Hearing about the blind date that ended in these two finding happiness warmed my heart over the weekend.  Fall engagement sessions are my favorite.  This taken at St. John's University is just the tip of the iceberg.

Looking to book your photo session this fall?  I'll wear my wool socks and hit the trails with you!

Congrats!

Our little Ollie has gone "Owlie" this Halloween an I am incredibly thrilled with how his costume turned out.  With nothing more than his little person to trace for the pattern – I guess you could say we "winged" it.

Materials for this one were all things "scrap."

Here'e the run down:

Owl Wings - fleece + felt + random printed fabrics + elastic - Savers/Joann - $25
Hat - fleece + more fleece + felt + a teensy bit of stuffing - Savers/Joann - $5
Owl Tummy - furry fleece + jersey/sweatshirt material + elastic - Savers/Joann - $5
Owl Feet - fabric + felt + elastic - Scraps

Overall you could make this costume completely for free.  I thought the wings would look extra cute by purchasing a few 1/4 yard cuts of fancy fabrics and it was completely worth it.

Total time invested in this costume = 4 hours.  The best news?  Because of how the wings are made they can be used for YEARS in the costume bin.

Inspired?  Hope so!  Go completely HOOTY this Halloween and think OWL!

​ - Jen

I am in LOVE with Axel's idea for Halloween this year.  I know it's only a matter of time before he requires dripping blood and a chain saw.

Inspired by his love of all things animal – he wanted to be something that could coordinate with our dog.  While we're saving the big "bee reveal" for later in the month, Axel will be partnering as a Bee Keeper straight outta Savers...and the woods. 

Pants - Cords - Savers - $4.99
Shirt - Button Up White - Savers - $2.99
Gloves - Gardening Gloves - Gift - $?
Hat - Spray-painted "old lady" hat + Mesh - Savers/Joann - $4.25
Bow Tie - Handmade from Scraps and Hot Glue - FREE
Bees - Pom Poms + Hot Glue + Mesh - Joann - $3.00
Bucket - Antique Metal + Yellow Paint - FOUND in the woods last summer

There you have it.  Thrifty nifty natural.  Inspired?  Imitation is the #1 form of flattery.  Take Axel's idea and RUN!

Stay tuned for Oliver's big reveal in the next few days!

​ - Jen

We spent last weekend in Duluth.  Not exactly the North Shore that Jahred and I prefer, but it's the closest spot to "throw rocks in the big pond" – which is exactly what the kids enjoy most.

Who brings their swim trunks to Duluth?  Not us!  That lake is WAAAAAY to cold – at least that's what we thought.  Rock after rock the kids ultimately submerged in the crystal clear shallows – holding their jeans on with one hand and tossing "skippers" with the other.

For the first time we brought Oscar who experienced happiness for the first time in a long time. Can't get enough of this picture I took of him (see below).  Bringing a dog on vacation was the most memorable part of September – the kids walked around with him on a leash like he was some sort of celebrity.

Simple.  Life.  Autumn.

And it's like summer never happened.  The sky is nodding in agreement that September is here and once again we must cast our children into the unknown – with the hopes of reeling them back in a little wiser and with a greater sense of self.

Each day is a test when you're a child.  Can you adapt?  Can you manage a new routine?  Will you be liked, appreciated, acknowledged, fulfilled, challenged, understood – are you a survivor?

In America we coddle and protect, we meddle and hover and yet each fall our children journey to a world where we don't belong and have grown up too much to understand.  Finding your way among peers is like a voyage to the land where the wild things live – you hope your littles can tame the beasts and be home in time for supper.

I'm all in this year.  5 days of school for 2 boys.  Lunches, gym shoes, folders and back-up undies. How do modern kids capture their first day?  With selfies of course.  Oliver insisted on self documentation.  Luckily I was able to snap a few during the 20 minute exodus to the van.  

"Look Axel – a T-REX," that kid has yet to give me a decent pic on the first try.  Don't grow up too fast little men.

 - Mom

Such a fun summer it has been with weddings and SHOWERS.  Both of my brothers are getting hitched this year - I've been honored to be named the "Matron of Honor" for BOTH!  

Look at me - the lucky sister-less gal who is smack dab in the middle of two very different and very unique weddings.

My latest gig as hostess-with-the-mostest was to celebrate Beth who is taking on the challenge that is my brother Andy (I mean that sweetly).   Beth and Andy (but mostly Beth) are creating the most fabulous Art Deco wedding that would rival even the Great Gatsby.

Attempting to chic up the the art deco style - to put my own flowery twist on things - here is what I came up with.

To make your own Deco Chic favors here's what you'll need:
 - Berry Cartons (available on Amazon and other online retailers)
 - Fancy Soap (available at local boutiques, farmers markets...or Marshalls)
 - Nail Polish (available everywhere)
 - Cello Bags
 - Ribbon/Fabric/Twisters/Rubber Bands - any type of closure

I made these signs with Photoshop in under 3 minutes.  If you're in the market for a "deco chic" party -  copy away - imitation is the #1 form of flattery.  Throw them in a wall frame for a totally polished look.

Here are the fonts:
Metropolis 1920
Orator Std

Happy showering!

 - Jen