Make your home smell DIVINE

The first thing I notice when I walk into a new place is the aroma.  It sets the tone for the whole experience, in my opinion.  Now, I'm all about my home smelling delicious, but did you know that air fresheners and most candles are filled with harmful ingredients?  They're especially dangerous to those with allergies and asthma.

Here's where Natural Room Scents come in.  They are seriously the easiest thing ever and will fill your entire house with delicious smelling goodness.  AND the kicker??  They're completely safe and natural.  Everyone likes different scents, but my absolute favorite at the moment is this one:

Oranges, Cinnamon & Cloves.  Here's how I do it:

Slice up an orange (or mandarine), grab some whole cloves and cinnamon sticks (ground cinnamon works wonderful too and was all I had on hand)...

I have this baby crock pot that is not only adorable, but perfect for this very purpose!  Fill it with water (this also works great with a pot on the stove)...

Throw all your ingredients in... 

Leave the lid off and let it simmer away, filling your house with a completely natural and utterly magical scent.  **Make sure to keep an eye on your water level - could be dangerous if left unattended.  I may or may not know that from experience... :-I

And you're done!  This one is perfect for Fall/Christmas/Winter time or really just any time, but it reminds me of the holidays for some reason.  Trust me, it'll make you smile, just like this:

Some other great scent mixes to try (click on the links below for additional info and directions):

Lemon, Rosemary & Vanilla

Lime, Thyme, Mint & Vanilla

Orange, Ginger & Almond

Pine, Bay Leaves & Nutmeg 

And here are the actual recipes, from The Yummy Life:

I'd love to know if there are other wonderful scents that I'm leaving out - click {HERE} to let me know!!  Enjoy!

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

It's been passed down for hundreds of years, never to be written on paper.  Those lucky enough to be trusted by a "recipe holder" (as they're called) with the ancient recipe are held in the utmost positions of respect.  I'm breaking all the rules by sharing this sacred recipe with you, passed down from my great grandmother's great grandma...  Just promise me you won't tell anyone.  

Just kidding.  But in all seriousness, these are THE yummiest pumpkin chocolate chip cookies EVER.  I've been making them year after year and they never disappoint.  Do yourself (and those around you) a favor and whip up a batch today.  They make a lot, so they're perfect for sharing.

THE YUMMIEST PUMPKIN CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES {EVER}

Ingredients:

1 cup butter, softened

2.5 cups sugar

2 eggs

2+ cups canned pure pumpkin 

2 teas. vanilla

2 Tbsp. pure maple syrup

2 cups white whole wheat flour

3 cups white flour

2 teas. baking powder

2 teas. baking soda

2 teas. salt

2 teas. nutmeg

2 teas. cinnamon

2 teas. ground cloves

2 teas. allspice

12 oz. semi sweet chocolate chips (I like using mini)

Directions:

1.  Preheat oven to 350.

2.  Beat butter and sugar until smooth and fluffy.  Add eggs and mix.  Add pumpkin, maple syrup and vanilla, mix until combined.

3.  Add dry ingredients and mix until blended, being careful not to over mix.  Stir in chocolate chips with a wooden spoon.

4.  Spoon heaping tablespoon sized balls of dough (don't worry, they won't be smooth!) onto a silpat baking mat or non-stick cookie sheet.  Bake for 10-13 minutes until barely golden brown on the tips.  

Tips: 

I like to add a little more pumpkin than called for which lends to extra soft and moist cookies.  Also, my oven happens to run extra hot, so test the first batch.  Err on the side of not enough time rather than too much.  They're super easy, you can't go wrong!

I like to use organic ingredients whenever possible.

I've had my Kitchen Aid mixer since I got married, ten years ago.  I love it.  It's also a hot mess.

Seriously, just throw it all together.  So simple.

I have lots of helpers at my house.  Sometimes they don't feel like helpers when they make the process twice as long and three times as messy, but we're making memories and that makes me happy.

Mix 'em up and throw them on the cookie sheet.  I LOVE my silpat baking mats.  You should totally get some.  NOW.

Throw 'em in the oven and wait... 

Waiting is really the hardest part of the whole process.  Thank goodness this gal wanted more bananas so I wasn't staring at the oven door for a full ten minutes.  She likes bananas.  I like her.

Are you drooling yet?  I am.

The only downfall... 

Even though this recipe makes a TON, they don't last long.

Enjoy!!!

Things I <3 Thursdays {Familia}

It pretty much makes my day when I get a little tip or hint that makes my life easier/happier/awesome-er in some way.  So that got me thinking...  Why not share the little (and big) things that make my life happy.  The things I love.  Enter: Things I <3 Thursdays

This shall be very short and very sweet because you know what?  My family (well, some of them) is here visiting from California and I LOVE THEM!!  Family time is super important to me, so that's exactly what I'm doing this week.  But, to include you in the lovin', here are some pics we took today on a muddy, wet pumpkin patch adventure...

Totally unplanned, wearing random clothes, grumpy two year old...  They're just real.  And I love them.  Even this one...

Speaking of family pictures, I only have 2 more available sessions this YEAR.  And I hardly dare say this, but Christmas deadlines are fast approaching, so if you are hoping for a full session with BDP - now is the time {click HERE to contact me}!!  Annnd how precious is my baby girl people?!  She's the only one who can't run away yet.

Can I also just take a moment to say - how gorgeous is my mother?  This woman has carried 7 babies in her belly, juggled teenagers and toddlers, loved unconditionally and is now the grandmother (but we all call her Nonna) to TEN wild and crazy, sweet and adorable grandchildren.  And I get asked if we're sisters every time we're together.  If you're sensing a bit of envy, you're spot on.  PS: I also love my "baby" sister who is here being the best nanny and friend through my busy season!!

I hope you're as excited as these two for next week's Things I <3 Thursdays, which just might include another giveaway!!!

PS: Props to my brother/apprentice who took all of these images but the last one!!  Future photog in the making.  Watch out world!

Things I <3 Thursdays {Brooklyn Grace Designs}

It pretty much makes my day when I get a little tip or hint that makes my life easier/happier/awesome-er in some way.  So that got me thinking...  Why not share the little (and big) things that make my life happy.  The things I love.  Enter: Things I <3 Thursdays

This right here, this is where it all started.  This super adorable, super soft blanket was given to me as a gift before I had Emma from some of my awesome clients.  

I immediately looked up Brooklyn Grace Designs on Etsy and started drooling over all the goodies.  I contacted Natalie, the owner and she's been a dream to work with.  Here are just a FEW examples of the fun stuff you can find in her Etsy Shop - and make sure to keep scrolling down because there's a discount code AND a chance to win a $20 gift certificate too (as well as adorable baby fever inducing images... Don't act like you haven't been warned!!)

First of all, everything came super quick and packaged adorably.  If you're giving one of these as a gift, you won't even need to wrap it!  

I LOVE the way this adorable newborn beanie photographed, and it fit perfectly on this sweet little angel.  

Couldn't leave out my Emma!  She LOVES snuggling with this extra soft minky lovey - it's the perfect size for snuggles in stroller and carseat rides, and pretty much anywhere else for that matter!  It measures 21"x20" - not too small, but not too big.  

See how much she loves it?!

This sweet vintage inspired headband fit perfectly on the sweet baby girl I had in the studio this week and I love the pop of color it adds to the image.  A girl can never have too many headbands.

These are just a few examples of all the wonderful goodies you'll find over at Brooklyn Grace Designs!  My personal favorites are the blankets...  I absolutely LOVE mine.  It's nice and thick, so it's perfect for baby to lie on and it's not too big.

Of course I couldn't show you all these goodies and not offer an exclusive discount!  Brooklyn Grace Designs was so gracious to offer you 20% off your purchases for ONE week only (valid now through 10.2.14) - so get on it!  Enter coupon code: BGDESIGNS20 at checkout to receive your discount.  These would make amazing Christmas, Baby or Birthday presents...  Trust me, amazing quality guys - stock up!!!

Orrrrrr.... you could just win a $20 gift certificate, how about that??  Enter below - winner will be announced HERE and Facebook on Oct. 3rd.  Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

* Once again, just letting you know that I'm not affiliated and do not benefit in any way from the purchases to Brooklyn Grace Designs.  

My Family 2014 {Sacramento Family Photographer}

You should probably know something about me.  I'm the oldest of seven (yes, you read that right, and yes, my parents must be crazy) children.  Now that we're having families of our own (2 of my sisters also have kiddos) picture time gets more and more "interesting".  While we were out visiting in January, we got everyone gathered together - which is a job in itself - and snapped a few pics!!!  

To say I'm grateful for the family I've been blessed to be a part of would be a huge understatement.  I LOVE them to pieces.  I miss them like crazy.  And I wouldn't trade them for the world.  Here's a few of my favorites!  

PS: How amazing do my parents look??  My goal in life is to look as good as my mom.  And fit into her jeans.

All the grandkiddos - with the exception of Miss Emma who wasn't here yet. 

Did I mention I love my family?  

Slone Family 2013 {East Tennessee Family Portrait Photographer}

"Hi!!!" was the first thing she said as I walked up to their car.  It still blows my mind when I see my little newborns walking and talking like it's nothing.  It had been over 18 months since I'd seen baby Brynlee (you can see her newborn sneak peek HERE).  She was even more adorable than I expected and obviously had a personality to boot.  

She had a blast running all over the VA grounds in Johnson City, TN.  Watching her with her daddy was my favorite part.  It reminded me of my little girl (who is much older than 18 months now!!) with my husband.  There's nothing like a daddy-daughter relationship.  What a lucky girl to be blessed with two amazing parents.  I'm already looking forward to the next time we get to play! 

Oh... those curls.

The Best of 2013 - Tri Cities, TN Photographer

Overwhelmingly blessed.  That's how I'm feeling at this exact moment.  Did you know that only a few short years ago, I decided to make my dreams a reality and pursue photography as a career?  I was scared and didn't quite know where it would take me.  Looking back, that has been one of the best decisions (aside of course from my hubby and kiddos) that I've made in my life.  The amazing people I've met and created lasting relationships with, the lessons I've learned, the ways in which I've grown...  It means everything to me and truly brings joy to my heart.  

Looking back over the year is always bittersweet for me...  Bitter because it's another year gone and sweet because it was just that.  Here are some of my favorite images (in chronological order) from each session I had in 2013.  A HUGE thanks to all of my wonderful clients who make my job so, so rewarding.  I love you all!  Happy Holidays!!  

Can't really think of any better people to spend a year with.  Here's to another SPECTACULAR year for BDP!!  Happy New Year!!  - Brandilyn Davidson

Madison & Chelsae Proposal {Bristol, VA Photographer}

It was meant to be, I wrote Madison.  He had inquired about a session in the middle of October.  To fill you in, October is most photographer's busiest month.  It usually books out over a month in advance.  Right before I had gotten his email, I had a cancellation for the exact weekend he was planning to be in town.

Let me back up.  Madison and Chelsae aren't even from around here - they're from Missouri!  Madison was planning a trip for his girlfriend (since high school!) to see the beautiful fall colors of this area.  He wanted to surprise her by scheduling a photo session... of him PROPOSING TO HER!!!!  I don't know who was more excited, me or him.  He was so sweet, planning everything out and making sure that it would be a surprise.

I'll let the images tell the rest of the story...  I may or may not have cried right along with them.  Such a special moment and it was truly an honor to be a small part of.  Congrats again Madison and Chelsae!!!!

Blowing Rock, NC {East Tennessee Photographer}

Posting all these beautiful fall colors totally gives away that I've been a complete slacker at posting, doesn't it?  Oh well.  At least I have an excuse at the moment: I'm making a human being, so I get a break, right??  I have to use that card while I can!! 

Anyways, my mom came out to visit back in October, so we headed up the Blue Ridge Parkway to see the fall colors and then to Linville Falls and Blowing Rock, NC.  If you haven't been up that way, I highly recommend it!!  So, so incredibly beautiful, especially in the fall.  Here are just a couple images I snapped on our adventures. 

Did I already mention that I miss fall - and I might still be in denial that it's long gone and winter is here to stay... ?  

Golden Family 2013 {Kingsport, TN Family Photographer}

This crazy gorgeous family is my sister-in-law's...  I think we got the peak of the fall colors this year.  Did anyone else think they weren't as vivid this year??  Either way, I sure love these people and love these shots.  The kids were *mostly* angels and I'm so grateful to have each of them as part of my family.  Enjoy!