Once your local Starbs is selling all the PSLs and frapps and declaring it’s FALL despite the 80* weather, then it’s time to break out the pumpkin everything. It’s funny how this all started because yes, I’m suddenly craving pumpkin everything, but ALSO it’s a new school year. So back into the routine of things, back to schedules, back to weekly plans and meal planning. My desire is to boost health overall, as well as get some healthy habits nailed down. It’s starting with breakfast!

If you know me, you know I love my Young Living Essential Oil Company. And I love everything about it, from treating my family with alternative health options, as well as all of their safe non-toxic products I’ve replaced in our home, and even the FOOD they offer!

Enter fall time, and enter the desire to try the Vanilla Spice Protein Powder. It’s loaded with a ton of goodness, from a full range of amino acids, to ATP production supporters (hello, increased energy!), and 25 grams of protein per serving.

We tend to load our pumpkin goodies with copious amounts of sugar, which counteracts the BENEFITS we could be receiving from beloved pumpkin. I was amazed to find how much fiber pumpkin can provide you with just a small amount, vitamins, and the crazy awesome levels of beta-carotene that will boost your body’s anti-oxidant needs!

Vanilla spice and pumpkin sounded like a heavenly combination to me, so I grabbed my YL Vanilla Spice Protein Powder, unsweetened vanilla almond milk, and organic pumpkin puree.

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In a blender, I layered 8 ounces of almond milk, scooped out approximately 1/4 cup pumpkin, and 2 scoops of protein powder.

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30 seconds later, I was enjoying the deliciously fall-time smoothie to get my health on track for the rest of the day.

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In less than two minutes, I was ready to start my day off right with a balanced protein meal loaded with vitamins and fiber to keep me full. Please let me know if you try this! Approaching your health in a new way is tons more fun when you’re doing it together!

VANILLA SPICE PUMPKIN PROTEIN SMOOTHIE

  • 8 ounces unsweetened vanilla almond milk
  • 1/4 cup canned pumpkin
  • 2 scoops Young Living Vanilla Spice Protein Powder

Pulse until blended (approximately 30 seconds). Pour into cup & enjoy!

It’s so much fun when my newborn babies come back to me as big ole 1 year olds! I love seeing how their personalities have blossomed, and witnessing them dig into a sugary CAKE. Most of my cake smashes are done in a studio setting, but this guy wanted to eat cake at the beach! And that’s what he got. And it turned out pretty dang cute if you ask me.

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Basically I arrived at this family’s adorable home and I squealed inside…they had a goldendoodle. I lurve those doggies! He was pretty much the best thing ever and I debated bringing him home in one of my props. “Oh whoops, I accidentally brought your dog home with me. I’ll return him in a few years.”

You know who else was super cute?! The new baby girl in the house. Sweet little fingers and soft hair. Let me work through all her poses. Little coos and noises. Is your uterus twitching yet? Check out her adorable personalized onesie.

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Did you catch Wesley’s cake smash goodness on the blog yesterday? Oh so adorable. Up next is the family session we did later in the afternoon. I had a blast chasing this family around the park. So much fun!

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This little family is full of so much love and sweetness, it’s always a joy when I get to hang out with them! Both parents are super creative and throw some amazing birthday parties, too. Full of awesome details and handcrafted goodness. Wesley’s one-year birthday party theme was based on the book, The Little Prince. So rad! Here is part 1 of Wesley’s shoot–his indoor shoot and cake smash. I’ll post part 2 with his family session tomorrow.

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I have known this sweet lady since she was a wittle girl. She’s my cousin-in-law, actually, and so I’m going to brag about how smart she is and what a great tennis player she is and how beautiful she is from the inside out. Love her! She’s having a blast at TCU this year and started her spring semester. Can’t wait to see you soon, Courtney!

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Sisters! It is so much fun for me photographing other people’s kids. I just love watching siblings interact, and I always have a blast when it’s little girls. Mama wanted some updated photos of the girls, and include some special baby #3 announcement photos while we were at it. (Spoiler alert: they got a brother!) You’ll be seeing more of this fam on the blog as I continue to get things updated from last year’s session. I’ll be sharing their maternity shoot and little man’s newborn shoot also!

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This guy is awesome. What an absolute privilege it was to photograph him in his first few days of life, and to give mama the newborn-naked-and-cuddly-on-blankets photos she desired so much. Such a blessing to be a part of that. It leaves me speechless to this day (which if you know me, speechless and Lizzie doesn’t mix ;) ). Keep fighting, Easton, and keep being the rad little guy you are. We are praying and lifting you up, sweet thing.

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