Here on Style Story I am posting many different photographers work in collaboration with wardrobe styling as well as personal pictures of my littles, clients, Heirbloom designs and many other pretty things. I do my best to link back any pictures I post to the original home, if you would do the same for me it would be so kind
Spring has arrived and with that comes Wedding Season! The creativity and inspiration in these photos is truly fantastic! I wish I could redo my wedding a hundred times each with a new theme and color pallet and style! I have been working on some pieces for my spring HeirBloom collection. I am gathering ideas from the current trends.. feathers, pastels, blush tones, or bold and dramatic Here are few teasers...
I have recently been blessed with a couple really great opportunities! Prairie Street Brew House is hosting an event for Rockford Weddings on March 25th. It will be a unique experience with an artsy vibe... out of the box, if you will. It will definitely not be your typical "Bridal Expo!" Most of the vendors are artists so it should be very exciting! I will be at the event talking with brides about creating custom one of a kind hair pieces, An Heirbloom can be made from one of your family "heirlooms"something Old with something New.
When taking photos clearly the "styling" is KEY as in this fantastically beautiful shoot with Bri Emery creator of Design Love Fest, brilliant graphic designer, blogger and can someone say "Style Genius" As a stylist you have a story to tell with your looks and what you create speaks to who you are. I am very encouraged, motivated and challenged by Bri's enthusiasm and witty charm. Here is her most recent photo shoot with Max Wagner
One of the really visually cool things Bri has on her blog is a Style Column. She has a knack for putting interesting textures and colors together as well as quirky and playful staging. As artists, stylists and designers, we are continually looking to create eye catching and unique work. It is so nice to collaborate with lots of creative people to come up with something pretty! Here are a few of my favs...
I got into photo styling when my friend and photographer Jeff Anderson asked me to help him on a shoot. I was in love instantly! This picture below was from one of our first shoots together. I simply enjoy making people feel good about themselves and look pretty. Using these creative gifts gets me all energized!
Check out my talented sister Alanna Harbeck! She styled this shoot for her little girls and the set is her master bedroom wall with old restored barn wood!
“I’ve spent way too many hours researching products and driving around trying to find safer, eco-friendly options for my kids,” exclaimed Jessica Alba, President and founder. “I knew that most people didn’t have that kind of time, nor the means to pay the premium prices. We had to make it easier.”
After becoming a mom of 2 beautiful girls, Jessica became passionate about making sure her littles were using safe and toxin free products.
So what does toxin free mean and why should we choose to go that route. I did some research and here is what I found out about the chemicals used in regular disposable diapers.
Disposable diapers contain traces of Dioxin, an extremely toxic by-product of the paper-bleaching process. It is a carcinogenic chemical, listed by the EPA as the most toxic of all cancer-linked chemicals. It is banned in most countries, but not the U.S..1
Disposable diapers contain Tributyl-tin (TBT) - a toxic pollutant known to cause hormonal problems in humans and animals.2
Disposable diapers contain sodium polyacrylate, a type of super absorbent polymer (SAP), which becomes a gel-like substance when wet. A similar substance had been used in super-absorbency tampons until the early 1980s when it was revealed that the material increased the risk of toxic shock syndrome by increasing absorbency and improving the environment for the growth of toxin-producing bacteria.3
In January of this year, The Honest Company launched and offers an eco-friendly line of family essentials (diapers and wipes, bath and body care, and household cleaners) through a monthly subscription service at HonestCreated by parents for parents, The Honest Company is committed to making safer products more convenient, beautiful, and affordable and to providing exceptional family support that promotes health, happiness and community. Learn more atHonest
Live Chat:
I will be hosting a LIVE chat with Jessica Alba & Christopher Gavigan next week, 3/20 at 1pmPST/4EST. This 90-minute chat will be hosted using Vokle - a platform that allows viewers to have real "face time" with the panelists, has uber-easy sharing features. This will be streaming live from my site so you can watch and be a part . You may even be selected to ask any questions you might have about Honest.
In partnership with the Honest Team we are trying to create awareness and education around living an eco friendly lifestyle. Honest is offering all of you a chance to win a Free Trial! If you have considered making the switch or are skeptical then this is certainly for you!
Giveaway + What you can win:
Diapers Bundle A one-month supply* of premium, plant-based, ultra-absorbent, absolutely adorable baby diapers, along with a one month supply of biodegradable wipes. ($79.95 value)
A one-month supply of non-toxic body care and household cleaning products for your entire family. Package includes Honest Shampoo, Body Lotion, Hand Soap, Healing Balm, and Laundry Detergent. ($35.95 value)
Note: only US residents aged 18 and up are eligible to win. *one-month supply based on average use
When my bundle came in the mail it was so exciting! One, that diapers and wipes were being delivered to my door and two, it came in pretty packaging, which I just really appreciate! I decided to take a picture with our cow LUCY!
We are using Rafflecopter for this giveaway... ENTER HERE and Good Luck!
Going on a trip/vacation but what to wear? With a closet full of clothes why is it so hard to pack!!!! Enter... Ahndea+the mini mays. In just a few questions I understood what the trip was for, what events, dinners etc. she had to attend and then off I went in making her look and feel her best!
Some for day time...
And a few business casual for meetings
In all I gave her 5 day looks and 4 evening looks. She felt fantastic and the best part is she will not have to think about what to wear or spend wasted time figuring it out.
While at Appy's house I took a few pictures of some things that were just pretty or that I would want in my home!
There are a few things in life I am not wiling to give up and one of them is Spaghetti! I love Italian food... warm fresh baked bread, oil, wine, pasta, garlic bread, meatballs, caprice salad, mozzarella, chicken marsala and did I mention crisp sourdough bread dipped in olive oil, parmesan cheese and drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette! Well this next recipe is something I created from years of trial and error pasta dishes. I usually just cook up some ground beef, add sauce, and make noodles but I started getting adventurous one day when I had bought a huge thing of spinach and had neglected to eat it all week. And in my house if it is left in the fridge too long my wonderful husband will remind me that wasting food is wasting money, So the good wife that I am I quickly found a way to use the ENTIRE container of spinach in one dish!
The other very positive thing in this dish is the amount of veggies the kiddos and I will be eating to off set that delicious bread we talked about earlier.
Add your ground beef to the spinach and cook until slightly brown. Now remember that what kind of meat you use makes a huge difference in taste and overall flavor. Check out this list of Local Grass Fed Beef Farms
After the meat is a light brown add the sauce (Bertolli Organic Garlic and Basil) and a couple tbls of capers. Let all of this simmer and marry together about 20 min. Then add the cooked noodles right into the sauce and stir
Mix together and serve topped with parmesan or asiago cheese. And of course a crusty fresh bread with some delicious dipping oil!
