A photo journal comprised of my thoughts on motherhood and other life happenings, as well as some of professional work as a photographer. Southern California is home.
I shared some words over on The Ma Books. You can read them here. I’ve said it before, but I’ll say it again… I really enjoy everything The Ma Books stands for. Such a great and supportive space.
I’ve updated my website, which is something I feel like I’m doing every few months. I’ve added some featured sessions and moved around a few things. Many thanks to Janet for her help and expertise.
Willy has been on Lexapro now for a few months. When we were in Joshua Tree, he shared that he’s the happiest he’s been in ten years. He hasn’t had any severe anxiety issues in a while. It feels good, for both of us.
I happened to stumble upon this video for Gucci. I’m by no means a designer kinda gal, but the video is just stunning. I’ve watched it several times.
I’m working with Janet on some new designs for The Bee & The Fox. Hoping to have them out within the next month. I’ll also be selling at the Mermade Market here in Dana Point in May. If you’re in the area, you should check it out.
I saw a psychic. She swears there’s a little girl on the horizon. She also said she’s going to be a spitfire. I’m not sure I believe in psychics, but I am sure that if we were to have a girl she would be a spitfire.
This lady was on Oprah and says she understands baby language. Supposedly they say five different words. She’s pretty convincing and makes all of who have mothered children and dug deep into the grab bag of tricks to soothe a crying baby look like fumbling idiots.
How did you fall into motherhood? Was it something you longed for since a little girl, something you fell into, or something that you didn’t think you’d love but turns out you do? I found this article, “Opting Out of Motherhood” interesting. I was that little girl who was always playing house.
I was over on Mozi Magazine’s blog as a featured photographer and shared some tips on family photography and shared some images of one of my favorite families to photograph. You can check it out by clicking here.
The Subtle Art of Not Giving a Fuck. Have you read it? It’s brilliant.
Hooper participated in a jog-a-thon at school. In the days leading up to it, he told me he did not want to run. I told him he didn’t have to. When it started, however, he scrunched up his nose and furrowed his eyebrows (mad face in full effect) and off he went. He didn’t stop despite limping part of the way because he said his leg hurt.
Have you heard about the dog in Seattle who rides the bus, by herself, to the dog park? Her owner describes her as an “urbanized dog”.
I met Tish, who was all kinds of sweet. She captured some images of our family that I know I will treasure forever. I will be sharing them here shortly. If you haven’t checked out her work, you should. I was blown away. So much talent.
I love learning about new and different things other photographers are doing. Like this guy.
Seriously in love with the ‘We Are All Uncool’ campaign. I shared several ‘uncool’ facts about myself on instagram.
Claudia Rose, a wonderfully talented photographer from the UK, reached out to me and shared an interview with me on her blog. You can read it here. I am such a fan of her work, if you aren’t familiar with her yet, you should check her out. Such an honor that she even notices anything I do.
Some of the images I shot for Sweet Threads and Tori Hendrix were featured over on Mini Style Blog. You can see the post by clicking here.
I met Shella, from Sweet Threads, and Tori, from Sitting in a Tree, down at Moose’s Ice Cream shop in San Diego to shoot their Lucca Valentine for Paush line. It was a blast. And if you have a little girl, you should check out their vintage-inspired line. It’s adorable.
Inspired by Tori’s daughter’s, Lucca Valentine, and her wardrobe and style, the limited edition line is a collection of timeless silhouettes, frothy fabrics, and playful prints. It really doesn’t get any cuter.
The first release of styles perfect for Valentine’s Day, will be Saturday, February, 7th 9am PST (online) and 11am PST (in-store).
Interested in hiring me for a similar shoot? Email me: ashley@thestorkandthebeanstalk.com.
It means so much to me to work with people that I genuinely like, respect, and care about. I was pretty nervous leading up to the pop-up shop event at Sweet Threads because putting myself out there like that isn’t normally my jam. But Shella had donuts, and macaroons (which I tried for the first time ever. I know, I’m lame), and having her by my side made the day dare-I-say fun and enjoyable. She has some awesome customers that are super loyal and incredibly inviting. There were also a few familiar faces that came through the door and their support leaves me speechless.
I had anticipated setting up a small area outside the shop to snap some photos of the kids in their new tee’s, but the rain had other ideas so we had to move the whole shindig inside. It all worked out and I had a blast photographing some of the cutest kiddos and enjoyed my time behind the camera — my happy place.
I left with a box of shirts that had less in it than when I came, so that was good. I’m trying my damnest to move these suckers out so I can get to work on some new ones. I have a few ideas that are literally burning holes in my brain. Ha. I also left with two bags filled with new-to-us clothes. Shella always has the most awesome collection of vintage clothing. I came away with a few new pairs of pants, a suede vest, a couple vintage baseball shirts, and a sweater I’m practically making Hooper wear despite the 80 degree November weather because it’s that stinkin’ cute. I felt like a hoarder, secretly adding things to my pile behind the desk before someone swept in and beat me to it. But whatever, I’m not above hoarding.
Special thanks to Shella & Paul at Sweet Threads for hosting and making me feel at home and many thanks, as well, to all who came out to show love and support. I have so much appreciation for y’all.
A giveaway of my own product on my own blog? This feels weird, I won’t lie. Can’t say it’ll be a regular thing, but I do love the idea of giving y’all a chance to win something that I obviously care about and value and hope you will enjoy as much as I do.
I did a photoshoot for The Bee & The Fox the other day (also weird to be shooting your own product) and wanted to share some of the images here. I’m working on adding a separate page for these images (and others) to live on permanently. Styling for the shoot was by my dear friend and child stylist extraordinaire Heather Rome, with vintage clothing provided by my other friends over at Sweet Threads. If you’ve been a long time reader of this blog, you know that Sweet Threads and I have worked together several times in the past and it’s with much excited that we get to work together in this capacity today.
The winner can select whichever design they prefer. There are four:
Happy Camper
Boys Will Be Boys Until the End
Homegrown in the USA
Free As a Bird
The shirts are screen printed on American Apparel tee’s in sizes 2, 4, and 6 and they are super, super soft.
This giveaway is open to US residents only (sorry) and there are numerous ways to enter. Please leave a separate comment for each entry to increase your chances of winning.
-Comment on this post and tell me which t-shirt you’d pick
-Share this post on FB and share the link in the comments below
-Repost a picture from this post on IG and tag @shopsweetthreads, @thestorkandthebeanstalk, #thebeeandthefox, and then leave a comment saying you did so
-Visit Sweet Threads online shop and tell me which item(s) you would pair with the tee (there are so many good ones to chose from…)
This giveaway ends on Halloween night, right at the stroke of midnight. The winner will be picked at random and announced on November 1st, which is the day Sweet Threads and I will be joining forces live and in full effect at their shop in Long Beach. Live in or around the area? I’d love for you to stop by. Like seriously, don’t leave me stranded. The first twenty people to purchase a shirt will have their children’s photo taken in it by me and will be featured here on my blog. What’s more is that your child will also be styled in Sweet Threads one-of-a-kind vintage pieces for the photo and if you’re also interested in purchasing any additional items from Sweet Threads, you will receive a discount. I’ll also be emailing you the high resolution image (s) of your child. Here’s the details:
Just got back from Palm Springs and I have loads of pictures to upload that I can’t wait to share. Girl time is always the best, isn’t it?
Willy and I watched the Bombay Beach documentary the other week and it was so interesting. Have you seen it?
Listened to this song on the way to work and on the way home and I promise that if you rolled up next to me you would have been wishing you were my co-pilot.
Sweet Threads opened it’s brick and mortar in Long Beach and it does not disappoint. I mean check out these photos. Seriously? Sheila did such a great job designing the space. I love how she used the old chairs as clothing racks, as well as the old door frame. That store is almost edible and is filled with tons of one-of-a-kind treasures. And mad props to Sheila for following her passion and doing what she loves. It’s hard to make major changes in life and as I embark on starting my own photography business, you better believe I’m channeling Sheila’s determination and dedication. Homegirl is an inspiration.
What was then Hooper’s nursery was featured over on Baby Space. Such a cute blog. If you haven’t checked it out, you should. Bron had my heart when she opened this post by saying the following: “In some ways I think having a newborn is like going on a much-anticipated family holiday. It’s hectic and confusing with long stretches of nothing broken up by periods of high drama and pure bliss”. She nailed it.
I just about peed my pants when LookNook contacted me about wanting to work together. Haven’t heard of LookNook? LookNook is a team of interior designers that work with you one-on-one to design the interior of your dreams. Best part yet is that you don’t have to leave your computer chair, it’s all down online and is super easy. I have nothing but fantastic things to say about this company. You can enter the giveaway to work one-on-one with one of their designers by clicking here.
Also joining the sponsor gang is Little Flourishes. Little Flourishes makes beautifully designed baby wraps and blanket and their quality is superb. You can enter to win a feather blanket and wrap by clicking here.
Welcome new sponsor Broken Tricycle, who carries some of the cutest organic clothing around. How cute is this sweatshirt?
My mother-in-law sent me this video from KTVU morning news. There’s nothing funnier than watching pranks played on news anchors. News anchors are funny aren’t they? So much plastic surgery and ridiculousness. We have a no news policy in our house because we can’t stand it. Will Ferrell should make a comedy about… oh wait… nevermind.
On the same note, I heard another news story (it was on in the break room at work) about how drinking water out of plastic water bottles can make you age faster. The report went on to say drinking from the plastic bottle can cause mouth creases around your upper lip and to prevent this, we should try to relax our upper lip when drinking. No joke. What’s wrong with our society that we need to be paying attention to relaxing our facial muscles while hydrating? It’s in moments like these I shake my head and wonder how we can undo all that has been done.
I’m kinda obsessed with the little boy in the glasses next to the gold fish shot from Week 28 of You Are My Wild. I’m having so much fun following along with this photo project. Such stunning images each week.
I shared some photos from our wedding along with a short story I may have told here once before and some tidbits on marriage over on Abigail’s blog. You can check out the post by clicking here.
And I had to share this video because linking to it just doesn’t seem appropriate when it’s this fantastic. Willie Nelson is really something, isn’t he? Willy and I just saw him at the Hollywood Bowl (we see him every time he’s in town). He’s 80 years old and he sounds like a million bucks. Anyway, this video is incredibly well done. Every scene is like a beautiful photograph. Do yourself a favor and hit that play button.
I have some wonderful sponsors as of late. Please help me in supporting my sponsors by showing them some love and support. Stop by, say hello. You can click on the photos below to be taken to their respective websites.
Want to read more about my decision to accept sponsors? Click here. Interested in sponsoring? Email me at ashley {at} thestorkandthebeanstalk.com.
This Friday is the first official day of summer and there’s no better way to kick off the start of a new season, perhaps the best of all seasons, than with a giveaway to Sweet Threads. If you’re a long time reader of this blog, you know Sweet Threads has been around for some time. I met Shella long ago at the Rose Bowl Flea market and we’ve become better and better friends ever since. You can read a previous interview with Shella here.
Today she is offering a $50 gift card to one lucky winner. You can use the gift card either online or at her new shop, which opens 4th of July weekend:
Live near Long Beach? Sling your littlest one over your shoulder and put the others in the wagon. It’s time for the grand opening launch of Sweet Threads: The Brick +Mortar local edition. Join us July 4th weekend.
Featuring a candy bar & desserts, discounts & swag packs, and – oh yeah – the latest in kiddo fashion.
The details: Saturday, July 6th // 11am to 5pm // 3301 E. 4th St. Long Beach, CA 90814 // Get 15% off your purchase (sale items not included) // Swag packs available to the first 50 customers // Don’t worry about the sugar, they’ve got your sweet tooth covered.
Don’t live local? Don’t fret my pet. You can still enter to win. The $50 gift card can be used online as well. Here’s some of my favorites from their online shop. In case you can’t tell, I’m totally swooning over the swimsuits for the little ladies… I mean… come. on.
Are you like me and can’t decide between vintage and modern or like to mix and match? Again, don’t fret, they got all the bases covered. Sweet Threads carries the latest brands like Mini Rodini and Mini & Maximus as well as the sweetest vintage finds you could imagine. My kiddos have long been outfitted in Sweet Threads…
Onto the giveaway details:
This giveaway is open internationally (international shipping costs additional, however).
You can enter any of the following ways. Please leave a separate comment for each entry to increase your chance of winning. As usual, the winner will be chosen in two weeks using Random.com and will be announced here on Friday, July 5th. An email will also be sent, so make sure you email address is valid.
Interested in making a purchase? Shella is kindly offering all Stork readers a 20% discount with coupon code STORK20. This coupon code is good for one month (expires 7/20/13).
Sweet Threads always has the best in vintage and designer kid clothes, but I was blown away when I saw how much they have on sale right now. It’s going fast and not all sizes are available, so get these great looks before they’re sold out.
Please welcome new sponsor, Urban Baby Bonnets. They specialize in bonnets but they also have loads of adorable dresses for the little ladies. Everything they sell is handmade.
I want to take a moment and thank all of my sponsors. It’s been great working with each and everyone of the kind people behind these stores and blogs. For more about my reason to accept sponsors, click here. For information about joining The Stork sponsor family, email me (ashley {at} thestorkandthebeanstalk {dot} com).
I am so smitten with this company. Their clothes are some of the ca-uttest around. Their models are pretty adorable too. I’m obsessed with just about everything in their store, but I especially love these booty pants, these chino pants, and this little lady dress. Do you not agree that their stuff is TDF?
I love supporting other bloggers. It’s a community I’ve grown to really enjoy being a part of. Rookies is a blog written by Ama, mama to sweet little baby Lane. She just bought a home and I can totally relate to her new found obsession with list making, says the lady sitting at the computer surrounded by random pieces of paper with grocery lists, to-do lists, blog post lists, etc scattered about. Stop by her blog and say hello.
Sweet Threads has the very best of designer and vintage clothes for the kiddos. If I had a girl, she’d be rockin this little red gem or OMFG this little romper faster than you could ask did she just allude to wanting a third child? They have some awesome items on sale right now too, including my all time fav “Forever Young” shirt and these leggings I featured in the last Style de Hooper. Sweet Threads is run by the beautiful Sheila and Analie. If you don’t follow them on instagram, you should; their feed is always uplifting with sprinkles of vintage loveliness.
DiaNoche Designs specializes in art by day, light by night. I did a feature on them here. There is still a few days left to enter the giveaway to win a piece of art. Their work is unique and made with the best quality. You can get free shipping with code beanstork321.
This kiddo fashion (and beyond) blog is so lovely and so well done. It’s run by three moms, whom I believe represent the western, central, and eastern parts of our beautiful nation. Pretty cool, no? They have amazing taste and manage to find some real gems. Every time I visit their corner of the worldwide web, I leave inspired. I also follow them on instagram. Definitely worth a wee peek, but be warned– you’ll be hooked.
Little Foot Boutique is run by a dear friend of mine, Lisa. She’s ubber talented and not only is everything handmade, but it’s handmade with love. It’s always inspiring to see someone commit themselves fully to something they enjoy doing. Lisa’s constantly adding new things to her store and if you haven’t checked it out yet, you must. I featured her chevron skirt here. I love this skirt for a little lady, this bib and birp cloth set, and these customizable chevron curtains.
Comfy Rumps is the place to go for cloth diapers. Their cloth diapers are not only made with the best quality, but their also the most affordable cloth diaper out there. I did a review on them here. They also have training pants and diaper accessories. You can check out their special promotions here.
I promise you you’ll never find more pacifiers. Babbling Babies has page after page of various designs to chose from. I love the twins pacifier (there’s one way not to mix up your kiddos), the skull pacifier (this one may make Willy want to try for a girl), and this milk pacifier. There are so, so many to chose from. Check them out for yourself!
Special thanks to all my sponsors and to my readers who support them with me.
I came across Sweet Threads at the Rose Bowl Flea Market. It all happened when their vintage kiddo clothes caught my eye from across the way and I went into robot mode: arms stretched out like a walking zombie with a little voice whispering creepily in my head, “must go there”. I saw, I touched, I swooned, I purchased, and now I’ll never be the same. They have some of the best quality modern and vintage kiddo clothes I’ve ever brushed my I have to touch it fingers across. Crisply folded. Beautifully displayed. And the cutest restored VW van to boot. These gals are the real thing and are destined for greatness. Mark my words.
In typical The Stork & The Beanstalk fashion, I asked them to participate in a little Q + A. Here’s what they had to say:
How did Sweet Threads come about?
Analie & I have been friends for a long time. We met back in 5th grade disconnected and found each other again in high school. We were always creative and crafty, which is why it was no surprise we both ended up going to college for Fashion.
We always joked about wanting to go into business together and seriously started pursuing our dream after having worked in the fashion industry.
We saw a market for vintage kids clothing and at the time the trend of mobile fashion boutiques started to become popular
We wanted to be a part of this. We wanted a vehicle, but one that suited our business well. We wanted something classic, something vintage and realized a VW bus was the answer.
Our name Sweet Threads was inspired by the sweetness of children and the cool, fresh threads we carry.
We wanted to do a play on words with our name and make our VW bus into a “sweet” ride by turning it into what looked like an Ice cream truck. This was a journey for all of us and what better way to enjoy the journey but in a sweet ride.
We opened our cyber doors in April 2012 and in September 2012, we took our business to the Rose Bowl Flea Market. Since then we have sold at the Long Beach Antique Market, Melrose Trading Post and have been invited to do Pop-Up shops.
Where do you find inspiration?
Our inspiration comes from Shella’s love for vintage while Analie’s comes from her love of being a mother! We combined our interests, years of industry experience and talents to create a shopping experience infusing nostalgic pieces with modern domestic and international trends from the U.S., Europe and Asia.
You seem to love what you do. What’s your advice to others who also want to pursue their passion?
There have been major events in our lives that have made us realize life is way too short. We want to breathe and live life, we want to feel alive and what better way to do that but by DOING WHAT YOU LOVE.
For those who want to pursue their passion we always tell each other to ENJOY your journey. What’s the point if you don’t enjoy doing it? Keep an open mind. There will be good days but there will also be bad days and mistakes that will be made. When those days come, keep in mind it could be worse. Learn from the mistakes and embrace them. It will only make you stronger and smarter.
Where do you see Sweet Threads in five years time?
We are working towards opening our 1st brick & mortar and hopefully become key players in the Vintage + New Kids Clothing market. We also plan to give back to the community through our business with either a charity or foundation.
Our most treasured find is a “BELIEVE” sign we found at Goodwill. We bring this sign to all of our events as a reminder to us to never stop believing and as an inspiration to others.There is always at least one customer at each event who will ask to buy our sign. Unfortunately it is priceless. ;P
Favorite thrfit store?
Our favorite thrift store is Amvets Thrift Store in Long Beach. It’s a pretty big size, lots of clothing and shoes for both adults and kids, tons of glassware, knick knacks, purses and large offering of toys, books, furniture and they do have electronics! Down fall is there is ALWAYS a long line. :/You can read more about Sweet Threads here.
The items I’ve purchased from Sweet Threads are some of my favorites. Here’s some shots of Hooper and Van outfitted in the sweetest threads around.
Like what you see? Check out some of the other items in their online store.
Want the best deal around? Meet these gals at the Rose Bowl or Long Beach Flea Markets. They’re also at the Melrose Trading Post. Find them on instagram (@shopsweetthreads) to find out where they’re gonna be next!
Shella and Analie are offering The Stork & The Beanstalk readers a 25% off discount with coupon code STORK. Check em’ out, yo.
Also, I’m over on Modern Kiddo today with a mini holiday gift guide for the boys. Check out my feature here.
It’s December 1st and I don’t know about you, but Christmas has been looming over my head for the past week or so. It’s like a whole separate to do list: think of what to get people, go out and get it or order it online, wrap it, drop it off at the post office, think of what I want, think of what the kids need, decide on a Christmas card to send out, send out Christmas cards, buy a Christmas tree, decorate a Christmas tree. My mind is spinning, can you tell? Anyway, I’ve thrown out quite a few discount codes over the past month or so and I thought it’d be helpful to compile them all in one place to make online shopping a little easier. I hope these discounts are useful and that you can check a few people off your list from these awesome stores/companies below. There are some really cool people behind these stores/companies and I’m happy to support each and every one of them. So with no further adieu, get to shopping. And check some peeps off your list. It will feel so good, won’t it? I love putting that line through things. Or that check in the box. I’m really not a type A, but that sure makes me sound like one doesn’t it?
15% off from etsy seller Truly Sanctuary with coupon code STORKANDTHEBEANSTALK
