Friday, September 16, 2016

Family Photo Planning

Richards Family 2012



My husband and I have four amazing kids and all under the age of 12. We really feel like we hit the lotto with this bunch. I mean they have their low moments, but for the most part they listen, smell good, and haven't burned the house down. Really, the opposite of how my brothers and sisters grew up.

However when its family photo time it's like my kids transformed in to Gremlins and they just had a midnight snack. Every year I plan for months for the right outfits and go on location expeditions only to have my kids ruin the photo shoot with tantrums or running off to chase a butterfly.

Over the years I have learned a few tricks to help family photos go smoother and keep all the kids alive.

• Have treats on hand. Usually they say not to feed the wild animals but you may have to on this one. I keep some gummies or small animal crackers on hand to throw at the kids if they start to loose focus. I bring treats that are quickly chewed and swallowed and that won't spoil their clothes if they spit it out or drool on themselves.

•  Find a the right photographer. Or a wizard, both seem equally impossible to find. I start with Facebook months ahead, or sometimes a year in advance. I look for a photographer who does a lot of family photos. A photographer may be so talented and able to capture the magic of the setting sun but if they don't know how to snap a two year old tantrum, pass.

I have found that there are two main camps that photographers fall into. The Posers and The Candid. Posers, will take a lot of time to make sure that everyones hands are in the right place before taking the photo. They may stop several times and run up to the family to move a strain of hair. Posers produce some amazing photos, but they can take a toll on squirmy kids.

The Candid photo guys, can still start with a pose but they will then let the photos take themselves. Your photos will not have the perfect edges but they will be more organic. Just another aspect to keep an eye out for.

• The clothes. I love colors, and spend weeks planning and then longer finding the perfect color combination. I usually start with my husbands outfit and then plan everyone else to compliment or balance. Personal preference: I am not a fan of the white shirt and jeans, or any exactly the same color. Choose a color scheme and then select outfits for everyone that has an accent. This will produce a wonderful balance and flow to the photo.

Also find clothes that are not too new and unusual. You'll want your kids (and husband) not pulling at collars or playing with a new button.

• The best tip is to breath and relax. My husband made a game changing comment one year when I was trying to Photoshop a scab off my sons face. He said that life is messy and kids are crazy, they are not a perfect photo and neither is life. A family photo should be a retentive of who and what we are as a family at the moment in time (sometimes he says really cool things)

From that moment I have taken it easy and not tried so hard to keep the boys hair in place or the girls necklaces strait but enjoyed the day and appreciated who my kids are, in the moment. But heck if I don't look amazing!

All the best with your family photos this year. I can hardly wait to see the finished products in your Holiday Cards.

Friday, September 9, 2016

Retirement Party Planning



There are few things in life that we can escape, working is one of those things. We all have to eat and dang it food is expensive so we have to work (trust fund babies, please skip this article). 

When you get too old to work anymore hopefully you saved up enough that you can eat some nice foods. But before you live the good life of gardening and golf. You have to retire. Retirement parties are one of the top 3 most awkward parties to attend according to an article I pretended to read. They are like living funerals, the retirees is still living but they won't be coming back to your work world on Monday. 

Since they are inherently uncomfortable, might  as well embrace the fact and run with it. I have scoured the internet and found some themes, ideas, gifts, and games that will make the stale cake and uncomfortable half hugs more palatable. 





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Sunday, September 4, 2016

Happy Labor Day!



So I realized I know nothing about the history of Labor Day. A quick search brought up some interesting origins. I am super grateful for hard working people of our Country's past (and present) who have fought for the rights of the working people. 

During this time of political unrest I am filled with hope that the needs of the people will be considered and heard over those of policy and money. 

I also hope you all have a wonderful day full of rest, bbq, and no work!



History of Labor Day


Labor Day, the first Monday in September, is a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country.
The Founder

More than 100 years after the first Labor Day observance, there is still some doubt as to who first proposed the holiday for workers.
Some records show that Peter J. McGuire, general secretary of the Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners and a cofounder of the American Federation of Labor, was first in suggesting a day to honor those "who from rude nature have delved and carved all the grandeur we behold."
But Peter McGuire's place in Labor Day history has not gone unchallenged. Many believe that Matthew Maguire, a machinist, not Peter McGuire, founded the holiday. Recent research seems to support the contention that Matthew Maguire, later the secretary of Local 344 of the International Association of Machinists in Paterson, N.J., proposed the holiday in 1882 while serving as secretary of the Central Labor Union in New York. What is clear is that the Central Labor Union adopted a Labor Day proposal and appointed a committee to plan a demonstration and picnic.
The First Labor Day
The first Labor Day holiday was celebrated on Tuesday, September 5, 1882, in New York City, in accordance with the plans of the Central Labor Union. The Central Labor Union held its second Labor Day holiday just a year later, on September 5, 1883.
In 1884 the first Monday in September was selected as the holiday, as originally proposed, and the Central Labor Union urged similar organizations in other cities to follow the example of New York and celebrate a "workingmen's holiday" on that date. The idea spread with the growth of labor organizations, and in 1885 Labor Day was celebrated in many industrial centers of the country.
See for more
https://www.dol.gov/general/laborday/history

Friday, September 2, 2016

Bubbly



Nothing says happiness like a bubble. No matter what age or station in life you are, bubbles bring you to child memory of happiness. Stay bubble today!
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Thursday, September 1, 2016

Hello September!







It's almost here! Sweater Weather! My most favorite time of the year. I sweat all summer long with this one day in my heart. September 1st has always marked the end of summer and the benign of Autumn.

I hope you all have the most wonderful day!

Kate

Monday, August 29, 2016

Collaborative Pintrest Board: Where the Wild Things are





I love the Wild Things in my life. I have four real  life Wild Things running around in my house as we speak. 

I have also always loved Maurice Sendak's classic Where the Wild Things Are. I even liked the movie. I have found a lot of inspiration from the story in my own life and have used it as inspiration for several of my invitations

I am excited to announce my newest Collaborative Pinterest board featuring all things Wild. The board will feature Wild Thing party and event ideas from (of course) invitations to party favors. I would love to get as many contributors as possible to participate Pinning their own work and products to others they have found inspiration from. 

If you would like to be included just shoot me an email and Ill get you on board. 


https://www.pinterest.com/katiediddesigns/collaborative-board-where-the-wild-things/



Mondays are optional



I really do love Monday's. I just hate them too. Working from home does come with it's benefits.