{Find & Follow}

We have moved! Find us at our new blog, The New Haven Home, and follow along!

Sadly, we won't be returning here....

{Pic Monkey}

Any other Picnik-ers out there sad that Picnik went away? I was too, until someone told me about Pic Monkey.  I love taking pictures, and since I don't have a great camera or photoshop it's important for me to have a good editor!

Look what I did with one of Avery's 1 year photos for family birthday party favors using Pic Monkey...

or just for fun...

I could play around with it for hours. You can make collages, write on, edit pictures, and more.  I think the effects and fonts are even better than Picnik, myself.

{love} kacey jane

{Avery's Cake Smash}

My little darling turned one over the weekend.  As I posted here last week, Avery had her "cake smash" one-year old pictures last month.  My friend, Shari, is an amazing photographer. She took A's pics and I love them! Check out her blog.

I can't believe it's been one whole year since Little A was born! Here are a newborn pic and a one-year pic, both of which Shari took.  It's so fun to look at them juxtaposed. I so enjoy watching this little creature grow!

We had lots of ideas for the one year shoot. We ended up using Avery's great-grandmother's high chair for the cake pictures (used by her when she was a child), and Shari had the adorable idea of bathing her afterward. Here are some of my favorites...

Okay, they are all my favorites!

{love} kacey jane

{Baby Lit}

I am a lover of literature.  As an avid reader since before I could read (if that's possible), as well as a former reading and English teacher, I believe one of the greatest joys in life that I can impart to my children is the love for books, their stories, and their characters.

That's why I freaked out when I discovered these Baby Lit Board Books by Jennifer Adams.  I mean, "be still my heart".  Picture me doing the flappy-armed, raised eye brow squeal in front of my computer when Zulily had them this week for a huge discount.  Although they won't be here in time for Avery's birthday, I'm considering them birthday presents:)  Here are the books I bought...

Here.

And just take a look inside:

I encourage everyone to look for and buy books like these that can give your children even the tiniest foundation in the classics that may inspire them to pick up the real books when they're much older.  You might even enjoy them more than they do:)

Jane Austen said it best,

{love} kacey jane

{Lori Wilson Photography, Dallas, TX}

One of my best friends from college has recently launched her own photography business in Dallas.  Hooray for her! I am so proud.  She is extremely talented and I wanted to share her some of her work and her brand new web site (launched just last night!)

She photographed my little one in April as she was building her portfolio and has had an avalanche of business in recent months.  She has a wonderful eye for lighting and draws inspiration from any and everything around to give her new ideas. Here are some of my favorite pictures of Lori's, starting with my favorite one she took of Little A...

If you are in Dallas or the surrounding area and looking for a photographer to capture your big days and best moments, contact Lori! www.loriwilsonphotography.com. 

{love} kacey jane

{Etsy Love: Giddy Up & Grow}

Pretty sure I've found a new favorite bow shop and I want to share!  Giddy Up & Grow may have risen to the top in my estimation of Etsy bow shops.  I ordered this one for Avery's birthday this weekend...

Here.

Based in Canada, Giddy Up & Grow was featured in Canadian Family Magazine Baby Guide 2012. You can see why: a creative imagination and a beautiful color palette!  There is also a line of Disney- inspired clips and bows that you will have to visit their shop to see!  Absolute darlingness.

Some of my other favorites...

Here.

Here.

Here.

Here.

Here.

Here.

Honestly, I just now got overwhelmed choosing my favorites.  There could have been 30.  Great birthday and shower gifts for those special little girls in your life!

Check out my "Bows, Bows, Bows" board and follow Art of Darling on Pinterest for other great ideas!

{xoxo} kacey jane