When I created this blog several months ago, I planned to now and then post about those things in my life that bring me joy, are meaningful to me, or that are just simply very, very cool (in my own humble opinion, of course). Haven’t done that for some time now, so thought we were due for a pretties post! Nothing that will change the world, but might at least give you a gift idea, an “I must go out and get me one of those immediately” feeling, or even just a fun little lift in your day. Now onto the show…
♥ t.
I first glimpsed this stunning and unique peacock feather necklace on Heather Armstrong’s blog and just like that, I was madly in love (we locked eyes across a crowded floor…oh, never mind.). It’s surprisingly versatile and I adore the way it pops when wearing white, especially. I literally have never worn it without at least one stranger complimenting me on it and asking me for details. LOVE.
[and be sure to check out all of the other beautiful pieces of art the very lovely and talented Amy has created on her Apple Scraps website...stunning!]
Next up is this adorable vintage-y metal lunchbox that I found for my children several years ago. The one shown here is Simon’s (Avery’s is white with cherries and Eliza’s is pale blue with big pink flowers). It fits a juice box and snack or little lunch perfectly and just looks so dang cute when they carry it you can barely stop yourself from singing. The girls have outgrown theirs for school lunch (not cool enough anymore, apparently) but use them in their bedrooms to store little trinkets, jewelry, hair accessories, etc. I can see these boxes being used for things in a home for the rest of their lives, and then being passed down to their own children. Even if that little fantasy doesn’t actually come to fruition, the retro sweetness of these still makes me smile with appreciation in the meantime.
[just noticed that these are on sale right now...go, go, go!]
And finally, this tissue tee (also on sale…I’m on a roll!) with a sweet message subtly highlighted. As my closest friends know, I particularly like to wear this shirt when I am feeling somewhat less than a “lucky mom” (my kids are driving me crazy, I feel like I’m losing my brain, I want to hide…you get the picture). I have found that simply putting it on changes my perspective a bit and serves as an important reminder to count my blessings. It also helps to chant to yourself “lucky mom, 24/7″ over and over until it begins to sound less sarcastic. Seriously, give it a shot…works like a charm (and is so cute to boot). And be sure to check out the other “mom” tees on this website, too…grateful mom, happy mom, etc. I found this new version of mine that I think will be heading my way in a big brown truck very soon.
This is one of my favorite plants to photograph! I just never knew what it was called! Thanks for sharing…and keep taking nature photos – you are good at it! 
by tara
Sammie and Hannah - Hannah: what a cute picture i love how the baby’s shirt says, “cuddle me” lol
Sammi: all the kids r adorable the lil boy i just gotta say this those teeth r guna keep falling out so get ready but cute pic and the lil girl is adorable and looks like a princess and the baby wat else can i say except AWWWWWWWWW lol
Sammi and Hannah
Kristi - I love the Lily series of images! She looks like she could quite mischievous! Great job.
gina - we do have a fabulous job, don’t we!! SO CUTE!! love the last one on the right, so much expression there!!
~SarahInParis~ - Hey how did I miss these stunning images. Tara these are just gorgeous. The colours and moments yuo have captured are just beautiful. It’s one of my faves of your recent sessions. Love them!
Nicki - Three beauties!! Beautiful children and photos!
kim - Great pictures and the best models, boy Kayla are those kids cute!!!!
Tony Wieczorek - These are great pictures of some really cute kido’s. Great colors.
Johanna - How great is it that you captured that fabulous toothless grin on that little boy for this family? BTW, he needs to be dracula this year for Halloween! I LOVE IT! Very cute kids and great job Tara!
Jennifer Chaney - Beautiful! So sweet and happy.
Dr. K - Incredible photography of a beatiful family. Great job!
Terri Drengson - Beautiful children! So sweet and innocent.
nina hills - Tara these pictures are beautiful, and Kayla….. do they come any cuter. Their eyes are beautiful.
Mary - Great pictures! Captured the true essense of the kids’ personality.
Laura - These photos are all amazing, you seem to have totally captured each of their personalities!!! These are priceless photos!
Jennifer Miller - They say the eyes are the windows to the soul; ou’ve captured that in your photographs.
Jennifer Miller - “The eyes are the window to the soul” you’ve capture that in your photographs.
Kayla Tueting - As always, beautiful pictures! Kayla and her family will be able to cherish these images for years to come. Well done.
kim d - Great shots, once again. Looks like they all had a good time.
Diane Gilbertson - oh lala….How cute these kids are. I love the missing teeth
Ellen - Adorable!!! The look like triplets born a couple years apart! How sweet!!
Jen Kloskey - Wow! You captured the spirit of these three right on the head! beautiful pix…Beautiful kids! Love em!
Rochelle - Fabulous images! They all look like the kids are just having a blast. Beautiful children, beautiful photos.
Kayla ring - They look so great;)
Daniel - Great pictures…Ava is adorable
kimberly donohue - Oh my goodness. That first one I LOVE IT! Beautiful. What a cute family.
Kathi - Love that toothless age! What a great look you captured on little Ava in the last pic –that’s the best pout ever. You absolutely captured the sparkle in Lily!