My "Go-To" Work Dress


In May I ordered three (black, grey and light grey/white stripe) of these super affordable dresses from Old Navy and have worn them a ton this summer. Old Navy has such great sales that two of them were only $12! Plus they come in tall sizes which fit me better for "work length" style. It's nice to have something easy to throw on now that the heat is here and they look great with cardigans and blazers.

What are your go-to work staples?

DIY Kombucha


Look! I made this! 
(AND I drank it and haven't died!)

I'm a big fan of kombucha, but the idea of making something that's fermented was a little scary to me and rightfully so- the fermenting process goes against everything I've ever been taught about food safety and leaving things out, growing bacteria, etc. 

If you enjoyed science experiments as a kid, this is right up your alley. 

Basically, you make tea, add sugar, put it in a big jar with this sorta creepy looking bacteria/yeast blob that looks like a wet rubbery biscuit and let it sit on a shelf in your pantry for a few weeks. Added bonus, you can hide your favorite snacks behind it. It definitely detours husbands looking to eat all of the cookies :). 

I'm not going to pretend to be an expert by any means, so instead of telling you how to do it, I'll direct you to the experts that I've looked to:

First off, this post comparing the costs of buying kombucha  vs. making yoru own is what inspired me give it a go. 

I purchased the Goldfinch Kombucha Kit at Whole Foods. Their instructions were really straightforward and simple to follow. 

This had a bunch of helpful tips, photos and explanations as well. 

For my first round, I chose to keep the flavors simple, mainly because I wanted to make sure everything tasted right. I kept a few plain and added pommagranate juice to a few. I'm excited to try some of these suggestions in the future. 

Finally, I got my bottles from Bob's Homebrew Supply

I've already got my second batch fermenting in my pantry! SO I'd call this experiment a success! 

New York Wedding


On the Fourth of July, Jason and I shot a lovely wedding in Manhattan's Financial District. Rachael, the bride was a college roommate, so it made being a part of their day even more special! Here are a few of my favorites...










Photos by Studio JKoe 

Would you wear bright eyeliner?


Mylo's wonderful nanny Jessica often wears gorgeous bright green or blue eyeliner which looks stunning on her. I'm too much of a wuss to try it out but I'd like to give it a chance at some point. Am I too old??

Elle Fanning recently rocked neon yellow eyeliner at Comic-Con and looked so cute. Would you dare? 

PS. Jenny showing us how to wear neon makeup. Guess this trend has stuck around! 






Monday Motivation



Friday Roundup

Happy Friday! Hope you have some fun plans for this beautiful weekend. I'm heading over the eastern WA for a bachelorette weekend which I've been looking forward to for months. It will be my first nights away from Mylo though so wish me luck!

Here are some links to kick us off:

Amazing airstream remodel.

10 ways to use liqueurs in summer desserts and a delicious looking bourbon slush punch.

Would you consider giving your child the mother's last name?

Cute and practical, I need to get some of this before Mylo grows even taller!

5 ways to raise kind children, love this article.

This looks like an awesome date night.

Well done Kristin Bell!

Seriously? Ice creme sandwich donuts (!) and the cutest fruit macaroons (image to the left).

Interesting article about modern parenting.

Dreaming of far off places and beautiful design: an eclectic London flat, a Brazilian rainforest escape, a modern German boathouse, and a colorful Australian beach home.

Would you teach your baby sign language?

 
For the past few weeks Myles has been driving us all a little bonkers with his fairly constant whining. He has this little sound that he makes all day that's like a high pitched "eh" noise. He hasn't started saying any words yet so this is his best attempt to communicate with us every thing from "I'm hungry, where's my breakfast?" to "I'm bored, let's go outside." Honestly I can't blame the little guy for trying to talk with us the only way he knows how.

Patrick and I are both eager to help Myles to communicate with us but there are only so many times you can try to get him to say "mama." So I'm thinking of trying to teach him some sign language. I've heard it can be fairly easy to teach babies a few words of ASL so that they are able to communicate before they have verbal language skills.

This website is awesome with basic videos on how to get started. Has anyone out there tried baby sign language? Any tips or success stories to get us started?

PS. 12 basic sign language words (love the one for cat!)

Wednesday Smile


Have you seen this amazing video of a charming old man throwing down his canes and bustin' a move on the dance floor?? It made my day. Hope you're having a great week!

Wedding Wednesday: Raj & Shweta, part 2


One of my favorite things about the Indian weddings we've shot, is that it typically involves a long break after the ceremony where not only do the bride and groom go and change into new outfits, often a lot of the guests will too! Here are shots of Raj & Shweta in their second outfits, just before their reception began.














Monday Motivation


I'm realizing that we've passed the middle of July and I haven't enjoyed the summer half as much as I'd like... It's time to start making plans to enjoy the rest of the lovely days ahead. 

Friday Roundup



Happy Friday! Today is Mandela Day, in honor of what would have been Nelson Mandela's 96th birthday. It's been a not so great week for our world, definitely a time when everyone could benefit from looking to Mandela's message of hope, peace, forgiveness and reconciliation. (Loving Google's doodle today.)

Wherever you are, I hope you have great weekend, surrounded by friends and family. We'll be celebrating Mylo's first birthday! And now, here are some stories of happiness from around the web...

If you have an furry friend and have ever tried to do yoga at home...

Apps for suntanning. Really.

Childhood drawings reimagined

Perfect summer song, by one of my favorite people!

Sweet story of a kid turned into a pop star, just because.

Life hacks, I plan on trying #39 later today.

I'm not a fan of the original, but Weird Al's version of this song is AMAZING and educational too!

I bought Oliver the cat one of these for his birthday this week.

Pretty braids- aka a classy way to get your hair off of your sweaty neck.


Photo by Zoe Rain

Our Summer So Far

We are having a great summer so far. Loving this warm weather and having a "big boy" who can participate in some of the fun summer activities like swimming and playing outside. Now just keeping my finger's crossed for no rain on Sunday for his birthday!  Here are some pics of our summer baby.


Look who finally has a tooth! After waiting for 11 months Mylo has sprouted to little teeth.


Summer swim baby 


Cousins on the 4th 


Patrick and Kenedee having a laugh on the 4th


Crawling around at Gas Works Park


 Never want to forget those rolls!!


Family Selfie at Golden Gardens

Mama and Mylo at Golden Gardens

Wedding Wednesday: RELAX


The invitations are sent, the decor is set, the schedule is made, now what?

The best advice I can give you for the weeks leading up to your wedding, is to carve sometime out for yourself and just be.

I spent those last few weeks reading Harry Potter. Really! It took my mind off of the wedding and helped me to escape into another world, giving me a much needed break from stressing out about minor details.

How do you escape? For me, reading novels as well as prayer/meditation and yoga are some of my favorite ways take a break from the world. Also, marathons of The Office on Netflix while cuddling my cat works too.

If your big day is right around the corner, check out my posts on Sunset PhotosLast Minute Advice, and Wedding Day Tips & Tricks.

Photo of me by Ryan Lewis


Anniversary


EIGHT years ago today, Jason and I got married! My one regret, that horrible purple tie Jason is wearing! Other than that, I can truly say I love him more now than I did then.

This morning, I was getting up as Jason was going to sleep after editing all night (fun new project coming out soon!) he asked me if I ever thought this is where we would be eight years later. I don't know where I thought we'd be or what I imagined us doing, but traveling the world, working together without killing each other, using photography for philanthropy, choosing to not have kids yet, a moon man on the mantle and Grammy nominations for both of us. Nope. Never would have ever dreamed that up, and I have a very active imagination.

We're going here for a low key dinner tonight. We're not big anniversary celebrators, but we're great at pulling the, "well, we didn't really celebrate our anniversary, so lets say this is for that" card multiple times a year to justify buying fun things or splurging on food or nice hotels when we're out of town and I think that's the best way, to celebrate being married all the time :).

Tory Burch + Fitbit

After reading this crazy/hilarious yet somehow inspiring article by David Sedaris in the New Yorker a few weeks back I decided to give the "Fitbit Life" a try. I've been wearing the black bracelet day and night and tracking my steps with the goal of reaching 10,000 per day. The Fitbit also tracks sleep, exercise, calories, weight, etc. Wearing it has definitely inspired me to get up from my desk for an daily stroll and do more walking/jogging in the evening when I get home from work. Hitting 10,000 steps a day is no easy task! 

One of my complaints about the Fitbit is that the bracelet is fine for casual outfits or active wear but it doesn't really go with my work/evening attire. Problem resolved! Enter, Tory Burch for Fitbit. I need to start saving my pennies so I can splurge on the GORGEOUS gold bangle above. All in the name of fitness right??




Friday Roundup


Happy Friday!! It's going to be a very hot weekend here in Seattle. I'm looking forward to taking Mylo to the splash pool and a dip in Lake Sawyer.

Here are some links to kick us off!

Lovely kitchen remodel for $8700.

Fascinating article about China's one child rule.

Crazy photos of people laying in a weeks' worth of their trash.

Great wedding gift ideas.

Nameberry's top baby names of 2014 so far have been released.

Mesmerizing. What's your super power?

I wasn't crazy about this casting but the preview actually looks pretty good. Don't ruin the book!

This looks like something I might actually try cooking (with real bacon).

And don't forget the Nordstrom half yearly sale is off and running! This, this and this are all on my short list.

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Throwback Thursday: World Cup 2010



I've been thinking a lot lately about the time we spent in South Africa four years ago. Patrick and I went there to have an adventure and to work with the Tshwane Leadership Foundation in Pretoria on their big World Cup event. Along with about seven others we organized a month-long celebration in the center of town where anyone could come watch the games on a big screen, kids could participate in safe activities during the day, and we raised awareness about important issues like HIV/AIDS and homelessness. It was an adventure to say the least, full of ups and downs, new friendships, and once in a lifetime experiences. Here are a few images of us watching the US and South Africa matches with friends. I can't wait to get back to South Africa some day!





Trying Oil Pulling


Have you heard of oil pulling? I'm always up for a new odd craze to bandwagon so I decided to give it a shot. This is an ancient technique originating in India that involves swishing the mouth with oil first thing in the morning before eating or drinking. The idea is that the oil pulls the toxins out of your mouth and off of your teeth leaving your teeth whiter, mouth cleaner, and toxin-free. There are also claims that it helps clean the sinuses, cures hangovers and eliminate skin blemishes. Most people recommend using coconut oil because of it's antiseptic qualities.

Day 1: So I'm going to be honest, the texture of solid coconut oil is not the most appetizing of experiences at 6:00 am on Monday morning. It takes about 30 seconds to dissolve in the mouth and then the taste didn't bother me at all. I swished leisurely while I cleaned the kitchen and made oatmeal and spit it in the trash (it can clog the drain). I was actually amazed at how much impact just one "pulling" had on my mouth. My teeth felt smooth, my mouth seemed fresh and relaxed, and it could have been my imagination but my teeth seemed whiter.

Day 2: I didn't notice quite as much impact on the second day but definitely appreciated the smoothness of my teeth.

Day 3: It's quite a commitment for this breakfast fiend to spend 20 minutes before eating swishing and gurgling. Not sure I'll be able to manage doing this every day but mouth feels fresh and clean.

Day 4: Teeth are definitely slightly whiter and my breath is very fresh. If only this didn't take 20 minutes or I could do it later in the day...

Day 5: .....and I haven't swished.

Overall I feel like this is something I could pull off maybe 3-4 times per week and be satisfied. It's much easier for me to do on weekdays because I'm up at least an hour before Patrick and Mylo. I definitely prefer the clean sensation it leaves vs the tingling that mouth wash creates.

(Image)

The Lonely Bouquet Project



When my sister got married down in LA we used the fabulous florist, Twig and Twine, for her bouquet. I've followed the shop on Instagram since then and noticed a wonderful little idea she posted about a few week back. It's called the "Lonely Bouquet Project" and involves simply creating a bouquet and leaving it in a public place with a note for a stranger to find and take home. Then you can hit their website and track the bouquets that are being left and received. How sweet, simple and lovely.

Monday Motivation

Friday Roundup


Happy Fourth! Jason and I are shooting a friend's wedding in New York today! Praying that the rain holds off as we're shooting this afternoon. I hope you all have the day off and are planning something wonderfully summery, cool and relaxing. Stay safe if you're in Hurricane Arthur's path!

Beautiful Fourth of July wedding from a few years back...

I want to try this ice cream recipe!

Change your password, change your life? 

Everyone loves Cairo the Cat.

How would you describe colors to a blind person?

Beautiful time-lapse of Seattle...

photo: @jkoephoto









Jenny's Favorites: June Edition



June was one of those months that FLEW by thanks to some intensive projects we've been working on. Now I find myself on the other side of it, not even remembering much of what happened. Here are a few of the things I can recall enjoying this past month.

1. Loving my arrow bracelet from Moorea Seal and loving the concept of this store! It features a wonderfully curated selection of cards, jewelry, accessories and home goods made mainly by U.S. artists. 7% of proceeds go to a variety of great non-profits. They have a shop in Belltown and also online.

2. I'm currently listening to Ruby the Rabbitfoot and you should too!

3. I just finished reading (or rather, listening to the audiobook of) The Forgotten Garden. It's definitely a good summer read/listen that will suck you into the mystery of a multigenerational family secret.

4. Jason and I haven't had a lot of free time this month, but we're still trying to enjoy our yard this summer. We've resorted to having meetings back there, sitting in our awesome hammock chairs. Ours came from a beach vendor in Sayulita, but you can get similar ones here.

5. My current favorite eye shadow. 

6. Straws! These reusable stainless straws are perfect for my continued obsession with morning smoothies and afternoon ginger ale. Do yourself a favor and spring for the straw cleaners. I learned the hard way and had to order them separately. 

Myles: Eleven Months


He's such a big boy now! Crawling and finally some teeth coming in!