It is the season of giving! Lost for ideas?  Think about the people in your life… Are they into fitness? Technology? Cooking? Are they going on about their latest diet – paleo, keto, vegetarian, whole30, etc? Are they travelers? Homebodies? Bookworms?

That’s the best place to start – consider what you already know about them and go from there.

Let’s start with those who are foodies, like to cook, or are trying out the newest way of eating… Who has heard of the >>>Instant Pot<<<?  I have SO many friends going on and on about how awesome it is!  I don’t need one… I’ve gotten along just fine this long without it. But I SURE am curious about it!  It’s one of those things that would be awesome to get as a gift – especially because I’m not likely to buy one for myself.  

And here in the Coastal Bend, water activities rule the day! If someone you know is always on the water, they NEED a >>>waterproof pouch<<< for their phone. I have one that is very similar to the one in the link and I LOVE it! I wear it at the beach, when I’m out kayaking or paddle boarding, Schlitterbahn, or any time there is a chance my phone will get wet. 

Or maybe someone you know is ALWAYS losing their keys?  I know it was always my mom losing her keys when I lived at home. I’m not that person, but I KNOW those people… and so do you!  Check out the >>>Tile Sport - Key Finder. Phone Finder. Anything Finder<<< - perfect!

Or maybe you’re shopping for someone who really just wants to be completely absorbed in their phone? Or maybe they are a student who needs to be ABLE to get completely absorbed.  If that’s the case, check out these >>>Bose QuietComfort 25 Acoustic Noise Cancelling Headphones<<< - those should do the trick!

Maybe you’re shopping for someone who travels frequently.  Hubby and I just returned from an awesome trip over Thanksgiving and let me tell you… we REALLY could have used <<<The Airhook<<< - it attaches to the tray table in an airplane and holds your phone or tablet, as well as your drink.  Awesome! 

Also, we have pointed out these >>>Really Cool Scratch Maps<<< and keep considering getting one.  Disclaimer: I’m not sure if we would enjoy it, or be sad at all the places we HAVEN’T been… Still, definitely worth considering in the gift giving department.  Unique and REALLY cool!

Okay, next up is something I WILL have one day… when my son is old enough not to try to ride it – haha!  I think the >>>Roomba<<< is one of the most clever invention for busy adults. I would LOVE to come home to a house that has been freshly vacuumed. #lifegoals

Maybe you know some new homeowners? Well, EVERYONE needs to have a good cordless >>>DeWalt drill<<< for household projects.  This beast of a tool can do SO much!  And you almost can’t destroy them. 

And for the children in your life? >>>Squishmallows!<<<  They come in a variety of sizes and are soft, squishy perfection!  Also, once your kids are all super into these soft fluffies, you can go print them infinite squishmallow coloring pages directly from the website.

Rather a game for the kiddos? Try >>>Gamewright Cha-Cha Chihuahua: The Game of Dancing Doggies<<< - we don’t have this, but I want it!  I think all FOUR of my kids would get a kick out of it, and they range from age 3 to age 12!

Now, if you’re looking for some fun and unique gifts that are relatively inexpensive? I have to give Buzzfeed credit for putting together an awesome list!  Check it out >>>HERE<<<

Hey, if you found this article particularly useful (or maybe you want to use it to drop some hints!), then PLEASE share!  And make sure to leave me some love in the comment section ;)

I recently met one of the most fun families I’ve ever photographed! I did what I usually do – met with them, met the kids, talked about what to expect, answered questions, and figured out the what and when of our session. The kids are teenagers and I never know what to expect from teens… Will they be surly? Angsty? Bored? Excited? Fun?

​When I met these two, I knew we were in for some fun. The whole family, actually – they just radiated joy and energy!

So we talked about getting some FUN family portraits. I wanted to capture the family playing and goofing around like families often do… and it really got me thinking. Every family plays differently. I have a family of my own – four kids, a husband – it’s not quiet in our house, but it IS fun!

So here is how you do it:

1. Determine what “fun” looks like in your home. Is if fist bumps? Tickle fests? Sweaty hugs? Dance parties? In our home, it’s definitely dance parties. We put music on and it brings everyone out of their rooms and we all dance in the living room together.  It makes our family feel connected and there is nothing but smiles, laughter, and an all-around good time.
2. Do whatever it is that you do – set the example!  Want your kids to play in the portraits? Guess who has to kick it off… Yup – you!  Don’t be afraid to be ridiculous.  Channel your inner child and just roll with it!
3. Hire a photographer – preferably ME :D <<<shameless plug

That’s it! Easy day!  Then you share those pictures with family and friends and they get to witness what an awesome family you have. 

Feeling inspired? Good!  Leave me a comment :D
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XOXO
Lori

I love LOVE. I love being in love and I love being married and I love dating my husband. Not that you stumbled on over to the blog to hear me wax poetic, but seriously… I love… love.

I love encouraging my female clients to give their significant others a “Little Black Book” album of them looking their sexiest. Let’s call it my little contribution to keeping the passion alive. But I love reading thoughts others have on the same topic. How do you constantly and creatively let your partner know you are still thinking about them all the time, that you still want them all the time, and that you’re still so happy that you belong to each other? Give the gift of BOUDOIR photography!

I was recently reading a >>>VERY clever article<<< and there are definitely a couple of things on the list that I want to do for my love.

Oh, and I think they should add, “Give him an album of you looking HOT” to the list of timeless gifts. Just sayin’