Saturday, November 24, 2012

Thank You Better Homes and Gardens....Florabella Actions


Hello!
I hope you all had a great Thanksgiving!
Today I wanted to say a special thank you to Better Homes and Gardens for featuring our home in their December issue that is out on newsstands now....
Last April we had the honor of having Better Homes and Gardens come and shoot our home for their Christmas issue....
I have loved Better Homes and Gardens for so many years and 
I have looked to Better Homes and Gardens for inspiration monthly.... The magazine has played a big part in helping me develop my own style throughout the years.....
I never dreamed that our own home would be featured in the magazine....
I was contacted by Janna Lufkin last December asking if we would be interested in having our home featured in the December 2012 issue of Better Homes and Gardens....
JoAnna Linberg had to first submit pictures of our home to see if they would want to feature our home.
I really didn't think we would be chosen for the feature....
I was shocked after I got an email from JoAnna Linberg stating that our home had been chosen 
to be featured in the Christmas issue.....
Panic set in and I began cleaning my home like crazy and basically repainted my house...... My sister began sewing fun projects that we hoped they would use in the story...... Such as the dog beds.... We were so excited that they loved the grain sack dog bed and used it in the story....


They sent a very talented team of people out to our home for five days to get it "Christmas" ready for the shoot.
Our story was produced by the talented Jessica Thomas.....
I discovered that Jessica had produced and or styled some of my favorite stories from Better Homes and Gardens..... She was so fun to work with and made me feel at ease...
Leigh Noe was the stylist for our shoot....
I fell in love with Leigh's beautiful styling and learned so much by watching her work her magic in our home..... You can see more of Leigh Noe's beautiful work by visiting her website.
Ray Kachatorian was our amazing photographer...... Ray Kachatorian is such a talented photographer, I was so excited when I discovered he was the photographer coming to shoot our home.....
My kids loved him and he made all of us feel at ease....
It was a once in a lifetime experience and something our entire family will never forget.....
Hope you get a chance to look at the December issue of Better Homes and Gardens.....

***************************************



I had stated before that I only use Florabella Actions.....
Some of you wanted to know which actions I am currently using and what actions are my favorite.....
I was using the Florabella Spring actions up until recently...
The Florabella Collection released some new sets of actions and I love all three sets that I purchased.....
I love both the Classic Workflow and Colorplay sets.....
I don't think you can go wrong with either set if you had to choose just one....
The Florabella Retouch is a great set of actions designed to give your portraits a finished touch.
There are instructional videos included with this set of actions and I found them very helpful, it made retouching an image very easy.....

The above image is an unedited image I shot of Bethany holding a vintage French leather bag....
Bethany is wearing a sweater from Anthropologie......


Here I applied a few different actions from the Colorplay Set.
I usually like to add two or three different actions and lower the strength of each action....
To me it is like painting a picture.....


Here I applied the Hazy Hazy action that is included in the Colorplay Set....
This is how I ended up liking the finished image to look.....
As you can see in the set of images below you can create an image that has a hazy look, a faded look, and or a clean crisp look....
Really the possibilities are endless......
The actions are very easy to install, if I can do it anyone can....
They are very easy to work with, and I honestly can't live without them : )
actions....

*******************************************************


On a final note....
I also wanted to share a few pictures of some french farmhouse finds I just recently shot....
This is my favorite time of year to photograph products for the shop....
It is so much fun to photograph items that can be used during the holidays......




Monday evening I will be back with our French Farmhouse Christmas items....
I will have a selection of French Farmhouse vintage finds that can be used during the holidays along 
A special thank you to Heather Bullard for taking the time to teach me how to make a collage using 
pictmonkey : )!

Enjoy the rest of your week!
Take Care,
Maria
Dreamy Whites Shop
Facebook
Instagram (dreamywhites)

51 comments:

Verbena nested treasures said...

funny I was stopping by to let you know I just picked up my copy last night & here you are posting..perfect timing. I wanted to say how beautiful you & your family are I loved the article,I completely support the family working together to create simple yet beautiful holiday decorations & treats. Love all you do you inspire me to simplify in my own home..something I have been working on for years. Have a blessed holiday season. xo Laura

Anonymous said...

I loved seeing your home featured in BH&G magazine. It is one of the loveliest home features I have seen in a long time! The photos of you, your family and pets were so sweet, and the styling was just amazing. I'm sure it was very easy for them to style your home, Maria, because they began with such beautiful furniture and accessories and the special touch that you have. I think it is amazing what you do with five children and a busy life. (Didn't I once read that you also painted the outside of your home?) You have shown all of us that we too can have a lovely home with hard work and creativity.

Fleaing France & French Shopping said...

Congratulations on the magazine article!

....and thank you for the photoshop actions. I have been looking for something and these seem to be perfect.

Greetings from France.
Simone

Anonymous said...

It's wonderful to see someone that loves what they do... The pictures of your family Maria are beautiful.
Congratulations of your photo shoot.
Hugs Rosemary...

Cielo Azul Jewelry said...

It all looks so wonderful=0)
xoxo

michele said...

can't wait to pick up my issue, maria! what a well deserved honor.

hope you'll stop by soon to taste some paris magic from a recent trip.

:)

smiles to you.

michele

Anne said...

Congratulations Maria! I look forward to getting my copy! Have a wonderful weekend!
xx
Anne

Elma said...

Yes I got my magazine this week and your home is just amazing! I loved it all. Congratulations!!

Unknown said...

Congrats! Getting a copy soon... Still want to come up and shoot with you sometime soon. say Hello if in Sonoma! xoxo

shabbyfufu said...

Dear Maria,

I picked up the magazine when grocery shopping this morning and loved the story! What a beautiful family you and your husband have & such wonderful family values.
I too was contacted by BH&G last yr and my home is featured in their current Cottage Style magazine:-)

PS...I purchased one of your stockings the other day and can't wait to get it!
xox
Janet Coon

paige said...

maria!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
yay you!!!!
i'm so excited for you!!
can NOT wait to see more. your home is so charming & so very very beautiful!
xoxo

Lindsay Logic said...

I saw you and your family in the magazine last week- I was so excited to see your home featured. It was a beautiful article- beautiful home, and beautiful family!

Elizabeth@ Pine Cones and Acorns said...

Hello! Congratulations! I saw and read the article last week but am just getting here to comment. I loved the article as much as I love your beautiful blog!

Happy Holidays, Elizabeth

Our Hopeful Home said...

When I saw the article I said I know her! Well, know in the blog sense, that is:) Your home looked gorgeous and all ready for the holidays. Can't wait for more shots on your blog between now and Christmas.

Kelly said...

Congrats on your home being featured in BHG! I can't wait to go check it out. I just received the butcher twine that I ordered from you and I just love it! I love how you included a lavendar sachet with my order too. You are so thoughtful!! My entire package smelled heavenly. I even reused the little sack you made for the twine. I love those special details!

Burlap Luxe said...

So blessed and a family tie to what you create and love so dearly.
I purchased my Magazine yesterday at our local market and was wowed the minute I opened it to then shout out "Hey this is Dreamy Whites" I know her...Well, of her through her beautiful blog.

Love all you inspire in your home life and the beauty you surround yourself with.
Wii enjoy all you have to inspire through the holidays.

Merry Better Homes and Garden Holiday, to you and your beautiful family.
xx
Dore

Anonymous said...

Hi Maria,
I absolutely LOVED your home in Better Homes and Gardens!! It was just gorgeous!! I really like how they styled it for the shoot. I never tire of seeing your home Maria, you have such a special talent with photography and decorating.
And that sweater from Anthro is on my Christmas list! It looks lovely on your sweet daughter!
Hope you have a wonderful Sunday.
Sincerely,
Melinda

Unknown said...


Congratulations! Your home is beautiful. It's very homey and deserving to be featured in Better Homes. I'm happy for you.
web design Australia

Unknown said...

Wow, it all looks fantastic. I really love the shot of the tree and wreaths on the walls, just beautiful with all that green, white and red. Lou x

Bonny Neiman said...

Congratulations Mary....your home and story are truly magazine worthy! Best to you!!

Bonny Neiman said...

So silly, I hit Mary instead of Maria...need coffee BEFORE blogging...xo

Lana said...

I will make sure to purchase a copy. It is my dream to have my home look anything like yours. I love it.

The Painted Cottage Studio said...

I was at the dentist's office and saw your articled in Better Homes and Gardens. Since I didn't get a chance to finish reading it, I had to buy the magazine at the store! I'm one of your newest blog followers now. Thanks for the inspirations!

~Michelle

Unknown said...

I just got my BHG magazine the other day and was so excited to see you in it. Your home looked absolutely beautiful...calm and relaxing and very very welcoming. The article was very nice and it was fun to read about you after having visited here for so long. Congratulations!!!

Anonymous said...

Ran out and bought BHG! Charming! Congrats! Laurie'

Tracey @ My House of Giggles said...

WOW, Maria!!! What a beautiful spread in BHG!!!! So excited for you! I have always loved your style, and am happy that others will be able to get inspiration fro it also :) xo Tracey

RSA QLD said...

What a beautiful photos Maria!

Bev said...

Congrats on the BHG!! A question, I am new to the photo editing, I have a MAC, can i use it? for i need anything before i buy Florabella?
Thanks Bev

Lucy Miner said...

I was reading through BH&G and fell in love with your home. I immediately started googling "French White Linens" thinking that it would be a perfect solution to protect my white couch--A much better solution than the off white target brand sheet that currently resides there (ick!). I found your blog and became equally obsessed with your style before I even realized it was the same as the house in the magazine. What a coincidence. Thanks for sharing your beautiful style!

Unknown said...

That is so kewl! I will have to get the magazine! Your home is so elegant!

Erin Southwell said...

Just beautiful, Maria! And well deserved!! I cannot imagine a more beautiful Christmas space, I haven't seen the article yet but can't wait to get a copy. Merry Christmas to you!

Shelby L Murphey said...

Beautiful.

boho girl said...

my mother guided me here and i am deeply inspired to nourish my home with more crafty projects and pretty vintage yummies. thank you...your family is enchanting.

DanniBambi said...

I'm a regular subscriber to Better Homes and Gardens and was astonished with your home. I'm glad they mentioned your blog link. I'm your newest subscriber :-)

Best Wishes!
Danni

karlene said...

congratulations!!! I just absolutely LOVE the wreath!!! LOVE LOVE LOVE it!!!!

ALONETANU94 said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Kelli said...

I just opened my new copy of BHG and there on the contents page, your home caught my eye. Beautiful! It's so crazy. I didn't even know that people were doing the chalkboard thing with the mantles and after I had this brain storm, I looked it up on Pinterest...and they were! So much fun! Anyway, congrats..congrats! Your home is amazing!

French Grey said...

Maria,

Just brought home an issue of BHG and your article is Ah-mazing!! Congratulations!! I will treasure this issue for years to come!

Blessings to you and yours,
Cindy

Sandi said...

When my magazine came in the mail I was thrilled to see your article!! I said, "Hey I KNOW her". lol. BEAUTIFUL home and article and family!!
Hugs~

Kerry @ Made For Real said...

This is my fave BH&G issue to date!! A friend passes her issues along to me and I've been gaga over it all week. : )
I literally just told readers yesterday to go buy this issue! I just looked to see if your article featured a blog you write (I so hoped yes!) and now I've found you!! Love your beautiful home - the photos are fantastic. Funny question: did you spray that peppermint wreath with something to protect it or make it shiny?? Totally obsessed with it, ha! I'm a peppermint-anything fan, so you can imagine my giddy delight over this project! Congrats on the issue!!

Shannan Martin said...

Girlfriend,
I'm (obviously!) way out of the loop here... I have had my BHG mag waiting on the table for a quiet evening and just opened it up. FIRST, I was shocked to see the ribbon "valance" on the first page. I showed it to Cory and he cracked up! (It's very similar to what I dreamed up for our windows this year) THEN I kept flipping pages and discovered that those windows are YOUR windows! I'm so excited for you!! It was fun to get more peeks at your beautiful family and your beautiful self. You were one of my very first favorites and I love watching your booming success. All my best to you, Maria! xo - shannan

Kyla said...

Love your blog and congrats on being featured in BHG! I'm a big fan of french farmhouse style, and have recently started redesigning my home with that flair.

Antonella @ Pretty House Things said...

I just picked up the magazine. I can't wait to read it tonight and see your home featured!
Congrats!

Heidi @ Honeybear Lane said...

I recognized your house almost immediately when I was flipping through the magazine. Your house is one of my all-time favorites and congrats a million times on having such an awesome feature in such an awesome magazine!!

Garden Fountains said...

Nice and wonderful Blog and also have a nice collection thank you for posting.

Violette said...

Beautiful pictures on your blog, I discover it.
Congrats for the magazine!

Elyse said...

hi again, maria!

i purchased a copy of "your" BHG issue and it is so beautiful!!! i'm so happy for your dream come true!

happy december wishes

xo
elyse

Our Neck of the Woods said...

I just saw your feature in my BHG magazine and loved your style so much that I had to check out your blog! Loving what I'm seeing so far :) Congrats on the feature!

Ashlyn said...

found your blog via BG&G... don't get the mag but was looking at it at the dentist office! saw the pictures of your home and was instantly amazed! I had to take a picture of your blog to to look at it later!
very amazed- your home is beautiful! I know I will be coming back here!

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