An Evening at the Park

This past weekend was one of those unicorn weekends where we didn't have much going on.  I'm telling ya, we almost didn't know what to do with ourselves!  After a good Target run (because what's a Saturday without Target?) and after the kids ALL taking naps (can I get a hallelujah!?)...we picked up some Torchy's Tacos and Double Dave's pepperoni rolls (because picky eaters) and headed to the park for the evening.  At first, the kids weren't too pumped about the prospects of kicking around soccer balls and throwing the baseball, but we all ended up having a great time and made some good memories.

Family time spent being together...the best kind of time.  Just being us.

Finding a Fiddle-Leaf Fig | The Natural Gardener

Last weekend after our busy Saturday morning of sports, we went off in search of the perfect Fiddle Leaf Fig plant I've been wanting.  If you follow me on Instagram, I posted two names we were deciding between for our new little thing...the consensus was "Bellatrix".  Gives sort of a whole personality to her. Because naming your plants is totally normal...right????

I don't have fond memories of nurseries or plant shopping from my childhood.  My mom dragged me around to those places all the time, and I think I'm a little scared from it.  That, combined with my innate ability to kill plants from the get-go, one can understand how I'm not very well-versed in the "shopping for plants" area.  However, I did have my heart set on a Fiddle Leaf Fig.  After calling around to find most places were sold out of the plant, I finally called The Natural Gardener in Austin and they had several!  But going there was much more of a treat than I expected...the grounds are gorgeous, my kids loved the butterfly garden and labyrinth, and I personally quite enjoyed the swing!  It's a lovely spot to not only get your fill of every kind of plant imaginable, but also a great place to spend a little time exploring, lingering, and enjoying nature!

But back to "Bellatrix"... here's to hoping I can keep her alive!  Any tips on indoor plants, please send them my way!!!!

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Hometown Favorites...What To Do In Austin {November Blogathon}

Wow y'all...blogging today is a bit of a struggle.  Those of you doing the blogathon with me, are you feeling it?  Either way, I've committed to do this and pushing myself was part of it.
This November Blogathon theme is self-reflection week....I mean really, who doesn't love talking about themselves.  But there's a few prompts that get a bit deep, so this should be interesting.  :)  
Today's is all about my hometown, Austin.  I grew up around Austin, but it's really the entire area I call home.  So whether you're a local reader or have aspirations to someday visit here (PLEASE don't move here), I'm recommending some of the best places to do, eat, play in Austin.  Here we go!

Best Date Nights Spots We Love:

• Alamo Draft House:  Movie and dinner at the same place, with a unique Austin vibe...for the win!
• Hop Doddy:  Easy date night with yummy food.  I always order the Ahi Tuni burger with the Salted Caramel shake...to die for!
• Olivia's:  Eclectic, chic, and delish!
• Eddie V's:  For a nice night out...we've frequented this place for years and it's still a favorite.

For A Family Fun Day:

• McKinney Falls State Park:  We like to hike, take a picnic, and take a lot of family pictures.  It's just right outside of town!
• Lake Travis:  Being on the water is one of our favorite activities.  Our kids love riding on a boat and soaking up the sun!
• Austin Hike & Bike Trail:  Now that the trail extends over to the east side, we love taking the family (and dog) along the new area that jets out over the water.  Great views of downtown!

Favorite Family Eats (Kid-Friendly):

• Gourdough's Trailer:  Heaven help our arteries.  Three words --- The Flying Pig.  The End.
• Galaxy Cafe:  Healthy food that our kids love....we always frequent the Brodie and Slaughter location.  Their sister restaurant Zocalo is bueno as well.
• Jack Allen's:  We neither of us can make a decision and we know the upscale comfort food will hit the spot...plus it's loud enough that taking all 4 of our kids is perfectly okay.

I absolutely love Austin...there's really no place like it.  If you're ever in the area or planning a trip here, feel free to email me with questions, suggestions, etc.  Blake and I were both born and raised around here, so we've gotcha covered!

But really....

via

Please don't even think about moving here.

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A Halloween T.V. Appearance

Last week, my kids (minus Riley because she was in school) and I headed up to our local NBC affiliate to showoff some cheap and easy costumes with Austin Moms Blog.   Thankfully my kids behaved and it was neat for them to see the "behind the scenes" of what really goes happens in T.V.

Our costumes are still up in the air for tonight (it's T minus 4 hours!), so your bet is as good as mine when I post Halloween pics next week....but in the spirit of costumes, let's just have my little cheerleader, knight, and devil suffice for now.  I'm sure we'll throw an Elsa in there just to keep it original and unique...you know because NO ONE will think of that costume this year.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN and SAFE TRICK-OR-TREATING!!!!!!!

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A Wistfully Longing Momma

Yesterday, I took dinner to two of my friends who recently had babies...
I'd like to say that I intentionally bring food several weeks (sometimes months) post-birth because that's truly the time family and friends have gone on their way and moms really are deep "in the newborn trenches"...but maybe the reality might be more like I just haven't gotten around to it and feel guilty for taking so long to help out.  However it may be, I think I'll stick with that first reason.  :)
As I drove away from my friend's house yesterday (she just had her fourth), tears stung my eyes a bit as I sat in my suburban, my two youngest giggling about something in the backseat on our way to pick up my other two kids....I had the kind of flashback I've occasionally had before, but in a much more longing way...because you see, when I went into her house and saw my friend with her sweet new baby and her three other very young children, I saw myself.

A short three and a half years ago that was me...navigating life with a newborn while surrounded by three other tiny people (Tyler Bree wasn't quite in kinder yet at the time).  It was a simpler time, yet extremely stressful on a day-to-day basis.  I now have room to breath in terms of my child rearing (because of their ages) and our day-to-day life has become easier, but I couldn't help but feel a little envious of my friend yesterday.  Such innocence surrounding her in those four little souls and I could see the joy in her eyes, as she knew how preciously special this time is for their family.  I also know she's aware how this phase is so fleeting.  How easy it is to forget.  I wondered, "Is it because we've become too busy?"

Driving away, I called Blake and shared my wistfulness for that time in our lives...that time that seems like only yesterday.  I asked him how these past years have flown by so fast...how is it even possible?!?  Where did they go?!?  (He didn't have any answers by the way.)  After we hung up, I thought some more about how quickly this season of parenting passes by, and I resolved to improve some areas of my life, which hopefully will allow me to both better live in the moment with our children and record my memories in a more meaningful way.

1.  Slowing down and letting things go in order to better use my time by playing sword fight with Bennett or listening to Riley explain her newest playground game or helping Tyler Bree to better understand a scripture or being the "mom" in one of Blakely's made-up scenarios.  I kind of get annoyed with the phrase "live in the moment", so I'm going to re-coin it "leave out what doesn't matter."  Dinner can wait to be cooked, the house can be messy for a few days longer, social media isn't enriching my life so much that it's urgent....you get the idea.  Quality time listening, playing, and filing away these memories for years to come, so hopefully the sting isn't so harsh when down the road I ask myself, "How did they become teenagers?  Where did the time go?"
2.  Journaling.  I need to do much better about daily journaling.  Had I been more consistent the past several years, I may have been afforded the luxury of reading some of my thoughts and feelings during my time as a mother of little bitties.  Yes, I can be nostalgic and recall the general feel of that time, but truthfully, I don't think I can tell you many specifics.  That first year with four was a complete blur...one I hardly remember.  Journaling can/will help not only with my own memory preservation, but for my kids and grandkids, as well.  I want them to look back on it someday when they're dealing with their own mothering struggles and feel they're not alone.  Shooting video, taking pictures, blogging, writing are all ways I hope to journal our life better....because our memories can only take us so far.
Time marches on, our kids inevitably get older (at astronomical speed), and life will most assuredly get busier...but I want to be able to look back on these days and say that I tried my best to "leave out what doesn't matter."  I have a long way to go, as there are countless ways I can improve in this area, but today I'm remembering how my heart felt yesterday seeing myself in my friend's eyes and trying to keep that with me as long as possible....
Because tomorrow, I may forget.


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5 Tips For Photographing Kids

Blake and white photos are just the best, aren't they?  I know a lot of people prefer color (I always ask my clients and they generally tell me so anyway), but the timelessness, emotion, and classic look of a black and white image just does it for me.

Several weeks ago, I partnered with Austin Moms Blog for some summer mini-sessions offered to AMB readers...nine to be exact.  I loved how they turned out, but wouldn't you know, the black and white were my faves of all the kids...even in a setting where the vivid colors of the watermelon were one of the main components of the shoot.

Here's a few of my favorites:

Photographing children is both super rewarding AND challenging...and maybe a bit more on the challenging side at times.  Having the experience of both photographing my four children over the years, as well as shooting numerous children/family clients, there are some key pointers I use every single time that help the whole shoot run smoothly and produce the best images possible.

Thus, here are my 5 TIPS FOR PHOTOGRAPHING KIDS:

1.  Eyes are key.  Make sure at least one of your focus points is always on the eye closest to you.  Children's expressions come from their eyes...capture that and you're already ahead of the game!
2.  Safety first.  I have a horror story of trying the get the "perfect shot" of Tyler Bree when she was about three years old.  She fell backwards off a 4 foot drop into thorns and brush...I know, so bad...but I sure learned that hard lesson.  No matter if the shot is amazing, do not EVER place the child in harms way.  Not even a tiny bit.  Never.
3.  Connecting with them builds trust and genuinity.  I had a shoot the other day where one of the kids was NOT having it.  His mother was frustrated, he was moody, and the whole thing went south really quickly.  I gave him a little break and then said, "Hey, why don't you and me just walk over this direction for a bit and see what we can find."  Making him comfortable with me without a camera in his face allowed him to relax and let his guard down...and subsequently produced some of the best shots of the entire session.  Take the time to build trust, even if it's just a little wink to let them know you "get it".
4.  Be patient.  This tip applies more so with little ones...babies and toddlers.  It can seem as if you'll never get "the shot" as they're fussing, moving, drooling, basically doing everything that's NOT preferred in a picture, but hang in there and wait. Keep your finger on the back focus button and just be a silent observer.  Remember, patience is a virtue.  (Not one that I'm very adept to, but you know...)
5.  Candid is sometimes (actually quite often) better than posed.  This tip goes right along with the above.  Children rarely enjoy posing (for very long, at least), so being able to recognize when those precious candid shots may present themselves is golden.  This is magnified where siblings are involved...love and relationships are the perfect backdrop for candid facial expressions, positions, and general hilarity.  A great candid shot edited in black and white???...Stick a fork in me, I'm done.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::
I hope these tips come in handy whether you're photographing your own children or with photography clients.  It's always a learning experience for me, so I'd love to hear some of your tips as well for photographing kids!



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What Late Summer Looks Like

Summer is winding down around here...
I went school shopping last night for my kids.  That in itself was both terrific because I was able to do it in peace and quite sans kiddos (check out Target's awesome deals this week here)...AND terrible because I love having my kids home during the summer and it breaks my heart a little bit that we're going into another year of their lives....another year closer to when they leave me.  Forever.  Whaaaaaaahhhh!!!

Speaking of the end of summer, we hung out with my mom this past weekend and just enjoyed being out in the country, helping her out with some stuff around the place (as she desperately needs since my dad's been gone), and cooking some homemade bread (this recipe is my current fave).  Pretty much a perfect, late-summer day.  August weather has been good to us Texans so far (an anomaly around these parts), so we'll take all we can get before the brutal heat rears its ugly head. I think I might have just jinxed us.  I'm sorry summer...keep doing what you're doing.  

How are you winding down the end of summer??? One last vacation in the cards? Or are you full on in back-to-school mode?
I think I'm a little in between...hanging on for a bit longer. Happy Tuesday!!!!


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Smart Style: Summer Neutrals + Color Pop

Last week was the shortest week ever, wasn't it?  Blake and I looked at each other one morning and were like, "How did it get to be Friday already???"  That always happens after a holiday though, right?
So this week, I'm hopeful...but lowering my expectations as to the speed at which the days will pass.  We don't have a lot going on, but I'll be gone all next week, so a lot of prep will be in order.  Speaking of being gone, did I mention I'm going to BlogHer???!!!  I'll be representing Austin Moms Blog as an ambassador for One Day, who is launching their new app there at the conference.  I can't wait to talk more about it once I get back!
Also, if you missed it last week, make sure to check out my top picks for everyone in the family from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale {click HERE}.  I've had a couple of people tell me that they're already thinking Christmas gifts...which is a great idea and props to them...but I was all "Shoooooooot, this momma is shopping for herself!"
Happy Monday Friends!


Shop the look:

Outfit details: skirt (option), heels, and blazer (option 1 and option 2): Target Tee: CAbi Clutch (exact) and necklace: Stella & Dot Watch (option):  Michael Kors Glasses (exact): Bonlook Earrings (exact):  Moorea Seal Linking up with Monday Mingle

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The Biggest Sale of the Year

Do NOT Scroll down this page....
Yet.
First, I'd like you to go through a mental exercise with me, if you will.  Trust me.
Go ahead and close your eyes...no peaking. Take a deeeeeeeeeep breath.
Now with your eyes still closed (okay, you can open them to read this but that's it), imagine yourself outside in the cool, crisp autumn air.  You have a steaming cup of {insert your favorite warm drink} in your hands and you can smell the scent of some one's fireplace burning.
Imagine leaves starting to turn, pumpkins and gourds littering the ground, and your Christmas shopping list lingering in the back of your mind. Oh, and did I mention, you're on your way to a college football game. It's FALL.
>>>>><<<<<
Okay, now you can open your eyes and thank me for that little slice of heaven I just let you experience.  Stay with me...there's a reason for all this.  You see, Nordstrom is having their anniversary sale and it's B-A-N-A-N-A-S.  I'm talking like biggest sale of the year, tons hugely on (pre-fall) sale!  If you have a Nordstrom card, you can shop the sales early (a week before everyone else), or it's open to the public starting 7/18...either way, jump on it friends!  Last year I scored some Frye boots for over $100 off!  I love me some Nordstrom!
I spent some time today going through womens, mens, kids, and accessories picking out my favorite deals that I have on my wish-list for my family.  I've linked them all below for you...but do me a favor and keep that Fall state of mind as you peruse these cooler weather sales.  
But hey, if you're like me, that shouldn't be too hard to do, as you could use a little escape from this July heat right about now! Can I get an AMEN?!?

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An Austin Date Night With My Two Fellas

The other night, Tyler Bree, Blakely, and Riley had a "girls night" at my in-law's...so Blake and I decided to take Bennett out for a little date at one of our favorite Austin eateries...Hop Doddy Burger Bar.

For a Monday night we didn't expect to wait an hour, but that's in fact just what we did....outside.  Thankfully Bennett was a trooper and was eating up all of the two-on-one attention he was receiving.

Of course, times like these with just one of our children (albeit few and far between...we try to do it more often, but time?), beg the question of "what would it be like if we just had HIM?"  After Blake and I talked a bit about just how much we would spoil an only child (or maybe just spoil Bennett because he's so dang cute), I had a glimpse of what that reality would look like...and while we wouldn't know any different had we only had one child, looking at our family of six now, I'm so grateful for ALL four of my children and know that there's plenty of love to go around.

But hey, having just one every now and then is sure a treat for us!

And without a doubt, Bennett sure hopes it happens more often...like tomorrow.

A few other things to note: -If you ever visit Hop Doddy, get the Ahi Tuna Burger with extra Honey Wasabi. Heaven, I tell ya'.  And make sure to top it off with the salted caramel shake.
-During our hour long wait, I popped into Kendra Scott (SoCo location) and had the absolute BEST service I've ever had.  They could not have been more accommodating, sweet, and went the extra mile to help me out!  Thanks girls!
-Outfit details: Top: J. Crew (exact) >>> on sale for $22 right now! Skirt: F21 (option1 // option 2) Earrings: Kendra Scott (exact) Necklace (in top Picture): Kendra Scott (exact)

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Our Independence Day

This year, the 4th seemed a little like Christmas to me... In the sense that I felt like it went by too fast and seemed bittersweet at the end of the day as we were sitting there watching fireworks thinking "it's already over?"  In my opinion, the 4th of July holiday should span an entire week...rather than just the fourth.  That way, everyone can enjoy the whole shebang in the fullest way possible...especially all the cute clothing options!
At family holidays such as this, Blake is usually having to tell me to put up the camera, but this year, I tried to not be the crazy momma with a viewfinder glued to her face, and instead, just enjoyed the day hoping that my memory would suffice.  Hence, these were about the only pictures I got from our 4th.

^^^ I got all four kids these flags at Home Depot the day prior and as we were leaving the store (two littles in the shopping cart with the other two on each side), we looked like our very own 4th of July parade right there at Home Depot, flags flying high and my two eldest belting out "You're a Grand Old Flag."  It made me smile so big! ^^^

^^^ Love these two fellas! ^^^

After our get-together at my BIL and SIL's house, we met up with our friends for fireworks in the park.  I just LOVE them!!!!  I didn't use a tripod for these, so my handshake is quite evident...although it kinda creates a cool visual.

I hope your Independence Day was filled with friends, laughter, great food, fireworks, and listening to some good ol' patriotic Lee Greenwood.  
Have a great week, Y'all!!!!

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