Okay, who among you hasn’t had a creative idea before, only to have your best plans thwarted by events out of your control? I was bound and determined to photograph a Cupid & a Cowboy this weekend (milestone photo shoots for two very special clients’ kids), however the Houston weather would not cooperate. Would you believe it was too cold? Seriously, I can hardly believe it myself, but indeed it was. I guess that groundhog knew a thing or two afterall. Friday was miserably rainy and Saturday and Sunday were unexpectedly frigid. Why, it was downright winter-y (quite unusual for us this year). We brought Baby O to the park anyway, thinking I could manage to get a few cute Valentine’s-themed photos of her…
 …You can tell from her facial expressions that it was a bit too cold for comfort, so we didn’t stay too long…still, what a trooper. I rather love this girl….
 Know who else I love? My awesome little sister! She is, among other wonderful things, a Stella & Dot Independent Stylist. She sells gorgeous jewelry and loves explaining the ins-and-outs to her customers…what piece goes with what, and how to maximize your purchase. This week she is doing a super cool giveaway here on the blog…
 One reader will win $25 Credit to Stella & Dot jewelry. The winner will be announced in next Monday morning’s post…Curious what $25 will get you at Stella & Dot? Well, a few of my very favorite items are near the price range…Birthstone charms for you or your babies are $19 each, and what about a “MOM” or “SISTER” charm? They’re $34 each. Perhaps best of all is the dress-up jewelry that packs a huge statement in one classy little box.
To enter the drawing, simply;
1.) Check out the website here and email Independent Stylist, Carolyn Holden (annacarolina@comcast.net), to join her mailing list.
2.) “Like” my page on facebook or leave a comment here.
Winner will be chosen on Sunday evening and announced in next Monday morning’s post.
Simple as that….It’s Valentine’s Day (almost)….And you deserve something nice (If you’re a guy…Seriously, it’s a great way to get a gift for the lady in your life as well…).
XOXO
{Post Update: Also from Stella & Dot, sign up with Carolyn in the month of February to host a Stella & Dot party and be entered in a drawing to win a free bracelet. Hosts earn an average of $250-worth of Stella & Dot products simply by hosting the party. Email Carolyn for the details.}
{Resources: Headband by A Little Lady, Jean Jacket by Baby Gap, Skirt by Me, Tights & Shoes from Target, Twig Cupid’s Arrow made with twig & felt, Sweet & Snuggly Afghan Blanket from His Pearl}
Who doesn’t love cupcakes? Well, not a ton at once…I know they pack a punch!…But one special one here or there is a really nice treat, don’t you think? My husband has been particularly awesome lately. He is so supportive & encouraging. I felt the need to surprise him with something small and random today, so I left this cupcake by his computer (for when he got home from work). It was impulsive, so I just scribbled my personalized flag…cut it out freestyle, and then used double-sided tape to wrap it around the toothpick. I actually talked about it in a little more detail in this post from last year.
The thing is, I LOVE impulsively making paper flags for cupcakes, muffins (heart-shaped toppers here), even to label side dishes I bring to parties (so that people know what that funny-looking casserole dish is). I always do them by hand, but I thought I’d whip up some easy printables for ‘ya, in the event that you like the idea. One is blank, so you could easily fill in your own message. Bear with me, I was in a goofy mood when writing these.
This one is for Baby O (below). Don’t worry, I’ll only let her have a little taste. Otherwise she’d be bouncing off the walls…
These gorgeous cupcakes are from our local bakery, “Celebrity Cupcakes“. I just love them. If you live in Houston, you should check them out. {My favorite flavor is “hummingbird”.}
Download the free printables here for personalized cupcake toppers. Not just for cupcakes…Try them in pancakes as well!
Have a great weekend!
Good morning, Ladies & Gents! So, do you recall my recent post about all of my favorite beginner’s level crochet hat patterns? Well, one of the hats I raved about was the monkey hat pattern. This is the flower from that hat. I simply snipped it off one day (don’t worry…it’s very easy to re-attach with the matching pink yarn!) and I hot-glued it to a 1/4″ thick piece of elastic. The elastic was purchased at my local fabric store, JoAnn’s. I simply measured Baby O’s head and cut the elastic 1″ longer than her head circumference. I overlapped that amount on my elastic and made several tight stitches with needle and thread. Super duper easy. I then literally just glued this baby to the elastic. You could certainly stitch it on as well, for more durability, but I elected to glue it.
I love the hippie-style of this headband. I think it would be really, really cute for a girl to wear in a child and family portrait session. IF you live in the area and are considering booking a session with me, keep in mind that I love being a part of the styling process for your shoot. Don’t be surprised if I offer to make one of these crocheted headbands to go with your family’s ensembles for our photo session!
We hopped over to the park yesterday afternoon to take a few quick photos of this headband. Baby O was in a good mood; Just not in the mood for photos. She enjoyed eating goldfish out of her cool new “big girl” cup. And, when the “Big Kids” (a group of 7 year old boys) came running by, she was just completely intrigued…
Then she started doing this and I laughed, thinking about what a full-fledged “toddler” she’s become lately. She’s no longer a Baby, that’s for sure. She’s got spunk and personality.
Only a few moments more of good will before we had to take off to the playground, to see what the Big Kids were up to. Her pink stuffed animal came with of course.
I’m very interested in photo styling. I indeed think this headband would be adorable for a photo session. I also think it’s fun to look at examples of coordinating family wardrobes, not for the purpose of trying to match someone else’s style (No, Sir!), but for the sake of getting some overall inspiration. Want a sneak peek of the “What to Wear” page I am putting together? It will soon be easy to find, under the “Information” tab of the main menu. But, for now, I’m working on adding images and making it faster (it takes a while to load the page). Anyway, here it is, if you’d like to check it out. Fun photo-friendly clothing ideas abound!
(Note: I would love feedback on the What to Wear page, if you have any thoughts, particularly in terms of the speed and user-friendliness of it.)
I hope you’re having an awesome week. I’m really looking forward to my photo sessions this weekend…If all goes well, I’m photographing a Cupid & a Cowboy…How fun is that? Sneak Peeks next week! XOXO
We don’t do a lot to celebrate Valentine’s Day, at least not in the traditional sense (involving flowers, chocolates, Hallmark cards and dinner reservations). But, we always have a picnic in the park with french bread and cheeses. The first year we did this, my husband asked me what my favorite cheese was so that he could be sure to get it for our spread. I paused and thought for a moment before replying, “the orange kind”. He still teases me about that. Well, I’ve come a long way since then. I am now something of a cheese aficionado (or like to pretend I am). My current favorite is cranberry-white cheddar, in fact…how’s that for sophistication?
Well, I thought I’d do a fun little post here with links to some of the cute Valentine’s Day ideas I’ve seen on the web. They are somewhat low-key and fun. I hope you’ll enjoy them (links below).
Top to Bottom & Left to Right:
1. Eat Drink Chic‘s super sweet idea for a “Couch Picnic” date. The link includes free printables.
2. Pass the Pizza! What a cute idea…perhaps for your Couch Picnic date! You can cut your vegetables into the shape of hearts instead. Want a great homemade pizza crust recipe? I love this one.
3. Sweet saying, especially coming from an artist.
4. Heart-shaped pancakes? Yes please!
5. Bouquet of giant yellow flags? Oh, that would totally make me smile.
6. Yum Yum!…This cupcake looks deelicious.
7. Naturally Sweet Valentines…perfectly healthy.
8. Don’t these cookies look awesome? I thought they would be really difficult to make, but the tutorial makes it look rather straight-forward.
9. These heart-shaped pillows would be a great prop for Engagement or Wedding Photos. They would also look cute on a guest bed.
Some fun ideas, all around. Hope you’re having a great Monday!
Okay, seriously, you know how exciting it is when you get a new toy? Like a new, upgraded, phone, or even a new app that you just love? Well, that’s how I feel about the new blog layout I’ve been working on. Seriously, I can’t wait to launch it! I’m like a kid…soo impatient…but I have yet to work out a few kinks, so I’ll wait until I can make it a bit more awesome, and user-friendly.
Speaking of kids and new toys, our little one year old has taken quite a liking to smart phones these days. Seriously, no matter how cranky she’s being, how badly she’s teething, etc, she just lights up if you let her hold your phone.
She even carries toys around that are roughly the size of phones and cradles them or holds them up to her ear and makes babbling noises. I find myself wondering if this is really what I look & sound like, from her perspective…
Well, just a short one today! I have some fun posts in the coming weeks, and hope you’ll check ‘em out. Have an awesome weekend! XOXO
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That is a very cool promotional gift, very creative:) hope to get one of those and get to wear that amazing jewelery! ^_^
Best giveaway ever!! I love Stella and Dot! I’m crossing my fingers that my husband got me the “Love” pendant and my daughter’s birthstone for my birthday
[...] case you missed Monday’s post, please check it out….We’re doing a Stella & Dot giveaway…One lucky reader will win a $25 credit toward a Stella & Dot jewelry purchase through [...]
Aw, how sweet! I have my daughter’s birthstone too…and the “Mom” charm. So pretty.
I love Stella and Dot. What a fun giveaway!! Would love to win.
[...] do it again in the future, perhaps prior to Mother’s Day). In case you didn’t see last week’s posts about it, I advertised that readers could enter for a chance to win a $25 credit towards Stella [...]
[...] Don’t forget about the Stella & Dot Giveaway ($25 Credit) – Two quick clicks to enter & the winner is announced in Monday’s [...]