Newborn Photography { Featuring Keri Meyers Photography }

It has been a while since I posted a newborn photo shoot, I don't know about you but I'm in desperately need of some newborn fix. So to take care of that, I've selected to feature here on the blog this amazing photographer Keri Meyers.  Keri Meyers is an industry expert with a unique and classic style that has greatly impacted the newborn photography industry worldwide. Keri is a mom, wife and entrepreneur running her business from home so that she can be close to her young boys. She has photographed hundreds of newborns across the country, and photographers from all over the world travel to learn from her at her studio…with hopes of gaining the knowledge, tips and strategies that make her one of the most successful and sought-after photographers in her field. As a former elementary teacher with a master’s in education, teaching and encouraging others to grow has always been a core part of Keri. She has personally mentored and educated hundreds of photographers worldwide, and has influenced hundreds of thousands through social media outlets. Her studio is located in Phoenix, Arizona.

Baby's First Easter Basket Ideas

Any other moms out there excited to put together your little one's Easter basket?   This is the first year I get to make one for Gabriel and I'm so excited!  He's only 10 months so I didn't want to go overboard and I wanted to get things that we would use.  It took me a while to decide what to put in there so I decided to share some ideas for boys and girls!

1- Personalized Easter Basket from Good Wishes Quilt

2- Jellycat Bunny

3- Skip Hop Ducks 

4- The Velveteen Rabbit Book

5- Carter's Easter Collection

6- Personalized Wooden Stacker from HC Wood Craft 

7- Personalized Baby Teether Bunny from HC Wood Craft

8- Wooden Easter Egg from HC Wood Craft

Happy Easter every one!!!!

8 Beauty Tips for Busy Moms

By CASI DENSMORE-KOON 

Before I was a mom, you could find me primping in the mirror for hours. Now, I am lucky to even look in the mirror other than to make sure I don’t have any stains on my shirt as I walk out the door. Most of us have no time for any kind of beauty routine, especially with a baby or a handful of kids, like I have. I decided to snap a quick iPhone picture of my favorites inside my make-up bag so I could share how you can still have time to apply make-up — even if it means wearing the baby in the carrier while you do it.

Let’s be honest – when you become a mom you hardly even remember how to use a flat-iron and you quickly forget what your weekly manicure pre-children feels like. For me, getting an hour out by myself to get my hair or nails done is like Christmas. It just hardly happens anymore. You are lucky to even have time to be reading this now, right?

Check out 8 quick beauty tips for easy ways to look and feel pretty in just minutes. Time to makeover your beauty routine Mommas!

Start with a Fresh Face

For sleep deprived mommas, keep skin cleansing wipes next to your bed so you don't let your skincare routine get away. A good beauty routine starts with fresh, clean skin. I place my nighttime creams on my end table so I always remember to put it on and have no excuses to forget. Keep your daytime moisturizer near your toothbrush so you can remember to slab some on even if you don't have time to apply makeup.
Try my favorites:
The Body Shop Cleansing Facial Wipes, $14.50
Fresh Soy Moisturizer, $42
Lumene Vitamin-C Pure Radiance Night Cream, $19.99
Garnier Nutritioniste Ultra Life Eye Care, $11.70

Hello, Bright Lips

As you can tell from my own products -- I love a pretty, bold lip gloss or lip stick. Bold, rich colors also last longer which means, less time re-applying! When you throw on a bright colored lip, you will instantly look polished and classy.
Try my favorites:
Revlon Colorstay Ultimate Lipstick in Vigorous Violet, $8.99
Mac Lipstick in Candy Yum-Yum, $15
Smashbox Lip Enhancing Lipgloss in Starlit, $19
Stila Color Balm Lipstick in Valentina, $22

Have Fun With The Eyes

If you have a tendency to not focus on the lips and you would rather spend time playing up the eyes -- have fun with different color eye-shadows. A quick-smoky eye is always the way to go.
Bobbi Brown Eye Collection, $75

Don’t Forget the Brows

When you step in front of the mirror to apply makeup, almost all forget about the brows! Make it a habit to create a strong brow. It will make you appear less tired and give more shape to your face.
Try my favorites:
Make Up Forever Aqua Brow, $20
Benefit Brow Zings, $30
Anastasia Brow Gel, $22
Benefit High Brow, $20

Beauty in the Kitchen

You would be surprised how many beauty tips begin right in the kitchen. My favorite? Olive Oil! It isn't just for cooking. It is a great for dry skin and works as a wonderful moisturizer. Just put on a dab after you wash your face, massage into your skin and in an instant you will see the difference. It feels like you just left the spa! Quick tip -- stick to extra virgin olive oil. I learned it contains the most antioxidants.
Photo Credit: iStock

Bronzer and Self-Tanner

Add a little color to that pretty face! I know I always look much better with a little glow. Think back to your long days at the beach when you worked on that golden tan -- ah, that pretty golden, sun kissed look will instantly brighten you up. Try a moisturizer with a self-tanning component -- a double product saves time and money.
Try my favorites:
Jergens Natural Glow Revitalizing Lotion, $8.99
NARS Mini Blush and Bronzer, $24
Mai Couture 2 in 1 Blotting Bronzer Papier, $24
Bare Minerals All Over Face Color, $19

Pearly Whites

Apply teeth whitening strips before bed. After all, your smile is the key to your beauty. Top your bright whites off with that bright bold lip and everyone will me wondering how you manage to pull yourself together on no time.
Crest 3D Whitestrips $24.97

It Just Takes Five, Maybe Ten Minutes

Biggest mom tip ever: Get up and get yourself showered and ready before the kids. I know, the extra shut-eye is precious but you will thank me! Pulling out your makeup bag really doesn't take more than ten minutes. It doesn't take hours, just focus on each area of your face - give your eyes 2 minutes, lips 20 seconds, and mascara only takes about a minute. After those few minutes in the bathroom, you will feel fresh-faced and pretty - ready for the day.

Source: Babble

Pink, Orange and Coral Nursery

I wanted a bright and cheerful nursery for our first baby girl. We painted the walls a pale pink, and accented the room with orange, coral and gold. I also wanted to make sure it was a room that she will be able to grow in to! One great tip is when you are buying furniture for your nursery to buy items that are timeless and can be transitioned from a nursery to a kid room. So choosing items like changing tables that can be turned into dressers is a really smart and convenient move! 

Design Inspiration: My initial inspiration came from her crib bedding. I loved the corals and oranges in the bedding, and pulled everything else into the room based on that.

Decorating Style:

A mix of vintage & modern!

Project Details:

Light Fixture: Pottery Barn

Rug: Target

Bedding: Etsy (https://www.etsy.com/shop/birdshaveflowers)

Chair: Target

Changing Pad Cover: Etsy (https://www.etsy.com/shop/iviebaby?ref=l2-shopheader-name)

Mobile: Etsy (https://www.etsy.com/shop/Patricija)

Frames: Cut It Out (http://www.cutitoutalready.com/index.php?osCsid=7bd586f42ddf49489a935cd57fcc4206)

"I Am His" sign- Etsy (https://www.etsy.com/transaction/138597045?ref=fb2_tnx_title)

Source: Project Nursery

Baby Products That I Am Obsessed With.

Here are a few of my latest obsessing in baby products. Here you will find a selection of a few of my favorites shops too.

1- Sweet Little Nursery - I know it look suspicious but I'm truly in love with this new elephant design in silver paint.

2- Aden + Anais - Have you ever touched heaven? Well that's what it feels like when you touch this super soft bamboo fabric swaddle blanket.

3- Little Adi & Co - I mean, it can't get any cuter than this.

4- Gingiber - They recently open their shop and the products that they have there is to die for.

5 - Milk & Masuki - They just make it really hard for you to pick just one.

6 - SugarPlum Lane - One of my favorites shop on Etsy.

7- Freshly Picked - The best baby shoes ever, never falls out and is cute as a button.

First Birthday Cake Smash Photo Session

Here some really cute cake smash photo session ideas to get you inspired for that special moment on your little one's life!!! Enjoy every second of it!!!

Heidi Hope Photography

Heidi Hope Photography

Heidi Hope Photography

Couldn't find the website for this photo, if anybody knows, please leave on the comments below so I can give the credits.

Sara Hart Boyd Fine Art Photography

Lovely Baby Photography

Elizabeth Joy Creative 

Country Farm Maternity Session

This maternity session by On to Baby member Marta Locklear Photography is filled with pretty! The country setting and styling create such a gorgeous scene for this mom-to-be, and it’s so perfect for a spring/summer session. Beautiful Historic Chatham Manor in Fredericksburg, VA served as the location for this shoot. 

Source: On To Baby