Life After Monday

Photographer Spotlight: Melissa Rieke Photography

2017-01-10T12:14:00.000-06:00

Today we are featuring one of our favorite photographers, Melissa Rieke Photography. We've had the pleasure of working with Melissa for quite a few years now and have always fallen completely in love with all of the photos she's sent in using our products. Melissa is a newborn, child and family photographer out of the Kansas City area so if you are near to her be sure to book a session, you won't regret it! Just check out some of her amazing children/family photos:

And now on to the adorable newborn photos she's done for us using our Beautiful Photo Props products...get ready for cuteness overload! (All items are currently for sale in our Prop Shop, just click the photo to be taken directly to the item ;)

Do you have a favorite photographer? We'd love to check them out so mention them in the comments...who knows, we may feature them too!
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Oubly.com

2015-09-01T08:00:00.000-05:00

We are so incredibly excited to be featuring Oubly.com and talking today about their amazing Custom Canvas Prints line! Not only that but they're giving away a 12"x12" canvas to one lucky winner {details below}....

Oubly Who?

In short they are a successful & mature printing company that has a thoughtful bunch of individuals with passion for print, art, design, technology, fine papers, and collaborative culture.

Their newly launched website, Oubly.com, offers a wide selection of beautifully designed and crafted print items for business, or occasions that call for connection and celebration between you, your friends, and family.

Get a long lasting, gallery quality canvas from the experts

in large format printing.

Oubly’s gallery wrapped canvases are:

Printed on 17 Mil thick white artist canvas.
Mounted on 0.75" thick wooden frame.
Printed with full color, fade resistant, eco inks.
Proudly made in Los Angeles.
Surface texturing and edge painting options are available.
We offer free digital proofs for all canvases.
Free Shipping on orders over $49
Enter HERE for a chance to win a 12"x12" canvas
of your very own!
{Winners will be announced on Oubly's Facebook page below on September 10}

You can find Oubly.com on the following social media sites:
Twitter: @Oubly

Facebook Page: Oubly

Pinterest: Oubly

Google Plus: +Oubly

Great Beginner Workouts

2015-08-12T11:12:00.002-05:00

I used to be the kind of person who hated anything remotely related to exercise...working out, walking, lifting weights, you name it I didn't want anything to do with it. I didn't like the idea of getting hot and sweaty and always told myself that I was just too busy and couldn't make the extra time to exercise. But as time went by my body got worse and worse and finally it began to HURT to sit all of the time and do nothing. SO I CHANGED MY ATTITUDE. I joined a local running group (of course I started out by walking and gradually worked up to interval running) and also joined CrossFit to try to tone things up (I am on a weight loss journey and so getting things in shape as I lose weight is really important). What I learned about myself is that I don't hate exercising, I was using that as an excuse to be lazy. I actually really enjoy the way I feel after running or working out, I love the feeling of my body being awake and my adrenaline flowing....but more than anything I love the feeling of accomplishment. So much so that I completed my first 5K in March and have ran two more since then! It wasn't easy to begin, in fact it hurt like crazy the first few times I went out with my running group because my body had never moved like that before. But it did get easier and easier as time went by.

If you're in the same position and are looking for a good place to start moving your body and working out, I've got some great beginner workout ideas I'd like to share with you that have really helped me.

4 Week Walking Plan for Beginners: My Fitness Pal and Leslie Sansone have paired up to bring you an amazing 30 day walking plan that takes you through not only walking but also working your abs, arms, core and more! I love Leslie's workouts, they are always so fun and honestly go by so quickly that you can't believe you just walked miles during an in home workout!
Total Body Workout for Beginners: This is such a great way to work your entire body yet is a great jumping off point if you're just starting out.
Beginner's Flat Abs Workout: Ab and core work are SO important when working out! Your core is your body's powerhouse...it facilitates movement, houses your internal organs and helps with balance, posture and back health. Keep this area strong!
CIZE - The End Of Exercise: This workout is crazy awesome! I've never had a workout be so much fun and I'm not even a dancer lol! But this baby works out your entire body in a FUN way so you actually ENJOY working out! I highly recommend this one for sure!

So there you have it, some of my favorite beginner workouts. What are some of your favorites? They can be beginner or advanced, I'd love to hear from you :)

Camera Essentials

2015-08-10T16:12:00.004-05:00

Today we're going to talk a little about photography. As a budding photographer (well, as someone who really just LOVES to take photos of any and everything!) I am always going that little "extra" to learn about the best new (and old) cameras, lenses, camera bags, etc....must-haves for any photographer.

So let's start with the camera....

(photos courtesy of Canon)

I have always been partial to the Canon series. That was my first camera and so I've become comfortable with it :) I currently have the Canon EOS Rebel T3i....the hubby surprised me with it for Christmas last year and I absolutely LOVE it. I love that's it's easy to use and that it has an expanded ISO range so I get great shots in ANY light. I can shoot video in full HD which I couldn't do with my previous DSLR. I love that it has a high resolution flip out Vari-Angle 3.0 inch clear view LCD monitor, it really comes in handy when photographing or filming myself. This is just the perfect camera and one that will be with me for a long time.

Let's talk lens. My favorite lens for portraits is the Canon EF 50mm 1.8 STM which gives a perfect balance of clarity and background blur. I also love the Canon EF 40mm f/2.8 STM lens. This lens is ultra-lightweight and slim, nice and compact in size and delivers not only great photos but is AMAZING when used to shoot HD video.

(Images courtesy of Canon and Amazon)

Now you've gotta have something amazing to put your camera equipment in so let's talk camera bags. I've had the pleasure of personally owning bags from each of these stores and loved each one. First up is Epiphanie Camera Bags. I own (and currently carry) the Stella bag in Hot Pink but it is now one of their famous discontinued bags...however they have plenty of amazingness in stock and ready for purchase!

(The Stella, photo courtesy of the amazing Jennifer Gamet Photography)

I also love Kelly Moore Camera Bags, her bags are top notch! I own the Libby in gorgeous Orange and have traveled quite a few times with this one...it not only fit my camera equipment but also the contents of my purse, my laptop, my iPad as well as a change of clothes (I used it as my carry-on when flying). This bag is really stunning!

(The Libby, photo courtesy of Kelly Moore Bags)

And let's not forget about Jototes Camera Bags! My very first camera bag was a JoTote and I've had a few since then! One of my favorites has been the Rose Bag in teal (again, this color is discontinued but you can still get it in a few other gorgeous colors). So stylish, you don't even feel like you're carrying a camera bag!

(The Rose, photo courtesy of JoTotes Camera Bags)

So there you have it, the most important essentials for a budding photographer or if you're just shooting as a hobby but want to do it in style! Are you a photographer with tips or suggestions about what are the more important things to keep on hand? Let us know about them in the comments below!

Giving In...

2015-08-05T08:49:00.000-05:00

My sweet daughter made these amazing cookies from this jar of cookie mix that she picked up at one of our local shops. It was too tempting not to have one and I spent the next 24 to 48 hours beating myself up for being so weak and caving in. You see, I've spent my entire life battling with my weight and being on every diet under the sun, one after one. So when I have something I know I'm not supposed to have it really makes me feel terrible, like a complete and utter failure. I know I need to work on that, but I also know that I need to give up the things that used to make me happy (food) if I want to make progress and make MYSELF happy. ☺

Psalm 139

2015-07-16T20:24:00.000-05:00

It took many many years of self hate and self loathing and always putting myself down before I came to the realization that God doesn't make mistakes… He makes each of us individual pieces of perfection in His eyes. He loves us with His whole heart! We are all fearfully, beautifully and wonderfully made! ❤

Psalm 139:14 - I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
Wonderful are your works;
my soul knows it very well.

Feeling Fancy

2015-07-15T19:16:00.000-05:00

I am loving my new workout outfit! It is so hot and humid out there and it's definitely time to move out of my comfort zone of wearing T-shirts and workout pants and start wearing shorts and tank tops! This is huge for me because I never wear shorts and I never wear tank tops because I've always had big legs and big arms but now that I'm losing weight I'm starting to feel a little more confident in myself and in what I wear. And workout clothes don't have to be expensive either...I got everything but the shoes at Walmart smile emoticon

We Are All Different

2015-07-09T15:03:00.000-05:00

Recently I shared a before/after photo of myself in one of my Facebook groups and while most people were supportive and encouraging, it also brought some criticism from a few people who said there was no way that losing 45 pounds could look like such a huge difference and that I had to have lost more than that to get those results. In response I shared the photo above to show that while all of these ladies weigh the same amount, each one is different and what might look one way on one will look totally different on another. The lesson here is to be happy with how you look and feel and don't let a number define you!

Down 45 Pounds...

2015-07-06T19:02:00.000-05:00

This girl is down 45 pounds and loving life!! ✨ Back in February when I started my weight loss journey I was depressed, sick, had horrible self esteem, absolutely NO confidence in myself or my abilities...I was a hot mess! But now thanks to the support and motivation of my challenge groups, my coach, family and friends I have learned that ✨I CAN DO WHATEVER I SET MY MIND TO✨ and my self confidence is now over the top! Want more info on what I'm doing that's helped me lose 45 pounds since February? Leave me a comment below or email me at kimlosesit@gmail.com, I'd love to talk with you! ‪

On a Quest For the Perfect Bar

2015-07-01T18:53:00.000-05:00

I've heard a lot about Quest Bars for quite awhile from people in my low carb groups and finally decided it was time to try them :) So far I've had the lemon and I'm on the fence about these…I wasn't crazy about that particular flavor but I've heard good things about the cookies and cream so I'm keeping my hopes up! So much so that I picked up the Smores and Strawberry Shortcake flavors as well ;) If you've tried these weigh in and let me know your opinion, I'd love to hear from you!

A Work In Progress

2015-06-23T18:45:00.000-05:00

Every time I see pictures of myself from before I started my weight loss journey I am amazed at how sick I actually was. The picture on the left is me at 275lbs at the beginning of my journey, I had blood sugar readings in the 350-400 range, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, a bad thyroid...I was incredibly sick! The photo on the right is me just 4 months later at 233 pounds. I'm off all medication, my diabetes is under control, I feel amazing and am living life! I'm so grateful for those around me that motivate and inspire me!!

Leslie Sansone

2015-06-04T18:42:00.000-05:00

I just didn't feel like going out today to walk so I tried this DVD for the first time and I must say, it really worked some areas on my body that I didn't even know existed! It was different from normal outdoor walking for sure, I actually felt like I got a better workout than being outside! And because you are walking in place to the beat of the music and the music gradually gets faster and faster, before you know it you've walked a mile or two! This one is a keeper, I really love it! ‪

Be In Love With Your Life

2015-05-21T16:40:00.000-05:00

Yesterday when we were out on our walk I had my daughter take a few photographs of me from behind because that is the one view that I don't really get to see during my weight-loss transformation. I usually don't that big of a difference when I look at myself in the mirror and can only REALLY see a difference when I put up a before and after photo of myself … when I saw this picture it really took my breath away! I can see a huge difference! I know I'm not there yet and have a ways to go but just seeing this really boosted my motivation and made me so happy because NOW I can see a difference!

Happy Mommy Day!

2015-05-10T13:38:00.000-05:00

Yes, I now eat completely healthy :) But my amazing church (James River Church) honored all of us mom's by surprising us with a sweet gift of truffles so I just had to indulge a little! This is one of the many reasons I love my church so much, they really take the time to show how much they love and appreciate everyone by doing things like this :) All of the volunteers who came together to make each individual gift (and there were THOUSANDS of these as we are a BIG church!) I feel so blessed to have such an amazing church home! Happy Mother's Day to all of the mom's out there, I hope your day is amazing!

Holy Guacamole!

2015-05-04T17:19:00.000-05:00

(image courtesy of http://nourish-and-flourish.net/)

I am in LOVE with Chipotles and am REALLY in love with their guacamole! So I'm sure you can imagine that when I found the recipe for it on their website my mind was blown!! Because you NEVER can have enough guacamole, it's such a great source of healthy fat. Want the amazing recipe? Here you go:

THIS IS ALL YOU’LL NEED:

2 ripe Hass avocados (In the restaurant, we use 48 per batch, multiple times per day)
2 tsp lime juice
2 tbsp cilantro (chopped)
1/4 cup red onion (finely chopped)
1/2 jalapeño, including seeds (finely chopped)
1/4 tsp kosher salt

HOW TO DO IT:

1. Choose the right avocado. It should feel squishy yet firm (like the palm of your hand), and be a
nice dark green color on the inside.
2. Cut the avocado in half and the remove the pit (carefully!)
3. Scoop the avocados and place in a medium bowl.
4. Toss and coat with lime juice.
5. Add the salt and using a fork or potato masher, mash until a smooth consistency is achieved.
6. Fold in the remaining ingredients and mix well.
7. Taste the guacamole (over and over) and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Chance vs. Change

2015-04-29T14:31:00.000-05:00

Your life does not get better by chance, it gets better by change! If you're not living a healthy lifestyle (spending time in prayer, eating healthy, getting plenty of exercise, also getting plenty of rest, being as stress free as possible) then make some changes to LOVE and HONOR yourself!! Take time out for yourself, treat yourself to some quiet time alone in a room curled up with a good book or out for the day with good friends enjoying a nice healthy lunch or a long walk. Your body, heart and mind will thank you!!

(By the way, my third 5K is in the books and this one was a virtual Run for God which means I was able to choose my own course and do it at the time of day I wanted to so I chose to do it outside in the drizzle!)

Color Run 2015

2015-04-25T18:09:00.000-05:00

My oldest daughter and I did our first Color Run this year and it was amazing! We had so much fun AND got some great exercise in the process! This was my second 5K of the year but my first color run so it held every but as much excitement as my first 5K in March! I can't wait for the next one :)

Women's Rally / Moriah Peters

2015-04-24T14:58:00.000-05:00

Our amazing church in Ozark holds numerous women's rallies throughout the year with the big 3 day conference held each October. This was one of the smaller rallies (they hold 3-4 of these throughout the year) and as always we had an amazing time with God and with our sisters in Christ! It's such a blessing to be able to gather with thousands of women and hear some of the best speakers and performers out there and this was definitely amazing, we got to see Moriah Peters! Her new album "Brave" is incredible, particularly "To Leave It All Behind". Get this album, you won't regret it!

Everlasting Love

2015-04-19T14:32:00.000-05:00

Wow, today's devotional really hit close to home for me! Almost daily I worry about whether I am doing all I can be doing as a Christian. I want to live my life as closely to what God wants me to but know that I fall short so many times. Am I living as a good example? Am I sharing His word and love as often as I can? Am I praying enough and reading my Bible enough? Am I doing everything I can to be worthy of His love?

"I love you with an everlasting love that flows out from eternity without limits or conditions. I have clothed you in My robe of Righteousness and this is an eternal transaction! Nothing and no one can reverse it, therefore your accomplishment as a Christian has no bearing on My love for you!"

Isn' that amazing and so comforting? No matter how much I doubt myself and struggle with whether I am being the best servant I can it's okay because His love is WITHOUT conditions! His love is unfailing!

My First 5K

2015-03-14T16:13:00.000-05:00

If someone would have told me a year ago that I would be running a 5K I would have told them they were crazy. ME, run a 5K? Heck, me run at all? Go figure, I did do it and it has changed my life! I've never been one to exercise and honestly have hated it my whole life. But with the changes I have made to my life recently, I'm finding that I really like exercise and how it makes me feel. ACCOMPLISHED.

Our Faux Flokati Furs in Use!

2015-03-10T16:23:00.000-05:00

We're so excited about one of our newest additions to the Beautiful Photo Props Shop, our Faux Flokati Furs! At just a fraction of the cost of the more expensive Flokati furs, ours are just as fluffy and soft with a 3 inch pile!

With all of these gorgeous colors, which one is your favorite?

It's All About the Branding...

2015-01-15T23:38:00.000-06:00

Having the right branding for your business makes all the difference in the world. So when we wanted something to match our website logo but on a simpler, more elegant note we went in search of someone who could do a hand drawn logo. And Kara Whaley Photography & Design was just the person to do the job. Not only a professional photographer, she also specializes in graphic design and her work is beautiful. Just take a look at the business wordmarks she created specifically for Beautiful Photo Props:

Aren't these just gorgeous? They will be a perfect addition to our product shots and branding.

Kara is graciously offering a 20% discount until January 31st on any wordmark package, you can find out more about this and her other graphic design packages here: http://www.karawhaley.com/photographer/

You can also find Kara Whaley Photography & Design on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/karawhaleyphotographyanddesign/timeline

Thank you Kara for working with us to design the perfect watermark!

Product Spotlight: Snuggle Sacks

2014-10-31T11:19:00.000-05:00

We are SOOO in love with these photos recently received of some of our Snuggle Sacks in use!

The photos above are our Taupe Snuggle Sack but they come in a variety of other colors too!

Ruffled Paper Giveaway!

2014-09-17T09:15:00.000-05:00

Today we are so excited to be partnering with Ruffled Paper to feature their amazing shop on our blog! Jessica Kalieta is the amazing creator behind Ruffled Paper and guess what? She's generously giving away a $100 store credit to her shop! How awesome is that?! Okay, so let's learn a little more about Jessica and Ruffled Paper and then we'll get to the awesome giveaway:

1. Name of your company, your name, your store URL, Facebook, Twitter, etc.

Ruffled Paper, Jessica Kalieta,

www.ruffledpaper.com,

www.facebook.com/ruffledpaper

www.twitter.com/ruffledpaper

www.instagram.com/ruffledpaper

2. When did you launch your store? What inspired you to start?

The store was launched in 2012, I was inspired by my clients. I also own a graphic design business, and I had a lot of clients interested in having wedding invitations designed. The idea to open a shop was inspired by them!

3. Which one of your products is your personal favorite? (Is there a reason for this?)

My favorite item is the Refuse to Sink art print. I love inspirational quotes – and this one is my absolute favorite message!

4. What are two products that have consistently been good sellers for you?

Our confetti (both party confetti and confetti poppers) and our invitations.

5. Please let us know some background information about you, like where you live, married status, kids/grandkids, hobbies, etc.

I live in New Jersey, but I spend most of my time in Pennsylvania finishing up grad school. I am not married yet, but have a wonderful boyfriend who has supported me from the start of my business. I love to craft, and I’ve been crafting and designing since I was a child. I love to make other people happy and try to show that through my products.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Another Giveaway, Another Lucky Winner!

2014-06-09T17:50:00.000-05:00

Last week we gave away another gorgeous prop, one of our Swaddle Sacks! We just love these things, they are SO versatile and cute! The photographers really love them as you can see by the adorable photos that are pouring in...

Aren't they just adorable?!?! So yeah, we kinda love 'em and wanted to give another one away so let's get the good news out! Our lucky winner in this week's giveaway is....

Shanna-Kaye Fancher!!

Shanna, please email me at kimberly@beautifulphotoprops.com and we'll get you hooked up with your prize!