Hey, It's Okay

 I got this idea from Glamour magazine. You can link up any day of the week. All you have to do is make a list of what you're okay about. Simple! Please do not link up a post that has nothing to do with Hey, It's Okay. It's rude and I'll delete the link.

HEY, IT'S OKAY....

......to be excited to spend Mother's Day with my mom and kids on Sunday.  We're having a delicious brunch.

......to wish luck to everyone taking college finals this week--my kids are included in this. Natalie moves back home Friday and Tommy returns next week. 

.....to have loved the movie Michael. Jaafar Jackson did an incredible job. It reminded me of what a kind soul Michael was. 

.....to eventually plan to see The Devil Wears Prada 2. I enjoyed the first one and people have been saying the sequel is entertaining. 

.....to have had to pick these Nilla Wafers up at Walmart because Grogu is the cutest. 

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Bookish Gift Ideas

 Reading is the best. I do it daily. Instead of scrolling on social media, I'll pick up a book. (Mind you, I still pop over to TikTok and such, but only after I've read a few chapters.)

Many others love reading as well, so I have a list of fabulous bookish gift ideas. Mother's Day is coming up, so perhaps Mom would like one of these picks? Or if a birthday is approaching? Graduation? 

I found all of these at Target, but I imagine they can be found elsewhere as well.

This bag was from Reese's Book Club, and I found it to be adorable. It's the perfect way to carry library books.

This is the cutest journal to keep track of the books you've read, and the ones you'd like to read. 

Need a fabulous hat for the next book club meeting? This one caught my eye.

And here's another bag to add to the collection. I have so many tote bags that I switch up. 

Finally, here's another hat. I love the color.

And of course, an actual book is always a smart gift choice. I have a list of my fave books if you need recommendations. 

Do you love to read? 

College Graduation Pics Ideas

 "Wow, there are...one, two, three, four, FIVE other people taking pictures right now," my son Tommy observed as we walked his college campus for graduation photos.

He was correct. 

Others had the same idea we did: come on a Sunday. Earlier in the day. When it was overcast. 

Tommy was the only boy. The rest were all girls, all in white dresses, some with professional photographers.

Tommy? Well, he had his Mama and her iPhone 12 ProMax.

Boys can be easier to photograph. They aren't as picky. Heck, when I asked what he wanted to wear under the gown, I was met with a blank stare. 

(In the end I brought a Disney button down top since Tommy is a proud Disney Adult.)

Anyhow, one of Tommy's favorite things to do is eat, so he wanted a photo in front of the cafe. He has an unlimited meal plan, so he frequents the spot. 

We also snapped a pic in front of his dorm building. So he can look back and remember how it felt to lug his crap up two stories. 

Oh, and, a poignant shot is them walking into to the student union. They might remember how frightened and nervous they were as a freshman, and now they walk in as a senior, confident, shoulders back, determined.

Most colleges have poles with their logo on them, so have the graduate step up and make the college sign. Tommy's college mascot is a Roadrunner, and this is their sign.

And don't be afraid to let them get silly! The photos don't all have to be serious---those are boring. I found these glasses at Walmart. 

Take a shot with the gown draped over the shoulder, with the college visible. And yes, that's the Disney top Tommy went with. 

If the campus has a mascot statue, get some photos. Mind you, there might be a line, but be patient. 

Does the campus have a beautiful area? Grab some shots there. Tommy's college has this lovely waterfall spot.

Stair shots are always a fun idea! 

And finally, try to incorporate items that have to do with their major. Tommy is hoping to work in film with his Film & Media degree (he has a Video Cinematography Associate's Degree), so I found this clapboard. 

I was happy with how the photos turned out. I am ordering graduation announcements, so these will be perfect for those. (Snapfish usually has 70% off photo card deals!)  Did I tear up snapping these? Yes. But I am glad I have a bunch of pics I remember this time in Tommy's life. 

Did you get graduation shots?