Christmas Decorations

Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas 2020!!  Not as much hustle and bustle this year, but we still put full effort into the Christmas Decorations. Thought I would share….hope you enjoy!

Welcome!!

Foyer

Hallway from foyer to kitchen/family room…poinsettia trees are a gift from my parents we have enjoyed for years.

Kitchen mantle with my cherished Byers Caroler Collection…my mom started me on this collection many years ago.

Tree in kitchen displays years of photo ornaments and more playful ornaments, as well as, homemade ornaments.  The tree topper caroler was made by one of my kids in 2nd grade.  I didn’t include a photo but my nutcracker collection is above the stove.

Silver and Gold theme in the dining room…should have set the Christmas table for the photo.

Stockings hung in the living room with our main tree which is placed in our front bay window.  Can’t see the manger which is in front of the fireplace.

Best wishes for a very Happy Holiday and a Healthy, Joyful and Prosperous New Year.  I’m hopeful 2021 will bring much brighter days!!

Thanks for stopping by….Cynthia

 

 

Central Park Conservancy

On this special May Day, I had the pleasure of being a guest at The Women’s Committee of the Central Park Conservancy’s 37th Annual Frederick Law Olmsted Award Luncheon held at The Conservatory Garden in Central Park (at 105th Street and 5th Avenue). Three women were honored with the Award this year for their hard work and dedication to the organization.  The Women’s Committee, a powerful team of fundraisers and Park Ambassadors, raises an incredible $10 million of the $80 million annual budget and over $175 million to date.  Now with a membership of 1,000 women strong, their programs enable anyone to make an investment in the Park.  The Central Park Conservancy – a not-for-profit organization founded in 1980 – is to restore, manage, and enhance Central Park in partnership with the public, for the enjoyment of all.  The Conservancy raises the Park’s nearly $80 million annual operating budget and is responsible for the work essential to keeping Central Park beautiful.

The event is a spectacle of fashion and creativity!!  My girlfriend Kimberly, a member of the Women’s Committee Board, advised all of her guests to wear a hat or hairpiece to this unique event.  I had no idea the Fashion, Flowers and Fascinators (and hats) would be so fanciful, imaginative and gravity-defying!!

Following are photos from this very special day… My girlfriend and generous hostess is the stunner in marigold!! (That’s me in the polka dots – chilly day so wore my fur stole)

 

Puppy topiary topper with leash

A forest in a hat with an owl on top

The Conservatory Garden – sadly you can’t see the gorgeous tulips surrounding the area

I heard Brooke Shields and Martha Stewart attended but did not see them.  However, I did see Mayor Bloomberg who was also sporting a hat! (Below)

After the cocktail reception in the garden we headed inside the tent which held over 1,300 guests!

What an unforgettable event!  Thank you to all that generously give their time and money to keep Central Park spectacular! I loved seeing all of the enthusiasm, creativity and effort put into the fashion and the hair pieces! When you walk through Central Park look around, appreciate and think of all of the effort that goes into keeping it beautiful. Thank you to my dear friend Kimberly for having me!!

Thanks for stopping by….Cynthia

 

 

 

Marc Cain at Fashion Night Out!

Marc Cain’s Spring 2019 designs illuminated the cat walk at Serendipity Magazines charity fundraiser, “Fashion Night Out!” held at The Loading Dock in Stamford, CT.  The fashion event pulled in a stylish and enthusiastic crowd who mingled in the modern space while enjoying a DJ and a delicious assortment of small bites and cocktails.

After introductions by Serendipity Founder and CEO, Suni Unger and SVP/Editor, Lisa Meipala Kennedy, as well as, Model and Founder of Every Mother Counts, Christy Turlington Burns, the fashion show began!   Serendipity’s, Suni Unger announced the Marc Cain fashion presentation featuring Greenwich, CT and local area residents as models and, who represent and raised money for their favorite charities.

All of the Marc Cain looks featured are currently available at the Marc Cain store at The Westchester in White Plains, NY.

Kicking off the show and representing The Cos Cob Fire Police Patrol, wearing a gorgeous Green Monochrome look with double-breasted blazer and tuxedo pant.

Neoprene bodycon dress with side details to accentuate the feminine shape worn with turquoise and white accessories.  Proudly representing the Greenwich Hospital Foundation.

Plaid dress with stretch and black side paneling to create a flattering silhouette.  Worn with red, block heeled sandals for a pop of color and Marc Cain’s white monogram bag accessorized with a lily of the valley print silk scarf.  Supporting Family Centers.

Shining bright for The Tiny Miracles Foundation in a head-to-toe trendy neon double-breasted suit worn with nude accessories.  Creatively wearing a retro print silk scarf as a head wrap.

Wearing on trend green and paired with red accessories for contrast.  The knit top has a super lux feel and the peplum is flattering and feminine.  The pants, with a tuxedo stripe add a corporate flare. Accessorized with an edgy white bag with silver hardware and the lili of the valley print scarf around the neck for a classic touch.  Smiling brightly for Every Mother Counts.

Highlighting the versatility of Marc Cain’s pieces by mixing and matching this look combines a tweed jacket with embellished buttons and lace detailed sleeves with a comfy neoprene black and white cropped pant.  The bag with stitching details bring the look from office to evening.  Happily representing the Greenwich Arts Council.

Wide-leg see through trouser (with inner shorts) worn with a linen jacket with a feminine camisole which has the Marc Cain motto, “Marc Cain Loves You” on the straps.  The nude saffiano bag with silver hardware studs and black suede statement pumps finish the look.  Glowing for Opus for Person to Person.

Who doesn’t love black and white?!  This a great day to evening look worn with a the red saffiano bag with gold hardware and black mesh booties.  Standing tall for Food Rescues Us.

This is the ideal brunch outfit – neoprene pants offer the ultimate comfort and flatter the figure. The denim jacket with peplum and jewel buttons add a girly flair.  Elegantly representing Greenwich Land Trust.

Marc Cain Collections and Sports labels cater to every age group.  This rocker look includes neon yellow denim and the jewel embellished top is layered over a leopard print tank. And, the finishing touches, a leopard scarf and black patent bootie.  Rocking it for the Greenwich Hospital Foundation.

Lilac, White and Denim combined in this soft palette for Spring.  Add the transitional jacket or wear it as a dress.

The ultimate weekend look combining soft pink suede sneakers, floral pants with racer stripe, a striped tee and a techno jersey jacket.

A perfect transitional outfit for Spring combining statement neon yellow accessories, a fashionable sneaker, a trendy transparent backpack with applique flower and pearls.  The down puffer is a great layer especially over this leopard print neoprene jacket.

This techno and pinstripe blazer with matching tapered trouser paired with an edgy silver booty is a hit worn with a long tank and lace cap for a feminine touch.

This leopard dress accentuates the figure with a tie at the waist.  The bottom of the dress is a ribbed cotton and the top is light and flows – great for office or otherwise.  Paired with red pumps and a nude bag.

Dress it down with a denim jacket or wear this champagne colored shimmering sequin dress on its own to a party or special event.

This white pant with black racer stripe down the side pairs beautifully with a cozy, soft printed sweater. Add statement accessories like this lace cap, pink and silver sneaker and great silver leather cross body bag.

This fashionista is wearing an impermeable parka with techno material pants.  Worn with mesh white boots and colorful printed scarf.

Hot pink, black and white are a great combo to transition into Spring.  The puffer is worn over a floral print top and techno stretch pants with a utility strap detail at the side – edgy but comfy!

The final look was a stunner with it’s metallic jacket and embellished top worn over faded, tapered denim with a black patent booty.

 

The Fashion Show was superb filled with color, trends and covetable looks.  The Models were fabulous and did a great job representing their fine and important charities.

Marc Cain is located at The Westchester – 125 Westchester Avenue, White Plains, NY

914-460-5051

Store Hours: Mon-Sat 10am-9pm,  Sun 11am-6:30pm

 

Thanks for stopping by…Cynthia

 

Australia

Finally posting about our 3-week family vacation in July 2018 to visit our son on his “winter” break in Australia.  He was half-way through his one-year overseas, studying at The University of the Sunshine Coast as part of Elon Universities study abroad program.  We flew from NY to LA, had a 4-hour layover, and then headed on our 15 hour flight to Sydney.  Arriving a full day later we headed to our Sydney accomodation at Meriton Suites.

The  accomodations were impressive!  We had what was an apartment – a 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom suite on a top floor.  It was pristine, big, open layout, kitchen, dining table, floor to ceiling windows, high-end finishes, laundry – such a great start to a vacation! We only had a few days in Sydney so we had to see the sites!  Of course, we headed to the opera house and took a harbour boat ride.

Sydney Harbour/ Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge

View of Opera House and Harbour Bridge from the water.

Walked all over the city and took a stroll through the Sydney Botanical Gardens…

And, had the first of many coffees.  Australians take their coffee VERY seriously and it is some of the best I’ve ever tasted.

The next morning we woke up to the most incredible double rainbow – seemed so close we could touch it!

After Sydney we flew South to Melbourne…a bit colder there.  We spent about one week in the Melbourne area.  We took trips into the city and we explored the vast, beautiful coastal area and attended a sporting event.

Photos of the city…along the river front…

Melbourne at night.

One day we took a road trip to Phillip Island where we had a fabulous lunch at The Cape Kitchen, pet and fed Kangaroos and saw Australian wildlife and ended the day sitting on the beach waiting for the Penguins to come home from fishing all day, waddle up the beach and head to their dens in the dunes.

A very windy day on the back deck of The Cape Kitchen overlooking the open sea.  Delicious food – breathtaking view!

After lunch we visited a petting zoo to meet and feed hundreds of kangaroos and see Australian wildlife: Koala Bears, Dingos, Tazmanian Devils, etc.

Kangaroos and Jack

Dingos

Tazmanian Devil

Waiting for the sun to set so the penguins could come home.  No flash allowed so no photos of penguins – but it was so fun to see!! Hundreds waddled right past us, up and over the rocks and into the dunes.

We definitely enjoyed the amazing food and treats in Australia.  We had to try injectable donuts. A sweet start before an Aussie Rules Footy match at The MCG (Melbourne Cricket Ground)

Outside the MCG, the most famous cricket stadium in Australia (also serves as a football stadium) and has a capacity of 100,024.  We saw a nailbiter match between the Melbourne Devils and St. Kilda Saints (massive underdogs) and St. Kilda won 119-117 which lead to raucous singing and celebrations by the away fans!!!  Jack said we would love the sport and the atmosphere – he was correct!!

Another day we took a road trip to see the sites of  The Great Ocean Road which is about 90 minutes from downtown Melbourne and winds for 249 miles along the wild Southern Ocean, past the world-class surf at Bells Beach and takes you to our final destination, The Twelve Apostles.

Me at a picturesque spot above Bells Beach on The Great Ocean Road

Spectacular view of Great Ocean Road from Teddy’s Lookout.

Lorne Beach – stopped for Fish n Chips at The Salty Dog in Lorne.

Arrive at The Twelve Apostles – Walking along the cliffs to get the best view of the limestone stacks off the shores of Port Campbell National Park.

Sun setting at The Twelve Apostles

The next day a historic train ride on The Puffing Billy Railway

A 3-hour train ride through the Wright Forest with lunch served in the historic cabins.

After the train ride we spontaneously decided to visit a suburb of Melbourne – St. Kilda

A view from across the harbour in St. Kilda, known for spectacular sunsets, to the city of Melbourne.

Watching the sunset and waiting for the penguins.

The white belly of a penguin.  Many came into the harbour to nest in the harbour walls.

After our fabulous week in the Melbourne, Victoria area we took an airplane North to the warmer weather in The Whitsunday Islands , Queensland.  We stayed in Airlie Beach, a popular backpacker stop.  It also happened to be The World Cup, so we watched an England game in a packed bar filled with every Brit in the area – what a wild night.  We enjoyed two snorkeling excursions. One to see Whitehaven Beach, perenially voted one of the top 10 beaches in the world and boasts the purest sand in the world and offers the added bonus of the swirling sands. On this excursion run by Red Cat Adventures we saw vibrant coral reef, swam with beautiful fish that swam right up to us – an unforgettable experience.  The second excursion, a 3-hour boat ride to The Great Barrier Reef, the world’s largest coral reef system spreading over 1,400 miles where a few of us scuba dove for the first time.

The view from our Airlie Beach Air BNB pad.

World Cup celebrations in Airlie Beach

The Lagoon at Airlie Beach

Ali, Liz and Cate wading in the Lagoon

Cloudy day but still we enjoyed the remarkeable waters and powder-like sand at Whitehaven Beach.

The breathtaking swirling sands at Whitehaven Beach

Great Barrier Reef – After 3-hours of cruising in open ocean you arrive at this floating dock for scuba and snorkeling.  Also a submarine so you could view the reef without getting wet.  The dive was beautiful and on the cruise back to shore we saw whales!!

Ali and Cate suited up for snorkeling

The final days of our vacation were spent on The Sunshine Coast.  Jack, who was studying at USC (The University of The Sunshine Coast) gave the family a tour of his school and a feel of his life. We enjoyed the nearby beach town of Mooloolaba and now completely understand why he loved his time in Australia and did not want to leave.

A few campus photos

His dorm accomodations – his was the lower level and he had two Aussie roommates.

Mooloolaba Beach

Surfboard Bench at Mooloolaba Beach

We LOVED every minute of our 3 weeks in Australia.  The sites, the food, the coffee, the people, the relaxed life! I touched on some of the highlights but there was so much more to our vacation as well!  I hope you enjoyed the overview!  Put Australia on your bucket list and try for no fewer than 3 weeks.  So much to see and such a vast country/continent to cover.

Below is a link to an article from Your RV Lifestyle which has good information and is worth checking out if you are considering a trip to Australia:

https://www.your-rv-lifestyle.com/things-to-do-in-australia/

Thanks for stopping by….Cynthia

New Year’s Resolution – Wardrobe Consultation

Happy New Year!!!  It’s that wonderful time of year when we get a fresh start!  We may also feel the pressure to come up with a New Year’s Resolution.  Are any of these on your list?  Lose weight,  get back to the gym,  cut out white sugar, cut back on coffee, reserve alcohol for weekends…  Sound familiar?  Focusing on positive and healthy change is great, and I admit, a few of these repeat goals are back on my list again for 2018….

In 2010, I achieved my New Year’s goal and long time goal of starting my own business!  The main reason I started a personal styling and personal shopping business was not because I enjoy shopping and love fashion, but because it was a way I felt I could truly help people feel better about themselves.  It is empowering stepping out of your home in clothing that flatters and you feel great in.  And, having a closet filled with clothing you love and that works is stress relieving and time saving.

Is your New Year’s Goal the same as in the past?  Or, might you consider a resolution focusing on something stress reducing and empowering?  Are you happy with your wardrobe?  Are you confident with your style?  Do you love what you wear?  Are you dressing to enhance your figure?  Do you feel great with how you look?  If you are not confidently answering yes to at least a few of these questions, you may want to consider treating yourself to a Wardrobe Consultation.  During a Wardrobe Consultation you take the time necessary to audit what you have and edit out what is not working.  As well as, put together new outfits with the good items you own and make note of what is missing.  It is remarkable how much better you feel when you enter your closet knowing that you love what is in it and that you have outfits to wear!

Editing your Closet takes time and energy – but is so worth it!!   Here are few suggestions and tips to get started:

Jeans –  If they don’t make you feel GREAT, get rid of them.  You should absolutely have a pair of great fitting, very dark wash denim.  The style depends on your shape.

T-shirtsGet rid of all stretched out, stained and pilled t-shirts.  A great fitting white and black tee are essential.  Style is a preference, however, replace every year if washed frequently; the black fades and the white yellows.

ShoesDon’t keep shoes you aren’t wearing because they are uncomfortable.  Keep shoes you like in good condition – make any repairs at the end of season.  If you don’t have a classic and sexy black pump…get a pair!  Try many on to get a comfortable pair and be willing to pay more for a quality pair.  A classic cut will always be in style and if you take care of them, they will last forever.  They go with everything and make you look and feel great!

 

The fresh start of a New Year is the ideal time to re-focus on you.  If you would like more information about assistance with a wardrobe consulation,  please e-mail me at cynhud@optonline.net.

Best wishes for a HAPPY NEW YEAR!  I sincerely hope it is filled with happiness, good health and, of course, an even more confident you!!

Thanks for stopping by….Cynthia

 

 

Where to Remodel a Fur Coat

In the late 80’s, when I was a young, working gal in Chicago, I purchased a fur (with the help of my father) to keep me warm from the cold of the windy city.  It did its job for a few years, but sadly, instead of keeping me warm, it has been hanging, neglected, in a closet for over twenty years.

For a long time I have wanted to remodel my floor-length, male mink.  The wide sleeves made it look huge, the style is outdated, and I just don’t have a need for it.  I longed to convert the big, heavy coat into a useful, updated style that I could wear casual, as well as, dressy

The dated style with massive sleeves and bracelet cuffs.

At a holiday event, I picked up the business card of Peter Duffy Furs.  I’ve held on to it hoping I would make the fur project a reality.  I did some research pricing out various places and getting input on design and spoke to Marge Duffy at Peter Duffy Furs who intrigued me with the fairness of their cost to remodel.  We set up a consultation to check the condition of the fur (thankfully mine was still in good condition) and discuss the style I was hoping for.  I left the coat and returned less than 2 weeks later to a remodeled fur jacket!   We made minor tweaks, I selected a monogram for the lining and learned that there was enough fur remaining to make a fur stole!!  One week later I returned to pick up my new fur jacket and stole!

Remade into to a 25″ length jacket.

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Raised the arm holes and opened the cuff to make the jacket more current and appear less bulky.

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Made a stylish stole with the left over fur!

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Do you have a fur that you are not wearing?  If so, thing about turning it into something new.

Peter Duffy Furs is located in New York City at 231 W. 29th Street (bet. 7th and 8th Ave).

Phone: 212-695-6161

Ask for Marge and tell her Cynthia sent you…

 

Thanks for stopping by…Cynthia

Thanksgiving Table

Whether rustic, elegant, traditional, modern, colorful, current, glam, monochromatic, natural, dramatic, festive or bright, there are countless ways to dress a Thanksgiving Table.  Like one’s personal style, table dressing should be a reflection of you.  If you are hosting Thanksgiving and haven’t quite decided on table decor or, haven’t thought about it at all, perhaps one of the following settings will set your heart a flutter, get your creative juices flowing and inspire you to get Thanksgiving Table dressing!

White candles with mini pumpkins and gourds

modern hurricanes with acorns

mixed candle with greens, gourds and fruit

glam in gold

Natural simplicity

Modern mix of white and natural

Rustic chic

Elegant and fruity

Colorful and ornate

Farmhouse chic

 

Will your Thanksgiving Table decor reflect your personal style?

Thanks for stopping by and enjoy your Friends and Family this Thanksgiving…Cynthia

Images: Various Pinterest

Rainy Day Chicken Stew

If I am not checking out stores on a rainy day I enjoy cooking – especially a dish like my Rainy Day Chicken Stew.  Taking the time to cut up the vegetables, saute the onions and garlic, brown the chicken and then slowly cook everything together to get great flavor is a labor I love and is a family favorite!

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YOU WILL NEED: (serves 6-8)

2-3 lbs of skinless, boneless chicken thighs (cut into 1″ pieces)

1 box of (32 fl oz.) organic chicken stock (or home-made stock)

1 Cup of Chardonnay (or white wine of your choice)

Olive oil

1 box (26 oz.) San Marzano Fire Roasted Crushed Tomatoes

1 medium yellow onion (peeled and diced)

3 cloves of garlic (peeled and diced)

1 russet potato (peeled and cut into 1″ pieces)

1 sweet potato (peeled and cut into 1″ pieces)

1 turnip (peeled and cut into 1″ pieces)

2 yellow bell peppers (cleaned, seeded and cut into 1 ” pieces)

3 carrots (peeled and cut into 1″ pieces)

Fresh sage and thyme sprigs (tie-together with cooking twine)

salt and pepper

Dutch oven or large pot

STEPS:

Add about 2 TBSP of olive oil to bottom of pot.  Over medium heat slowly saute garlic and onion until translucent. Remove onions and garlic and set aside.  Add chicken pieces to pot, season with salt and pepper and saute until lightly browned (about 8 minutes).  Remove chicken and set aside.  Add wine and deglaze the pot getting up any brown bits.

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After deglazing add cooked chicken, onions and garlic back into the pot. Add in the crushed tomatoes and stir.  Add all of the vegetables and pour in all of the chicken stock.  Turn the heat to high and bring quickly to a boil.

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Once boiled, stir , lower heat, add sage and thyme, and simmer for 1- 1 1/2 hours, with pot partially covered.

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The completed Rainy Day Chicken Stew should have reduced slightly, thickened a bit and root vegetables should be tender.

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Season to taste and Rainy Day Chicken Stew is ready to serve!

IMG_2655Serve and enjoy with a warmed, crispy baguette (to dunk in the delicious stew sauce) and a glass of your favorite wine or beer (in front of the fireplace even better).  If you like it spicy add your favorite hot sauce to taste.  Bon Appetit!

Do you prefer to shop or cook on rainy days?

Thanks for stopping by…Cynthia

 

 

Skillet Style Chocolate Chip Cookies

Normally, I am captured by fashion, beauty and accessory photos but I recently came across this photo of Skillet Style Chocolate Chip Cookies while looking through a blog I enjoy.  With Fall “sweater weather” I am thinking of cozy gatherings, fireside foods and cold-weather treats – this chocolate chip cookie seems to fit that bill!!

Anthroplogie recipe

Ashley’s most delicious looking Salted Skillet Chocolate Chip Cookie is from Anthropologie’s Blog which always has great visuals, fun ideas and inspiration.  You can visit the blog by clicking here. I have not made this recipe but it really looks too good not to share — and definitely do share if you make it!

Ashley’s Salted Chocolate Chip Cookies, Skillet Style

WHAT YOU’LL NEED…
½ cup (1 stick) butter
2 tablespoons white sugar
2 tablespoons turbinado sugar
¾ cup plus 2 tablespoons dark brown sugar, packed
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 ¾ cup all purpose flour
¾ teaspoon baking soda
¾ teaspoon kosher salt
6 ounces chopped chocolate or chips (Use the best quality chocolate your budget will allow. With a serrated knife, cut chocolate into roughly ½ inch chunks)
½ teaspoon flaky sea salt

12″ cast iron skillet

HOW TO MAKE IT…
Preheat oven to 400°F. Cream the butter and sugars on medium-high speed until light, 5 minutes. Scrape down the side of the bowl a couple times in this process. Continue mixing while adding the egg. Add the vanilla. Scrape down the bowl with a spatula. Combine the flour, baking soda and kosher salt in another bowl. Whisk to combine. With the machine on low, slowly add the flour mixture. Mix until just combined, taking care not to over mix. With a spatula, fold in the chocolate.
Dump the dough into a 12″ cast iron skillet and pat down to flatten into an even layer. Then sprinkle the flake salt on top. Bake for 12 minutes. Edges will be golden while the center is still soft and gooey.
For regular cookies, scoop onto a lined cookie sheet then sprinkle each cookie with a bit of the flake salt. Bake in a preheated 360°F oven for 10-12 minutes, depending on size. Makes 18-24 cookies.

And, don’t forget spoons and scoops of ice cream dropped on the just baked cookie!!

Thanks for stopping by and enjoy…Cynthia

 

 

 

Carola Muis – photographer

Yesterday (October 23, 2015), a very complimentary article about me, my personal styling business and my fashion and beauty blog came out in the Life & Style section of “The Rye Record” (Rye, NY).  Some of the fabulous photos that were taken of me this summer to launch my blog were included.  My friend and talented photographer, Carola Muis deserves credit for all of the photos.  She is a fabulous, patient and creative photograher who is a pleasure to work with!

Here are some of her photos published in The Rye Record article, “Cynthia Hudson Takes Her Style Seriously, and Now Virtually”…

Carola Muis

Carola Muis

Photo by carola@carolamuis.com www.cynthiahudsonstyle.com/blog

Photo by carola@carolamuis.com
www.cynthiahudsonstyle.com/blog

Carola_Muis (8 of 13)

Carola_Muis (6 of 13)

Here are a few more (not in article)…

Carola_Muis (10 of 13)

Carola_Muis (11 of 18)

Carola_Muis (2 of 4)

 

Thank you Carola for making me look good – as only a talented photographer could do!!

If you are interested in contacting Carola she can be reached at carolamuis.com