{Sneak Peak} DIY Hot Cocoa Stand for Family Pictures

{Sneak Peak} I'm crazy excited about this hot cocoa stand my hubby built, for our family photo shoot.  The best part is that when I asked him to make it, he didn't even try to talk me out of it.  

 

He's learning! haha

 

 

 

I pulled the idea off of Pinterest.  There were so many cute ones to choose from, but this is what we came up with.  We sort of used this design {click here} from Ana White to get us started.  Really you could make this just about any way you'd like. 

 

 

 

 

We had a majority of this lumber leftover from other projects, so the cost was minimal.  I picked up most of the accessories from the dollar store or used things we had on hand already.  We spent a grand total of about $30 to pull this off. 

Now, that's not including the new coats I picked up.  But hey, I had coupons at one store and used Cartwheel at the other! Honestly us 3 girls really needed nice dress coats anyway. 

 

 

 

 On Thanksgiving we got the stand out to give it a trial run.  All the cousins loved playing with it.  My super styling SIL & my momma helped me finalize our coordinating warm outfits.  Outdoor family photos in Iowa are pretty rare during the winter, but us crazies gave it a try anyway! 

 

The actual photo-shoot day was super fun!  We had a young photographer and her mom (my friend) pose us, laugh with {and probably at us}, and capture some great memories that we'll have for a lifetime!

 

Here are my tips for pulling off an outdoor family photo session like this in the coooold winter:

1. DRESS WARM.  Hats and gloves kind of warm, okay?

2. Let the kids play.  Relax mama, the shots of them playing were the best.

3. Ask the kids how they want to pose.  You'll be surprised -or not- but their personality really comes out when they are free to move how they wish.

4. Bribe them with cookies.... then take more pictures!

 

 

I've been so excited to share some of these with you!  I'm glad I finally had a minute to sit down and compile these scribbles!  I hope you enjoyed the pictures, I know I sure did! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Behind the Scenes Photos:

 

 

 

 

Ps.  If you don't have a Beverage Dispenser yet, I suggest you get one!  We love ours for when we are hosting company, either big groups or small.  We usually just put water in it with lemon and mint leaves, but the presentation is beautiful!  I bought one, and we received one as a gift; which was perfect because now we have one for upstairs and downstairs! Kids LOVE them!