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June 11, 2018

phone photography tips for moms on the go

June 11, 2018

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #CampaignHashtag #CollectiveBias #SamsungTargetTech #SamsungGS9Upgrade

Early in our marriage, I asked for a DSLR camera for my birthday. “It’ll be so great for when we have kids, Babe!” I definitely sold him on it.

Ha. Those young, idealistic, pre-kid days. Sure, I pull out the heavy-duty camera once in a while now. But mostly, I steal shots on the go with my phone as I chase my toddler around a playground, or while I wheel them around Target. Any moms relate?

You can, however, get frame worthy photos from a phone camera. With the right tools, and a few tips, you can capture those memories and treasure them for years to come. I’m partnering with Samsung Galaxy S9+ to share these tips, which has some amazing features of its own for taking vibrant pictures. All the pictures shown, except the ones of me AND the phone, are taken with the Samsung Galaxy S9+.

Pre-Photos

Make sure your lens is clean for an optimal image.
Keep an eye out for inspiration. Maybe it’s some street art, a cool wall, or a fountain. Or maybe you see a couple cool photos on Pinterest or Instagram you want to try. Think ahead, and then keep those things in mind when you’re out and about.

Design

To switch up from a center shot, try the rule of thirds. If you were to divide up your screen into thirds horizontally and vertically, try to have your subject fall on one of the lines, or where they meet.
Play with angles. Get down to their level, do an overhead shot, or do head-on for different views. Getting down on their level has to be my favorite option. It really gives you more of a sense of their view of the world.
Get up close, or step back and leave lots of space. It’s better to do this manually while you take the picture than to edit it later, which might affect the look of the photo.
Lighting is key. I usually say always go with natural, indirect light. But with the Samsung Galaxy S9+, it’s designed with Dual Aperture, so you can take gorgeous photos in low light.

Photographing Kids

There are all kinds of ways to make your kids smile. My kiddos do the silliest, “cheesiest” grins when they say “cheese,” but to get their attention and make them smile and laugh genuinely, I do other things. I pretend to sneeze, or play “peekaboo” with the camera in front of my face. I hold up a favorite toy, or point out something for them to notice.
Don’t always go for the pose. Genuine, in-the-moment photos are so fun and really capture the feeling of the moment. Even if there aren’t smiles involved.
Let them be goofy and wild. The most fun, vibrant pictures are the ones where the kids are running, jumping, making faces, doing some kind of acrobatic trick only kids can do. If they’re having fun, chances are you’ll get better shots too. Plus, digital photographs are free to take and easy to delete. So snap away!
Get in the picture when you can. I’m probably in 10% of the photos of my kids on the phone, but I take them when I can get them, because I love having pictures of me with my kiddos. Have a friend take them for you, or set up self-timer. And if your friends are okay with it, take pictures of them with their kids in the moment. A friend does this for us when she can, and it’s always the most encouraging thing to see.
When all else fails, bribe with gummies. Works every time.

Tech Tips

Figure out your subject, and focus the camera on it. You can do this by tapping on the screen. It doesn’t have to be a face. It could be their hand, something they’re holding, shoes, etc. Getting up close and focusing on the subject usually makes for a blurry background, which creates depth and is a more interesting picture.
Take multiple pictures in a row. The Samsung Galaxy S9+ has a “slow-mo” feature where it will take multiple shots of something, and create a short, slow motion movie out of it. Plus you have multiple shots to choose from.
Play with the different modes! You can take a selfie with a blurry background, or a wide selfie that captures a whole group. (Almost like a panoramic shot.) Use those modes for pics with the kiddos – or when you’ve had a particularly good hair day.

Let’s talk the Samsung Galaxy S9+ for a minute, because yes, it’s an incredible camera. I’m definitely impressed with the crisp, clear shots, and how easily it adjusts to the light.

But it also has new features that make for an amazing phone, too. The one that is mind-blowing to me is the Live Translation, which can literally translate words on a sign in front of you on your screen. I appreciate facial recognition, which makes unlocking a snap, and Dolby Atmos speakers for an unbelievable sound experience for entertainment. It’s even waterproof (which, with kids, is crucial).

If you’re looking to seriously upgrade your phone, this week is the week to do it. I got mine at Target, where you can buy a Samsung Galaxy S9 or S9+ and get a free $300 gift card with qualified activation on AT&T, Sprint, or Verizon at participating Target stores. This week only, June 10-16.

Finally, can I just say how easy the process is to buy your phone from Target? We had a great experience, with a knowledgeable tech support person, and it didn’t take hours.

Which feature sticks out to you the most?

May 23, 2018

fabfitfun summer 2018 box – worth it? spoilers and discount code

May 23, 2018

Box was provided by FabFitFun for review. This post contains affiliate links.

This is a story of a guilty pleasure. I know I’m not alone in this, ladies. I’m pretty sure you struggle with the same one as me.

It’s called the FabFitFun subscription box, and it starts with ads on your social media feed. You scroll by, but you’re curious. Then an unboxing video pops up. Okayyyy…maybe just a peek.

At the end of the day, though, you don’t dive in. At least, I didn’t. $50 for a box of surprises – is it worth it? Will I use what I get? They’re just sample sizes, right? And then your mom gets the FabFitFun box, and you start to get a little envious. Wait – they’re full sizes? And yours came with what??

So I’m doing a little detective work of my own, and figuring out just how worthwhile a box is. Plus I’m sharing with you all the products you’ll see in the Summer 2018 box (spoiler alert!), and a discount code for an even more amazing deal. Here goes:

What’s the box about?

The FabFitFun box is seasonal, and comes with full-sized fashion, beauty, fitness, and lifestyle products. It’s typically $49.99, but use the code ‘WHATYOUMAKEIT’ for $10 off your first box! It always has a value of over $200. Boxes do sell out, though, so if you love it, make sure you get it before it does. Finally, once you’re a subscriber, you can actually start choosing some of the products that are included with your box – how cool is that?

Okay, so what’s in the box?

Um, guys? It’s a really good one. Here are my favorites:

FOREO LUNA fofo (value $89.99) – This product isn’t even on the market yet. It’s a palm-sized facial cleansing brush that doubles as a beauty coach. Once the app opens (on June 4), it’ll tell you all about your skin – its hydration level, “skin age”, and type. This will cost $89.99 once it’s out – so basically you’re getting it at half the cost, plus a WHOLE BUNCH of other cool products.

It takes two minutes a day, and exfoliates your skin. I was amazed at how soft and smooth my face felt after using it just once. (I used it with my favorite face wash. Make sure you use one that isn’t harsh or grainy!)

COOLA Face Sport SPF 50 White Tea Moisturizer (value $32) – First, I am majorly impressed with the quality of the beauty products in the FabFitFun box. Most of them are clean, and all are without parabens or pthalates.

Second, this sunscreen is the first one I’ve found that doesn’t actually smell like a sunscreen. It smells amazing, and it’s lightweight and the right SPF. (Also – looking for a full body coverage sunscreen spray? Check out this one – safe ingredients, and for every purchase in May, the company will make a donation to Stand Up to Cancer.)

Pier 1 Imports Marble Ring Dish (value $14.99) – Like all bloggers, I am obsessed with all things marble. This hexagonal ring dish with gold trim is perfect. I’m thinking it will actually be a great place for the LUNA fofo, and my wedding ring when I take it off to wash my face.

Summer & Rose Beach Towel (value $55) – It’s my first microfiber towel! I’m loving all things microfiber – my face washcloth and my cleaning towels in particular. A microfiber beach towel means no sand sticking to it, plus less funky smell. Also they come in the cutest summer prints. (Instead of the towel, you could receive the Yumi Kim Makeup Train Case.)

Aromatherapy Associates De-Stress Muscle Gel (value $39) – This box could not come at a better time. I woke up with a strained muscle down my neck and shoulder. This gel felt and smelled amazing as I smoothed it on. And I was impressed to see that the ingredients are safe as well! This one is going to get a lot of use. (Instead of this gel, you could receive ERTH Tu y Yo Ring or Jaboneria Marianella Hawaiian Black Lava Body Caviar.)

The box also includes:

Tarte Tarteist PRO to go Amazonian Clay Palette and Sex Kitten Liquid Eyeliner (value $23 and $20) – Did I mention they’re full-sized? I’m still digging into the ingredients to make sure they’re safe, but they’re definitely pretty colors – a blend of neutrals and more glam shades. (Instead of this palette, you could receive the PRO Glow Highlight & Contour Palette.)

Maji Sports Loops Resistance Band (value $15)- Honestly, I’m not sure about this. I need to do some research to see what kinds of workouts I can do with this. (Luckily, FabFitFun includes some ideas in the magazine provided with the box! How cool is that?) But if not, I’m happy to pass it on to a friend (or my husband) who would use it. (Instead of the band, you could receive the Minor History Post Script Wallet or Vasanti Brighten Up! Enzymatic Face Rejuvenator.)

Orlando Pita Play Atmos-Shield Hair Protectant Treatment Spray (value $24.99) – Again, looking into ingredients. But ever since college, when I mistakenly thought it was okay to flat iron wet hair, I’ve been trying to make better choices about haircare. Including using a heat protectant spray like this. Even better? It also protects from UV rays, humidity, pollution, and free radicals. (Instead of the spray, you could receive Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel.)

The best part about this box is that even if I don’t use everything (which is unlikely), all these things make great gifts to pass on, too.

Overall?

So at the end of the day – YES. The FabFitFun Summer 2018 box is totally worth it.

Like I said, there are a couple items I’m not 100% sure about. I like the idea of this box, though, because I get to try out things I might not know about or might not find for myself.

But the 5 products I LOVE more than cover the cost of the box. Just the cost of the LUNA fofo would be twice what this box costs. If I don’t use them all, I can gift them forward, which is an extra birthday or “just because” gift that I don’t have to go out and purchase later.

Plus with an extra $10 off with the code ‘WHATYOUMAKEIT’? Forget it.

So what do you think? Which things would you like to try from this box?

April 13, 2018

life is short: wear the dress

April 13, 2018

Dress sponsored by Cleo Madison

It’s a funny thing, but dresses used to intimidate me.

Growing up, I was never the stylish one. I was interested in fashion, but never wanted to wear anything to draw attention to myself. (Or to draw attention to myself, period.) So, t-shirts and jeans typically won out, all the way through college.

I could never understand the girls who effortlessly throw on a dress and some earrings, and make it look so chic and yet so simple. But secretly, I always wanted to be one. Imagine how easy it would be to just pull on a dress and be good to go! Instead, I struggled with keeping everything from riding up too high, or coming down too low. And let’s not even get into static cling.

Now as a mom, it’s just easier to throw on jeans, or dare I say, leggings. Why bother with a dress? I’ll probably be crawling around on the floor with my littles, or have them tugging at it, causing a “wardrobe malfunction”.

But you know what? I’m a newfound believer in the power of dresses. Dresses are breezy, forgiving, involve one article of clothing, and even though you feel comfortable, you look cute. What was I thinking prior to this?

I’m being kind of silly with this, but to dig a little deeper: life is just too short to envy what other people do and how they do it. Or worse, get bitter because you think you can’t. Life is what you make it, after all. Get out of your head and try something new. (She said to herself.)

Anyway, this dress from Cleo Madison got rave reviews, both on Instagram and in real life, when I wore it to church. Here’s a secret – it’s the softest dress I’ve ever worn. Which is not so much of a secret, since I wore it to a bridal shower and made everyone touch it just to see how soft it was.

What I appreciate about Cleo Madison is that they know the struggle of keeping it modest, and offer dresses and other styles that really do. There are styles and patterns for everyone. Plus for a boutique, their clothes are way affordable. (This dress is $33.) Definitely check them out!

So it’s your turn. What’s something you’ve avoided simply because you were afraid it wasn’t “you”?

April 11, 2018

how to get a free photo canvas

April 11, 2018

Thank you to CanvasPeople for sponsoring this post, in partnership with The Motherhood.

So, can I tell you something a little embarrassing? We have zero photos of our kids hanging up in our house.

Let me explain. This is the first home we’ve owned, and when we moved in, I hung up a few photos from our wedding and called it a day. No, even two kids later, the pictures stay the same.

I think it’s probably time for a change. We have some gorgeous pictures of our family, most taken on the go with our phones. And I would love to see them up on the wall instead of while scrolling and squinting at a screen. Also even though my children certainly leave their mark on our house (kids live here for sure), I’d love to see their cute little faces in photos on the walls, too.

Lucky us – this is the perfect time to start redecorating.

What’s that about a free canvas?

Starting now, you can order a free 11″x14″ photo canvas from CanvasPeople (typically they are $69.99). Just pay for shipping.

Raise your hand if you like free stuff! If you’re like me, you may have both hands in the air, waving, maybe even jumping up and down a little. No shame in our game.

What to Do

Let’s keep this simple.

Click here to get access to the promo. (There is no extra code or anything, but you do have to click that link.) You’ll see a “Promotion Applied!” message at the top.
Upload your picture. You can even upload from Instagram or Facebook! A preview of your image will show up. You’ll get a pop-up right away if there’s any issues with the photo resolution.
Make sure 11×14 “Standard Wrap” (first column) is selected. (It should be already.) It’ll have $0.00 next to it.
Don’t select any other options, unless you want a special feature at an extra cost.
Add your shipping and billing information (for the shipping cost), and place your order!

Plus, ordering is simple. Again, I just used a photo taken on my phone, from our trip to the beach last year. It looks fantastic on the canvas, because they work with you to make sure it’s the right resolution. The canvases are made here in the US. Mine appeared on our doorstep quickly, looks gorgeous (you would think it was taken professionally), and arrived well-packaged and protected.

If you’re not redecorating, consider getting one as a Mother’s Day gift, or browse other photo products that are 65% off this month as well. Think newborn, wedding, family, and pet photos, too.

So the only question left is: which photo are you going to use?