I’m constantly looking for a go-to outfit. You know the one – you can throw it on with different shoes or jewelry and be ready for any occasion – and it has to be comfy! It’s a bonus if I can throw it on with sneakers and a hat.
This dress is a clear winner in my book. It also comes in black! The best part? It’s $36!
dress in white & black | hat | shoes | sunglasses
let’s talk something that we all dread and hate, but– insist on doing and end up loving.
family pictures.
It’s that time of year! We start thinking about family pictures so we can slap one on a holiday card come December. Now, I can not be the only one who has this love/hate relationship with family pictures.
Typical pictures include: very few of my husband. I love him, but the fact he even shows up for them is an accomplishment! As for my kids, they will be crying, running off, making silly faces or some combination of those three. Then there is me. I will most likely be making some sort of mid-talking face or just something ridiculous in general because I am trying to get everyone to cooperate and be happy!
But- in saying all of that, there are always some photos that make the event worth it- which is why I want to share with you my family picture tips!
December 2015
First: Pick your theme or a vision you have for your pictures. Boho, field, industrial, cityscape, lifestyle. Or, do something fun- baking cookies, dress up, playing your favorite family sport. Hit up Pinterest! Create a vision board.
Second: Figure out outfits. PLEASE stop doing “matchy-matchy” outfits. Instead, LOOSELY coordinate. This goes back to your theme- run with it! Pick a few common shades and make sure that you distribute those evenly among the family. I always start with my outfit,{selfish I know}, but my kids look cute in anything and let’s face it, men aren’t going out buying new clothes for pictures. From there I usually pick one of my kids and put them in something that has a color or a shade of the color from my outfit. Then repeat with my husband and the other little one.
Third: If your kids are little like mine- quit trying to pose photos. It WILL NOT WORK and will just cause you to be angry, upset, and feisty through your photoshoot, which will end up making your face in pictures look worse than anyone else! Trust me on this. Set aside 5 minutes to try and get “that” photo- then move on. Once they are older you can have everyone smile at the camera, but until then, embrace the natural pictures. It will take so much anxiety off of you.
October 2015
October 2014
November 2013
November 2012
Lastly: Breathe. Relax. Enjoy. At the end of the day you are just wanting some pictures of your family to remember the years as they grow. Whatever you get is a reflection of your family that year.
A few of my go-to stores for family photo outfits:
jcrew. old navy. gap. anthropologie. neiman marcus last call. nordstrom. free people. h&m.
xox
aj
*photographer: Danielle with Creatively Chic Photography
Vegetarian Quinoa Stuffed Peppers
Directions:
Cook quinoa according to package directions- you can use vegetable broth instead of water for more flavor. Meanwhile, halve bell peppers, remove seeds, stems, and ribs and preheat oven to 350.
Rinse and drain black beans, corn, and slice the green onions. In a large bowl add the cooked quinoa and all remaining ingredients except for the bell peppers. Salt and add additional spices to taste!
In a lightly oiled/sprayed 9×13″ baking dish, place your bell peppers cut side up. Fill/stuff each with a generous amount of filling. Make sure to fill all the crevices – press down and keep stuffing! Cover dish with foil and bake for 35-40 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for 10 minutes more. Enjoy!
You saw on one of our 3v3’s from a few weeks ago that I put a pair of workout pants as one of my new favorite things/ current obsessions. I had the pleasure of meeting the founder and owner of the company a few weeks ago, where he told me all about his new company and the causes they support. I loved him, his vision, his passion- and now that I’ve had the chance to try out the clothing, I love them as well!
Here is a little bit about them:
evolve partners with non-profit organizations committed to social justice and the quest to end poverty. Each item purchased includes a social giveback, from two days of school for a girl escaping the sex trade in Bangkok to a personal hygiene kit for a homeless youth in San Diego.
I have now worn them for a few runs and a few ‘running errands days’. I love them- and I am picky about my workout gear. They not only fit great, breathe well, and make my butt look perkier than reality- but for every item purchased, they give back to the community!
I will be adding several more pieces from their collection to my closet, soon!
xox
aj
Ash’s obsessions
Smith’s Rosebud Salve I have been using this stuff for years! It’s great for chapped lips, as a lip gloss, dab on cheeks and eyes for a dewy glow, moisturize your cuticles, and on and on. It has a pretty yet mild scent and cute little packaging. All for around $6!
June & Hudson Floral Print Wrap Dress Summer is coming to a close, but I’m still in love with florals. And this cream and black wrap dress (for $68?!?!!) can easily transition to fall with some black tights and a cardigan.
The Nudist Sandal by Stuart Weitzman. I want these so bad! I own the slightly shorter heeled Nudistsong in black suede, but I’m thinking I may need some nude ones too. Simple, classic, and super sexxxy.
Aj’s obsessions
Acure Organics Moroccan Argan Oil and Argan Stem Cell Natural Shampoo and Conditioner I have finally found a shampoo and conditioner that is color safe, paraben free, gluten free, sulfate free, sodium chloride free, phthalate free, and cruelty free without drying out my hair!
Ray Ban Clubmaster Sunglasses These are so fun! They are a great pair of mirrored sunglasses, but with such a fun yet classic style.
Hard Tail ‘Radius’ Cross Back Tank I feel like I would be doing you a disservice if I didn’t post something from the Nordstrom summer clearance sale event! There are so many good items- but the workout gear specifically is what my eyes are on.
juniperlemonsblog.com 