mbgphoto's lensography

Cooking Lenses 

Easy Crab Appetizer

Are you looking for a party appetizer that your guests will rave about? Would you like one that is also easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time and frozen? I have found this Crab Puff Delight to be the perfect answer to both of these questions...

Easy Apple Recipes

I love cooking with apples. There is nothing that makes the house smell better than the smell of cooking apples. Every year I look forward to Autumn. I love the cool days, the beautiful colors, and I especially love that it is apple season. There a...

Cooking with Pork Tenderloin

I love to use pork tenderloin for a quick yet impressive company dinner. There are many variations that can be used. Pork tenderloin is easy to make and is nutritious too. One of my favorite pork tenderloin recipes is with apples and cranberries. It...

My Favorite Brunch Menu

Breakfast foods have always been a favorite with my family, so it is natural that when we get together a brunch is the ideal meal. Holidays are always a good time for brunch we have one for Christmas, Easter and Mothers Day. Since several family mem...

Easy Summer Salads

We had company over for the 4th of July and everyone was raving about my salads. They were all very simple to make and yet delicious! In the summer time I like to serve a meal that is made up of a grilled meat and cold salads. There are so many to c...

More Cooking Lenses 

Chocolate Gooey Butter Cookies

Chocolate Gooey Butter cookies are the perfect cookie for holiday desserts.  They are soft and creamy with just the right amount of sweetness.  These cookies are derived from the St. Louis famous Gooey Butter cake and are a popular cookie a...

Volunteering 

Mentoring Children through ePal Program

Are you looking for a volunteer program where you can make a difference in the life of a child? In2Books has a wonderful program that matches up an adult with a child to be reading pen pals. I became involved in this program last year when I was se...

Holiday Lenses 

A Tour of Halloween Outdoor Decorations

I remember when Halloween decorations consisted of a pumpkin that we carved into a Jack-O-Lantern and sat on our front porch.  In our neighborhood Halloween outdoor decorations have become as elaborate as Christmas decorating. I'm not sure...

Great Menus for Christmas Parties

I love to entertain during the Christmas season.  I always look forward to planning my menus and getting ready for my guests to arrive. I enjoy spending the time with my guests so my menus are set in advance and much of the food is prepared ahea...

Start a New Thanksgiving Tradition

Around the world Thanksgiving is celebrated with a wide variety of various traditions. Yes, it might not be called Thanksgiving in every country, but you will find Pongal in south India, the Moon Festival in the far east, Succoth in Israel and many o...

A Tour of Outdoor Christmas Decorations

It was a beautiful December 1st evening with a full moon and a clear crisp sky.  I decided it would be a good time to tour my neighborhood, camera in hand, and view the neighborhood Christmas decorations. Everybody seemed to enjoy my tour of Hal...

Top your Christmas Tree with a Star

Both Angels and Stars are popular tree toppers.  We have had both over the years, but putting together this lens reminded me of a story from when my children were very small. One year I was putting an angel on the top of our tree and our son who...

Christmas Lenses 

Christmas Ornaments for Children

A wonderful Christmas tradition in our family is for each child to get a special ornament each year. This ornament may be related to a child's favorite cartoon characters or perhaps a special time or event from the past year. I remember the year my...

Festive Serving Dishes for the Holidays

I really enjoy entertaining and the holiday season is always my favorite time of the year to entertain.  I start decorating the day after Thanksgiving and always look forward to getting out my Christmas dishes and serving pieces. We usually have...

Christmas Holiday Mugs

I find that Christmas mugs fit many of your small gift needs for the holidays.  They can be filled with small gifts such as candy, small trinkets, or a special drink mix or they can be added to a basket of Christmas treats. I have used mugs to p...

Lighthouse Christmas Ornaments

Each year I look forward to putting up our Christmas Tree . I look forward to unpacking the ornaments and reliving the memories that each ornament brings. Some of our ornaments remind me of events in my life and the lives of my children and grandchil...

Decorate your Christmas Tree with Angels

Angels have long been a favorite ornament for Christmas trees. They are very special reminders of the true meaning of Christmas.  Remember it was an angel who first told Mary that she would have a child and then angels announced the birth of C...

Missouri Lenses 

my home state

Visiting a Covered Bridge

I find covered bridges to be a fascinating part of the American past, but I had not read much on their history till my recent visit to Sandy Springs Covered Bridge. A few of the interesting facts I picked up on this trip include: covered bridges dat...

10 Interesting Places to Visit in Missouri

The Gateway Arch in St. Louis is perhaps the most recognized place to visit in the state. But if you travel beyond the city of St. Louis you will also find a host of wonderful places to visit. Did you know that the town of Fulton is home to a piece...

Relaxing in Mid-Missouri Country

There is something quite relaxing about spending a day in the country. It is great to get away from the hustle and bustle of life in the suburbs or city and spend a quiet day enjoying the sights and sounds of the country. On Sunday, my husband and I...

Wine Country Gardens in Defiance, MO

Wine Country Gardens is only 45 minutes from downtown St. Louis, but the country living atmosphere makes you feel as if you were a world away. Set on a hill in Missouri wine country, Wine Counry Gardens has a large nursery, a great wine tasting bar,...

Missouri Wine Country

2009 is a beautiful year for fall colors in Missouri.   I have spent many years traveling to various parts of the country to enjoy their fall foliage, but I will have to tell you that this year I have seen some of the most beautiful colors rig...

Family and Children 

My Dad-My Hero

There is so much in life that I have learned from my Dad. He was in many ways a very simple man, but yet he had strong values that he passed down by example to his children. Dad has been gone for three years now, and I really miss him. As I prepare...

Collections 

Coasters Make Great Stocking Stuffers

Coasters are colorful little reminders of trips and favorite places. They also can remind you of a favorite sports team, a favorite hobby, or give you a message. You can find beverage coasters made of all types of materials. I enjoy the little tile co...

Show your Personality with a Special Coffee Mug

My husband has long been a collector of mugs. We have hundreds of mugs of all different types. As I was sorting out the mugs on the shelves, I began to think how much you can tell about a person from the mugs that they use. We have mugs from all of...

Sports 

Albert Pujols

Albert Pujols exemplifies a true baseball hero both on and off the field. St. Louis is a town that loves it's baseball. From the beginning of spring training till the end of the season, the St. Louis fans love to talk baseball. In Albert Pujols, th...

Travel Lenses 

Rhine River Cruise

In May of 2004, my husband and I took a river cruise that went from Basel, Switzerland to Antwerp, Belgium. It was a great way to see that area of the world. We only had to unpack one time and we were able to tour cities in Switzerland, France, Ger...

Our Cruise to the Mexican Riviera

If you enjoy beautiful beaches, great night life, historic cities, or fun water sports the Mexican Riviera has something to offer to you. Located on the western coast of Mexico this area is a group of cities and resorts that have become popular holid...

My Alaska Cruise Vacation

Our 2003 trip to Alaska is one I will always remember. Alaska is a beautiful state from it's majestic mountains to the amazing glaciers and the wonderful wildlife and flowers that make their home there. This lens will give you the highlights of the...

Nature Lenses 

The Wonders of the Butterfly World

Butterflies are interesting creatures and I've always loved watching them, but really knew little about them. A few years ago I started volunteering at The Butterfly House in Chesterfield, MO and my education on butterflies began. They are fascinati...

By the Light of the Silvery Moon

Are you fascinated by the moon? Do you love to catch a glimpse of the full moon or stay up late to catch a lunar eclipse? This lens will highlight my photos taken of the full moon on several different nights. It will also show some photos that I took...

Sunrise in Paradise

During March of 2009, we were fortunate to be able to stay in a condo with the balcony overlooking the ocean in Jupiter, Florida. I was deighted to be able to photograph the sunrise each morning. The first morning when I awoke I was amazed at the bea...

Colorful Hibiscus Flowers

I love Hibiscus flowers. They come in so many bright and cheerful colors! When we were in Florida this past year I became obsessed with photographing Hibiscus flowers. I'd photograph them after a rain shower, in the morning, and in the evening. I wo...

Seascape Photography

I have always been fascinated by the sea, so seascape photography has been a wonderful hobby to pursue. I am continually mesmerized by the beauty of the ocean. I love the way it never looks the same. The beauty of the waves, the reflections of the s...

Designs from my Photographs 

Lighthouse Enthusiasts's Zazzle Gallery Showcase

Lighthouse photography is one of my passions. I love to travel and take photographs of lighthouses. Zazzle gives me a wonderful outlet for my photography. Lighthouse enthusiasts will love these unique bags, magnets, cards, posters and keychains with...

Journals-a Great Gift for any Occasion

I love to write things down and reflect on them at a later date. I keep a journal for notes on photographs I want to take, one on the books I've read in the past and books on my future reads list, and one for gift ideas for friends and family. T...

Beautiful Boxes for a Special Occasion

I love receiving a special gift in a special container. It is so much fun to open a package and find a beautiful box. The box is very special by itself, but then you open it up and it has another special surprise. This lens will feature a number of b...

Beauty in Nature by mbgphoto

There is so much beauty in nature when you just take a moment to stop and enjoy! I am always amazed at the way every sunrise and sunset is just a little different and how a flower can look different from various angles and lighting conditions. I ho...

Butterflies, Flowers, Lighthouses. Wonderful Photographs!

I love to take photographs. It is a wonderful way to view the world from a whole different point of view. With camera in hand, I am able to find beauty wherever I go. It seems I am always looking for the next good photo With hundreds of photos in my...

Door County Lighthouses 

Lighthouses of Door County, Wisconsin

Door County is on a peninsula that juts out of the northeastern section of Wisconsin. One hot sticky August in St. Louis we decided to escape the heat and headed north. When we entered Door Country we were met with pleasant temperatures, some wonderf...

Eagle Bluff Lighthouse-Wisconsin

Eagle Bluff Lighthouse played an important part in the shipping history of the Great Lakes. Built in 1868, on the shore of Peninsula Park it was needed to guide ships through one of the major shipping canals between Green Bay and points north and eas...

Cana Island Lighthouse

On our visit to Door County, Wisconsin we stayed at a lodge in Bailey's Harbor. I had seen information that there were several lighthouses in the area and I was hoping to get to see them or at least photograph them from a distance. I wasn't sure how...

Port Washington- Art Deco Pierhead and Lighthouse

On our way to Door County, Wisconsin we decided to stay for the night in Port Washington. We did not know anything about the town and were pleasantly surprised to find a wonderful small town. It had a great little harbor, beautiful flowers in bloom,...

Lake Michigan Lighthouses 

South Haven Lighthouse-a Light for all Seasons

The lighthouse in South Haven, Michigan has been welcoming water traffic for over 135 years. It is a wonderful bright red steel tower that stands at the end of the pier with a catwalk leading up to it. It was a windy day when we were there and it w...

Lighthouses on Lake Michigan

I love to photograph lighthouses so in 2008 we took a trip to Lake Michigan. I was amazed to find out that there are more lighthouses along the coast of Michigan than any other state in the US. We were able to visit six lighthouses during our visit a...

Muskegon Lighthouse

There is a narrow strip of water that connects Lake Muskegon to Lake Michigan. This area is protected by two concrete walls stretching into the water. In 1851 the first lighthouse was constructed to help guide ships through this narrow passageway. T...

"Big Red" Holland Lighthouse

Big Red lighthouse is a very unique lighthouse. It is set apart from other lighthouses by it's bright "fire engine" red color and it's distinctive Dutch archictecture. I was delighted to see this unusual lighthouse on my visit to Holland, Michigan....

Grand Haven Lighthouses-Great Up Close Views

I love to be able to see a lighthouse up close. The lights at Grand Haven provide this opportunity! I was delighted to find two lights connected to the beach by a long stone pier and a raised catwalk to connect the two lights. My friends and I took...

Florida Lighthouses 

St Augustine Lighthouse-through the eyes of the camera

I love photographing lighthouses, so I went to St. Augustine specifically to photograph the lighthouse. I was pleasantly surprised by a wonderful, historic ciy with many wonderful attractions. We were only there for one day so we really only touched...

Lighthouse through the Palms

Hillsboro Inlet Lighthouse is a great lighthouse to photograph. It is located in Pompano Beach, Florida just north of Fort Lauderdale. There is a small park across the waterway from the lighthouse that has beautiful palm trees. From this location, yo...

Florida Lighthouses

The state of Florida is a long narrow penisula that separates the Atlantic ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. It also includes a panhandle that stretches along the Gulf. This shape gives the state over 1200 miles of coastline. The coastline of Florida is...

Jupiter Lighthouse through the eye of a Camera

Every year we visit Jupiter, Florida to watch the Cardinals Spring Training. When we're not at the baseball fields, my favorite site in Jupiter is the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse. It is a wonderful red lighthouse that can be seen from many of the restau...

Ponce De Leon Inlet Lighthouse

In my quest to photograph more lighthouses, we got off the Florida tollway and headed north on Hwy 95. I was told there were two lighthouses I needed to see on my way north, one at Ponce de Leon Inlet and the second at St. Augustine. Ponce de Leon I...

Atlantic Coast Lighthouses 

Georgia Lighthouses. Beautiful and Historic!

I love lighthouses and on a recent trip to the Georgia coast we went on a quest to photograph each lighthouse. I was pleasantly surprised to find several unique lighthouses near the area where we were staying. After further research, not only did I f...

South Carolina Lighthouses

Lighthouse Friends.com lists 10 lighthouses in South Carolina. On a recent visit I was able to photograph 4 of them. Each of the four was unique. There was the modern lighthouse in Harbour Town on Hilton Head Island, an unusual square shaped light on...

North Carolina Lenses 

Outer Banks Lighthouses

Cape Hatteras Lighthouse

Cape Hatteras is one of five lighthouses that dot the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Each of these lighthouses has a very distinctive look. One is natural red brick, one black and white striped, one solid white, one a black and white diamond design...

Visit Ocracoke Island

A wonderful day trip from the Outer Banks of North Carolina is a visit to the enchanting Ocracoke Island. The island has miles of unspoiled beaches that are maintained by the National Park Service. The scenery is spectacular. The village of Ocracok...

Bodie Island Lighthouse

In my quest to photograph lighthouses, my husband and I traveled to the Outer Banks in North Carolina. I had seen photos of the Cape Hatteras lighthouse but was unfamiliar with the other lights that guided mariners along the Outer Banks. The first l...

Visit Roanoke Island

Roanoke Island is a wonderful day trip from the Outer Banks. It is just minutes away from Nag Head and the beaches and yet it seems a world away. On Roanoke Island you find beautiful tree lined streets and a much slower pace of life. We also found l...

Visit Currituck Lighthouse

The Outer Banks of North Carolina is home to five wonderful lighthouses. The northernmost light is found in Corolla and is called the Currituck Beach Light. This lighthouse was constructed in 1875, as the last in three lighthouses designed to keep s...

More Lighthouses Lenses 

Lighthouse Kitchen Decor

Is it time to give you kitchen a make over? Do you love lighthouses? Consider a lighthouse themed decor for your kitchen. In researching for this lens, I was amazed at all of the wonderful lighthouse accessories available for your kitchen. I have...

Nassau Lighthouse

On a cruise to the Bahamas, I was delighted when our ship sailed by three lighthouses. Two of these lighthouses were in Nassau Harbor. The first was a very different looking white lighthouse that I could see through my telephoto lens when we pulled i...

Lighthouses for your Garden

Do you love lighthouses? Are you looking for a great theme for your garden or patio? This lens will give you a wide variety of ideas on decorating the outdoors with lighthouses. From Welcome Signs to Bird Houses you will find lots of great ideas to...

Lighthouse Christmas Decorations

Lighthouses make great Christmas decorations. I think it is wonderful when Christmas decorations reflect a persons personality. If you enjoy lighthouses, adding them to your Christmas decor will give your home that personalized look. In looking for...

Lighthouse Lensography

I have always been fascinated by lighthouses. Whenever a trip took us to the coast I would want to see the nearest lighthouse. The photograph here is one I took many years ago when we were visiting Maine. I had seen lighthouses in ports around the w...

Entertainment Lenses 

Zac Brown Band Video Showcase

I'd like to introduce you to the Zac Brown Band! They are a group that I really enjoy! Their music is a wonderful mix of country rock and folk music. Perhaps you've heard one of their top hits Chicken Fried! It is a wonderful song that speaks of life...

Host a Classic Movie Night

Do you think that the old movies are the best? Do you really enjoy watching people like Humphrey Bogart, Audrey Hepburn, or Jack Lemmon? If so, a classic movie night may be just the type of party for you. We have a group of friends who really enjoy...

Books I Enjoy 

reading for pleasure

The Guernsey Literary And Potato Peel Pie Society

When my book club chose The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society for its next book, I was a bit skeptical, but I was in for a delightful surprise! This wonderful little book takes place after World War II on the island of Guernsey in the En...

The Christmas Thief

In this wonderful Christmas tale mystery writer, Mary Higgins Clark and her daughter Carol Higgins Clark, join forces to bring us a story involving the Christmas Tree in Rockefeller Center. I always love a good mystery and Mary Higgins Clark is one...

A Season Of Angels

Debbie Macomber is one of my favorite authors to read around the holidays. Her books are sure to put me in a holiday spirit and A Season of Angels is one I thoroughly enjoyed! This delightful Christmas story brings to earth three angels, Shirley, Go...

Other Lenses 

Autumn Beauty

Autumn in America is a beautiful time of year. I have experienced the beauty of autumn in many parts of America and each has it's own special glory. I have seen the beautiful colors of a cool crisp autumn in Maine, the spectacular Aspens in Colorado...

Thomas Kinkade Lighthouses

Thomas Kinkade is often called the Painter of Light. I love his beautiful paintings of gardens and cottages, but my love of lighthouses really draws me to his lighthouse paintings. I have a copy of Kinkade's Light of Peace hanging in my entrywa...

Lighthouse Calendars

It seems that everyone enjoys a lighthouse!  There is something about that beacon shining out to sea that holds a fascination for many people.  There are wonderful stories of romance, shipwrecks, and history associated with lighthouse.&nbs...

Help Me-I'm Captioned Challenged

I was really excited when I saw the new caption contest module. I am a photographer and love to take photos, but when it comes to finding a caption I always struggle. I spend much longer trying to figure out what to call the photo then I do taking...

Senior Squids views on Labor and Labor Day

In honor of Labor Day, the Senior Squid challenge for the week of September 6 through September 12 was to write something about labor. The topic is a broad one and the challenge was to pick any segment on the topic of labor that they chose. It could...