If you’ve caught our monthly Little Things column, odds are you already know that Carrie Ryan is both a thoughtful and creative mother, and a killer photographer. The lady-behind-the-lens at Sweet Louise Photography has been a part of our team since last June, and I swear, every time I see her I love her more and more. Today Carrie’s taking center stage as she shares her must-have items as the next subject in our Editors’ Essentials series… take it away, m’lady!
Pears. Good on salads, great in sauces, perfect sliced and coupled with a slice of cheddar or roasted with a little honey, or just plain straight up. Pears are delish. image source (original unknown).
Quilts. My grandmother was An avid quilter and passed that love along to each of her 5 daughters (my mother being one) and although I am not a quilter I absolutely love the stories they tell and the comfort they provide. image source.
The canon 35mm 1.4. This is my favorite lens — it’s wide and tack sharp. It allows me to shoot large groups at a wedding or a tight close up of food on a table. Love it. image source.
The City Select. This inline stroller allows you to be-bop around town without feeling like you need to have be in your own stroller lane. You can add a second seat for a new baby and everything about it works seamlessly. Great for trails or city cruising.
Dutch oven. Because everything is better when it has been slow cooked in a Dutch oven. image source.
IKEA Ribba frames. I put kids artwork, cut up old calendars and even family portraits in Ikea frames. They’re inexpensive, clean-lined and versatile.
Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick. I don’t wear much make up, so this compact is a must for me. If I have time for nothing else, I put some shimmer on my cheeks and a little clear gloss on my lips.
My husband’s fried chicken. It’s just amazing. He’s an engineer but he probably should have a fried chicken food truck. image source.
Fotostrap. I take photos for a living, so having a strap that’s stylish and functional is a must. And the major bonus to Fotostrap, is that they give back. Best camera strap ever — both for the professional and the novice!
Clarisonic Mia. I was late to the Clarisonic party, but I’m so glad I made it. Nothing has made my skin feel better. image source.
Cowboy boots. They are amazingly comfortable and go with everything but a cocktail dress (and even that might be debatable). image source.
Great idea’s as I need fresh idea’s for increasing my fruit and veg amount. x
http://vodkaandarose.blogspot.co.uk
Thanks, Jessica!
Carrie’s picks are so practical! I mean pears as an essential? Also, I may have to invest in a 35mm lens… been on the market for a new type and didn’t know which to get.
Thanks! I do like to think of myself as a pretty practical gal.
Fun picks! Love fried chicken too!
Thanks! I mean, what’s not to love ;)?
i love my 35mm 1.8 lens, but a 1.4 would be an absolute dream.
also thanks for the fotostrap recommendation!
Molly {Dreams in HD}
http://www.dreamsinhd.blogspot.com
Molly, save up and give it a go. It’s worth every penny!!!
Thanks, Carrie! Love this idea for a column – I love favorite things round ups. I too, love the shimmer brick, and I got my father in law a Fotostrap for Christmas. And now I MUST get a Mia!!
Let me know what you think of the Mia – I don’t think it will disappoint!
why am i never invited over when zach makes fried chicken? and i absolutely need the shimmer brick and mia! thanks for sharing…
How is this true? Open invite is here. Next time you’re in town you will try it. It’s divine!
Bobbi Brown’s shimmer brick is also an essential for me! It gives you the perfect glow – especially during these cold winter months. I’m also loving my dutch oven lately for making lots of delicious soups. My favorite part is that it works as a beautiful serving dish – truly a way to make a one pot meal.. from stovetop to table to fridge!
I completely agree on the sentiment about the Dutch Oven! Something about simmering in it for a few hours and then plopping it onto the table just seems right. Thanks!
We got a beautiful dutch oven for our wedding but it won’t fit in our teeny tiny oven! Some day, sigh!
oh, Kirby, I do hope you can use it one day! You’ll love it!
I love Bobbi Brown’s shimmer brick too! It’s amazing!
http://maybetodayistheday1.blogspot.com/
Amen, MommyG!