Happy October + Fun Weekend Round Up

{photo by fraulein-klein}

{photo and recipe here} 

The last weekend of my favorite month of the year.

We are getting a cold front on Sunday here in Atlanta which means I will be pulling out my chunkiest cable knit, and furriest slippers and making sure I partake in a cup of Abuelita's hot chocolate (find it at you local grocery store-you will never go back to the powdered kind). Hopefully I can finally catch up with some of your blogs as well. I am pulling all the last minute pieces together for the kids halloween costumes. I cannot wait to dress them up. Its merely for our own enjoyment at these ages..:D

Here is your fun roundup of weekend links:

The sweetest etsy shop I ever did see.

My goal is to make this personalized memory game for the kids this winter.

Buttermilk Pumpkin Donut Recipe I am dying to try.

Natalie wrote the deal about fall and pretty much made everything make sense.

The best bootie for your buck.

Btw, I no longer have to pin product finds on pinterest as much b/c I discovered wantworthy. 

Gina came out with a Great Gatsby inspired bridal line. Breathtaking.

Type meets Image: Sun soakers

(original image source unknown: first pinned by Nicci)

This is what I am dying to do this weekend. I arrived to Friday with my head spinning. Nothing a little  sunshine can't fix;) Wishing you all some good weather and a fun weekend ahead!

Goodbye April, Hello May: Snapshots

A round up of some of my favorite moments from April...

Take 3: Party in the Back

Got you with the title, didn't I? ;) With summer lurking around the corner (and seemingly already arrived here in GA) I can't help but dream up great backyard bashes that involve good music, great company, and of course great lights...

 {Party 1 | 2 | 3 }

I hope this is a pick me up for your Wednesday!

I think I will make some guac today just to extend that summer party feel...

P.S. IHOD ads will be almost doubling in size next month for the same rate! Email me if you would like more information for May sponsorship:)

Giveaway: $100 Shop Credit to September Wren

I know.

Her photos are like a summer daydream.

I honestly cannot pick a favorite. 

Lucky that if you win, you won't have to either!

One lucky IHOD reader will win $100 shop credit to September Wren!

I am totally jealous of you;)

To Enter (must be a follower or subscriber of IHOD):

1) Pin one of your favorite September Wren images to pinterest and let us know you did!

Additional Entries (leave a separate comment for each):

2) Add September Wren shop to favorites on Etsy

3) Tweet or Facebook about the giveaway

example tweet: Just entered the #giveaway over @inhonorofdesign for a chance to win $100 Shop credit to @septemberwren! http://inhonorofdesign.blogspot.com

If you do not have a blogger profile, please leave a valid email address. Open to International Readers. Giveaway ends next Monday night! Best of luck!

P.S. The winner of the Macaroy Kangaroo Giveaway was #22...MrsKinne!! Will be in touch!

CLOSED* I {Heart} My Readers Giveaway: Theit Camera Bag!

I told you it was gonna be good.

I am so appreciative of you readers. The ones that take the time to visit and comment frequently AND the ones that are behind the scenes and always supportive. You are the reason I blog! So, I thought since February being the month of love and appreciation, I would bring you a giveaway that would knock your socks off:)

Hence, the THEIT Bossi Bag in Gravel. Its gotta be one of THE BEST designed camera bags I have ever laid eyes on. Beautifully  designed on the outside, with loads of room and safe space for your camera + lenses on the inside. Much appreciation to the wonderful ladies of THEIT who have generously offered to give one lucky IHOD reader one of their very own!

TO ENTER (must be an IHOD subscriber or follower):

1. Visit THEIT and let us know which of their products catches your eye!

ADDITIONAL ENTRIES (Please leave a separate comment for each):

2. Like THEIT on facebook and let them know I sent you! 

3. Blog, Tweet, or Facebook about the giveaway and let us know you did!

example tweet: Just entered the I {Heart} My Readers #giveaway over @inhonorofdesign for the Bossi Camera Bag from @THEITbags! http://inhonorofdesign.blogspot.com

Giveaway will end Monday night, February 13th at 10PM EST. Open to US/Canadian Readers. Must leave a valid blogger profile or email address in order to contact you if you are the winner. Best of luck!!

Take3: The Sunny 16 Rule, Lenses, and Free Photoshop Actions!

I took a few semesters of photography in college, and we went over darkroom, aperture, lenses and lighting, etc. However, since we got our new camera last year, I have yet to sit down and read the manuel on how to work a DSLR. Its a whole new world I need to master. 

{Pinterest via Just Kissing}

{via redbubble}

I am definately a visual learner so this image immediately caught my attention. Its an easy way to translate what f-stop your camera should be on when you are snapping your subject.

{via Kevin and Amanda}

Also for those of you looking to take your photography to the next step, this is a great post on how to choose a lens for your camera.

{via The Pioneer Woman}

Also, I get a lot of questions on what I do to my photos. I use photoshop actions from a range of places. The pioneer Woman's set was the very first I ever started using. They are fantastic! You can download them here for free. Its an instant way to improve your photo. She has many other helpful tips to check out!

I think that is all I will give you for now:) You can check out more photography tips I posted here and here. I have a lot to learn myself. My husband is the one who takes most of the photos here on the blog and I do the photoshop editing. Lucky for me he is more skilled than I am...

Photoshoot: A Fall Tablescape Collaboration

Please welcome my friend Erica Taylor of Tinsel & Twine as she shares with us the most exquisite fall brunch scene. The styling and photography is so fresh and captivating, don't you think??

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 

For this photoshoot, we planned to create two vignettes that reflected the warm tones of Fall, but without using the traditional combination of burnt reds, oranges, and browns. Instead, we picked a more modern palette of charcoal and cream accented with glints of gold.

Our first set-up is a very sweet breakfast in bed. Imagine waking up on a gloriously lazy Sunday morning. And although the weather is beginning to turn chilly, the sun is shining and you've got your love to keep you warm. That, and a sweet surprise from your Honey: pumpkin spiced donuts, fresh flowers, and a little love note! What could be cozier?

The second scene is a table set for a spiced cider and donut brunch with your closest friends. Circular design elements are carried through a collection of dotted vases, speckled menus, a dramatic gilded hanging wreath of hand-crafted paper petals, a cylindrical cakestand, and -- of course -- carefully architected pyramids of donuts and pastry puffs. So many details to take in make this a truly delicious feast for friends!

Collaborating Team

Concept, Styling, and Floral Design Tied Together By:  Tinsel & Twine

Photography and Styling By:  You Go, I Go, We Go Photography

Donuts Lovingly Baked By:  Allison Mingus

Screen-printed Pillowcases Created By:  I Am Dorkas

Take 3: Fall Fling

(Greenweddingshoes via Michelle)

An adorable camping theme engagement shoot in all kinds of fun flannel.

How about some homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice?

Or better yet.... homemade donuts anyone?! (thanks Kori!)

Happy Wednesday!

P.S. I am looking for just a few more Holiday DIY's to feature in this years Gift Guide. If you are looking for some great exposure for your blog, email me with your ideas!

Photography Lighting, Textures, and How to Dress for a Family Photo.

How to use textures tutorial. (via Ruche blog)

Using Backlight for photos. (Pinterest via Rocktheshotforum)

How to dress for family photos. (pinterest via Laci Davis Photography)

These are a few fantastic posts I came across this week I had to pass along. 

I am always looking for ways to improve on photography and photoshop production.

Hope you enjoy these!

Katie's Front Yard Wedding

I just had to share with you all the images of this incredibly beautiful budget friendly wedding via Katie of The Bright Life. It all took place in her parents front yard! Katie shared with me that the her mom prepared all the food, a community of friends contributed flowers, and friends and family helped with the decor.That was what I loved most about this story. The most beautiful weddings don't have to be extravagant.

 

(all photos from Katie's blog via Ykvision)

Isn't is lovely? Makes you want to jump right in and join the party.

You can read more about the set up, the food, the flowers, and more on Katie's blog!

Thank you for sharing your story with us Katie.

P.S. I'm visiting Alisha today for an end of the summer blog party if you want to stop by;)

Cocoa.

(Style Me Pretty via Melanie)

Dear Readers,

Want to come over for a chat?

I will provide the cocoa and donuts:)

Wouldn't that be swell?

Love, Anna

Happy August Weekend

(via)

I think this would be the perfect way to spend a summer evening:) We are headed to the lake today to enjoy some family time after a long week! Both Gabe and I started our teaching jobs so the start of the school year has begun. However, I am holding on to summer as long as I can.

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend~

My best friends wedding in NYC

One of my best friends got married in NYC over memorial day weekend. My husband, baby, and I flew up to be a part of the wedding festivities. It was hands down one of the most fun weddings I have ever been to! Beautiful church and vows, incredible reception view, photo booth, killer playlist on the dance floor, mouth watering appetizers, and the best company you could ask for. Here's a recap:

 

Even taking photos was a blast. She had an awesome photographer who wasn't afraid to try new things on the fly and be spontaneous. For all you Callifornia based readers (he also travels!) you are in luck- he is based in the OC! His work is stunning. 

All photos by John Pascale of This Moment Captured Photography....