Holiday Photography Tips - Family and Kids!

As a mom I am often asked by others in pursuit of the perfect holiday shot or family picture for tips and insight. Recently  I shared just such advice with SheKnows.com for a feature with other moms who have a passion for photography and photos. You can read the whole article {HERE}

When it comes right down to it - the one awesome shot you will love forever and ever is usually one that happens by chance, so always be ready and click away to capture the moment. If you missed it during Christmas, don't put away the camera yet because the kids are off school for another week and you still have New Year's Eve! 

As I told SheKnows ...

"Don't be overly concerned about the messy hair or skinned knees. These photos are for you — to document your life. And if you decide to send out holiday cards... well, your real friends don't judge! Be yourself, and let the love for your family show through genuinely. These are the shots people talk about!"

Hair Jewelry Using a Vintage Brooch

Most of us have an heirloom from our mothers or grandmothers that includes a very ornate brooch that we keep ... but never really wear. 

I recently went to a black tie gala and my husband and I were channeling a little Great Gatsby, so I attached a flower pin to a simple headband and finished the look off with a string of pearls.

For New Year's Eve why not add a little sparkle to your simple soft wave with a vintage pin or clip earring worn in your hair? 

What you need to have in your bag to be ready for every Holiday Party!

HOLIDAY GLAM ...READY, SET, SPARKLE! 

There are certain things a woman cannot go anywhere without,  but when it comes to choosing what to fit into those small statement clutches for holiday parties it can be difficult to edit.

Thank you Arizona Midday for asking me to share my personal picks of what essentials I think you'll need to be holiday ready!

Radiant Orchid is 2014 Pantone Color of the YEAR!

Move over Emerald green and make way for the 2014 Pantone Color the YEAR .... drumroll please .... Radiant Orchid! The perfect choice for your mani/pedi!

What I find most interesting is that the 2012 color of the year was tangerine tango, and 2013 emerald green ... these are both secondary colors to purple.

Pantone doesn't just pull this color out of a hat, it searches the world over to find the trending colors each year, considering influences of the entertainment industry, art and fashion. I love this orchid color and think it is flattering on most every skin tone. Can't wait to play with pops of this color for makeup and clothing. 

Emanuel Ungaro silk dress

Bite Beauty high pigment matte pencil in Violet

 Giuseppe-Zanotti pumps

Even the royal KATE is jumping on this trend:

Beauty and Style Steals - Cyber Monday and Black Friday codes

It's time to get your holiday shopping face on, but no need to leave the house - you have the Internet! Here are some top picks from my favorite brands and stores for your cyber weekend!

STYLE

J Crew | 30% off site wide, use code HOLIDAY at checkout

Piperlime | 25% off site wide, use code GIFT at checkout

Ann Taylor | 40% off everything, use code GET40

Banana Republic | 40% off everything, use code BRGIVING at checkout

ASOS | 20% off everything, use code GIMME20 at checkout

Shopbop | Save up to 25%, use code BIGEVENT13 at checkout

Baublebar | 15-35% on Black Friday depending on how many items you purchase

Ted Baker London | 30% off through Monday, use code TED30

Diane Von Furstenburg | Up to 30% off through Monday, no code needed

Madewell | 25% off your entire order, use code Feast25 at checkout

Tory Burch | 20-30% off + gift with purchase, use code holiday

BEAUTY

Beautylish | $25 off $100 

Becca cosmetics | 20% off with code FAMILY13

Bliss | 20% off full size bliss

Butter London | 20% off site wide, use code CYBER13

Dr Brandt Skincare | 40% off entire purchase, 11/29 only

Giorgio Armani | 20% off $75+ purchases, through 12/5

NARS Cosmetics | 20% off + free shipping, use code NARSFRIENDS

Peter Thomas Roth | 20% off entire site

SAKS | $25 gift card when you spend $100 on beauty/fragrance, use code BEAUTY13

Smashbox | 25% off everything with $50+ purchase, use code HOLIDAY25

Tarte Cosmetics | 25% off everything, use code TURKEY

YSL | 20% off $75+ orders and free shipping