Five things.

whew! i haven't done a five things post in such a long time! so i think it's time again. my first favorite lately are these fabulous Christmas cards from WHCC! 

i wanted to do something a little softer and cute this year, so a fun cut and texture! click on the first picture to see the art linen paper i chose. i did the design after i did one similar for a friend! that's right.. i took a design i liked from.. myself. The best part is brandon really liked them too. i call that a win. 

i love using this company for almost everything! these are a little more costly, but your choice of a fun cut, paper, and super fast delivery. i had to try it this year for cards. i ordered more two days ago, and they just got here!

my birthday was november 15,  i asked for a lovely Kelly Moore bag this year! i have a great equipment bag that is usually my carry on, but i wanted something to fit ipad, laptop and extra stuff i can have with me below the airplane seat. this bag was perfect! i think i'm done with camera bags... shoot sac. pelican case. backpack and now this beauty. yes. i'm in love.  The Kelly Moore Libby bag

if you're good at stalking me, you might know that i'm not usually a hot coffee drinker, although i'm trying! my new keurig is amazing and used everyday! hot chocolate or otherwise. i do admit, a friend showed me these starbucks packets, and make for a yummy cold coffee. and easy! caramel is the best, and the best part.. there are only 6 packets in each, but i can use one packet three or four days. target. walmart. thank you.

okay so while working from home, my whole life has become coffee related. i feel so grown up. and suddenly.. so much more unhealthy. unhealthy, with more energy! my mom recently visited and showed me this creamer to add to coffee. i've been putting just my rice dream in mine, never bought creamer. and now, i'm hooked. so if you're looking for something new.. try this! it adds to hot chocolate too. drooool. almond joy international delight.

the last is a small gift idea. so last year, i couldn't help but buy plane cufflinks for brandon. and this year, i found these fantastic cufflinks made from a football IN a steelers game. i actually saw baseball ones first, and i think they're way cuter but the steelers fan he is, i went with these! you can find any from a team your man likes, and some official document that says it's real. either way, they're cool. Etsy!

 CRAZY AWESOME NEWS. December 2nd is the one year anniversary of this blog. anything you want to hear, see, learn about or have me ramble about? i'm pretty good at rambling... 

Happy holidays! 

Five Things.

In one of my past not too distant five things post, i mentioned some books i'm reading. on a journey to try to choose to read uplifting material for a while instead i've strayed away from those books and stuck to some other kinds. However, those are still fun books! i mentioned how i've been finding all my new reads at savers. i've been reading about five different books, about a chapter from each since most are small devotionals. I want to start my day out right, so that my work is starting every morning with a fresh and positive outlook! (i mean who doesn't their photographer editing their photos while they're happy?!) I've come across a few that have been just okay, and then this one. "Promises of Hope for Women." 

what i like is, short but meaningful chapters that encourage me everyday. although i admit, i picked it up for the look of it.. judging its book by its cover.. whoops! 

I realized i haven't shared a song i think is nothing less than beautiful. It's one that i can repeat over and over and whether i'm in a happy or sad place, it'll get emotions flowing. Hit play and listen while you're reading through the rest of the post.. PERFECT.

A product i have been looking for, finally found! i spend most of days that i have less stuff to edit doing research. Whether it be to better my business plans, better my editing, or finding new products and places to find inspiration, i came across the frames i was looking for! I had some available similar to this for a while, but only came in baby colors. and now TONS of colors. 50-some! The Organic Bloom has some beautiful products, and if you're wanting one (or a few!) let me know! they're now available. 

(polkadot umbrella photography!) 

Another fun product i've been looking for is a folded Luxe card for Christmas cards, birth announcements, and engagements too! or even a flat card! 

ask me about this new product, the folded card starts at $60 for 30 cards, with envelopes and including the design too. love these! 

Or if you want the flat luxe cards, you can do these starting at $52 for 30, double sided, including envelopes too. 

i adore these products, making a card (Christmas is right around the corner..) a little more fun! 

(photos from Miller's Lab) 

I'd love to hear from you and maybe some products you'd like to see. Comment below and share some fun things you've seen other places. 

I'd also love to hear how you stay encouraged every morning before work, i'm guessing lots of coffee is sometimes involved :) Do you find times to read before you start your day? Another might be working out.. i do this mid day.. there's no way results would happen for me in the morning. 

I hope you're having a wonderful day, it's the weekend! 

Five Things- fun, sun, love.

Wow i haven't written a personal post in a while, so if you like reading them, leave me some love so i know not to rid of these!

Last time i was in Minnesota i didn't get a lot of time to post, but i'm sitting here and decided i have a little time to share some fun things with you!

i haven't shared a video in a while, and this recently was sent to me to an amazing college friend of mine shelly. and i mean.. how can i NOT share this? embrace it, it's wonderful.

Last time i visited this wonderful state, i had some time to head to a few thrift shops, Unique Thrift being my favorite right now. I ended up picking up 3 new books, and some repeats to pass out. i finished them and really thought they were fantastic! i might have gone overboard today and bought five more. whoops. I found two more by the author i really enjoyed so i'm hoping for some more good finds! (umm and all for 9 dollars? yes please.) I really loved the writing style of Emily Giffin so i'm going to be buying more of her books! The first recommendation is called "Love the One You're With." i actually have a terrible habit of judging a book by it's cover first and then yes i do read what it's about. this was sitting on Rachelle's shelf and i had to pick it up. it was a perfect pool time read so i don't get too bored... in fact be careful. i got terribly burned after three hours of reading + tanning. It's actually a sad story line, but you get sucked into the characters! loved. if you've read it let me know what you think

Maybe before you relax by the pool, you should start up a sweat. i found a new pair of yoga shorts that I have to say, i'm obsessed with. if you want to feel cute while working out (be aware i do this is in comfort of my own home) so while lifting i can stare in the mirror and i don't look crazy... well.. to other people. comfortable and good fit, and i think i work out way longer if i feel good about myself! so check out the shortie from Victoria's Secret. however mine are pink and the script is different. And it's late, and today they're my pajamas and yes i'm wearing them as i write this post. try 'em on!

  I don't know about you guys, but i go on kicks on what i like to snack on. Lately water just hasn't been enough for quenching my thirst so i found pink lemonade crystal light for pitchers. This saves me having to mix every time and also gets me tons of water, with little calories. YUM.

 I thought i'd look through my "run" and "workout" playlist and give a few suggestions to add to yours!

1- Hello By Martin Solveig & Dragonette

2- We No Speak Americano- Yolanda Be Cool & DCup  (this one i play to bug brandon too ha)

3- Call Me Maybe- Carly Rae (yes i love this song. don't judge me)

4- We found love- Rihanna

The last two might be cliche, but they pump me up. Also if you've been around me at all, you'll know i get stuck on songs over and again until i can't handle them. Which is usually weeks. It's been known to annoy people. BUT i workout better when i find songs like that.

What are some of your favorite songs right now to workout to?

Already enjoying my time here in Minnesota! get ready for more photoshoots this week!

five things.

Ever since i saw that Mates of State were doing another video, i've been anxiously awaiting! here it is! one of my favorite songs from their newest album, song "Unless I'm Led." was reading a little about it, it's all one take, no edits. that's right, they're just that awesome. 

Found a new fun creative website of party ideas! It isn't necessarily just for weddings, but lots of the details could be used for weddings too! click on the cute image below to go to Kara's Party Ideas.  

 as some of you might know, my last day of working for the chapel is this wednesday. More than anything it's going to be a good new adventure for me. It's been on my heart for a bit that i need to put Brandon first, before my job. we have a good marriage, but we have so many things we aren't able to do because of work schedules. It's both exciting and scary! I'm going full on my own, and will be traveling to Minnesota quite a bit this summer. (so if you want some photos, let me know! i have a few spots left) I am going to miss my coworkers. i've learned so much from the chapel. Starting there i thought i was good, and really wasn't much more i could learn.. i was WAY off. i still have tons of learn, but with the help of all the photographers, i know my camera. aside from all the basics, i feel like i've gotten some great advice too. and adopted some poses, compositions, and styles from most everyone. so here's a shout out to my chapel peeps! 

What leaving made me realize though is another thing i've been putting aside is friends. By the time the weekend is here (sunday.) i'm exhausted. I got home last night at 1:30, on my day off i'm resting, cleaning, cooking, and i never feel i have time for friends. BUT the other day, Brandon invited a few people over, and it was amazing. It made me feel like i'm doing what i should be. i thrive being around other people, energize, and feel loved. Tonya and Angel came over too. we might have had pool competitions, and then a bonfire. which leads me to one of my favorite things this week. Friends. it's one of my goals after leaving to put friends on my priority list. 

so keep me accountable my las vegas friends. Come over swim, BBQ, make go out for a hike, and then end off with a perfect night like this. friends hanging out and yes.. makes 'smores. 

 If you're getting married soon, one of the smaller detail is finding a song for you and your fiance to have your first dance to. I actually struggled with this myself. Finally, Brandon suggested a song that meant a lot to the both of us. "The adventure" by Angels and Airwaves. it's still one of my favorite songs of all time, and i always thought i'd love to have that at my wedding.. so when he suggested it... it was just one more confirmation of how awesome he was. (i already knew.. but still!) i told you i'd show a few photos of our wedding, this is just us first slow dancing to our first song, and then busting a move. 

so my advice.. choose a song that has meaning. it doesn't have to necessarily be a slow song. It might describe your relationship even! Obviously for us talking about adventures was perfect. your big day is going to fly by, and one of the best memories you can have is "i had such a fun time!" 

 one more! you might also be thinking of flowers for your mom for your big day, and i saw this cute idea. maybe get some flowers to attach to her clutch! a great idea so you don't have to worry about where to pin, or if it'll fly off during all that dancing! 

maybe something a little cuter for her wrist too? 

or maybe even one that matches her outfit, and looks a little more like a bracelet, and something she can keep! just a few ideas to think about when getting those extra details! 

if you skipped over the video, you probably should watch it. why not? great music, beautiful Kori. thoughts on a first dance song or even flowers for your mom!? 

Five Things.

First is a place i go for inspiration. I used to stalk these photographers in college, and i started again. today. i love them, such interesting stuff! and i could keep looking at all their great work. 

Lemon Lime Photography

Design for your save the dates/ wedding invitation. This invitation is from a couple that i LOVE. i had the opportunity to take their engagement photos.. check out the full post here, or head over to my portfolio. Paige and Aaron are people i've bragged on before! She had a designer help her with her invitations, and i'm so proud to have photos of mine showed off in such a great design.. not to mention beautiful paper! slightly shimmered. I erased one section of where it's taking place, but it was a perfect fit, and wanted to share that maybe have someone design an invite, with your engagement photos! is a great peek into the wedding, whether it be colors, or design scheme. Definitely think about having personal invites made. i'm loving it! 

To check out all of her work, check out Graphics by K8

front of the invitation, and you can see the back with directions and extra details! 

discovered this treat bar and can't believe i hadn't heard of it before! would definitely be something i'd think about. A mashed potato bar. could be served as appetizer if not having a full meal. Could be served later when people start getting hungry again (i had sandwiches) or just throughout the night. So filling, so delicious! 

serve in martini glasses, these have become growingly popular! There are lots of sides that could be added. 

Guests apply toppings themselves to create their own mashtinis.

you might include: 

bacon
cheese
sour cream
ham
broccoli
salsa
red peppers

The options are endless!

You can also have themed mashtinis. 

If you don't want to have a mashed potato bar at the wedding, maybe the rehearsal dinner or a wedding shower! i'm definitely a fan. 

 NEXT!- size matters. that's right, print size, canvas size prints. Before i started at the chapel, and really started shooting, anything over 8x10 seemed huge. the more i snoop around, and see these beautiful images, the more i realize an 8x10 doesn't do it justice. here's a small example of a photographer who ordered one 8x10 and then a 20x30, maybe not the best photo, but you can see how much more of an impact the larger print is going to have. If you have an image you LOVE, why not make it a little bigger than the rest of the photos around the house? it's a great art piece, takes up space to add a simple affect, and catches the eye of your guests, not to mention a way for you to enjoy something you love. oh yeah.. and you can actually see it. 

pick a few favorite images, and think about making them bigger! these two are above a smaller couch and look what a difference it makes! i showed you one not long ago.. here it is again.. a photo i've loved for a while. don't have the funds for a canvas size this big, think about doing a print with a tougher backing, not expensive and makes such a beautiful piece! 

ours isn't quite as bit as the above photo, we might do a bigger canvas at some point, we just needed this photo.. and BIG! 

If you want something completely different still, and have a funky.. yes i said it.. funky fun style, you might want to try something like this for shoes! I've seen a pair with a similar idea at the chapel. A girl wasn't comfortable in high heels, but her mom wanted heels. so they opted for something like this.. and they made sure it was all bling with rhinestones. if your feet are going to be hidden, that's fine, but always think.. photographers love details.. shoes is definitely one of them. they make me smile and giggle too.. they're fun! and could be something you and your mom or a close friend could make together. these are on etsy. 

Dang this five things post is a little longer than usual. just was excited about all of these things! hope you're all having a wonderful day!