I know that many people love the iPad because it is a wonderful way to keep their children entertained.  Well, turns out it can entertain your cats as well!  Yes, this is an actual app made just for cats.  It is called jitterbug and the bugs crawl on the screen and when your cat touches it the bug explodes!  My cats were so good too, even though they both have claws they were so gentle and just touched the screen lightly.  They didn’t set any cat records, but it was still super funny to watch!

One of my goals this year is to read and write a review on this blog of one business book each month for the year.  My first book was Push by Chalene Johnson.  Now I know that this is more of a health and diet book than a regular business book, but Chalene Johnson is a self-made millionaire and I knew that this book had to divulge some of that information as well.  Overall, I really enjoyed this book.  Although I wasn’t reading it for the health or diet tips, I actually learned new things and new ways at looking at health and diet.  Additionally, Chalene went into serious detail about goal setting and how to achieve those goals.  She uses a different method whereby you write down 10 goals, and then look to find the one goal that is going to “push” you into reaching all your other goals.

Here are some of my favorite quotes from the book:

-  “The ingredients to lasting success in any area are universal, and one of the key ingredients is our consistent action.  Those actions become our habits. Those habits change our thinking.  Those habits change our body.  Those habits define our destiny.”

-  “People with clear, written out goals, who consistently honor their defined priorities tend to get results faster than others and enjoy a greater level of happiness and long term success in all areas of life.”

-  “Goals give us a specific destination to focus our actions and energies.  Written goals help you to better communicate to others, as well as to yourself, your plans for the future.  Goals relieve stress and bring clarity to your starting point.  Written goals provide motivation and accountability that far surpass “thought bubble” goals or even spoken goals without measurements or deadlines.”

-  “Your success is 100% your responsibility.  There’s no room for excuses.  Excuses are for the weak.”

-  “When someone knows what needs to be done but falls short, it is said they either fear success or they lack the habit of discipline.”

-  “The most important things you do in life are always the most difficult.”

-  “You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.”

-  “Success is not a place at which one arrives but rather the spirit with which one undertakes and continues the journey.” – Author unknown.

All in all, this is a book I would definitely recommend to anyone, whether you are looking for a business book or a health and diet book, or better yet, both!

Today my brother sent me a link to this TED talk, and although I had planned to blog something else, this was too good not to share.  This talk is given by Shawn Achor, the CEO of Good Think, Inc. who researches and teaches about positive psychology.  I love all TED talks but especially liked this one because I consider myself a pretty positive person and love learning more about that psychology.  Although this talk is 12mins, I definitely think it is worth your time!  Here is my favorite quote:  “If we study what is merely average, we will remain merely average.”

Enjoy!

Here is another Ten on Tuesday… Valentine’s Day edition!

1. How do you feel about Valentine’s Day?  I like it, but don’t obsess over it.  I like the idea of a holiday that celebrates couples and love.

2. Are you in love?  Absolutely!  I am married to an amazing man, how could I not be!?

3. What is your favorite love song?  One of my favorite love songs is At Last by Etta James.

4. Did your parents do anything for you on Valentine’s Day when you were a child?  Hmmm…I can’t really remember but I think they would get my brother and me cards and candy.

5. What is your love language? (Click here if you want to take the quiz.)  My love language was a tie between “words of affirmation” and “quality time”.  Two things I enjoy so that makes sense!

6. How do you celebrate Valentine’s Day? Gifts? Dinner?  Tonight I am going to make dinner and that is really about it.  I have a couple little gifts for my husband but nothing crazy.

7. What is your favorite flower?  My favorite flower is the gardenia.  It smells so amazing!

8. What is your favorite love story? (Book and/or movie.) My favorite love story (book and movie) is The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks.  I also heard The Time Traveler’s Wife is really good too but I haven’t read that yet.  It is on my list though.

9. If you could choose anyone to be your valentine (other than your spouse) who would you choose?  I would definitely choose Tom Brady…I don’t think Giselle would mind!

10. How did you meet your spouse/significant other?  I met my spouse for the first time at the library in college.  We really got to talking at a party though.  I know, how romantic!

Happy Valentine’s Day!

The tulip’s petals shine in dew,
All beautiful, but none alike.
- James Montgomery

I am excited to announce my monthly newsletter!  The newsletter is a great way to stay up to date on what is happening at Alli McWhinney Photography.  I hope you will sign up and enjoy receiving the newsletter every month!

Click here to sign up to receive the newsletter!

Here is a sneak peek from my friend’s baby shower yesterday that is going to be featured in the upcoming issue of Little Bit Magazine!

Here are a few funny things I have come across in the past couple weeks and I thought I would share with all of you!  Enjoy!

I feel the same way…

How many people actually believe this to be true about themselves?  Ahahaha!

The cutest thing I have ever seen!  Seriously, I die!

You just have to love the veggie DJ…

Happy Friday…go Pats!

Michigan has been having unseasonably warm weather this winter and well, that has me dreaming of spring!  If you follow me on Pinterest, you will notice that I pin a lot of designs that feature yellow and gray.  For some reason I am just loving that color combination right now and think it is so perfect for a spring wedding!  What do you think?

(Source)

Reese turned one last week and this past Saturday was her birthday party!  I absolutely loved the adorable owl theme and all the creative details.  Reese had a great time too…especially eating her cake!

Just thought I would share this awesome photo of my Uncle Mike (aka-”Mad Dog”), on the left, piloting the plane that did the flyover before the Patriots vs. Ravens game last Sunday.  Must have been good luck because the Patriots won and are Super Bowl bound!  Go Pats!

(Source)

I cannot believe that Reese is 1!  If you follow my blog, you have seen her grow up as well.  I did her newborn, 3 month, 6 month, 9 month, and now 1 year photos.  She is just the cutest and sweetest girl and I will miss photographing her every three months   Another reason I love photographing Reese so much is that her mom is an amazing stylist and styles the cutest shoots ever!  I hope you love these photos as much as I do!

Happy Thursday!

Well, I have been under the weather the past few days and boy it has not been fun.  Must be this crazy Michigan weather that is confusing my body!  I must say though,  it was nice to always have Dora by my side to make me feel better.

Here is a little sneak peek from my photoshoot with Little Bit Magazine.  I absolutely LOVED the colors…don’t you!?

I am so excited that Elizabeth & Kellison’s Ann Arbor Wedding is featured on MI Wedding Blog!  If you are a bride in Michigan you should definitely check out this blog for some great ideas and inspiration!

Check out my feature here!