Our second welcome basket today comes from Molly of Blink Photographic. She lives in Wasilla with her husband, also a photographer, and is a busy mother of three boys!

As you can tell from the beautiful photos above, Molly's style is simple and unobtrusively beautiful; she captures intimacy without impeding upon it.

She went above and beyond in contributing to Locale Lovelies. After sending wonderful suggestions for an Alaska welcome basket, she even styled the photographs below to accompany her list!

{Images, clockwise: birch bear claws; handpainted Homer rock; Ulu knife; vintage postcard; sleep mask; and pewter bear claws. All by Molly DeKruif, Blink Photographic.}

An {Ulu Knife}, invented by Native Alaskans centuries ago, rocks easily in your hand and is an amazing all-purpose knife for any kitchen.  Molly loves giving these to busy parents of toddlers, who find the Ulu makes cutting up meals much easier and faster. So smart for any budget, from just $7 to $50.

{Bear Claw} salad servers are a practical gift with a nice cultural touch. They make a great gift. Molly's own are pictured above in pewter and birch; inexpensive $7 pairs are available in local supermarkets.

Since Alaska is “the land of the midnight sun," {Eye Covers} are nice for guests who aren’t accustomed to sleeping in the sunlight. $12 each, from Target.

{Bliss English Toffee} is made in Anchorage, available at Palmer's boutique from $18 for a nicely packaged quarter-pound box.

{Alaska Gold Nuggets} are rich and creamy birch candy laced with pecans from $5-12, and {Truffles} are a wonderful choice as well.

A sweet touch in a guest room is a sprig of {Forget-Me-Nots}, the state flower. Place a packet of seeds in a little pot for a sweet favor idea, ready for planting once guests return home!

{Alaskan Amber} is an award-winning beer hand-crafted in Juneau, and would be nice after a long day of travel.

{Alaska Fisherman Soap} inludes coffee grinds and lemon to get the smell of the sea off of even the most weathered fisherman. It's a nice addition to a basket for male guests, at just $6.

Kahiltna Climax Gourmet {Birch Caramel Ice Cream Topping} is thick, rich and delicious for $10. Alaska birch syrup is one of the rarest gourmet products in the world. and one of the most difficult to produce.

A {Sport Fishing Map} will help guests find their way around. You could even circle your favorite family fishing spots for a personal touch.

It's not glamorous, but {Off! Bug Spray} from the drugstore would be much appreciated. Molly was to the point: "Our mosquitos are rampant. Arm your guests!"

Gather {Skipping Stones} off the shores of the Homer Spit and present them to guests, handpainted with your married monogram. {pictured above}

Mosquito Mama's {Holly Berry Balsamic} offers amazing flavor for $19. Molly likes it for dipping, marinades and dressing.

A {Boreal Bouquet} of flavorful herbs made in Fairbanks is more than $16 worth of natural beauty.

If you imagine your guests will be shipping fish home, why not equip them with all the right recipes from the last frontier’s best chefs? Molly recommends {The New Alaska Cookbook}, $20.

Tuck in a vintage-styled Alaska postcard (available from Target!) with a welcome message, and perhaps share a list of favorite restaurants on a free printable welcome note:

Anchorage:

• the long lines at Moose's Tooth are worth every bite of their unforgettable pizza
• Snow Goose Brewery is known for its beer selection and casual dining
• Simon & Seaforts offers delectable cuisine and gracious hospitality
• Orso's warm and lively setting {a shared recommendation by Molly and Karla} shares uniquely Alaskan foods
• Glacier Brewhouse is an Alaskan favorite for dinner
• Captain Cook has several worthwhile dining experiences to choose from

Girdwood:

• Chair Five is where the locals eat. It's always worth the wait!
• Seven Glaciers has unbeatable views, and is the finest restaurant in the state. Accessible by gondola!
• Double Musky is a favorite steakhouse
• Maxine’s Glacier City Bistro has an eclectic menu and intimate setting

Talkeetna:

• Mountain High Pizza Pie, (907) 733-1234. Meet the locals and eat great pizza here!
• Talkeetna Lodge offers two impressive menus and one exclusive view of Mt. McKinley

Molly also recommends the following activities for guests and newcomers:

• In Anchorage, the Alaska Native Heritage Center; the Imaginarium; the Alaska Zoo; and float plane sight-seeing tours on Lake Hood.
• In Talkeetna, rides on the Talkeetna Air Taxi and Mahay's Jet Boat.
• In Willow, the Deshka Landing Charters & Lodge.
• In Girdwood, the Alyeska Resort, Portage Glacier and Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center.
• In Seward, a visit to Kenai Fjords is a must.

Once again, my heartfelt thanks to Molly for pulling together so many wonderful ideas and the pretty imagery to accompany them!

I can't believe how both Karla and Molly are such sweet moms and successful creative business owners.  If you are ever in Alaska I hope you will have an opportunity to work with them, or at least take in the sights, tastes and treats they have recommended!
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A bit more, from the contributor: Blink Photographic has to be one of God’s greatest gifts to me. It allows me the freedom to be faithful to my family and its needs – while I have the time of my life! My work has a draw on me – it compels me to push on... to explore.

I like to think that my work is simple and hip, unconventional, emotive, fresh, and alive with vibrant color. I have lasting relationships with numerous clients. I count it an honor that those families continually trust me to capture the things most significant to them. I hope you’ll enjoy my portfolio - I’d love the chance to serve you.