Styling - 50 Look Challenge Wednesday, December 5



I had a pretty cool styling challenge come my way a few weeks ago and I wanted to post a recap from my lens a "behind the scenes" of sorts. Emily Rozinek is a funny, sweet and most certainly beautiful lifestyle model + actress who keeps very busy doing jobs for Savvi Formalwear, Target, Better Homes and Gardens and many other majors in the industry. Emily is represented by 6 agencies in the midwest, traveling and being prepared for anything of course! 

Jeff Anderson was the photographer for the shoot and my job was to style 50+ looks for Emily's new look book.  I wasn't sure what to expect until I walked into this land of clothing, shoes, accessories, outerwear, underwear and more.

I instantly got to work assembling looks from day time, to evening, day at the beach, and loungewear, it was exhilarating to say the least! 




Then came the day of the shoot... the set was awesome, set up on top of an old laundry mat, old wood. brick walls, very industrial. 




As a lifestyle model, Emily travels with a clothes rack in her car, make-up and anything she may need on location. Loved her make-up selections! Here are some of the shots I snapped off my phone while Jeff as shooting. 









My Fav look was this one... love the polkadots with, green and wine pants. So wonderful meeting Emily and making a new friend. 

Target + Neiman Marcus Monday, December 3

Target + Neiman Marcus


As if Target needed to get any better... it did, by making a partnership with Neiman Marcus! How exciting for us and the debut holiday line has arrived in stores now. I have highlighted a few pretty awesome new stuff, reasonably priced and certainly high end.  From clothing, to handbags, to cosmetics, which by the way.... I have been wanting to try that "Freeze 24/7." Check it out and happy shopping! 




Create A Kids Band Thursday, November 29

Create a Kids Band
Last year for Christmas Nate and I decided to start creating more "experiences" for the kids vs giving toys that end up in the basement and broken. Memories are something the kids will always have and so last year we decided to create space in our unfinished basement for a stage! A place the kids could pretend they were on Disney or at Camp Rock performing for their lives! Each family chooses what is best for their kids, which is what is so cool about parenting, you don't have to be the same as anyone else, you have a clean slate, an opportunity to create family values, traditions, and in result determine the moral compass to which your family will follow. For Nate and I, we have really tried to be intentional in a cyber, social media driven world to keep our kids at bay until their is a need or they have the maturity to handle it. So this gave us the idea to be creative with our Christmas gifts. Of course the kids will get plenty of toys from grandparents and such but from mom and dad (they kind of know Santa isn't real, but he still fills all of the stockings with care).  

This has proven to be a fantastic and fun gift for our kids and they are literally coming up with plays and songs every weekend! And it will certainly make for some good laughs for you as well! 

Here are some pics of our kids, trying out their stage for the first time.











5 Gifts For Kids Wednesday, November 28

5 Gifts For Kids

Gift ideas are hard to come up with... I am always looking for something creative, inspiring, that will challenge the mind a bit but allow them to still imagine and explore. The Tablet has received huge reviews for kids this year, especially the 8 and under group. I am not of the mind to overload your kids with electronics, the more they are allowed to be kids the better. I love listening as they sing and play in the basement, coming up with "shows" and using their imaginations.  The Land of Nod Spy Kit, would be an awesome way to add a little fun to their play.  And since I have busy 1 year old twins, the music station could their little hands busy for maybe a few minutes, right! I also really love the little fox stuffed animals and their are many other options too, but something about the fox reminds me of many childhood stories growing up. Check out all the links below and happy shopping. 


5 Gifts For Kids by ahndeamay on Polyvore

Creating Holiday Memories

I am a huge fan of supporting local small businesses and creating wonderful memories with the annual events our community puts on. Wonderland Books had a wonderful little holiday party with treats and a few very special people for the kids to meet. Gina Bellisario, author of The Twelve Days of Christmas in Illinois, happened to be there signing her new book and talking memories and experiences she has had going up in IL. My kids were so intrigued and were so excited to get the book and read it together at home.  

We also got to meet local artist Lisa Frost, who creates whimsical holiday fun for all ages. She was there painting this window and her bubbly personality certainly added to the experience! Her new "Frost" room is filled with holiday creations, ornaments, paintings, and anything you may need to add a touch of cheer to you home! 
On the way out, we caught a glimpse of this little guy and my curiosity won as I had to know what this adorable snowman was about. Believe it or not, you can actually mail this snowman, as is, no packaging by adding a few stamps to the bottom!  What a perfect way to keep the imagination alive... send the snowman from "Santa" to your house or to someone you may not even know.  You can use permanent marker to write, color or draw on the snowman, telling a story or leaving a not from the North Pole! 
Of course the day would not be complete without a picture with Santa and Mrs. Klaus. The kids jumped right up on Santa's lap with no hesitation and honestly I had a hard time peeling them away for the little kids anxiously awaiting, lists and all. 

A Little Sparkle Tuesday, November 27

A Little Sparkle



I am on the hunt for a statement blazer with a bit of sparkle for the holidays!  There are so many ways to style a fun blazer and even better you can dress it down or take it up and wear it to all of those fun parties you will be going to.






Picture credits: Pinterest 



Carlos Miele shredded shirt, $175 / Dorothy Perkins / Hudson Jeans mint jeans / Matthew Williamson , $44 / Matthew Williamson / Michael Kors watch / Rope necklace, $110 / Vince Camuto sports jewelry