{ Southern Dough } by Alex Patronis

Wow, this was such a unique project being able to work with a local up and coming cookie company! 

Alex Patronis contacted me in December about creating a brand identity for Southern Dough. We had initially met a couple of years ago, when I photographed Alex for her (beautiful) senior portraits. After meeting with Alex once, I knew this would be a great team! Both Alex and I have a deep love for vintage inspiration, chic frill, and unique color combos. 

Though we initially started the brand concept with a strictly warm pallet, (warm colors make you hungry!) we eventually branched out and added in a vintage teal color. Poppy red and sky teal had the classic twist we were going for and still had that warm "hungry" tone we wanted to create all while reflecting the shape of an adorable cookie. 

Keep an eye out for this brand new company to do some big things! This is only the start of her great journey in following her dream. The logo and branding concept were 100% collaboration. Turns out, Alex was able to "have her cookie and eat it too" ;)

-XO- 

TasiaMade

Michelle and Shane | Urban Themed Engagements!

Chatting with Michelle and Shane during our shoot was not only insightful but hilarious! These two are the perfect combination of fun, sweet, and energetic. As they shared past stories of their relationship, they both laughed knowing there was once a time when neither of them would have considered they would date the other. And here they are today... Their journey started out as a friendly "Hello" just to catch up on old times and turned into something beautiful. After 2 years of dating they decided to tie the knot. Needless to say, I approve! 

The vibe for our shoot was to create the feel of an urban scene all while taking advantage of the beach. NOT snapping a few photos on the beach when you're right next to it is just morally wrong in my book. ;) 

Enjoy the laughs, the love, and the gorgeous sunlight! 

- XO - 

TasiaMade

 

Miguel and Luisa | Rosemary Beach

Rosemary Beach, meet Miguel and Luisa! The excitement between this couple is pure awesome to see. I'm so thankful to have had the opportunity to hear their story and photograph them for a mini session (on one of the coldest days of the year) in Rosemary Beach. This unique husband and wife are currently living in 2 different countries, something that is hard for me to fathom. Chatting with Luisa about their journey together as a couple was nothing short of inspiring. She mentioned when they have the chance to spend time together, something as simple as going to the grocery store together, is a fun and exciting experience. These two are a tremendous example of being able to cherish the small things and appreciate their time together. The day will soon come when these two can be together and I am already so ready for that day! 

- XO - 

Tasia 

All Natural {EASY} Homemade Coco Butter Body Scrub!

Today, more than ever, people are growing deeply concerned about what exactly is going into our bodies. The process of learning the "right" way to take care of our bodies can be overwhelming. With millions of books, websites, apps, and gurus popping up each with their own opinion on health, where do we start? For me, a long time advocate of natural remedies, it's exciting to have this many resources available. One of my recent kicks is to reduce the amount of chemicals I use on my body. The winter season always seems to dry out my skin to the point of frustration... So, one way I've been kicking winter in the gut, is by using my homemade coco butter body scrub. 

The recipe originated from reading a few articles on natural remedies for dry skin, homemade scrubs, and sort of just combining the best ones for me. Here's the TasiaMade version so you can treat yourself too! This should last maybe 2 weeks and will fill a small bowl. 

Ingredients: 

- 2 cups of coconut butter 

- 5 teaspoons of freshly crushed himalayan salt (or sea salt)

- 2 teaspoons of cinnamon

- 2 teaspoons of honey

How to Make: 

The best way I've found to easily mix the ingredients is to first measure out your coco butter in a small bowl. Next, microwave the butter for appx 20-40 seconds depending on your heat level. The goal is to simply melt the coco butter down slightly so that it can be stirred. Make sure to only heat it until it is slightly melted. Another option, for those of you wanting a more natural method, is to heat it in a pot on the stove until slightly melted. Next, stir in himalayan salt, cinnamon, and honey. The final goal of the mixture is to get a gritty and thick liquid. After the coco butter is set to room temperature for a few minutes, it then will harden slightly. 

Tips: * The scrub is easiest to use when showering or washing your hands so that you can quickly rinse the excess salt and oils off your hands. * Use before shaving to exfoliate your skin in a heavenly way.

Enjoy! 

-XO- 

Tasia

Last week's shoot: Another "gorgeous" day at Eden Gardens!

Um, er, well, that subject is actually slightly inaccurate... Let's just say, there was an eerie "Wizard of Oz" type storm brewing above our heads during this family photoshoot. How did we manage to come out dry? Your guess is as good as mine! Living in Florida means the weather is often a guessing game. Sure, we have hourly radars that show you where the storm is going be the strongest, but they're noooooot always on point.  On Thursday of last week, we had a shoot scheduled with Richard, Jessica, and family, and barely missed the rain! 

After working with this family for just a few minutes, I was so thrilled because I instantly realized how much they loved having fun together. That is what truly holds families together forever! Richard and Jessica have recently committed to join as a family and are newly engaged. I can tell that this group just fits perfectly. Enjoy! ^_^

Stay tuned for tomorrow's post: Sharing my favorite homemade coconut butter body scrub recipe + photos. 

- XO - 

Tasia

www.TasiaMade.com

 * The ring * - Richard + Jessica are newly engaged! 

N E W • Y E A R S • D A Y | 2014

To honor the new year and really make the most of this transition, it would ONLY be fair to sum up 2013 in retrospect. Looking back on last year will create a refreshing perspective and push you to challenge yourself even more. I highly encourage you to write down your successes of the year and be proud and supportive of yourself. Never rely on anyone else to do that. Your strength must come from within. One of the best feelings we can experience is the realization (although cliche*) that everything works itself out in the end. To me, that doesn't mean sit back and enjoy the ride. It means take the reigns, work hard, have FAITH, and God will position you where you need to be.

Here is my mini version list of: 

10 things TasiaMade has accomplished in 2013

#1 - First and foremost... Making the big decision to become a business. This includes tax forms, LLC paperwork, P.O. boxes, invoices, and LOTS of faith (and savings ;)

#2 - Having the honor to give services to local charities such as Food for Thought and Holy Kids Camps

#3 - Joining 2 craft fairs with De France Flea Market and Antiques and selling handmade goods to locals

#4 - Designing and publishing the very first website design for the business

#5 - Photographing 8 weddings and gaining so much experience

#6 - Since beginning the business in June, TasiaMade has had 88 different photoshoots and 37 different design projects. Wow! 

#7 - Learning a lot of new skills in photography. Just a year ago, I was still shooting auto on my Canon EOS 7D because I wasn't fully confident on how to use manual and control each setting. I knew I loved photography, but it also scared me every time I used to pick up a camera. 

#8 - Coming up with a logo design to represent TasiaMade, that of course, had a heart in it -- because that's what makes me want to create for people. It is my heart to serve! 

#9 - Moving into a new apartment and setting up a home studio overlooking the coastal sunset. Such a joy to see God's creation in full bloom every day! 

#10 - Most importantly, being able to connect with wonderful people and having an outlet to serve the community through this new business with design and photography. Each and every person I've been able to work and help has been a great encouragement and I thank you all for being a part of my year! 

Now that all the mushy stuff is out of the way, stay tuned for a warm and cozy homemade recipe that will make cold winters a little more festive! Introducing one of my homemade treats, White Chocolate Muffins. It was actually a ton of fun making 25 of these mason jars *with the help of an assistant* and giving these out to our friends and family for Christmas. 

Ingredients: 

1 cup of wheat pancake mix

4 hefty tablespoons of white chocolate chips

3 tablespoons of organic coconut sugar 

1/3 cup of honey granola

2 tablespoons of crushed pecans

2/3 cup of almond milk

2 teaspoon of cinnamon

Directions are as follows!

We also found these precious "Just for you" stamps, and handstamped our giftbags for a cute and simple decor. 

Wishing you ALL a happy, healthy, resolution filled New Year! 

- XO - TasiaMade