GIVEAWAY TIME

I love giveaways...I mean really who doesn't?!  I also love wreaths, so I decided to team up with the very talented Lisa Martin at Just a little Okie Flair. Check out her FB page here https://www.facebook.com/OkieFlair.

Lisa's work is absolutely amazing and she can do any custom order. 

Here is the wreath posted on my FB page today.

Head on over to my page at https://www.facebook.com/BGracefulPhotography and Lisa's page at 

 https://www.facebook.com/OkieFlair and like them, then like, share and comment on the giveaway post. 

So easy! Good luck!

xoxo, 

Ashley

Project playroom

I love to decorate and organize. DIY projects are my favorite. During the winter months, which are my slow times as a photographer, I like to make my house look pretty.  We recently moved, so I thought this was the perfect opportunity to start some projects.

The first room I wanted to conquer was the playroom. I wanted a space that my daughter and her friends could play in, and that would also be a total blast. I also wanted this space to look pretty and be organized. I know it's not always going to stay pretty and organized, but a girl can dream, right?

Before putting her toys in the room we painted. I meant to take a before picture, but totally forgot. It was blue before and we painted it this color which is Benjamin Moore's revere pewter. It's a very versatile color.


This table is used a lot in the playroom. Arts and crafts, tea parties, legos, you name it. I ordered this from Ikea online for $20. Seriously the best $20 ever spent. I got this with the intention of painting, which I still may do. Maybe our next snow day project.

 I love these cube organizers. Lots of storage and in an effort to be organized, I labeled everything.  I know your probably thinking why on earth did you label the bins, because it's not like a two year old can read, but it made me feel organized and it really does help with cleanup time.

 Of course the beautiful baby grand piano had to be in the playroom. We got her this for Christmas and she loves it. It's pretty much the cutest thing I've ever seen, except B of course.

Her kitchen and my art! This may be my favorite part of the room. The kitchen is half homemade. My husband hand made the stove/sink last year. He had every intention of making a fridge to go with it, but it was a little more time consuming than he realized. So, we bought the fridge at pottery barn. I think it matches pretty well.  The old frames I found at a garage sale and then I printed some of my favorite images from last year to display.  I love the way it all came together. It just makes me smile and who doesn't need a good smile daily?!

 Another picture mom? Really?

 The chalkboard and felt board. I would still like to frame the chalkboard, but I'll get to that one of these days. Works just fine for now. The felt board is a picture frame without the glass. I just inserted felt and then cut out felt dinosaurs, people and shapes.

 Here is B and "her dog" Edie. Edie is our 9 year old Schnauzer that my husband and I got when we moved into our first house. She has been the best dog and basically lets B do whatever she wants to her. I heart my girls.

 There still may be a few things I do to this room, but over all I'm pleased with how it turned out. B loves it and that's what's most important.

I hope you've enjoyed this little glimpse into my life and our play space!

Ashley

After Christmas blues

I always seem to get a case of the blues after Christmas....all the anticipation and preparation is over way too soon. Here are a few tips that get me through the days after the holiday cheer is long gone. 

1. Compile Memories 
Take all the pictures you have still hanging out on your camera from the holidays and put them on your computer. Look back and reminisce on those fun times. Start a scrapbook or make a photo book. You will be amazed at the sense of accomplishment and the years of enjoyment you'll get from this project.  You may even score some awesome after holiday sales. 



2. Give to others
One of the best things you can do for yourself is to do something kind for others. Take your neighbor, best friend, mother, sister lunch or dinner for no reason other than to just be nice. Reach out a hand for someone you know is in need. Helping others is a great way to feel a sense of worth when your feeling down. 


4. Exercise 
The holidays are a time to eat, drink and be merry, but when the holidays are over it's hard to be merry when you've gained five pounds. So, get to exercising. Even if you haven't gained weight, you will feel more energized and better about yourself. Research on anxiety, depression and exercise shows that the psychological and physical benefits of exercise can also help reduce anxiety and improve mood. 



5. Take time for yourself
Once you have organized all your photos from the holidays, took your mom dinner, helped a neighbor in need and started exercising your probably going to need some down time. Go shopping, take a hot bath, get a mani and pedi.  Don't neglect yourself a minute longer. You won't regret it. 

and last, but not least......

6. Book a spring photo session
Spring is one of my favorite things to look forward to after the holidays.  Booking a family session will give you something to prepare for and get excited about. Picking the right outfits, colors, and location for your family will take your mind of the holidays and help you look forward on the fun times ahead. 

 Here's one of my Spring sessions from 2013. Hope your getting excited to book yours.

This beautiful family will have a new addition this year, so I'll be seeing a lot more of them.  Ekkk! So exciting!

Ashley