family

Popup Birthday Celebration

in , , , ,

Today was a great day to pop up at my sister's house and surprise her.

So as we begin the new year, we decided within our immediate family that when each family members birthday arrives we would all cash app the honoree $1. So that would make there day and even more special day. So as we have begin this birthday initiative we have been blessed with 17 family members throughout the month of January. It just so happened that I had a trip planned and the dates lined up to where I was able to surprise my sister and travel to her house and bring her not only my $1 in person but flowers , cupcakes and love! Oh what a special day it was for surprising her with my presence. I event went live in my family private room on Facebook so that others could see the surprise.

It's always my pleasure to make someone's day! So I felt really super good that I was able to popup and celebrate.

Everyday Writing 2023

Vibe High

Happy Birthday to my son!

in , , ,

Today we celebrated my youngest son Cameron’s 15th Birthday! Yep my son is no longer a baby boy he is a young teenager.

For years we would be preparing to have family and friends over for a themed out party, but as this young man became older he settles for a nice dinner out with the family.

Tonight we went to one of his favorite restaurants and have a nice dinner to celebrate his special day.

Happy Birthday Cameron! May you be blessed with many more.

Everyday Writing 2022

Vibe High

My two sons

in , , ,

Every once in a while I’m able to get these guys to pose in a picture with me! My two sons!

Since the earlier days they have been my subject for taking pictures. As they have matured into young men they hardly like to allow me to capture a moment with them (awww boo!) On this rare occasion they allowed me to do so. It’s always a great day when we three come together! Much love to these guys!

Everyday Writing 2022

Vibe High

And we're back

in , , ,

This past weekend I met up with my brother his wife and my cousin and his lady and we spent the weekend in Orlando, Florida. We ate fellowship, sat poolside ran the streets of Orlando enjoying the little getaway that we had and before you know it we were packing our bags back up and headed back home!

Totally enjoyed my time away and it was great seeing my cousin who I hadn't seen in a good amount of years.

Full of Gratitude for a terrific weekend! Thank you more please!

Poolside with Family

Orlando, Florida TSA line early in the am

Everyday Writing 2022

Vibe High

A day of Family!

in , , , ,

Today we decided a few days ago to arrange a family picture.

I traveled to my hometown in Ohio for the weekend and we had decided that all my siblings that were able to be present for a family photo we scheduled one for Sunday evening. We had an overall busy day, but we all decided to do a combination of black and white color (to make it simple) and meet right at the park just a few feet from my mom’s house to capture a few memorable images.

Everyday Writing 2022

Vibe High

We are Family

in , ,

So today is national siblings day. So in order to celebrate this day, I want to share images of my siblings.

These are my A1s from Day one! We range in ages with me and my younger brother are the baby girl and boy of the family with all my other brothers and sisters being older than us. I have a total of 5 brothers and 3 older sisters

Here's to the Family! Love all the memories we created with each other over the years!

Happy National Siblings Day!

RIP to our brother Karim who is no longer with us!

Kustom Kreation Photography - Creating Memories & Moments

Everyday Writing 2022

Vibe High

Happy Father's Day!

in ,

Sending out a Special Father’s Day Message to all the Great Men of the World. We Salute you today and everyday for all that you do to support your children & families! Enjoy your Special Day!

Sending out a Special Father’s Day Message to all the Great Men of the World. We Salute you today and everyday for all that you do to support your children & families! Enjoy your Special Day!

Prom Seasons... A Distant Memory

in , ,

The year was 2007 and just the fall of the previous year we had picked up our camera and we were ready to take on the world and capture everything in it... So as time went on and opportunities presented themselves to us we were happy to oblige. Prom Season on any giving year begins in March and goes through May. 

We were contacted by the parents in order to capture images of their son and his date on their way to senior prom. So delighted that we were able to offer our mobile studio services to this client. We arrive at the home in which it was a Pre Prom Party going on complete with all the family and food and the energy was super high. We set up in the living room with our standard gray backdrop and we had a white column that stood to about your thigh area.  As we placed the couple in position we begin to capture images of this memorable occasion. I've just recently came by this memories of the past with my humble beginnings. I'm Thankful and Grateful of the journey and experiences that I've had to capture the many couples, family and friends during their seasons of celebrations. It thrills me to connect with so many people and be apart of their life memories. Just like that its a memory at a distant. 

Prom 20071 copy.jpg
Prom 2007 copy.jpg

This distant memory is now eleven years ago. I pray these two individuals went on to pursue their passion and dreams and are living a success and properous life. 

Kustom Kreation Photography 2007 

 

Foodie Tuesday by Smarty Marty- Rigatoni & Kale

in , , ,

This week Foodie Tuesday idea is Rigatoni & Kale

It's that time of the week where we are bring a recipe idea to you straight outta the kitchen of our beloved contributor Smarty Marty(My sister) and This week delicious delights is a take on Kale and Rigatoni noodles! 

Riggies with Charred Tomatoes, Hot Sausage, Kale and Ricotta

Kale and Sausage

Let's gather up all the needed ingredients 

Ingredients
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 pints cherry tomatoes
1 pound hot sausage
2 shallots, chopped
4 large cloves garlic, chopped
Salt and pepper
1/2 cup dry sherry or sweet vermouth
1 bunch Tuscan kale, cavolo nero, stemmed and chopped
1 pound rigatoni
2 cups fresh ricotta cheese, sheep or cow’s milk
EVOO – Extra Virgin Olive Oil, for drizzling
1 tablespoon chopped thyme
Shaved Pecorino cheese

kale and Sausage

Preparing the ingredients to get ready to be cooked 

Kale and Sausage

Bring a large pot of water to a boil for the rigatoni.

Preheat broiler and place a rack in the upper third of oven. Arrange the tomatoes on a baking sheet and toss with a little olive oil. Place under the broiler and char until they burst. 

Heat a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil, 2 turns of the pan. Add sausage, brown and crumble. Add shallots and garlic, and season with salt and pepper. Stir shallots and garlic into sausage for 2-3 minutes then deglaze with sherry or sweet vermouth. Add kale to pan and wilt into sausage. Add charred tomatoes to sauce.

Cook pasta in salted water to a minute shy of cooking time, reserving a mug of starchy cooking water. Drain rigatoni and toss with sauce and starchy water for a full minute. 

Plate pasta in shallow bowls topped with a fat mound of ricotta, some thyme, a drizzle of EVOO, a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Shred or shave pecorino over the dish and serve.

Recipe by Rachael Ray

kale and Sausage
Kale and Sausage

Cooked and Styled By Smarty Marty

Recipe By :  Rachael Ray