// Our 2015 Holiday Cards





I'm so head over heels in love with our holiday cards for this year! We didn't get around to doing any last year... or the year before that. This was the first one of us as a family of four! I wasn't able to lock down a family photo shoot in time to get seasonally-appropriate photos, but I did manage to use the film photos we shot back in the summer. I love that Linden and Toby are the main focus of the pictures. Since they were self-shot, we didn't get any with the four of us. Toby did take the stellar one on the back cover though! I love looking at that photo because despite the fact he's not in it, I know how overjoyed he was when we let him run around with the camera. Toby gets so proud when he photographs things, and it's definitely a skill I want to help him build over time.

Since these were our first cards in so long, and because so much has changed in the past year, I wanted to go all out with a tri-fold design. More bang for my buck! The more the merrier! This design was a template on Shutterfly, and it only took me about 10 minutes to do it - start to finish! I love the chalkboard texture and style of the card, too. I'm so so excited to mail these out later this month! I think my favorite thing about the cards is that I didn't have to narrow it down to just one photo. I love simple cards, but since I didn't have one of all of us, I wanted to showcase a variety. (Pretend you don't notice that I used one photo twice! haha) The matte finish of the cards is really nice, too. I ordered the matching return address labels, just to continue the theme. The heavy black writing on the envelopes helps tie the design together (in my opinion!) Overall I'm pretty stoked on the outcome. It was fast, easy, and I think they're so stylish! Normally I love to design all of my own things, but there were too many good designs to choose from. I'm going to make sure I stow one card away just so I can have it as a keepsake! I'm not the only one who does that, right? (I seriously have a box with a wedding invite, college graduation announcements, birth announcements, etc! I'm sentimental, y'all!)
Do you and your family do holiday cards each year? I'd love to see them! (If you're hoping to have some made in time for the holidays, Shutterfly is having a 30-50% off sale right now!) You can also try a free Shutterfly card to check the quality, too. Just use the code CARD4U.

xo KB

This post is in partnership with Shutterfly and Collectively, Inc. All opinions and words are my own!

// Want To Enhance Your Fashion Choices? Start From The Top


Image: Pixabay CC0


Let’s face it; we all want to look good. However, knowing how to revamp our appearances with the right fashion choices isn’t always easy. While there are many factors to consider, my simple advice is this: focus on your face.


Of course, it’s great to find an outfit that enhances your body image. Ultimately, though, the face commands more attention during human interactions. So, if you don’t get this part of your look under control, any benefits gained elsewhere will be significantly restricted.


Focus on the four ideas below and you’ll look and feel your best in no time.


Start With Headwear


While you don’t have to wear a hat in every situation, the ability to pull one off will make a huge difference. There’s something iconic about a woman who can wear a stylish hat well. So, rather than finding one that suits your attire, why not start the outfit with this purchase?


Stylish felt cowboy hats are a fantastic example. You can use this as the foundation for building a look. Whether you opt for the cowgirl appearance or a modern twist on a winter classic is up to you. Of course, it is the perfect accessory for a wide range of outside activities.


Couple this with a winning hairstyle, and you will never look back.


Think About The Eyes


The eyes are the window to the soul and will have a huge impact on your overall look. After all, it is one of the first things anyone will notice about you. Likewise, eye contact is key throughout any interaction in personal or professional settings. You must not overlook them.


If you have a prescription, finding the right glasses can be a great way to bring your facial appearance together. As well as making you look more fashionable, it saves you from constantly squinting. The impact that this has on your overall look is huge.


The right choice of eyeshadow and makeup around the eyes can work wonders too.


Master Your Smile


As well as the eyes, a winning smile will transform your entire appearance. Therefore, an active investment in your smile should be another priority for women of all ages. For starters, taking time to practice your smile in the mirror can help you achieve the desired look.


Nevertheless, you will probably benefit from daily and cosmetic treatments. Teeth whitening and realignment services can transform the shape of your smile as well as the glow. When followed by good daily hygiene, you can unleash the Hollywood smile time and time again.


Giving attention to the lips through makeup or filler procedures is another useful option.


Select The Right Jewelry


When it comes to accessorizing, jewerly choices are vital. You don’t necessarily need to wear lots of different pieces. Still, those that you do wear should enhance your look. Quality is essential, but it should also suit your natural look.


Knowing which type of metal suits your skin tone can guide your decisions. While you may opt for gems that carry sentimental value, like birthstones, you should also think about how they match your eyes. Necklaces, earrings, and nose piercings all need careful consideration.


Get this right, and it should guide your wristwear and body jewelry choices too.