Camera + Equipment
I currently shoot with a Canon 6d, 50 mm f/1.4 lens and my iPhone 5s. If you are getting into photography, I could recommend the Sony a330 or Canon T3i. I used both cameras before I upgraded and they were great beginner DSLRs.
I love using scrapbook paper and white foam board for backdrops. Super classy, huh?
Affiliate Links & Sponsored Posts
Occasionally, I will link to items that I love or share sponsored posts. If you choose to purchase that item, I will receive a small percentage of the cost. I only recommend products that I love and use. I am grateful to my sponsors and readers that allow me to keep this blog going!
Party & Holiday Supplies
I love being as frugal as I can when it comes to celebrating. I have built up a stash of go-to party supplies that you can read about here. I also love picking up party supplies from Target dollar spot and Dollar Tree.
I came from a large family with a limited income. My mom was a genius when it came to celebrating on a small budget and luckily, I learned from her how to do it. I believe that you don’t have to have a lot of money to celebrate. Many of the ideas featured here are very inexpensive. While I wish I had an unlimited budget for party supplies, decorations, and gifts, I don’t think it’s the amount you spend that creates a memory. I have built up a collection of basic party items that I use over and over, but other than that, I try to do everything as cheaply as I can. I try and use things I have around the house. I think it’s always more fun to be festive when it takes some creativity.
Posting Schedule
You can expect 1-2 posts per week on a regular basis. When a holiday is coming up, however, there are a lot more festive things to post about. So during holiday seasons, check back often as there are almost daily posts.
Subscribe to the party here and you’ll never miss out on a post! (No spam, I promise! And I will not share to 3rd parties).
Guest Posters
I always love seeing what festive things you do! And I am always up for a new tradition. If you’d like to submit any of your parties, recipes, or traditions, send an email to mel@sofestive.com or use the contact form. I will notify you if your submission will be posted. I give priority to photos that are well-lit.
Celebrating with Small Children
I am often asked if I get sick of celebrating or do it just to blog about it. Honestly, no. I love to make life exciting, in even the simplest of ways. My effort in being festive is only to find the good around me and celebrate exactly that. I believe that it’s the small things that become the BIG things.
One of my mantras is that you have time for what you want. Keeping up on traditions and celebrating holidays and birthdays is a big priority for me. So, I make time for it. I try to keep an organized and tidy house, but I’ll always choose party planning over mopping my kitchen floor.
