Morgan Dawson Photography

FlyingPeas {Kelly Valeri Surprise Shower Giveaway}

 

Since this is the last day of the baby shower for WW girl Kelly Valeri, we wanted to give something to everyone. That's right - you each get a gift! Who's behind this wonderfulness? FlyingPeas!

If you're not familar with FlyingPeas, go check them out right now. This online shop has a little bit of everything for moms-to-be, new moms, newborns and toddlers. If you need a gift - especially something a little fun - this is the place to go. I mean really, where else will you find a onesie that says "Fo'Shizzle." (I'm still laughing over that one :-)

FlyingPeas owner Terra has more information below about the shop and how to get your own shower gift.

Thanks, Terra!

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Thanks for allowing us to be part of the baby shower for Kelly!  As you can imagine, we love baby showers at FlyingPeas.com – in fact, 65% of orders placed on FlyingPeas are for baby showers or a new baby!  So, when we heard of this opportunity, we jumped. 

When I had my twin boys in 2005, I was really surprised at how hard it was to find high quality AND hip goodies for them (things have come a long way in 5 years!).  As a busy working mom of twin infants, I didn’t always have the time (or energy!) to go stores to shop, so I relied on the Internet for everything – even grocery shopping!  I found over and over again that I was disappointed with what arrived – “it” either wasn’t as big, soft, bright or fabulous as the pictures online made it seem.  So, I set out to put my skills to work – finding great goodies for kiddos with style, comfort and pizazz – and making them easy to find and buy… and love.   

And there you have it – the birth of FlyingPeas.  I launched the business from the pediatric intensive care unit of a hospital (true and long story for another day), and haven’t looked back.  We are growing year after year in terms of products we carry and also lovely customers.  Initially, we focused exclusively on products for children up to 1 year of age, but as my boys grew, so did the age range for FlyingPeas.  So, if you’ve done the math, you’ll know that we offer products for kids up to about age 6, but I’d say our sweet spot is still very much in 0-3 years old.  So whether you’re looking for unique baby gifts, cool baby clothes, toddler toys, luxurious baby blankets, or even gifts for mom, we’ve got a little something for you.  :-)

~ Terra

 

{GIVEAWAY DETAILS}

To celebrate Kelly’s pregnancy and new little life she’s bringing into the world, we’ve got 3 gifts:

(1) We’re giving Kelly a onesie of her choice from FlyingPeas. 

(2) We’re also giving a $5 off code to everyone who “likes” our Facebook fan page and posts a link of their favorite FlyingPeas product on our Facebook wall.  Please be sure to put #WW at the end of your wall post - Once posted, we’ll send you a message with your $5 off code (no minimum purchase required to use code)

(3) Lastly, we’ll be giving away another (non-personalized) onesie to a randomly selected facebook fan with #WW in their wall post.  

Joining our Facebook fan page will give you early access to specials and promotions - and hopefully a little baby fun sprinkled in from time to time.  Thanks for checking us out and becoming a fan!

 

 

Wardrobe Wednesday {A Rockin' Family}

In a million years I couldn't love this post more. Rebecca from Rebecca Keeling Studios has put together a totally cool look for the entire family that just screams funky session in the city. What makes this even better is the color - yellow! Don't ask me why, but I can't get enough of that color these days.

Thank you, Rebecca!

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I'm not sure if my inspiration this week came from our very own fabulous logo colors or if I needed some cheering up as I listened to the rain outside of my window last night, but either way, I think it made for a great wardrobe collaboration!  

Although many of us are still firmly planted in cold winter temperatures, it won't be long before it starts warming up outside and we get back to doing what we love best...having outdoor portrait sessions with our favorite clients!  Spring makes me think of many things, including rain and rubber boots, which naturally pairs these fabulous black, white, and gray neutrals together with a pop of yellow.  

This week, I wanted to do something a little rock & roll, a little wild and crazy and FUN!!  While it wouldn't work for everyone, this wardrobe combination is geared toward a young family in an urban environment.  It is just begging to find some back alley grit juxtaposed with rambunctious laughter and soft kisses.  

Some of my favorite items from today's wardrobe are mom's jeans, which are super stylish but have a classic rise.  I adore mom's jacket.  By dressing in layers, not only do we look fabulous, but we are also able to conceal any spots where we may be a little self-conscious.  Don't forget to accessorize dad!  This Fossil watch is awesome...a little edgy and definitely very masculine.  And what's not to love about these skully rain boots or the adorable floral fabric headband?  But I have to say, my most favorite part has to be the color combination with the neutrals and one strong pop of color.  

So, even if this particular color combination is not necessarily your choice, you get an idea of how to pull together a wardrobe with any neutral palette and a pop of gorgeous color.  Cute, fun, and different...and that's what makes your portrait session personal for your family.

 

Where to find the goods:

 

Mom

Buckle BKE Drew Classic Rise Stretch Jean | $70

Buckle Daytrip Perforated Jacket | $65

Buckle Hurley Full Boar T-Shirt | $29

Banana Republic Corgie Open-Toe Zipper Bootie | $140

maxandchloe.com Primadina Pearl Fan Earrings | $165

maxandchloe.com Blu Bijoux Grecian Bangles | $45

 

Son

Boden Rugby Shirt | $22

Gap Whiskered Dark Wash Boot Jeans | $20

Gymboree Skull Rain Boots | $25

 

Dad

Buckle BKE Carter Jean | $70

Old Navy Twill Military Jacket | $50

Buckle Volcom V-Neck T-Shirt | $32

Banana Republic Adidas Campas II Grey Suede Sneaker | $60

Buckle Fossil Wide Band Watch | $85

 

Daughter

Gap Glamour Graphic T-Shirt | $20

Gap Alternate Tier Skirt | $20

Old Navy Girls Lace-Trim Leggings | $9

Journeys Kidz Converse Lo Athletic Shoe in Buttercup | $30

Made By Lori Etsy Store featuring the Yellow Flower Fabric Headband | $10 {http://www.etsy.com/shop/lori311?ref=pr_shop}

Kennedy {newborn sneak peek}

I'm not sure who was more excited for Miss Kennedy's arrival: me, her parents, or Big Brother Landon. Seriously, as soon as I got the news that mom Ashley was having another baby, the plans started forming. I can't count the number of calls, Facebook messages and e-mails we sent each other in anticipation of her newborn session. I'd say the work paid off.

Ashley searched the internet (especially Etsy - don't you just love Etsy!) for just the right thing for Kennedy to wear. I think she did a great job... isn't the headband adorable! And since a few people have already asked, I'll mention that the diaper cover and newsboy hat were from Polka Dot Posh. They come in dozens of colors and sizes, so you can order a set for older babies as well!

Kennedy was such a doll during our shoot. While it took a little while to get her to really fall asleep, once she did she was OUT. She looked so peaceful, I almost felt bad about moving her around...almost. I need to get the shot, right?

Ashley, CJ and Big Brother Landon (that's what he calls himself now) - it was my absolute pleasure to photograph Kennedy. I can't wait to watch her grow, and for Landon to shine as a big brother. It's easy to tell already just how much he loves her.

Cheers! 

Morgan

 

Wardrobe Wednesday {Valentine's Day!}

Jen from Minor Impressions always has creative ideas up her sleeve - and two of the most adorable go-with-the-flow girls to work with :-) I can't wait to see what her Valentine's Day cards will look like!

Why not schedule a fun candy-centered photo shoot for your little ones this year! Here are some ideas to get you started :-)

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Ok, I admit, I haven't even taken down my Christmas tree yet! I know, I need to get with it because before I know it, I'm going to get a note in my daughter's folder giving me all the fun info for her class Valentine's Day party. It's hard to believe it's only a month away.

If you're a little more prepared than I am, you still have time to plan an adorably unique photo shoot to make some cards that all of your kiddo's friends will be excited to show off. The great thing about Valentine pictures is that they can get away with being very casual. Since these are cards that will be given to their friends, let them show their personality. You can make a simple t-shirt dressier with a  tulle skirt or a little more casual with a jean skirt and leggings. Let your son show his wild side for all the girls, or how tamed and put-together he is.

This is also the perfect time to find some adorable props to add. Instead of buying real roses with the thorns, you can find a bouquet of fake roses at a craft store, and all of the other items are easily found at Wal-mart or your local grocery store. Most kids will love the opportunity to eat chocolate or lick lollipops while being photographed, and the younger kiddos will find it hard to resist squeezing a new teddy bear!

Shopping Guide:

 

Girl Outfit & Accessories - Gap

Boy Outfit - The Children's Place

 

All props can be found at Wal-Mart, but these were found on the web:

Lollipops - Melville Store

Teddy Bear - Target

Chocolates - Sees

Rose Bouquet - Wal-Mart

 

Wardrobe Wednesday {stylish winter outerwear}

So I’m sitting here in my office, looking at a fresh 20 inches of snow, and wondering what my client will wear to our outdoor photo shoot this Friday. I’m thinking it will definitely involve a jacket. Probably some gloves. Likely a scarf. Boots for sure. Maybe a hat...

When an outdoor shoot is scheduled for cold weather, often this happens: You arrive wearing a random coat over your favorite I’m-wearing-this-no-matter-what outfit - throw off the jacket for pics - freeze to death - throw back on the jacket to warm up - take it off and try again - shiver and try to smile - rinse, repeat. Sounds like fun, right? 

And then there are those who don’t want to deal with the cold at all, and opt to wait until the weather warms up - which here, might mean April or May.

I’m not a fan of either scenario, and there’s really an easy solution - bundle up, while also looking great!

Now I know some of you are lucky enough to live in a place where a snowplow contract isn’t the best investment you make each year, but that doesn’t mean a little cold-weather outerwear isn’t necessary. And we need to blow up this notion that by bundling up, you can't look absolutely outstanding. 

But what to choose? Those tips we’ve been sharing with you - layers, color, accessories - are still key ingredients when it comes to putting together stylish outerwear for photos. And here's more:

• I suggest staying away from straight white or black and opt instead for greys, browns, beige and color, color, color! I absolutely love bright yellows, pinks, greens and blues - the more vivid the better. 

• Since jackets can be expensive, don’t feel like you need to go and buy a trendy colorful coat that you’ll only wear once - especially for kids that will grow out of it in by next year. If what you already own fits you well (not some oversized thing you wear because it “goes over everything”), then keep it - and accessorize! Adding a hat, scarf or gloves can really make a huge difference. 

• If you warm up because everyone is hiking to reach that perfect photo spot, you may want to unbutton your jacket, so make sure the outfit beneath the jacket is photo-ready by looking over some past WW posts.

• Vests look great over chunky sweaters or hoodies, and often come in a million different colors at a decent price (think Old Navy). 

• Leggings are another way to add fun color, and look great with boots over them. They also help you extend your fall wardrobe because you can wear them under skirts or dresses. 

• You can’t go wrong with jeans, so consider dark denim a winter wardrobe staple. Consider wearing them a little different by tucking them into your boots or rolling them up to meet the top of the shoes (especially cute for younger boys).

• Still not warm enough? Throw on some long underwear, a thermal top, and an extra pair of socks! Pretend you’re dressing to go play out in the snow - just with style :-) 

Below, I’ve put together outerwear ideas for a family of six. I only included one accessory for each person, but you can definitely add more. For women, I love chunky earrings peeking under hats, or a necklace you might only see if the jacket is worn open.

Bottom line: This is a wonderful time of year for outdoor photos! It doesn't take much to turn a drab day into a thrilling memory.

Outfit Guide

Mom:

Double-Cloth Colletta Coat - $208 (on sale) - J.Crew

Sequinned Jersey Scarf - $28 (on sale) - Boden

 

Dad:

Down Shirt Jacket - $99 - Eddie Bauer

Men’s Ribbed Scarf - $34.50 - Lands End Canvas

 

Young Girl:

Cosy Textured Coat - $35 (on sale) - miniBoden

Olive Green Beanie Hat - $9.00 - Etsy

 

Young Boy:

Detachable Hood Puffer Vest - $18.99 (on sale) - Crazy 8

Avocado, Cream, Mustard & Coffee Children’s Hat - $24.00 - Etsy

 

Baby Girl:

Faux-Fur Trim Hooded Jacket for Baby - $17.00 (on sale) - Old Navy

Gingerbread Earflap Hat - $5.99 (on sale) - Crazy 8

 

Baby Boy:

Jersey Duffle Jacket - $21 (on sale) - miniBoden

Stocking Hat - $28 - Etsy

The Tidd Family {fall family portrait sneak peek}

Well, I found a new spot for photos thanks to awesome mom Rachel! I hadn't been to this orchard before, so Rachel took the time to scout it beforehand. She even sent me a few test shots so I could get an idea of the different areas we could use. THANK YOU, Rachel!

When we met up it was a cold and windy day - but you would never know it by looking at Finn. This little guy was SUCH a trooper. Nothin' but smiles :-) And how cute is he with that little hat!

The Dusett Family {family portrait sneak peek}

A totally fun family, seriously cute kids, and an unbelievable setting - what more can you ask for!