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My Pool Party Essentials!

Published on June 23, 2017June 23, 2017 by writingsandworshipLeave a comment

Summer!! It’s HERE! While I only love it for a short time, I do love summer. June is my favorite month. It’s my birthday month…and it’s not toooooooo hot here in OK yet. (And by that I mean it’s 90s not 100-110)

Whether you have a fancy pool, a kiddie pool, or a hose, you have to have some water fun in the heat of the summer days. This year, I wanted to share all my favorite essentials for a perfect summer pool party. Hey, even for a party of one! Let’s celebrate summer with a pool party post! Who’s ready?

Today is all about My Pool Party Essentials! Everything I need for a fun day outside beating that hot summer heat.

A Pool

I know this seems obvious, but my first essential for a summer pool party is, well, the pool! I know everyone is on different budgets, so it doesn’t even matter what kind of pool-just something to get your feet wet in and enjoy! The pool I bought was a $26 blow up pool from Amazon. It is a square so there is four corners to lounge in and it’s like 7 feet long! I love this Intex swimming pool. But Walmart and target sells many options as well. Honestly there are so many that no matter your budget, you should be able to get a little something!

It is this vibrant lime and blue color that looks so summery!

A Beach Ball

No pool party is complete without a beach ball! Always fun to kick or toss around, and it just seems to make the beach feeling a little stronger, am I right? I purchased this Aquarium Transparent Beach Ball that is also from Intex. This particular beach ball was from Amazon for $6! It is clear with some decor on the sides and a bright pink blown up crab in the center! I loved the different colors and theme of this ball; I had never seen one similar to it. It adds such a fun aspect to your pool party!

Sunscreen

I used to be one of those that never bothered with being very intentional with my sunscreen application; until my mom had skin cancer a few years ago. While it wasn’t sun caused, I still need and want to be extremely careful. Therefore, sunscreen is a huge essential for any pool party or outdoor activity. I prefer the Sport Continuous Spray and I usually just buy the Walmart brand. I use at least 30 SPF if not more! I do like to tan, but not burn and I need to be safe!

Floatie Cup Holders

Ok, maybe this isn’t part of your pool party essentials, but it is definitely one of mine! I am obsessed with the floatie craze! But sadly because of the size of my pool, I can’t use a full size one. Luckily I found these equally as cute, cup holder floaties! They have donuts, palm trees, flamingos, and probably many more! I purchased a three set of fruit ones that came with a watermelon, lime, and pineapple one. SO CUTE. I bought these from Bed Bath & Beyond for $9.99, a total steal!

Cold Drinks

I love a cold, crisp drink on a hot day! I try to drink mostly water at the pool, because of the heat, but I do love San Pellegrino Sparkling Beverages. They are so light and I love the fizz. But really any cold drink that is your favorite would work! I also love lemonade or a nice ice tea. As long as it’s cold, it’s great for a pool party!

I will add, I try not to drink something with to much sugar in the heat. I don’t want to get sick!

Popsicles

Whatever your favorite cold treat is, it’s an essential for a pool party in my book. My favorite right now is fruit Popsicles because they aren’t heavy and are so refreshing! I am loving the Outshine Fruit Bars in berry or lime. In this Oklahoma heat, they won’t last long, but they are worth the melting! What is your favorite cold treat on a hot day? Whether it’s frozen fruit, popsicles, or ice cream…I consider it a pool party must-have!

oh, and maybe share a pupsicle with your cute pup too!

What are YOUR pool party essentials? Did I leave something important out? Let me know in the comments what you love to have around during a fun day in the sun! XO

5 song series

Published on June 21, 2017 by writingsandworshipLeave a comment

Hello friends! Sorry to have been MIA this week; honestly life just caught up to me. I’ve been under the weather and haven’t gotten to photography my Monday post.

Today, since I’m playing catch up, I just wanted to recap my “5 song series” so that all the post links are in one spot of you want to share! I have really loved this series and am hoping to continue it as well. For now, here is a recap of the series so far!

5 songs for the mourning

If you’re mourning, experiencing loss, or broken…these songs are for you. The Lord can hold us at our darkest moments and sometimes those moments are after a loss. Our world is losing life right and left…it’s a sad world, but these songs remind us that even in loss, God is there. And if we have accepted Jesus as Lord and savior, death is not the end.

5 songs for the joyful

God brings JOY! Our life shouldn’t be tampered with just pain and suffering…we must seek out the joy. These songs help to praise the Lord for our good days and all He has done for us. I think it’s easy for us to only seek God when we need him to fix something and we forget He deserves our praise and thankfulness at all times. I love these songs because they put my heart in the right perpective.

5 songs for the anxious

Anxiety is not from God and these songs can help push that fear away as we focus on God and who He is. I love these songs because they are so uplifting and such a good reminder for our minds.

5 songs for the weary

We all get weary. These songs are to pick you up when you’re down. Once again, no matter what emotion we are feeling and no matter what we are going through God is not far away and He is always there. We are never alone. I hope if you’re weary today that these songs will inspire you today.

5 songs for the bold

We are called to be bold in our faith. I hope you find these songs inspiring and make you want to pray for bold moves and strength. I love these songs because they make me push myself and prepare myself to pray bold prayers.

I pray this series has blessed you like it has me. Would you like to see more? Let me know what you’d like to see!

My Photography Essentials

Published on June 16, 2017June 16, 2017 by writingsandworship2 Comments

If you didn’t know, W&W is also my photography business! I’m still learning but have already came so far in just two years. While I’m not expert, I wanted to share my personal Photography Essentials.

There’s are just my go-tos, yours might be different! But I love seeing what others use in their business! Like I said I’m still new, so I’m slowly building up my props and gear! Feel free to tell me a few other things you think I might need!

I do newborn, maternity, fresh 48, senior, family, birth, etc. so I don’t always use the same gear but I am just going to share my base gear and essentials I use for almost all of my shoots. I will also link everything that is still available to buy in case you want to get yours as well! I hope you find this interesting, here we go! Also, ironically this isn’t sponsored by Amazon, even though most of this is from it-I just love it!

Nikon D3100 with kit lens

I believe that this one is now discontinued because its fairly old, but it does me just fine. I currently only have the kit lens but I am looking to add another one here in a few months! I love this camera, I can work it well and I am even still learning all the things that it does.

Neewer 32″ 5-in-1 collapsible disc reflector

This is a new purchase that I am still learning about, but it was extremely affordable and has been a huge help already. Amazon once again is my saving grace and had these for under $15. I know there are much better quality out there but for me, just learning how to use them, this was perfect. If you aren’t familiar with these, the picture is confusing. It is actually one disc with different outside coverings that you can turn inside out for other colors; perfect for travel! It is portable and collapsible and fits perfectly in my bag. It has gold, silver, translucent, white, and black-all you could need!

Vera Bradly Campus Backpack as camera bag

This one is possibly controversial, ha! I know it isn’t a typical camera backpack but I love it. It can stay on my back so I don’t have to carry anything. I also bought some inserts so the camera would stay safe which I will mention next. It has inside pockets where I keep batteries and chargers. Honestly I bought it so on sale it was much cheaper than any of the camera bags I first saw. It also has a good outside pocket where I keep smaller props like onsies, ducks, confetti, etc.

Camera travel protection insert

Honestly, this little bag is perfect! It can take any bag and make it into a camera bag. I sit this in the bottom of my backpack and the camera and lens fit perfectly into it. Amazon carries it for under $13 and eligible for prime. One of my favorite essentials!

EN-EL14 travel charger

I am honestly ashamed by how many chargers I seem to lose. I will probably find about 5 if ever move houses because I seem to lose them right and left. But thanks to Amazon again, they have them really inexpensive. This is my favorite charger because it has both a plug in and a car charger adapter, perfect for if you are on the road and need to charge. But it is always good to have one at home and one in my camera bag as well.

San Disk Memory Card

While there are many different kinds of SD cards, I tend to buy San Disk. I had to buy them for a college class anyway and have just always liked this brand. I have never had any problems with them so far either. Right now I have a 32 and an 8 but am looking to add maybe a few 16’s just so I have enough and don’t have to constantly delete things off my 8.

Fur rug from Ikea

The link and picture isn’t the exact on I have but it is the closest I could find for you to get! I do a good amount of newborn and child shoots so this is so perfect! I picked it up at Ikea and it is amazing. It is a great size for little ones and mine is a light grey so goes with boy or girl! If you don’t have something like this, get ya one! I found a similar one at Hobby Lobby too.

Three Step Ladder

I’m honestly not sure that this is the exact same ladder as I have, but I linked it anyway. The ladder I use is my grandparents old one that they have had for years. As a 5’2 photographer, most of my clients are much taller than me; which proves for awful angles! I prefer shots from almost a little above them if its face on to provide my clients with the best angle. So in comes the ladder! Some might need only a step stool, but I prefer this on because it gives me some much needed support and a handle if I need to balance if I am doing flat-lay shots.

I am currently looking for a newborn posing bag, so if you know anyone or place that sells them…let me know!! If you’re in Oklahoma, i’d love to be your photographer! For more info see my photography page.

What are YOUR photography essentials?? I’d love to hear!

Beauty Blogger Tag

Published on June 12, 2017June 12, 2017 by writingsandworship2 Comments

Happy Makeup Monday! Let’s start off our week with a fun post! Today I am doing the “Beauty Blogger Tag!” I was inspired by Christina’s Chic Corner after I read her post of this tag as well, so make sure you head to her post as well!

I honestly love tag posts! It is a fun and informal way to get to know the blogger and just answer some fun questions! I have don a few tag’s in the past, but not a beauty blogger one! So here we go:

1.) What is your natural hair color? Do you dye it yourself or go to a salon?

My natural hair color is a mid-to-dark brown color. I feel like it is right in the middle but closer to dark if I had to guess. I do dye my hair, not all the time, but when I get an itch for something different. I do both salon and at home. If it is just a plain one color, I usually do it myself to save money. But if it is a harder color, highlights, any bleaching…I go to the salon! It honestly just depends on what I want and how much money I have at the time.

2.) How often do you wash your hair?

I used to have really oil hair, but I don’t now. So I aim for two to three times a week. Sometimes more and sadly…maybe sometimes less?? My hair seems to do better when it isn’t washed every day.

3.) Will you leave the house without makeup?

Yes! While I don’t have perfect skin, there are so many times I just don’t want to bother with makeup! Especially if I’m just running to the store or something. While sometimes I may feel self-conscious about it–I still do it!

4.) How long does it take you to do your makeup?

Honestly depends on the look I am going for that day. Just a simple every day look no more than probably 15 minutes, if that. But if I am doing a bigger look or for a special occasion I take my time and could probably use up two hours! I don’t like to have to rush!

5.) Do you read the comments on your posts?

Absolutely! That’s one of the best parts of blogging is getting feedback and getting to connect with readers. I try to read and respond quickly too.

6.) What camera do you use for your photos?

Either my Nikon D3100 or even just my iPhone. I prefer my Nikon obviously but sometimes it is just too much trouble for a little photo or two.

7.) What skin type do you have?

Who knows really. Most of the time I have oily skin, but lately I have had oily cheek bones and a dry dry dry forehead! I usually air on the side of oily though, because that seems to be what I am most of the time.

8.) What is your current facial cleanser?

I am currently using the Ole Henriksen Oil Control Cleanser. But I also love the Clean and Clear foaming cleanser as well.

9.) Do you have freckles?

Not really! A few on my arms but that’s about it. I do have a few beauty marks/moles that tend to look like freckles though.

10.) What is your favorite eye-shadow color?

Yikes! That is a hard one. I love grey, so versatile. Anything shimmery. I also love a purple eye look.

11.) How often do you poke your eyes with an eyeliner pencil?

Oh, probably every day!

12.) Do you use pencil or liquid eyeliner?

Both! I usually use a pencil on the bottom and a liquid on the top. I have a hard time using a pencil on the top lashes! They’re too rough. And liquid on bottom is a nightmare.

13.) What is your favorite lipstick?

Currently YSL Rouge Volupte! They are so moisturizing and so easy to apply. But I am also loving Lipsense too!

14.) Name a makeup crime that you hate.

Foundation that is too dark!! I have when you/my neck doesn’t match the face…but it is something every one does! It is hard to perfectly match your skin unless you test it well.

15.) Do you like drugstore makeup?

Oh yes!! I use a good amount of drugstore makeup. They have some great quality stuff!

What would your answers be?? Let me know in the comments!

17 Things to Make You Smile

Published on June 11, 2017June 11, 2017 by writingsandworshipLeave a comment

Happy Sunday! I hope you are enjoying a great day full of Jesus and family. What do you typically do on a Sunday?

Today I wanted to brighten your spirits! We all need a reason to smile sometimes. We can all use a little happiness in our busy and often stressful lives. Sometimes we get caught up in the chaos and the problems in our lives and forget to be happy and to remember the little things. That’s why I wanted to share 17 simple and easy ways to get your smile front and center!

Buy yourself a new lipstick- A new lipstick always brightens my day and brings a smile to my face. How about you?
Take a moment and read a chapter of the Bible- I suggest any of the Psalms, Exodus 14, or a chapter in Matthew.
Stop and look at the flowers…literally- Sometimes even a glance at something beautiful like flowers can cause a smile on a hard day.
Write a kind note to someone else- Remember that we aren’t the only ones that have hard days. So to cause a smile, try giving someone else some kindness!
Take a walk and see Gods creation- When life is stressful, go for a walk and take a look around at God’s brilliant and beautiful creation. It always makes me smile.
Have a Netflix marathon of your favorite funny movie or show- There is nothing in life that a Psych marathon or a few episodes of Everybody Loves Raymond can’t fix. Grab a snack, a blanket, and a crack a smile while laughing and enjoying your favorite show.
Buy yourself a new outfit- Sometimes we need to spoil ourselves, so when life is tough go buy a new outfit and smile—show the world you’re in control.
Pay it forward- Buy someone’s coffee or lunch! Spread smiles and happiness to others even when life is hard for us.
Create something- If you paint—paint. If you make cards—make a card. If you write—write! Create something and I bet you will smile.
Read a new book- For me, reading a new book (or a classic favorite) always tends to put a smile on my face.
Take some time to yourself- Go get a manicure, a massage, or go have lunch on your own. Take a few moments to yourself to gather your thoughts and to relax.
Have a worship service in your room- For me, nothing makes me happier than a worship session alone in my car or my room. God’s presence never fails to put life in perspective.
Drink out of a fancy glass- Maybe this won’t make everyone smile, but it does me! There is nothing better than sipping tea out of a fancy wine glass.
Spend time with loved ones- Show your family some love. Crack some jokes and love on each other.
Talk with an accent- Some of the biggest smiles happen because my sister and I talk in fake accents while doing housework.
Be intentional- Smile by being intentional. Love others, be caring, and have fun in life.
Order a Venti instead- treat yourself and order a big coffee on those crazy mornings and smile because at least you have coffee!

Those are just a few ideas of things to do to make you smile. There is always something to smile about even on our darkest days. Jesus is always a reason to smile and have hope. If you don’t know about Jesus or salvation, I’d love to talk to you about it!

What are a few things that make YOU smile?? Let me know in the comments!

800, let’s celebrate!

Published on June 9, 2017June 9, 2017 by writingsandworship11 Comments

I recently hit 800 followers on my Instagram account for this blog. Now, for some of you, that’s not much to celebrate. I know a lot of bloggers have thousands of followers but I’m not them…and I’m excited for this milestone!

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Gaining an audience and a following takes work and time. It isn’t an overnight thing. I’m about much more than numbers; the number of followers doesn’t mean that the blogs are necessarily impacting or successful. But sometimes it’s nice to hit a big number you have been trying to reach.

Lately I’ve been really struggling with comparing myself, especially as a blogger and creator, to other people in the same field. I work my tail off for 10 followers while other bloggers get hundreds a day. So when I hit 800…I decided I wanted to celebrate. It’s a big number for me and something I’ve worked hard for.

Bring on the balloons! Bring on the confetti! W&W insta hit 800!! I’m also excited to announce that when I hit 1000 I’ll be doing a giveaway! A little beauty, a little makeup, a little encouragement item; you name it, it’ll be a great first giveaway!

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I want to encourage everyone to celebrate the small stuff! Whether its 500 followers, a shared blog post, or a kind word that someone gives you…if you own your own business or are a creator enjoy every milestone you hit. It doesn’t matter where everyone else is in their journey…celebrate each milestone YOU get too! Enjoy each step in your journey and celebrate it no matter how small.

DSC_1483 (2).JPG — That moment when the confetti you bought was to heavy to really blow… HA!

Make sure you’re following me on Instagram! Don’t miss this celebration and the eventual giveaway! Let’s get writingsandworship to 1000 followers!

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An open letter to my future husband

Published on June 7, 2017 by writingsandworshipLeave a comment

I write you almost as much as I think of you. My prayers for you are spread through journals and documents from long ago. I’ve prayed for you every time I long for you. I pray that you’re being molded into what I need and I the same.

I’m learning a lot about waiting. I tend to say I trust God and His timing but sometimes it’s hard to believe He hasn’t forgotten me. I never thought I would have to wait this long to meet you…then again, maybe that’s why I still am.

I’m not perfect. I’m obsessed with Kate Spade; which you’ll probably spend most of our marriage trying to keep me from using our entire bank account to buy all this KS. I worry a lot. I get obsessed with a certain show on Netflix…just warning you that’s all we will watch when I fall in love with a show. You’ll probably be sick of my countless hours of 90s sitcoms I watch. I make a big cup of coffee and only drink half. All these things you might hate about me, but I know there will be stuff you love about me too.

I pray that you are ready to handle me when we finally find each other. I believe that God is still equipping each of us to be exactly what the other needs and that’s why we’re still waiting.

Are you ready to meet me? Have you prayed for me? I like to write you when I get impatient. I try to take my impatience and make it into prayer for our future.

I can’t wait to write our vows, decorate a house, and be able to hold your hand all the time. I hope I’m enough for you. I hope that our lives won’t be perfect, they’ll be full of love.

For the record I love peonies, all things gold, and Dr. Pepper icees. I love typewriters and famous lines from literature. I hate eggs and fish. And I’m horribly terrified of bees and wasps. I need encouragement and acts of love. I can’t wait to know all this about you.

I hope you’re waiting for me too, and thinking of me. I believe that God is having us wait for a reason. His timing is best and I have to hold onto that. Please know I have thought of you for many years and when I finally meet you will probably be one of the best days in my life. Until then, I’m learning a lot about marriage by watching friends and trying to become the woman that you need me to be.

Until that day my love, I’ll be here waiting and praying. XO