Where to Find Props for Food Photos

Hey guys, it's Christina. I'm one of the Maryland/Delaware Reps and blog over at Mom's Messy Miracles. Today I'm sharing with you some ideas on where to find props for your food photos.

I'm far from an expert, but I think my food photos have improved immaculately.

While a lot of food photography is actually using your camera correctly, you can really help your photos by finding some great props. It's kind of become a slight obsession of mine now to look for things I could use wherever we go.

Dollar Stores

At the dollar store, you can buy single plates, cups and bowls for $1. But... do you think about what else you can get there? Grab a roll of wrapping paper for a nice back drop. I have a couple of "wedding" design wrapping paper rolls that are just striped or small really light circles. Also, check in the dish aisle for shelf liners. You can get adhesive shelf liners in different designs that will allow you to make your "table" granite or various wood patterns. 

If you need something seasonal for a few added props in the background, you can grab them at the dollar store without breaking the bank. 

Yard Sales, Flea Markets or Consignment Shops

When you're at Yard Sales, Flea Markets or Consignment shops, keep an eye out for things that you can use.

 

You'll be able to find clear glasses, random plates, bowls and napkins for super cheap at these sales. If you go to a store, you'll usually have to buy a set, but not at a yard sale! I'll also group Goodwill into this because you can find some great pieces there that are sold individually.

Look for oddball white dishes (they're best for most of your food) in different shapes or with different designs. Antique plates can bring a completely different look to your food photos. I've really added to my collection while paying about .50 for each dish. 

Ebay

When you figure out what it is that you want, search for it! If you add primitive or antique to whatever it is that you're looking for, you'll be overwhelmed with great possibilities. 

Finding a lot (meaning a large group of items) or a few items from the same seller is probably your best bet on ebay. 

Retail Stores

In a craft store, or even Walmart, you'll find so many great options. Try not to get too crazy though. Simple is best when it comes to your food photos. Anything you get shouldn't take away from your food, so keep that in mind while you're going crazy throwing things in the cart. 

I've been buying Fat Quarters (fabric pieces) instead of fabric napkins. I can pick them up for much cheaper than napkins and they're larger if I wanted to cover my whole "table" with it. 

Holiday Clearance

I've been really lucky lately finding super cheap clearance on holiday items. I'm still finding Valentine's Day items and Christmas items! I paid 10 cents for a pack of 10 paper straws last week and found a few more packs this week! I love being able to sneak a little color into a picture with just a straw. The pop sticks were 10 cents, too! 

Yes, some of the holiday clearance will only be useful for said holiday, but many times it'll be good for general use, too. Like those pink and red straws. They're Valentine's Day straws, but I'm pretty sure I can use pink and red any time I want.

Where do you find your props for food photos?

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Valentine's Day on a Budget: Good for the Heart and the Wallet

Hi everyone! I'm Kelly. I am one of the Massachusetts reps, and I write A Lovely Life, Indeed. 

This morning, my sweet husband asked me about our plans for Valentine's Day, or more specifically, whether we had any, and if we did not, what was it that I wanted to do. 

I probably gave him the answer that many men want, but one that they may or may not suggest themselves.

"Let's stay in," I said. 

The eyebrow went up and he was quiet for a moment, only to be reassured when he heard my reasoning. 

For starters, he has been teaching a class on Saturdays for the last six weeks, so we have been playing catch up on weekends. Also, we're going away with friends next weekend, so a romantic night in sounds great. 
Valentine's Day may be a Hallmark holiday, but nevertheless, it is the perfect day to show a little love. 

Luckily, love doesn't have to break the bank. 

Also, in keeping it low key, you focus on the one you love, without having to buy into the commercial nonsense that dilutes the magic of the night. 

And when it comes down to it, isn't it better canoodling with your plus one at home, rather than waiting for a rushed, overpriced, pre-fixe, and perhaps, mediocre meal at an overcrowded bar or restaurant?

Here are some ways to celebrate the love of Valentine's Day and keep to your spending goals at the same time.

1. Set the tone. Put a note in his lunch...romantic or naughty and inviting. Give him a clue as to what's to come. 

2. Flirt throughout the day. Send a text, loving or suggestive. Build the excitement and carry it throughout the day.

3. Stay in. We make homemade pizza and open a bottle of wine. He makes the pizza and opens the wine and I, well, I sip the wine, dig out the supplies and occasionally flick a little flour around to start a little trouble. 

Markup on drinks average 300-400%. Why not stay in with a bottle of your own wine, some food to get you through the night, and a little Diana Krall or Chris Botti on Pandora? You set the stage. You control the ingredients.  You make the magic.

And, if you're not lucky enough to have a working fireplace in your home, you can always channel your own via Neflix...seriously. 

The cozy view courtesy of Netflix

4. Celebrate with friends. Couples' night or Girls' Night In...have people over and celebrate with tapas and sangria, or whatever flavor palate suits your fancy. 

5. Borrow from his closet. I don't know if it's in their DNA, but guys... or at least my guy... loves the idea of me donning one of his shirts. Who needs expensive lingerie? Try the work shirt. Or a tie and heels...you're good to go. A win-win.

Can you go out and break the bank with reservations at a fancy restaurant, drinks at a trendy bar, flowers to decorate your home or office, and gifts to mark the day? Absolutely. 

But, if you're on a plan to eliminate debt or grow your savings, or if you simply prefer to have your beloved to yourself, and not share among the throngs of others celebrating among you, then a romantic night in may be just the thing.

It's good for the wallet, it's good for the heart, and if you play your cards right, it's good for the body. 

Cheers!

What are some of your romantic, low-budget date night ideas?

Thank you to Northeast Bloggers Network for letting me guest post. If you're looking for an upbeat blog about love, travel and the good life, visit me at A Lovely Life, Indeed. Have a great week!

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5 Quick & Easy Holiday Decorating Ideas

Hi! I’m Christina, one of your state reps for Maryland & Delaware, and you can find me at Mom’s Messy Miracles. I have two little boys, ages 1 and 3, so decorating for the holidays is a bit of a challenge for us. I love getting out my decorations, but don’t have all day to do it.

1. Use Toys

In our house with two little ones, I can’t have a bunch of breakables and beautiful displays set up around the house. I can have toys though. I like being able to put out my Christmas Mickey and Snoopy dolls. They look cute out and it’s not the end of the world when someone pulls one down and decides to play.

2. Wrap Wall Hangings

We have a couple of pictures on the wall. It’s super quick and easy to pull them down, wrap them in some fun paper and rehang them. You can do this all over the house to add some holiday magic in every room (or maybe just the rooms that people will be occupying).

3. Toss Ornaments in a Dish

Now that our tree is covered in special ornaments, we don’t put our plain ones on the tree anymore. If you have a couple vases or big bowls, toss some of your extra ornaments (or hit the dollar store) in a dish. You can put this on the table for a quick centerpiece, on the mantel, or a random shelf.

4. Pinecones

Pinecones can be found everywhere it seems right now. They seem plain, but grab a couple and put them in a basket with a piece of fabric or ribbon tied around to make a bow, you’ve got another easy decoration.

5. Ornaments from the Ceiling

Use some ribbon and tie up ornaments from the ceiling or chandelier. Really, anywhere you can attach them around the house would be a fun addition. Easy enough and will only take a couple of minutes to do a bunch.

What are some of your favorite ways to decorate the house quickly?


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Road Trip Theme Ideas!

Today Kelly of A Lovely Life, Indeed, is sharing some tips with us for some great road trips!  Summer might be almost over but these ideas would be great in the fall as well!

We love road trips. Armed with snacks, coffee or tea and a good play list, we can go for days. 

If you're one of those folks, like us, who loves the open road, here are some theme ideas for your summer travels that may take you someplace unexpected.
 
1. State park tour. 
Make a goal to visit your state parks. Start here, at America's State Parks or google your own state's parks. Use apps and gps tours to access the best that your state has to offer.

2. Museum tour
If you're a Bank of America card holder, you can get into more than 150 museums in 92 cities in 31 states for FREE on the 1st weekend of every month through the Museums on Us program. This is a great way to see touring exhibits, as well as permanent collections that your favorite museums have curated. 

If you're not a Bank of America card holder, check with your local library for museum passes. This is a lower-cost option and you may discover someplace new. A win-win. 

3. Foodie tour...here are some ideas for seeking out samples of the best in your area and crown your own personal champion.

• lobster rolls
• barbecue
• ice cream 

4. Get your kicks on route 66
Or any other route that works for you. Pick a starting point of any in-state route and follow it from end to end. Or, if you have more time, pick an interstate. Stay off the beaten path and discover main streets and back roads, country stores and roadside attractions. You can always get on the freeway, but you may discover a way from here to there worth revisiting. And if you have a lot of time, consider US-1, from Maine to Key West, Florida.

5. Flagship pilgrimage
Many beloved companies have flagship stores that are well worth the visit. They may offer tours and outlets where you can find bargains on your favorite products. 

Here in New England, we have

• L.L. Bean in Freeport, Maine
• Ben and Jerry's in Waterbury, Vermont
• Yankee Candle Company in Deerfield, Massachusetts
• Sam Adams Brewery in Boston, Massachusetts
• Cabot Cheese in Cabot, Vermont

And I have always wanted to visit Bronner's Christmas Wonderland in Frankenmuth, Michigan to add to our ornament collection and tradition. 

 

What are your favorite road trip themes?

 

 Want even more road trip ideas?  Check out the rest of Kelly's ideas over at her original post here!

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Welcome to Our New Team Members!

We are excited to announce a few changes coming to our community this fall!  Our state reps are now going to be regular contributors to the blog and along with that we have also added a few new team members!  Don't worry, we will still be accepting guest post as well!

We are also working hard to bring you some meet up events this fall as well!  Please let us know if you have an idea for an event in your area and we can try to work it out!

And now let's introduce our new Team members!

Rosa from CT

Rosa lives in CT with her husband, four children and new fur baby Coco.. Sharing ideas and lifestyle moments with others who have similar passions is her motivation for blogging.  It is her goal to inspire and be inspired by all who visit.

Valerie from NJ

Valerie is a post-grad twenty-something born and raised in New Jersey with big dreams for her future. She started blogging to document her life post-college and all the ups and downs that the "real world" brings. Through her blog and writing, she hopes to inspire others to dream big, pursue their passions and always follow their hearts.

 Ellie from MA.

Ellie is married with two boys and has lived in the Northeast (specifically New England) her whole life! She loves using technology to create fuller, yummier, more colorful life for her family and friends. She blogs about life and technology.

Bethany from VT

Bethany is an almost 30, beauty and fashion enthusiast, living in the state of Vermont with her "manfriend", two chihuahuas, cat, and parakeet. All about being eco-conscious and sustainable. Likes yoga, photography, shopping, and learning new things.

Kim from ME

Kim is a student studying journalism who is obsessed with blogging and all things girly. Born and raised in the beautiful state of Maine, she is attending college in Portland and probably spending too much money at all the shops downtown. She blogs about fashion and beauty and loves the beach, photography, nail polish, and adventuring.

Amy from RI

We are also welcoming back Amy as a state contributor as well!

Amy is a twenty-something Rhode Island lifestyle blogger, married to her soldier husband Brian.  When Amy isn't blogging, she is working full-time as a Graphic Artist and part-time as a freelance Graphic Designer. Amy and Brian love to travel. Some of Amy's hobbies include scrapbooking, photography, and her newest, fishing.

Larisha from NJ

Last but not least, welcome Larisha as our new Twitter/social media assistant!

Larisha writes a natural parenting blog focusing on topics such as breastfeeding, cloth diapering, babywearing, baby led weaning, bedsharing, and having a healthier and better eating lifestyle. Additionally, there's lots of yummy recipes, travel recommendations, and of course products reviews and giveaways! Follow along the journey of first time parents!

Welcome new Team Members!  Please check out our blog's Team Page later this week for updated information about our new team members, including links to their blogs and social media!

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Rhode Island Blogger Meet Up!

Our lovely Rhode Island state reps, Jessica and Amy, are putting together a meet up for those bloggers in or near Rhode Island!  Here is all the info!

We hope you’ll join us for a nice night out and the chance to meet some great new people. We’re in the process of planning other fun outings the we can all do as a group. We’re thinking Paint Nite and a Fused Glass class! We first wanted the opportunity to meet each other and share a few laughs in a relaxed environment with no pressure of having to focus on a project or other activity.

RSVP by leaving a comment below saying you're planning to come!

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