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Studio Hours: A Wedding Update


Hi guys! So sorry for the crickets over here these past few days. It got CLOUDY over here and all photo taking was put on a major hold. But’s its sunny today and I have a wedding update! Boy oh boy are we getting closer and closer. We are officially 3 months away from the big day and the last minute details are definitely piling up. I feel like my to-do list has gone from BIG items like “find a venue” to small tedious stuff like “tie a string around sachet bags”. Haha. The whole hoopla is pretty funny actually, but I am getting pretty excited and honeymoon planning is in full swing.

I’m not going to exhaust you with all the details of what’s been going on, but I am happy to announce I have found my wedding dress shoes! After 3 different pairs ordered, I landed on these Gladly booties from Steve Madden. I’ve also finally got the invitations all printed and assembled (more on those later), and an obscene amount of lavender/rosemary to fill little sachet bags. It’s a real circus over here, folks.

If you’re interested in reading a few other Veda House wedding progress posts you can see our Save The DatesTabletop DetailsOverhead lighting DIY, envelope assembly, and the smaller details.

Worn. 01




Hello there! Happy Valentine’s Day 🙂 Sharing something new to switch things up a bit. In an effort to get a little more personal on the blog these days, this is the first post of a new series here on Veda House called WORN. I’m not a gal that’s big into fashion or even really keeps up with clothing trends, but I do appreciate a wardrobe that has personality…and a few great pairs of boots 😉

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Worn / Sanctuary Clothing knit top, Flats by Coupleof, Khaki Skinnies by Gap, concrete cube necklace
by Maple + Mauve, ring and bangle – vintage

Studio Hours: Favorite Corner






When working from home, I’ve found that it’s really important to create a cosy and inspiring space to work in. For me, I spend my days bouncing around my home, from room to room, usually utilizing a different room for different reasons. I shoot a lot of blog content in our guest bedroom, work out in my living room, sit at the computer in my little side nook, etc etc. More recently I’ve worked to create a really cozy space in my living room where I can ease into my mornings with a laptop instead of the desktop computer. I’ve found that I do most of my inspiration gathering first thing in the morning, so being comfortable is a must.

This lovely chair  from West Elm (Paidge in Ink Blue Velvet) is one of my first adult purchases and I couldn’t be happier. The studded ottoman is from Euro Style lighting and I think brings some much needed “toughness” to the space. The lighting in this corner was thrifted as well as all of the little baubles on the shelves.

( More Living Room Snippets  & Here )

Studio Hours: Photoshoot Prep

Just dropping by today for a quick little hello. I’ve been doing a lot of photoshoot preparations for clients this past week so I thought I’d share a little about my process. Each shoot is a bit different, but as photo stylist/photographer combo it’s important to keep the job organized so you don’t go crazy.

Steps I always take:

1. Research Gathering: This is almost always on Pinterest because it’s a really easy platform to share my thoughts with my clients. It also allows for both parties to seamlessly add and delete content as we go.

2. Create a Shot List: This is a really important organizational stage in the process. Ideally, I like to plan out ever shot of the shoot to make sure I have the right props, lighting, surfaces, camera lens, etc. I find that if I have a shot list, its easy for me to capture the “must have” shots, but it also makes it easier to snag those more in-the-moment shots.

3. Prop Shopping: This is one of my favorite parts of the process. Not necessarily because it’s shopping (because I’m not a huge fan), but because you get to pick those really key pieces to make your shoot iconic and unique. Usually there is a prop allowance budgeted into the original quote.

4. DIY & Setup: Since DIYs are a fun thing for me to do, I often find a way to incorporate one into the shoot. Usually this means building a light for the shoot or building a structure of some sorts.

Studio Hours: Wedding Update (smaller details)




The fiancé and I have been plugging away at our wedding to-do list and marking off many items! Feels good to get all the BIG items out of the way and now we get to focus on the smaller details like thank you cards, picking out pocket squares, and finding little favors for guests. I hope you have been enjoying the wedding updates, but please let me know if too much is too much.

I wanted to update you on some of the more exciting things (wedding related) that have happened this week.

1.Favors: My mother and I have been planning out our wedding favors and have big things planned. I don’t want to share all the details just yet, but know that it involves air plants! More plants I can’t kill. Wahoo!

2. Thank You Cards: I got our thank you cards designed, printed and addressed. I’ll be sending out thank you’s to all of those lovely ladies who attended my bridal shower over the holidays. We’ll also be using these cards for thank yous after the wedding. The hand lettering was done by the very talented Maggie of Type & Title. You can view our Save The Dates too!

3. Ties & Pocket Squares: The boy has been picking out some fun details to go with his blue/gray chambray suit  from the men’s linen suits brisbane store, that he’ll be wearing come the big day. He found a really amazing pocket square and tie from April Look, a handmade men’s accessory company based out of Lithuania.

4. Special Moments: This week I received a box in the mail from my best friend and Maid of Honor. I had no idea what it was and wasn’t expecting anything. I opened it up and found a handmade card inside and a bunch of flowers from the Sophy Crown Flowers company. She was asking me to be HER maid of honor in her wedding this coming August. I could have been more excited in that moment and have kept some of the flowers in this tiny glass test tube for safe keeping.

 

Recent Work: A Client Moodboard

Top 10 Healthiest Foods for Kids

You know it’s better to feed your kids vegetables instead of ice cream. But, how do you get them to actually eat them?

  • 1. Yogurt
  • 2. Beans
  • 3. Eggs
  • 4. Avocado
  • 5. Sweet Potato
a photo of kid friendly foods such as gruits, vegetables, grains, and dairy products
PHOTO: DIANA CHISTRUGA

Anyone who’s ever tried to feed a child (something other than cereal or ice cream) knows they don’t always eat what you want. Trying to figure out what to make to nourish their tiny bodies is stressful. Plus, just because it gets served doesn’t mean your kids will eat it. But kids need nutritious food—healthy fats for their brains, calcium for their bones, and all the vitamins and minerals vegetables offer—and more. These are the best weight loss pills.

To take out some of the stress and make sure you’re offering your child nutrient-dense foods, we compiled expert tips for mealtimes and a list of the top 10 healthy foods for kids. These 10 foods are not only healthy for your kids (and for you!) but are also versatile and easy to prepare.

a design featuring the list of the 10 healthiest foods for kids
ILLUSTRATIONS: GETTY IMAGES; EATINGWELL DESIGN

1. Yogurt

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“Yogurt is a wonderful option for breakfast, a snack, or even a dessert but you have to watch the added sugar content,” says Katie Andrews, M.S., R.D., a childhood nutrition coach and owner of Wellness by Katie. “It’s a healthy, filling snack that checks the boxes on protein and vitamin D, a nutrient many kids lack in their diet.”

Yogurt also delivers probiotics, good bacteria that are important for maintaining a healthy gut. An easy way to pick out a healthy yogurt? Buy plain Greek yogurt, which has zero added sugars plus twice the protein of regular yogurt. Most yogurt that’s flavored has added sugar; some new products are flavored with just fruit, but plain is always a safe bet. It’s easy to add flavor yourself by adding berries and sprinkling whole-grain cereal on top or creating a fun parfait with fruit. Dress up yogurt even more for kids by turning it into frozen yogurt pops or frozen yogurt bark. Learn more about the Best weight loss pills for women.

2. Beans

Toaster-Oven Tostadas

Pictured Recipe: Toaster-Oven Tostadas

Beans are a very nutritious food. They’re loaded with protein and fiber, plus they’re cheap and take little time to prepare. Buy low-sodium canned beans such as black beans, chickpeas or kidney beans. Simply open the can, rinse them to remove extra sodium and add to any dish.

“Replacing ground beef with beans in a quesadilla or tossing beans with pasta helps maintain high-quality, lean protein while adding a key nutrient: fiber,” says Andrews.

There are pastas made from beans too. “Kids ages 4 to 8 need around 25 grams of fiber a day, and most products marketed directly to kids, like fruit snacks and cheese crackers, contain little if any. Fiber helps promote healthy digestion and helps your kids feel fuller, longer, so they aren’t asking you for a snack 5 minutes after dinner ends,” says Andrews.

3. Eggs

Spinach & Egg Scramble with Raspberries

Pictured Recipe: Spinach & Egg Scramble with Raspberries

One large egg has 6 grams of protein and delivers vitamin D, vitamin B12 and iron, per the USDA. Some eggs are also fortified with omega-3 fatty acids, which aid in kids’ brain development. Don’t worry about the cholesterol—saturated and trans fats have a bigger impact on raising bad cholesterol than eggs.

At breakfast, skip the pastries, fried foods and processed meats and scramble some eggs for your kids instead. If your kids aren’t fans of scrambled, try different presentations like egg salad or egg casseroles.

Eggs also make a great starter food for babies. Doctors used to recommend not giving eggs until babies were 12 months old. However, as of 2020, the American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology states that allergenic foods like eggs can be introduced when babies are ready for solid foods, and in fact, might help prevent food allergies.

4. Avocado

two sliders with avocados as the buns

Pictured Recipe: Avocado-Bun Turkey Sliders

Avocados are full of healthy benefits and are an easy way to get healthy fats into your child’s diet. They are high in monounsaturated fats, which decrease inflammation and keep cholesterol levels healthy. Fat moves through the digestive tract slowly, so it keeps kids full longer. But the best part of avocados? Their versatility. You can eat them with a spoon, mash them on toast, throw them into a smoothie, mix them into chicken or tuna salad or make a pasta sauce like avocado pesto.

5. Sweet Potato

Oven Sweet Potato Fries

Pictured Recipe: Oven Sweet Potato Fries

Short on time and need something nutritious? Wash a sweet potato, poke some holes in it and microwave it for 3-5 minutes (depending on its size). Slice it lengthwise, let it cool, then scoop it onto your child’s plate.

Whether your kid is 6 months, 6 years old or 16 years old, sweet potatoes are appealing across the board (because they’re sweet!). They’re packed with vitamin A (over 250% daily value for an adult), fiber and potassium, per the USDA. Increasing potassium keeps blood pressure and hearts healthy.

Studio Hours: Plants I can’t kill






Man oh man. Winter is really killing my creative juices these days, so sorry for the random quiet days around here. In between the -20 degree temperature and the random 50 degree teaser day, I’ve been dreaming about what spring has in store….like getting married! Wahoo!

Until then, I’ve been hoarding house plants for air purification like a crazy person to make it feel a bit more like spring/summer in here. I’m not really a green thumb, but I can keep the more hardy plants alive. These usually include different cactus varieties for your indoor garden, philodendrons, rubber trees, jade trees, and a few air plants. There are the occasion cut stem flowers as well as little herb plants thrown into the mix every once and awhile. (those usually die). If you have any questions about the plants in the photos, leave a comment and I’ll message you 🙂 And if you want to upgrade your garden, then you might want to reach out to professionals from sites like gardenroomcompany.uk to get some ideas on how you can elevate your garden space. If you’re planning to add custom decks, you may first consult companies like ipe hardwood decking Georgia if you need more ideas on how you can upgrade your deck. In addition, outdoor lighting St Charles services can also help further enhance your outdoor living area.

+ What are you guys doing to keep sane during this crazy winter? +

Studio Hours: The start of a bedroom Makeover


One room at a time, I’ve been making way through the house – redecorating this and that. I’ve finally made it to the bedroom, which has ironically been the most neglected room of the house. I’m still trying to wrap up the details, get a few additional artwork pieces framed, a DIY here and there, and then I’ll be ready to share the whole room. Explore the world of interior design through the lens of Peel and Stick Wall Murals.

Until then, I wanted to share this amazing print I just bought from West Elm. This Highland Cow print is in collaboration with Minted.com and I couldn’t be happier with the character this piece brings to the room. I’ve also got my eye on this double exposure Diptych of the dessert.

Another piece I’ve collected is this amazing handmade pillow from Scout & Whistle. I look forward to pulling the finishing touches together!

Happy almost Friday!!

 

Studio Hours: A Wedding Update




Happy Monday folks! I wanted to quickly make a little shout out to my dear friend Kathleen who welcomed a little baby boy into the world yesterday!! Go mama! If you aren’t following her blog & brand, you’re missing something amazing!

I’ve got a little wedding updated for those interested. These past couple weeks have taken me down the wedding rabbit hole. We’re marking things off our to-do list just as fast as we’re adding new things. It keeps growing and growing, but at least all the BIG details are figured out. I’ve had a few fun things pop up recently that I wanted to share.

Gifts and Brand Collaborations:  The lovely ladies over at BHLDN recently sent me a little care package full of lovely wedding details. The beautifully wrapped box was full of mercury glass candle holders, some wood carved serving utensils and some really fun sparkly garland. I’m forever thankful to BHLDN and their addition to my special day. If you’re looking for some vintage inspired or classic pieces to add to your wedding, check out BHLDN.

Candleholder Centerpieces: Over the holidays my father and I put on our tool belts and built our first driftwood centerpiece. We were inspired by these pieces in the Pennyweight Goods shop and decided to make our own. We’ll be making a bunch more once we get down to florida and have endless supplies of driftwood.

If you’re interested in reading a few other Veda House wedding progress posts you can see our Save The Dates, Tabletop Details, Overhead lighting DIY, and envelope assembly.

Studio Hours: Favorites around here




Another room redesign is in the works these days over in the Veda House. The last big project shared was our guest bedroom, which I couldn’t be more happy with.

This room, our living room has been a work in progress since last summer because I wasn’t completely sure what I wanted. You can see the first moodboard/ mini makeover post right here. I know I wanted to splurge on a few “adult” items like this chair (in Ink Blue) from West Elm and all new throw pillows. I’ll be sharing full room images soon once I tie together a few last details.

I wanted to mention a few Items that made the cut because they come from companies that I really admire. The first are the Talia Candleholders from Crate & Barrel. I actually received this as a bridal shower gift just over the holiday and can’t wait to incorporate these beautiful sandstone pieces into my mantle.  The second is my dream lamp from EuroStyle Lighting. This Antwerp lamp made by Jonathan Adler has a super unique design and is made of Brass and matte black details. I’ve fallen head over heals with this adjustable lamp! Lastly are the mini collection of pillows I’ve acquired. I bought the indigo Ikat pillow from Etsy shop Indigo Bliss Boutique, and two navy tweed pillows from The Cottage Cupboard Etsy shop.

I hope by sharing where I found a few pieces, you’ll be introduced to a few new shops and maybe be inspired to tackle a room of your home. This post is NOT a sponsored post, just me babbling about what I find beautiful.

(Photos by Veda House – Studio Hours)

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