Take better holiday photos: pro tips

I wrote this piece at work a few weeks ago, and was just thinking, "Why don't I shamelessly promote my stuff anymore?" The answer is because I've been doing some boring assignments recently and obviously not blogging at all. But CMN pieces are always a little bit fun. I'll have another one published in a few weeks probably, but for now, use these tips for your holiday photos.

I couldn't fit all of Marchet Butler's tips into the short article, so a few more (paraphrased) she suggested were:

• Don't get flustered or upset. No one's going to be smiling if you're yelling at them. She's not above bringing treats for younger subjects to keep the mood positive.
• Don't be afraid to act a little silly or get a little creative to get everyone looking and smiling at you. 
• Don't go into the photo shoot with unrealistic expectations of your skills. Not every photo is going to be perfect, but if you get one or two, you're in business! If group photos don't work this year, try individual ones, and then spend 2013 practicing with your camera so you'll be better next year.

Champaign trip

My mom and I visited my sister and nephew up in Illinois last week. After a rocky start (thanks, American Airlines), we had a great time. We spent one rainy day in Chicago so I could try on wedding dresses at J. Crew(!) and then stayed at Amy's house in Champaign. 

So you know what that means: Jonas pictures! Dude's huge!

Cuddling!

Mom and Amy making me dinner. Meijer's grocery store has some awesome produce (and Halloween costumes!)

Jonas hugged his new Halloween costume all the way home, even after falling asleep.

Looks like his dad here.

Amy (in the striped socks on the left) had roller derby practice while we were there. It looks hard! We had to leave early to put Jonas to bed, but I doubt she even fell unless it was on purpose!

Tiger!

Parmesan crusted chicken

I'm just going to jump on in here like I've posted more recently than a month and a half ago.

We're trying to cook more instead of eating out, so this week I made a real effort to plan out my grocery trip. I took this recipe from my Pinterest food board, and it was super easy.

 

I followed this recipe, but used Miracle Whip and will probably use less next time. To be fair, though, I didn't actually measure and tend to go with a more-is-more philosophy. 

I also made this broccoli, more or less, to go with it. It didn't taste too healthy, so I'd consider that a win.

Next on my food to-do list: make a bunch of freezer meals ahead of time so I don't have to cook when I get home from work!

Too much cuteness!

OK, OK. I've got to apologize for the lack of posts, mainly because my mom's been complaining. I've just been busy! We went to San Francisco, we got engaged, my best friend got married, etc. Plus it's just more fun to look at wedding stuff all night than blog. Sorry!

But here's a painfully adorable Buzzfeed article I saw today. And Will has promised to guest post for me soon.

Virginia Point home story

My home story for Houston Magazine was published this month! Go check it out here or see the full spread on page 56 of the digital edition.

Seriously. Go.

Link round-up

OK, so I only posted twice in June. In my defense, though, June was freakishly short. I'll try to do better in July, but I'm not making any promises.

A myth-busting Fourth of July article ... a day late.

We watched these pandas for at least 20 minutes at work today.

My kids could shave each other's heads if they were this cute about it.

A stationery-of-the-month club! Genius.

Indie paper designers. I wouldn't mind being one of them someday when I learn to use Illustrator.

"Moonrise Kingdom"

 We saw the new Wes Anderson movie, "Moonrise Kingdom," this weekend. It was cute and quirky of course. This is pretty much EXACTLY how I picture Will's Boy Scout days. I've yet to see his campsite skills, though.

Next up, "Safety Not Guaranteed" and then a July 3rd showing of "Jaws."

Now taking trip tips

We're going to San Francisco next month! What should we do? We've already got our hotel near Union Square, but otherwise, we are open to suggestions. Restaurants, activities, scenic walks, whatever. Let me know!

What do we think of this shirt?

I saw it in the store and it doesn't look quite this bright. Do we like it? I can't make decisions on my own.

First birthday, part 2

CAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAKE! 

First birthday part 1

OK, I know that the next couple of posts are going to be ridiculous, but I really can't narrow down the photos I want to post. Sure, they're all basically the same, but whatever. My parents will at least appreciate the deluge.

Papparazzi!

Birthday shirts.

Why is everyone staring at me?

Messy cake ones up next!

Mom and son

I have lots of first birthday photos to share (mostly of the cake eating part), but I wanted to start with this one. I just love it!

Which shoes?

Which pair do I want to buy? Be reasonable. I don't need three pairs of shoes.

A little bit more

Listen. There are going to be a lot of photos from the baby's first birthday, so I'm just preparing you for the upcoming picture overload. It's for your own good, really. So here are more Jonas photos...

Guess whose birthday is Friday!

This guy's. 

Link round-up

Dear tiny audience,
Sorry I haven't posted lately. I've been busy ... falling asleep on the couch at 9. I've been working hard, just got a freelance piece, and typically can think of so many things I should do once I get home that I just do none of them. I think that's pretty reasonable.

So until I want to write something better or put my photos from babysitting-Jonas weekend on my computer, here are just some links to entertain you.

• Will and I saw The Black Keys on Tuesday. Great weather, great show, great time.
• I got tips from these wedding bloggers for a story this week on how to save money as a wedding guest.
• Mother's Day is coming up! Gift ideas.
• Jonas' first birthday will be that same weekend! What should I buy him?
• Do you think I could make this skirt if I bring my portable sewing machine back from my parents' house? More importantly, will Augie let me?
• I'm trying this recipe this weekend. Anyone brave enough to try it with me, 3 cups of sour cream and all?

Wedding: survived!

Anna and I survived our very first (and potentially last) wedding on Saturday! And as far as we can tell, we didn't totally destroy the day for anyone. There's still time, though, I guess.

Here are a few shots from it. I haven't edited any yet. It's much too daunting to start!

Wedding week: blogs

These are my favorite wedding blogs that I USED to read back when I USED to have a wedding blog problem. But I quit cold turkey back then and I'm not going back to that lifestyle. But maybe just a teeny little peek wouldn't hurt, especially if it's for research. (Also, who thinks I could be a wedding blogger in my next life?)

Look at these:

Green Wedding Shoes

Style Me Pretty

100 Layer Cake

Rock 'N' Roll Bride

Ruffled

Wedding week: photographers

On Saturday, I'm going to act as second shooter at a wedding with my friend Anna. This will be her first wedding to photograph, too, so less pressure for me and more for her! I'm trying to remember all the tricks of the trade, and also looking to other wedding photographers for inspiration.

I don't want to rip off anybody's photos, so I'm just going to link to some awesome wedding photographers. Check out their work, and then don't expect mine to look anything like it!

Jess Barfield Photography: Fellow Baylor alum!

Sara and Rocky Garza: Husband and wife team.

Lauren Clark Photography: Did some great engagement photos for a friend of mine.

Love Lee Photography: Had to have Houston represented.

Kelly Moore: Yes, the one who makes the awesome camera bags!

Meet and Produce (trademark pending)

Any patent attorneys out there? Because I'm going to need one. The other day at lunch with coworkers, I came up with a brilliant-beyond-brilliant idea. A singles grocery store! There'd be single servings of food since it's so impossible to cook for one person and you can never eat all the leftovers alone.

We might also have meals for two because of course all the singles are going to meet and fall in love while at our store. So who wants to invest in Meet and Produce, a shopping-for-singles, match-making experience? You better not be stealing my genius idea!