Look your best for your session, (and every day) with these simple tips and tricks!

Hydrate – in the weeks before your session, be sure to drink plenty of water. If you’re feeling thirsty you are already in the early stages of dehydration, which is not healthy and it can also leave visible signs like dry, dull skin. It can also leave you feeling sluggish. So be sure to drink at least eight glasses of water each day. If this seems like a drag, flavor a water bottle or pitcher with slices of lemon, cucumber and mint leaves, or strawberries. This makes a fresh pick-me-up that you can enjoy any time of day.

Rest – In today’s busy lifestyle, it’s hard to get a full eight hours of sleep. Whether you are a busy bride-to-be, senior, mother or mother-to-be, there’s always one more thing you would like to squeeze in before you go to bed. But fatigue is not good for us emotionally or physically. It can lead to stress and a variety of health problems. To ensure that you get the proper amount of sleep each night, set an alarm on your phone for a half hour before you want to go to bed. Create a little pre-bed ritual that you enjoy so you will want to wind down and get to bed on time. Whether it’s a beauty routine, a few minutes of reading or meditation, listening to your favorite band or a quiet walk, find a way to end your day peacefully and then climb into bed for a full eight hours of rest. This will not only help you feel more energized, but you will find that you look much more alert and revitalized.

Moisturize – Your skin loses moisture easily. In the winter the air is dryer and in the summer you can lose it through sweating and spending time in the water. Be sure to moisturize after you shower, and use a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or more to keep your skin looking and feeling soft, firm and healthy. This might not seem important, but it can give you a nice glow for your session, and every day.

Smile from Within – We have all seen pictures where the subject is “wearing” a smile. These fake smiles don’t look right, and they can ruin an otherwise beautiful image. During your session, and every day, when you are posing for a picture, try to think of something that truly brings you joy and your smile will really shine. This creates a more natural, beautiful look that will flatter your face and create a relaxed, happy vibe.

By incorporating these simple habits into your daily routine, you can look your best for your portrait session, and every day!

I love Keep America Beautiful Inc. They have a variety of programs like The Great American Cleanup, America Recycles Day, the Recycle Bowl and Clean Sweep USA that not only make our communities cleaner and more beautiful, but also create a ripple effect of awareness, appreciation and concern for our environment.

Keep America Beautiful Believes that each of us holds an obligation to preserve and protect our environment. Through our everyday choices and actions, we collectively have a huge impact on our world. It’s really a simple concept, but one with far reaching effects.

Keep America Beautiful follows a practical approach that unites citizens, businesses and government to find solutions that advance our core issues of preventing litter, reducing waste, and beautifying communities.

The diverse American landscape consists of many different “community environments”, each with their own interconnected needs and challenges. With a national network of more than 1200 local affiliates and participating organizations, we combine education with hands-on stewardship to address the needs of communities on an intensely local and effective level.

Whether you want to volunteer, make a donation, or even arrange a corporate sponsorship, there are plenty of ways to get involved in this amazing organization and the important work that they do.

To learn more, visit: http://www.kab.org

Keep America Beautiful received the highest possible rating (four stars) from charitynavigator.org

This time of year is perfect for an outdoor family portrait session. Regardless of the location  you want, be it a mountain field or a local park or garden, there are lots of wardrobe options to consider. Here are a few of our favorite looks for this season.

First, consider the spring color palette this year. Most designers favor any combination of these shades in their spring lines.

http://www.restylinghomebykellyblog.com/?p=4958

You can create a stylish look with any one of these colors, simply paired with white or other neutrals, such as the Starfish or Driftwood shades.  Alternatively, these colors can work well together to create a more playful or dramatic look.

Sodalite Blue would pair well with Sweet Lilac, Solar Power or Margarita.

Some of the stronger hues like Bellflower, Cabaret, and Tangerine Tango will make great accent colors for accessories, shoes and jewelry.

Here are some fun spring looks from Gap:
http://www.gap.com/browse/subDivision.do?cid=5646

You can create a variety of looks with these color ideas, from casual to sophisticated, splashy to subdued. If you use a strong color, be sure to balance it out with plenty of white or neutral pieces as well. Above all, be sure to let each family member’s personality shine through.

Contact us now to set up your family portrait session!