Fall loves: hunter boots

I have a bit of a hunter boot saga. They've been on my wish list for quite some time and the moment I decided to give in and purchase they were sold out of the color I wanted, drat. So I waited and waited and even ordered a size down to see if that would work. You know the whole cinderella stepsister stuffing her foot in the shoe that doesn't fit, yep that was me. Pathetic I know! So at long last the red came back in stock in my size and well, here they are just in time for rain in the forecast. 

Also note the changing leaf color in the background, yes that's us getting our fall on! Wahoo!

Fall loves: pasta e fagioli

This might very well be my favorite comfort soup. My sister and I literally countdown to the first crisp in the air so we can throw a pot of pasta fagioli on the stove. Its a simple italian soup of pasta and beans, but add some fresh rosemary plus a cup of your best marinara and its heaven on a spoon.

I use this recipe every time.

P.S I also took some pictures this weekend!

Favorites Friday: October

Completely basking in the glory of fall! The leaves are just starting to change, its about to get drop dead gorgeous here, can't wait. To celebrate Fall, I'm sharing my fall favorites on the blog next week, stay tuned.

image via

October links:

Growing butterflies

I made my first pot roast

Free halloween photo cards

Seriously, best halloween costumes

More peace

Happy fall weekend!

My crazy cheetah vest

vest: threadsence

I actually couldn't believe I bought this vest. It was right after I took a solemn vow to be more adult and invest in classic pieces instead of falling prey to trends! So I've been wearing "cheetah" around the house and then got bold enough to wear it to church. I still wasn't sure I would keep it until we hit the freezer aisle at the grocery store and it doubled as a blanket keeping my kiddos warm! You only live once, right?

The "W" word

I love it when I worry about things before they even happen like the trip my husband may or may not take. Isn't that crazy, absurd and such a waste of time? Unfortunately I find myself doing it all the time, ugh. But good news I'm starting to catch on and I'm just choosing to stop. To create an imaginary switch inside my head and move it quickly to the off mode, enough of the senseless chatter in my head!

 Who's with me?!

Ready for State fair pictures?

The State fair was seriously fantastic, it makes me giddy. This year husband finally made it which meant my sister and I could peruse the convention center craft tables while he took our 5 year old on the rides, score! I only regret that I missed the picture of the best gyro I've ever tasted, next year my friends!

sisters!

Wisconsin cheese balls with jalapeno dipping sauce

Favorites Friday: off to the fair

Its been a long two weeks without husband, happy to have him back just in time for the State fair this weekend. I'm already agonizing over which food stand to hit up first the fried oreos or the crabcakes.

image via

another great example of family dressing

frito chili pie

blessing bags

i could live here

Cheers to the weekend!

Family Christmas card outfits

I know I know I'm already talking about Christmas and its not even October, but I'm booked from here to Christmas with family photo shoots! So excited! The number one question I get is what I should I wear especially when it comes to dressing the whole family, quite the task. Here's what I suggest, don't match. The more layering, textures, colors, and interest you can create for the camera the better the picture. Pick a color palette like I did going with brown, red, and pinks and coordinate everyone! Don't be afraid of pattern, colors, and accessories.

Everything here is Old Navy.

By the way I love doing these boards, so if you 'd like one for your family shoot me an email and I'll happily oblige!

Oh and I threw in the umbrella because we've been getting very wet here in Northern Virginia and you can have lots of fun with a prop like an umbrella, don't be afraid of cloudy skies!

Sleeved gowns

My sleeved dress adoration all started with the peach gown on the left, total love. There's something so timeless and classy about dresses with sleeves. The royal wedding is the perfect case in point.

nordstrom

And yes that is the Pippa dress on the right, for sale over here.

Easiest dinner ever

Take tilapia and add gobs of butter (we use "earth balance" vegan butter) plus bay seasoning and wrap in foil. Put in oven at 350 for 20-25 minutes and you'll have the best buttery fish ever, promise.

The messy bits in between

 I'm trying to be more intentional about catching the messy bits in between and not just living from big moment to moment like the next vacation or any other big event. So I busted out the camera during G's bath time the other day and captured his merry-making in the tub. It wasn't a huge milestone or anything extravagant, but I'm pretty sure when he's 8 or so he won't be playing in the tub like he loves to do now. Here's to catching all the itty bitty messy moments in between the big ones, cheers!

Favorites Friday: Juxtaposition

I love the juxtaposition of something rough with something romantic, its makes an interesting combination in any area like interiors, photography and even food!

 This weekend I'll be scouting out the perfect contrasting locations for upcoming photo shoots, fun fun! And might be picking up halloween costumes for the kiddos, wait till you see what I'm thinking!

via

via threadsence

Also for your weekend delight:

A plum perfect nursery

Simple ways to decorate a white apartment

Autumn outfit

I love a good bookcase

Matthew 6:34

Happy weekend!

Inspiration comes from the funniest places

I literally prayed the other day, "Lord give me inspiration" as I was prepping for a maternity photo shoot. She is having twin boys and I wanted to show that off in a tasteful way without holding a sign across her belly that said twins. At that moment I came across this card I gave to my husband for our anniversary...

And here's the shot:

Give thanks to the Lord for He is good, His love endures forever! Psalm 107:1

Go here to see the rest of the maternity shoot!

Must have minestrone

As soon as the season changes I instantly crave soups and comfort food. This is my go-to minestrone full of kale, white beans, chickpeas, carrots, and whole wheat penne. The difference between this and your run of the mill minestrone is in the white wine, which brings it to a whole new level. 

Level favorite, yum.

Recipe here. 

Who wants a camera lens?

I'm selling my canon 24-105mm lens, which has gently been used for a year. This lens is perfect for those looking to buy their first lens and step outside of the standard kit lens. Its best feature is its near and far capabilities, perfect for sneaking up on kids unnoticed and also capturing the whole picture.  Pictures all captured with this lens, well except for the first one!

Email me for details and pricing at maria@johns.cc

Baby wonderland {2 months}

 Babydoll (my latest nickname) turned two months and I continue to live in baby wonderland. If you heard my babytalk all day long you would laugh out loud, I'm totally in love. With my first I was a nervous wreck, up all night, and had no idea what I was doing. This time, I still don't know exactly what I'm doing, but I am enjoying every minute. Help me Lord to savor each coo, one sided smile, and his sweet milky breath because he changes in a blink.

Favorites Friday: Fall Kickoff

Getting so excited about all things Fall... fallen leaves, layered clothing, and the pumpkin farm! Were finally expecting a chill in the air and I couldn't be more thrilled. I think I'll celebrate it this weekend with an apple pie.

Fall-like links:

pumpkin ice cream

fall outfit

perfect knit hat

things to think about

our new bible study starting up again

Happy Fall!

One dreamy gown

Guess what? We are invited to two military balls this year, the chaplain corps and Marine corps ball! Since I've been to my fair share of balls and have quite a collection of gowns at this point, I'm looking towards possibly thrift store for special finds!This gown would be a dream, love the color, silhouette, and especially the sleeves! 

Here's last years gown and the year before!

I quit my job

It was one of those bittersweet decisions. While I love my work family, I love my baby more! This is a very personal decision for everyone and right now this is right for me. I mean, look at those bright eyes, how could I leave those?!

The pants that go with everything

via jcrew, lateafternoon