Tips Archives

Can you feel Spring in the air?

Here in Alabama, the weather is so unpredictable. It is February but it feels like Spring. The weather has been gorgeous.

We wanted to share with you a few fun Spring outdoor ideas… This is a great time to get out and enjoy the outdoors, snap a few pictures, and make some new memories!

Take A Trip to Nowhere: Everyone has unexplored territory only miles from their home. Go north, or west, or in any direction you don’t usually explore. The weather is beautiful, so drive around the back roads and country lanes and see what you can find. With a little effort, you will discover many great places to photograph, and have a fun time doing it!

Plan a day outdoors: Go to the zoo, the botanical gardens, or just enjoy a local park! This time of year, there’s an abundance of local outdoor activities and art shows, so take the time to enjoy them. Don’t forget to bring your camera and shoot whatever looks lovely to you!

Stop at local farms, nurseries, or outdoor markets: This time of year, flowers and fresh produce are plentiful! Pick up lots of fresh fruit and vegetables,

as well as flowers for the yard, but don’t forget to take some photos while you’re there! The local farmers market will undoubtedly have many interesting spring displays, all sure to be ripe and brilliant with color! Capture them now, and the colors of spring flowers can brighten your home long after the flowers have disappeared!

Take a Puddle Walk: Don’t let a rainy day get you down… embrace it! Once the hard rains have subsided (and there is NO threat of lightening) let your kids break the rules a little and get soaked in Mother Nature’s water park! Strap on some boots and hit every puddle you can find until everyone is soaking wet and all giggled out! If you’re feeling brave, you can even let the kids take a dive in a mud puddle…just be prepared for the laundry!

Most importantly, it’s Spring! Get out and ENJOY it.

While you are outside, be on the look out for any four leaf clovers! : )

1st birthdays are a huge milestone in your child’s life and your life.

Let’s face it, you have survived 12 months of crying, diapers, diaper rashes, crawling, giggles, sweet smiles and sleepless nights – you deserve a party too.

Here are a few tips on hosting your child’s 1st birthday party!

– First tip: Keep it simple. Your child is turning 1. You will have many, many years for birthday bashes. Do not feel that you have to have a huge cake or extravagant decorations. Your child will not notice what tablecloths you use, I promise. Your little one will just be happy to see everyone.

– Timing is everything! Plan the party around his or her nap time. Your family and friends will understand if your child’s party is at in the am or pm. They want to be there to celebrate this special event regardless of the time.

– Set a budget and stay within it. Don’t feel the need to go overboard. Did you know that 70% of parents spend $200 or less on their baby’s first birthday party. Simple is the key.

– Location, location, location. While most parents have their baby’s first party at their home, don’t forget to search locations. I can not say how amazing it feels to simply leave a party and the mess behind. You feel free! A lot of locations will clean up when the party is done. At your home, guess who is the clean up crew? A local park is another great party location option and they are often very inexpensive.
But if the party is kept simple, the mess will be less. Your child may be happier having it at your home. You have to do what works best for your family.

– Ending with a last valuable tip – Schedule a Smash Cake photo session. This is one of those moments you will want to capture. Often times, everyone gathers around to see how the baby will react to his or her birthday cake… Will they smash it, devour it, or barely eat it? You will want to have that moment on film. What better way to hold this memory forever than to schedule one on one time with a photographer?

Here is our Amy P Photography Smash Cake flyer to show how special this moment is: