5 tips: finding a wedding photographer

Jess and I are down to a little more than one month, that's it! We got engaged in January, and now all of a sudden school is over and we only have a month until we get married. I've had a lot of help in planning from my mom and aunt, but one thing I did all on my own was find our photographer, Brooke Davis. She's incredible, and I thought I'd share with you tips on how to score your own fabulous photog. Here's part 1 of our engagement session!

1. Start early. Time is valuable in this case. Honestly, I have been keeping my eye on wedding photographers for years. Jess and I didn't even start to get serious until last October, but I didn't let that stop me from noticing photographers with great style. All the photographers I have bookmarked have blogs or websites where you can scroll through hundreds of their photoshoots and get a good idea of whether they match the style you're looking for. 

2. Keep a list. Make a Pinterest board or something to bookmark your favorites, even if you're not getting married soon. After all, you never know when the magic will happen.

3. Shop around. Don't be afraid to email a few of them to inquire about pricing so you have an idea of what people are charging these days. It takes a while to compare price lists and packages to know exactly what you want and who is in your budget. Also, each photographer has their own style. We chose Brooke because we loved the raw honesty in all of her photos. We didn't want much editing. We wanted someone who could bring out the natural beauty in us and our surroundings.

4. Ask questions. I scheduled a phone date with Brooke as soon as I could to ask questions and to decide if her personality would jive with us. Ask things like:

• Are you the kind of photographer who blends in or takes charge?
• How do you make the men feel more comfortable in front of the camera?
• Will I have printing rights to the photos?
• How long does your editing process take?

5. Keep in touch. Once you've chosen your photographer, keep in touch and continue asking questions. Ask them if you should bring ideas of poses or shots you want. Ask if they have suggestions about what to wear. Be proactive and get to know them a little bit. Your photoshoot will likely turn out better if you are familiar with each other.

Who are your favorite wedding photographers? 

xo, Jane

3 ways to save money during college

The college years may be the most fun, but they are definitely not the most prosperous. It has always seemed to be a battle of opportunity costs for me. Do I go with the one that's cheap or the one that tastes good? Should I buy a bus pass to save gas money, or would it even equal out? Can I afford to buy that for my little brother's birthday right now?

You get it, right? I'm sure most of you have felt the same way at some point or another. I've thought long and hard about my last five years at school to bring you five tips on saving money as a student.

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1. Shop wisely.

When it comes to buying clothes, be smart about spending. In the college towns I know of, there are great second-hand stores like Plato's Closet where you can find fabulous name-brand stuff for cheap if you dig. If you don't want to go with used, set aside time to scour your favorite stores' sales periodically. You'll have more luck if you go on a regular basis and are familiar with what the store is carrying. My other favorite is DownEast Outfitters, where I look for the discounted stuff from Anthropologie and Urban Outfitters. Harley and I occasionally swap clothes that we're sick of, which is another great way to get new-to-you stuff for free.

2. Be textbook savvy.

Sometimes it seems like a better option to save time and get books from the bookstore, but that may also mean you spend hundreds of dollars. Consider trying used bookstores, buying from other students on the campus book swap for your school, or renting from online resources like Campus Book Rentals or Rent Back.

3. Dinner club it.

A few years ago my aunt and I came up with a cooking system that maximized benefits for both of us. We would cook yummy things at her house, like pizza, soups, and scones--we would make enough for me to take home a few servings of each to freeze, but there would also be leftovers for a complete dinner for her family. This way, I had access to obscure spices and other ingredients and we both had a chance each week to make meals ahead. I paid her about $25 each time, which was a great deal since I had real food to eat for about two weeks. If you don't have family, consider either organizing a dinner group with roommates or friends, or simply buying food in bulk to make freezer meals.

Bonus Hacks:

* Cut dryer sheets in half * Wash and rinse clothes in a cold cycle * Only eat out with coupons * Work out with deals through your university * Sign up for Groupon emails * Upcycle things like mirrors and shelves to decorate with * Put any one dollar bills you get into a jar to save * Don't grocery shop when you're hungry * Pack a lunch * 

How do you save your pennies?

xo

Jane

5 tips: how to go 30 days without sugar

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Someday I plan on owning a bakery where I can make treats from dawn until dusk, powdered sugar on my cheek and sprinkles under my fingernails. Until that day, however, I have realized I need to be okay with only one cookie or the smaller slice of strawberry rhubarb pie. If you're anything like me, sweets, chocolates, candies, and basically anything else containing corn syrup is an unhealthy weakness that needs to be reigned in.

A few years ago Harley and I started a 30-day sugar fast that we strictly maintained until Valentine's day, upon which we ate office treats until we decided another 30-day sugar fast was in order. I've never been that extreme (on either side) in sugar fasts since then, but I think I've refined the methods. Here's how to make it an entire 30 days guilt free.

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1. Do it with a friend.

A support system is good for any goal you have, but you may need more than a thumbs up when you're doing No Sugar. Har and I text each other when the sugary temptations seem too much ("Help...my boss brought doughnuts to work today!") and reply with encouraging and diverting comments. Having a friend actually doing it with you makes all the difference.

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2. Understand the concept.

Decide your purpose and limitations at the very beginning, based on how extreme you want your sugar fast to be. Are you trying to avoid all processed sugar? Do you want to wean yourself from wanting a treat after every meal? Whatever your reason is, you need to understand it. This will help you in knowing what to give up.

The first time I did No Sugar, I went to the extreme: I only bought plain, unsweetened yogurt, I didn't eat crackers, and I stayed away from granola bars. It was a great experience and I definitely felt cleaner, but it's too extreme for me to maintain. Right now I still put a teaspoon of brown sugar in my oatmeal and jam on my toast--the purpose of my sugar fast is to break the habit of junkfood being my go-to and after meal snack. 

3. Use a daily checklist.

I don't like food logs, they're too high maintenance for my schedule, but I do keep a calendar next to my alarm clock where I check off whether I went the day without sugar. It's a little easier to say no when you remember you have the choice between a check mark or an X. Accountability. That's the key.

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4. Pay attention to how you feel.

I find motivation in remembering how clean I feel when I go without sugar for long enough. Pay attention to your body and remember how good you feel. More energetic? Happier? Fewer slumps during the day? Let those be incentives as well.

5. Know it's not forever.

When I remember I only have to make it for 30 days, skipping dessert seems more doable. Another great thing about No Sugar: you'll become more appreciative of the smallest piece of chocolate if you're careful and aware enough. On the days I slip up (it happens!), I usually manage to only give in to something tiny. It's enough, since it's better than nothing!

Comment to let us know if you're taking the pledge!