Routine

I didn't think much of this picture when I first uploaded it from my camera after our fantastic beach vacation. But then after taking a second look I saw it…the thing that makes this picture so special to me and shows what a loving family I have.

Each person is touching or holding hands, even the brothers!

Bike Wheel Wall Decor

My wife and I were looking for a creative way to display cards and pictures that we receive from friends and family throughout the year. The yearbook pictures, the Christmas cards, the drawing our son made at school…all of it was living on the front of our fridge. We grew tired of the cluttered looking, overcrowded fridge and yearned for a different solution.

My wife and I enjoy going on long bicycle rides, so it seemed a perfect solution to use a bicycle wheel to adorn our wall. I spray painted the wheel a fun blue and we attach the pictures to the spokes using silver binder clips. It has been the best conversation piece when people are over for dinner.

Upcycle a bike wheel for your house!

UPDATE:
I've received a few emails asking how I attached the bike wheel to the wall. It was really simple! I used anchors and two screws. I'm a big fan of EZ Anchors, that is what I used for this project. Here is a close up of the bike wheel on the wall.

Healthy To-Go Lunch

Are you finding yourself struggling to make healthy food choices in 2014?
You aren't alone! Try a greek yogurt, apple slices with almond butter and edamame.
Fill up on healthy choices to reduce your sugar cravings.

Routine

Try something new this year!

Expand your horizons and be open to new possibilities. 

Cups Song- Friday Night Fun

Just a typical Friday night in our house….jammies and FUN!

Roasted Beets and Pear over Quinoa

Beets have become one of my favorite root vegetables lately. Try roasting beets with a pear at 450 degrees for 40 minutes, serve over quinoa and sprinkle with sesame seeds. It's a perfect side dish to any meal.

Routine

Laughter is the best policy. Surround yourself with people who bring you JOY!

Why should you hire a photographer?

The most important reason for hiring a photographer should be to get everyone in the family in the photo. Not one of those pictures where the camera is on a timer and one person runs into position and everyone has a plastered smile on their face….those never turn out authentic.

Often times the mom is so busy taking the photos that she never puts herself in front of it to capture her with her children. Or else the parents take turns taking the pictures of family events but you never see the parents together. Is this you?

Capturing family memories is so important and that is why I started my photography business, CocktailMom Photography. I adore capturing families just as they are…laughing, crying, and full of endless love.

I often get asked why photographers charge what they charge verses going to one of those photo places in the mall. Well first of all, location. Outdoor photographers don't use a back drop, nature provides the best view. Another difference is the quality of the pictures, the amount of time that the photographer spends with you to capture your family to get the best possible shot verses feeling rushed because there is a waiting room full of other restless children waiting their turn.

But the biggest difference is photoshop!
I spend hours after the photo session editing pictures in photoshop and here is an example  of a "before" picture- Straight out of the camera verses an edited picture.

Now the girl in this picture is gorgeous! (she's also my niece.) On this day she had a wee bit of acne on her chin and a random stray hair across her forehead, nothing major but a tiny amount of editing to even out her skin and pop the color of her jacket to really enhance just how gorgeous she is in person.

Make the investment in capturing your family by hiring a professional photographer each and every year. Our children grow so fast and these are the pictures that we will cherish when we are older.

Jumpstart Breakfast- Almond Butter and Banana

Do you need a quick breakfast to jumpstart your day?
This protein packed half sandwich will get you started and ready to face your day!
Whole grain bread with almond butter and a banana sliced on top, drizzled with honey. So simple yet so delicious.

Routine

Let go of the things that are holding you back and no longer serve your spirit.

Happy New Year!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Be Merry! 

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. 

Much love-Gretchen Schock

Routine

The Road Not Taken

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim
Because it was grassy and wanted wear,
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way
I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I,
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference. 

Robert Frost

Corner of my Home- My Favorite Spot

My favorite spot on a nice day is tucked away in my hammock with my two favorite guys. You don't need a stand, just two trees and it is the most glorious experience to sway from side to side as you look up at the clouds and talk about dreams with your children.

ENO DoubleNest Hammock sold at REI.
If you still need a gift for someone on your holiday list, consider creating a favorite spot for them.

Reindeer Craft Ornament

Surprise your kids with a fun winter break craft to do at home. Pick up all the supplies at your local craft store.
Here is what you need:

• Small wooden clothes pins
• googley eyes
• red small pom-pom balls
• yarn or ribbon

Have the kids paint the wooden clothespin and once dry glue the eyes and nose onto one side. On the opposite side glue the ribbon or yarn and hang on your tree once it's dry.

Have fun and enjoy the extra time with your children.

NATHAN ABERCROMBIE, ACCIDENTAL ZOMBIE- Great book Series for BOYS

My boys are now eight and ten years old and ever since they were babies we have had the nightly tradition of curling up in one of their beds and reading together. Even though they are both reading on their own, this tradition of me reading to them and snuggled all together is one tradition that I hope we keep for a few more years.

If you have boys you are very familiar with the Harry Potter and Diary of a Wimpy Kid series, but have you heard about Nathan Abercrombie? No it's not the store. It's a kid who turns into a zombie! But don't worry it's not scary, in fact it's funny and has us all excited to read the next chapter.

Write up from the publisher: 
"Ten-year-old Nathan Abercrombie used to be an ordinary kid …until he got doused with an experimental serum that turne him into a half-dead zombie. But it turns out being half dead isn’t all bad. He doesn’t need any sleep, and he doesn’t feel pain. Still, Nathan would rather be human. Will he find a cure? Or will Nathan be half-dead forever?"

I highly suggest checking out the Nathan Abercrombie series at your local library, your boys will love these books!