MATERNITY PICS

I did a small sneak peek on instagram last night of our maternity pictures and I said I would post more, so here they are! Ann Wade of Ann Wade Parrish Photography took these last week in our back yard and she did a fabulous job (if I do say so myself). It was sorta a last minute decision and I really had to persuade Brandon, but I'm so glad we decided to do them. I wanted to do something casual and laid back to capture these last few weeks before Baby Owens makes his debut and they're exactly what I intended. Here are some of my favorites from the shoot - and if you are looking for a great photographer, contact Ann Wade! 

STYLISH CAMERA BAGS

While I'm in the mode of preparing for Baby Owens' arrival - one thing I started to think about while reading the multiple handy "what to pack for hospital" lists is my DSLR camera. I know I will be taking it to the hospital for pictures, but eventually my brain starting going 1,001 different directions and I ended up surfing the web for a new camera bag. I currently have this ONA insert and organizer, and I really like it, but after shoving it into my purse on top of my wallet, phone, make up, etc. and toting all that around, it ended up weighing 30 pounds = not fun! I would be content with this insert if it had some sort of attachable cross body strap to use when you're on the go, but it doesn't. 

It took me a while to find some good options that didn't resemble a men's gym bag, but I finally found some stylish, and affordable bags. I decided to compile this chart of my favorite options for people in the same boat. Since I was clueless in the beginning, hopefully this will help you out in the future when in the market for a new stylish camera bag! 

ONE: 2 Sues bag in grey by Kelly Moore - This looks like a great bag to double as a purse and protective camera bag
TWO: Betsy Black by Jo Totes
THREE: Cheeky Lime Classic Bag in green
FOUR: Libby bag in caramel by Kelly Moore
FIVE: The Bowery in black by ONA - I ordered this one due to its price, size, style, and convenience to grab it and go! I'm sure I'll have my purse with me and this bag looks small enough to wear cross body while still toting a purse (or diaper bag!)
SIX: Rebecca Minkoff Craig Crossbody Camera bag - look at all the fun, summer colors! This one is on the small side for a large price - but it's super cute!
SEVEN: The Palma by ONA - This one is my absolute favorite but is not a reasonable option right now, but if I start shooting pictures more often, I'd love to have this to use everyday!
EIGHT: The Claremont by Lo & Sons - Another classy leather option very similar to the Palma 
NINE: Oliday Tan Canvas Bag - a great affordable, but stylish option 
TEN: Georgia Nautical by Jo Totes
ELEVEN: Missy Mint by Jo Totes
TWELVE: London Backpack by Epiphanie - A perfect gender neutral option big enough to tote around anything you may need during your outing

What do you use to tote your camera around? If you could invest in a new camera bag - which style is your favorite? I went with #5 and can't wait to see how well it gets the job done! Happy Friday! I'm officially at 35 weeks today so 5 weeks to go, eek!

SNEAK PEEK: nursery

Please don't give up on the blog - just yet! I swear I'm just super busy with baby showers, organizing the nursery, design work, and just haven't found the time to blog! I have several posts just waiting to be loaded so please be patient. 

If you follow me on instagram, you may have seen a small sneak peek of Baby Owens' nursery last night, but if you missed it, here are a few pictures of the progress so far. To refresh your brain of the big picture idea, look back at my inspiration boards and mock ups here. Don't worry, I will be sharing final pictures in the next few weeks so don't judge my iphone quality. This is just a sneak peek. 

Currently I am still waiting on the chair and I need to hang the mobile and organize the dressers, but it is coming along! Brandon keeps saying, "it doesn't really look like a baby's room," which just cracks me up. I guess he was imagining clowns or bears all over the walls? Silly boys. I'm really happy with the way it is turning out and I just can't believe a tiny babe will be living in this room in about 2 months. Time is flying! More to come, stay tuned!

BLOGLOVIN

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WOODEN TOYS

I know all natural and organic is completely the rage these days, and I'm not one to lean too granola, but I can't help to love any beautifully designed, wooden toy. I know that most of them aren't as vivid and playful as the typical children's toy, but I guess I have too much of an appreciation for design aesthetic.  Well, I have been keeping a list of my favorite ones to eventually consider for Baby Owens and I wanted to share some of my favorites! What is your opinion on wooden toys? Love 'em or hate 'em?

ONE: These wooden cameras are too cute! I love all the fun color options - they even have a faux instagram camera, ha! 
TWO: How adorable is this zebra cart!? Makes learning to walk seem exciting, huh!? Kidding. Be sure and check out their outdoor grill and kitchen for all your little chefs! 
THREE: If you are a designer of any sort, then you will appreciate the stylish nature of these lowercase blocks! Nothing like an embossed, pretty font to make your day.
FOUR: This birch wood IKEA baby gym is easy on the eyes and bank account. I wish I had a trip to Ikea planned ...
FIVE: I am obsessed with these animal wood figures and definitely have all pictured on Baby Owens' wish list! I wish I could have them all, but at $10 a pop I may have to settle for a few. 
SIX: I had these Dwell Studio blocks on my Baby Owens board, but just recently found them for half price at our BuyBuy Baby - #winning! I have them on display they are so colorful and fun.
SEVEN: These wooden cars are officially all natural and can be used as toys, rattles, and competitive fun! 
EIGHT: With Brandon in the road construction business, I can't help but gravitate towards any type of construction paraphernalia - jammies, toys, hats, shoes, etc. - so, these construction trucks would be ideal for Baby Owens to start getting used to!