Is there anything more precious than itty bitty baby feet? Especially when they're covered in soft, adorable hand-knit booties? Of course not! If you're a knitter and you have any small folk in your life, pull out your needles and half a skein of yarn. These ten free patterns for knit baby booties are perfect for the next set of crinkly little baby toes you'll meet. 1/ These simple cable knit booties are almost too perfect! (Cable Knit Booties from Epipa on Ravelry) 2/ With their tiny strap and button, these Mary Jane baby shoes will look precious with that baby girl's new little dress. (Mary Jane Button Strap Shoes at Domesticspace) 3/ These folded shoes from renowned fiber artist Susan B. Anderson can be made in a jiffy, and they're absolutely precious. Folded Cotton Booties at … [Read more...]
Nine Must Take Newborn Photos
Nothing beat the smell of a newborn baby, except maybe swooning over newborn baby pictures. The cliche statement, "They grow up so fast", is never truer than with babies. You only have a tiny window of opportunity to preserve the pure essence of newborn loveliness. Looking for the best way to capture that moment? Here are our picks for 'Must Take' new born pictures. 1. Collages My favorite photos of my boys as babies are collages. With collage, you can get little glimpses of all the bits that make them so lovable. (Photo Credit: Vintage Duck) 2. Hands I love the delicacy of newborn hands. Their beautiful fingers, all the tiny creases and how they grasp on to anything! The fist bump is by far my favorite for any new Dad. (Photo Credit: Renee Britt, Zdenko Boskovic) 3. … [Read more...]
12 Months of Baby Photo Shoots
Sometimes in the excitement and sleep deprived world of babies, we forget to embrace our camera and get all those must take pictures. While the possibilities for 'cute' baby pictures are endless, sometimes we don't know where to start. Here is a month by month guide for capturing the essence and cuteness that is your baby. One Month Look what the stork brought! Capture the excitement of the 'Welcome Home' moment with siblings or parents. (Photo credit: Leilani Photography) Two Months Did your daughter get your eyes? Did your son get your nose? Get up close and personal to savor the similarities. (Photo credit: Gabriela Koopmans Photography) Three Months Monthly onesies are all the rage but a change in your perspective takes a boring monthly photo to a lasting memory. (Photo … [Read more...]
7 DIY Fire Pits You Can Build
It's s'mores season! That yummy, sweet, crunchy, ooey-gooey treat that has made many a childhood memory. Summer evenings are made for s'mores. When the temperatures begin to dip, it's time for melting marshmallows over an open flame...getting them ready to smoosh up next to a chocolate bar in-between graham crackers. OH THE YUM. Don't have a fireplace or regular access to a bonfire? How about a fire pit? There are many commercially available at hardware stores, but why not consider building your own? We've got seven great DIY projects, from simple to complex; all would be awesome s'more-makers. In-ground fire pit with a gorgeous organic perimeter. Tutorial by Laura Catherine. Concrete fire pit bowl tutorial by eHow. Would be great in a modern or rustic setting. Lovely tabletop … [Read more...]
5 Easy Ways to Entertain the Kids at Restaurants. (Do I dare say without a screen.) GASP!
We’ve all been there! Your child is hungry and fussy and the food has not yet arrived. What should you do? Yes, it’s tempting to pull out our cell phones or tablets to quickly keep our child occupied, but this doesn’t teach them to sit and behave properly at a restaurant. Teaching our kids how to behave in a restaurant setting is an important part of parenting. We know it’s hard for them to sit still so we need a plan. A go to restaurant plan to help hold their attention span – quiet games and activities to keep them happy and entertained – and yes all screen-free. Here are a few of my favorite ways to keep them busy at restaurants without the screens: Napkin Decoration! I love crayons because it only takes a few and a napkin and you are all set! Challenge the kids to a … [Read more...]
Mastering Manual Mode – Part 1: Aperture
Do you have an interest in photography but don't know where to start? Do you want to have more control over the photos that your camera takes? Are you looking to take the next step in your photography but are, perhaps, a little intimidated? Then this series is just for you! We will take a closer look at shooting in manual mode in this four part series: Aperture Shutter speed ISO Hints & Tips. At the end you should have a better understanding of how to shoot in manual mode. But do't worry - no fancy jargon here (or the least amount possible!) and we have plenty of photos to help you out along the way. Ready to get started? Aperture The easiest way for me to define "aperture" is, it is the size of the hole that allows light in when you are taking a picture. Aperture … [Read more...]