January 4th, 2010

First off, a big HAPPY NEW YEAR to all of you out there!!  I have a sense that this is going to be an amazing year for all of us…can’t you feel it in the air?  I have so many friends and acquaintances whom have mentioned how 2009 was a great year for them, but they know that 2010 will be even better.

I love seeing this despite all of the changes we’ve all had to go through with our little economy acting as it has been…many of us are more appreciative, grateful and hopeful.  And yes, we had quite an extraordinary year ourselves with our new family addition being at the top of our list.  Very happy and grateful…not much can get us down.

And so, a simple celebration for the start of this New Year.  I’ve always loved New Year’s more than the other holidays during this time.  There’s nothing like a fresh start, a clean slate.  New Year, Old Traditions… for us that means ringing in the new digits with a fiesta, including our own take on Cole Slaw, Tortilla Soup and homemade Guacamole.

Recipes after the jump!

More »

January 4th, 2010 | Category: Food, Main Dishes, Recipes, Snacks, Veggie | Comments (2)

December 23, 2009

Ah a milestone!  While J isn’t depending on solid foods for nutrition at this age, it’s a critical time to expose him to what the world of food has to offer…and of course I love taking hilarious photos of him while we do that!

Around 4 months old, babies begin to see more colors (reds and greens first).  Exposing them to different food textures is great as well…a puree of squash, a mashed banana, some blended zucchini (MUST BE ALL ORGANIC and well washed).  Different spices such as cinnamon are great to use as well.  I adjust the consistency with breast milk, water or rice cereal.  Some studies have shown that this age is the start of a window of time when childrens’ tastes and preferences are molded.  After a couple years of age, the window starts to close and kiddos can become almost scared to try anything new.  It’s so important to us that he is not a picky or unhealthy eater, and I will refuse to have a child that will only eat chicken nuggets in the shape of dinosaurs.  (Plus if we have those in the house, James and I will totally eat all of them.)

For the gourmet meal above, steam an organic zucchini and a tiny sprinkle of onion or garlic powder until soft and blend in a food processor.  Freeze leftovers in ice cube trays for single serving sizes to use up to a month or so later.  Due to the high water content of the zucchini, I just added a spoonful of rice cereal to his bowl.  We got some funny faces but he was a real happy camper!

December 23rd, 2009 | Category: Baby Food, Food, Recipes | Comments (6)

December 9, 2009

I’ve got to share a great new local business with all of you, SLO Veg: Fruit & Vegetable delivery for San Luis Obispo and its surrounding towns.  I received a month of their totes for a Christmas present from a very generous friend.  Every week, I get a big box of gorgeous fruits and vegetables, all locally grown, all in season.  It’s like Christmas every time Steve shows up at my door with my tote in hand!  You don’t have to be an obsessive food nerd like me to get a thrill out of this great service…. totes are available is various sizes, and you can choose between weekly or bi-weekly deliveries.  A great local business to support!

December 9th, 2009 | Category: Locally Made | Comments (4)

November 20, 2009

WOO HOO! The new and improved Joi ~ Jennifer Olson Images Website is LIVE!

There are always things to add, things to change, things to fix, but it’s up, baby!

I’m so happy I finally have a proper venue to display the photos that I hold so dear, and the new ones to come.  Thank you all for your support.  It makes me feel that what I’m doing and what I want to do in the future is not some crazy unatainable dream… but something I can make happen.

xoxo, Jen

And yes, now that this is up I will get my butt back into the kitchen and start cooking!

ps:  I’m offering a crazy good Holiday Portrait Special to celebrate the website launch…see details on the site ~ Holiday Specials 2009 under the Info tab!

November 20th, 2009 | Category: Inspiration, Joi ~ Baby, Joi ~ Love | Comments (7)

November 13, 2009

Happy 3 Months, little boy!  He is in 6 month sized clothing, can stand (with some help), can talk (coooooing), has huge grins and can crack himself up!  He sleeps usually 8 hrs a night (woo hoo!) and loves playing in his little gym.  He is a joy and we are totally in love with him.

More »

November 13th, 2009 | Category: Joi ~ Baby | Comments (7)

October 29, 2009

A surprise Belly Session with the D Family!!  They are such a beautiful, warm and kind family…no doubt their new addition will be just as wonderful!  Congratulations!!

More »

October 29th, 2009 | Category: Joi ~ Baby | Comments (4)

October 19, 2009

As we drove down the winding, increasingly narrow road I could see Jesse’s eyes watch tree branches pass quickly over us.  The mid-morning sun was flashing through the leaves, lighting them up like Christmas lights in fall colors.  Red…yellow…orange…and over again.  We were driving down See Canyon, by way of Avila Valley, for the goal of picking tasty apples that are so plentiful out there.  I always forget that travelling there is half of the enjoyment, too.

More »

October 19th, 2009 | Category: Food, Local Places | Comments (6)

October 13, 2009

A huge congratulations to beautiful mommy Melissa for delivering little baby J today!  Can’t wait to meet the little guy!
It shows how much you loved him before you even met…

More »

October 13th, 2009 | Category: Joi ~ Baby | Comments (1)

October 12, 2009

I thought I’d share a bit from a lovebird session shot recently.
I could eat these photos up, this family is so gorgeous and full of love.
Thanks for letting me capture that, A, N & L!

More »

October 13th, 2009 | Category: Joi ~ Love, Local Places | Comments (4)