Inspiration for Spring - Happy Friday!

Yay, it's weekend time! My older kids are finally on spring break and we are taking them on a short trip  to the Mall of America next week with loads of family coming along. They are over the moon about this adventure as it's been a while since we took a family trip. Although these kids are easy to please … even a night spent in a hotel 5 minutes down the road would have them counting down the sleeps. Though our darling Wisconsin is not feeling too springy at the moment, I hear some warmth is heading our way again next week and honestly, regardless of ice or sun, Easter is always a big celebration for us and the weather does not deter. We've been egg hunting in all kinds of conditions too. Scarlet is well prepared for Easter this year, with a perfect for Wisco Sunday dress that's a combo of warm furry top and light floral skirt. It's adorable. I have 2 dresses in the runnings for consideration as my Easter dress. But of course!

This week I've been dreaming of beautiful spring flowers, itching to buy a supply to spread across our dining table, perhaps in mason jars. I'm been working hard on the planning for our next flower workshop and it'll certainly be our best yet! So many exciting details planned for this summer workshop and the info should be out next week. 

I also have Easter egg dyeing on my mind as we plan to do some next week and I'd love to try dyeing some naturally, after seeing some of the easier ways to do that and the gorgeous colors they create. I have a friend that mentioned she wraps her eggs in a silk scarf (perhaps a trip to Goodwill is in order?) and the dyeing process leaves a lovely colored print on the egg from the scarf. Sounds intriguing. 

Lastly, as always, I'm thinking clothes and this time it's the lighter, ethereal pieces are on my mind. I'm eager to wear white dresses with lots of embroidery and lace. And I'm all about pastels at the moment, which will be evident in the coming weeks with YOU Magazine's spring fashion issue out in April as well as a little spot on Good Day Wisconsin to share my favorite spring looks. Lots of fashion fun coming in April!

In the meantime, these are the images inspiring me this week …

{ a floral bath, cause why not? }

{ a rainbow of color }

{ beautiful details }

{ I just love this, sign me up }

{ bicycle baskets overflowing with beauty }

{ ocean shades }

 { fields of flowers }

 { vegetable hues }

 { fresh strawberry marshmallows, yum! }

{ lace sleeves }

 { party season is heading my way, so I'm thinking balloons and flowers }

{ the way Scarlet and I like to take naps … in tutus and flowers ;) }

My Little Ballerina

Friends, prepare yourself for a million quazillion (Elliot says "yes that's a number") ballet pictures. Scarlet and I met up with one of our favorite local photogs and friend, Eric (of Carbon Copy Studios), to take some photos as a sort of test shoot before my big day, which would be 10 ballerinas, for a fashion story for YOU Magazine. There were so many great reasons excuses for this session.

1. Ballet pictures with my girl. #imean
2. In FILM! Gah!
3. She still fits in her Tutu Du Monde dress, her 1st birthday outfit. So we had the best opportunity and excuse to wear it again.
4. And I needed to get in that space and figure out my game plan, so it was perfect!

I took the first group of pictures of Scarlet and Eric was kind enough to take a few pictures of the two of us with my Canon. His pictures will come soon! There's always that excruciating wait for film but so worth it when it finally arrives. So here is my lovely … to get us started.

We had to keep duppy tucked in the back of her top to make this all possible. Not the prettiest place but better there than in her hands. 

Mama and Mini Style {casual greens}

{me: shirt - consigned Anthropologie, pants - Old Navy, tennies - H&M

S: dress - thrifted, leggings - Gymboree, boots - H&M}

I had this post all ready to go for Tuesday, St Patrick's Day (and more importantly, cousin Adorlee's birthday!), but the week ran away from me very quickly and so here I am, on Friday! But we wore a little green this week to play along and even managed some pictures.

Hope you've all having a fantastic week, friends. Mine has been busy but so incredible, with one of the most beautiful and enchanting photo opportunities I've ever been a part of now under my belt. I feel completely energized creatively again, after that long, dull winter which absolutely took a toll on my creative side. But wow, this week was so good. This morning I'm off soon to have a hair pampering, cause it's looking pretty sad at the moment. As usual, I'm ready to spice it up a bit, make a little change. But you'll likely see me back here soon and not be able to tell any difference with the locks.

Have the best weekend all! Oh yes, and take a look at this spring wreath roundup, featured at Real Simple Magazine's website. We are lucky to be a part of it and they have some wonderful DIY ideas for your front door, if you're in the mood to get crafty. 

Little Braden's Newborn Portraits

I want to share this adorable little man's newborn session with you this evening. Meet Braden and his mom and dad, Sarah and John. He did everything that was expected of him for his newborn portraits ... a little crying, a little eating, some snuggling, lots of funny faces, wonderfully limber contortions into tiny baskets, and several far off stares as he pondered this bright and beautiful life. He was perfect. Please enjoy a look into his home and a day (okay, just an hour) in the life of tiny Braden. 

Thank you Sarah for the pleasure of photographing your beautiful family. xx Kirsty

Friends, if you're interested in booking a portrait session for spring or summer, send me an email to kirstyloug@gmail.com. Sessions are currently just $150 per hour, so don't hesitate to capture this incredible time and make photographic memories to last forever! Photo weekends fill up fast so get in touch soon. :)