Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Tip of the Week: Picture-Perfect Holiday Cards

While I am not a professional photographer, I've seen my share of family portrait sittings. I've learned over the years a couple tricks that will increase your odds of a beautiful holiday greeting card, starring your children!

1) Sometimes the best shots are candid shots. Remember that your child doesn't need to be smiling... a sleeping or laughing baby can make for a wonderfully authentic photo!

2) If you are using a professional photographer, be sure to schedule your sitting for when your child is well rested and fed.

3) Dress your child in simple, bright-colored clothing. Avoid busy patterns!

4) Bring along your child's favorite toy or puppet to help coax a smile.

5) Be sure your child is comfortable in the environment and take your time! Relax! If you are nervous, your child will certainly pick up the vibe and act on it. Remember that you are making beautiful holiday memories and enjoy yourself!

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Tip of the Week: Perfect New-Sibling Gift


Are you about to have a new baby and looking for ways to help your first child through the transition?

Check out customboardbooks.com. They offer beautiful board books - personalized with your own photos! To help foster bonding between siblings, create a book full of first-child photos just for your big kid. They will be excited to receive this special gift just for them, amidst all of the gifts for the new baby.

As your new baby grows, your first child will delight in sharing all of their pictures with their new little brother or sister. This great tool for sibling bonding is also a beautiful keepsake that the whole family will love!

Friday, November 5, 2010

Tip of the Week: Beating the "Winter Blahs" with Art

As the long winter months drag on, we can all come down with a touch of the “winter blahs”. Those who suffer most greatly from this annual ailment: our children.

They get bored, so we have to get creative. My mother, aka Grandma, came up with a wonderful way last year for my daughter to beat the winter blues.

She visited several craft websites and compiled months' worth of kid-centric art projects! Two great sites I recommend are FreeKidsCrafts.com, and my personal favorite, Martha Stewart’s Kids' page.

She then printed the directions and a picture of the finished product, bought the supplies needed and placed it all together in a Ziploc bag. All of the "art kits" then went into a big bin that we pull out any time my daughter complains, “she is bored”.