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…
- Strawberry Shortcake is teaming up with Alex’s Lemonade Stand to raise awareness and funds for childhood cancer in September! – Alex’s Lemonade Stand
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…
Breezy Mama is known for loving a deal and we were recently alerted to Walmart’s cheaper back to school pricing! Even better — if it’s not cheaper at Walmart, they will adjust the price right at the cash register! Take a look at some of the savings on items likely to end up in your cart:
Avery Durable View Binder – 1 inch – $2.50
Bic Brite Liner Highlighters – 5 Pack – $1.50
Bic Mechanical Pencil (7mm) – 10 Pack – $1.50
Black & White Composition Book- 100 sheets – $0.25
For those of you with boys, you know how the gun is a daily part of imaginary play. I am constantly amazed how my son turns everything–from his fingers to hangers to Popsicle sticks–into a gun. And, how did he learn to make such accurate gun noises? Besides water pistols, my husband and I don’t allow him to have a gun. But, he’s constantly asking if he can have one–Clone Trooper and NERF guns being the hot ticket items in his 4 year old mind. So what gives, should we do it? Since I know we aren’t the only family struggling with this dilemma, Breezy Mama turned to child expert Susan Tordella for some answers. –Alex
Why do boys insist on turning everything into a gun? Is there a point to fight it?
Guns represent power in our culture. Boys who play with guns are doing what children do naturally — reflect through play what they observe in our culture. They’re normal and healthy to imitate adults who use guns for power, authority, status, fun and entertainment. To expect them to eschew guns is nonsensical.
I read that playing with toy guns empowers boys psychologically — do you agree with this? Read More…
I hadn’t heard much about Nanny McPhee Returns, except for a short interview with Maggie Gyllenhaal (who I think is just adorable) on a morning show. So, when Breezy Mama April and I took our 4 ½ year olds to see the movie, we didn’t quite know what to expect. With up-close shots of cows pooping within the first ten minutes, we knew our kids were hooked. What preschooler doesn’t think poop is funny? Although bodily function humor was definitely present, the film had a much larger meaning—to get along with others and keep faith in the greater good. Set during World War II, the story is about a mom named Isabel Green (Maggie Gyllenhaal) whose husband is in the army and away at war. Isabel is at home with her three children, and working to keep the family farm profitable. Two spoiled “city” cousins show up and the already chaotic household turns into a home with more shouting and fighting than one can possibly imagine. Along comes Nanny McPhee (Emma Thompson), who says she is deployed by the army to help out military wives. Nanny restores order and creates kindness and love amongst the brothers, sisters, and cousins while giving Mom a break.
Although there was a scene that was a bit dark and scary, only one of the boys was the teeniest bit frightened. There’s another scene where the sister is trying to disarm a bomb, and my son kept shouting for her to “hurry up and cut!” which clearly shows that he understood what was going on. April and I were entertained as well, myself producing tears are more than one occasion. A great movie that everyone in the family will enjoy—a fun outing before school (if it hasn’t already) starts.
If you’ve listened to the news lately, you’ve heard about whooping cough. Everyone, from babies to grandmas, has gotten it–no one is immune. Whooping cough–one of those diseases that seems like it should’ve been eradicated long ago–is back. And it’s scary. Breezy Mama turned to Pediatrician Dr. Jon Conti for the low-down on this infectious disease.
What exactly is Whooping Cough?
‘Whooping Cough’ is a highly contagious, vaccine-preventable bacterial disease caused by Bordetella pertussis. It lasts for many weeks and typically manifests in children as raging spasms of severe coughing, or ‘whooping’, and vomiting after the coughing episode has completed.
Why are we suddenly hearing about so many cases in the news?
For many people, pertussis (commonly known as Whooping Cough) is old news—a once-feared disease long controlled by vaccination. The perception that pertussis is something we don’t have to worry about obscures the fact that, despite effective vaccines and generally high coverage, pertussis remains a stubborn public health threat, more prevalent and severe than Read More…
Back when my first daughter was a baby and I was having a rough day, I would soothe myself with the fact that she would one day be in school and I would get a “break.” Little did I know just how fast paced life can get once that first morning bell rings. Breezy Mama turned to Davina Muse, Licensed Counselor and Training & Certification Coordinator for Simplicity Parenting for advice on managing homework, sports, after school activities and the general madness that the end of summer vacay can mean.
I’m getting scared for school to start. Here comes the homework, the sports, other after school activities and volunteering. Any advice on how to manage it all?
It is scary to face the oncoming busyness after weeks of vacation time! How to stay in charge of all these possibilities, so they don’t become overwhelming, stressful, and standing in the way of calm and connection in your family?
One thing that parents who are simplifying are finding helpful is to Read More…
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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.
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 
