I Love Fair Oaks

Everything there is to love about living in Fair Oaks, CA Spotlight on local businesses, recreation, and activities in Fair Oaks, California. Love where you live!

Pets

Puttin on the Dog for Yappy Hour at Shangrila Fair Oaks

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Bring the whole family to enjoy the child and dog-friendly patio paradise with bocce ball and fire pits. Shangrila Fair Oaks is the neighborhood hotspot in Fair Oaks Village.

To celebrate Halloween, Shangrila Fair Oaks teamed up with Sacramento’s Front Street Animal Shelter for “Yappy Hour!”

Sacramento Front Street Animal Shelter – Adoptable Dogs

People brought their dogs dressed in costumes for happy hour. There were games and face painting along with tables where you could purchase items for your pets and donate money to Sacramento’s Front Street Animal Shelter.

There were dogs and kittens available for adoption. I hope they found good homes. The little dog who was blind was so sweet and just loved being held.

Kitten from Sacramento’s Front Street Animal Shelter

This Standard Poodle dressed in prison stripes was the sure winner of the costume contest. I have a confession. I was drawn over to the bar and ordered a hamburger and socialized. So I didn’t take pictures of all the activities. I didn’t even take a picture of my food. It was so delicious and I was having good conversations. Shangrila Fair Oaks is a fun place! They have signature cocktails that are refreshing. Ask the bartender.

The dogs were social and seemed to have fun too!

Sommer Peterson has done a wonderful job transforming the old mortuary into a beautiful place to hang out. It was featured on KCRA’s Word of Mouth. Watch the video here. https://www.kcra.com/article/word-of-mouth-shangri-la-sacramento/29864287# My friends, Jessica Briggs, from Blog About it All, and Ashley Newell were guest stars. It was exciting to see them on TV.

Sommer Peterson, Owner of Shangri-la Fair Oaks

Visit the website to see the menu and be sure to follow Shangrila Fair Oaks on Facebook. Are you interested in hosting an event? Check out their event page.

Pet Portraits (On a Budget)

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Behind the scenes looks aren’t always glamorous – but they are important, and always fun to see.

young woman wearing a tierra with her dog also wearing a tierra and getting a pet portrait

August 27th, 2018 my sweet, dorky, lovable German Shepherd, Emma, turned 8 years old and we had a blast! This year I decided to do a photoshoot with her along with her annual routine of treats, toys, walks, and birthday chicken dinner.

It was challenging. Treats were crucial. Commands were not always followed. Lots of laughing. Lots of hugs and compliments. It was amazing.

I recruited a dear friend of mine who had come over for tea and to wish Emma a happy birthday as my assistant and we went to my local Dollar Tree for some supplies – birthday headbands, a tassel garland, a “Hollywood” cardboard photo frame, and party blowouts, totaling to $4.08. Awesome.

Next, I set up my backdrop stand, 2 ProMaster strobes with an umbrella diffuser on each one, and my backdrop. By backdrop, I mean two 48 in. x 84 in. curtains, that I found on sale for $10 each, at my local Big Lots, (I swear!) right in my living room. I don’t need a big fancy studio to get professional shots done and neither do you!

I set the lights, my camera settings, took a few photos and then handed over my camera to my sweet friend so that I could jump into some shots. Here are some RAW, out of the camera, untouched photos of the actual struggle and process of pet photography, the set up, and the fun that we had.

We finished up the photoshoot, sang happy birthday, gave Emma her chicken, and as my friend drove home and Emma went to take a nap, I eagerly jumped on the computer to go through the photos and do a little photoshop magic!

Here’s a quick “before and after” Photoshop! Using just the crop and cloning tools, along with some exposure adjustments in Camera Raw.

Working on a budget will 100% require you to do more work, develop your skills in post production, and challenge you creatively, but it can be done – and with great results!

Emma and I believe in you.