CAMERA PRACTICE: SRNKA FAMILY PHOTOS

I know I don't typically post on a Saturday, but I was too excited to wait on this one.

I have set a goal to get better at using my camera, so I’m usin’ it! Our friends, Amy and Ryan, let me take their family pictures last night so I could get some good camera practice in. They have their pictures scheduled with a 'real' photographer next week, but agreed to be my models just for fun! I had never done this before, so I had no idea how it would go. Turns out, when you have a beautiful family to take pictures of, you get beautiful pictures! Thank you Amy, Ryan and Maylin! I had a ton of fun!

 I will have more pictures up later in the week. Here are just a few. :)

FREE PRINTABLE: LITTLE HOUSES

As you all know, I am a sucker for a good quote. If you have been to my house, you know I love to frame them and hang them on the wall. (see below)

I saw this adorable quote about small houses and thought it would be perfect to hang on the wall.

Here you go - a FREE 11x17" print!

 Print it at home, at a print shop, at kinkos, or wherever your little heart desires. 

Pop it in a frame and hang it on the wall. :)

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD FOR FREE.

CAMERA PRACTICE 2

Just a little playin' around with my camera. Like I said before, pretty much just pictures of flowers and E. I need to find some new subjects. Wait... pretty sure I will never get sick of photographing her. never ever. :)

WE HAVE OUR FAMILY PICTURES TONIGHT!!!! YIPPEEEE! And I think I actually know what we are going to wear. That is such a battle, anyone agree?! You not only have to figure out what you are wearing, but the whole family and try to make it mesh well, but not be too matchy matchy. I will post the pictures when we get them back! So excited! I love family pics!

LINKS TO LOVE

I have decided to start a post series called 'links to love' where I will post links to interesting/fun/creative stuff I have stumbled upon on the internet. So here it goes....

1.) FALL ACTIVITIES IN MADISON - Free activities, festivals, farms/orchards, & Halloween events all around Madison

2.) THE MOM STAYS IN THE PICTURE - An article I read a while back, but has stuck with me. You may not be perfect, but you are always perfect in their eyes.

3.) LESSONS FROM THE TARGET AISLE - A post from one of my favorite blogs that not only gives great advice about raising little boys, but also reminds you not to get your undies in a bundle the next time a mom tries to give you advice. 

4.) THE THRIFT SHOPPER.COM - Put in your zip code and it will show you all of the thrift shops in your area. What?! Looks like it's time to get thrifty! 

SOUTHWESTERN CHICKEN SALAD WITH CILANTRO DRESSING & AVOCADO

I got this recipe from The Garden Grazer, added an extra can of black beans, some grilled chicken and avocado to make it more of a meal and thought it was pretty darn tasty.

If you are not a huge cilantro fan, just top with different dressing. Maybe homemade healthy ranch? See below.

Salad Ingredients
Large head of romaine
2 (15 oz.) cans black beans, rinsed and drained
1 large orange bell pepper
1 pint cherry tomatoes
2 cups corn (I used frozen, thawed)
5 green onions
Strips of grilled chicken
Slices of avocado

Desired dressing

Directions
Finely chop romaine, bell pepper, tomatoes, and green onions.
Place all ingredients in a large bowl and stir to combine.
Top with dressing, grilled chicken and slices of avocado.

Cilantro Dressing Ingredients
1 cup loosely packed cilantro, stems removed and roughly chopped
1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
2 Tbsp. fresh lime juice (about 1/2 lime)
1-2 garlic cloves
1/4 cup olive oil
1 1/2 tsp. white wine vinegar
1/8 tsp. salt

Directions
Puree all ingredients in a blender or food processor until smooth.

Easy homemade healthy ranch dressing from Wellness Mama:

MIXED TAPE MONDAY: EASY LISTENING Vol. 2

I haven't made a 'Mixed Tape Monday' post in forever, so here is another mix of my favorites. I am pretty much obsessed with the band Walk off the Earth. They write their own songs, but also do some pretty awesome covers. I have always loved Brett Dennen and I am diggin' Delta Rae's 'If I Loved You."

Thanks to Pandora, late night YouTube sessions with Logan and my constant 'Now Hear This" emails back and forth with my musical soul sister, Raija, I seem to land on a variety of different tunes.  

This gem isn't available on Grooveshark yet, so here is the video:

Yup, We are going to this. Puuurty stoked about it.

Delta Rae's "If I Loved You"

Hall and oates singing "I Can't Go For That"

Walk off the Earth doing a cover of one of my favorites

STAMP IT - CLOTHING, HOME GOODS, TOTES, AND GIFT WRAP!

After stamping the tea towels I figured I could do this on so many things. Here are some ideas in case you decide to give it a go. I plan on trying it on a T-shirt soon! Who wants to come over for a stamping party? No, really. Who?! :)