Newborn Family Phots with Domus Aurea

I have to admit something. When I was a new mom to Eleanor I didn’t exactly understand investing in newborn photos. Being a photographer myself, I thought it was silly to pay someone to take the photos and stubbornly decided to take them myself. BIG MISTAKE. I regret this. Looking back the photos are okay but they are nothing to the special keepsake photos Renee shot of Eloise and Beatrice. Eleanor got a few photos of the three of us (Me, Brice, and Eleanor) while the camera was balancing on books and her changing table. Fast forward to me learning the hard way why you need a professional, Eloise and Beatrice have magazine worthy photos.

Also, not all newborn photographers are created equal. It takes a patient saint of a human to take newborn photos. What you don’t see in 90% of these photos: Eleanor melting down, Beatrice screaming, and Eloise refusing to take a photo. Guess who smiled through it all, Renee. I am always in awe of her kindness and calmness. Through the screams all I could hear was, “Do not worry. Take your time. Your daughters are perfect. Do you need to feed Beatrice? I can wait.” Is that not what every mom needs to hear in the midst of a meltdown? Also, can we talk about her talents as a photographer? Her photos are incredible. They capture the love and rawness of a family with a new baby. I never get tired of seeing her work.

I am so happy I wised up and worked with Renee. To have photos this beautiful of my family, that I can cherish for the rest of our lives is truly priceless. I also need to say that we worked with her sister, Nicole Proft, on the most beautiful keepsake film of our shoot. It brings both a smile and a tear every time I watch it. A smile, because I am so overwhelmed with the family I have been blessed with and a tear, because I know these moments are fleeting so to have something so special captured in such a beautiful way is very touching. When you book Renee tell her you want to add on the film. Trust me. JUST TRUST ME, you will not regret it.

Click here for Renee’s Website

The Haves and The Have Nots: Tablescape Edition

Sacha Lottie London Bamboo Cutlery – I just ordered a set of this for myself. I think cutlery is the easiest way to up your tablescape game. It can be quite expensive, however, the price point on this bamboo set is hard to beat.
Jean Roger Ceramic Candlestick – I love adding height to my table by using candlesticks. I have had my eye on these for a while. I usually use antique candlesticks I find on Etsy but I am loving the funkiness of these.
Love Shack Fancy ‘La Vie en Rose’ tablecloth – I have had this tablecloth in my cart for probably six months and never pulled the trigger. I finally purchased it for a baby shower I am hosting. I can’t wait for it to arrive tomorrow.
Pomelo Casa Azul Small Pitcher – I have this and love it. The pitcher is so cute and adds a fun pop to any table. I especially love to fill it with lemonade by the pool in the summer.
Atelier Saucier Lunchbox Linens – I am dying to get these for Eleanor. My husband grew up only using cloth napkins and I love that. She starts going to school five days a week next year. How cute would these be in her lunchbox?
Mercedes Salazar Circular Pineapple Tray – I love what Mercedes creates. Every item just screams summer.
Williams Sonoma La Porcellana Bianca Firenze Dinner Plates – I actually just bought these and the matching salad plate. I could think of so many different tables I wanted to create using them. And for the price I couldn’t say no. A pretty white plate is always a must in your china cabinet.
Laboratorio Parvicini Swallow Play Dinner Plates – I have been dreaming of these plates for a looong time. One day, one day I will have them in my cabinet.
Williams Sonoma Heart Dinner Plate – I just purchased these. Not only would they be so cute for Valentines day but also for a girls lunch or couples dinner party. I think matching them with funky glassware and fun name cards would make them less Valentines and more fun.
Gmundner Keramik Alpine Flowers Set of 6 Dessert plate – I am a sucker for anything with the name ‘Alpine’ in it. It reminds me of all the amazing lunches and dinners al fresco at my in-laws. Which makes me really happy.
Summerill & Bishop Bespoke Handblown Tumbler – I have had my eye on these for a long time. I am planning to pull the trigger soon so I can have them before summer. I am dying to put naughty French words on each of them.
Cabana Capri • Gstaad Set Of 2 Floral Placemat + Napkin Set – I love blue and white and I LOVE Gstaad. It has been a city Brice and I have visited numerous times and it always makes me happy. I just wish I could use these in our chalet in Gstaad. Oh to dream!
Hibiscus Linen Monogrammed Kitchen Towel – We need new kitchen towels desperately. I love the coloring and personalization of these. Simple, functional, and beautiful.
Williams Sonoma Vintage Etched Goblet – I own this style glass in clear goblet and it is by far my most used glass. I loved the pink of this one but I have a similar style and color already so I opted for this tumbler instead.
Atelier Saucier Blush/Orange Linen napkins – I love mixing funky napkin with a more serious table. Adding playful touches to a table makes it youthful, inviting, and relaxes your guest for a fun evening ahead.
Ginori 1735 Oriente Italiano Azalea Dinner Plate – These were on my wishlist for a long time and my husband finally let me buy them for my Christmas gift this year. He thinks I have an obnoxious amount of plates so it took a bit of convincing. They are so beautiful and I love all of the different color ways. I am counting down the days until they arrive.
Von Gern Home Striped Lacquered Placemat – I own these and love them. The lacquer on them is not only insanely beautiful but they are also very practical. They are easy to clean and make for a very fun table. I find myself using them a lot for our family dinners (hello toddler life).
Houses and Parties Champagne Bucket and Stand – Every summer I say I am going to buy a champagne bucket and stand, and every summer goes by and I still don’t own one. This year, I am not making the mistake. I love the simplicity and classic design of this one.
Petite Party Hand Painted Taper Candle – I have a girl crush on Ally. She is so fun and I love everything she comes up with, like these candles. They are stunning! They would be gorgeous with my Love Shack Fancy linen.
D. Porthault Coeur Laminated Trays – I have wanted a nightgown from D. Porthault for the longest time. I haven’t pulled the trigger yet but I did purchase their laminated trays. I bought one small pink and one small blue for the girls bathrooms. Fo myself, I purchased the large pink heart which I plan to use for my friends baby shower and for the girls birthday parties going forward.
LouLou La Dune Astral Linen Placemats – I love anything LouLou La Dune does. Their placemats are exquisite. They are on the pricer side so I am still saving up for some but when I finally have my “LouLou La Dune Piggybank” full, I want this set!

Diamond Shopping with Diamonds Direct

Shop for your diamond needs at Diamonds Direct.

“Its hard to be a diamond in a rhinestone world.” ― Dolly Parton

Diamonds are rare, beautiful, timeless, authentic, and have the ability to make you feel a certain way. I have always been fascinated with them. I love how they sparkle when you move your hand in conversation. I love how they come in different shapes and sizes and there is a perfect one out there for everyone. Mostly, I love how they can be passed on through generations and carry a story each time. I love how you can get your great-grandmother’s diamond earring and they re just as beautiful then, as they are now.

I take diamond shopping very seriously. There are a handful of places that are on my list that are acceptable for Brice to buy from. Locally, one of them is Diamonds Direct. Not only do they have very competitive pricing but they also have very quality diamonds. Upon walking in you are amongst a land of sparkle. They have pieces and price points for everyone.

I had my eye on a pair of diamond studs. I have always wanted a pair. I love how they can be worn everyday and also dressed up for formal events. I went into their newly renovated store and was overwhelmed (in the best way) with all of the options they had for me. I settled on a pair of .75 carat, beautifully simple studs. They were so helpful and patient as I tried on different pairs. They listened to what I liked and didn’t like and found me the perfect pair.

If you ever need a beautiful piece I truly hope you go to Diamonds Direct, if even to experience their amazing store and very helpful customer service. I found my dream stud and through the process I can wholeheartedly recommend them.

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