It’s one of the first questions that gets asked, right after we select a session date. What should we wear?!? It is, hands down, one of most daunting question when booking your photography session… and we’ve all been there :: looking through the family’s closets and (if you’re anything like me) deciding that it’s not up to your expectations…so off to the mall you go.

It helps immensely to have a plan before you start shopping. What’s your family’s style? What kind of tone do you wish for your portraits to have? Formal? Casual? Playful? Do you want them to blend with your home decor (the answer is 100%, absolutely, do-not-pass-go YES if you’re thinking even in the slightest to create a wall gallery)? What kinds of colors do you decorate with the most? What colors make you feel good? Comfortable? Happy?

For the next couple of weeks, I’m going to pick a few of my favorite retailers, online and on foot, to find great outfits for the whole family–mostly casual, but I hope that you’ll use these as ideas for when you’re shopping. It’s fashion–just like art, it’s totally subjective, so you have to choose what feels right for you.

This week we’ll take a look at outfits from Boden. Super cute, a little whimsical, and totally appropriate for everyone. For this, I envisioned a casual look with lots of blues, gray, and earthy brown. With some little punches of fun thrown in.

Dad gets some clean, classic lines. Mom looks super-sharp in a sleeveless cardigan vest and skinny jeans. (And love me that leather jacket! Wowza!) Adorable in polo shirts, cozy sweaters, and snuggle-worthy corduroy dress up the kiddos just right.

I love these options because it looks cohesive…and allows everyone’s personality to come through. And isn’t that what it’s all about?

Happy Wednesday!

Ah, summer, what power you have to make us suffer and like it.
:: Russell Baker ::

(photo via here)

I came across this the other day and found it incredibly thought-provoking.

How do you look at daily situations? What if you chose not to be overcome by them, but rather see the issue as an uplifting experience? I can think of a hundred ways this applies to my life — how about you? What would you do differently today, tomorrow, etc. using this as your mindset?

So I can, admittedly, a little bit of a daydreamer. (Hey, it’s my blog and I get to be honest, right?!) And sometimes it’s just fun to picture yourself somewhere else or thinking about the “What if’s” in life. Lately I’ve been dreaming of an office redo…and what that might look like. It’s truly just a space for me, to work, to dream, to be surrounded by what I love.

I keep coming back to something cozy, with a nice big comfortable chair, tons of great workspace (and some must-have storage for all my goodies), and just a little kiss on the cheek of something vintage. You likey?

Found at Horchow • C.S. Post • Anthropologie • Pottery Barn • Overstock (yup) • Amy Butler • Life Interiors • Flea Markets/ebay • Etsy

By now you know how I feel about my Favorites. These are things that I’ve just decided I can’t live without and unabashedly make me who I am.
So why not share those with you!?

The blog recently celebrated its first year in May–after the Discovery Workshop last spring I realized that my art needed its own voice instead of being lumped in with personal/family news. Thus, the P39 blog was born and it’s been a wonderful addition to Cathy Mores Photography and Parallel 39 Design. So, it’s like a little belated birthday party, but more to celebrate you, the reason that all of this exists! I love being able to share my life, my work, and my inspiration with you :: and am truthfully so honored and humbled, that I can’t help but spread the love!

In honor of all of that – let’s get to the goods! Keep an eye out over the next few weeks, too…because there’s more good stuff coming up in future giveaways! (Of course, I think so.)

This week’s giveaway is based on one of my all-time favorite sayings – “Keep Calm and Carry On”. This little book is filled with quotes, good advice, and cheeky reminders. 

Here’s the scoop on entering ::

1. Leave a comment (seriously, it’s that easy)
2. Tweet about it! (And then come back and leave a comment)
3. Facebook about it! (And then come back and leave a comment)
4. Blog about it! (And then come back and leave a comment)

See the pattern?

Each comment earns one entry. Entries close Friday, June 11 at Midnight CDT. Winner will be chosen by random.org and announced Monday, June 14!

Good luck!

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Days like yesterday–filled with sunshine, abundant light, and a gentle breeze kissing the back of your neck…it’s summer, pure and simple.

And now, for the image that needs no introduction, no Photoshop, just lovely and serene as it gets.
Welcome to the Midwest — “the lungs of America”.

I still can’t get over how the last few months have literally flown by. I think one of my calendars in the office still says March? Seems every time I blink another few weeks has passed, bringing with it a new season and new adventures around our home. School’s out. It’s hot. Have I mentioned that summer is probably my least favorite season? My internal temperature doesn’t compute with 93º and 89% humidity. And neither does my hair, BTW.

Anyway. We celebrated the Memorial Day weekend/unofficial start of summer with a visit to points north, one of our favorite locations on Iowa’s northern edge. A boat ride or two, a spin on the waverunner, some flea market treasures, and plenty of sunshine when the clouds cooperated. Felt so good to dip our toes in the cool water, skip a few rocks, and breathe in carefree days like this.