10 expert tips for better photographs / guest post by jessica haderlie

after our baby boy was born, i received a lovely email from a local photographer (and blog reader!) named jessica, kindly offering a photo shoot for my boys. she explained how much she loved working with newborns. we've been lucky to work with some amazing photographers in the area and i was excited to check out her work. after a thorough examination & admiration of her portfolio, i was nothing less than ecstatic to have the chance to work with her.

i noticed a common theme throughout her website. her photos have a beautiful timeless and classic appeal; nothing frilly or unnatural about them. (i am not one for propping kids in luggage or on train tracks. ha!) just gorgeous lighting and happy families. i wondered if my family would be the right material for her lens. (lets just say i warned her that she might be up for a challenge!) jessica turned out every bit as wonderful (and talented!) as i'd hoped. she arrived bright and early and put me at ease in front of the camera (which is no small task). having children of her own, jessica was awesome with my kids. she was so good at swaddling and comforting my tiny babe. and my toddler turned into a flirt and immediately starting cheesing it up for her lens.

i wasn't sure if i had the right photo shoot 'props' or if my home was the best setting, but she showed up and assured me that what i had was just right. she didn't need much to get started... just beautiful babes as her subject! i love that she photographs kids just as they are and in their own setting too. i learned a lot from reading her tips below and look forward to working with her again. (stay tuned for a peek at our photo shoot with jessica!) for now, brush up on your photography skills with your own darlings and these ten tips. p.s. all of these photos were taken by jessica and used by permission.

10 tips for photographing your children by jessica haderlie



no. 01 Get close to the light. Snug up close to the windows, open the front door, and put them right in front of it. When I'm taking a picture indoors, my subject is usually facing the window and I will stand to the side of the window or below it. Experiment with light and your position. Try different angles. Here's something I do a lot before I start taking pictures with kids: I start with taking a few pictures of my hand; really what I'm looking for is great illumination of skin. So look for great tones on skin and that's when you've found great light.
 
 no. 02 Speaking of light, look for the catch lights in their eyes. What I mean is great reflections of light coming from their eyes. It can make a photo, those lit-up eyes. Have them face your light source or looking up can help.

 no. 03 Shoot at a quick shutter speed with kids. They say don't set your shutter speed below 1/250 with kids. It depends on how good your light is but it's a great "magic" number to keep in mind. Start there or above and then adjust your aperture and ISO.
 



















no. 04 Fill your frame. It's not for every shot but getting up close and personal makes for bold, meaningful shots. I like to see my babies faces up close because that's the way I see them every day and it's the way I want to remember them, so that's what I shoot.

  no. 05 Now that being said, try using negative space. I love me some negative space. Especially with kids, it can put in perspective just how little they are.

 


no. 06 Photograph them as they are. Let them be their selves. Keep it simple. Keep it natural.  I think sometimes the simpler the shot the bigger impact. You don't need bows and ruffles to make your kids' photos great. They don't have to be in their Sunday best. Get photos of them doing what they do everyday, messy hair and all.  Get them playing with the pots and pans, cooking in the kitchen, twirling to their favorite music. It'll help you remember them as they were at the stage they're at.

no. 07 Be silly with them. Kids love to play, so let them play. Make a game out of taking pictures.  Never tell them to say "cheese".  That will just get you cheezy pictures. Make them laugh. Ask them who their boyfriend is or what their favorite dance move is. This is the oldest trick in the book but telling them to not smile, that there is a rule about no smiling always works. Ask them to laugh really hard and after they are done, that's when you'll get those real, natural smiles, because they'll be in a playful mood. no. 08. Get down on their level. Half of the time I'm taking pictures of kids, I'm sitting on the floor or laying on my stomach. Meet them at their level and see eye to eye with them. It's the easiest way to take a normal photo and make it more interesting.
 no. 09 Capture connections. Show relationships in your photos. The most meaningful photos that I know I'll love when I'm a reminiscent old woman are the ones of our family being together as we are, not all dressed up, posing for the camera. Snuggling on the bed, hanging out in the hammock, the kids being silly together, these are the photos that I'll hold dearest, as sappy as it sounds.  Those are going to the the perfect photos to me. The perfectly imperfect ones are sometimes the best ones out of the bunch.


 no. 10 If you aren't already doing so, shoot in manual. You'll challenge yourself and learn so much faster. You'll have control over so much more. Learn about shutter speed and aperture and ISO. Practice focusing on each one individually. First, practice using shutter speed. Capture movement using a fast shutter speed like 1/2000 and then using a slow shutter speed like 1/125. Then, do the same thing with aperture. Set your camera to f2.0 and then for f22. If you don't know what I'm talking about, read up on aperture and shutter speed. Pioneer woman has a series of posts on aperture and has a way of explaining all of them that really makes it sink in. The more you practice the easier it will come. Check out my pinterest page for lots of links on photography tips. i loved these genuine tips, jessica! thank you for sharing a bit of your expertise with us.
find jessica haderlie on her blog and view her incredible portfolio on her website.

fifteen fill-ins | guest post by stephanie | nie nie dialogues

fifteen fill-in-the-blanks by the amazing stephanie of nie nie dialogues. stephanie is the one you look forward to reading about; what her cute kiddos say, her real life snapshots, what they're cookin' for dinner, her day to day recoveries and funny stories. her optimism about life and gratitude for God sinks into my soul whenever i click onto her website. she kindly filled in the blanks while i'm saying my goodbyes and boarding a flight, toddler in tow. 

:: no matter what mood i'm in, i can always go for a: Dr. Pepper, good cheese and crackers.

:: my favorite go-to outfit would have to be: Loose short skirt, leggins, boots and long shirt.

:: a good source of inspiration is: Anything on ETSY and this talk.

:: am so glad my parents taught me: To understand that everyone is different, and we all come from different backgrounds. I was always taught to include everyone, be confident and to know when to be a strong girl or a feminine lady.

:: a song i like to dance to is: Katy Perry's Firework.

:: i wish everyone knew about: How to use and make Letterpress cards, announcements, etc.

:: the best thing in my makeup bag is: MAC lush mascara in black black.

:: my dream spring break vacation spot is: skiing in Germany with my husband.

:: this may be a surprise, but i am passionate about: beautiful flowers on my dining room table. Motherhood.

:: a favorite book that changed me for the better: The Book of Mormon of course, but also I love the book These Is My Words.

:: one of my pet peeves is: anything stinky. I hate gross smells-especially when I am in a public place.

:: my favorite daily ritual would have to be: getting in the hot tub then watching a movie (in bed) with Mr. Nielson with a nice big bowl of Mini Wheats.

:: i am trying to be better at: running (exercising in general), knitting, and yoga.

:: the most recent rad thing i found online was: this sofa that I want.

:: i can't live without: My husband, Christian.

fifteen fill-ins | guest post by vanessa | lady day

fifteen fill-in-the-blanks by the ever stylish artistic vanessa of Lady Day. vanessa may blog like a regular mom (out on woodsy adventures and at home with wooden blocks) but she is also an awesome stylist on the side. she posts outfit combos and cool finds, so get your bookmarks ready. vanessa kindly filled in the blanks to entertain you while i introduce benji to cacti.

:: no matter what mood i'm in, i can always go for a: An afternoon in a book store. Especially if it's a mom-only outing, I head straight to the glossies and then bee line it to the cafe for a mocha and a cozy chair. All is well in my world for the next two hours.

:: my favorite go-to outfit would have to be: My dark wash skinny jeans, powder pink silk blouse, brown leather sandals and my Stella & Dot charm necklace and Eternity Band rings. Even if throw my hair up in a messy bun, I still feel chic and pulled together.

:: a good source of inspiration is: My Style Files - I've cut out my favorite magazine pics and articles since I was a tiny tween with an early curfew. At my mom's suggestion, I started an inspiration folder and about once a year I go through and toss out anything that doesn't give me that same feeling that I get when I'm walking around Anthropologie. It has not only helped me trust my "eye" but is an endless resource when it comes to blogging.

:: am so glad my parents taught me: Manners. Kindness has gotten me through a sticky situation or two and a smile is always well received - lessons that seem invaluable when it comes to raising my own family.

:: a song i like to dance to is: While my husband was out running errands this weekend, I googled Justin Bieber's "Baby" and my kids and I danced along to the video on YouTube. Let's just say that I totally understand now. If I was thirteen I would have flipped my lid over this kid. What a natural.

:: i wish everyone knew about: How Stella & Dot is changing the game. Not only is the product remarkable but their mission is all about empowering woman to style their own lives. They are a company inspired by and created for strong women, honoring that generation who rolled up their sleeves, won the vote, raised kids, went off to work, and did it all with style and grace. Today, this is how they'd do it and I'm so excited to be a part of the action.

:: the best thing in my makeup bag is: A mix between Laura Mercier & Bobbi Brown. Even in high school I would save up my lunch money to buy their concealer and foundation. I like to mix and match the two and their colors have always been so natural and pretty.

:: my dream spring break vacation spot is: We are a family that loves the outdoors so I would kick our camping up a notch and hike the Grand Canyon. But I have to add that if I returned home, took a long, hot shower and then hooped on a plane to New York City to visit my best friend for a week, I would have to call that the best two weeks of my life!

:: this may be a surprise, but i am passionate about: Space! I never paid any attention to math or science in school, I thought physics and chemistry were way over my head and now I'm sharing my life with someone who can explain it to me in a way I understand. My husband chuckles at my enthusiasm, but life is so AMAZING!

:: a favorite book that changed me for the better: It's so hard to choose only one but I would have to say that A New Earth by Eckhart Tolle really broadened my perspective. His words really resonated with me and the quality of life that I want to experience which has more to do with being present for my life and those I love than about always reaching for success.

:: one of my pet peeves is: Being fed the University Rule. I would love to be able to gain skills and knowledge about the range of things that I am interested in, than having to be pulled through the rigors of deciding a major and then paying A LOT for required classes that I don't exactly need to pursue my goals. I'm all about a well-rounded education, but if I'm paying for it then I feel I should be able to decide every bit of what I want to learn about.

:: my favorite daily ritual would have to be:In the morning I have decided to not go near the computer until breakfast has been served, a board book or two has been read aloud and my youngest is down for her first nap. This makes me feel better about catching up on my Reader over my morning coffee and knowing that I have my priorities in order. Now only if I could sneak a workout in before the bittles wake up...

:: i am trying to be better at: Creating a post for Lady Day before I catch up on what is happening around blog land. I tend to get compare-itis when I dwell upon how everyone is obviously so much more creative than I am and how they must have so much time on their hands. These lack-luster thoughts never fill the well and nothing compares to the feeling I get when I hit publish on a post that came from the heart.

:: the most recent rad thing i found online was: Miss Moss, a beautiful blog written by Diana, a graphic designer residing in South Africa. She has great taste and on any given day I can learn about art, fashion, design and the wonders of life in a totally unique way. So inspiring.

:: i can't live without: The blogs of like-minded creatives. I know, not a very original answer but I mean it! Three years ago I was a new wife, stay-at-home momma and homemaker. I came across Marta Writes and suddenly didn't feel so alone and isolated from the world. I love reading glossies and blogs have that same kind of feel but are much more in-depth and personal. In my Reader, I have folders labeled "the storytellers", "the creatives", "the momma's", "the eye candy", so depending on my mood I can look in on someone else's life and perspective and gain so much inspiration and understanding. When writing Lady Day, I try to remember to keep it real when sharing my thoughts on life and style because the sense of community that blogging brings is what I'm really after. On the best days, I feel like I'm participating in the GREAT DISCUSSION.

fifteen fill-ins | guest post by melanie | you are my fave

fifteen fill-in-the-blanks by the super genuine melanie from you are my fave. she is one of my faves because she has such unique ideas for dreamy events. she is sophisticated and yet still fun and awesome and silly. her blog is magic; continuing to post eye candy i am consistently inspired by. she kindly filled in the blanks while i'm off watching monkeys swing around at the zoo.

:: no matter what mood i'm in, i can always go for a: soft serve ice cream cone

:: my favorite go-to outfit would have to be: a cardigan, dark washed jeans and flats  

:: a good source of inspiration is: bike rides 

:: am so glad my parents taught me: the importance of family

:: a song i like to dance to is: Mixed Business by Beck

:: i wish everyone knew about: the miracle of adoption

:: the best thing in my makeup bag is: Covergirl Lashblast mascara

:: my dream spring break vacation spot is: the Amalfi Coast 

:: this may be a surprise, but i am passionate about: not allowing my husband to wear his dress shoes with jeans

:: a favorite book that changed me for the better: My Life in France by Julia Child

:: one of my pet peeves is: touchy people who feel the need to always be making contact with you even if you don't know them very well  

:: my favorite daily ritual would have to be: hugging my husband when one of us returns home 

:: i am trying to be better at: not beating myself up

:: the most recent rad thing i found online was: The Makers Project

:: i can't live without: Target

fifteen fill-ins | guest post by danyelle | dandee designs

fifteen fill-in-the-blanks by the inspiring and creative danyelle of dandee designs. danyelle is almost too good to be true; mama of five, crafter extraordinaire, inventor of cute ideas and designer with spot-on instincts. she is kind-hearted and a fast friend (and the first gal i forced a portrait with at ALT). danyelle kindly filled in the blanks to entertain you while i'm away playing hooky.

:: no matter what mood i'm in, i can always go for a: Handful of chocolate chips.

:: my favorite go-to outfit would have to be: jeans, colored tee, cardigan and TOMS. 

:: a good source of inspiration is: Martha Stewart Weddings. I'm not a wedding planner and I've been married for 12 years but I still find loads of inspiration within those pages. 

:: am so glad my parents taught me: to serve others. Growing up my mother was constantly doing kind acts of service for those around her. That is why I have this print hanging in my home. It reminds me of her and motivates me to look for opportunities to follow her example.

:: a song i like to dance to is: "Hey Na Na" by Katie Herzig.

:: i wish everyone knew about: Pinterest. It's the best way I've found to catalog all of those beautiful images I come across online.

:: the best thing in my makeup bag is: Bobbi Brown's Creamy Concealer. I'm a night owl. This concealer helps camouflage my dark circles in the morning.

:: my dream spring break vacation spot is: I have visions of my husband and I lying on a white sandy beach in the Bahamas. It doesn't get more dreamy than that, does it?  

:: this may be a surprise, but i am passionate about: Fingernail polish. Essie is my favorite brand. The formula is perfection and I'm sure there is no possible way you could convince me otherwise.

:: a favorite book that changed me for the better: The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom I love it more every time I read it.

:: one of my pet peeves is: Stickers on fruits and veggies. I'm not sure why, but before I can put away produce after a grocery shopping trip I remove all the stickers. Am I the only one?

:: my favorite daily ritual would have to be: Eating a bowl of cereal before bed. Most nights Ryan (my husband) and I plop into bed with our white latte bowls full of Life or Multi-grain Cheerios. Sometimes we read (and eat), sometimes we watch a show (and eat), and sometimes we talk (and eat!). It's a highlight of my day. 

:: i am trying to be better at: Patience. And reading more books than blogs.

:: the most recent rad thing i found online was: This pretty necklace from Elephantine. I have been thinking about it for a week. Does that mean I get to buy it? I hope so.

:: i can't live without: Watching my two year old hug + kiss his four siblings before he goes to bed every night. It's the sweetest thing I've ever seen. Ever.

fifteen fill-ins | guest post by nole | oh so beautiful paper

fifteen fill-in-the-blanks by the wonderfully talented nole of oh so beautiful paper. nole's website, oh so beautiful paper, was one of the first blogs i discovered and clung onto with dear life. she has sparkling taste in paperie, invitations and all the crafty things i crave. nole kindly filled in the blanks to entertain you while i'm splashing at the splashy park.

:: no matter what mood i'm in, i can always go for a: Good book and a bowl of pistachio ice cream.

:: my favorite go-to outfit would have to be: Jeans with a cardigan and striped shirt – I pretty much live in this combination every day, although I've been trying to wear more dresses lately. 

:: a good source of inspiration is: I love to just go for a walk around my neighborhood, particularly in the spring or fall when the weather is really beautiful. There's nothing quite like early spring in DC during cherry blossom season. But even when the weather is terrible, I'm lucky enough to live in an amazing city with tons of indoor museums – my favorites are often the ones a little off the beaten path, like the Asian art museum or the textile museum. 

:: am so glad my parents taught me: How to think for myself and make my own decisions. They're also incredibly creative people who gave me an appreciation for art and design, so I owe quite a bit to my parents and all the things that I inherited from them. :)

:: a song i like to dance to is: Anything 80s!

:: i wish everyone knew about: The joy of rosewater ice cream. It's sooo unbelievably delicious! 

:: the best thing in my makeup bag is: Mascara. I instantly feel more glamorous with pretty lashes.

:: my dream spring break vacation spot is: This isn't really a feasible spring break option, but right now I'm kind of obsessed with the idea of a trip to Bali. But I'd settle for a nice little jaunt to Hawaii or Mexico instead. :) 

:: this may be a surprise, but i am passionate about: Music. I grew up going to see my friends perform with their bands and driving all up and down the east coast for live shows. I've gotten a little away from it over the past few years, but I still really love music.

:: a favorite book that changed me for the better: Hmmm... I have a lot of favorite books, and this one isn't necessarily my top favorite, but I remember that Hemingway's A Moveable Feast was the first book that made me want to go out and explore the world. And I consider that a change for the better. :)

:: one of my pet peeves is: I absolutely cannot stand it when people refer to Africa as a country instead of a continent of 53 countries and 5 distinct regions – or even worse, when someone describes a language as "African." Drives me completely bonkers. 

:: my favorite daily ritual would have to be: My morning cup of coffee. Just can't start my day without it! 

:: i am trying to be better at: Getting on a regular sleep schedule. I'm a notorious insomniac.

:: the most recent rad thing i found online was: Oooh, I don't think there's any way I could pick just one!

:: i can't live without: Aside from my husband, our cats, and my laptop?  Sunshine!  I grew up in Florida, and I've noticed that I get really bummed out during the winter when the days get shorter and the skies are overcast.  I always look forward to the return of blue skies and flowers in the springtime.

fifteen fill-ins | guest post by ez | creature comforts

fifteen fill-in-the-blanks by the rockstar blogger, ez from creature comforts. everyone loves ez and tosses her url around as often as say, anthropologie. the stuff she posts is oh so swoon-worthy. i am completely inspired by her authentic online voice, her laid back style, her creative projects, fab diy tutorials and plentiful blogging tips. she kindly filled in the blanks while i dash into cafes and splurge on cupcakes and sodas with bendy straws for spring break.

:: no matter what mood i'm in, i can always go for an: Almond Croissant…mmmmm! 

:: my favorite go-to outfit would have to be: Skinny jeans, boyfriend-cut t-shirt, cardigan, and Tretorn sneakers. 

:: a good source of inspiration is: Anything and everything - also I find that Flickr and Pinterest are great online inspiration hubs. 

:: am so glad my parents taught me: To work hard for what I want in life.

:: a song i like to dance to is: If by "dance" you mean spaz, then just about anything with a dance beat. ;-) 

:: i wish everyone knew about: Kiva.org - Microloans to help those in need around the world. 

:: the best thing in my makeup bag is: Revlon used to make a face-illuminating product called Skinlights—sadly they don't make it anymore, but I have a bit left and use it sparingly on my cheekbones when I want to look extra fab. I seem to get the most complements on my complexion when I wear it, so it must be doing something good. 

:: my dream spring break vacation spot is: Well it's not a "spot" per se, but rather a dream trip to see my friends and their new baby. 

:: this may be a surprise, but i am passionate about: I thought about this for a long while, but I don't think I have any surprise passions. I think everything I'm passionate about is pretty obvious. 

:: a favorite book that changed me for the better: Memoirs of a Geisha was pretty life-changing for me. After reading it I decided to go to school for fashion design (back in 2001). 

:: one of my pet peeves is: I can't handle having the back of my neck touched. I involuntarily punch anything/anyone that does. Weird, right?! 

:: my favorite daily ritual would have to be: Reading the comments readers share with me on my blog! 

:: i am trying to be better at: Believing in myself. 

:: the most recent rad thing i found online was: Oh man…that's so tough. I guess I'd have to say I'm still pretty excited about Pinterest. I can't stop pinning and favoring other people's pins. It's totally addictive. 

:: i can't live without: My daughter.

fifteen fill-ins | guest post by brittany | one charming party

 
fifteen fill-in-the-blanks by the inspirational party planner, brittany of one charming party. brittany is as kind and genuine as her parties are unique and incredible. she and her business partner are going to be famous someday, i tell her this every time i see her. their party ideas consistently wow me. she kindly filled in the blanks to entertain you while i'm catching up on some beauty rest.

:: no matter what mood i'm in, i can always go for a: cup of herbal tea with my sister, preferably with small sandwiches and cookies.

:: my favorite go-to outfit would have to be: any new shirt, a skinny belt, skinny jeans and my favorite brown boots.

:: a good source of inspiration is: my biz partner Sara Westbrook. That girl is a gorgeous genius.

:: am so glad my parents taught me: how to budget money. Seriously, it's a life skill.

:: a song i like to dance to is: Firework by Katy Perry. Inspiring. Or Dynamite by Taio Cruz. I play music in the morning while I make breakfast for my four kids. They sing along and laugh at me while I dance.

:: i wish everyone knew about: houzz.com I'm addicted.

:: the best thing in my makeup bag is: my lipgloss. It's called Katie by Bare Escentuals.

:: my dream spring break vacation spot is: France, but I've never been.

:: this may be a surprise, but i am passionate about: Building my dream house. Someday.

:: a favorite book that changed me for the better: The Help by Kathryn Stockett

:: one of my pet peeves is: People who eat loudly. How embarrassing to even say that!

:: my favorite daily ritual would have to be: sleeping in.

:: i am trying to be better at: getting up early.

:: the most recent rad thing i found online was: teuxdeux.com The best to-do app.

:: i can't live without: my husband.

fifteen fill-ins | guest post by jessica | living the swell life

fifteen fill-in-the-blanks by the lovely photographer jessica from living the swell life. she posts ideas for making the most of your crafternoons (a term she introduced me to), her passions for the handmade, creating a happy homemaking lifestyle along with pictures that knock your socks off. jessica kindly filled in the blanks while i'm practicing cartwheels.

:: no matter what mood i'm in, i can always go for a: jaunt to anthropologie or my favorite antique store.

:: my favorite go-to outfit would have to be: a ruffled tank top under my favorite cardigan from Loft, pearl earrings, jeggings, and a cute pair of boots. 

:: a good source of inspiration is: a little fresh air and a brisk walk. 

:: am so glad my parents taught me: to always do my best.

:: a song i like to dance to is: umbrella by rihanna + jay z. go ahead and laugh, but our little family can't seem to get the dishes done after dinner without blasting something of the hip hop sort.

:: i wish everyone knew about: genetically modified organisms. they're everywhere--and that's not necessarily a good thing.

:: the best thing in my makeup bag is: clinique super balanced foundation. it's fabulous.

:: my dream spring break vacation spot is: 1. new zealand 2. california 3. paris. whoops, that makes three. 

:: this may be a surprise, but i am passionate about: finding beauty in simple, small everyday things. living with intention and loving others.

:: a favorite book that changed me for the better: the shack by william p. young

:: one of my pet peeves is: when cute clothes get ruined, shrunk, stained, or unraveled in the laundry. 

:: my favorite daily ritual would have to be: 10 sweet minutes of solitude in the shower. 

:: i am trying to be better at: paying close attention to exposure, composition, and focus in my photos.

:: the most recent rad thing i found online was: dinner at 8.

:: i can't live without: trader joe's chocolate covered pretzels and craft supplies of all kinds.

fifteen fill-ins | guest post by gabrielle | design mom

fifteen fill-in-the-blanks by the inspiring gabrielle of design mom. gabby blogs about products i know will be good, tips i hope to remember, and cool ideas i want to print and save. she and her husband have whisked the family to france for an adventure. cheers for exploring the world and making memories with your children! just look at their amazing new treehouse. gabby kindly filled in the blanks to entertain you while i sing showtune duets with my sister. happy st. patty's day!

:: no matter what mood i'm in, i can always go for a: Rootbeer Float.

:: my favorite go-to outfit would have to be: A wrap dress with great shoes. Boots in the winter. Heels in the summer. And a fun accessory too -- bracelets or a good necklace or a scarf.  

:: a good source of inspiration is: My brothers and sisters. 

:: am so glad my parents taught me: That having a beautiful life and having money are not the same thing.

:: a song i like to dance to is: There are too many! 
Here are 3 no fails: Lisztomania by Phoenix
Ray of Light by Madonna
A-punk by Vampire Weekend

:: i wish everyone knew about: How awesome (and inexpensive!) the National Park system is.

:: the best thing in my makeup bag is: My gel blush by Pixi. I like Flushed. It looks dark in the tube, but it's really pretty on.

:: my dream spring break vacation spot is: This year it's the French countryside. : ) 

:: this may be a surprise, but i am passionate about: Women's rights.

:: a favorite book that changed me for the better: Crossing to Safety by Wallace Stegner

:: one of my pet peeves is: Crumbs on the bottom of my feet. They make me crazy! I have to wear socks or slippers if I'm in the house without shoes on. 

:: my favorite daily ritual would have to be: Reading to the kids at night. 

:: i am trying to be better at: Leaving comments on blogs.

:: the most recent rad thing i found online was: This video.

:: i can't live without: Ben Blair. And Rootbeer floats.

fifteen fill-ins | guest post by karey | mackin ink

fifteen fill-in-the-blanks by the hilarious + witty karey. i like karey because i can hear her voice in her writing. she is passionate about writing and does so with lowercase letters. yay. she is the girl you hope you get to sit by in class, because life is more fun with her by your side, even just for one class period. she kindly filled in the blanks to entertain you while i bust out my flipflops.

:: no matter what mood i'm in, i can always go for a: maid. i mean it. whether i'm almost-happy, devastated, or peeved-angry, give me a clean home that i didn't have to clean and i'm so smiling.

:: my favorite go-to outfit would have to be: i have this black sweater dress from the zara in jordan that has the deepest vee and the longest, way past my wrists fitted sleeves and perfect length that makes you look thin even when you've eaten two snickers and sexy even when you've not showered.

:: a good source of inspiration is: a fresh view. i need to travel and move around. i just do. but even when that's not possible, i try to change up my view in baby steps. like, hanging something on the wall that probably wouldn't normally be hung on a wall, like a long strand of kukui nuts tied with a hot pink ribbon. suddenly, it's art. i rearrange a lot, too. it's amazing how a simple shift in furniture changes the home's dynamic and turns the mundane into mad inspiring.

:: am so glad my parents taught me: that your word is really the only thing you've got. i've tried to pass along this gem to my girlies, and i think esmé is the only one still wondering "what word is it?"

:: a song i like to dance to is: my girlies and i hold a dance party pretty much daily during homework time where the only rule is "these moves stay in this house." the music can best be described as hoochie. but when my husband comes home, we switch it up a bit more old-school. there's nothing like dancing around the kitchen to mack the knife or barry white's you're the first, the last, my everything while he cooks for us. 

:: i wish everyone knew about: hmmm. i don't know. i like it that we all know about different stuff. it makes us super interesting to each other. maybe i wish everyone knew about my writing and offered me enjoyable jobs and a book deal?

:: the best thing in my makeup bag is: i've always and will always adore nars multiples sticks. they're like fat crayons for grown-ups and most of them have naughty names.

:: my dream spring break vacation spot is: a beach with very attentive staff. i crave heat. and attention, apparently.

:: this may be a surprise, but i am passionate about: i'm not a really surprising person, but i am supremely passionate. about everything, truly. i love new projects, new friends, new places to move. people are usually shocked at how in love with the middle east i am, but i guess i was built to embrace the complete opposite of normal.

:: a favorite book that changed me for the better: i fall in love with books on a daily basis, but do you know which ones i love the most? ones that friends recommend to me. when they say "this book reminded me of you." one of my favorites recently recommended robin black's if i loved you, i would tell you this. it absolutely gutted me. i still well up a little when i think about it.

:: one of my pet peeves is: when someone says "oh, i'll let you do that." let? LET?! usually, the person is letting you do the crap part of the project. that one word just sends me to mad as soon as i hear it.

:: my favorite daily ritual would have to be: my espressos in the morning. i haven't been to a coffee shop in ages because my at-home concoctions are pure magic. i dream about my morning ritual mostly every night.

:: i am trying to be better at: not freaking out about messes in the house. {see first answer above.}

:: the most recent rad thing i found online was: this incredible towel warmer from brookstone. i'm mad about affordable decadence. i've bought four so far as gifts, and now that they're on sale i may buy myself one for our mittens and socks. wouldn't that be heavenly?

:: i can't live without: it's part of our goodnight ritual - just past all the screaming "brush your teeth!" and "stop wrestling!" orders - to give kisses to our girlies three. then my husband says "oh! isn't she just the most perfect thing you've ever seen?" to each of them. i answer "she's all right, i guess." and then i whisper in their ears "i would die without you." it's true.

fifteen fill-ins | guest post by meg | whatever

fifteen fill-in-the-blanks by marvelous meg who documents life in a truly wonderful way on her blog, whatever. meg is a genuine artsy mama who blogs refreshingly truthful posts and photographs life as it speeds by. she kindly filled in the blanks while i'm off goofing around with my nephews, niece and my own little wild man.

:: no matter what mood i'm in, i can always go for a: chocolate chip cookie

:: my favorite go-to outfit would have to be: sadly....sweat pants and a hoodie...it's so cold here! 

:: a good source of inspiration is: flea markets...i love old junky stuff with chippy paint and seeing things in a new way 

:: am so glad my parents taught me: to be kind....compassionate....caring for others

:: a song i like to dance to is: PYT by michael jackson

:: i wish everyone knew about: charity: water

:: the best thing in my makeup bag is: MASCARA!

:: my dream spring break vacation spot is: st. john (mr. duerksen PLEEEEEASE take me back....i beg of you) 

:: this may be a surprise, but i am passionate about: beaver orchestras

:: a favorite book that changed me for the better: Crazy Love by frances chan

:: one of my pet peeves is: our elementary school parking lot 

:: my favorite daily ritual would have to be: coffee with half & half 

:: i am trying to be better at: patience with my children....being slow to anger & quick to listen

:: the most recent rad thing i found online was: this dwight schrute tee

:: i can't live without: mr. duerksen and my kiddos of course........and my camera!

fifteen fill-ins | guest post by liz | say yes to hoboken

fifteen fill-in-the-blanks by the crafty darling liz from say yes to hoboken. she is the type of blogger you wished lived next door. liz makes killer crafts, sews stylish clothes, has fantastic taste and thrifts like nobody's business. oh and she is obsessed with bows. which makes two of us. she kindly filled in the blanks while i try to talk my big sister into seeing that justin bieber movie while on vacay.

:: no matter what mood i'm in, i can always go for a: slice of just-out-of-the-oven homemade bread with fresh butter and a drizzle of honey

:: my favorite go-to outfit would have to be: skinny jeans, blazer, striped boat neck tee, bensimon sneakers 

:: a good source of inspiration is: a vintage second-hand store 

:: am so glad my parents taught me: to shop at thrift stores and eat my vegetables first

:: a song i like to dance to is: anything from the band Of Montreal

:: i wish everyone knew about: the Point Reyes hike along the cliffs just north of San Francisco. It feels like you're walking on the edge of the world

:: the best thing in my makeup bag is: MAC lipstick in 'Russian' Red

:: my dream spring break vacation spot is: Banff or Greece 

:: this may be a surprise, but i am passionate about: steep streets in San Francisco

:: a favorite book that changed me for the better: Mountains Beyond Mountains by Paul Farmer

:: one of my pet peeves is: showing up to a movie late 

:: my favorite daily ritual would have to be: a morning run in Golden Gate Park 

:: i am trying to be better at: riding a road bike. I'm horrible with gears.

:: the most recent rad thing i found online was: the most perfect brass bar earrings

:: i can't live without: Chicken McNuggets (don't judge)

fifteen fill-ins | guest post by ali edwards

fifteen fill-in-the-blanks by designer / scrapbooker / crafter super mom, ali edwards. ali documents the details and reminds me how lovely life is. she makes ordinary things extraordinary; cheerios in a bowl, going out for a run, designing up something new, crossing off a to-do list. she captures snapshots of homelife and shares her effortless creativity willingly; her website is filled to the brim with inspiration. ali kindly filled in the blanks (and officially kicks off my two week guest post series) while i run off into the arizona sunshine. 

:: no matter what mood i'm in, i can always go for: Sushi.

:: my favorite go-to outfit would have to be: Nice jeans, heels, tank, cropped jacket. 

:: a good source of inspiration is: Right now I’m really getting into flickr again. I go through phases with sites, magazines, etc. Right now it’s the images of people and places and things that are speaking to me most. 

:: am so glad my parents taught me: Man, so many things. I’ve actually been thinking a lot about this lately as I watch my parents navigate the point they are at in their lives. I think one of the biggest things they taught me is that people make it through stuff. My Mom is also really big on positive attitude – that has seeped into the marrow of my bones and I’ll be forever grateful for that.

:: a song i like to dance to is: Wacka Wacka (This Time For Africa) – this is the theme song from the last world cup

:: i wish everyone knew about: Gardening. It’s on my list for this year to learn more and to just dive in (not feel like I have to know everything before I begin). We moved into a house last summer that has an awesome yard and plenty of room for vegetables – that’s going to be my focus starting next month.

:: the best thing in my makeup bag is: Burts Bees Lip Balm.

:: my dream spring break vacation spot is: Somewhere tropical – would love to go somewhere new and really far away like Bora Bora or Fiji.

:: this may be a surprise, but i am passionate about: Saying no.

:: a favorite book that changed me for the better: Sabbath by Wayne Muller

:: one of my pet peeves is: Lateness. 

:: my favorite daily ritual would have to be: ilove when I sit down at my desk to begin my work day. I love the quiet. I love the possibility. I love crossing things off my list.

:: i am trying to be better at: Not buying things I don’t need – it’s a part of my an overall move towards living a full life with less stuff and more LIFE.

:: the most recent rad thing i found online was: I’m a big fan of Zen Habits and loved this recent article Make Time To Change Your Life.

:: i can't live without: Quiet. I crave it and make space for it.