mommy | monday. no sew pillow covers.

You mean that I can make beautiful pillow covers... and I don't have to sew?! :) That's what I'm talking about. Take your pick of colorful cloth napkins, and you can make these inexpensive pillow covers to add a splash of color to your living room or bedroom. CLICK HERE for the tutorial.

wedding | wednesday. BHLDN {anthropologie}

So, I know that this has been topping the charts in wedding news this week... but, in case you haven't heard... Anthropologie now has a bridal shop {launched February 14}! It's full of dresses, hair accessaries, jewelry, and shoes... with the same Anthropologie style that we know and love. :) Check it out for yourself! It's all kinds of beautiful.

Valentine Hug {WINNER ANNOUNCED}

I'm so excited to announce the recipient of this year's Valentine Hug. Oh the tears I have cried and prayers I have prayed over these incredible moms. Thank you for giving me a glimpse into your world. This was a very difficult decision. For those of you who submitted your story but did not win the session/package... you will be receiving an e-mail with a special opportunity! :) And here she is....

Meet the lovely Amanda Scott.

Billy (5), David (2), and Molly (10 months) call her mom. :)

Whether they are dinosaur hunting, going on a walk, coloring, reading (one of their favorite activities, or the boys are wrestling... they just love spending time together. Billy especially loves reading his Boy's Devotional Book. :) In the midst of healing from her divorce, they found out in November that Billy (5) was diagnosed with Friedreich's Ataxia. FA is a rare progressive neuromuscular disorder. FA takes the ability to walk and causes heart disease among many other health complications. The only part of the body it does not affect is the brain. This genetic disorder has no treatment. They took Billy to a Pediatric Cardiologist to find he already has the heart condition (Cardiomyopathy) that is associated with FA. This was devastating and also has no treatment. They don't know how long it took for his heart to progress to where it is or how long it will take to get worse. For now, they have him on an experimental drug that has been shown to protect the heart. With him having FA, the end result is the always same. They just don't know how long it will take. With the expenses of medication and visits to specialists, family portraits have not been at the top of the list. Amanda's wish was to have photos of her precious little family just the way things are now. Amanda- you are incredibly strong... we will be praying that God does a miracle in Billy's body. We will take some awesome photos to document this time in your lives. Much Love and Happy Valentine's Day. :) Here is a BIG HUG for you. :)

wedding | wednesday. paper favor cones.

I love these little cones for favors. You can fill them with a sweet treat that your wedding or shower guests will love. CLICK HERE for a free template to make them for yourself or a friend.

mommy | monday. snow day fun. [marshmallows + toothpicks]

It looks like we are going to be having some snow days across the country this week! Kiddos in the house for extended periods of time... and you just might hear the word "bored". :) This looks like a fun and inexpensive activity! All you need are some mini marshmallows, toothpicks, and an imagination! Sounds good to me! CLICK HERE to see what you can make!

wedding | wednesday. paper ribbons.

This is a fun way of decorating to incorporate your color palette! CLICK HERE to find out how to make some of your own! :)

mommy | monday. homemade kitchen set.

As you probably know, it's very possible to spend up to a $1,000 on a kitchen play set for your little ones. But, they will be just as entertained by a simple version that you can make at home. I thought this was so adorable when I ran across it! Looks like hours of fun to me! :) CLICK HERE to learn how to make one of your own! PLEASE let me know if you make one... I would love to see a photo! :)

mommy | monday. homemade valentines.

I was so giddy when I received my February issue of the Martha Stewart Living magazine in the mail last week. I love all of the pink and red and hearts and crafts and LOVE. :) If you are planning to make your own Valentine's Day cards this year, now would be a great time to start! It will be here before you know it! :) CLICK HERE for some ideas to get you started!

mommy | monday. mini snowmen.

I'm not sure how much snow you are getting today... but with even a dusting of snow, you could make these adorable mini snowmen. :) I found them on Martha Stewart's inspiration board. They range from 8" to 12" tall and are embellished with clove eyes, twig arms, carrot slivers for noses, and a ribbon scarf. You could make them on your front porch or back deck. Have fun! :)

thank you + happy new year

I hope you enjoyed the holiday season with your family and friends. It already seems like it was a long time ago to me. :) 2010 was a very blessed year. I had the opportunity to meet and photograph so many beautiful people, as well as my already faithful clients. Maybe I will get to photograph you this year? ;) For the first time, I was asked to speak at some workshops and share my passion for photographing people. Those proved to be very stretching yet rewarding experiences. I'm very thankful for the slower pace of January and February (even though I have a bridal expo next weekend!! :) ). It gives me time to refresh, tie up loose ends, and gain fresh inspiration for the upcoming season. If you already know that you would like to book a session in March or April, I would recommend that you go ahead and contact me. I'm limiting the number of sessions that I do each month in order to devote more time and creativity to each session, as well as to have a more manageable life. :) (same to brides for 2011 weddings) You have blessed me this past year by all of your kind comments and by so readily recommending me to your friends and family. I'm excited for 2011 and all of the people I will meet and beautiful photographs that I will get to take. As always, keep checking back for more lovely photos and updates!

Happy New Year!

Sincerely,

Heather Chérie

heathercheriephotography@gmail.com

www.heathercheriephotography.com

FACEBOOK.

mommy | monday. make a snow globe.

So- the kids are home from school this week, and you may even be snowed in. :) This is such a fun craft that you can enjoy making and displaying the rest of the winter! Click HERE to learn how to make these.

mommy | monday. little boots + ballet flats.

I recently came across this website and had to share it with you! I can't get enough of it!! :) They have the most amazing, beautiful, precious little boots and ballet flats that you have ever seen. :) It literally makes me want to figure out how to make shoes!! Please tell me if you buy a pair, because I want to see them! :) You are going to LOVE these. Click HERE to see more on their website!

wedding | wednesday. candy planter centerpieces.

This could be done beautifully in a variety of ways: colors, type of candy, color of pot, heights, etc.... I love the more subdued colors and the unique look. Your guests will love it! :)

mommy | monday. nutcracker ballet party.

What lovely ideas for a little girl's winter birthday party! :) Hey- I'd love it for my birthday party! Click HERE to see all of the inspiration images.

wedding | wednesday. vintage brooch bouquet.

These are just lovely. Vintage brooch bouquets are a fairly new trend. I saw my first one a while back and just loved it. You might even include your mom or grandma (or great-grandma's) brooches to add a bit of sentimental value. Click here to see more inspiration.

wedding | wednesday. cake toppers. bunting. fringe. flags.

Here are some cute and non-traditional toppers for your cake. Perfect for a shower or wedding. Click HERE for more fabulous ideas!

wedding | wednesday. ribbon wands.

I love this idea! You won't get your dress dirty with bubbles, rose petals, rice, or bird seed... and you don't have to worry about the fire from sparklers. This could be your answer... ribbon wands. Get some girlfriends together for a night to make these. They would look very cool in your photos, and they could be made in any color! :) Click HERE for a DIY tutorial.

mommy | monday. pumpkin carving stencils.

I know that I will be having some friends over to carve pumpkins this week... and thought you might be carving pumpkins too! Here are some free funny face downloadable stencils that you might want to use! Happy carving! CLICK HERE. (and don't forget to have candy corn with peanuts for a snack... yum!) :)

wedding | wednesday. feather boutonnieres.

ooohh I love this idea! :) You could do these with any color scheme, and they could be as simple or as "ornate" as you would like! CLICK HERE for the DIY tutorial!

wedding | wednesday. fingerprint tree "guestbook".

I love this idea! :) and think it's especially cute when there are fingerprints of the bride and groom wearing a veil and top hat. :) Guests put their fingerprint in your paint color of choice then sign their name next to it (perhaps different shades of green like the photo below). It makes for a cute, modern wall display for your new home! For a fall wedding, you can even use shades of red, yellow, and orange. Here is one customizable option found on Etsy!