click here to open post Jun 02, 2011 | posted in on the agenda | 7 comments

sold out sold out sold out sold out

I’m still here in Hawaii for the next 2.5 weeks, then it’s a big fat aloha ‘oe to the land that I love. As a parting gift to my friends and followers here in Hawaii, I’m offering a pretty little discount on all portrait sessions booked within the next TWO WEEKS ONLY. My schedule is surprisingly less crunched than I anticipated it would be during crunch time (go me!), so I’m opening a few dates for discounted portrait sittings before I leave! If you are interested, please email me at aloha{at}natalienortonblog{dot}com for detailed pricing and session information.

Book your session as soon as possible. This already limited number of openings will fill very fast! Limited time slots available through June 17th.

Just so we’re clear, it is highly unlikely that an opportunity like this will be available ever again.  I don’t have any plans of hosting anything similar to this in the foreseeable future. So if you are interested, definitely jump fast!

DON’T STRESS (aka FAQ):

We don’t have anything to wear!?

Don’t sweat it! I have a genetic aversion to matchy matchers anyway. I can help you select something that will be just perfect from the wardrobe y’all already have in y’all’s closets. Scouts honor.

I’ve been putting pictures off because I want to lose this last 20lbs!

Give me a break! You are beautiful! AND guess what?! Your family is changing every.single.day you spend waiting. You can’t keep putting this off in anticipation of the allusive “perfect time.” The exactly perfect time simply isn’t coming. Relax. I’ll make you look absolutely radiant (as you already do, I am certain).

What do you require to save our date?!

A 50% (non refundable) retainer is required to reserve your date. The remaining balance is due at the beginning of your session.

What will be included on the disk?

The disk will include all the color corrected proofs from your session in full resolution + a copyright release to print them at the lab of your choice + a very short list of local lab recommendations.

When will we get the pictures?

Well, I’m glad you asked. Since I am in fact in the process of moving, and my sweet assistant Janie is visiting family on the mainland throughout the month of June, you will receive your images between the first and second weeks of July. That’s just about standard turn around time for most photographers, just fyi. Though we normally boast appx 5-7 day turn around. Bam! Circumstances are such that we appreciate your patience while we get these images processed and off to you.

Other questions?

Email aloha{at}natalienortonblog{dot}com and we will get back to you just as fast as you can say “aloha ‘oe.”

I love you! I cannot wait  to photograph your pretty little selves!

xx!

N

click here to open post Jun 01, 2011 | posted in on the agenda | 2 comments

Art for Education from trisha Zemp on Vimeo.

I LOVE THIS!

Take the 1 minute and 9 seconds required to watch this video. I think what this organization is doing is so unbelievably refreshing and oh so fun! I can hardly contain myself! We donated alllllll of our (wonderful and treasured) art supplies (from our wonderful Aunt Jenny) to a local homeless shelter last weekend in preparation for our move, but I’m seriously so excited about this, that I’m geniunely considering going out and buying new ones, simply so we can be involved in such a great project! What a COOL way for your kids to a) have the opportunity to actively contribute to a GREAT cause and  b) realize the incredible importance of education.

xx! N

Hi friends and neighbors! We’re having an estate sale!

Tomorrow, Saturday the 28th, 8:00-11:00am.
55-691 Wahinepe’e St.

We are selling everything that’s not bolted down!

Here’s a list of SOME of what we’re saying goodbye to:

Phil and Ted’s double stroller (cream color)
Playground: swings, tube slide, toddler slide, picnic table, climbing wall
3 white, Pier One, shabby chic armoires
2 light brown (dark sand color) couches (including one wonderful backless day bed)
1 matching love seat
large, white, shabby chic coffee table with 2 wicker storage drawers
large, sturdy kitchen table with storage drawer (white)
white butcher block kitchen island with 2 drawers and storage space beneath (we used this as an entertainment center)
large, beautifully refinished, espresso colored office desk with a second desk that can attach to form an L shape (or be sold separately as a smaller desk)
2 dressers (one dark brown, one light brown)
3 WONDERFUL shabby chic bedside tables with a cabinet + drawyer
1 brown wooden linen cabinet
2 book/storage cubes (each 2 high by 3 long)
Sharp Aquos flat screen TV 30″
blue ray player
Canon printer + scanner
Colorful metal bunkbed (or loft bed) with a slide and an attached craft table
Camping gear
3 twin mattresses (available June 13)
1 queen mattress (available June 13)
2 sets plastic drawers
4 shelf wooden bookshelf
2 shelf wooden bookshelf
multiple black plastic storage shelves
full size upright freezer (air tight)
Nikon d70s

MISC: lamps, crock pot, electric skillet, large george foreman chairs, clothes (men’s, women’s and little boy), shoes, crock pot, electric globe, cork board, white board, ironing board, iron, boogie boards, towels, frames, multiple baskets, storage tubs, guitars, tool box, plates, dishes, pots, pans, fans, laundry baskets, space heater, yoga mats, free weights, kettle bells, curtains, dvd’s, art supplies, cds, house plants, cook books, tupperware, mason jars, step stool,  books, books, books, books, books

Well, the cat is officially out of the bag. . . though admittedly, the cat liked life in said bag. It’s dark and peaceful there, and her personal space isn’t congested by yard sale signs or packing peanuts.

Phoenix it is. Phoenix. Phoenix. Phoenix. That is the way the wind blows (for one unexplained reason or another), so that is the direction we will fly. I’m learning a lifetime’s worth on love, inspiration, faith and obedience to the will of God. . . even when I can’t seem to see the end from the beginning.

It’s hard. Traumatic, honestly. (I know. I’m such a drama queen.)

Please note that the trauma has very little to do with WHERE we’re going. I’m certain I’ll learn to love Phoenix, completely. (I am, after all, a “bloom where you’re planted” kind of gal.) I’m simply traumatized that we’re going anywhere at all. I love my life here in Hawaii. I don’t want to go anywhere else. Ever.

This is my home. . . I’ve felt more of a sense of belonging here than I have ever felt in my entire life, and I’m so thankful to the people here who welcomed me with open arms and taught me how to . . . be.

I’m light years away from the clueless, and somewhat broken, little 19 year old who came here a decade ago. I’m a better version of myself, plain and simple. I’ve learned to love, to let go, to give. . . oh the lessons I’ve learned on giving! I’ve learned to walk forward in faith and with a grateful heart, always and in all things. I’ve learned to LAUGH. To really, really laugh. The way only a Polynesian can teach. . .

And I’ve learned to listen. I’ve learned to listen in a way that I could never hope to adequately explain.

And. . . and, and, and. . .

Above and beyond anything else, I’ve learned, simply, to trust. I’ve learned to know that God’s hand really is in the details of my life, and that if I am quiet, if I humbly seek with pure intent, he will guide me in all things. And his plan will always be better than my own. Every.single.time. Even if his plan leads me to Phoenix. ;)

Hawaii, and the people here, the people who I have come to LOVE as my own flesh and blood, are sewn forever into the tapestry of my very soul.

Phoenix, be ready for me. I’m digging deep and trying with all.my.heart to be ready for you.

On to new adventures!

xx,

N

NO more entries will be accepted. Winner(s) will be announced at appx 12pm HST.

The revolution continues, and I want YOUR family, YOUR business, YOU to be a part of it.

Back in February, high above all the noise and rumpus that is Las Vegas, NV, I found myself in a quiet  room, filled with the most exceptional group of women I have ever met. These women KNOW that happy families don’t just happen; they are MADE. This group of women understands that every single choice they make as mothers, is a significant one. These women have changed the course of my life, and continue to do so each and every day. They’ve put in the smart, focused, and intentional work, and every one of them will tell you that their lives, families, businesses, SELVES are better because of it. I’m so thankful for their examples that inspire me to step into my own life, business and family with more resolve, passion and joy! Some of them won scholarships for nursing, others mastered new specialties, etc.

No matter where you are in your business and life, if you are a mother and an entrepreneur, this workshop is for you. If you’re willing to put in the smart work, The Breathe Intensive WILL revolutionize your life from the ground up!

I’m dying to see you in Phoenix! I know you’re dying to be there too, because you know that the only other Breathe Intensive currently on the books for 2011, will be on an island waaaaaay out in the middle of the Pacific Ocean! Mainlanders, this is your last chance!

I’m giving away not one, but TWO seats to The Breathe Intensive in Phoenix on May 20th!

To enter:

1. Comment below and tell me why you want to come to Breathe. You don’t have to say much, just make sure it’s completely and totally transparent and comes from the deepest corner of your heart.
2. Tweet, Facebook, blog, Tumble the news about the giveaway. Shout it from the rooftops if you must (here is the direct link to this post), because if your friend enters and wins, guess what? They get to bring YOU along as their guest!
3. All entries must be received in the comment section below by no later than Friday, May 6th at 9:00 am Hawaii Standard Time.

Winners will be announced Friday, May 6th. (Or you may secure your seat by registering now, here.)

Good luck!

I CANNOT WAIT to see you in Phoenix!

xx,

Me