Houston Moms Blog Photoshoot & Tips for a Good Headshot

Last week all of the Houston Moms Blog contributors met at the end of the day for a little photoshoot at Discovery Green Park in downtown Houston.  Our photographer extraordinaire was Amanda from Mommas Gonna Snap Photography who is so wonderful to work with and I now consider her a friend.  I was bound and determined to get a good headshot this time as I wasn't thrilled with last year's shot...I'm blaming it on the sun being in my eyes, but I was actually just not prepared that day months ago.

This year, I am so happy with the results!  I love the colors and think everyone looks so great!  

Below is our "prop" picture.  We were told to bring an item that represented us.  I originally brought a Starbucks coffee cup since you can usually find one attached to me, but at the last minute I threw in two hairspray bottles {both for function and prop use}.  I'm happy with how this turned out and think the hairspray, dry shampoo and frantic look on my face truly captures all that is me!

And a normal one.  I'm so excited about the 8 new contributors that have joined our team.  They each bring a totally unique perspective into the mix that I feel was needed. 

 And our Executive Team below...

Thanks Amanda for all of the great shots!  It's sad that I'm actually the heaviest I've been in a long time in these pictures, yet I'm happy with the result.

So what does it take to get a headshot you are happy with?  I'm chalking this up to a few things including:

1.  A good photographer who will make suggestions on your best angles

2.  Knowing how to dress YOUR body 

This one is thanks to my mom for teaching me how to dress to hide my {many} flaws!  I know that a flowy top, skinny pants and heels - always heels - will make me look the best.  Flats make me look stumpy and fitted tops are currently showing too much of my fluffiness.  Longer tops that go past my hips and butt are the best.

3.  Knowing your good colors {and the background colors}

 At the last minute we were actually told to wear neutrals since our backdrop was the color wall, but I stuck with my gut and went bold.  Neutrals tend to wash me out and accentuate my flaws.  And you sure can find me in the crowd {oops}!

4.  Practice, practice, practice 

I will admit to practicing smiling and posing in the mirror for a few minutes prior to this shoot - ha!  It was so helpful though because I know knew to keep my arms down since I was wearing a dolman sleeve and not give my huge, full face smile since this kills my eyes and gives me a double-chin.

5.  Feeling comfortable in what you are wearing and your hair & makeup

I changed my mind several times I what I was going to wear and also ordered too much online.  The good news is that you can take back everything you don't use - it's better to have options.  I grabbed this top at Nordstrom at the last minute after my online orders didn't work out.  I was about to buy without trying on another top and the Nordstrom associate urged me to take the few extra minutes to try.  So worth it since I ended up with this rather than a hot pink number that would have wrinkled too much.

Now it's your turn!  What is your tip for taking a good picture?  

Houston Area Peeps :: Giveaway for Cirque du Soleil Tickets!

Cirque du Soleil's AMALUNA is coming to Houston February 12-March 22 at Sam Houston Race Park.

I've never been disappointed by a Cirque show and this one sounds really awesome.  You can read more about it here, but one thing that I think is amazing about the show is that it is that the cast is comprised of 70% women, with a 100% female band.  This women's studies gal is super supportive of that!

This would make a unique date night for Valentine's Day or a fun {and I'm sure much-needed} girls-only night!

They are giving me a pair of tickets to give to YOU for Wednesday, February 18th at 8pm.

Enter below if you'd like to attend OR if you aren't feeling lucky, you can purchase tickets here.  The giveaway closes on Tuesday at the end of the day.  I will announce the winner on next week's Weight Watchers Wednesday post!

{And after you enter to win here you can increase your chances of winning by jumping over to Houston Moms Blog and Pineapples & Pickles - both blogs are giving away tickets too!}

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Before 8am

Last month I had an amazing opportunity to have photographer Karen Jacot come to my home and take pictures of our typical weekday morning routine.  I tried to be as authentic as possible (hello frumpy PJ's and no makeup) and just let her shoot what we do everyday. 

The pictures are beautiful and if you are in Houston, I highly recommend you checking her out for a little "Before 8am" photoshoot. 

See the rest of our morning over at Houston Moms Blog! 

 

{And P.S. Houston Moms Blog is currently looking for new contributors to add to the team}

 

Five on Friday

Hooray for Friday.  Sadly, this won't be the most pleasant of weekends traveling out of town for one funeral and missing another.  Let's just say that Heaven has two new wonderful angels.  One, happily for them (sad for us) is reunited with his wife.  The other is gone way too soon.  We all need to take a moment and appreciate our precious life and loved ones while we can. 

A great reminder to us all.  Sending so many prayers to everyone left on Earth who is suffering. 

Moving on...

ONE

After failing my "No Spend August" before I even got a post up and knowing that I wanted to buy a few things for my Colorado trip in September, I'm now kicking off "No Spend October."  I know a handful of bloggers did a no-spend closet remix last month so I'm sure you all are dying to do a little retail therapy, but if you haven't done a no-spend month in while, join me! 

I need to focus on all of the things that I already have and not spend so much time looking at what I don't have.  I also need to save, save, save for Christmas presents!

So what does my "No-Spend October" include?  For me it means no clothes, makeup (unless it's a refill for my everyday stuff), jewelry, shoes, accessories, even clothes for Jack because let's be honest, that's more for me than him anyway.  The only two exclusions I'm allowing myself include a Halloween costume for Tucker and a scarf for my partner in the Scarf Swap!!!

Wish me luck! Instead of browsing online shops and catalogs I will try to channel that energy to my family, exercise, new recipes, reading and probably Pinterest!

TWO

Tor further confuse you, for #2 let's talk about shopping...you know for after "No Spend October" or even for your Christmas Wishlist.  I had a nice little Facebook thread going yesterday about our love for Hunter Rain Boots.  One of the girls had just ordered a pair of the classic tall boots {currently 20% off at Nordstrom} and was super excited.  I sadly had to tell her that unfortunately, those boots will never work for me...making me look stumpy and fat.  I thought I was the only one with this issue until someone else chimed in and {duh} suggested trying the Short Version! 

Why didn't I ever think of this?  How cute would these be with black leggings and tunics??  And yes, I dubbed them Shorties from Nordies!!!!

Does anyone else own the short version of the Holy Grail of rainboots?  Who else loves their Hunters - both regular and short? 

And if you have a pair on your wishlist there's that hard question: are you going with classic black or bold color?

THREE

On Wednesday night Jack and I attended a special sneak peek at Chick-fil-A in Katy at Mason Road with Houston Moms Blog.  They did a huge remodel and grand re-opening yesterday.  The gracious staff treated us to dinner including yummy iced coffee for all the moms and a tour of the kitchen. 

Jack had so much fun and loved his chance for unlimited apple juice.  This kid has never liked juice in the past - only water and milk, but for some reason that night decided it was his fave and kept saying "abble duce" over and over. 

FOUR

If you are in Houston, what are you doing on Tuesday?  Houston Moms Blog is hosting a Moms Night Out and there are a few tickets still available.  I'd love the chance to chat with you over a glass of wine...and you can keep me accountable for No Spend October!  I'm sure I will have the shakes from withdrawal...it's at a boutique of all places!  Purchase tickets here. 

FIVE

And one final reminder that today is the last day to sign-up for the Scarf Swap!  I hope you will join us.  I promise it will be fun.  I will take signups through midnight and will be announcing all of the partners on Monday!

 

Have a great weekend!  Lots of love, Chels

 

--

 

Linking up:

Summer Concerts!

I'm over at Houston Moms Blog today talking about hot summer shows and venues in Houston. 

 

I'm super excited to see Counting Crows later this month when they roll into town. 

What summer concerts are you looking forward to?

Kendra Scott Store #4

My yuck day just got a little better since Kendra Scott just announced the location of store #4 in...

HTown!!!

Who else is as excited as I am.  My husband and my pocketbook...not so much.  I think I will need to be there for the grand opening...for the blog of course. 

Kendra Scott will now have store locations in Austin - Dallas - Beverly Hills - HOUSTON!

Painting with Pi Phi

Last week I went to a Pi Phi Junior Group Alumni Club outing at Pinot's Palette.  Yes, I have now been there three times...I'm becoming a Picasso!  I'm the only girl from University of North Texas, where I completed my undergrad, but I'm so thankful to have this network or "sisterhood" to make new friends in Houston. 

I'm in Junior League with a few of my fellow Pi Phi alums too!  I encourage anyone who was Greek in college to seek out an alumni group in your area to get involved with. 

Weekend Recap

Friday
Jason and I decided to celebrate the end of the week by eating out at our new favorite neighborhood restaurant, Frank's Chophouse.  For all of you Houstonians, this place is a must try near Highland Village off of Westheimer.  We just discovered it a few weeks ago with The Farmers.  We can't wait to go on a Sunday night when they offer a special on their famous fried chicken (heaven on earth) and half off all bottles of wine!  If you aren't in the mood for fried chicken, my favorite dish is the Shrimp and Grits...and I don't even like grits!

Saturday
Jason was busy all day so I took myself to the movies to see One Day.  I just finished the book so I was dying to see the movie even though it got crappy reviews.  I enjoyed it, although they cut out so much from the book.  I recommend it if you enjoyed the book, but keep your expectations low.  If you haven't read it, you may not appreciate it as much.  Bring tissues!

After the movie I did a few things for a baby shower that my mom and I are planning.  Saturday night, Jason and I met The Bouwers for dinner at Chuy's to celebrate both of their birthdays and their upcoming move to Tyler...sad day for me, but happy for them!  All four of us stuffed ourselves with yummy burritos then the boys went home while Ashley and I were just kicking off the evening. 

We went to House of Blues to see Foster the People!  We paid triple face value for the sold out tickets, but had a great time...so worth it!  There were two openers: Reptar was AWESOME!  If you like Vampire Weekend, you will love them.  Second was Cults.  I wanted to like them so badly because the lead singer was a chick, but they were a little sleepy.  Foster the People did not disappoint.  Great band, with tons of energy.  Not that you go to a concert for the visuals, but their light show mixed with pounding drum beats was amazing!



Reptar




Cults


Sunday
After my typical Sunday chores, I headed to my mom's for a family cookout which included wonderful homemade ice cream.  Then home for Golden Globes!  So far, these six are my faves. 

Any other favorites?



Gwyneth Paltrow




Minka Kelly




Jon Hamm & Jennifer Westfeldt



Maria Menounos



Lea Michele




Claire Danes



Pinot's Palette

Earlier this week I got the opportunity to go to Pinot's Pallette with some of the lovely ladies that I volunteer with at the Junior League. I heard great things about this place, but was actually a little nervous about painting this:

I'm am no artist and even though everyone told me that anyone can do it, I figured I would be exception and end up with this:

So glad I went - we had a blast. The concept of Pinot's Palette is to get together with friends, eat, drink and paint. You get to bring your own snacks and wine and they provide everything else. An artist sits at the front of the class and takes you step by step through the painting.  Each night is something different.

And the finished product!  We did so good!  I definitely recommend checking this place out.  They have a couple of locations in Houston and are looking to add more in the area and possibly more cities like Austin.  Signup online because classes do sell out - ours did.  You can book private parties too. 

Haute Wheels Houston

Houston's first food truck festival will roll into town May 14-15 at HCC Southwest Campus.  I think it will be worth checking out - food, drinks, and music!  Visit their website for more info.  I'm most excited to try Fusion Taco and Bernie's Burger Bus...I've heard great things!  Cost is $16/day plus a mandatory trip to the gym (at least for me) the day after. 

Flash Mob

I've always wanted to participate in a flash mob.  My husband has not, but he is the one who had the chance.  One of the properties he works for, Westin Memorial City, had their grand opening yesterday.  Starwood Hotels has a company tradition of performing a flash mob on opening day with the entire team. 

Enjoy...Jason claims he is on the 2nd row, right side (facing the street), but I can't find him.  It's like Where's Waldo.  I threatened to come up yesterday and take pictures, but he said he would have died of embarrasment so I refrained! 

The Day After Tomorrow

If you were to watch the local news in the past few days, you would think the world was coming to an end.  It reminds me of the movie, The Day After Tomorrow with Jake Gyllenhal!  Yes, everyone up north can make fun of the Houstonians.  It's H: 34, L: 28 and most schools have been dismissed early or closed, employers are sending their staff home and the possibility of ice and snow is all anyone wants to talk about.  Even the Junior League has cancelled their annual charity ball this evening due to the weather. 

We will just have to wait and see what tomorrow brings.  Even though I think it's probably over-hyped, I won't complain if I get to work from home...