Want to shoot like a pro, but save on your dough? The uber talented photographer, Lisa Peirce — Co-Founder of Lisa & Zoe Photography — gives Breezy Mama her tips for capturing that perfect family photo.
From Lisa:
The holidays are fast approaching which means it’s time to start planning cards and gifts. Thankfully, digital technology has made photography a lot easier and cheaper, and it has made holiday photo cards very popular. I am thankful for the trend… it makes checking the mailbox fun again, I love seeing pictures of family and friends that I don’t get to see much anymore, and of course, it is a good way for me to keep in touch as well. As my kids get older, however, I am starting to feel the pressure of “what am I going to do THIS year?” Especially as cards seem to be getting more and more creative. After a quick rummage through my cards from the last couple of years, (yes, I save them!) here are a few things that come to mind that might help you create memorable holiday cards and photos…
STEP UP YOUR SKILLS
First, and most importantly, you HAVE to have strong photos. If you don’t want to hire a professional this year, and if your neighbor isn’t a hobbyist, then you might need to take a few minutes to learn some tricks. Here are a few pointers that I hope will give you the idea that it isn’t too hard, and definitely worth the time.
1. Lighting, lighting, lighting!!
Turn off that pesky flash! It is a dead giveaway to Read More…
Making dinner–something that I used to love has somehow turned into a chore. When I think about it, I realize that it’s because of two words–instant gratification. When the kiddos are hungry, they are HUNGRY and don’t want to wait for more than ten minutes for dinner. Which, coincidentally, is the amount of time that it takes for chicken nuggets to heat in the toaster oven. So, I thought I’d delve a bit deeper and find some healthy, tasty and quick to fix meals that the whole family would love. My mission begins. . . –Alex
Tandoor Chef – The Original Naan Pizza
One words describes these pizzas–DELICIOUS! I tried each variety, and I have Read More…
My first pregnancy was seven years ago and gear has come a long way, baby. I love finding out what THEY have thought of next. Now that I’m expecting for a fourth time, I’ve been researching the latest and greatest and here are some of Breezy Mama’s picks that I’m looking forward to using.
Lillebaby EuroTote
This carrier is the answer to my wimpy arms’s prayers. It actually buckles into the car seat and then can be taken out and used as a carrier vs. lugging the whole seat and without waking baby! In fact, it has Read More…
- Miracle mum brings premature baby son back to life with cuddles– Daily Mail
- Digital Devices Deprive Brain of Needed Downtime — New York Times
- Strawberry Shortcake is teaming up with Alex’s Lemonade Stand to raise awareness and funds for childhood cancer in September! – Alex’s Lemonade Stand
- The Case Against Homeownership — Time
- Celeb Moms Wearing Jeggings! –Babble
- Amy Poehler Hits the Red Carpet – 3 Weeks After Baby! — People Magazine’s Moms & Babies
- The Ultimate Post-Summer Detox — The GirlieGirl Army
Ahhhh, toddlers. Such cute things that seem to do no wrong. . . until they burst into a temper tantrum at 100 MPH and start hitting you like there’s no tomorrow. That–not so cute. So, what can you do about it? How do you teach a little person who can barely express what they’re thinking to not hit–whether they’re hitting for fun or because they’re mad? Breezy Mama turned to child expert Frances Walfish, Pys. D. for some answers. . .
Note: Keep in mind that these answers pertain to children 1 – 3 years of age.
Let’s start with the basics–why do toddlers hit?
Toddlers hit for a number of different reasons. They include: Read More…
Earlier this week I put the call out to all Breezy Mama readers–do you have an easy, never fail, Go-To recipe you’d love to share? Well, turns out Breezy Mama Michelle Z. did–and here it is. She says, “This is one of my family’s favorite easy recipes. Plus it makes enough so you have leftovers – we usually eat this for a couple of nights and then freeze the rest for a quick and easy dinner on one of those nights we are really pressed for time. We love this meat for tacos, tostadas, enchiladas, BBQ beef sandwiches. Hope you enjoy it too!”
From Michelle:
Ingredients:
- 1 chuck roast (4 to 5 pounds) – or as much as you can fit in your crockpot Read More…
Music, sweet music. Something the whole fam can enjoy until your two year old starts singing, “I want to take a ride on your disco stick.” Um… always difficult to find the right mix of enjoyable tunes for both YOU and your wee ones without being offensive. Lately, Breezy Mama has come across a few to boogie to together and also consulted music mom-friendly expert Alison on great CD’s with lyrics that won’t frighten your grandma when your child sings them.
5. Many Hands
With songs from a variety of artists from Pete Seeger to family hip-hop star Secret Agent 23 Skidboo, the proceeds from this sweet CD benefit Haitian People’s Support Project. With 22 tracks to sing along to, you are bound to Read More…
When you're dealing with this many bubbles, you want to make sure they're safe for your babies.
Yes–the headline is scary, and I meant it that way. Did you know that many of today’s baby bath products contain carcinogen’s? I recently wrote a post for the Colic Calm Journal which opened my eyes to the very scary fact. In the article, I write, “It turns out that many of the bath products you probably use (Johnson and Johnson’s for goodness sake!) have two known carcinogens, 1,4-dioxane and formaldehyde, in them. Manufacturers are using these ingredients in products meant for babies, who are 100 times more sensitive than adults. Organic Consumers.org claims that the industry could easily take out these known carcinogens, if they just made the effort to do so.” So, I’ve made it a personal mission to take a closer look at the products I use on the kids, instead of just buying what I have a coupon for, I actually read the label. Here are five that passed the test, and more importantly (in the kid’s eyes anyway) make great bubbles. –Alex
Note–See bottom of post for more information on carcinogens in bath products. . .
Yes to Carrots Gentle Foaming Shampoo and Body Wash
I’m becoming a huge fan of all the Yes to Carrots products. Currently, I’m using this shampoo and body wash on the kids, and the regular body wash for myself (side note–the adult version makes Read More…
Our Queen of the Caboodle Kelly — a.k.a. an actress who has spent countless hours in make-up chairs and shares the tips she’s learned — gives Breezy Mama the top tinted moisturizers. Plus! Her interview with the creator of Miracle Skin Transformer.
From Kelly:
Remember the days when all we needed to look great was a swipe of mascara and some lip gloss? I have conceded that at 36, I can no longer get away without wearing some kind of coverage on my skin. I still hate the feel of layers and layers of product (i.e. primer, moisturizer, sunscreen, foundation) caked on my face. Tinted moisturizers have become my new best friend! They offer protection from the sun’s harmful rays while offering a sheer layer of coverage. Perfect for a day at the park or a night out on the town! Below is the list of my personal favorites. But first, I had the unique pleasure of speaking with Sarah McNamara, founder and creator of one of the most phenomenal new products on the market called Miracle Skin Transformer. It is a moisturizer, sunscreen and foundation all rolled into one! Here is what Sarah had to say about her amazing new product and being a mother of two:
How was the idea of the Miracle Skin Transformer born?
Miracle Skin Transformer was developed in order to Read More…
- Vaccine Refusals are on the Rise — San Diego Union Tribune
- Spotted: Bethenny’s Beach Baby Bryn — People Magazine’s Moms & Babies
- Celeb Kids Who Enter The Family Biz — Celebrity Baby Scoop
- 10 Energy- and Climate-Saving Tips for Families –Babble
- Dad Buys Newspaper Ad After Daughter Breaks Curfew — Today
- Dress 5 Pounds Slimmer — Betty Confidential
- Chelsea’s Law Clears Last Major Hurdle — San Diego Union Tribune
- Suitcase beds for pets — The GirlieGirl Army
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