He, She + Me - December

SHE: loves to be the boss • is so tender hearted • makes lists all day • is the craft planner of our family • skips to the back of her books to figure out how it will end (I can't even...) • begs for breakfast at every meal • starts our family dinner game every night • is obsessed with Halloween but terrified of everything Halloween.

HE: is counting down the days until his birthday (36) • framed a picture of money in a family frame we made (m'kay) • is obsessed with counting + organizing + stacking coins and dollars • loves staying at home • idolizes Anna • prefers to go commando all.the.time • loves to dress fancy • collects + trades + begs for everything Pokemon.

ME: reading Year of Yes + feeling like Shonda Rhimes might be my best friend • working on my new website (yay!) + trying to get up enough courage to follow my heart • struggling with meals and meal planning (why do these people have to eat every night?!?) • obsessed with the light + shadows in my house • craving everything pumpkin + bonfires • leaving the messes the kids make just as they are and choosing to document and celebrate them rather then clean them up • feeling grateful for friends who feel like family

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Project Mama + Me is a monthly project created to remember all the little bits + pieces of our everyday. Follow #projectmamaandme on Instagram.

Project November

As my kids get older and older, I really try to remind them to think of others and to be thankful for all that we have. It's so easy to get caught up in wanting all of the latest gadgets or hottest new toys. I'm guilty too. We all probably are. But, the good news is, we can all do something about it. 

This November, our family is striving to complete 30 acts of giving and/or kindness. I want my kids to think of others. I want them to WANT to give back and look for ways to spread love and kindness even on the most ordinary day. I want them to think of their friends, hold doors for strangers and seek the feeling of giving back. 

Below is our "action" list for November. We all sat down together after school yesterday and decided on what we could do for others. It was so amazing to hear their ideas and I know they will enjoy this project so much. Feel free to print a list and join in on the fun! (Just right click on the list below and save to your desktop.) Kindness is contagious and the more we spread, the more we receive! Hope you will play along!

Oh Halloween...

Oh Halloween. I am so glad you are over. :)

I do Halloween for my kiddos and that's about it. Halloween has never been my favorite. I struggle with what to wear, all of the orange stuff and I eat way too much candy. But my kids....well...they pretty much eat, breathe and sleep Halloween starting around October 1st. I will admit, though, that now that they're older, Halloween is just a weeeee bit more fun. And our neighborhood is fantastic and everyone is out an about, so I try to think of it more like a social hour, lol. 

Anna was the Pokemon, Pikachu, and Drew was Boba Fett from Star Wars. Pokemon and Star Wars are all the rage at our house this year, so these costumes were no big surprise. Kind of an eye-sore, but no shocker! Gone are the days of fairy princesses and pumpkins, I think...

Hope you and your family had a very happy Halloween! And HELLO November!! xo

Everyday Beauty

"It is up to you to see the beauty of everyday things."

Over the past four weeks, I joined many talented artists and photographers in Ginger Unzueta's, Everyday Beauty class at Bloom. I have been a long time fan of Ginger, but I truly didn't know what to expect for this class. I went in with an open mind, but also with a feeling of fear, comparison and negativity. I don't know where I "fit" into these classes. I think I always worry about being judged, or not good enough or bad or wrong or whatever. But Ginger's class.....it opened my heart and soul and helped heal those feelings of comparison, negativity and fear.  Most importantly, it allowed me to see the beauty of my everyday. 

One of the main points I took away from Ginger's class was to let go of feeling like I had to make a perfect shot. Over the four weeks I didn't really worry about composition or lighting or being technically "correct" when it came to shooting. I just captured our life and I found that the images and moments and BEAUTY came without even trying. It was like I finally let my guard down and could see the beautiful world around me. 

The images I captured during this class will probably go down as my very favorite ever. They are real and honest...and us. 

Ginger's class also includes a daily journaling prompt that helped me open my eyes and heart and taught me so much about myself personally, as well as how I wanted to grow. 

I am so humbled to have been a part of this class with so many other talented people, especially Ginger. She's a slice of heaven and I seriously cannot thank her enough for an amazing class. If you feel "stuck" or frustrated, fearful of failure or not being good enough, or maybe you just want to have a good reminder to seek the beauty in your life, then I couldn't recommend Ginger's class more. This class is so much more than just the technical side of shooting. It will touch you on a personal level and will help you grow in so many directions. 

Embracing the mess

I am a self-proclaimed neat freak. I like things clean. I thrive off of order and tidiness. Everything in my house has a place and try every single day to make sure things are back where they belong. I like my counter tops clean and the clothes in the hamper. I make up beds as soon as feet hit the floor, so yeah...obviously, I like things clean.

But...sometimes I feel like I'm missing out on the mess and creativity of my children. One day I know I'm going to wake up and their stuff isn't going to be all over the place. Their messes will be contained to their room where they probably will prefer to hang out. Their toys will be replaced with gadgets and gossip. This phase of life is so fleeting and I've decided to embrace the mess and enjoy my kids "leftovers".

After I drop my kids off at school each morning, I come back home to a "mostly" clean house. The breakfast dishes are put away and beds are made. But, I've made a point of keeping their "piles" and messes as they were. I've left their toys and games and cards just as they left them. And then I grab my camera and document these beautiful parts of our life. 

Sure, these photos aren't amazing or perfect, but they are our life. Our days. Our messes. And just like faces and special events, these "leftovers" are just as important to capture, I think. 

When's the last time you stepped back and EMBRACED the mess, rather than cleaning it up? Have you ever grabbed your camera and looked at those details through the lens before tidying up? If you haven't, I challenge you to do just that! Walk around your home. See the messes and piles and toys and try to capture those "leftovers" now, for soon those leftovers will be gone and replaced by something different.

Happy Thursday, friends! Thanks so much for stopping by! xo

Project 52: Catch Up III

A little Project 52 catch up today! I love this project and all of the images of my kids I've captured so far this year. It's hard to believe we are already 42 weeks into 2016. These little ones have grown SO much over the past year and having these photos is priceless. Here are weeks 35-42 of my sweet kiddos.

Seattle

I spent the weekend in Seattle at the Click Away conference, and like I say every time I visit the west coast - if it wasn't for my kiddos, I'm pretty sure I would have just stayed.  The weather wasn't the best in Seattle (which I hear is pretty typical), but the conference was phenomenal and the people I met were amazing!

I got to see some of my favorites in action, including Meg Loeks, Anna Larson and Mae Burke; and heard some amazing speeches from a lot of inspiring artists, like Amanda Jane Jones (woah, right?) Summer Murdock (total fangirl of Summer and I'm pretty sure she might think I'm a stalker...), Jesh De Rox (absolutely phenomenal) and Kellie Bieser (I wanna be her when I grow up). The conference was uplifting not only from a photography perspective, but a personal perspective as well. I have so many ideas and so much inspiration running through my brain and I can't wait to put all of these into action!

Until then...here's a little photo recap of my weekend!

Scenes from the backyard

The feel of fall is finally making it's way to North Carolina and we couldn't be happier.  The grass in our backyard is finally starting to green up again and our plants are slowing blooming. We're hopeful these cooler temps decide to stick around for a while because we're ready for boots, sweaters and everything pumpkin!

The Ordinary

"Joy comes to us in ordinary moments. We risk missing out when we get too busy chasing down the extraordinary." -Brene Brown

I'm taking a photography class with one of my favorite photographers, Ginger Unzueta over at Bloom, and one of the assignments for this week is to capture 10 photos of our day.  It has been a while since I purposefully documented the "ordinary" of our day, so I didn't hesitate to pick up my camera and start snapping away.

If you have never purposefully documented the routine and ins and outs of your day, I couldn't recommend it more. There's something about looking at the "ordinary" through the lens that makes it extraordinary. It's these little moments that I never want to forget....

You, Me & the Sea

We spent the weekend at the beach doing absolutely nothing and it was truly everything we thought it could be and more. We played in the sand and waves, watched the sunset and rise each day, snuggled on a tiny couch to watch Star Wars and giggled until our bellies hurt. xo

Seven

Awesome glasses from Jonas Paul Eyewear

She is seven going on seventeen. And she cried the other day when I tried to check her out of school early to hang out together. So it begins, folks.  And because they grow up too fast, here are some fun facts about my sweet girl.

Nicknames: Anna Banana

Favorite color: Turquoise

Favorite animal: Guinea Pig

Favorite TV show: Star Darlings

Favorite movie: Alice in Wonderland

Favorite song: Can't Stop the Feeling

Favorite food: any breakfast food

Favorite drink: Shirley Temple

Favorite breakfast food: Everything

Favorite snack: Bowl of cereal

Favorite outfit: probably my fancy long skirts and tank tops

Favorite game: Wax museum 

Favorite toy: mermaid tale that I can swim in

Best friend: Bree, Grace and Charlotte

Favorite thing to do: dance and sing and gymnastics

Favorite thing to do outside: play with my friends

Favorite holiday: Halloween and Christmas

Something you take to bed at night: my three lovies

Favorite restaurant: Cafe Mom (that's mama cooking)

Where would you go on vacation: Bahamas

What do you want to be when you grow up: a famous gymnast

For the love of reading

8 days people. 8 days until we track out of school for THREE WEEKS. I'm a tad bit excited if you can't tell. My kids go to year-round school, so basically every nine weeks, they get three weeks off. It's the best. Ever.

During dinner the other night, we talked about all of the things we wanted to do over our track out. I try to get my kiddos to think of things they want to do as a family, as well as try to set individual goals for themselves. It's always so funny to hear what they come up with. Here's what we've got:

Anna - weekend vacation (family); read 100 books (her personal goal - she likes to set the bar high, my friends. That's basically 33 books a week....hmmmm.).  

Drew: go to Disney World with our family (probably not happenin'); build legos (daily goal already, I think).

Our latest books from Bookroo will definitely help sweet Anna meet her goal. If you haven't heard of them, Bookroo is fun monthly book subscription for your kiddos. It's truly like Christmas when these box of books arrive. The fact that they come wrapped up like a present is probably my kids very favorite part.

So we're starting our goals eight days early this track and I'm hopeful we can do a few of those things on our list (probably not Disney World, buddy) and meet our personal goals. Keeping our fingers crossed, friends! 

Weekending

We think that every weekend should have two Saturdays...anyone else agree?

We debated going out of town for the holiday weekend, but decided to just stick around home, explore, rest, relax and just hang together. It was everything we thought it would be and more. And let's be honest - it doesn't take much to convince me to stay at home. 

Having just ONE extra day during the weekend is a total game changer. We hit up the lake, every playground within a five-mile radius, had a campout s'mores party and STILL had time to pick up the house, run some errands and do a little bit of laundry. We're giving this weekend a great big high five. Hope you and yours had an awesome weekend as well! Happy Tuesday! xo

The Perfect Match

Gimme all the hugs, bracelets and watches. Anna tries to steal my jewelry every time I turn around and I'm pretty sure half of what I do have is hiding somewhere in her room. Right now, her go-to accessory is hair ties - the more the merrier... And if she can create an entire rainbow on her arm, then that's even better. Apparently, it's how second graders accessorize these days. Me, I prefer pretty bracelets and watches! You guys know I'm on this watch kick, right??  

And it's started you guys, and I just don't know if I'm ready for this. 

She said "nah, I want to stay with my friends" when I asked her if I could take her out for lunch last week at school. Nah???  What? What do you mean you want to stay with your friends?! I about died inside. No lie. 

She's my sweet girl. And my sidekick...and she's ALWAYS been up for some one-on-one time with mama, but oh man. She's growing up too fast.  When we're home, though, I can still see that little girl in her and I'm trying to soak up every last minute of these fleeting days. Her very favorite thing to do is just hang out. My fingers are crossed that she turns out to be a homebody and her teenage years are a breeze (fat chance, right)? We shall see. She's the peanut butter to my jelly; the storm to my calm....and as she says "the milk to my cereal". ;). How cute is that?? I love her and I love spending some good Q-T with her!

And if you're over the age of 7 and prefer to accessorize with pretty watches and bracelets rather than hair ties of all colors, then you'll be super happy to hear that Daniel Wellington has just launched their beautiful new bracelet cuff (in both silver or rose gold) to accompany their watches. It's the perfect match!! You can use the code STEPHANIEMAKES to get 15% off when you place an order over at Daniel Wellington!

Happy Friday, friends! Make it a good one! xo

A September Project

There's something about September that seems to spark a new project for me. Last year, I did a photo-a-day challenge throughout the month of September, which was super fun. This September, I'm going to mix things up a little and attempt to do a video challenge. I think I tend to get into a little bit of a creative rut when my kids go back to school and I have a little more "free" time on my hands. It's amazing to me how much my kids inspire me and help to spark my creativity.

I tried to take more videos during August, but I'm gonna chalk that up to a big-fat-epic fail. Taking video is so not part of my memory keeping process + I'm awful at video, so I kinda just forgot everyday (until I was laying in bed and remembered that I didn't take a video for the day). So... this should be interesting, but I wanted to push myself to try something new and different + my kids LOVE to see themselves on video, so I thought it would be something they might enjoy doing too.

I like the idea of the 1 Second Everyday app, but I "think" I want more than just one second a day. Not necessarily a super long video every day, but maybe a few 5-10 seconds of our life. I'm still undecided on the amount at this point, so I'm just gonna go for it and see what ends up happening!

Here's a look at what I did get for August...womp womp. It's a few videos with way more photos sprinkled in and it's definitely nothing spectaular by far, but Drew's little laugh seriously makes me smile every.single.time.

Any interest in joining me in this fun September project?? It would be WAY more fun if there was a little group for sure + that would kind of keep me accountable (which I totally need, so pleeeeeeeeezzz...that's me begging)! Hope you will play along!! We'll all make horrible videos together, lol!

A few of my favorite things

Let's start this hump day with a few of my favorite things!

First up is my awesome wood watch from JORD. I can't even begin to tell you how nice it is to have a REAL watch again (and not having to use my phone for the time). Today is the last day to enter to win one for yourself! JORD is offering up a $75 gift certificate to their entire shop + everyone who enters to win receives a $20 e-voucher that can be applied to any JORD watch! Click the link below to enter or check out my previous post to see more pretty photos!!

Click here to enter the giveaway + receive your $20 e-voucher to JORD·

These cool letter boards from Letterfolk are next on my list. I've been wanting one of these pretty things for a while and finally just broke down and snagged one the other day. I'd say the kids love them as much as I do. We have The Writer and the size is just perfect. Right now it's in our playroom, but I'm thinking about moving it to our kitchen so we can all see it more! And apparently Jabba the Hut is only 5 years old...who knew?!?!?

If print magazines are a day of the past, then I don't think I can go on....  I LOVE a good magazine. Like really love. Anyone else still love flipping through the pages and ear-marking all of your favorites? Click Magazine is one of my very favorite magazines to receive and mail day is kind of like Christmas! The pages are so full of beautiful and inspiring photos, tips and tricks and more! If you love photography, I couldn't recommend the magazine more!

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Whole 30 everything. YES! Whole 30 everything indeed. 

Whole 30 is one of the best "lifestyle changes" I have ever, ever made. I started a round of Whole 30 last January, and for the most part have kept my diet pretty much Whole 30 for the past two years. I still enjoy some of my favorites (like sweeeeets) every now and then, but doing Whole 30 taught me to listen to my body and notice how different foods make me feel. Breads and pastas - I feel blah and gross. Veggies and lean meats - yay! If you are looking for a kickstart to your metabolism and just want to feel better overall, then check out Whole 30! It may sounds overwhelming and crazy at first glance, but just remember - it's WHOLE foods. You're cutting out all of the processed and pre made foods (that are full of junk anyway). The Whole 30 challenge usually runs for 30 days and I think the group is getting ready to start up a new challenge tomorrow (September 1)!!  Here are a few of my favorite recipes!!

Sundried Tomato Creamy Chicken | Chicken Zoodle Soup | The Best Steak Fajitas

Jalapeño Turkey Burgers | Hearty Vegetable Soup

Scout + Isla

Twins! We have twins. No, not real twins (although I pray to the baby gods every night we would "accidentally" end up with twins...ooooohh...or maybe triplets! Could you imagine??). But in the meantime, our twins are coming in a stuffed fashion. Their names are Scout + Isla and they are precious. 

My sweet boy has a BIG LOVE for anything stuffed, so Scout has quickly become his new best friend! And Anna, well...you probably know she loves everything mermaid, so Isla is now attached to her hip.

These adorable stuffed dolls are from Cuddle + Kind and while their dolls might be the cutest ever, their mission is even better.  Jen and Derek started this amazing company with sweet children in mind and every doll purchased helps to provide meals to children in need.

Our sweet new twins provided 20 meals to children in need and there just isn't anything better than that. I love a company with a great mission.

If you have a sweet baby who loves stuffies as much as mine, they will fall head over heels for the Cuddle + Kind dolls, so go check them out! And I'm not gonna tell you how many days there are until Christmas 117 days, but these cuties would make the perfect gift. xoxo

Project 52: Week 33 & 34

"A portrait of my children, once a week, every week, in 2016."

Week 33

Anna: flying high

Drew: giggles + spit

Week 34

Anna: evening walking + talking

Drew: snug as a bug in a blanket

If you give a mom a cookie...

So I have to admit that I'm a closet sweet-a-holic. By closet, I mean, I tend to sneak into the closet (or pantry) and gobble up all of the sweets. Because, you know, "KIDS, sweets aren't good for you....". Come on. Who else is with me? I know I'm not the only one "looking" for something in the pantry (while you're really just trying to chew and swallow as fast as you can without getting caught!).

Cookies are one of my favorites. Warm, gooey and yummy; straight out of the oven! I seriously can gobble them all up. And if I'm gonna eat them all, well, I might as well make them "healthy", or as healthy as a cookie can get! My neighbor makes these amazing oatmeal chocolate chip cookies for us a lot, so I thought I would steal her recipe, my our own (so, duh, I could eat them all) and then share with you!!

These oatmeal chocolate chip cookies are insanely delicious (especially right out of the oven). We usually do two batches - one with semi-sweet chocolate chips and one with dark chocolate chips (my fave). And if you aren't a chocolate fan (what is wrong with you??), you can always substitute raisins or your favorite dried fruit in this recipe!  

Here's the recipe so you don't have to lick your screen anymore...

Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

1/2 cup + 6 tablespoons butter, softened

3/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar

1/2 cup sugar in the raw (or granulated sugar)

2 eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 tablespoon cinnamon 

1/2 teaspoon salt

3 cups whole oats (uncooked)

1 1/2 cups chocolate chips (or dried fruit)

1. Heat over to 350 degrees. In large bowl, beat butter and sugars until creamy.

2. Add eggs and vanilla; beat well.

3. Add combined flour, baking soda, cinnamon and salt; mix well.

4. Add chocolate chips (or dried fruit); mix well.

5. Drop by rounded tablespoons onto ungreased cookie sheet.

6. Bake for 11-12 minutes until firm and golden.

Enjoy!!

I would share some of mine, but....

Around Here

Our highs and lows around here...

HIGHS: trips to the best coast (west coast) · Uncle Walker in town for a short visit · outdoor concerts · salted carmel ice cream by the gallon · Roomba · nature walks · oatmeal chocolate chip cookies · new stuffed animals · white walls · family dinners + our nightly animal games · bedtime giggles · tons of "caught being good" at school + star student for my little man · white walls · mad scientists · swimming · lazy weekends at home 

LOWS: chest congestions + sinus pressure that just won't go away · the heat + humidity (enough already, NC) · having to say goodbye to Uncle Walker · back pain for days · burnt cookies · homework, homework, homework · an air conditioner that can't decide if it wants to work or not · blisters