5 Tips to Taking GREAT Pictures of Your Kids!

5 Tips to Taking GREAT Pictures of Your Kids!

 

Parents today are buying increasingly expensive cameras and equipment to take pictures of their precious children. Kids grow so fast and the desire to capture every moment sometimes leads to frustration when the beloved subject just WILL NOT SIT STILL!

Here are five tips to turn photo shoots into FUN and your pictures into souvenirs you will cherish for years to come.

 

Kids Just Wanna Have FUN!

If you remember one tip, make it this one – the most important of all. To prove it, I tried an experiment. I put my children in a picturesque setting and asked them very sweetly to please sit still for Mommy and show me a big smile. The result? Expressions ranging from boredom (my son) to utter disdain (my daughter)!  

I then told them that we were going to play a game. They ran over to me and sat down, eager and attentive. I asked them, in an excited whisper, to lean forward and look into the round window (my camera lens) and see who was inside… This bought me enough time to snap some adorable shots of them, which I love. They were happy (apparently, they could see Daddy through the window!) and so was I. Success! 

Other games that work well for gleeful pictures include “Simon says”, “what noise does a sheep (or other animal) make” and then make the wrong noise yourself, or anything that will make your child roar with laughter. With older kids, ask THEM to tell YOU a joke - they seem to laugh the loudest at their own jokes… With siblings, tickling is particularly effective!  

Focus on the Eyes

The first parts of a face we look at and the first things we look for in a picture are the eyes. Get close up to your little beauty and focus on those big blues! 

Capture Them in Their Own World

  How many times do you find yourself standing still and watching your kids playing or absorbed in a task? Those moments make my heart swell and a feeling of joy well up inside me. Keep your camera in an easy-to-reach place in the house, so you can grab it and catch a candid shot of a slice of your child’s personality.

You don’t need an expensive DSLR to capture these precious moments – an iPhone works just as well!  (Yes, I promise the picture below was taken using my iPhone. Not even the most recent version!)

iPhone-tastic, with a little Instagram magic! You don't need professional equipment to capture pictures you love of your kids. Just get to know your camera and learn how to make the most of it.

Not Just a Pretty Face

To record a complete picture of your growing child, don’t limit yourself to taking pictures of only their beautiful face. If your baby’s little pink toes make you want to grab them and have a playful nibble, take a picture! If you love how your teenager paints her fingernails so creatively, snap a photo! I thought my kiddos looked adorable the other day, when Spring finally arrived, the skirts and shorts came out and the winter pants were thrown to the back of the closet!

Get Creative

What was it Picasso said? “Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up.” Find your inner artist! Consider different ways to capture your child – shoot from different angles, from varying distances, with interesting backdrops and different types of light. Try your hand at the software that came with your camera, to turn a picture with harsh contrasts into black and white.

I hope these simple tips help create a fabulous, fun and varied collection of happy memories for you and your kids! Don't forget to get some pictures of yourself in there with your little darlings - they'll appreciate it when they grow up. And if you'd like some professional pictures to put up on your walls, I know someone who can help with that... Give me a call! 

Rebecca Berra

Rebecca Berra Photography

www.rebeccaberraphotography.com

All rights Reserved.

The i like......Breastfeeding

 

The i like…Breastfeeding

By Jacky Souders

Every so often, it seems breastfeeding becomes “public enemy number 1.” What with all the Time Magazine “Are you Mom enough” cover, moms being kicked out of a public place for breastfeeding a hungry baby, and lets not forget all the Facebook vs breastfeeding mothers epic battles.

I am a breastfeeding “Mummie” (or as I like to say “a Mummie who makes Nummies!”) My oldest daughter (now 4 years old) was breastfed for 11 months and my youngest daughter is currently nursing at 31+ months old. (“Currently” nursing...... not the nails on a chalkboard “STILL” word..... *EWWWWW! Talk about wiggle shakes!*) Now granted my youngest only nurses once a day and she is a toddler who is breastfed.... imagine that! ......but I digress.

There is a negative view (in the general public) when it comes to breastfeeding. Now, the reason for this is subjective.... I have heard many reasons why people “don’t want to see THAT.” The reasons range from “Ewwwwww.....that’s gross”, “that should be done in private”, “you can’t whip your b@@bs out like that!”, “If I can’t pee in public...... you shouldn’t feed in public.” (The last one I have ACTUALLY heard! Luckily it was not directed toward me.... but REALLY?! I mean REALLY??) Now with all of those “reasons” there is not one that is legit. A breastfeeding mother is not breastfeeding for anyone else, other than her child. Humans were meant to eat and breastmilk was meant for human babies/children to eat. People eat outside ALL the time.... breastfeeding really is no different.

But what do you do when you are faced with a “Negative Nelly” who feels that they just HAVE to speak their opinion or decides to have a staring contest with you.. Well there are a few tips to help you can handle this.

1.        Squish them with kindness! Smile a Alice in Wonderland’s Cheshire Cat smile, drop your head in a coy tilt, bring your shoulders forward and wave. (This works like a charm on the staring contest crowd. They will get the hint that “they have been spotted” and their little “game” is not welcome.)

2.        Take your pointer finger and your thumb, line them up with “Negitive Nelly’s” head and pinch.... over and over and over again. Then say loud enough for them to hear, “Oh darn! My pinching super powers are not working! Where have you hidden my Kryptonite?!!!!!!”

3.        Share the knowledge. Some people make comments simply out of ignorance. They may not have been around breastfeeding so therefore are not educated in what breastmilk actually is. You could tell them that “It is optimal for both babies and mothers.  For babies it can protect against infections, SIDS and reduce the rates of later health problems including diabetes, obesity, and asthma. For mothers breastfeeding helps the uterus to contract and bleeding to cease more quickly after delivery.  Breastfeeding can reduce the risk of breast and ovarian cancer and also provides a great way for mothers to bond with their babies. The World Health Organization and The American Academy of Family Physicians recommend breastfeeding a child to two years or more. As the nutritional benefits of breastmilk continue to grow as the child grows.”

4.        Look the person in their eyes, smile sweetly and say "Would you like some? She won't be much longer, then you can have your turn." As you watch them retreat, look down at your Nummie Lover (Child) and say "Guess they didn't want to wait their turn" and shrug.

5.        You could also sick your 6 foot 7 inch, 300 pound of solid muscle, your worst nightmare of a bodyguard (named Mouse) on this person. (I know.... who has Mouse on hand....but come on.... that would be AWESOME! ADMIT IT!)

6.        Or you could do what I always did.... ignore them and turn all your attention onto your child that is nursing. Talk to them in sweet tones, sing them a song, kiss their little fingers....then afterward tell your husband/partner/friend and come up with “Oh I will so do that next time!” ideas. (I have come up with so many “next time” ideas and have never used them. But it is fun thinking up new ones!)

In all seriousness, the best thing you can do is follow your heart and your gut. Do what you feel is best for your family and what you are comfortable with. Try not to let the “Negative Nelly’s” ruin your day or your breastfeeding journey.

And when all else fails.......do tip number 2! Pinchy Pinchy!!!!

Mummie 

Jacky Souders is a 30 year old, stay at home Mummie to two sweet/crazy/beautiful girls (Hi Pooker and Kit Kat!) and three angel babies, wife to an amazing and supportive husband (Hi Hubby!), and is the creator of Mummie's Nummies, a breastfeeding support blog. Jacky dreamed to create a place where breastfeeding "Mummies" can go to for support, have a place to turn to WITHOUT judgment and share their stories with others. To create a place where NO "MUMMIE" FEELS ALONE. That is when she created Mummie's Nummies!

She believes support is the main key to a successful breastfeeding journey. Jacky is not a certified Lactation Consultant or doctor. She is a normal breastfeeding "Mummie" with a passion for breastfeeding.

She would love to say she owns a house, with her husband, in Bartow County Georgia...... but who is she kidding? Her daughters ALLOW her and her husband to live in their home with them!

SWEETIE pookie BABE sparkie LOVE ~ 6 links to keep you connected

SWEETIE  pookie  BABE  sparkie  LOVE

6 links to keep you connected

We all have ’terms of endearment’ for our significant other.  Valentine's Day is right around the corner.  Have you begun to make plans yet? What will you be buying for your 'pookie' this year? Here you will find 6 websites that I personally subscribe to that have been great resources of information, inspiration and ideas in my own relationship not just for Valentine's Day but ALL year long. I know you will enjoy them too.

imom.com

The Marriage Counseling Blog

Dr. Dar Blog

The Relationship Diva

The Confident Mom with Susan Heid

All Pro Dad - Yes, I realize this one is for Dads but it's a great way to get some insight into what he's thinking & feeling - GREAT website!

Another way to strengthen, mend, build, or begin your relationship is with the i like book for couples. Check it out and enjoy 35% off your purchase with code:  heart35 

Promotion expires: Feb 15, 2012 and is not valid with other promotions. Plus spend $50 and get free shipping (no code necessary). www.theilikebook.com 

Written by:   Meredith Looney 

"To the world you may be one person but to one person you may be the world" ~ author unknown

Naughty or Nice? Santa's 2011 Holiday Gift Guide

Naughty or Nice? 

Santa’s 2011 Holiday Gift Guide

Santa is a generous giver and this year we have some great suggestions for your entire family to add to your list for the Jolly Old Man.  Have you been good this year? I hope you have.  Below is a fabulous gift suggestion for everyone in your family.

FOR MAMA:  The Card Cache – This gift is a no-brainer to ALL of the women in your life. The Card Cache is arguably the one item they will use more than any other next year.  And a big bonus is that the price range is a low $10 - $20. Stay in style and organized with this cute cable to hold all of your gift & reward cards.  And if you are giving gift cards to teachers, neighbors, and Bunco friends you should definitely sweeten the gift card with The Card Cache – it is sure to be a big hit.  Don’t forget to ask Santa for yours too!

FOR DADDY:  Dad’s are undoubtedly hard to shop for but this year we’ve got you covered.  Aly Dahl Designs makes this very manly yet sentimental Dog Tag stamped with your children’s  fingerprints and names.  They are beautiful and timeless.  Price is $275 and yes, he will wear it with pride!  Shop now & save 10% with code: iliketosave10  Expires Dec. 31.

FOR PRINCESS:   Your Princess will know just how important she is with this adorable Name MeaningCanvas by Crazy for Stripes.  These colorful canvases showcase your child’s name and the meaning of their name – sure to make any little girl feel special and important!  Can be found on PersonalizationMall.com for $23.95 & use this 15%off coupon code: GIFTS328

FOR YOUR ASTRONAUT:  Your little man will soar to new heights with Hape’s Discovery Spaceship & LiftOff Rocket.  This is the Barbie doll mansion for BOYS!!! Price is $129 and totally worth every penny.  

FOR SNUGGLE BABY:  Santa will make your little snuggle bunny totally adorable with these cute knitted beanies by Taylor Joelle.  They even have newborn beanies and at a price of only $14.99 it won’t break Santas piggy bank.

FOR COUPLES IN LOVE:  BoldLoft.com – Boy Meets Girl and Say I Love You pillowcases  - - Completely adorable designs and such a sweet gift.   I’m in love with these fun pillowcases and you will be too. Prices range from $32 - $36 and they even make Bodypillow cases!

And of course we want to let you know that the i like book for kids and couples make very special gifts and are available on our website or Amazon.com.  To learn more about these special books and why they are so popular visit us at: www.theilikebook.com. 

In addition, on 11/21/2011 for only 6 hours (4pm to 10pm) we will be selling our NEW children's illustrated book 'i like you... i really do' on Amazon.com for practically FREE. Put it on your calendar now & stock up for all the little ones in your life!
  

I wish you all a beautiful holiday season filled with giggles ,surprises and happy memories.  Please join the i like book on Facebook to enjoy our Freebie Fridays, fun dialogue with mamas, and insider information about upcoming deals & discounts.  

Seasons Greetings,

*This blog contains my very own ideas & copy. I was not compensated for any of my gift suggestions.

Take A Seat & Let Green Chair Photography Make You Look Fabulous!

Have you ever gotten to holiday time and realized that you have to thumb through all your old snapshots from earlier in the year to find a picture that will ‘do’ for your Holiday Cards?  Professional photos make the holidays so easy & I’m not just talking about having FABULOUS  Holiday Cards.  A fun photo shoot will give you instant gift ideas when you take the digital images to sites like Shutterfly, Snapfish & Tiny Prints, and MyPublisher.  You can make calendars, personalized mugs, collage photos, canvas wraps & so much more.  This year my family was lucky enough to find Erin with Green Chair Photography. 

 

Let me jump to the fun stuff.  I gave Erin some suggestions of what kind of location we would like and she took care of everything.  All we had to do was show up.  The location she choose was so cool because there were wild chickens, roosters, hay bales & rail road tracks.  My kids were in heaven!  I have 2 young boys who can definitely be camera shy with a new person but Erin put them right at ease and they were giggling in no time.  I was so impressed by her ease and 'eye' for capturing great shots.  It really takes a special person to be able to see the big picture - no pun intended =).

 I asked Erin how Green Chair Photography got its name.  Erin said she noticed that she used a lot of chairs for her props and many were green and quickly became known as Green Chair Photography.  Very fitting & yes, she did bring a cool green box as a prop to our shoot which we sat and stood on.

The photo shoot felt fun, easy and my boys started really hamming it up by the end. Erin suggested they give her some silly faces and that was so much fun.  The pictures we received  were fabulous and it’s obvious she loves taking pictures because it’s very natural to her.

Green Chair Photography is located in Parker, Colorado & services the entire Denver metro area.  Right now they are offering fantastic holiday specials but you need to get on the calendar quickly. Let her know the i like book sent you and enjoy your very special photo shoot.   You will definitely want to book Green Chair Photography year after year; I know that I will!
**Holiday mini-session available for $60  with 5-8 Christmas themed pictures. Good until Dec.4th** 

Here is the little "story" Erin was kind enough to share:

"My first memories of my interest in photography came around the age of 6. A plastic Holly Hobbie camera was used to capture my pet cats in every corner of our house. At age 10, I noticed my baby sister lazily draped over the metal arm of her stroller with a quirky smile and a string of drool. I knew I had to capture that moment before it was gone. As a teenager, other kids were saving their money for concert tickets and clothes. I spent most of my money on camera equipment. Growing up in Hawaii, I admired the beauty of my island home and caught it on film whenever possible. I took my camera to school, the beach and to family events and today it is still a major accessory to my being. 

I am a mom of two boys and three dogs and they keep my camera constantly clicking. I love to travel, experiencing different cultures and scrapbooking. I was encouraged by family and friends to do more with my love of photography. Pursue my passion that I had ignored for so long. Here is where I am today in search of new faces and new places to photograph. To capture a smile, a laugh, a look, a celebration or an expression to remember forever, is the greatest gift of all. I hope to have the chance to capture those moments for you and your family."

*you may click through on the above link to learn more about Green Chair Photography or email directly at erin@greenchairphotography.com
**Holiday mini-session available for $60  with 5-8 Christmas themed pictures. Good until Dec.4th** 

GoGreen Pocket Diapers

                        

Ok, I got to try out one of the COOLEST one size pocket diapers ever! I was so pleased that I was given the opportunity to try the GoGreen Champ 2.0 pocket diaper. They sent me the Poople Champ (the name just makes me laugh a little). It’s a beautiful purple, one of my favorite colors. But, shhhhh let’s just not tell my son he’s wearing purple.

Here is a description of the diaper per their website.

The Champ is a premium one-size pocket diaper with the convenient feature that you don't have to remove the soiled inserts - they come out by themselves in the wash! The Champ also boasts AI2 functionality. We've added an additional snap to both the diaper and the insert that allow the insert to be secured outside of the pocket! No slipping, no bunching. This snap also conveniently keeps the insert and diaper attached in the wash whether you choose to use the insert in or outside of the pocket - no more sorting laundry! The Champ features an extended sizing range, and truly will fit from birth to potty (and beyond!). Our Dual Gussets™ barrier provides superior fit and containment - no leaks on even the smallest of babies.

I have yet to be disappointed by this diaper. I have used it a lot and it is definitely my “go to” diaper. It’s absolutely amazing how much potty this will hold with the 1 insert it comes with. It’s one of my favorites to put on him when we are going to be gone for awhile, because he can wear it for hours and I know their will be no leaks and his bottom will be nice and dry. I was even more amazed at how well it worked as a night time diaper. I have tried several different options, but this takes the cake! I snapped in the one insert and added an extra cotton/hemp insert and it worked beautifully. No wet clothes, not even the slightest bit of wicking around the waist (a problem I tend to have). Talk about one happy mama and baby in the morning.

There are a few more features I love about this diaper.

• The color coded snaps. All I need to do is tell whoever is watching him what color snaps for the proper fit. It couldn’t be an easier.
• It goes on like a “normal” diaper
• You can stuff the diaper from the front or the back
• The double gussets
• How easy this diaper is to keep clean
• How trim the fit is
• The way it fits my son’s slender waist and thighs.
• The multiple rise adjustments. Just perfect for us.
• The PRICE of only $15.95 for the Champ 2.0. Talk about a deal.

They also have their original line for only $9.99 and a brand new limited edition partnership with Mudd Butt for $24.95, which is selling out fast. All their lines have the most adorable prints.

The owners of GoGreen have been very generous to offer one Champ 2.0 for Freebie Friday. YAY!!!! And since we all can’t win one, they were kind enough to offer a 10% discount code to our WONDERFUL fans. To receive your 10% discount enter ILIKEBOOK 10%off during checkout.

Amy

PS ~ The i like book will be hosting a ‘Freebie Friday’ on Sept 30^th & will be giving away 1 GoGreen Pocket Diaper to 1 lucky winner. Stop by and enter at: www.facebook.com/theilikebook

Skip the Expensive Gift Bags for Your Guests! SERIOUSLY!

6 Ways to Have a FAB Summer Birthday Party That Won'tBreak the Piggy Bank

1. Party your socks off at YOUR home

I have 2 little guys & find that we go from party to party during the summer. Most of the parties are at bounce houses, water parks, gymnastic studios, or kid pizza places. Prices for these cool party spots range from $150 to $500 depending on the number of kiddos that attend and how many extras you want. Whatever happened to a good ole party at your house?

Throw a great party that everyone will love at your very own home & don’t go broke doing it! Save hundreds of dollars and get to entertain in your own backyard. Summer is great for the kids playing outdoors.  

2. Leave the invitations to the experts

Since you saved so much money by having the party at your house you can spend $25 to $30 on personalized invitations. There are so many companies competing for your orders right now that you can get some awesome deals from Shutterfly.com, Tiny Prints.com, SnapFish.com and many others. Don’t forget to order 1 or 2 extra for your birthday scrapbook cover!  Here is my recent invite for Jackson’s birthday party in June.

3. Shop for food, chips, cake & party supplies at a super-saver store

Shop at a local Sams Club or Costco and get just about everything you need for your party at a fraction of the cost.  Treat your guests (not just the kids but the parents too) to some favorite summer dishes like fruit platters, hamburgers, hot dogs, deviled eggs, watermelon, chips & dips and don’t forget to buy the cake there too. Half a sheet cake is only $20 & that’s a steal with free personalization!  Plus you can get your paper plates, napkins, cups & beverages there too for next to nothing! OH – here’s a great tip for you….if you have a “Dollar Store” in your area you can get Mylar balloons for $1.00 (yes, with the helium). No kidding. Save even more~make your own cake, cupcake, or cakepops!!!

4. Pull out the fun stuff you already own

There is no reason to buy a bunch of new games, hire a face painter/balloon artist, or bring in a big bounce house! Save your money & get creative!  Do you already own a slip-n-slide? How about a trampoline?  If you have a trampoline put about 50 balloons in it & your kids will go wild. Get a roll of art paper and tack it to your fence then let the kids either finger paint on it or give them brushes to create their own birthday art for your little one! All these ideas will make beautiful pictures for your birthday album and are very inexpensive. Bring the music outdoors. Pull out your portable CD player and play some fun tunes for the kids – turn it up. You can come up with some great ideas if you just think about what you already own!

5. Do not buy a bunch of gifts for your little one

Yes, I’m telling you not to buy a lot of presents for your own child. All of your guests’ gifts will be overwhelming your little one as it is.  There is no reason for you to buy more than 1 or 2 special presents for your prince or princess. Children typically get overwhelmed easily with all of the activity at a party and then opening all of their guests gifts in front of them may send them into overload or even a meltdown.  If you simply must buy several presents, try giving them to your birthday girl or boy before or after the party.

6. Boycott the expensive gift bags!

Yes, I know you probably think I’m crazy but I stand strong as I recommend that you either skip the gifts bags to your guests or find an alternative way of doing it. The cost of putting together elaborate gift bags for your child’s guests can be easily be $20 - $40 per child.  This is the biggest money waster at your child’s party that there is and you could definitely put that money into the actual party for food, games, crafts, etc.

If you simply must give a gift bag at your child’s party you can still do it for under $5.00 per child. Keep in mind that it is not about how cool or expensive the gift is to thank your guest for coming, but about your guest remembering how much fun they had at the party.  Forget the junky trinket items! Get creative ~ buy a hu-la-hoop and wrap a cute ribbon on it for personalization. Put your money into a great craft to do during the party & let each kid take their item home.

Let us know how your summer birthday party goes and if you implemented any of these radical money saving tips! We’d LIKE to know. Also, please join us on Facebook for daily fun & inspiration to moms just like YOU!