“Photography records the gamut of feelings written on a human face, the beauty of the earth and skies that man has inherited, and the wealth and confusion man has created.  It is a major force in explaining man to man.”

~Edward Steichen

{view more wall art wednesday inspiration here}

A wall full of interesting frames and art, highlighted by lights overhead.  Make a few frames really stand out with these frame risers from Pottery Barn.  Awesome!

How fun to create a little nook in your closet or bookshelf, put wallpaper on the back wall and fill the shelves with photographs and cherished mementos…

{image via decor pad}

A super fun and easy way to display your photos!  Check out the tutorial here–I love all the colors!!

{image via digital photography school}

This eclectic mix of photographs and inspirational wall art just makes me happy!  Blend them together to create your own happy place–fill the wall with cherished photos and modern prints with sayings you love.  Some of my favorite prints can be found here, here and here.

{image via decor pad}

Simple, clean, love it!  Choose a color theme and then have two meaningful photographs framed and perched on your desk. What better way to work than to be able to look over at your photos?

{image via decor pad}

xoxo,

laura

1.  I am way behind on sneak peeks.  I am just completely slammed right now, so bear with me.   Upcoming sneakie peekies: a birth session, a darling newborn session, three cutie sisters (twins and a big sis!) and tons of others.  I’m busy working on galleries and orders right now but will post some soon!

2.  I want an ice cream maker.  Anyone have one they recommend?  Who knows if I would even use it, but the idea sounds awfully appealing–something fun to do.  We have a sort of problem with kitchen gadgets around here, though.  We have all of them and rarely use them.    I think the kids would have fun, though!  Well, at least for the one time we used it.  Hehe.

3.  I am in love with the creativity behind these shirts from Finley and Oliver.  Here are my two sweeties modeling the Louisiana tee (where Jackson was born) and the Arizona tee (Addie’s birthplace).  My fave part and the cherry on top is the darling little felt heart placed right at the city where they were born.  Grace will make any state! Doesn’t everyone need one for their little one?  Someone on Facebook mentioned that it would be good for the Texas/OU game.  How cute if you and your hubby love opposing sports teams!

4.  I found a class for Addison while Jack is in preschool.  It is called Little Jumpers and while the substitute teacher the first day was less than stellar with the kiddos, the permanent teacher that was there yesterday rocked.  I crack up, though, when I realize how very different and laid back I am now as a second time mom.  When I had Jack in classes, he was just like Addie and loved to run around and explore rather than sit and follow along.  I would dutifully go run after him and bring him back to circle time each and every time.  Now?  Well, she has a smile on her face and is happy.  Who am I do ruin that?   If she prefers checking out the ledge on the window over singing “Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes”, more power to her.  It really is quite calming knowing the only thing you care about it that they are happy, no matter what they are doing.

5.  I’m looking forward to a night with five awesome fellow photog chicks in a few weeks.  We are going to spend the night at the uber-rad Hotel Valley Ho, eat at Oreganos, maybe hit up a comedy club, snap lots of photos and just laugh.  These gals rock.  Such talent, silliness and awesomeness wrapped up into one.

6.  I love this print.  Kind of always been my motto.  I have a hard time not dreaming up the “next big thing”.  Love it.  What do you dream big about?

{image via stella + hodge}

7.  I want to start doing bento boxes for Jack’s snacks at school.  Have you heard of them?  Looks awesome, plus there are just so many fun things to buy for it!

8.  Jack’s imagination is in full swing right now.  Well, it has always been like that, but lately that is all we do.  Playing bookstore in his room, then library, complete with the check-out system.  Riding in a firetruck on the living room couch, going to work, braving the wild jungle of stuffed bears and monkeys.  Playing the bug man with a jump rope (the rope is the spray hose) and a bucket (the dispenser for the spray).  This is actually a tried and true fave of Jack and resurfaces each time the real exterminator comes to spray.  The list goes on and on. I love the imagination of a child.

9.   I’m pretty darn tickled over one of my images being in the August issue of Babytalk magazine.  I will be posting a photo of it later, so bear with me in my giddiness. 

10.  Hard to believe that five years ago this week, we were evacuated as a result of Hurricane Katrina, living in Baton Rouge in the house of a friend with around twenty other people.  Such strong memories still, such reminders of grief and change.  Those still affected–because, yes, people are still affected–are in my heart and thoughts today.  Always, really, but especially this week.  Five years, wow.

xoxo,

laura

“A photograph can be an instant of life captured for eternity that will never cease looking back at you.”

~Brigitte Bardot

More fun + fab {wall art wednesday} today!  Check more posts out here!

Your child’s photo as pop art!  What fun it brings to this room!!  This would look super cute with your doggie, too!  Here is a company to order through.

{image via decor pad}

Blocks of color, interesting photographs…awesome!!  IKEA has some frames that would work perfect, too, AND they are only $2.99!  Easy, peasy!!

{image via domino magazine}

This room is so peaceful, isn’t it?  I love when photographs are mixed in with graphic prints in frames.  This would be perfect for that!

{image via room remix}

This idea is awesome for a playroom or a children’s room!  These IKEA frames are so inexpensive and colorful that you can mix sizes and colors and include both your child’s artwork and photographs (hmmm…IKEA should start paying me I’m giving them so much love in this post!).  I’m thinking that photographs of your child with their friends would be particularly cute!  I did have Jackson’s artwork displayed in these on our playroom wall, but they didn’t stay up for long.    I love the idea of the ledge for them to just sit on, away from little hands.  It is my dream and on my to-do list to have a mini photo shoot with all of Jackson’s little buddies so I can adorn his walls with fun images of them all interacting and playing together!

{image via ikea}

and, this image has no photo wall display, but this is my blog, right?   I just adored this room too darn much not to share.  Something about it just caught my eye! What do you think?  Wouldn’t you love to head into dreamland in THIS room?!

{image via decor pad}

xoxo,

laura

“All the world is birthday cake, so take a piece, but not too much.”

~George Harrison

This little man was so full of life, and just the sweetest little thing.  We had a blast during his session!  Right when we started, it began to rain, so he had fun sticking his tongue out to taste the raindrops…

…then he delighted in jumping in the puddles…

…there was plenty of laughter and giggling…

…and we discovered we have an up-and-coming little TV star on our hands! 

…and eating of cake!!  Smash cakes aren’t just for 1st birthdays, you know!  I think all birthday sessions–whether for a one year old or an eighteen year old–should have one!!  Yum + Fun!!

{gorgeous smash cake from the fabulous Melissa of Decadent Delights}

Ahhh, turning four is so much fun!! 

Thanks so much for a super awesome session!  I just ADORED your clothing choices for your little man!!  I look forward to meeting the rest of the fam’ for your family session next month!  Yay!!

xoxo,

laura

“A laugh is a smile that bursts.”

~Mary H. Waldrip

I am a photo-proofing madwoman lately, but I just had to take time out to share a few of this absolute doll!  Ahh, I adore all ages, but there is just something so darn magical about a six month old…

Up next, more wedding images I have been hard at work on + several {designer love} posts!

{Turquoise flower beanie by the uber-talented Margaret of Three Yellow Starfish.  You will soon see more of the awesome designs from Three Yellow Starfish in an upcoming designer love post!}

{Rainbow leggings from the sweetie Mia of Dolce Vita Mia}

You know me, I am also a sucker for the “serious face”…:)

{Polka Dot headband + yummy orange and yellow leggings from Three Yellow Starfish!}

xoxo,

laura

Yay!  One of my photographs from the Alice in Wonderland photo shoot–styled by The TomKat Studio and featuring the talent of SO many fabulous artists–was a featured photo on the Martha Stewart Dreamers into Doers webpage!  SO fun and exciting that they loved it, too!  We had SUCH a blast at the shoot…don’t forget to check out my original blog post to see more of the shoot or visit The TomKat Studio blog!

xoxo,

laura

“But then, shall I never get any older than I am now? That’ll be a comfort, one way — never to be an old woman — but then — always to have lessons to learn!”

~Alice, Alice in Wonderland

Amazingness.  Not a word, I know, but when I think of this weekend’s Alice in Wonderland shoot, I just think to myself…amazingness.  Yep.    The past month was spent planning and organizing and dreaming of this shoot, and it was simply awesome to see it all come together.  So many incredibly talented designers and creative women were involved in this endeavor, and I want to thank each and every one of them.  I know you will love checking out their websites and blogs to learn more and to see more of their fabulous talent.

The tablescape was styled by the ultra-talented Kim of The TomKat Studio.  She did such an amazing job, don’t you think? She turned this dream tea party into a reality!!!    Clothing and hair accessories were beautifully styled by Grace of Finley and Oliver and Mia of Dolce Vita Mia, with hair styled by Traci Rogers and flowers beautifully done by Zuzu’s Petals.  They.all.rock!!!

So, without further ado, Alice welcomes you to her bright, fun, modern + chic Wonderland!

amazing vendors

Tablescape Styling | Kim, The TomKat Studio

Hair | Traci Rogers, Assistant Brittany Martin

Hair Accessories + fabric floral rings | Dolce Vita Mia

Floral Arrangements + some vases/accessories | Zuzu’s Petals

Some tablescape styling items | Kim of The TomKat Studio’s own collection, including items from Homegoods

Vintage Bottlecap Necklaces | Belle Chateau

Party Printables | The TomKat Studio

Styling + creation of Mad Hatter mustache ensemble + accessories | Grace, Finley and Oliver

Vintage birdcages + some styling accessories | Belle Chateau

Cupcakes + cookies | Decadent Delights

Hanging lanterns, white poms, polka dot plates, cups + napkins | Polka Dot Market

Rosette tanks + chiffon ruffle tanks | Finley + Oliver

Clothing:

Boutique Mia | Three floral tuxedo dresses

Classy Sassy Girls | turquoise ruffle dress

Lillipops | Vintage camera dress + leggings

Little Mave | Lavender bloomers

Pink Confetti Boutique | Polka Dot tea party ruffle dress with hair accessory

Suburban Stash | Mad Hatter jean skirt/tee/legging ensemble, suspender dress

Sweet Plume | Leading Lady peacock feather dress

Three Yellow Starfish | teal + black floral knot dress, ruffle bloomers

Tiny Belles Boutique | Tutus

Meet {rockin’ mama} Katie Hughes + her beautiful family.  Her fabulosity goes way beyond running her company, Vintage Rose Wraps. 

{Photo courtesy Phileo Photography}

When her friend Sharla contacted me to let me know about Katie and to recommend her for a {rockin’ mama} feature, I was instantly intrigued.  Her wraps are fun, colorful and so unique.

Don’t you agree?

{model photos © Little Wunders Photography}

When I visited the Vintage Rose Wraps website, what instantly stood out to me was the range of choices!  They are vintage with a bit of funky thrown in.  So lovely!  On a side note, East Valley locals, you can get your Vintage Rose Wrap fix at two local shops, It’s a Girl Thing Boutique and Designer Boulevard. 

{Photo © Phileo Photography}

Scroll down to read all about Katie, her companies (Yep!  She has TWO!) and what’s so special about her toes. 

Please tell us a little about your business and how you developed the concept for it?

I have always had the entrepreneurial bug!  As a child growing up, we had a family cottage industry and I learned to love the idea of using personal resources to create something you are proud of.  When I was newly married, I decided to start a little handwriting business that would grow to be a favorite little business venture of mine.  It combined two loves.  Artichokes and Ink. {www.artichokeink.com} and it still continues to be a fun little avenue to share some creativity and talent with brides, charitable organizations and companies from all over the world.

But because I already had a business in the works, I didn’t set out to make a business of Vintage Rose Wraps.  Actually—I happened upon it.  My sister had given me some headbands—I liked the concept and so did my friends.  We set out to make some of our own.  And from that—really things just sort of rolled from there.  I made a few and gave them as gifts, and it wasn’t too long before others wanted me to make them for themselves.  The rest has just sort of fallen into place.

With headbands all the rage these days, it makes sense to include these as a part one’s wardrobe because they are so easy and effortless—and they don’t hurt like a lot of the headbands out there do.  They’re just enough to make you feel young and hip—without going too far out on the “style” limb.

How did you choose your business name?

Honestly, it just popped into my mind one day—and after thinking about it, I just knew it was perfect.

What makes your business so fab and awesome?

I think one thing that makes these headbands so fun is that they appeal to women, teens, and children.  With all the style pulls out there—I think everyone is looking for something that makes them feel good on the inside and out.  My favorite thing that people tell me is how they feel when they wear them.  And that makes selling them “fab” and “awesome”.

How many sweeties do you have and what are their ages?

I have 4 AWESOME kids:  3 girls and 1 boy, ranging in ages from 10 to 21 months.

How do you make sure that you are a rockin’ mama to your kiddos while still running your own business?

In all honesty, keeping everything together at home while having a business has been the hardest thing I’ve ever done.  There is a balance that I strive to attain—and sometimes life is a little out of balance with home and family while I’m focusing on certain parts of the business.  I try and make up for it while giving full focus and quality time with my kids when I am able.  I try and be present in their lives—when they come home from school or during family meal times.  I try and seek opportunities for teaching them things I want them to know—in the car driving carpools or at bedtime.  And we set aside time every week to work together and play together as a family.

But really the unsung hero in all of this is my loving and patient husband who is so supportive and picks up where I am lacking.  He is an incredible man and has a keen ability to sense when I need some extra support.  He’s often told me how much satisfaction he finds in me using my talents—so I think that is why he is so willing to love and support me with our children when I am lacking.

What is your biggest challenge as a work-at-home mama?

TIME.  Finding time that doesn’t take away from the quality time I mentioned.  I try and wake up early, work during naptime, or after the kids go to bed.

Do you have a website/shop/boutique?

YES!  I am very excited about my new website that opened a couple of weeks ago!

www.vintagerosewraps.com

Also, I have a blog that I’ve used since the beginning—which was about this time last year.

www.vintagerosewraps.blogspot.com

If you could jet away on a vacation tomorrow, where would you go and why?

My husband and I really want to go to New England during autumn time.  We’ve talked about it our whole married life, and we can’t wait until we actually do it.

What is something that people probably don’t know about you?

I have “magical” thumbs!  They actually look like toes, but they’re God-given thumbs that have been passed down through my family lines.  Whenever anyone asks how I’m able to do something I just tell them, “It’s in the magic of my thumbs!”

Thanks so much, Katie!  You rock! 

xoxo,

laura

The theme this week at I Heart Faces is “Yellow”, and while the yellow is a bit subtle in this photo, I love that about it.   This was taken in the middle of the most beautiful yellow wildflowers, and I just could get lost in her eyes. 

xoxo,

laura

**To go to our Father’s Day giveaway post, click here!*

Meet Laura Page, mama to three adorable kiddos + owner of Prissy Designs, home of the All-In-One Diaper Clutch.

Told ya they were cutie patooties! 

Check out her cute products, too!

Please tell us a little about your business and how you developed the concept for it?

I created my all-in-one diaper clutch after looking around for a diaper bag that I could use just for the essentials on quick trips.  I really never wanted to carry anything that looked like a diaper bag so I wanted something that looked like a purse.  I wanted the bag to have everything I needed as well as a space for changing and also easy to care for.  After no luck finding something that I like I pull out a pen and manila folder and created my first pattern which I still use today.  The all-in-one Diaper Clutch was born.  My diaper clutch has a key ring for Key and an ID holder for ID/debit card.  It fits a couple diapers and wipes but also comes with a changing pad made out of soft fleece that is attached to the bag it is also completely machine washable!

How did you choose your business name?

I tried to find a name that wouldn’t limit me to one particular product just in case I wanted to venture into other things.  I decided on Prissy Designs, Prissy was the name of my first cat when I was 6 years old. 

What makes your business so fab and awesome?

I love my product and I am very proud to say that I designed, patented and all of the clutches are handmade.  I love that my son is so interested in what I am doing and I always tell him that if there is something that you want to do succeed or fail never be afraid to try.

How many sweeties do you have and what are their ages?

I have three children which keep me busy at all times.    Hunter 8, Laynee 3, Mya almost 2.

How do you make sure that you are a rockin’ mama to your kiddos while still running your own business?

I am not going to lie it is hard to balance sometimes we always make time for weekend activities such as movie night, game night, The Zoo or small roadtrips.  I keep myself available for them at all times.  I am very luck to have a supportive husband that is willing to help out whenever I need to sew or have business errands to run. In the end they always come first.

What is your biggest challenge as a work-at-home mama?

Well I am still learning how to balance everything.  Currently I work full time 5 days a week, I come home to take care of the kiddos, after they go to bed is when I try to take care of as much business things as I can before I need to get ready for the next day.  A lot of tired days.

Do you have a website/shop/boutique?

www.prissydesigns.com

If you could jet away on a vacation tomorrow, where would you go and why?

I would hop on a plane with my family and go to Hawaii!  Somewhere I have always wanted to go I love the beach and I think we would all have a blast.

What is something that people probably don’t know about you?

You know I don’t think there is really anything anyone doesn’t know about me.    I am fairly open.  If I ever do anything dumb and embarrassing I am usually the first to laugh and tell people.

Thanks so much, Laura!  If you want to snag one of Laura’s awesome All-in-One Diaper clutches for yourself or gift, enter mama10 at checkout for 10% off through May 31st!