Portraits By Kayla - PbK Studio

The DIY Laundry Detergent Trials...

2011-12-28T12:34:00.000-08:00

Well, I have explained to my husband what Pinterest is (and then told him to never act like he knew what Pinterest was because it is NOT manly what so ever!)... Well, regardless of how he knew about it, a friend told him about the DIY Laundry Detergent. He likes to keep his pocketbook under lock and key, and when he heard a penny per load, he was stoked. (Our current detergent says it saves us approximately 23 cents per load).

So, last night Blake brought in a 5 gallon bucket in which he had rigged a little pour spout with a toggle. (He is sooo clever). I, of course, am pretty excited about his 'crafty' adventure.

So, for those of you who are wanting to make it... here are my thoughts! (Also, check back for updates because I do ALOT of laundry.)

Day 1: I walked in the house after running a few errands and think, something smells pretty awesome!! It is my DIY detergent!!! We use Febreeze Noticeables, Bath and Body Works Wallflowers, and Scentsy products ---- and over all of those, I smell a fresh, clean scent coming from my laundry room! So already... I could care less how clean my clothes are, this detergent is great! (haha). In the meantime... I currently am running my first load of laundry with the detergent. I will post later about it's scent, and once I get to the baby's clothes I will let you know about the cleanliness!

PbK Studio Framing & Design

2011-08-04T16:38:00.000-07:00

It has been much anticipated, and they are finally here. We have 54 Colors total, but I only have my top 8 in stock right now!

These frames are priced to sell, you can get them direct from PbK Studio and cut out all of the pricing from middle men (or women) lol!

We can custom make any size that you would need, and we hope to have new designs coming soon! All the photos listed are only $18!!!!Want to purchase one? Visit our etsy store here: CLICK HERE!

Much Love, Kayla & Lindsi

A new way to help your budget!

2011-08-04T14:21:00.000-07:00

Okay, so although this technique is not that new, because I have been using it since my sophomore year of college --- it may be new to some. And it is an awesome idea!!! Don't get me wrong --- I love cutting coupons and saving so much at the grocery, this just makes things a little bit easier!

In the August 2011 Issue of Parents Magazine, it has an article entitled "15 Painless Family Budget Cuts" -- i looked over it briefly, and mostly everything pertained to a really tiny little baby (which is not present in my household!) or for people who have multiple children, or for those who have to pay a sitter or daycare to keep their children, blah blah blah. There was just ONE very important one, in the small print, and at the bottom. Subscribe & Save discounts. Ever heard of that? Well... I pass this info along to all my new mommy friends and to clients when possible!

Go to Amazon.com & register as an Amazon Mom, that will automatically sign you up for Amazon Prime, which gives you free shipping on TONS of things anyway. BUT --- the best part is that you can subscribe and save on many commonly used products --- for instance, Blakely Anne has been getting her Pampers Cruisers diapers from Amazon for several months now. We get 186 (which is a large jumbo size) in a size 3 for $32.00!!! One box lasts 4-5 weeks!!!! The best part, Amazon will automatically send whatever you need when you need it... So once a month a giant box of diapers magically appears on our doorstep and lasts for a month!!! We NEVER have to go shopping for diapers, and never run out. It's seriously amazing. You can subscribe and save on tons of things, for instance, Blake (my hubby) has started using the new Nivea for men body wash that has the hair,body, and shave junk all in one... It costs $3.98 per bottle at Walmart. And every time he is out --- if he doesn't tell me (or I don't have any in our stock) then he gets ill bc my body wash is girly. So, with that being said --- i just went over to Amazon's Subscribe & Save and found a 3 pack of the body wash, and can have it delivered to us every 3 months for only $9.80 --- That saves $2.14, without cutting coupons --- saves time at the grocery, and makes sure that my husband always smells like a man instead of like something fru-fru! :) Everyone is happy!

Anyway, you can do this for so many things, one that I have found recently --- BABY FOOD -- I haven't checked prices on it yet, but I'm sure that it has got to be a deal. You can get many of your household items, food items, pet supplies & more with the subscribe and save program! It is seriously an awesome way to save money, and give us already busy moms a mini break! Also, your grocery time is cut, saving time for all of the naps that we need :)

Feel free to ask me any questions... I will be glad to try to help! All of my friends that have signed up for this say that they have cut their diaper bill in half!! It's worth a try --- you can cancel, change products, or change delivery whenever needed!

Go here to register for Amazon Mom!

Go here for Subscribe & Save!

XOXO,
Kayla

Christmas Card Previews

2011-08-04T08:51:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone! We hope that you have all gotten power back after last nights storms!
We have began picking our 2011 Christmas Cards --- we usually release them on September 6, so, we still have a month left to pick and choose, but we would love to know what everyone thinks about them! We have added a few to our Facebook Fan Page (www.facebook.com/pbkstudios) but there will be more and more to come!!! Here are a few of my personal faves!!! Much Love, Kayla

5x7 Flat Card

25 Cards - $35.00
50 Cards - $57.50
100 Cards - $115.00


5x7 Flat Card 25 Cards - $35.00 50 Cards - $57.50 100 Cards - $115.00

Christmas Thoughts in July

2011-07-21T10:11:00.000-07:00

Well, pending a recent trip to Hobby Lobby, we at PbK Studio are reminded that it is time to start getting everything ready for Christmas! Although you may use ANY photo that we have done throughout the year for your Christmas Cards, most people want to book new sessions! With that being said, as of this minute, we have a few spots left open in August, and are currently booking September, October, November, and December.

This year we will not be placing any Christmas Card Orders after December 1. Christmas Card templates will be featured in September this year as well.

PbK Studio will also be featuring TWO main Christmas backgrounds this year. One will be bright, colorful and fun for the kiddos, while the other will be the traditional ground that we are all used to. We are currently coming up with a few other ideas --- but those two will be there for sure. We actually thought about this one for the kids... let us know what you all think! If this background is chosen, we will have fun lollipops for the kids as well!

It's hard to believe that Christmas is just around the corner --- we have actually already started making Christmas purchases at the Burgess house! AHHHHH!! **Lindsi will be shopping the day before Christmas because she is more last minute about these things ---- we will be fighting off the crowds in the mall on Christmas Eve for hours trying to find the perfect shirt for her dad again this year!!! Hahahaha!

Don't forget to let us know on facebook what you think about the backgrounds! :)

Much Love,
Kayla & Lindsi

Closing out wedding seaon...

2011-07-12T13:52:00.000-07:00

We just wanted to update our wedding prices for this year and for next! If anyone is interested in looking into our wedding packages, we will be available to meet after the end of August! We strive to be the low cost photography leaders in Florence, Alabama while still offering the quality that you would expect for such an important event! We not only serve Florence, Alabama, but also have packages available for those special out of town weddings! We are willing to go anywhere to capture your special moments!

Here are our basic wedding packages for those of you who would like to know! :)

Fall 2011Kelly's Kids Children's Clothing Party

2011-07-08T18:31:00.000-07:00

Join us for the annual Fall Kelly's Kids party that will be held at Kayla Burgess' home! Come and meet the photographers at Portraits By Kayla - PbK Studio, eat some yummy snacks, meet new people and shop from one of the BEST Kelly's Kids Representatives in the NATION!

Twice each year we throw this party to give our customers a chance to get some gorgeous clothing and earn free sessions! That is right --- I said FREE!!! If you spend $100 at our Kelly's Kids Party, you earn a FREE session!!!

We will also be giving out some fab door prizes this year!

Bring all of your girls, moms, and grandmothers (they really love this brand!!)

We will welcome you with food and a smile! We promise! :0)

When is it? Saturday, July 23 from 5:30 - 8 p.m. (Address is 15 Holt Court, Florence Alabama) *Please note that the party will not be held at PbK Studio*

Come by and visit :))))
Love, Kayla & Lindsi

Zulily - Petit Ami 50% off!!! hurry!

2011-07-08T07:26:00.001-07:00

hey ladies! We all love Petit Ami for girls and boys... get it for $12.99 - 29.99 Right now!!! They run out of these precious children's clothes very quickly!! They have tons of other brands but this is my fave!!! Go to this link: http://www.zulily.com/invite/kburgess530
Love, Kayla :)

Get Your Fave Fleece at a steal!!

2011-07-07T09:53:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone, Not everyone knows this, but in every spare moment that I have I am online shopping or trying to find something that I need for REALLY cheap. My motto is "Buy what you need when you do not need it!" So, I ALWAYS look for things off season that will be on sale! I have ran across a superior deal that I had to share! Here in Florence, we need jackets at least half of the year -- so why not buy in July? They are usually 20-60% off this time of year. The cheapest place that I have found The North Face Denali jackets for kids is at Backcountry.com. I bought Blakely Anne FOUR different jackets for the price that I could have bought ONE jacket during season! They have an excellent selection of Infants and Childrens jackets at amazingly low prices right now! I have no idea how long the sale will last, but I'm betting with back to school just around the corner it will not be much longer! Go grab yourself or someone else a jacket while you can!

Love, Kayla :)

Blakely Anne is ONE year owled! :)

2011-07-07T09:41:00.000-07:00

I have been receiving a lot of questions about where I got things from Blakely's party, so I decided that we needed a blog entry for it so that everyone can come here whenever they need it! :) Enjoy!

The party was held at the Marriott of the Shoals Park pavillion (beside the Splash pad in Florence, Alabama). To reserve it, Call the Florence Park Authority. Call a few months in advance!!!!
Blakely's Party Banners were handmade from a great Etsy Seller... wburley74. Ciaobambino created her monthly photo banner, as well as her cupcake toppers. the little Owl favor bags held a trail mix and were created by 4DoorsDownDesigns. Amy's Cakes of Florence, Alabama made Blakely's guest cake, smash cake, and cupcakes. Her cake was three different flavors --- and it only lasted a few minutes!!! The owl was designed by Buttercup Petit Fours (who also designed the little owl marshmallows that I completely forgot to get a photo of!) And of course, her giant photo was done by us at PbK Studio! Her water bottles (pictured below) were designed by PbK Studio and sent to Danielle's Designs to be printed, they were waterproof and just stuck on! **CONVENIENT**. Anyway, enjoy the pics and kudos to all who helped make her party a success ( except that it was 30 degrees in the middle of May! haha!)

Blakely Anne arriving at her Birthday Party!

The Cake!

Cupcakes!!

Smash Cake!

Fruit Owl!

Favor Bags!

She is ONE!

Love, Kayla and Lindsi :)

Long Time... No See

2009-08-13T14:20:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone,

it has been awhile since I blogged last. There has been alot going on, but I am going to updating very soon. :)

Also, don't forget that you may find us on facebook, twitter, and myspace at the following links:

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=561931194&ref=ts#/pages/Portraits-By-Kayla/75182778509?v=info&viewas=183405141

Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/aristosdesigns

Twitter: http://twitter.com/portraitbykayla

Lots of new pictures to come... as well as updates to the websites.

We also have Senior Specials... so check em out at www.portraitsbykayla.com

Thanks,
Kayla & Lindsi

Customized Frames

2009-05-02T23:33:00.000-07:00

Hey ---

this weekend has been really busy, seniors are making last minute orders, race season is here, AND now... I am putting together frames!!

They are really cute!! Each frame is customized for the client... here's one that I put together to match my living room:

I'm using this as a sample... On this one I used 4 different designs, ribbon, and a monogrammed B.... it really shows a lot of my personality... and matches the color of my "blue wall" in my living room. I'm really really happy with the way this frame turned out.. it was exactly as I pictured it in my head :) Oh... and this one is a 5x7 and they will be sold for $15.00

Here's another that I did that I really really love, this one is actually for sale right now:

This one says "SENIOR" on it... I did not put a date on it, but I can --- I can also put a name, or an initial... just anything really. This frame is so fun and girly!! It was made with 3 designs, (Multicolors, Brown, Teal, and Black.) This frame is in a 4x6 and will be sold for $10.00

All frames are made of wood... and may have a variety of different supplies to get the finished product. These are all designed at PbK and you cannot get them anywhere else. There will not be two frames that are just alike....

Ok, I hope you like the products :)

Have a blessed day,
Kayla

Elijah's Bathtime...

2009-04-28T10:08:00.000-07:00

This is Elijah, he did not want to get in the bathtub, but he did want to play in it!! Anyway, it turned out to look really sweet. :)

Thanks,
Kayla

Cloverdale MX Race 2

2009-04-28T10:00:00.000-07:00

We were at Cloverdale MX for the second race once again. There was a good turnout, and when a transformer unexpectedly blew, the riders and fans stuck around to finish the race. Everyone showed great sportsmanship. Also, Cloverdale MX's 2009 Sponsor's (Longshore, Advanced Auto, Ride1, and JMR) gave really great Holeshot awards, which included goggles, gloves, and gift certificates!! We had a great time at the race and hope to see everyone there again for the next race!

Pictures from the race are available for viewing in our proofing section on www.portraitsbykayla.com

Thanks,
Kayla and Lindsi

Katie Rowe Senior Shoot

2009-04-28T09:54:00.000-07:00

Katie is a Senior at Wilson High School, and is such a great girl! She's so cute and she just won the BEAUTY PAGEANT! Anyway, Katie did 2 shoots with us this year, and here are a few pictures from her last shoot...

Just for fun...

2009-04-14T22:21:00.000-07:00

A couple of days ago... me and miss amy decided to just go out and take some pictures... we tried to beat the rain, but we only got about ten minutes in before the bottom fell out. We ended up getting some cute little shots....

Cloverdale MX First Race

2009-04-12T07:33:00.000-07:00

Portraits by Kayla was at the first race at Cloverdale MX on April 11,2009. We took pictures during the practice and sold them during the races. We had a pretty good turnout and had so much fun!

Here's a few pictures from that night:

On behalf of the Management at Cloverdale MX, we hope everyone had a great time, and we hope to see you guys again at the next race!

Thanks,
Kayla

LOOKING for Class of 2010 Senior Representatives!

2009-04-10T11:44:00.000-07:00

We are currently looking for Senior Representatives for the Class of 2010.

We will be selecting only a few individuals from each school in our area. If you, or anyone that you know would be interested, please apply by sending an email to aristosdesigns@yahoo.com with your Name, School, School Activities, and Why you believe we should pick you to represent our company.

As stated, we only have a few spots available for each school, so please apply quickly.

Senior Representatives receive half off of their session fee and half off of their portraits, they also get other free goodies.

Good Luck!!

Before Prom Pictures

2009-04-03T13:20:00.000-07:00

The day of Wilson High Schools prom is ALWAYS busy for me, because not only am I a photographer, but I apparently am a professional curl maker. So, I usually do a couple of people's hair or makeup too.

This year was really a special year because it was my baby brother's first prom, and Blake's (my fiance) baby sister's prom. SO... I HAD to take pictures.

My goal was to take pictures that were different from everyone else's. I wanted them to look like they were actually trying to do a photo shoot... Instead of just standing in front of a rock with their dates (haha). I wanted them to be able to post them as thier default on myspace or facebook and everyone to comment on how good they looked (Deven looked so grown up, and his date was SO cute!!) (Brooke looked amazing, she had great hair, and as always beautiful makeup and a dress that was perfect for her!). So, in my biased opinion, they were stunning...

But here are the pictures, so you may decide for yourself:

Easter 2009

2009-04-03T13:03:00.000-07:00

Hello friends :)

I have been trying to come up with a cute but simple easter theme... So I have been shopping and shopping and have finally decided on what I want to do... The both seem fairly "girly" but I knew I would be doing pictures of a few little girls, so that may have persuaded me just a little.

I will keep the Easter props out for about another month or so, so if anyone wasn't able to get their pictures done before easter, they can be done afterwards and at no additional cost of course.

I am shooting Kyleigh Brooke's easter pictures this afternoon, so I will post those up over the weekend.

Next Saturday, (April 11th, 2009) , I will be at Cloverdale MX in Florence Alabama. This track is under new management! We will be shooting action shots, BUT we will not be printing them at the race. We will have order forms and the pictures will be mailed to you, or can be picked up at Ride1, or can be picked up at my house.
- If there are alot of orders, then we will start printing them at the races.
- If there are not any orders... we will more than likely not do any pictures at the track again. This is our first time to attempt this, so we will see.

Also... The portraits in the galleries on the website is a little messed up. It's not a big problem, it's just that the portraits quality looks really poor... I will have that fixed in no time.

...Kyleigh Brooke's Easter Pictures...
(These were my favorites!!!)

Thanks for reading,
Kayla

Feb - March 2009

2009-03-06T10:57:00.000-08:00

Hello!

As of right now... I am trying to find a design that I like for the temporary website, until I figure that out, you can view this one right now... Please Click here! :)

I have been busy putting together my studio this month. I have a few small sessions to do, which include pageant pictures, I will get them up as soon as they are available. I will also be doing an engagement shoot in a couple of weeks, and those will be up soon!

Also, Lindsi will be helping me out until she gets her own camera. Eventually, we hope to work together in the business and we are really excited about the future.

Please refer me to your friends and families if you appreciate my work. I have really great prices and I'm willing to do whatever you would like to do.

As my appreciation for photography grows, I hope your love for my portraits grows too.

Thanks for reading, and stay tuned for new portraits. :)

-Kayla