Recent Blog Posts

Read

I am using Goodreads to track my reading, rate books and write short reviews. Last year, I read 61 books and surpassed my reading challenge goal. This year, my goal is to read 52 books. I am a part of 3 book clubs and 1 library reading challenge. 

I read quite a few physical copies of books this month. Audiobooks are extremely helpful when multitasking (like folding laundry or doing dishes or going on walks), but there's something about holding a book in your hands that I love. It also forces me to sit down and put my feet up.

Books Completed in Month: 6 books

• Eleanor Oliphant - Gail Honeyman
  • Huxley Public Library Book Club 
• The Roughest Draft - Emily Wibberley
  • This book is a witty read untangling the past of a pair of authors. 
• With the Fire On High - Elizabeth Acevedo
  • I absolutely loved this book! 
• Cultish: The Language of Fanaticism - Amanda Montell
  • AViD Author - I was able to meet her at the Des Moines Public Library's Author event and she signed a copy of my book!
• Meet Me in the Margins - Melissa Ferguson
  • Quick, easy to read, Hallmark-style rom-com
• My Friend Anna - Rachel DeLouche Williams
  • Based on the true events of Anna Delvey and written by one of her closest friends. I was immediately invested in the story AND started researching more about this fascinating fraud case. 

YTD Total: 22 of 52 Books

Watch

• Johnny Depp v. Amber Heard Trial
  • I'm not watching the livestream of the trial, but I do try to watch the highlights on a regular bases as well as body language analysts' and lawyers' takes. @houseinhabit is my favorite social media journalist to follow her stories on Instagram.
• Jessica Stansberry YouTube Channel
  • I love her videos about productivity, content creation, and her day-in-the-life vlogs.
• Confession Tapes
  • Adam and I have recently watched a couple of Netflix episodes of the Confession Tapes. It really gets my blood boiling to see all the manipulative tactics used to get a confession rather than spending that energy analysizing evidence. 

Listen

I listen to a lot of podcasts, audiobooks, and music. Here are the highlights from the past month.

• The Thing About Pam
  • Adam and I watched the NBC Dateline episode about Pam (our Friday night ritual). I listened to the podcast for more details. There's also a mini series that I'm interested in watching.
• Truthers: Tiffany Dover is Dead*
  • Fascinating look into recent conspiracy theories, specifically, around the vaccine.
• Conviction: The Disappearance of Nuseiba Hasan
  • Journalistic view on a missing woman

Learn

I love learning new things, and I'm making space to continue learning.

• Double batching my favorite meals.
  • Starting in March, I have been making double batches of my favorite meals—one for that night's dinner and one for the freezer. This will hopefully come in handy during the newborn phase. We will have some of our faves ready to pop in the oven without having to cook anything. I also plan to do a lot of grilling (or have Adam grill) and fresh (or steamable) veggies for quick and healthy meals. 
• Keeping an inventory on my phone of Baby Boy clothes and baby gear.
  • We have a lot of the larger baby items from Lexi, but we didn't have any boy clothes. So as not to get carried away, I've been keeping an inventory list on my phone with photos of the clothes in each size. Plus, some of the gadgets people love these days were not around 3 years ago when I had Lexi. Also, I was told by friends with multiple kids that I if something is going to make my life easier, then just buy multiples - it's worth it. So I have 2 pack n plays with bassinet attachments - one in our master bedroom and the other to move around the house for naps. 
• Ear infections as an adult suck.
  • I ended up getting Lexi's cold at the beginning of the month which turned into an excruciating ear infection. I'm hopeful that I'll remain healthy until baby gets here.
• LEXI TURNED 3!
  • How in the world is she already 3?! She is so spunky, smart and sweet. She loves to be outside with her daddy and wear dresses to twirl in and sing all the songs she knows. 

Recent Blog Posts

Read

I am using Goodreads to track my reading, rate books and write short reviews. Last year, I read 61 books and surpassed my reading challenge goal. This year, my goal is to read 52 books. I am a part of 3 book clubs and 1 library reading challenge. 

I definitely hit a reading slump at the end of February and early March, most likely due to reading to nonfiction book club books back to back. Thankfully, some of the books I had on hold became available and I ended up flying through those. 

Books Completed in March: 4 books

• Nomadland - Jessica Bruder
  • Huxley Public Library Book Club - This book was more journalistic in writing, and gave an in depth view of the "houseless" nomads in our country. 
• The Hate U Give - Angie Thomas
  • Recommended by Jordyn from Sorry, Booked Solid YouTube channel. She loves this book and I was texting her while listening to it. I loved it!
• The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo - Taylor Jenkins Reid
  • Another of Jordyn's faves. I have heard great things about this author and specifically, this book. It did not disappoint!
• Finlay Donovan Is Killing It - Elle Cosimano
  • This may be my new favorite book! It had me hooked from the very beginning. The main character is a mom to two young children and an author just trying to get her life together. It was a fun and fast read. 

YTD Total: 16 of 52 Books

Watch

• Love Is Blind
  • I was not planning on watching this, but I wanted something to watch while walking on the treadmill. This came up on Netflix as a recommendation, and, long story short, the first episode premise hooked me. I haven't finished the season yet, as I'm only watching half episodes at a time while doing cardio. 
• Justin Bieber and Chandler Moore: Jireh (You Are Enought) / How He Loves
  • If you need an uplifting video, then look no further than watching 2 artists worship together. I love both of these worship songs. 
• Text
  • Description

Listen

I listen to a lot of podcasts, audiobooks, and music. Here are the highlights from the past month.

• The Hate U Give
  • The audiobook is done extremely well. I was immersed in it. 
• "Culty" podcasts
  • I'm trying a few new podcasts around the topics of cults and MLMs, but none that I would recommend so far. If you have recommendations, please share!

Learn

I love learning new things, and I'm making space to continue learning.

• Creating Lexi's "big girl" room has brought me so much joy.
  • We have officially moved Lexi out of the nursery and into her new, pink room with a "big kid" bed. She is loving it! It has been so fun to put her room together with new furniture. I've slowly sorted through the baby items and gear needed for Baby Boy and started getting them set out in the nursery. He'll be here before we know it! (31.5 week bump photo below)
• Filed our 2021 Taxes!
  • It takes more time than I care to admit, but I'm glad to have those finalized. With my LLC, I like to be sure I'm categorizing everything correctly in my books that I do monthly. It's a good exercise for me to stay organized. (Although, next year, I think I'll work with a CPA).
• Making Chicken Enchiladas in a HUGE batch to love on some new moms is the way to go!
  • I made my favorite chicken enchilada recipe (found on the blog here) and guacamole for 2 new moms in my neighborhood, plus one batch for us for dinner, plus one batch for the freezer for when Baby #2 gets here. I found a hot meal that I didn't have to prepare was exactly what comforted me as a new (sleep-deprived) mom. Lexi helped me deliver all the food in her wagon. 

Grid Photo Wall

This symmetrical and evenly spaced layout has very clean lines and makes a big statement in your home. It is customizable to your space, and you can choose from a variety of frame sizes and borders. 

Picture Ledge

Whether you have 1 long photo ledge or a couple stacked over each other, there is so much versatility. My husband and I have built multiple for our home. There are 2 large ledges - one in the master bedroom and one in the living room for gallery walls. We also made 3 smaller ledges for my office to stack, and I am constantly rearranging and decorating them.

Hanging Photo Frames

This is a beautiful and well-curated way to collage your photo frames. The stacking of the frames allows depth while the wall pegs and cord add texture. 

Rustic Wall Display

Adding your photos to an old window or ladder can create a wonderful backdrop with perfect square spaces to fill. This would definitely depend on your current interior house decor.

Large Frames or Canvases

Make an even BIGGER statement with these large canvases or frames paired together. Similar to the grid wall, these photos make a large impact on the room, but with few photos. I've heard great things about Smallwoods products for this type of gallery wall. 

Once you decide on the direction you want to go for your photo gallery wall, there are plenty of tutorials on DIY blogs and Pinterest. Head over there for the tools you'll need and the step-by-step guidance to make your dream photo gallery wall into reality!

This makes me want to completely redo one of my walls now. Tell me, which photo gallery wall is your favorite? Can you picture it in your home? Does the task seem overwhelming or daunting? If so, take it one step at a time. Start small with a few frames here and there and work your way up to a larger wall. OR you could order from an online retailer that specializes in large prints.

Recent Blog Posts

Read

I am using Goodreads to track my reading, rate books and write short reviews. Last year, I read 61 books and surpassed my reading challenge goal. This year, my goal is to read 52 books. I am a part of 3 book clubs and 1 library reading challenge. 

Books Completed in February: 6 books

 Mango, Mambo, and Murder - Raquel V. Reyes

• A cozy murder mystery with a Latina main character. I loved the diverse cast of characters and the Spanish culture and language in this book.

The Last Song - Nicholas Sparks

• I read this book back in 2010, and I have seen the movie. It was an enjoyable reread as I had actually forgotten some of the details in the story. I actually related with the father more this time around.The Last Song - Nicholas Sparks

So You Want to Start a Podcast - Kristen Meinzer

• Easy to read, step by step breakdown of how to start your own podcast. Kristin writes in a way that makes each step seem very doable.

NPR's Podcast Start Up Guide - Glen Weldon

• This is an in-depth podcast guide from planning, creaating to launching and growing. I have been interested in starting a podcast for years, but I recognize that right now may not be the right time to add an additional hobby.

Mythos - Stephen Fry

• I listened to the audiobook (which I highly recommend because the narrator's voice is so soothing and he has an accent). I was fascinated with Greek mythology when I was younger, and this book is a full retelling of the Greek gods. 

The End of Average - Todd Rose

• HLT Book Club

YTD Total: 12 of 52 Books

Watch

• DIY Peloton Bike Hack
  
  • I have been researching spin bikes and would like to purchase one at some point. I don't think I'm ready to commit to the Peloton, but I would like to buy a slightly cheaper bike to see if I really enjoy spinning at home. 
• The Winter Olympics
  • My favorite competition to watch is Figure Skating and Ice Dancing. Other notable mentions include: Ski Jumping (the one where they look like flying squirrels), Women's Snowboard Halfpipe, and the Monobob in Bobsleigh.

Listen

I listen to a lot of podcasts, audiobooks, and music. Here are the highlights from the past month.

• Sounds Like A Cult Podcast
  • A podcast that analyzes a different modern-day group like SoulCycle, Trader Joe's, and LulaRoe to answer the question: "This group sounds like a cult, but is it really?"

Learn

I love learning new things, and I'm making space to continue learning.

• My new favorite Super Bowl activity is trying to complete a puzzle during the game.
  • This was so much fun to try to accomplish during the game. We had to go into overtime with the live coverage of the Winter Olympics, but we finished it! Then I had the urge to put together my own puzzle over the next week.
• Lexi loves wearing dresses at the moment.
  • We had a blast with our time together. We had a picnic dinner in the livingroom. On Saturday, we went to Target (to find a few more dresses she can wear daily) and Culver's. And we made sure to see friends.
• Being kind to myself and kind to others does wonders. 
  • I have been prioritizing time in the morning to workout and read my bible. This second trimester has been very good to me, and I feel pretty good. I also took coffees to Lexi's teachers and the directors, and it was one of my favorite things I did this month. 

Dresses

When choosing a dress for your maternity session there are a couple of things to consider: style, color and draping (just to highlight the big ones).

Style

Look for something that fits your ideal session consider the location background.

In a prairie? Look into  more boho or whimsical styles.

In a forest? You could go from regal ballgown all the way to a simple cotton gown.

In a downtown cityscape? A more tailored or structured dress could really compliment the location.

Color

Also, consider your location background. Do you want to be complimentary to your location? Do you want to stand out or "pop" against the background? 

Below, there's an example of a beautiful red dress that Mollie wore in her snowy forest session.

Also, you'll see a photo of me in a bronze dress in the dessert which is much more complimentary of the landscape.

Draping

Do you want a super flowy-bottomed dress for really dramatic, vogue style shots? Do you prefer something more simplistic that shows off your belly? Like the skirt and crop tops that are very trendy right now. Something more tight fitting verses loose and billowy? 

Remember to try on your dresses and determine if you need special undergarments that won't be seen through the dress. 

Need ideas for where to shop outfits? Check out this post with places I recommend start.

Comfy, Casual Outfits

This set up is perfect for in-home sessions, coffee shops, downtown/small town main street. A more casual outfit allows you to show off your personality. I love what Kelsey choose to wear was a cozy, sweater cardigan, jeans and no shoes. Her outfit was complimentary to her home and it felt natural. (More of Kelsey's in-home maternity session here.)

What is an In-Home Photo Session?

An in-home photo session is exactly as it sounds - a session that takes place in the comfort of your own home and captures you and your loved ones interacting in that environment. 

Convenience

Don't worry about packing up in the car and meeting me at a location. I will simply come to you and your house. You can decide whether to dress up or embrace the comfy, relaxed setting of your own home. I usually suggest removing things like remotes and tissue boxes from coffee tables and end tables, but I'll provide guidance while shooting. 

Uniqueness

Your home is a reflection of you and your life in this very moment. Your homes change as you enter new chapters; whether that's bringing home a newborn, creating a toyroom for toddlers or defining (or switching up) our style. In-home sessions document the details of your home in a unique and lasting way.

Furry Family Members Included

I love photographing family pets. Some clients bring their dogs to our outdoor photo sessions, but you can't very well bring a cat (well, you could, but it may not go very well). In-home sessions allow for all your furry family members to get in a shot. 

Always "Sunny"

Taking photos indoors means that you don't have to worry about the weather outside. It's always the right temperature for you inside. I still love to use natural light so I look for windows and well-lit rooms. Don't be surprised if I ask you to turn the overhead lights off. 

Would you book an in-home session?

I typically book in-home newborn sessions, so I was tickled to do this maternity session this month. It is such a fun way to capture growing families in the comfort of their unique homes. 

Recent Blog Posts

Read

I am using Goodreads to track my reading, rate books and write short reviews. Last year, I read 61 books and surpassed my reading challenge goal. This year, my goal is to read 52 books. I am a part of 3 book clubs and 1 library reading challenge. 

Books Completed in January: 6 books

• Bloom for Yourself II - April Green
  • Poetry and Prose - I loved the first book!
• How To Be Fine - Jolenta Greenberg and Kristen 
  • The hosts of By the Book Podcast wrote a book about what they learned by living out the rules of 50 self help books. I enjoyed the writing style and lessons.
• Home to Harmony - Philip Gulley
  • Huxley Public Library Book Club - not my favorite book
• The Hating Game - Sally Thorne
  • This was a great romance read because the banter was great. It has been adapted as a movie with Lucy Hale, and I pictured her as I read and it was perfect. I cannot wait to watch the movie.
• I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter - Erika Sanchez
  • I liked the use of Spanish here and the culture references, but the story didn't flow for me and I found it difficult to get into the story.
• Clap When You Land - Elizabeth Acevedo
  • This book is written in prose/poetry format. I loved the story and characters and description of the Domican Republic. Absolutely beautiful.

YTD Total: 6 of 52 Books

Watch

• The Puppet Master: Hunting the Ultimate Conman
  • Netflix 3 Part documentary - UGH! How can someone do this to people?! He completely took control over someone's life and finances through lies and deception. He has many victims and is still on the run to this day.
• CHEER
  • Netflix Season 2 - I love this show! I binged this season and was so excited it was back. It was so interesting so see the impact of the first season on the individuals and on the team as a whole.
• The Boy Band Con: The Lou Pearlman Story
  • YouTube Original documentary about the boy band manager of Backstreet and *NSYNC  

Listen

I listen to a lot of podcasts, audiobooks, and music. Here are the highlights from the past month.

• By The Book Podcast
  • Half reality show, half self-help podcast, and one wild social experiment. Join comedian Jolenta Greenberg and culture critic Kristen Meinzer as they live by the rules of a different self-help book each episode to figure out which ones might actually be life changing.
• 2000's Pop
  • I have been jammin' out to songs from the early 2000s, think Ludacris, Ciara, T-Pain.

Learn

I love learning new things, and I'm making space to continue learning.

• Baby W's 20 week ultrasound is one of my pregnancy highlights!
  • I loved seeing Lexi's 20 week ultrasound so I was very excited for this babe's ultrasound. I'm fascinated by seeing the heart and spine and profile. It provides a little reassurance plus a peek at the baby that is growing.
• Trekking out in the snow is good for the soul.
  • The weekend we had a lot of snow, Lexi played outside and I made sure to bring my camera out to capture her adventures. After she went inside to warm up, I trekked north of our house to take beautiful snowy landscape photos. It was fun to capture something different than my usual.
• Lexi loves flying on airplanes.
  • Fortunately, it was a direct flight with no layovers, but I think she would handle it just fine. The iPad was helpful especially on the late flight when she couldn't look out the window.

1. Target

Target is a great place to get staple items for your photo session outfits. Look for your khakis, jean jackets, plain tshirts, etc. Also, an affordable place for accessories like jewerly, hair bows and belts.

2. Amazon

I have had really good luck with dresses from Amazon. Although, I recommend ordering multiple sizes since you cannot try them on like in a brick-and-mortar store. 

3. Facebook Marketplace or Brand Swap Groups

If you are looking for a very specific piece, like a gold sequin dress, check out Facebook marketplace to see if you can get it for cheaper than purchasing it brand new. Baltic Born dresses are flattering and beautiful and some are expensive. Facebook has a Baltic Born Dress Swap group where people sell their dresses—some worn one time, other new with or without tags. Look for alternative ways to find the piece that you want for your session outfit.

4. Kohl's

Kohl's is my go to place for Adam's session outfits (and everyday outfits, let's be honest). The selection of quarter-zips, plain long sleeve henleys, button ups and shoes is vast. They carry well-known and well-loved brands. You should be able to find whatever you are looking for there.

5. JCPenney

This year, our family session outfits were from Kohl's (Adam), Target (Lexi), and JCPenney (me). I was blown away with the selection of sweater options at JCPenney's this year. I was able to find multiple styles and SO many color options. 

Bonus: Your Closet

Before you go out and buy entire outfits for every single member of your family, "shop" your closet first. Get an inventory of clothing staples you already have—khakis, nice shoes that still fit, and plain colored nice tops. Start from what you already have and build off of that. You want your photos to look and feel like you—start with what each person is comfortable in. Your current closet will help you identify the clothing items that are staples for each family member. 

You got this! And if you need more options or ideas or feedback, reach out! I'd love to help you coordinate your family session outfits. 

Pinterest

Are the photos realistic for your family?

You can search specifically for "family photos of four" or "family photos of four with newborn" and find photos that you can visualize your family in. If you have a shot that you absolutely want to try, make sure to share that with your photographer. But, please remember you are choosing your photographer based on their skills, creativity and artistry - they may have a different vision of what photographs will work with your family and with their setup.

Perusing Pinterest is how I get inspiration for new poses to try or if I'm looking for poses for a family dynamic I have not shot before.

Also as an example, if you see a trend of sunset photos in a sunflower field, keep it for inspiration but realistically ask yourself if it is possible—is there a sunflower field within comfortable driving distance? When is the peak season for sunflowers?