wear + share: 11.2.12

I mentioned yesterday that I'd be doing something a little different today, and here it is! The revamped Link Love: WEAR + SHARE...

Happy Friday, everyone! After a crazy busy October, Jared and I are welcoming in November with a date night. We're finally going to Volt, which I've been looking forward to trying since before we even moved here. Here's what I'm dreaming of wearing Saturday night...

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And here are some things to help you kill time 'til 5pm...

Well that's it! I hope you guys like the new format, and that you have a most fantastic weekend.

you think you know, but you have no idea

Yep, that's a reference to MTV's Diary, and it's exactly how I feel about blogshop. It was two jam-packed days filled with all the stuff I never knew I didn't know about Photoshop. And how to do all that stuff super fast. I have to be honest, my expectations were pretty high for this class, and it surpassed all of them. I was also super nervous and intimidated, but Bri and Angela were fantastic teachers in addition to being super sweet and adorable. I thought I knew my way around Photoshop, but it was clear after the first hour that I didn't have a clue. And that things I thought I knew how to do, I was doing completely wrong. Thankfully, Bri and Angela showed me the light.

I learned how to do this...

And this...

 

And I made this from scratch in under 10 minutes (something that prior to blogshop would have taken me a good 2 hours)...

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And that's really just a fraction of what we learned. Masking, liquify, templates, retouching, gradients, levels, I could go on and on. If you ever have the opportunity to attend blogshop, I highly recommend it. In addition to all of the Photoshop content, we got great little goody bags, BKR glass water bottles (which I'm now obsessed with), delicious food, and mimosas. (C'mon, at what other class would you get a mimosa?!) It was such an amazing and inspiring weekend and I left feeling tired but so excited to apply what I learned. Look for some new features on the blog very soon. Maybe even tomorrow! Okay, definitely tomorrow.

Thanks again, Bri & Angela!!!

Lil' Red

Happy Halloween! Well, first I hope everyone is safe, sound, with power, cell service, etc. Second, Happy Halloween! I'm so glad the kids around here will still get to go trick or treating tonight. Emma's still a little young for that, but I made her a costume anyway because we all know I just couldn't help myself.

I used Simplicity 1774, red fleece for the cape, and blue gingham for the dress. The pattern could not have been easier, especially with fleece because that meant I didn't have to line the cape. I did add some topstitching to give it a more finished look. And I used buttons to fasten the shoulder straps instead of hook and loop tape. Mostly because I forgot to buy hook and loop tape.

We were late getting out the door this morning, so this was the best I could get. (Note to self, learn how to use my Speedlight. That grain is killing me!) What you can't see here are the adorable new white chucks I got her to go with her costume, which of course are her favorite part.

Have a happy, safe, and sugar-filled Halloween, everyone!

a shot for Jen

Jen Burgess Thompson was a wife, a mother, a daughter, a sister, a friend, and a photographer. She was 37 years old and last Friday she lost her battle with ovarian cancer. I did not know her personally, but I found myself so profoundly moved by her story... and brought to tears at the thought of her husband and two young boys. Jen's message to all of us moms was simple - get in front of the camera with your kids. Too many of us, whether we have a fancy camera or not, are so busy taking photos of all the milestones, all the funny faces, that we forget to get in the frame.

So, Jen... this is for you. It's not perfect, but I love it. And I hope that one day Emma can look back on this photo, and the many more I plan to take with her, and see how much I loved her. Thank you.

To learn more about Jen's story, click here.

Here's a video Jen made with her kids not long after she was diagnosed.

And here are other Shots for Jen, by women who are way better at this than I am.

fall is in the air

It is officially Fall here in Maryland, and as much as I love Summer, I really really love Fall... it's one of the few things I was looking forward to about coming back to the east coast. The crisp air, apple cider donuts, the leaves changing, apple cider donuts, apple cider donuts. Yeah, I'm kind of a fan. And we didn't really get Fall in Portland... once October hit, it was cool and rainy until the following June. Bleh!

So as all parents do this time of year, we welcomed Fall by taking Emma to the pumpkin patch. She LOVED it! We went to Summers Farm here in Frederick, and in addition to the pumpkin patch, they had this giant in-ground moon bounce, a little train ride, pig races, a petting zoo, putt putt, and loads more. Did I mention they also had the most deeeeelicious apple cider donuts I've ever had? I could have eaten a dozen but I restrained myself to 1. At least while we were still there. ;)

We let Emma pick out her own pumpkin, but she decided she'd rather bob for it instead of pick one up with her hands. What a goof.

What about you... What's your favorite thing about Fall?

link love - 10.5.12

Hi everyone, and happy Friday! I don't know if it's because the days are shorter now or we've been so busy, but the weeks seem to be flying by lately. I'm off to my cousin's wedding this weekend, and we'll be taking Emma on her first trip to the pumpkin patch. Hopefully Emma loves it as much as we hope she will. She's a gal who likes to get her hands dirty, so we're optimistic that acres of dirt, hay, and pumpkins will be right up her alley.

My free time has been spent immersed in all things photography this week, so I don't have my usual links ready for you. Sorry! But I do want to share some of my favorite photographer discoveries so far... As I try to figure out what my "style" is, I find myself drawn toward lifestyle (as opposed to posed) photographers whose photos capture the simple, every day moments with their kids. After all, that's my personal goal as I work to get better at taking photos of my family life. I hope my children will be able to look back on the photos I took of them growing up and see the story of their childhood... not just the milestones, but the little mundane things, too - the favorite toy, the way their room was, how their hair looked when they woke up from a long nap. These are the things I hope to capture, and these are some people who I think do an exceptional job at it...

I hope you all are as inspired by their photos as I am. Have a great weekend! :)

my grandmother

I got to thinking the other day that I don't recall ever seeing a photo of my mom with her mom... she died of breast cancer when my mom was in her early 20s. My mom was her rock through surgery, treatment, and ultimately death... and as much as I wish she'd talk about my grandmother, I understand why even after 40 years it's still too painful. Given that it's Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I decided to ask if she'd be willing to let me photograph her holding a beloved photo of her mom... surprisingly, she said okay.

I realized after I uploaded this photo that my mom was wearing the necklace she had made from her mother's engagement ring diamond. She gave me and my sister necklaces with that same diamond when we graduated from college, and it's one of my most cherished possessions. I love that my mom wore it for this photo.

my dream photography kit

That's right... 4 weeks into my first ever photography class and I'm already dreaming about all the fancy gear I want. I'm actually really happy that I'm learning on a camera that doesn't have a ton of bells and whistles. It's forcing me to really learn the craft instead of relying on my gear. But I'm guessing when the short days of winter roll around I'm going to be itchin' for a camera with better low light capabilities. Enter my dream/goal camera...

Canon 5D Mark ii

I've debated about whether to upgrade to the 7D (another crop sensor, like I already have) or the 5D which is a full frame, and while I might have some regrets if I only upgrade to the 7D, I know I would never regret getting the 5D. Even if I get really really good at photography someday, I can't outgrow this camera. I might run it into the ground, but I can't outgrow it. Which makes it a very good investment. Right? Right. :)

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L Zoom Lens

The lens I primarily use now is the 50mm f/1.4 and I LOVE it. I can shoot 90% of what I want to with that lens, but there will be times, especially on vacations, that I'll want a zoom lens - and this is the daddy of all zoom lenses. Okay, I don't know that - I've only been in Manual mode for like 3 weeks. But I do know it takes some amazing photos, and if I ever get another zoom lens, I'm pretty sure this will be it.

Black Rapid Camera Strap

I never thought I could have my mind blown by a camera strap, but that's exactly what happened the first time I saw these bad boys. They screw into the bottom of your camera, and the camera just glides along the strap when you want to take a shot. It looks so comfortable and far easier to work with than the Canon strap I currently have - especially when I'm out and about with Emma and fumbling with the strap can mean she's already run out of the frame by the time I'm ready to take her photo. (I swear, photographing toddlers could have been a challenge on Double Dare... I can't believe people do this professionally!)

Ketti Handbag

Once I have all my gear I'll need something to put it in! Camera bags are notoriously drab, so I was delighted to find these beauties by Ketti Handbags. They look just like oversized handbags on the outside, but inside they're designed to keep your camera and lenses nice and safe. And it's spacious enough to be my purse, camera bag, and diaper bag all in one. I'm just waiting for the exact right design to be released and then I'll pull the trigger.

Well that's it... the camera is definitely my priority in terms of order, with the lens being the last on my list - way down the road. Either way, mama needs a raise! :)

link love - 9.28.12

Happy Friday, everyone. I've been so busy this week that Friday kind of snuck up on me! What do you have planned for the weekend? My in laws are coming up for the day tomorrow, I'm meeting up with an old friend for dinner tomorrow night, and meeting up with another old friend on Sunday to take our girls to the National Zoo. Whew! Another jam packed weekend but I'm really looking forward to it.

Anywho... here's what I've loved from the Interwebs this week:

{LIFE} This really got my attention... We always try to be respectful and understanding with Emma, but this is a really good thing to keep in the back of your mind.

{FOOD} My friend Leslie posted this yesterday and it kind of blew my mind. I mean, there's no way this could be bad. It's unfortunately filled with lots of stuff Jared doesn't like, so I'll have to make it on a night when he's out of town. But it will be mine, oh yes... it will be mine.

{DIY} Hello first Christmas crafts of the 2012 season...

 {SEWING} I love the Flashback Tee pattern from Made by Rae, and I especially love this girly update.

{SHOPPING} I purchased my dream boots last year as a 30th birthday present to myself, so I'm definitely not in the market for new ones. BUT, if I was - these would definitely be the ones I'd get.

 

{LAUGHTER} This made me LOL.

Have a great weekend!! :)

Zachary's 1st Birthday!

This past Sunday was my sweet nephew's 1st birthday, and I was so excited to do the decorations for his party. Zachary looooves monkeys so my sister naturally went with a monkey theme. I busted out my Silhouette and got to work...

Our super talented cousin Emily made all the baked goods, and I added the name cards, wrappers, and toppers. I purchased a set of monkey clip art for the graphics and custom Silhouette shapes. I used the leftover dots from cutting the cupcake wrappers as confetti.

I got this super tall palm tree from Party City to display photos from Zach's first year. The bananas are a Silhouette shape and I used the Xyron to make them into stickers.

Happy Birthday, Zachary!!! :-)

PS... I'm trying out some new photo layouts from Pugly Pixel, and really liking them. The best part is they're FREE! Gotta love the Internet.

date night

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Before Sunday night, Jared and I hadn't been on a date in seven and a half months. SEVEN AND A HALF MONTHS, people! That is craziness. But with all the chaos of the move it just wasn't happenening... plus we both work a lot, and we get such little time with our boo boo. It's really hard to sacrifice any time we get with her, so it has to be for something really good. And this past Sunday was just the excuse we needed. Our favorite band, The Avett Brothers (more about our love for them here) was playing in Baltimore and we knew we had to go.

We ramped up a sitter over the past month so that Emma would be comfortable with her, we really liked and trusted her, but when the time came to leave we were so nervous. No one had ever put Emma to bed besides us! So for the first couple of hours I was definitely that cliche mom on a date night who was checking her phone every few minutes. All I wanted was that text saying she was sleeping soundly. And right as we were walking into the venue, we got it. Best text ever!

Once we could finally relax, we had SUCH a good time. I can't tell you how great it was to be out just the two of us, especially seeing our favorite band. We had great seats, the set list was nearly perfect, and it felt great doing something that was so quintessentially us. We've been seeing The Avett Brothers live since 2007, and this was show #12 for us... in that time we've gotten married, had a baby, and moved across the country. They've been a constant in our relationship and something that always brings us back to each other. I can't think of a better way to spend our first date night in what felt like forever.

Now that we've ripped off the babysitting bandaid, we're hoping to make it a regular thing. Any recommendations? What is your favorite thing to do on a date night?

cabin bound

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Sorry there's no Link Love today! We're heading up to the cabin for a long weekend and I got so busy getting things packed up last night that I ran out of time to get all my weekly finds together. There weren't that many anyway because I've been super busy with both work and my photography class - which is going awesome, btw. I've learned so much just in the first week! I can't believe I'm actually shooting in manual mode now. I honestly never thought I'd see the day. In lieu of links can I make it up to you with a cute baby? Here are a couple of my favorite shots from my assignment this week:

Oh, that face. What's a mother to do? ;)

Have a great weekend, everyone!

{made for dinner} Beef with Peas

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In our continued hunt for new weeknight dinner recipes, we tried out Pioneer Woman's Beef with Snow Peas (subbing regular peas for the snow peas so the meal would be more toddler friendly.) I was a little skeptical, but P-dub won us all over, Emma especially. (I swear, the girl loooves her proteins.) The flavor in the sauce is what really makes this, plus you don't have to marinate the meat ahead of time which is huge because we always forget anyway. Here's our adapted recipe:

Ingredients

  • 1-1/2 pound Flank Steak, Trimmed Of Fat And Sliced Very Thin Against The Grain
  • 1/2 cup Low Sodium Soy Sauce
  • 3 Tablespoons Sherry Or Cooking Sherry
  • 2 Tablespoons Brown Sugar
  • 2 Tablespoons Cornstarch
  • 1 Tablespoon Minced Fresh Ginger
  • 1 cup of frozen peas
  • 5 whole Scallions, Cut Into Haf-inch Pieces On The Diagonal
  • Salt As Needed (use Sparingly)
  • 3 Tablespoons Peanut Or Olive Oil
  • Jasmine Or Long Grain Rice, Cooked According To Package

Directions:

In a bowl, mix together soy sauce, sherry, brown sugar, cornstarch, and ginger. Add sliced meat to bowl and toss with hands. Set aside.

Cook frozen peas according to the instructions on the bag, and set aside.

Heat oil in a heavy skillet (iron is best) or wok over high heat. With tongs, add half the meat mixture, leaving most of the marinade still in the bowl. Add half the scallions. Spread out meat as you add it to pan, but do not stir for a good minute. (You want the meat to get as brown as possible in as short amount a time as possible.) Turn meat to the other side and cook for another 30 seconds. Remove to a clean plate.

Repeat with other half of meat, allowing pan to get very hot again first. After turning it, add the first plateful of meat, the rest of the marinade, and the peas. Stir over high heat for 30 seconds, then turn off heat. Check seasonings and add salt only if it needs it. Mixture will thicken as it sits.

Serve immediately over rice.

Recipe adapted from The Pioneer Woman.

activity blanket tutorial

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Emma has been obsessed with clips and zippers lately, so I thought I'd make her a little activity blanket so she could clip and unzip to her heart's content. (I can't even tell you how good it felt to bust out my sewing machine for the first time in months.) And, it was so simple to make that I actually made it during naptime on Sunday afternoon. Plus I used scrap fabric, and I love any project that puts even a little dent in my stash.

If you're just learning how to sew, this is a great beginner project because aside from the button holes it's just a bunch of straight stitches. And there's no need to be intimidated by button holes... most newer machines do all the work for you!

Here's what you'll need to make your own:

Materials:

  • Two 15.5 x 15.5 in. squares of fabric
  • Two 15.5 in. pieces of grosgrain (or similar thick ribbon)
  • Four 6 in. pieces of nylon webbing (or similar thick webbing, ribbon, straps, etc.)
  • Two 14 in. zippers
  • Two plastic buckles/clips
  • Buttons (at least 6)
  • Lighter (yes, you read that right!)
  • Coordinating thread

Directions:

Create your clip "activities" by sewing your 6 in. pieces of nylon webbing to each end of the buckle. Now here's the fun part - use a lighter to seal the cut ends of the webbing. Yes, it's a little sad that the most badass my life gets these days is taking a lighter to some frayed edges, but I take what I can get. :) Besides, it really is the best and quickest way to make sure your ends don't fray.

Next, lay out your "activities" on your front fabric to get the spacing right. I just eyeballed mine, leaving about an inch and a half between activities.

Pin only the zippers in place and remove the rest of the activities.

Sew your zippers into place.

Set the blanket aside for now and grab the ribbon for your button activities. Mark the spots for your button holes at 4", 7.5", and 11".

Sew your button holes. I used 1" buttons for this, and wouldn't go any smaller. (Note, if you use grosgrain and have some fraying when you open your button holes, use your trusty lighter to carefully seal the edges.)

Next, lay your activities out on the front fabric again, pin and baste into place.

Then, grab your back fabric and pin it to the front fabric, right sides together. Sew together using a 1/2" seam, leaving a 4-5" opening at the bottom.

Press your seams open, then turn the blanket right side out and sew a 1/4" topstitch around the perimeter.

Last but not least, sew on your buttons. I chose to sew mine on at the very end because I'm paranoid about Emma being able to get them off, creating a potential choking hazard. I figured two layers of fabric would be a sturdier hold.

And once all the buttons attached, you're done!

Emma is loving it so far, and I'm excited to see how her interest in it changes as she becomes better at manipulating each activity.

Let me know if you make one, and leave a comment if you have any questions!

link love - 9.7.12

Happy Friday! It's been a crazy busy week for me work-wise... why is it that short weeks always feel the longest? I'm looking forward to a couple of days off to hang with my family while I stay firmly in denial that football season has officially started. (Why can't the NFL be more like FNL? I could totally get into that.)

Anyway, here's what I'm loving this week...

{LIFE} Regardless of your political opinions, it's hard not to be moved by the relationship between Joe and Jill Biden. 30+ years together and they still act like giddy high schoolers. It's a rare example of a great (famous) marriage, and I can only hope Jared and I are still this in love 30 years from now...

{FOOD} I don't know what it is about this pasta, but I feel like it's the perfect transition into fall dinner and I can't wait to make it.

Ricotta Gnocchi with Eggplant Tomato Mozzarella Sauce courtesy of The Naptime Chef

{DIY} Emma has been obsessed with clips and buckles lately, so when I saw this I thought, "brilliant!" I'll probably do a combination of buckles and zippers because she's been loving those lately, too. And maybe some snaps for good measure. Because why do something simple when you can make it complicated? (Pretty sure that sums up my entire approach to crafting.)

{SEWING} I've been enamored with the Oliver + S patterns since before I even got pregnant, so I get pretty darn excited with each new pattern release. This latest set did not disappoint! Say hello to the pattern I'll be using to make Emma's Christmas dress this year...

{SHOPPING} I'm in desperate need of a new winter coat, but I tend to be really indecisive when it comes to big ticket purchases, so I'm starting my search early - like when it's still 80+ degrees out. This one from J Crew is a very strong contender:

{LAUGHTER} We've been plowing through past seasons of How I Met Your Mother this summer, so this one made me chuckle. I love the show, but seriously, who would tell their kids every detail of every relationship they had before their mom? It's a little silly. But if it means we get to hear all about Uncle Barney's hijinx then it's kind of totally worth it, right?