Woot, woot!!  The winner of the fabulous, oh-so-adorable swing dress giveaway from designer Butterflies & Bees is, as chosen by random.org………………….

….comment #7 from Callie: “Butterflies and Bees are now a fave on etsy.”

Congratulations, Callie, and a HUGE thank you to everyone who entered!!  You all rock!!!!

Cassi, please contact designer Shelley through her Butterflies and Bees etsy page.

Shelley, thank you OH so much for this fab giveaway!!  We LOVE your clothing!!

xoxo,

laura

“Don’t wait to make your son a great man – make him a great boy.”

~Author Unknown

My Jackson is on the verge of four.  No.way.  He still has two more months left of being a three year old, and I am holding on to those two months tight.  My sweet firstborn has quickly passed his baby days and is becoming such a boy.  It brings tears to my eyes when I think of how fast I feel he went from being a year and a half (when we found out we were expecting his sister) to celebrating his third birthday.  Really.  Where did two go?  It was a whirlwind of being pregnant–the sickness, the worries, the preparing, the anticipation, then a blur of those delicious yet sleep-deprived newborn months, all the while running a business.  It was an adjustment, but one that I didn’t even have time to realize we were making.  Some days I was sad for Jack that it wasn’t just days of mommy and Jack, other days I was delighted that he now had a sibling so close in age.  Some days were pure bliss–playing, giggling, learning, enjoying.  Other days were spent frustrated and wondering if it was just the age or was it because he has to share the attention now?  During that time, Jackson became extremely anti-camera.  Yet another stage, but my mommy and photographer’s heart sunk each time he would run the other way.  I longed to have images of my sweet boy.   It was no better when someone else photographed him.  Man, you should have seen our family photos last year.  You haven’t seen them?  That’s because they weren’t really “family” photographs.  A certain three year old was conspicuously absent in almost all of them.  Last week, my sweet Jackson made my heart sing.  He not only let me photograph him, but he actually enjoyed it.  We had fun “exploring” and spending a few quiet moments checking out some chickens and other fun finds.  He is so many things, my dear boy.   Above all, curious.  Kind.  Spirited.  Pensive.  Loud.  A doting big brother.  A master imitator.  Funny.  Lover of his “comfs” (comfy pants).  Inquisitive.  Rowdy.  Ahhh, my sweet, slow down.  Please don’t grow up on me too fast. Thank you for these quiet moments together.  Though we talked, so much was said in the silence…

i love you more than all the stars in the sky,

mommy

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

“Photograph:  a picture painted by the sun without instruction in art. ”

~Ambrose Bierce

*Sigh*  My head is always swimming with new and interesting ideas of how I can display the thousands of photographs that I have of my children and family.  Yep, I have taken thousands (millions?!), but there are always those cherished ones that really hit you and you think, “I need to hang this!”.   Alternatively, you hire a custom photographer and invest in gorgeous canvas or print wall art…then, what do you do with them?  Here is a little inspiration to get you dreaming and planning…love these!!  Think beyond an album, beyond the photos on the computer, beyond the desk prints and go big!  It really does make a huge impact.  I have a wall of nine 20×20 frames matted to 12×12 on a large wall in my office (I will have to photograph it and share one of these days…).  I cannot tell you how happy it makes me to see the smiles of my children displayed so prominently.

Like this one…you would probably never, ever think to go quite this big, but how could you ever be in a bad mood when you were in this room, looking at these smiling faces?!   Just looking at this makes me grin!

{image via apartment therapy}

I love the simplicity and symmetry of this display…

{image via desire to inspire}

This display is just so personal in that it combines photos of your children with framed pieces of their art.  The colors pretty much rock, too.

{image via real simple}

{Do you have a fun wall display?  Share it with us! Email me over a pic!}

{image via domino magazine}

Ummm, yep.  I seriously would do this!  What a statement!!  No need to say more, it speaks for itself, don’t you think?

{image via pewter and sage}

Send your wall display photos to me–big or small, black + white or color…we want to see them!  Inspire us! 

xoxo,

laura

“He opened the jar of pickles when no one else could. He was the only one in the house who wasn’t afraid to go into the basement by himself. He cut himself shaving, but no one kissed it or got excited about it. It was understood when it rained, he got the car and brought it around to the door. When anyone was sick, he went out to get the prescription filled. He took lots of pictures … but he was never in them.”

~ Erma Bombeck

Happy Father’s Day to all the awesome dadas, daddies, pops, fathers and dads out there! 

Thank you to the amazingly talented designer behind Sophia Pip for generously giving away one of her stunning Papa Tags to one lucky winner!  You rock!!!  Check out the endless amount of goodies in her shop–you will fall in love!! One of my favorite things about Sophia Pip is that she donates a portion of each and every sale to charity.  How awesome is that?!  It is a win-win!!

Love, love!!

Thank you to all who entered!

The lucky winner of the custom Papa Tag, chosen by random.org is….

Comment #46 Shannon Grasso!!

Congratulations, Shannon!  Yahoo!!

Thank you again to Sophia Pip!  Be sure to check out her shop–here are some more of my faves!

The Sterling Silver Stack rings…

The 3/4 Anniversary Ring…

and the Cherry Blossom Bangles…

Head on over (+ fan Sophia Pip on Facebook, too!) to her shop, mention that you found her through LWP and receive free shipping on your order through June 5th!

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!

Meet Jen Ray.  Owner of Hair by Jen + {rockin’ mama} to two fab kiddos.

Six month old Mack…

and almost-three year old Katelyn

Learn all about Jen + her super-fun fam’ in her interview below!

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

I am a  hair stylist. I work from my home & also travel to my clients homes in special cases. I.e. servicing multiple family members hair.

I decided to go into Cosmetology school in 2001 and have not looked back since. Best decision I have ever made, (other than marrying my husband & having our beautiful children).

What makes your business so fab and awesome?

I think what makes my business awesome, is that I work with my own schedule. I am not tied down by a boss and I work when I want.

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

I have 2 children a the moment.  My daughter, Katelyn will be 3 this July & my son, Mack is 6 months. They bring me sooooo much joy.

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

Honestly, I thought being a mom & running a business at the same time would be a whole lot easier. But I have taken the challenge and it’s worked out pretty well.

There are certain times of the day that are best to schedule clients i.e. when kids are napping or it’s “happy” time. I also schedule in the evenings and Saturdays when the Hubby is home to watch them. But honestly most of the clients love to watch them play and love to hold my baby while they are here too. I was blessed with pretty well behaved children- let’s just hope it stays that way. 

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

My biggest challenge is when I have scheduled a client and the kids have decided not behave themselves. I kick myself for even scheduling the appointment in the first place knowing that misbehaved kids is always a risk. But luckily most of my clients do not mind if I have to stop to refill sippy cups, get a snack, change a diaper or instill time out.

Do you have a website/shop/boutique?

I have a Hair Blog (http://www.hairstyles4you.blogspot.com) which includes more info on my services as well as example of my work.

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

If I could jet away on a vacation tomorrow, it would be on a cruise in the Caribbean with my hubby. (but only if I could lose fifteen pounds by tomorrow)

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

My family is the most important thing to me. I cherish my husband and my children and I know that if we continue loving each other and striving to do our best we will be together forever. What could be better than that? The fact that I get to do hair along with being a mom is just a bonus.

Thanks so much, Jen!  Be on the lookout for more {rockin’ mamas} each week!  If you are or know of a mama that should be featured, drop me a line!

xoxo,

laura

“My mom is a neverending song in my heart of comfort, happiness, and being.  I may sometimes forget the words but I always remember the tune.”

~Graycie Harmon

Many, many, many thanks to all of the amazing women who gave of their time and efforts to provide their handmade products for this “Big Give”.  You all are amazing!!!  How much better can you get than a lovingly handmade gift?! If you didn’t win and must have some–or many!–of these beautiful goodies, head on over to their shops and  buy away! You know you want to!  What a THANK YOU that would be to support these fab women that way.    You can re-visit this post to check out all of their websites, fanpages and blogs.

Just one more look at all the loot!

Thank you to everyone!  So, without further ado, the winner of 24 of {Laura’s Favorite Things} is (since the big winner is not local, one lucky local winner will win the party rental of The Numbers Cupcake holder from Cake Hole Project)….

Congratulations, Esther!!    How exciting!! Esther, please contact me with all of your info so I can pass it along.

Since Esther is not local, this one lucky local mama will receive the prize from Cake Hole Project–the rental of the Numbers cupcake holder for their next party!!  Yay!!

Congrats, Michelle!  I can’t wait to see the Numbers cupcake holder at your next party!  Please contact me with all your info!  Thanks so much! 

Thank you again to all who took the time to participate, become a fan, share and leave wonderful comments for me (you all are so sweet!) and for these fabulous shops.  You all rock!!!

xoxo,

laura

Once again, the generous vendors that donated their time and talent are:

Ahmelie

Cake Hole Project

Chenzi

Curly Birdie

Dana Designs

Dolce Vita Mia

Finley and Oliver

Ivy and A

KaraMiaSofia

Lockette

Lover Dovers

Modern Little Ones

Pink Crocodile Designs

Polka Dot Posh

Red Pajamas

Sarah Bee Creations

SilverBloom Studio

The Pink Pooka

The Posh Event

Three Yellow Starfish

Trendy Peas

Unravel Me Designs

“Mother is the name for God in the lips and hearts of little children.”

~William Makepeace Thackeray

Are you ready?  Here is my very own day of {Laura’s Favorite Things}!!!!!  It is finally here!  Yay!!  I want to wish all of the ahhhh-mazing mommies out there a fabulous Mother’s Day!  Give yourself a pat on the back, a coffee in your hand and a day of putting your feet up…okay, well, maybe just settle for the coffee and the back pat. 

Take a peek at ALL of the fabulous goodies that are being given away to one VERY lucky + deserving mama. Yep, ALL of them.  All 25 of them!

SCROLL DOWN TO FIND OUT HOW TO ENTER!!!!

*And, when you want to check out more goodies from these fabulous shops, just click on a photo!!*

TO ENTER:

simply leave a comment under this post with your name + list one of the goodies that caught your eye (we know all of them do, really, but which one caught it first? ).

FOR AN EXTRA ENTRY:

post a link to this blog post on your Facebook page.  Come back here, leave your name and your name on Facebook (if different from your name listed here) in a separate comment.  The comments won’t let you post a link, so the name is sufficient. 

FOR TWO EXTRA ENTRIES:

post this link on your favorite message board.  Come back here, and in TWO more comments, write your name and which board you posted on.

FOR AN EXTRA ENTRY:

Visit ONE of these awesome websites, come back here and with your name,  leave a comment telling us what product you loved when you visited the website.

FOR AN EXTRA ENTRY:

Become a fan of Laura Winslow Photography on Facebook, come back here and write a comment with your name and that you fanned/liked LWP.

FOR AN EXTRA ENTRY:

Post a link to this giveaway on your blog, come back here and write a comment with your name and a link to your blog.

The VERY LUCKY winner will be announced on Friday, May 7th, so check back to find out if it is YOU! 

The fine print: This prize package has no cash value.  Items are non-transferable.  Should the winner not reside in the Phoenix metro area, a second winner from the area will be chosen for ONLY the Cake Hole Project prize.  This is due to the fact that this prize is for a local rental.  Laura Winslow Photography endorses these products but is not responsible for matters concerning the products once the contest has ended and the information has been delivered to the vendor.  I know we probably already know this, but I feel a need to say it anyway.    Please understand that all vendors have generously donated their time, energy and beautiful handiwork to the lucky mama for this giveaway.  Let’s be appreciative of this–thanks so much!

A special thank you to all of our AMAZING designers, shops + awesome ladies that are generously giving their fab products for our giveaway!!  Thank you, thank you, thank you!!  You are going to make one VERY lucky mama’s Mother’s Day FAN-TABULOUS!!

Ahmelie | Ahmelie {the blog} | Facebook

Cake Hole Project | Cake Hole Project {the blog} | Facebook

Chenzie

Curly Birdie | Curly Birdie {the blog} | Facebook

Dana Designs

Dolce Vita Mia | Dolce Vita Mia {the blog} | Facebook

Finley and Oliver | Finley and Oliver {the blog}

Ivy and A | Facebook

KaraMiaSofia

Lockette | The Locker {the blog} | Facebook

Lover Dovers | Lover Dovers {the blog} | Facebook

Modern Little Ones | Facebook

Pink Crocodile Designs | Preppy Pink Crocodile {the blog}

Polka Dot Posh | Polka Dot Posh {the blog} | Facebook

Red Pajamas | Red Pajamas {the blog} | Facebook

Sarah Bee Creations | Facebook

SilverBloom Studio

The Pink Pooka | Facebook

The Posh Event | Facebook

Three Yellow Starfish | Three Yellow Starfish {the blog} | Facebook

Trendy Peas

Unravel Me Designs | Facebook