The Monogrammed Life: January 2019

Tuesday, January 22, 2019 5 comments

Monday, January 14, 2019 6 comments

dress | boots | necklace

For some reason, the word “resolution” is difficult for me. It’s not that I can’t list out resolutions (I can go all day), but I never seem to stick to them. I always wondered what the real difference between goals and resolutions were, so I looked up the definition for each word.

Resolution: a firm decision to do or not to do something. 

Goal: the object of a person's ambition or effort; an aim or desired result.

Goals are easier for me. Goals I can handle. While there’s no huge difference between the two words above, I like to think that goals are something I can really work toward instead of just deciding to instantly change something in my life. It feels more doable, in a way. 

I wanted to write a blog post recapping 2018 and talking all about the year since it was such a big one for our family: Boone was born in February, we moved into a new home in late July, Bear started kindergarten in August, and lots in between. After thinking about it more (and laziness playing a small role), I feel like if you’re reading this blog, you already have a pretty good idea of our 2018 happenings. I don’t want to rush a single day since my baby turns one next month, but I also want to make 2019 just as good or better than the last. In order to do so, it’s going to take some planning and goal setting. Here are some things I plan to work on and improve this year:

1. Cook more. I don’t really like to cook…at all. I love baking, but chocolate chip cookies aren’t the best supper option for a family. We already eat at home 5-6 nights a week, but a lot of times it’s just something easy like a frozen meal or sandwiches. I plan to really use our crockpot this year and try some easy yet healthy recipes.

2. Travel more. I traveled less last year than the previous 5 years because having a baby who breastfeeds aren’t the clock makes it difficult! While I love that sweet newborn stage, I’m also excited to plan some trips in 2019. Not sure where to just yet, but I have some places in mind and definitely hope to get back to New York Fashion Week in September. Traveling is good for my soul and Bear is at such a great age to really soak up new experiences and culture.

3. Organize. I know this is at the top of everyone and their dogs’ New Year’s resolutions, but I mean it when I say that this is my year to get organized. With a new home, I have so many ideas for organization from out playroom toys that I want to organize, to our pantry that’s a blank canvas just waiting to be full of baskets with cute little chalkboard labels. I’m honestly excited about it all and plan on scouring Pinterest soon for lots of organizing inspo. My closet needs to most help of all, though I may need to call in a professional for that job. ;)

4. Be spontaneous. While most goals are about making plans and sticking to a routine, I want to work on the opposite. I’ve become such a planner over the past few years, keeping a strict schedule that I really stray away from. But I’ve found that when we do randomly decide to road trip to the beach on a Saturday or hit up a movie on a random Friday night, those end up being the most fun times of all. I want to have more of them and be more open to spontaneity.  

5. Say no. I think this is on my goal list every year and I haven’t gotten much better at it. Maybe 2019 will be the year?! I’m such a yes person and a people pleaser that I’ve grown accustomed to saying yes to things I don’t really want to or shouldn’t do. As hard as it is for me to say no sometimes, I need to be better at doing so.

What are some of your goals for the New Year? Wishing you a happy and healthy 2019!

xo, Britt

Original Post Written By http://www.thehellohoneyblog.com/

Tuesday, January 08, 2019 5 comments

Happy Monday, Friends! I hope all of you had an incredible weekend. J and I spent it relaxing per usual watching Netflix (I may have stayed up until 4 am Saturday watching Insatiable), and eating way too many wings haha! Our Saturdays and Sundays are usually quite uneventful and that's how we like it! We do, however, have more social plans in September and October which should be fun... camping, taking the "fun car" to the race track, a wedding, and some travel.

Recently, I decided it would make life SO much easier if I had the ability to take my own blog and social photos, and since sharing this, have gotten lots of questions about how I do it.

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If you're a blogger, social influencer, or just someone who enjoys posting photos on social media this is a great resource for some affordable and easy to use equipment that will help you stress less about getting the shot. For example, previously, I would have to wait until the weekend to take all of my photos because Justin works during the week. OR I would have to schedule with a photographer which isn't something I can do every day due to the cost and logistics. So I realized I needed to find a way to crank out photos faster and easier without having to always depend on someone else - and it's been really empowering! This past weekend I took photos for six campaigns all by myself!

Most of my equipment comes from Amazon making it pretty affordable and also quick shipping if you have Prime (I've grown to love Prime so much!). Below you'll find links and explanations to each of the tools I use and why. Keep in mind you need to get the correct equipment for your specific camera or phone (this info. is always listed in the online description).

SMARTPHONE I take the majority of my Instagram photos on my iPhone 8 Plus. Smartphones have come such a long way in the last couple of years making the photo quality really good! There are tons of amazing editing apps (like FaceTune2 and VSCO) that make it hard to decipher if you used a DSLR or a smartphone. It makes taking photos quick and easy especially on the go!

PHONE HOLDER When I'm taking my own iPhone photos I use a tripod (see below), wireless remote (see below), and a tripod cell phone adapter that holds the phone in place. It's really easy to attach to the tripod and extends and contracts to hold most smartphones. It acts as a hand and holds your device tightly in place so you can do your thing.

WIRELESS SMARTPHONE REMOTE This may be my favorite little gadget! I use a wireless smartphone remote to take photos in front of my tripod/phone setup. You connect it via Bluetooth so you can continuously take pictures without having a "timer." I find having to wait for a timer to go off rather annoying and prefer to keep taking photos as I pose and move around. Tip: make sure you hide the remote so it won't be seen in your photos. I like to hide mine behind a coffee cup, my bag, or in my pocket!

60-INCH TRIPOD This piece of equipment is something you just can't live without if you want to take your own photos (DSLR or smartphone). I found this inexpensive but sturdy tripod and have been really pleased. It's really lightweight for travel and comes with a built-in level so you can tell if your photos will be straight or crooked. I highly recommend this for any social influencers or bloggers because it can serve many uses if you want to be hands-free.

DSLR CAMERA Last year I finally broke down and bought a Canon EOS Rebel T6S and haven't regretted it for a second. I knew that I wanted to take blogging much more seriously and a DSLR will up your photo quality like nobodies business. Also, if you start working with companies and brands on shoots they will almost always want high-resolution copies or at least specifically request your work be in high-res. I used my iPhone or J's phone for a very long time so I recommend waiting on the investment until you know you want to take the plunge (if you're trying to be budget friendly).

DSLR WIRELESS REMOTE This remote concept is similar to the smartphone remote except it isn't a Bluetooth remote. In order to use it, I set my camera to "remote" use and have the option of different timer counts. For example, I usually choose the 10-second timer that allows me to drop or hide the remote before the picture is taken. I prefer the timer for DSLR shooting because you have to point the remote directly at the camera to start the countdown, as opposed to the smartphone remote that can be in your bag and still work lol. Make sure you check that any remote you buy is compatible with your device - this one is made for specific Canon cameras.

RING LIGHT (+ STAND & COVER) GAME CHANGER! If you are into beauty or hair photos/videos, or just want bright detailed photos, get yourself a ring light! I found mine for a reasonable price and think it's one of the best purchases I've ever made. There are lots of different ring lights our there but I chose to get one where I can change the bulb in case it dies one day (and eventually it will). Some are built in and cannot be changed so keep that in mind. To go with my ring light I got a tripod and softbox diffuser (diffuses the light so it's not concentrated in one place).

UMBRELLA STUDIO LIGHTS And finally, umbrella studio lights. Justin got these for me for my 29th birthday which was super thoughtful. When I woke up he had them all set up in my office like a real little studio! I had never used any kind of lights before so it took me a while to figure out what to do with them. I've realized they are best for making the yellow light look whiter (my preference). They aren't the best light source as they don't shine super bright - more of a light enhancer! I use these on either side of me for all of my try-ons since my mirror isn't directly in front of a window.

You may be wondering now that you know about the equipment how I set everything up when I shoot. Remember, taking your own photos is a lot of trial and error, much like editing. Every photoshoot will be a little bit different depending on the lighting, where you are, and even what you're wearing.

OUTDOORS: When I'm outdoors I don't mess with any additional light (natural lighting is the best!). I simply set up my tripod and attachments so that the height of the tripod is straight on to my body. You can set it higher or lower depending on how you want to take your photos (I just prefer straight on shots). Then I'll stand in front of my DSLR/iPhone and take some test shots to make sure I'm fully in the frame of the shot.

INDOORS: Indoors is always more challenging. Creating the effect of natural or "good" lighting can be a challenge depending on what room you are shooting in and how much natural light you have inside. For example, bathroom-centric blog posts are much harder because usually there isn't much light and the bulbs built in can turn your photos really yellow. SO I like to set up one umbrella light diagonally to the front of me on both sides, with the ring light directly in front of me. Then I will place my phone or DSLR in the middle of the ring light for the best quality.

Please keep in mind I am still not an expert at lighting setups and photography but this is what has worked well for me so far. And I want anyone else struggling to get enough photos on the weekends or with a significant other who may not be crazy about taking tons of pics, to have the ability to do it themselves. It's seriously such a game changer and will help you to capitalize on opportunities!

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