Taking Great Family Pictures

Ok, if you're new to my blog, you will figure something out very quickly about me...

I LOVE Christmas. Like big time fan. Maybe the biggest.

One of my favorite parts of the whole season is running to the mailbox (yes, I do literally run to the mailbox) to check the mail for the happiest mail of the whole year!

Christmas Cards!

If you send me one, bless you. I am giddy with anticipation to open it!

So sorry. Need to chill out with exclamation points.

I look forward to styling what we are going to wear for our Christmas card photos every year and it should come as no surprise that I do a lot of research for family outfit combos. Ours are coming up so here's a little peak at what you'll see coming to a mailbox near you...

Mom

Dad

 Reese

 Rowen

When planning Christmas photos, I find that I always lean toward a combination of a few different patterns and textures. From year to year, the winners that make the cut are always

Chambray

Sparkle

Faux Fur

Stripes

Plaid

Red

Forest Green

Hunter Rain Boots

I use this list as a jumping off point each year. I learned one year that I'd prefer to not be the one in the faux fur vest because if the camera added ten pounds, the fur vest added another 20. #nothanks

No matter which direction you're leaning with your inspo, I always tend to plan my outfit first and then build everyone else off of that. Keep in mind when coordinating multiple outfits that you don't want to repeat a pattern or texture more than once.

For instance: If you're going with plaid, it's ok to have different plaid patterns but I'd suggest only having it on two people. If you're using a statement piece like a blazer on a family member, just let them be the only one to rock it.

I have very little experience styling boys #girlmom but one of my favorite combos is a chambray button down with a bow tie, khakis, and forest green hunter boots. Tuck the khakis into the boots to make sure they're seen!

Be sure to EAT before your pictures. Also, bring snacks and water just in case. I normally have a baggy of mnm's in my pocket to aid in the cooperative process. Works like a charm!

Some of my favorite pictures of our family have been the natural more non-posed variety. Sometimes it feels awkward trying to achieve it but just think "movement". Walking, ticking the kiddos, smiling at each other, looking at each other and not just the camera. Gone are the days of the perfect family picture being based solely upon whether or not everyone involved is looking and smiling at the same time. Just walk around and do your thang. Let your photographer do the work.

I hope this helps and may the odds ever be in your favor when taking your family pictures this year.

Love,

Laura

Friday Favorites

Hi!

Happy Friday to you! This week has been CRAY-ZEE around here thanks to getting carpet installed in our upstairs + assembling all the new things for the girl's new room. I'm almost done and I can't wait to show it to you!

I have a little compilation of things I wanted to share with you for today's Friday favorites...

Blanket Scarves

Yall. I can't get enough of blanket scarves. Plaids, buffalo check, stripes, I love them ALL. What I'm really loving about blanket scarves is the versatility of how you can wear them. I'll do a little tutorial coming up about all the ways I tie mine. I've really enjoyed wrapping the scarf around my shoulders to achieve a poncho feel. If you want to shop a few of my favorites, here they are!!

Halo Top Ice Cream

Oh. My. Word. You guys this stuff is amazing. All the hype surrounding it is TRUE. I don't know what any of us did to deserve a delicious ice cream that you can consumer without any of the guilt. Call it favor. Call it unmerited mercy. Whatever it is, it's hashtag BLESSED. I've only tried mint and chocolate because the selfish people that shop at my local Kroger, snatch up all the other fun flavors. But I will keep looking til I can find more. Cuz I need more.

Chip and Jo

How much do I love these two? Let me count the ways. I've only read a teensy bit of this beauty since I got it yesterday and it is so perfect. We needed something to tide us over til November when the new season starts, and this is just perfect for that! Get your copy here.

The Best Mascara Ever

I know everybody claims to have the "best mascara ever" but I have been around the block trying ALL the mascaras and when it comes to helping my stubby blonde lashes look lengthy and full, this stuff does the trick. The name is weird but it's worth it. You can try it here.


We are looking forward to a cooler weekend just in time for apple picking with the fam. I apologize in advance for the oversharing that is to come. Hope you have an awesome Friday!

Love,

Laura

Styling Book Shelves

Book shelf styling is my favorite.

It's ironic that we call them "book shelves" since the thing I use the least when styling shelves is actual books. Antique books? Yes, please. But like an ugly hardback self help book? Those have a special place in the upstairs closet where no one knows they exist.

I think the most challenging aspect of styling shelves in general is achieving the balance. There are a few things to keep in mind when you tackle this kind of project that can really make or break the end result.

Lean Toward Monochrome 

A monochromatic look basically means varying tones of one color. I normally land on a few different colors but like to stick with white. You know I love me some white. This gives you a flow that can't be achieved when you have too many colors competing for your eyes attention.

Less is More

It's tempting when you're filling a shelf to feel like you actually have to "fill" the shelf. Surprise! You don't. The goal is to make the space look full without making it look busy. It's amazing how little you need to pull this off! Try getting three tall skinny glass vases/jars (mine are from Hobby Lobby) and put a tiny sprig of greenery in the top. Spread them out a bit and batta bing batta boom. One whole shelf.... Done! 

Balance, Balance, Balance

I like to use items of varying heights and widths for my shelves. I also like layering items in front of each other, which gives it kind of an unexpected look. Styling book shelves take a lot of trial and error. I will set something up, take a few steps back to check it out. See what needs to change. Repeat. It's just a process of finding what's pleasing to your eye. 

Try Everything

I pull in some really random decor when styling my bookshelves. You'll see baskets, candlesticks, jars, old scales, and yes, sometimes even books. Don't limit yourself to things you think should or would look good. Step outside the box and you'll probably end up loving the process and the outcome!

Hope that helps you out a bit especially if you've been putting off designing empty shelves for too long. A list of resources for my office shelves is below. Hope you have a great day, friend!

Love,

Laura

Shopbop Sale

Hi!

I'm so excited that a few of my favorite things are on major sale thanks to the Shopbop Event of the Season sale!

I've linked them below so scroll thru and click when you see what you like. Be sure to check out my FAV distressed skinny jeans. I've literally never seen them go on sale so this is big. If you've been thinking about adding any of these items to your wardrobe, now's the time! Can we talk real quick about the navy floral tunic? It's Free People and it has smocked detail around the neckline. #yesplease

I'm still hunting some more favorites so stay tuned if I find more!


 Happy shopping, sweet friend!

Love, Laura

Layers of Fall

Hi, friends!

Thanks so much for stopping by the ol' bloggity blog! I'm having so much fun layering for Fall... and then UNlayering once the Georgia heat starts cranking back up. #thestruggle

Summer is a minimalists dream because of the simplicity in the styles but if you love mixing things up (literally) than Fall is your playground.

I know the process of layering can feel overwhelming to some but just have fun with it. I love mixing stripes with plaids. Adding a bomber jacket to an otherwise completely basic look adds immediate sass factor. And if it ever gets cold enough to justify a blanket scarf, I'm fairly certain the skies will open and some version of the Hallelujah Chorus will ensue.

My FAV bomber!

You can't have too many puffer vests and I think the most flattering version is from J Crew Factory. They always go on sale. I've had mine for two years and it's still holding up like a dream!

I also highly recommend investing in some cutie swing dresses because of how well they pair with jackets, scarves, and boots. I get most of mine from Forever 21 

And if you;re still on the hunt for the perfect pair of riding boots, I highly recommend these:

Just in case you're in the mood for even more layering inspiration, I've linked up some of my favorites

Keep It Simple: Seasonal Decor

We are finally heading into my very favorite time of the year! I love everything about Fall... the cooler weather, the football, the apple picking, the pumpkin EVERYTHING.

My Fall decor barely gets a chance to collect any dust before I'm beginning to transition into Christmas. 

Before you throw your stones just know that I have been decorating my house for Christmas in the beginning of November for years. It's just how I roll. We have so much going on in the month of November and December that cramming one more "to do" just gives me a twitch. I would prefer to decorate when things are slower giving me time to really let the creative juices flow.

Speaking of creative juices, one thing I get asked about all the time is how to take the chore out of decorating. Here are a few tips:

Focus on small spaces with high impact

I think one of the reasons people get overwhelmed while decorating for any holiday is that they feel like every square inch of their house has to be covered in seasonal stuff. Instead of feeling like you must touch every space, just focus on "moments" here and there. No matter the holiday, I always like to decorate my entryway, my mantel, my dining room table, and my kitchen... not my entire kitchen. just a little touch on my breakfast table and a spot on my counter. Some of you might still be thinking that still sounds like a lot. But most of those areas stay exactly the same as they always are and I just supplement with touches of the season. 

Buy decorations you actually like

Another reason some don't like decorating is that they actually don't like the stuff they have. This year I finally decided to spruce up my fall decor and I know I'll have to do the same for Christmas. Everything I had fit with our house before it was updated. None of the colors worked anymore so it was time for a change. I didn't have to spend a lot of money (thanks mostly to Target dollar section) but I really love the way everything looks. Don't be afraid to move a few things around in the budget to allow for seasonal decor and be sure you get stuff you like! Just because it's a good price, doesn't mean it should come home with you.

Don't Overdo It

Kind of piggybacking the first idea with this one. but it's worth mentioning that the decor you put out doesn't have to be extravagant to be beautiful. Find a theme that you like and then incorporate little touches here and there. This year I was really loving the organic feel of fresh foliage so I bought up a few bunches of eucalyptus and spread it throughout the house. Inexpensive but it makes me happy every time I see it. 

Ask for Help

If I'm ever feeling like I have zero inspiration, I turn to Pinterest. I start out looking up something really generic like "Christmas Decor" and then once I see something I like, I'll change up my search to something more specific like "Christmas Faux Antlers" or "Farmhouse Christmas" and then see where it takes me. I also have a few fav bloggers that always have the best ideas! I love getting inspiration from all over. It gives a great jumping off point.

I hope this helps! Keep an eye out for my Christmas Home Tour coming the beginning of November. And if you ever have any questions regarding home decor, please feel free to ask! 

Love,

Laura