exclusives on weekend dates–something we have not done in past years. As always, booking times are granted on a first come, first serves basis upon receiving contracts and retainer.
Holiday Exclusives are photo shoots with yours truly for a $100 session fee and include a private 30 minute session and a private online viewing gallery for ordering any and all holiday photos in time for Christmas.
The following dates and times are available in Lincoln (as well as a few select spots from Louisiana dates), so if you are wanting beautiful photographs of your family this year for a smaller investment, this is your chance!
MADISONVILLE, LA – FAIRVIEW RIVERSIDE STATE PARK
Sunday, October 12th
2:45 PM, 3:30 PM, 4:15 PM, 5:00 PM, 5:45 PM
MANDEVILLE, LA – FOUNTAINBLEAU STATE PARK
Saturday, October 18th
2:45 PM, 3:30 PM, 4:15 PM, 5:00 PM, 5:45 PM
LINCOLN, NE – BEAUTIFUL LOCATION TBA
Saturday, December 6th
1:45 PM, 2:30 PM, 3:15 PM, 4:00 PM
Contact directly at kali@kalinorton.com. Booking requires a signed contract as well as your session fee.
For those of you who want beautiful photographs, but are wanting a more exclusive experience, please contact the studio to discuss a full lifestyle photo shoot for you and your family. Limited availability for October, November, and December.
*Note: ALL orders from Holiday Exclusives MUST be placed by MIDNIGHT on FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 14TH. No exceptions.
*ALL orders from Lincoln Holiday Exclusives MUST be placed by MIDNIGHT on WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 17TH. No exceptions.
It's That Time of Year!
It's that time of year and I'm so excited to announce our dates for Holiday Exclusives!
**This year we are offering Holiday Exclusives on two upcoming weekend dates--something we have not done in past years. As always, booking times are granted on a first come, first serves basis upon receiving contracts and retainer.
Holiday Exclusives are photo shoots with yours truly for a $100 session fee and include a private 30 minute session and a private online viewing gallery for ordering any and all holiday photos in time for Christmas.
The following dates and times are available, so if you are wanting beautiful photographs of your family this year for a smaller investment, this is your chance!
MADISONVILLE, LA - FAIRVIEW RIVERSIDE STATE PARK
Sunday, October 12th
2:45 PM, 3:30 PM, 4:15 PM, 5:00 PM, 5:45 PM
MANDEVILLE, LA - FOUNTAINBLEAU STATE PARK
Saturday, October 18th
2:45 PM, 3:30 PM, 4:15 PM, 5:00 PM, 5:45 PM
Contact directly at kali@kalinorton.com. Booking requires a signed contract as well as your $50, which is half of your session fee.
For those of you who want beautiful photographs, but are wanting a more exclusive experience, please contact the studio to discuss a full lifestyle photo shoot for you and your family. Limited availability for October, November, and December.
*Note: ALL orders from Holiday Exclusives MUST be placed by MIDNIGHT on FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 14TH. No exceptions.
Hello 2015 Seniors!
Seniors, oh my beautiful seniors. You're more than just a high schooler with a pretty face or a fabulous style or that awesome sense of humor. Yes, to me, you are at a peak right now, on the verge of limitless potential to achieve any dream you put your pretty little mind to. YES. That's right. A-N-Y DREAM, at all. Ever.
This is what I see, what I feel, what I love in photographing each and every senior that smiles pretty in front of my lens. More so, this is why I couldn't be more excited to welcome the Class of 2015! Now's the time, booking has been well underway, and I'd love to get to know and photograph even more of you this year! I want to know your stories, I want to see that style, that wit, that beautiful heart you possess--whatever it is that makes you who you are.
WHAT'S EVEN BETTER THAN THAT ALONE? Imagine Boutique (@shopimagine on Instagram) wants to be a part of the experience to make YOU feel fresh and fabulous!
SO, WHAT'S THAT MEAN? Glad you asked. Imagine is absolutely one of my favorite places to shop locally. Show Imagine proof of your scheduled session with ME and they will take 15% OFF of your outfits for the session! Contact me HERE if you'd like to get your session scheduled!
And because every post is better with photos, here are a few of my favorite shots from some of my Fall seniors last year...
You might recognize Callie above from more than just her senior session, as she and Renee (in the red a few photos down) were also Imagine's chosen models for their Spring/Summer line this year!
This part of Kaylyn's session (above) was another favorite of mine. She and I had so much fun playing with the piles of crunchy leaves we came across. Did I mention how much I love Fall?
And this is Renee' (above). You probably also recognize her from my site quite a bit. She was also one of Imagine's models this past year. 
If you're a senior in the Class of 2015, I absolutely cannot wait to hear from you!
Home Tour: My Neighbor's Rustic-Chic Home
As you probably know by now, all things aesthetically pleasing make me all warm and fuzzy inside. From the way Starbucks graphically designs their napkins, to the clothes my clients choose for sessions, to the way houses are decorated--these are just a few of the many things that give me that ooey gooey feeling that makes me wanna curl up with a book and a nice warm mug filled with a frothy Chai tea latte.
Along with fashion, food, and other heartfelt posts, sharing beautifully designed local dwellings has been another goal of mine. As all topics I often peruse the internet for myself (and the age of Pinterest), I figured, why not host them right here? So, here you go!
My next-door neighbors moved in about a year ago, and their house is impeccably decorated. It gives me such cozy feelings every time I walk inside. Caitlin, mom of two littles, has chic and classic design taste and an eye for all things soft. You might remember her from this mommy-daughter session I did a few months ago.
As you peruse through, Caitlin also gives a few tips on what inspires her taste the most and where she finds some of her best buys. See for yourself...
WHAT INSPIRES YOUR DESIGN STYLE?
Before Robby and I got married, he lived in an apartment in downtown Hammond. My favorite part of the apartment was the exposed brick walls. I knew I wanted to include brick in the interior of our home.
I love combining both masculine and feminine ideas. The rustic look of the brick worked nicely to toughen up the cream colored furniture and spindly, cursive shape of the chandeliers. For every ruffle pillow and vase of flowers, I hope to have a touch of leather, burlap or dark wood. I never wanted to be one who turned away mounted deer horns if they mean a lot to the proud hunter.
I want everyone to have a point of view with what they'd like to see in our home. I'll have to remember that when Weston wants Ninja turtles in his room. :)
WHERE ARE YOUR FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP FOR YOUR HOME? Discoveries, Pottery Barn, Restoration Hardware, Z Gallerie, TJ maxx, Target, and antique stores.
WHAT ASPECT OF YOUR HOME DO YOU LOVE THE MOST?
I really love our open concept style living room/kitchen. It's great for cooking while watching babies.
I also really like the way our kitchen turned out; namely how the living room brick is repeated in the backsplash. It really helps the cream cabinets pop and gives the area a cohesive look.
EVERYONE ENDS UP HAVING SOMETHING THEY WISH THEY WOULD HAVE DONE DIFFERENTLY WHEN BUILDING A HOUSE. AFTER LIVING IN IT FOR A BIT OF TIME NOW, IS THERE ANYTHING YOU WISH YOU WOULD HAVE DONE DIFFERENTLY OR INCLUDED?
With two babies we seem to have toys all over. Adding a play room would keep all of their toys closed in a room and not scattered in the living room. Thank goodness we have some closed storage for their toys!
WHAT TIPS WOULD YOU GIVE SOMEONE WHO'S NOT SO DESIGN SAVVY, WHEN MAKING THEIR HOUSE A HOME?
Establish a theme and invest in a few furniture pieces that represent that style. Our theme is definitely rustic and once we decided to go in that direction, we had a starting point.
There are SO many easy ways to decorate on a budget. I love to breathe new life into old furniture by using Annie Sloan chalk paint to give it a new look. I have 10+ pieces of furniture that were hand-me-downs or throw aways that I tweaked or painted and worked into our design.
Happy Thursday, my friends!
Gulf Shores Family Portraits
Because she will only be this age once. She'll only fit in your arms in that way for so long. She'll only excitedly proclaim, "Choo-chi!" in that way that her words are not yet pronounced for so long. But you'll always have the photos--and always, always, she'll be your baby.
I've ranted many times of the importance I feel in professionally photographing family regularly. Authentic, lifestyle photographs that bring out the emotion, age, and relationships that intertwine the family unit. They're heirlooms, my friends--time capsules that, ten years from now, you might not remember otherwise.
This is part of my family. You've seen them before, because well, we do this regularly. We do it because we believe in it. We believe in the documentation, the frozen moments in time, the art of it all.
Amanda is my first cousin, but is really more like a sister, honestly. We're five months apart in age and have experienced so many monumental life events together. She had my godchild, Isla, a year and a half ago, and has brought so much added joy into our family.
These are my two sisters--Shelli and Delaini. You've probably seen them on here before, also. Shelli is in school at LSU working towards her Master's Degree and Delaini is heading to junior high. 
I scooped up my Isla-girl for a few photos of her and I. We just couldn't let good hair and a happy baby go to waste as long as there was still sunlight out...
But my favorites, always my favorite, are the time captured between momma and baby.
Shelli + Sean: Sneak Peek
The past week has been ever-so-exciting! Between shooting Shelli and Sean's wedding at Parc 73 and then heading to Chicago for a mind-blowing photography workshop, I've been a busy little bee. As I was sorting through their photographs from the day, I couldn't help but share a few. Here are a few of my favorites from their first look...
Stay tuned for more of their outdoor wedding on the blog next week!
He Taught US That Love Isn't Conditional
For years Preston begged that we get a dog--and for years, I said "no." They drool, they shed, they make things dirty, I said. I didn't see at all why I needed a furry friend in my life--I felt perfectly content without one. During his most recent deployment, I agreed to start thinking about it--after all, maybe there were some "cleaner ones" we could look at. I die mortified, thinking back on my thought processes then. I guess that's how this whole life and maturation thing works...
But now, NOW...I'm not sure how I ever lived without a Chewie in my life. So much that I have talks with him about learning how to obtain immortal powers on the reg.
Chewie stormed in our lives with giant teddy bear paws and big ol' wet kisses and wrecked our world in the best way. He reminds us both, sometimes even embarrassingly, of what love really means.
He's taught us that love isn't conditional.
When he places his teddy bear paws on me and cuddles up close immediately after I don't love him so perfectly, I'm reminded how he shows us love--of how it's all he even knows. I'm reminded how my existence in his little furry life is the entire world he breathes--and of how some quality time with a tennis ball makes him more happy than I sometimes allow myself to be in a whole week. That's just cray. With him, I'm reminded how imperfect our love is as humans, with our faulty conditions, rugged walls, and ugly expectations we place. He makes me better.
They make me better. And we grow together, in this crazy, crazy roller coaster we call life.
And when it's all said and done, there's nothing that puppy kisses and furry pouty faces can't fix.
Happy, happy Tuesday my friends!
Vacation Recoup and Sneak Peeks
Whew, if I'm being honest, we had such a fantastic time on vacation last week that it's really taken digging deep to get back in work mode this week. I've been working like a little hermit to meet some deadlines this week, but neglecting my sweet little blog readers. To keep you in the loop on what I've been working on and ensure that my usual two plus blogs per week will resume next week, here's a peek at Ashley & Jason's perfectly intimate first moment together on their wedding day. They whispered sweet words, they exchanged a few sweet kisses, they soaked in the moment--all while still never seeing each other. These first moments my brides and grooms choose to have are just stealing my heart with the genuine emotion they let me in to capture.
Ashley and Jason's full wedding, along with some snippets from our trip will all be on the blog for you next week. Stay tuned, my little lovies!
Lauren + Ryan: Part I
Lauren and Ryan get me every time with these posts. Just like their engagements (which you can see here and here), there was too much goodness for just one post. So, here's part one of their ever-fabulous, sweet Spring wedding. Soft hues, romantic laces, the most perfect red and pink pops of lip color--all things perfectly soft and classic are how Lauren's day panned out. From the quaint Marvilla Guest House where the girls got ready at, to the mossy oaks overlooking the lake, to The Lakehouse where guests sipped champagne while witnessing their vows, Lauren had the most beautiful day, right down to the straws placed in cups. And oh, how we love some pretty details around these parts. That's a fancy way for saying me. Just me. I'll take one order of all the details please. (:
A harpist, a BHLDN dress, and the hairstyles of her bridesmaids were just a few of my most favorites on the list. I'll let you scroll for yourself and make your own choices about yours.
And in case you're planning a wedding, or perhaps you just love Lauren's planned out details, here are a few of her ever-fabulous vendors from the day...
Venue: The Lakehouse Mandeville
Wedding Dress & Lace Duster: BHLDN
Bridal Prep: Marvilla Guest House
Makeup: Kendel with Makeup by Kendel
Invitations and Programs: Magnet Street
Paper Garland Flowers (pictured in Part II post): Love Embellished
Videographer: BGP Productions
Photographer: Kali Norton
So soft and screaming Spring, I just loved everything about Lauren and Ryan's day. Especially the amount of time we had for their first look and bridal party photos. It was heavenly. The groomsmen may have begged to differ, but I found it just splendid. (:
And the sweet little flower girl was peeking at us all day long. I'm so glad we captured her doing it.
Note, if you are considering sparklers for your ceremony exit, I HIGHLY recommend considering rice instead. The rice made a much more dainty show on camera. I am a huge fan after Lauren and Ryan's use of it. Stay tuned for Part II of their sweet and lovely nuptials coming later this week!
Corbeau
I had the pleasure of photographing five days new little Corbeau the other day, and oh, how tiny and sweet he was. No props, just light and love. Simplicity.
So much perspective in these next few. I've really moved to simplify things over here. Just get down to the basics of emotion and life, and I couldn't be happier with the message it sends through my lens. Little toes, daddy's hands, close to momma. This is what new life is all about. 
Sarah, Chris, Drake, and Corbeau, I'm ever-grateful for you welcoming me into your home and allowing me to document the beauty and love in your life. I'm so elated for the opportunity to watch Corbeau grow, as well as your family's love.
Pastels & Succulents - Kelsi + Darren
She's a girl who knows what she likes. Soft, Southern charm with the perfect pop of color is precisely how I'd describe Kelsi's taste in weddings. When we arrived to her room to start photographing that afternoon, the room was empty and it was like a heavenly bliss that allowed for us to document her details so perfectly, uninterrupted. The girls arrived shortly after we photographed her perfect succulent accented bouquets for us to catch a few key moments, then head out for a cushioned time block Kelsi and I had planned for photographs. The day just went as smoothly as the pretty shades of pastel were to my eyes. Here are a few of my favorite moments and details from Kelsi and Darren's day...
Everything was so soft, with the perfect interjected pops of sweet color for her Spring wedding.
I loved the style variations in the bridesmaid dresses, cohesively bound together by their matching bouquets and nude pumps.
And can we take a moment of silence to pay our respect for these fabulous boutonnieres? 
Their flower girl killed me. She was sweet perfection.
Kelsi and Darren, I wish you a lifetime of happiness. Thank you for the opportunity to document your planning, details, and momentous day through my lens.
Because a Smiling Girl is the Prettiest Kind
I called her out of the blue in April of 2012, during the Africa deployment to show my support, as she knew no one. Little did I know when I made that phone call, that this little lady would become such a beautiful part of this season of my life. My sweet soul sister, Stacy, came to visit this past week for Mardi Gras and I could not have been more excited to see her. She's from Lincoln, Nebraska--and if you've never visited Lincoln, I must say, it's rather lovely. You might remember her from this session I did of her and her boys during my last visit to see her.
We managed to fit in a little photo shoot while she was here, in which I channeled my inner boho and flower child. If you know me at all, you know it wasn't that hard to channel those. (:
Preston is pretty fabulous at being my sidekick while shooting. Of course, he's always with me at weddings, but it's rare that he gets to tag along for a planned session. Since he was with us, he took it upon himself to get some natural emotion out of Stacy. 
AND since Preston was there, I was able to hop in for a few with my sweet friend. Because, girl power...duh. (:
And since it's rare that I'm all dolled up AND Preston is present AND the camera is out, I got him to snap a few of me in my new favorite tunic from Imagine Boutique. If you live in the Hammond/Ponchatoula area and haven't been by, their new arrivals for Spring had me smitten. And if you're not from the area, I do believe they will be launching a website soon. (:
The tunic is especially nice, given our weather lately just can't seem to make up it's mind between Winter and Spring...
AND just a reminder in case somehow you missed it, please please PLEASE don't forget about the epic giveaway I have going on right now! Don't be scared to nominate people guys. It's a beautiful thing. I want to hear the inspiring stories of those who inspire you. GO, GO, GO!
Happy, Happy Thursday my friends!