http://www.wakeupjuliet.com A girl and her real life en Copyright 2009 wakeupjuliet.com http://wakeupjuliet.com/images/flowerlighthouse.jpg http://www.wakeupjuliet.com Blog I haven't participated in a little while, shame on me. But this week is Pets Only over at I Heart Faces and I wouldn't a very good kitty mum if I didn't flaunt their furry adorableness. Presenting: Captain Malcolm Reynolds, aka, Rumbleroar, aka, the little sh**.http://www.wakeupjuliet.com/postview.php?post=Week 26 Pets Only | I Heart FacesThis week over at I Heart Faces, it's "Barefoot Week", and entries should focus on feet and shoes. It's a non-challenge week (Superwomen Angie and Amy need weeks off occasionally) to raise awareness about a Nashville-based charity called Soles 4 Souls.http://www.wakeupjuliet.com/postview.php?post=Week 22 Barefoot Week | I Heart FacesLacey and I had a lot of fun during her headshot session this past weekend. This girl is gorgeous, super sweet, and quite adventurous, climbing into a little cavern (despite the spiders) for some gorgeous light and atmosphere. I loved getting to know her better, and we chatted all about her horses, the fact that she prefers running around barefoot (keeping shoes in her car just in case she runs out of the house without some) and her love of photography.http://www.wakeupjuliet.com/postview.php?post=Lacey | Central Massachusetts HeadshotsA big congratulations to Gina, who you may remember from the maternity session last week. Last night she welcomed little Aubrey into the world!http://www.wakeupjuliet.com/postview.php?post=Welcome AubreyToday is an exciting day for my husband, Sean. He's been working with a team on a book fansite for the past year and a half, and they've had tremendous success with it. Their success was given a boost today when Random House named them the OFFICIAL fansite for The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel series by Michael Scott! God only knows where they will go from here, but with a movie in the works, this series has Harry Potter potential for blowing up.http://www.wakeupjuliet.com/postview.php?post=So Proud | A Lesson in SuccessThis weekend I had a lot of fun taking Lacey's headshots, and her blond hair is my yellow in this week's I Heart Faces "Yellow" challenge. But the color that really pops is her super blue eyes.http://www.wakeupjuliet.com/postview.php?post=Week 21 Yellow | I Heart FacesGina is one of my coworkers, and she is expecting her first child, a baby girl. She's anxious, but we all know she'll do just fine. She's had plenty of practice with her stepdaughter, even coaching her cheerleading team to the championships. Her stepdaughter, Valerie, is an absolute crackup. Her antics made her parents smile and my job easy! Here are some of my favorites from the session. Gina, you and your family are beautiful and we are all waiting with bated breath to meet your little girl!http://www.wakeupjuliet.com/postview.php?post=Gina's Expecting | Central Massachusetts Maternity PhotographyKatt is a fellow community theater actress, and this girl's got chops! She's gorgeous, funny, and very talented. Some of her latest roles have included Anne Frank and Adelaide in Guys and Dolls. For this session, we headed over to Moore State Park in Paxton, MA where we took advantage of some beautiful rustic mills and bridges and gorgeous light that bounced off of a waterfall. We had the best time, and this girl does not have a bad angle.http://www.wakeupjuliet.com/postview.php?post=Katt | Central Massachusetts Teen PortraitsI joined Weight Watchers and attended my first meeting 5 weeks ago. Part of me feels like I should keep this a secret, because part of me feels like I shouldn't need a program to eat sensibly and keep the weight off, or worse, what if I fail at this like I have with other programs. But before my brain thinks, the big mouth part of me spills it. And I think this is best. Spilling the beans creates accountability, and it makes friends and family aware, which will hopefully lead to support in social situations.http://www.wakeupjuliet.com/postview.php?post=Weight Watchers Weigh In | Week 5This week over at I Heart Faces the theme is "Flowers".  This shot is from the session I had with my sister while she was home from school. The beautiful yellow flowers provided a sunny background for her natural beauty.http://www.wakeupjuliet.com/postview.php?post=Week 20 Flowers | I Heart FacesYou’re excited for your portrait session; you have your outfit planned, your hair style in mind…but what about makeup?  You want to avoid caking on layers, but can the real you shine through without a shiny forehead?  How much is too much?  How little is too little?  Relax, breathe, and use this as a guideline to achieve a natural look that’s all you:http://www.wakeupjuliet.com/postview.php?post=Makeup Tips for Your Portrait Session | Photography Session TipsI feel very blessed that my mom is one of my best friends. There's nothing better for a girl than knowing she can share anything with her mother. I can only pray that if I have a daughter someday that we share a similar relationship.http://www.wakeupjuliet.com/postview.php?post=Week 19 Celebrating Mom | I Heart FacesI'd forgotten how much fun I have with my mom and sister. Yesterday we had a girls day out at the Massachusetts Horticultural Center, and the laughs never stopped. Long story short, 'Swan Lake' now makes me giggle.http://www.wakeupjuliet.com/postview.php?post=Week 17 Smiles | I Heart FacesI had a phenomenal day with my mom and sister (home from Scotland) yesterday. Girls Days Out soothe a part of your soul that I never realized existed.http://www.wakeupjuliet.com/postview.php?post=Caitlin Sneak Peek | Central Massachusetts Portrait PhotographyIt's nearly tech week for my latest show, Romeo & Juliet. You know how I know?http://www.wakeupjuliet.com/postview.php?post=Every Actor's Worst NightmareMy life has been revolving around Romeo and Juliet rehearsals for the last couple months, so it was a pretty natural for me to create a collage about it. We just started working with costumes, which adds a whole new level. It's a bit nervewracking, but we open in less than 2 weeks!http://www.wakeupjuliet.com/postview.php?post=Week 16 Collages | I Heart FacesNow that Sean has experienced what it's like sewing on my old metal monster, he was all for buying a replacement when I sent him a link this morning.http://www.wakeupjuliet.com/postview.php?post=Oh BrotherOh goodness me, how quickly time flies...http://www.wakeupjuliet.com/postview.php?post=Butterflies and Mind CavernsSadly both of my shoots this weekend fell through, so I had to go digging a little to find a dramatic shot for this week's Dramatic B&W challenge. I saw this shot from my session last week and I love it. There's some whimsy, some mystery, dare I suggest a little drama to it. So I played with a high contrast B&W in Lightroom until I was satisfied.http://www.wakeupjuliet.com/postview.php?post=Week 13 Dramatic BW | I Heart FacesTheater is a very big part of my life, and I love everything about it.  Ok, I don't really love drilling lines into my brain, I wish they would stick without much effort. But it's a small sacrifice for everything else. People ask me why I do theater, why I love it so much. And my answer is "It's a chance to escape your own problems for a couple hours and just be someone else". There are many many more reasons. But where else can you become someone else?http://www.wakeupjuliet.com/postview.php?post=What it's like to Audition: Romeo and JulietI don't know what it is, but I find the constant need to be busy or multitask. Sitting on the couch watching TV isn't enough for me. I must be surfing the internet, knitting, embroidering, doing something else at the same time. Sean yells at me all the time about it, but I can't help it. I guess it's just a need to have a purpose. If I'm going to be a couch potato, I might as well be a couch potato who writes a blog post, edits some shots, or makes headway on a project.http://www.wakeupjuliet.com/postview.php?post=10 Things You Didn't Know About Me | No. 3 I MUST be BusyThis week is all about angles. Taking that standard, straight-on portrait and giving it that something special by putting yourself outside the box. I captured this shot while out with a friend this weekend. I stopped her with her back to the sun, scooted myself to the side, then crouched as low as I could (I would have laid on the ground, but it was still wet and squishy from rain). The wind gently lifted her hair at the right moment... The result?http://www.wakeupjuliet.com/postview.php?post=Week 12 Focusing on Angles | I Heart FacesThere are some mornings where you wake up, look outside at the weather, and just want to bury yourself as far into the covers as possible. Yesterday was one of those mornings, with rain and wind whipping against the windows. But what made yesterday special was the fact that I was able to pull the covers up around me and stay in bed.http://www.wakeupjuliet.com/postview.php?post=Week 11 Bundled Up | I Heart FacesI started this post as a "10 Things you Didn't Know About Me" type thing, but then I started going way too in-depth with some of my items. And I felt they all deserved their own posts.http://www.wakeupjuliet.com/postview.php?post=10 Things You Didn't Know About Me | No. 2 I Have Extra Ear HolesThis week over at I Heart Faces we're Jumping for Joy! I had one shot in mind until I happened upon this gem from a summer concert I went to. The guys are Enter the Haggis, and they make jumping an art.http://www.wakeupjuliet.com/postview.php?post=Week 10 Jump for Joy | I Heart FacesI started this post as a "10 Things you Didn't Know About Me" type thing, but then I started going way too in-depth with some of my items. And I felt they all deserved their own posts.http://www.wakeupjuliet.com/postview.php?post=10 Things You Didn't Know About Me | No. 1 I was a Zookeeper Normally I don't get a chance to enter the Fix It Fridays entries because they're posted after I leave for work. But today's was up in time! Hooray!http://www.wakeupjuliet.com/postview.php?post=Fix It Friday 46 | I Heart FacesI'm ready to pinch myself. That's how good this week has been. And it's only Thursday.http://www.wakeupjuliet.com/postview.php?post=A Good WeekHi, I'm Briana Gardell, and I will be one of your Guest Fan Judges this week. It's a flattering thought, and you can imagine my surprise when I got the invitation! Floored is an accurate description.http://www.wakeupjuliet.com/postview.php?post=Week 9 I'm A Guest Fan Judge | I Heart FacesThere's nothing sweeter than the relationship between mom and baby. Teeny hands grasping and pulling at fingers that dance over a round tummy. Unconditional love that is emitted through those fingers. Exchanging coos and ridiculous faces just to elicit one of those brand new smiles.http://www.wakeupjuliet.com/postview.php?post=Week 8 Hands On Fun | I Heart FacesProcrastination is a shared flaw between Sean and me. If it isn't pressing, we won't worry too much just yet. We are trying our darndest to break this habit.http://www.wakeupjuliet.com/postview.php?post=The One Where I Scare the Oil ManI'm not dead. I'm just quiet. I've been trying to readjust some of my priorities and have been nursing some disappointment. I'll be working my way to a happy balance soon I hope.http://www.wakeupjuliet.com/postview.php?post=Catching UpROMEO: If I profane with my unworthiest handhttp://www.wakeupjuliet.com/postview.php?post=Week 6 We Heart Kisses | I Heart FacesI have a love/hate relationship with the treadmill. If it was on Facebook, our status would read 'it's complicated'. And as I take on the Couch to 5k again, our relationship is tested once more.http://www.wakeupjuliet.com/postview.php?post=My Relationship with the TreadmillHave a heart this Valentine's Day and give back in a fun and unique way. If the tragedy in Haiti has taught us anything, it is that life can change in a moment. Be thankful for what you have and those you love. And this Valentine's Day, take a moment to capture that love.http://www.wakeupjuliet.com/postview.php?post=Photographers for Haiti Mini SessionsI haven't worked with texture a whole lot, but this week I had a lot of fun. It was harder  finding the right shot that would be complimented by the texture. In the end, this little boy's eyes got me, and I think the faded look and texture only highlights them more.http://www.wakeupjuliet.com/postview.php?post=Week 4 Textures | I Heart FacesEverything is so quick, easy and instant these days. Emails, texts, tweets and status updates can be fired off in seconds with little thought. I get excited when I get a personal email in my inbox as opposed to junk mail. But I get even more excited when I receive a letter or card in the mail.http://www.wakeupjuliet.com/postview.php?post=How to Make Someone SmileIt's all about family this week over at I Heart Faces. My family has yet to grow beyond Sean and me and our two furbabies, so I decided to raid the family session I did with a coworker. She was greatly out numbered in the gender department: 3 boys, a husband, and a male dog! But they were wonderful, and I loved a series of shots we got with the boys by the lake.http://www.wakeupjuliet.com/postview.php?post=Week 3 We Are Family | I Heart FacesWeek 2 over at 52 to Fabulous and this week is all about needs. So we'll revisit the list of months and topics and examine what needs to happen in my life. Complete and total honesty.http://www.wakeupjuliet.com/postview.php?post=Week 2 What a Girl Needs | 52 to FabulousI almost forgot to weigh-in this morning. I had already eaten and dressed, but I hopped on anyway to keep time consistency.http://www.wakeupjuliet.com/postview.php?post=Monday Weigh in | Week 1Happy Anniversary to I Heart Faces, who began one year ago and has already grown into an amazing network! We heart you Angie and Amy!http://www.wakeupjuliet.com/postview.php?post=Week 2 Best Face | I Heart FacesI would like to improve many aspects of my life. Including procrastination. I wrote this post as soon as I received the week 1 email and held off posting because of other entries and it not being quite 'ready'. Next thing I know, I look in my inbox and week 2's email has arrived. Oops.http://www.wakeupjuliet.com/postview.php?post=Week 1 What a Girl Wants | 52 to FabulousI realize that I haven't done any updates on our newest addition, Malcolm. Or, as we sometimes refer to him: Malcolm the Monkey. That's right. He's a swinger, wrestler, chaser, thief and love bug. I guess we named him right, didn't we?http://www.wakeupjuliet.com/postview.php?post=Checking in with the KittehsNo, I didn't accidentally repeat myself, it's an I Heart Faces themed week! The site is coming up on it's first anniversary, so they're asking for entrants to incorporate the logo into their entries. Aaaannd....we get 5 entries!http://www.wakeupjuliet.com/postview.php?post=Week 1 I Heart Faces | I Heart FacesIt's Monday, my first day back to work after the holidays, and if that wasn't enough reason to stay in bed, today is the start of my weight loss journey. And for every journey, you need a beginning mark, right? Which means only one thing.http://www.wakeupjuliet.com/postview.php?post=Feeling Fat to Feeling Fab | Goal 5 Lose 20 lbs2009 was quite the year in retrospect. Many people, including my husband, are ready to get it over with and move on. Sometimes I feel the same.http://www.wakeupjuliet.com/postview.php?post=Out with the Old | 2009Hooray! A new year! Time to start in on those resolutions, right?http://www.wakeupjuliet.com/postview.php?post=Why I Do Not Set New Year ResolutionsOh boys. Can't live with them, can't live without them, eh? Well, in this week's I Heart Faces challenge, they provide the fodder for my hilarious outtakes.http://www.wakeupjuliet.com/postview.php?post=Week 51 Hilarious Outtakes | I Heart FacesAfter experiencing how wonderful the Dallas I Heart Faces Workshop was, the next one I have my eye on is Blissdom, a blogging conference where my newly made friends Angie and Amy will be speaking! Sadly with finances as they are and a trip to Scotland in the very near future, it's just not in the budget this year. However, when I saw a chance to win a pass to the conference from SteaZ, I couldn't not throw my hat in the ring. If it's in God's plan for me to go this year, then perhaps this is my chance.http://www.wakeupjuliet.com/postview.php?post=Blissdom and What I Value in BloggingSean and I have returned from my grandmother's house in Maine where we spent Christmas with my family. We had a very nice holiday, but little did I know that there was a post Christmas photographic surprise in store for me yesterday.http://www.wakeupjuliet.com/postview.php?post=A Christmas TreatMy little sister is home from Scotland! And we wasted no time getting her into a store and into a wedding gown. It was strange, seeing my baby sister (ok, so she's barely 2 years younger than me) dressed all in white, and even stranger to think that I was actually married at her age!http://www.wakeupjuliet.com/postview.php?post=Wedding Dress Shopping | Take OneAs the year draws to the close, I look forward to some changes in 2010. Wake Up, Juliet has been around for about 5 months now, and I've learned some lessons. Mostly that I bit off more than I could chew. But I knew this would be a learning process, and that I'd quickly figure out what worked and what didn't. And I learned that I can't be everything.http://www.wakeupjuliet.com/postview.php?post=Resolutions for Wake Up, JulietI feel like Charlie Brown this year. I know I should be excited, Christmas is a mere 4 days away, but I'm feeling a bit depressed.http://www.wakeupjuliet.com/postview.php?post=Can I Get a Dose of Christmas Spirit STATThis is hard.http://www.wakeupjuliet.com/postview.php?post=Diary of a New Business: To Do ListsOh Malcolm...http://www.wakeupjuliet.com/postview.php?post=Week 49 Pets Only | I Heart FacesBecause Sean would divorce me if I took pictures of him sleeping, I'll have to use this picture of baby Maggie from a newborn session I did a little while ago.http://www.wakeupjuliet.com/postview.php?post=Week 48 Sweet Dreams | I Heart FacesI had the absolute pleasure of photographing my coworker's family this weekend. Danielle has 5 boys in her life (if you count the dog), and they are wonderful.http://www.wakeupjuliet.com/postview.php?post=Ted and Danielle Family SessionI came back from the Dallas I Heart Faces Workshop expecting to hit the ground running with my part time photography business. But all the work ahead of me has me a bit nervous and ideas continue to bounce around in my head without being tied down. There's also the issue of the equipment I want to buy with the money that I don't have right now. Then there is pricing, proofing methods, marketing, the list goes on!http://www.wakeupjuliet.com/postview.php?post=Diary of a New Business: Who Am I?I hope my sister won't be too embarrassed that I'm using her and her fiance's tooshies for my entry this week. This was from their couple session before she left for Scotland, before they got engaged. I thought it was so sweet and casual the way his two fingers hooked her pocket.http://www.wakeupjuliet.com/postview.php?post=Week 47 I Heart Tooshies | I Heart FacesThis past weekend I had the opportunity to experience fall in a different part of the country. Today's entry is from the workshop in Dallas, TX. This little guy and his mom were an adorable pair. He was a little spitfire, running all over having a grand old time. She grabbed hold of him and played with him long enough for us to get off some great shots.http://www.wakeupjuliet.com/postview.php?post=Week 45 Autumn Beauty | I Heart FacesAfter yesterday's critique and editing fest with Pete Lacker and the fabulous ladies of I Heart Faces, I have a fresh new look at how I post process my photos. And it's a whole lot easier! Before, I was a Photoshop actions girl. I had fallen in love with Ree Drummond's Pioneer Woman Actions, and stuck to them because I had no other idea.http://www.wakeupjuliet.com/postview.php?post=A New Way of EditingMy head is still reeling from all the information that I took in today. Pete Lacker, commercial photographer extraordinaire, was our guide through a sea of photo "misses" that we had sent in. Who knew that you could learn so much from another person's photo?http://www.wakeupjuliet.com/postview.php?post=Dallas Day TwoToday was amazing. Simply and plainly amazing. Twenty five talented photographers, three professionals leading the way, nine kiddos, one gorgeous model 'bride', and one fantastic location. I'm exhausted, but I could do that everyday. I took 1300 photos, culled 500 because of blinks, blurs, and general meh-ness (that's totally a word), and was left with 871 photos.http://www.wakeupjuliet.com/postview.php?post=Dallas Day OneToday was D-day, as in Dallas-day for me! Since I wasn't able to secure a wireless connection on my trip down, I resorted to tweeting on my Blackberry when I could:http://www.wakeupjuliet.com/postview.php?post=Boston to Dallas: My Trip in TweetsMy apologies, this will be a very brief post, since I have a million things to do before my trip to Dallas tomorrow. There's a new website that will be launching soon that will help link brides with vendors all over the country! It's called Groom Sold Seperately.http://www.wakeupjuliet.com/postview.php?post=Groom Sold Seperately | Wedding WednesdayToday's theme is in honor of my trip to Dallas, Texas this week for the I Heart Faces Photography Workshop. All the goodies I've pulled for today's treasury have some connection to Texas.http://www.wakeupjuliet.com/postview.php?post=Etsy Treasury Tuesday | Texas I've noticed something interesting about Sean and my habits when it comes to taking sides. And no, I don't mean sides of a fight or debate, but sides of the bed, couch, table, etc. Is it a phenomenon that occurs in other committed relationships as well? I'm curious.http://www.wakeupjuliet.com/postview.php?post=Taking SidesEverywhere we look the news seems so bad. Whether it's the economy, job situations, the war, or health scares, it doesn't seem to turn off. It's so easy to slip into defensive mode and focus on yourself and your family. But what can follow that is a feeling of helplessness. Where is the hope? The answer could be in you.http://www.wakeupjuliet.com/postview.php?post=Be a Blessing in Someone's LifeToday I finally got around to the online Jessica Sprague class that I registered for this summer. It focused on brushes, textures, clipping masks and storyboards in Photoshop. I'm hooked, it was so much fun playing around with them. I'm also working on putting together a business card, and I came up with this as a first draft for one side.http://www.wakeupjuliet.com/postview.php?post=Photoshop Fun with Brushes and Clipping MasksI had my first newborn photo session. I'm officially in love. Little Baby M. was less than 3 weeks old and a perfect doll. Ok, at first she was a little cranky, so while Mom helped get her into a "milk coma", her big sisters got in on the action.http://www.wakeupjuliet.com/postview.php?post=Baby M | Newborn PhotographyWhen you go to see a play, you go with the expectations of being entertained. Little did you know that you have a role in the show, especially in a comedy. Throughout our run of Moon, we would judge a show by the audience. As a cast, we can give our all, but it is infinitely better when the audience is receptive.http://www.wakeupjuliet.com/postview.php?post=The Audience's Role in a Play | Thespian ThursdayI've been married over two years now, yet a bridal magazine is residing on my bedside table, corners folded on pages I like. Why do you ask? Do you remember when I posted a little while back with teasers from the couples session with my sister, Caitie, and her boyfriend, Jon?http://www.wakeupjuliet.com/postview.php?post=5 First Steps to Planning Your Wedding | Wedding WednesdayEtsy is a phenomenal resource and market for all things handmade and vintage. If you've never visited the site before, it can be a little overwhelming. Talented crafters from all over the world set up virtual shops to sell their goods, and you won't find these products in your everyday department store. I recently opened my own shop there to sell my fine art photography. I've decided to start themed 'Etsy Tuesday' to showcase some beautiful, creative and unique items I come across. Keep this in mind for the upcoming holiday season. You can find anything for anyone on here, and you'll know you're directly supporting a creative and talented individual.http://www.wakeupjuliet.com/postview.php?post=Etsy TuesdayI sit on the couch and watch a little TV after Sean leaves for work every morning. It's the routine. So when I heard the door open again a few minutes ago, my mind started racing at what he could have left behind. As he made it to the top of the stairs, he lifted his two arms, and in his hands were a small coffee cup and a bag from the donut place up the street. He had stopped for some breakfast and decided to pick up a hot cocoa (with Kahlua Cream) and a pumpkin muffin to drop by as he passed the house again.http://www.wakeupjuliet.com/postview.php?post=Hubby Love No. 2 Sweet SurprisesHappy November! Yesterday we said goodbye to October by watching the tournament to decide who will be heir to these thrones.http://www.wakeupjuliet.com/postview.php?post=SCA East Kingdom Crown TournamentAlright, time to kick this baby into high gear. I've been letting things slip with all the craziness going on about me, but that ends tomorrow! I will be participating in the original NaBloPoMo (National Blog Posting Month to those of you who thought I was speaking some alien language). The goal is to post every day for a month, and while you can now start it any time you like, the original month was November, to coincide with National Novel Writing Month (or NaNoWriMo). Plus they have a bunch of prizes that winners can recieve. What's not to like?http://www.wakeupjuliet.com/postview.php?post=NaBloPoMo and a Better Blog Here We GoWe decided to have some fun picking this winner. Our adorable cats haven't made too much of an appearance lately, so we thought we'd let them choose the recipient of the 8x10 print from my shop.http://www.wakeupjuliet.com/postview.php?post=Wake Up Juliet Etsy Shop Giveaway WINNERThis week is Halloween Dress-Up week over at I Heart Faces. Sean and I won't really have a Halloween, since we'll be putting on our show "Moon Over Buffalo". So for Halloween, Sean will be 'Howard', the anxious weatherman, and I will be 'Eileen', the knocked-up ingenue.http://www.wakeupjuliet.com/postview.php?post=I Heart Faces Halloween Dress Up WeekI did it. I finally threw off my procrastination and fears and opened my Etsy shop. At the moment I have a few flower prints listed, and that list will grow by the day. I have lots of ideas for the future, and as soon as I can get the funds and materials together, you'll see the shop branch in another direction. But we'll keep that a surprise (it's hard though...I'm really excited!!!).http://www.wakeupjuliet.com/postview.php?post=Wake Up, Juliet the Etsy Shop is OPENHe's here! Yes, we ended up adopting a little boy. On Thursday we went to see this sweet little female Maine Coon mix and fell in love with her brother. Yesterday he saw the vet for his health certificate and this morning we brought him home.http://www.wakeupjuliet.com/postview.php?post=Bringing Home FurbabyOpening weekend can be a crapshoot. You hope for the best, expect the worst, and dread the reviews. Ours was no different for Moon Over Buffalo. We opened on a holiday weekend and were competing with the Red Sox in the playoffs. Our dress rehearsal went fantastically. We had a few slip ups, but had a couple of great laughers watching who kept our energy flowing. Unfortunately, that sent us into our shows on a very high note. When the audience didn't live up, we felt off. Sunday brought in some Red Hat Ladies who are always up for a good time, so we made sure to give it to them.http://www.wakeupjuliet.com/postview.php?post=Thespian Thursday: Moon Over Buffalo Opening WeekendIf you've been following my tweets or facebook updates recently, you'll know that Sean and I are looking to expand our household. London has been our baby for the past two years (I can hardly believe it's been that long) but every time we're in a show or booked solid outside of work, we feel terrible leaving him alone. He is very attached to us, and lately we feel he's been letting us know that he feels neglected.http://www.wakeupjuliet.com/postview.php?post=Adopting a Cat, Part One: Know What You WantBack in August, I made a baby play blanket for an expectant friend of mine who recently moved to Florida. I had a great time making it, and creating the little monkey face that I later mounted to the front.http://www.wakeupjuliet.com/postview.php?post=Baby Monkey LoveMy cousin Shauna is super creative and uber talented with her scrapbooking and cardmaking. You can check out her beautiful creations over at her blog, SK Studios.http://www.wakeupjuliet.com/postview.php?post=My Cousin the CrafterOne of my favorite times here in Massachusetts is the fall, when the leaves change color and I am able to enjoy a beautiful display of golds, reds, and flaming oranges on my way to work. I also have a birds eye view of a forest out the windows at work, which makes for a pleasant distraction. Sadly, after the ice storm last winter and the Asian Longhorn Beetle invasion, my neighborhood has very few hardwood trees left.http://www.wakeupjuliet.com/postview.php?post=Fall in New EnglandThis week is a fun week over at I Heart Faces. The theme is "Excited", and I pulled this photo of my friend's daughter mid swing, hair still flying, for my entry.http://www.wakeupjuliet.com/postview.php?post=I Heart Faces: Week 40 - ExcitedSo I'm a day late on Thespian Thursday...that's because my topic had me busy all week. It is hell tech week for Moon Over Buffalo. It was our last week to work out kinks, get all costumes together, and...for this production...work with our own set!http://www.wakeupjuliet.com/postview.php?post=Thespian Thursday: Tech WeekCongratulations to the new Mr. and Mrs. Brandon Stroup!!! This weekend I was honored to be a part of their beautiful wedding at the Gramercy Mansion in Baltimore, MD. We were blessed to have fantastic weather the whole weekend, and their outdoor evening wedding went off without a hitch.http://www.wakeupjuliet.com/postview.php?post=I Now Pronounce You...My sister called this morning from Bonnie Scotland, and she gave me the exciting news that she and her flatmate will be joining the Photography Club there (in between 8 hour classes, reading, and 2 hour monkey observing sessions at the Edinburgh Zoo). She wanted my opinion on my camera, and some link recommendations, so I thought I'd share them with you. I am not an expert, or a professional by any means. I've had my own DSLR a total of 10 months, but I can voice my opinion as to what has worked for me, and what I've observed thus far.http://www.wakeupjuliet.com/postview.php?post=So you want to get into photography...This was an experimental shot for me. My family walked out to the Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse in Rockland, ME and I had the idea for my sister to go up onto the balcony of the lighthouse while I lay on the ground and shot upwards. I think my family was a bit embarrassed to be with me, but some of the shots came out pretty well. And the clear blue sky provided a great backdrop.http://www.wakeupjuliet.com/postview.php?post=Week 38 - Blue Challenge*drumroll* Andi Warner! She will be able to join in my extend birthday fun.http://www.wakeupjuliet.com/postview.php?post=The Winner of the Sephora Lipgloss Trio isthespian - noun a tragedian; an actor or actresshttp://www.wakeupjuliet.com/postview.php?post=Thespian Thursday: When to Call In SickThere seems to be a bit of dust and cobwebs in this corner of Wake Up Juliet... That isn't to say things haven't been happening at the Casa Gardell, we've been quite busy in fact, both with the house and with a show. This has sadly cut into my writing time. But don't worry, there will be many updates very soon. We are having a housewarming with members of Sean's family on Saturday, which means lots and lots of cleaning, organizing, and finally unpacking boxes that have been keeping the spiders company in the garage.http://www.wakeupjuliet.com/postview.php?post=Oh Dear...In a mere week and a half, my doublemint twin, Diana, is getting married!! And I want your help in deciding how I'll style my hair. In exchange for your help (in comment form), I'll be giving away a Beauty Insider exclusive set of 3 super shimmer lip glosses from Sephora! The 3 shades are "Precious Pink", "Rosy Glow", and "Bronzed Beauty".http://www.wakeupjuliet.com/postview.php?post=Style the Bridesmaid and my First GiveawayThis weekend my hubby and I were at Providence Place Mall. We always have our eyes on the lookout for house items, so we strolled through a few stores (fell in love with Restoration Hardware). We found a very unique wine rack that unfortunately wasn't quite right at one store. I claimed it was Pottery Barn, Sean claimed it was Crate and Barrel.http://www.wakeupjuliet.com/postview.php?post=Little Reasons Why I Love My Husband aka Hubby Love No. 1This week at I Heart Faces, it's "Completely Candid" week. No posed photos allowed! So I pulled this random shot from a recent ball game that I've taken a shining to. The subject is the sister of one of my sister-in-law's coworkers. From the stories I've heard, she's known for her random acts of fun and craziness. This was an example. She came up with the idea to start waving at random crowd members, like she knew them, to see how they would react. She got a few confused waves back.http://www.wakeupjuliet.com/postview.php?post=Week 37 - Completely Candid WeekThank you to everyone who weighed in on the bangs dilemma. It had marvelous and super fresh results! My mom almost didn't recognize me when we met up at the restaurant Saturday night. Yesterday I went to see my friends' show and had my own rehearsal afterward. I had 3 double takes, and 2 people who didn't recognize me until I took off my sunglasses/turned around. Everyone loved it!http://www.wakeupjuliet.com/postview.php?post=Drumroll Please....Hair Dillemma, I'm loving the sideswept bang look, but unsure whether I should make the plunge and try it on Saturday when I go for my appointment.http://www.wakeupjuliet.com/postview.php?post=I Need Your Help - Bangs or No Bangs?This week's entry had to display a contemplative face. My entry was pulled from a batch of shots I took backstage before a performance of Taming of the Shrew. Backstage before a show is amazing, because no matter how long you've been doing theater, you still experience the butterflies right before your entrance. Everyone deals with them differently. Some have dance parties (remember Rose's Poker Face?), some review their lines for the millionth time, and some have their prep routine in which they just "go away". Ed was one of those.http://www.wakeupjuliet.com/postview.php?post=I Heart Faces Week 36 - ContemplativeThis past weekend I went on a crazy, whirlwind roadtrip which was topped off by a surprise bridal shower for my doublemint twin (aka, best friend from college, Diana).http://www.wakeupjuliet.com/postview.php?post=Twilight Themed Bridal ShowerThis week's noncompetitive challenge at I Heart Faces showcases member's progress with their photography. For my entry I thought I'd feature photos of my sister, Caitlin, who will be heading to Scotland in a matter of days (10 *sniff*).http://www.wakeupjuliet.com/postview.php?post=I Heart Faces Week 34 - Before and After ChallengeI finally got to see this movie. Originally I was supposed to go last Friday, but I wound up at work until the wee hours of the morning. But Sunday night, with a house overrun by testosterone and in dire need of air conditioning, I managed to escape to see it with my mom and sister.http://www.wakeupjuliet.com/postview.php?post=Julie and JuliaSadly this week I will be unable to submit an entry for I Heart Faces because I do not have a single bubble picture. Nope, not one. My life is pathetically bereft of bubbles.http://www.wakeupjuliet.com/postview.php?post=I Heart Faces Dallas WorkshopToday is Sean and my 2nd anniversary. It's incredibly hard to believe how fast time flies! So in honor of our anniversary week, I thought I'd share parts of our perfectly imperfect story (with commentary by Sean)http://www.wakeupjuliet.com/postview.php?post=Anniversary Week Part 3: The WeddingThis past weekend I hosted my first sewing circle. Having never attended one, much less hosted one, I was nervous that it would be a flop. I sent out the invitation, and heard back from 3 women. A nice size group to start with. With some planning, I set up my event keeping the following five essentials in mind:http://www.wakeupjuliet.com/postview.php?post=5 Essentials to Hosting a Successful Sewing CircleWednesday is Sean and my 2nd anniversary. It's incredibly hard to believe how fast time flies! So in honor of our anniversary week, I thought I'd share parts of our perfectly imperfect story (with commentary by Sean)http://www.wakeupjuliet.com/postview.php?post=Anniversary Week Part 2: The ProposalWednesday is Sean and my 2nd anniversary. It's incredibly hard to believe how fast time flies! So in honor of our anniversary week, I thought I'd share parts of our perfectly imperfect story (with commentary by Sean).http://www.wakeupjuliet.com/postview.php?post=Anniversary Week Part 1: How We MetSo far I've neglected this corner of my bloggy world, but that's because I've been very busy. But I still love you, and I'm proving it by showing the gifts for my cousin Julie's bun-in-the-oven that I finished up last night.http://www.wakeupjuliet.com/postview.php?post=Finished Projects x 2This second I Heart Faces entry is for a nonjudged category, but being a doting cat owner, I would be remiss in not taking every chance to show off my furbaby. So here is a shot of London in one of his favorite spots to spy from, the bathroom window.http://www.wakeupjuliet.com/postview.php?post=I Heart Faces - Pets (Non-challenge)When I saw the theme for this week I got a little worried...do I have any silly face pictures? Normally my subjects aren't the goofy, mug-giving kind. But then I thought of a few golden shots I got of some cast mates during a preshow dance party. Thanks to them, I have fond memories everytime I hear Lady Gaga's "Poker Face".http://www.wakeupjuliet.com/postview.php?post=I Heart Faces - Silly Faces WeekPhotography can be a VERY expensive hobby (did you get the extra emphasis there? Caps, Bold and Italics...I mean business people), especially when you buy a dSLR, where the possibilities are as endless as the array of lenses available. But if you're like me, possibilities hit a brick wall when they meet the limitations of my bank account. I want to grow and be able to catch action, distance, landscapes, pollen on a stamen (or is it anther), the list goes on. I can't shell out the thousands of dollars that would allow me to do that.http://www.wakeupjuliet.com/postview.php?post=Try It Before You Buy ItI'm no chef. I have to look up how long and what temperture to cook meats, even if I just made it the other night. I'm notorious for over cooking just to avoid hearing Sean ask "is it cooked?" My latest endeavor has been to endear my hubby to bison meat, in the hopes of giving him a leaner red meat. Well, today, I did it!http://www.wakeupjuliet.com/postview.php?post=Winging-It Bison BurgersBoston Creme Donuts are my weakness. When I step back and think about what they consist of I am disgusted, there is not one healthy thing about them. But then the chocolate, pastry, and creme hit my tongue and the brain goes a bit fuzzy.http://www.wakeupjuliet.com/postview.php?post=The Donut Has Gone Too FarAs you may remember, we began the weekend very motivated with a list of projects in hand. To recap, they were:http://www.wakeupjuliet.com/postview.php?post=Weekend Followup - Mixed EmotionsThis is my first shot at I Heart Faces' Fix-It Fridays. Each week they have a user-submitted photo that could use a little help, so they set all the participants loose with it.http://www.wakeupjuliet.com/postview.php?post=I Heart Faces Fix-It Fridays - Historic GirlI thought I'd take a moment to introduce the main players here at Casa Gardell, who will be featured prominently in future Wake Up Juliet posts.http://www.wakeupjuliet.com/postview.php?post=Meet the Cast of Wake Up JulietTGIF, right? Time to finish off the work week and enjoy the weekend! Well, I don't know how much enjoying we'll be doing, but we're hoping to be very productive around the house and yard. What started as a simple weekend of renting a dumpster to get rid of the wombat cave* debris has quickly turned into a multiproject weekend!http://www.wakeupjuliet.com/postview.php?post=Working on the WeekendWe're quickly nearing the one year anniversary of owning our 1970s split-level home. The inside has been coming together (well, the upstairs at least) but the outside has been another story.http://www.wakeupjuliet.com/postview.php?post=Calling in the Big Guns!I hate reality. Because reality is that we're all growing up and getting older, and while some parts are nice, others I prefer to live in denial about. One such fact is that my little sister, Caitlin, is not so little anymore. Growing up she was my little shadow at times, but when I went off to college she began making quite the shadow for herself. Last summer she went to Thailand on a volunteer/study abroad trip (and worked with monkeys and elephants...jealous much?). Now she's graduated from college and off to Scotland for her masters!http://www.wakeupjuliet.com/postview.php?post=Photo Shoot: Caitie and John, Part I...peppers! Ok, so you certainly can't pick a peck from my plant (how much is a peck anyways?), but I was thrilled to see this little beauty hanging from the plant as I left this morning!http://www.wakeupjuliet.com/postview.php?post=Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled...http://www.wakeupjuliet.com/postview.php?post=I Heart Faces - At the Beach Week!I am so excited about launching this site, so pull up a chair, pillow, rug, box, exercise ball (good for you!) and make yourselves at home!http://www.wakeupjuliet.com/postview.php?post=Welcome, Welcome, One and All!Tutorials, experiments, finished products and general crafty goodness!http://www.wakeupjuliet.com/postview.php?post=CraftsI'm an ambitious hobbyist with a shiny new toy. This section will feature professional tips for everyday photos, my experiments, and general information about this expressive craft.http://www.wakeupjuliet.com/postview.php?post=PhotographyVisit our circa 1970s split level as we renovate, decorate, and landscape to make it our own. Here you'll also find mood boards, inspirations, and many other goodies to satisfy your nesting tendencies.http://www.wakeupjuliet.com/postview.php?post=Home and GardenHere you'll find musings, day to day hilarities, and any posts that won't really fit in the other areas.http://www.wakeupjuliet.com/postview.php?post=Diary