LIFESTYLE – Page 2

PHOTOGRAPHING MY GIRLS

May 16, 2017May 16, 2017by KRISTEN CASCIOLeave a Comment

Many of you have asked, “How do you get such great photos of your kids?” Trial and Error. I’ve always loved photography, but learning a DSLR takes lots of time and lots of practice. Especially with moving objects such as young children.

What camera do I shoot with?

I have a Canon T6i. I’m obsessed with its ease of use, and the wifi capability is a game-changer! Using the Canon app, I’m able to upload photos directly to my iPhone. This feature is especially helpful on vacations or special events when I need that instant gratification and the ability to share with others quickly.

Previously, I had a Canon XTi, which I loved, but wanted some updated features and capabilities that the T6i offered.

While I do think the camera is important, the lens is equally, if not more, important. I do not shoot with the included kit lens; they just don’t give me the photos my heart desires. Good lenses are investments. But keep in mind that your lenses can be used with future cameras. I suggest investing in a lens that stays open at 2.8 when zoomed in. It’s pricey, but that’s what it takes to achieve the results you want. Continue reading “PHOTOGRAPHING MY GIRLS” →

LIFESTYLE, MOTHERHOOD

SPOTLIGHT: MACK + RO ILLUSTRATIONS

May 14, 2017May 10, 2017by KRISTEN CASCIOLeave a Comment

Mother’s Day seems like the most appropriate day to introduce all you mamas to Mack + Ro Illustrations. As a mama, precious artwork that reminds me of my girls gives me all the feels! Thanks to Instagram, I stumbled upon her artwork, and it was love at first sight! She is super talented, y’all.

Artist Jen is mother to two boys – Macklin and Ronan. She says, “Creativity has always been my life source. It motivates me, gives me energy, and fills my heart and soul. My hope is that these illustrations bring you as much joy as they brought me while painting them!”

How does it work?

Before placing your order, you’ll need to pick out a photo of “your people”.

Some tips when it comes to your photo:

It is helpful to have a “full length” photo where everyone’s whole body is included (head to toe).
The picture should have people dressed in the clothes you want painted.
Don’t worry about the setting – it will not be included in the painting.
If you’d like to send Jen your photo before placing your order to make sure it works, please send to: mackandroshop@gmail.com. She is able to complete everything over email, which is super helpful for busy mamas!

All paintings are on professional watercolor paper sized 5.5 x 8.5″.

Jen has created a special code for all Mama etc. readers! Use code MAMAETC for 10% off your purchase.

I absolutely adore the two portraits she did of my girls (You may recognize their suits from my sister, sister post). Thank you so much, Jen! And Happy Mother’s Day!

LIFESTYLE

KALE YEAH

May 11, 2017May 17, 2017by KRISTEN CASCIO4 Comments

Would you judge me if I told you I’ve eaten the same thing for dinner for eight weeks? Good. Because I’d guess I’ve eaten the same kale salad 5 out of 7 nights a week for the past eight weeks. And nine weeks ago, had you told me I’d be eating kale salads as much as I have, I’d laugh in your face and roll my eyes.

Eight weeks ago, my sister-in-law challenged me to start Kayla Itsines’ #bbg. That’s for another day, but the challenge did influence how I eat. I’ve been much more thoughtful with what I put in my body. Luckily, I had recently been introduced to this delicious salad and homemade dressing from a friend just weeks before starting #bbg. I knew if I added it to our meal planning, I’d be on the track to healthier living.

I’m about to let you in on how good this dinner is. Y’all, it’s on another level of good. It will make a kale eater out of all you non-believers. Believe me, I was on team anti-kale a few weeks ago.

Lemon Honey Dressing

1/2 cup on freshly squeezed lemon/lime juice (2 medium sized lemons + 2 small limes // lemons and limes can be substituted for any citrus)
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
salt and pepper to taste

In a pyrex measuring cup, squeeze lemons and limes.
Add honey, salt, and pepper.
Whisk.
Slowly drizzle in olive oil and continue whisking until emulsified.

(Do you see those sweet little Eloise hands? She loves to help us in the kitchen.)

Kale Salad

baby kale
1 avocado
1 cucumber
handful of sunflower seeds
handful of dried cranberries
lemon honey dressing

Chop baby kale, avocado, and cucumber.
Add handful of sunflower seeds and handful of dried cranberries.
Pour lemon honey dressing and stir until combined.

We always have a protein sliced and served atop this salad. Ideas range from chicken breasts, shrimp, salmon, red fish, steak, etc. Really there’s no bad combination. Enjoy, y’all!

GIRLS' STYLE, LIFESTYLE, MAMA'S STYLE

STYLING A STUDIO PHOTOSHOOT

April 30, 2017May 17, 2017by KRISTEN CASCIOLeave a Comment

I recently posted about beach lifestyle photoshoots and what to wear; however, studio shoots are a bit different in my opinion. Below are a few things I like to remember when styling my family for studio photoshoots.

Coordinating pieces but not matching. Stick with a common color. Or possibly let one piece be the inspiration for the shoot, and coordinate the other pieces to it. While I usually stray from all white or all black for a lifestyle shoot, I think this is a rule that can slide when in a studio setting. In our last two studio shoots, I’ve chosen an all-white palette and a black-and-white palette. In my opinion, black or white pieces, with beautiful textures and details, offer high contrast that really pops in black and white photography. You want your family to shine, and your clothing to compliment the overall look.
Classic pieces. When choosing outfits, choose classic pieces that withstand the test of time. Pieces that you will look back on in twenty years and not regret.
Dress comfortably … especially if young children are involved! This is important regardless the location of your shoot. Remember you will be sitting, standing, running, dancing, etc. You don’t want to be constantly adjusting your straps or tugging on your too-short dress.
Have fun and be you! If you do, I promise you will end up with some beautiful photographs.

Continue reading “STYLING A STUDIO PHOTOSHOOT” →

GIRLS' STYLE, LIFESTYLE, MAMA'S STYLE

STYLING A FAMILY PHOTOSHOOT

April 21, 2017May 17, 2017by KRISTEN CASCIO1 Comment

Each year during family beach trips, we always make an effort to take our “family beach pictures.” It’s definitely not something my husband, Mark, looks forward to, and it’s something I most definitely overthink. I usually have a vision weeks (okay, maybe months) before our trip, having every last detail planned, but this year things were different. I figured, I’d just “wing” it. I packed everyone’s bags without coordinating “picture” outfits. I figured I wouldn’t stress about it, and if we got pictures, great. If not, that was great too.

While shopping at Outpost, one of my most favorite shopping spots ever on 30A (or maybe in the world), I found the most perfect coordinating outfits for a photoshoot … should one transpire!

Outfit Details: Elina Lebessi blue and white kaftan // tassel earrings // Nellystella Zoe dress // lil’ lemons by For Love & Lemons Little Daisy Bow Dress

What to wear for family photos?

Coordinating pieces but not matching. Stick with a common color. Or possibly let one piece be the inspiration for the shoot, and coordinate the other pieces to it. Most importantly, outfits should help express and showcase individual personalities.
Stray away from all-white or all-black. We all have been there and done that. Try something more interesting. Add patterns, textures, or subtle color! And if you must do all-white or all-black (because, I know it’s hard not to), try incorporating various textures to give your photos more depth.
Dress comfortably … especially if young children are involved! Remember you will be sitting, standing, running, dancing, etc. You don’t want to be constantly adjusting your straps or tugging on your too-short dress.
Have fun and be you! Rules are made to be broken, so be you and have fun!

Below are a few photos from another beach trip. Notice how my kaftan was the inspirational piece. The girls’ swimsuits coordinated, and they were comfortable. This shoot took place around 7AM, and the girls had the best time with the beach to themselves!