My Favorite Things || 5 things I cannot live without!

Taking a break from sharing photo sessions and sharing 5 things I cannot live without! I always love hearing about what other people are loving, and I have some things I seriously loved the heck out of in 2019, so why not share! I use these each at least every single day!

Disclaimer: A few of these have discounts with my links, and others are just things I legit love!

1- Rothy’s

Oh my gosh- I freaking am obsessed with my Rothy’s. What started out as a single pair of shoes to help my poor feet at weddings has now turned into multiple pairs, different styles, and colors, and I am still just as in love with them! They are a sustainable shoe made from recycled plastic water bottles. I know- it sounds bizarre and no way they can be comfortable… but they’re magic and super comfortable- plus- THEY ARE WASHABLE. No more stinky flats after a long, hot summer wedding!

A few tips… I size up half a size, make sure to NEVER dry them, and prepare to be obsessed! (I love the loafer style the very best!)!

For $20 off, you can use my link here: https://share.rothys.com/x/ck0mYr

2- Ice Roller

I know, I know, this is so ridiculous. But I love using my ice roller! Every morning, after I make my cup of coffee, I pull it out of the freezer and it feels sooooo good! Plus, I can use as much help as possible to try to depuff my face and look less tired! ;) I got mine on Amazon, and bought one for all the people I love this year for Christmas!

The link for the one I use: https://www.amazon.com/Teenitor-Muti-Purpose-Preventing-Migraine-Puffiness/dp/B07PFG7GNJ/ref=sr_1_14?keywords=ice+roller&qid=1578363952&sr=8-14

3- Chat Books

My family LOVES these little books so much! They print automatically from your camera roll, your instagram account, or you can manually upload and have them printed! They’re super affordable, have a replacement policy if your crazy kids accidentally destroy them, and are a great way to look through your memories and photos! I’m such a fan of printing your photos and love that the kids can look through them over and over again and I don’t have to worry about them!

To get started & get $10 off, you can use my link here: http://invite.chatbooks.com/ashleyeiban21k

4- Honeybook

I’ve talked about Honeybook before, but it’s worth bringing up again and again! It’s the program I use to keep track of my current clients and projects, invoices, payment reminders, contracts, calendar, and more! It’s helped streamline my booking and contract process SO MUCH! If you are dealing with client projects, this is a must have!!

Use my link here for 50% off! http://share.honeybook.com/gNBpM

5- Ninja Foodi

Guys. This is probably my most favorite purchase of 2019. I am not exaggerating when I say that this has completely changed our dinner game. The Foodi is an instant pot, air fryer, crock pot, steamer, and more in one! I have wanted an instant pot and an air fryer, but do not want all the machines. This is AMAZING! I cook in this at least once a day, even usually every meal! We love brussel sprouts and sweet potatoes, pork chops with green beans, soups and chilis. Literally. EVERY single meal!

We got ours at Target on Black Friday, because #redcard for an extra % off! https://www.target.com/p/ninja-foodi-tendercrisp-pressure-cooker-op301/-/A-53653982

Utilizing Slow Season & Setting up Systems || Lynchburg, VA Wedding Photographer

We're hitting the end of "slow season" for wedding photographers here in Lynchburg, Virginia! I'm so excited for the 2018 Wedding Season! I have the most amazing, gorgeous brides and I cannot wait to share the joy of their big day! 

I also really enjoy slow season. After a crammed packed fall each year, it is so nice to have some downtime to celebrate Christmas with my family, and then to have some slower days with a break in editing! I love to take this time to really nail down my workflows and systems for the year, as having these things in place make the rest of the year organized and doable! 

When going through this process, I start my day by writing down the pain points from my previous wedding season and what worked really well. If I have one wedding a month, things are a lot easier, but when there's 4 or 5 in a month, plus engagement sessions, a lot of the little things get dropped or delayed.  My goal is for each of my brides to have the same amazing experience! By recognizing the pain points, I can then brainstorm ways to make that easier for me to ensure it gets done on time.  

I also take this time to write out each and every point that my clients go through. From signing the contract, mailing the wedding guide, scheduling an engagement session, to showing up at the wedding location. Yes, this can take time to write it all out, but this is where you'll notice where you're dropping the ball, or where you'd like to have more contact with your clients! 

I LOVE that HoneyBook now has a workflow option where you can now input and automate a lot of your workflow- which is amazing!! I am able to automatically send emails to new inquiries, send reminders before engagement sessions, and see a list of tasks to do each day. 

There's always a lot to get done in the "slow season" like updating magazines and portfolio images, clean out my office & camera equipment, etc. but setting up my systems and workflows is always one that is SO worth taking the time to get done!

So tell me, what do you like to get done during slow season?

PS: Are you interested in Honeybook? Here's my link to get you 50% off your membership! http://share.honeybook.com/gNBpM  

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Ashley Eiban is a Wedding & Portrait Photographer based in Central Virginia. Serving the Lynchburg, Charlottesville, Richmond, and surrounding areas. Available for travel world-wide.  Ashley is passionate about cultivating genuine relationships built on mutual understanding, trust and lasting friendship.  

Currently booking a limited number of wedding and portrait sessions for 2018 and 2019.  Contact Ashley today for additional information!