Friday Inspirations - Rainboots and Umbrellas

My photography class that I've been taking for the past 8 weeks is over.  I'm sad... it was so informative and inspiring.  (Now I need to find a new one!) One of my favorite things about the class was viewing the examples and work of the instructor, and also the work of the other participants on Flickr. 

I always feel inspired by great work and am constantly putting together ideas in my mind. So along the same lines as Syke at Soulographer  I've decided to share some amazing work on Fridays that inspires me. 

The theme -- rainboots and umbrellas, which is very apropos based on the weather we've been having this week!

I love the ideas behind all these images and want to go out with Maddie and create some of my own.  Make sure you go check out the sites of all these very talented photographers!

(image credits: 1. genie leigh photography, 2. pretties and posies blog, 3. heather lynn photographie, 4. etsy)

Here is another fabulous, fabulous collage that someone made on Flickr -- love!  I don't have all the credits for it, but absolutely darling, right?!

I think we need to go buy some more rainboots :)!

One more collage of umbrellas...

(image credit: shannon sewell)

Well I sure feel inspired to go out in the rain now, how about you? 

What inspires you?

So Ready for Spring!

(images: 1. meadowbrook farm, 2. google, 3. a rosy note, 4. stonegable, 5. lemonade makin' mama)

We are so ready for some spring color around here and feel inspired by these images from some of my favorite blogs. Now we just need to get the sun to stick around for a bit!

Welcome Spring

Today I went for a walk and this is what I saw...

The cherry trees are in bloom!

I'm so glad it's spring!!

Fun St. Patrick's Day Ideas for Kids and Happy Birthday!

(Check out these fun craft, snack and treat ideas here from Jill Dubien!)

Wish I would have thought of these ahead of time... so cute!  I love the healthy-looking fruit rainbow!

Another fun collage...

(images: 1. google, 2. paradise, ut. - katie thatcher, 4. jill dubien, 5. google, 6. my delicious ambiguity)

Lastly, can't let a St. Patrick's Day get away without wishing the leprechaun in the family, a happy birthday! 

Happy Birthday, Bumpa!

Dreaming of Summer...

As I was going through some pictures from last year for my photography class I'm currently taking, I submitted this one and the instructor suggested I try it in black and white.  She was right, I like the effect.  With all the snow we've been having this week, this made me miss warm summer, walking in the waves out at the ocean, feeling the sand between my toes and watching the kids fully enjoy themselves. 

My challenge for now, is to fully enjoy the season we are currently in, because time goes by so quickly.  But this picture can help me remember and dream...

Random Happenings

Just a few pics of random happenings around here...

Valentine's Day is over, but the kids sure had fun!

Here's a picture I took for my photography assignment last week demonstrating depth of field, reflection and light-- a fun attempt!

On a Sunday late afternoon... this little miss is constantly stealing my boots, shoes, jewelry, etc. 

So funny!

And lastly, we've had snow!

Enough of it that school's been cancelled the past 2 1/2 days! 

(We love snow around here, but it's almost March, so we're kinda ready for Spring now! It would have been fun to have more of it during the Christmas break or in January, but the kids are having fun!)

(I think that hat was Tyler's when he was 3, and she took it out of the Goodwill box, and now has to wear it! :)

Best Romantic Movies

After seeing a cute Best Movie Kisses montage on youtube, I had to make a collage of my own favorites.

Can you guess all the movies??

(1. princess bride, 2. alias, 3. pride & prejudice, 4. sweet home alabama, 5. the saint, center: lady & the tramp, 7. anne of green gables, 8. emma, 9. chuck, 10. serendipity, 11. pride & prejudice, 12. ps i love you, 13. pirates of the caribbean)

(lrg. pic - confessions of a shopaholic, 1. serendipity, 2. pirates of the caribbean, 3. zac efron & ashley tisdale on the suite life of zach & cody, 4. only you, 5. the office, 6. sweet home alabama, 7. speed)

One more of the oldies but goodies. Enjoy!

(lrg. pic - an affair to remember, 1. casablanca, 2. breakfast at tiffany's, 3. it's a wonderful life)

Here's the cute Movie & TV Kisses montage. Can you guess all the movies?

Valentine's Day

What is Valentine's Day to you...?

(images: 2. webmamapapa, 3. flickr-mochatini, 4. etsy, 7. & 8. google)

(images: 1. family fun, 3. she knows, 4. & 5. google, 8. google images)

Ballet Girl

I know I've said it before but I really enjoy making collages as you can tell, and it really is an easy way to post a lot of pictures but not have it take too long.  This poor blog has been very neglected the past few weeks, so this is my quick way of posting something. 

Madeline is so cute to watch taking ballet.  She tries so hard and loves twirling. I wouldn't say she absolutely loves ballet class, because they work hard, but her favorite thing is dressing up for the dance recitals, wearing makeup and dancing in such pretty dresses.  These are some favorites from ballet class.  Below are a couple from her dance recitals the past couple years.  Hopefully more to come.

These were from her very first recital 2 years ago. 

She was so nervous, but did such a great job and we were so proud of her!

and this is from last year's recital performing to "On the Goodship, Lollypop".  It was just too cute to watch them!

Carefree Days of Kindergarten

I miss the carefree days of my kids in Kindergarten....

There was more excitement to go to school, to catch the bus in the morning. 

Coming home early in the day.

The extra time we had in the afternoon to play.

To go on spontaneous outings to take pictures and enjoy the outdoors. 

I miss all that time...

We don't get as much now. 

There's not a lot of time anymore to just play or run out somewhere to capture some great photos. 

Our days are filled with more homework,

rushed afternoons with some lessons,

and cranky mornings because she's so tired. 

It is definitely an adjustment getting used to 1st grade and going to school all day. 

Here are some of the moments I don't want to forget....

Photographer Highlight

(from wishful thinking photography FB page)

I know I've blogged about her before and you see some her beautiful pictures up on my header, but I wanted to highlight her blog again.  My fabulous photographer friend and mentor, Heidi Lawson is having some really great giveaways to celebrate her 1 yr. mark and I would love all she's offering!  Check out her site wishful thinking photography for everything!

(Heidi Lawson - Facebook)

We absolutely love all the recent pics she took of Tyler and Maddie!

To all my Utah family and friends... if you're interested in having her shoot some family pics for you, contact her here.  I know she goes down a couple times a year!

She has taught me a lot about photography and editing tips and has even let me join her on a few photo shoots -- what fun!!  We collaberated together in styling these tutu shoots and it was a blast!

(wishful thinking photography FB page)

Thanks Heidi for being a great friend and teacher and good luck this year with your business!

Now go check out all the great giveaways she has going on here!!

Warming up your Home for Winter

I know there are a LOT of great ideas out there in the creative world of blogland on this topic lately, but I've been putting this one together in my mind for the past few weeks.  It all started out with this incredibly soft blanket/throw we got for Christmas from Grandma and Bumpa LaPerle which now everyone in our household fights over!

I love decorating for Christmas and have a whole slew of pictures I took of our house all decked out for the holidays that I still need to post, but now the holidays are over and things are looking kind of bare and cold.  I thought I'd share a few ideas of ways to warm up your home for winter -- by using whites, layering, adding texture and incorporating greenery where you can.

(Source: Ideal Home UK)

People deal with the weather by throwing on extra layers of clothing. The same trick works around your home-add extra layers to your slipcovers, couches, chairs, tablecloths and beds.

(Source: Pottery Barn)

Mmm, makes me just want to cuddle up and read!

(Source: Country Living)

Set cozy, warm throws near chairs and sofa for not only a punch of pattern and color into the space, but they will also be close at hand to snuggle with. They are a wonderful addition to any reading nook, living room or bedroom.

(Source: Pottery Barn)

I love the warmth of velvets, chenilles and wool throws this time of year, since January is for cuddling up and staying warm.

 

(Source: Pottery Barn)

Throw warm afghans, quilts or down throws over chairs and sofas to invite cuddling. The layering of fabrics adds richness and texture to the room.

(Source: Pottery Barn)

(Source: West Elm)

Make a pillow cover out of an old sweater.  

(Source: Brassy Apple)

Check out this fun tutorial here!

That actually looks like a fun project!

With all the bright holiday colors put away, January is a good time to add more white.  I love the calm look of "winter whites". 

(Source: A Rosy Note)

What a calm look she has created here... Notice the layering on the dining table, and the blanket on the ladder. Simple but nice touches.  She also incorporates greenery in such a beautiful way.

(Source: A Rosy Note)

 I love the look of her room!

(Source: wadeblackmon)

(Source: Real Simple)

I also love the look of paperwhites but after numerous years of growing them inside, we just can't take their aroma anymore... the smell is always mistaken for dirty diapers!

I scored on an after Christmas clearance for these artificial paperwhites at Pottery Barn last year.  I love the look, and can now enjoy them without the pungent aroma.

(Source: Country Living)

Another beautiful way of adding some green to your decor by using hyacinths... now these do have a heavenly aroma and they have them already at Home Depot and Lowes.

These white amaryllis flowers I found at Target and are from my Christmas decor, but I decided to leave them out through January as well.

(Source: The Nesting Place)

Check out The Nesting Place for more great ideas on decorating your home after Christmas and adding more greenery into your decor.

So there you have it... my long post!  Layer everything, add yummy textured throws and pillows, throw in more accents of white in your decor, and bring in flowers and greenery to create a warm and calming feel to your home for winter.