Antioch IL Family Photographer

August 27, 2018August 25, 2018

Bannor Toys Recommendation {Mommy Talk, Antioch IL Photographer}

Becoming a mom I’ve found I live for mommy recommendations and reviews! I don’t think I have bought anything baby related or read any mommy books without reading reviews first. I wanted to share with you a toy company that Andrew and I just adore, Bannor Toys! They are a small business located in Iowa run by the most adorable little family.

Bannor Toys makes the most beautiful high quality wooden toys I have ever seen. Everything they make is safe for little nibblers and educational as well! I feel these toys are so classic in their design that they double as decor and toys. Bannor Toys has such a great range of toys for little babies to older toddlers that you are likely to find something for your little one!

One characteristic of these toys that I love is the fact that you can personalize just about every toy! You can get your little one’s name or a sweet message engraved in the toy for a special treat. How cute for your little one to have a toy with a special message from a loved one engraved in it to keep forever?!?! One of my favorite products that they have are these super cute State Rattles. You can customize the color disks and add birth stats to the rattle. What an adorable keepsake toy or birth gift!

Bannor Toys also has this very addictive toy release schedule that may cause me to frequently make sure I get packages before daddy gets home! Every two weeks they release a Bannor Limited Toy that is only available for two weeks or while supplies last. Let me tell you…these toys are always so stinkin’ adorable you need some strong will power to not buy everything! I will also confess that Andrew is the proud owner of quite a few of these limited toys.

One of Andrew’s current favorite toy is the multi stacker. He will sit quietly for a good 20 minutes pulling off and putting on the different shapes. We got this toy personalized with the family last name for a cute extra touch. Not only is this toy great for working on Andrew’s fine motor skills with putting the shapes on the pegs but it’s also a great way for him to learn his shapes and counting. We can count the shapes and talk about the different shapes. A win for mommy and Andrew!

You can find more info about Bannor Toys from their social media sites and website.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bannortoys/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/BannorToysCollective/
Website: https://bannortoys.com

I would love to know what toy your little one would love?
Also, if you are interested in getting a toy be sure to use the Coupon Code: LOYALTY5 for a 5% discount on your purchase. (Some exclusions do apply.)

(This review is 100% unsolicited…I’m just a mom who loves these toys and wanted to share!)

August 22, 2018August 20, 2018

Top 5 Fears of Family Photos {Photography Tip, Antioch IL Photographer}

I know taking family photos, especially if you have young little kids can be scary! I have a two year old who I try to take photos of daily. With my two year old I have experienced all the ups and downs that come with trying to get a nice photograph. I wanted to take some time and share with you the top fears parents have when taking family photos.

Fear: My kid(s) won’t cooperate.

Reassurance: It’s ok, nothing beats a photographer’s child and I understand that some kids take longer to warm up before letting their personality shine. The key is for you to relax and not worry and your little one(s) will follow along.
Helpful Tip: Let’s plan a session time that will work best for when your little one is at their happiest during the day. Is it early in the morning or later in the evening, I will work with you to pick a time that will work best for all little ones involved.
Fear: My kid(s) won’t smile.

Reassurance: There is always something that makes a little one smile…be it a silly song, a tickle from mom and dad or a fart noise…a smile will happen during the session. I aim to make the session fun and exciting so you don’t have to worry about your little one(s) not smiling.
Helpful Tip: Share with me the secret info about what your little one loves…movie, cartoon, book, song. It will give me something to chat about with them and smiles will shine when they are talking about something they love.
Fear: My kid(s) will have a huge meltdown.

Reassurance: It won’t be the first or last kid to have a meltdown at a photo session…take it in stride and so will I. There is no rush during family photos and that is to allow for any necessary snack breaks, extra snuggles, or just quiet moments to let your little one(s) relax.
Helpful Tip: Make sure to bring favorite snacks or ‘lovies’ and don’t worry about taking a moment to calm your little one down. I hold no judgement for any meltdown, remember I have a two year old who is currently going through the start of his meltdown moments.
Fear: It’s not worth it and I can just take photos with my phone.

Reassurance: It is worth it…if you are taking the photo how will you be in the photo? Photos are a form of family heirlooms and it’s so important for your little ones to have photos of their entire family together. Just think of them being able to show their future family what they looked like as a little one.
Helpful Tip: My goal is to make the entire experience fun and stress free for you so that years later you will look back at these photos so happy you have them.
Fear: We don’t have anything nice to wear.

Reassurance: I can help you! We can work together to plan outfits. I have a Pinterest board of outfit color schemes and ideas that can help you. Planning outfits isn’t as hard as you may think.
Helpful Tip: You don’t need fancy outfits to look amazing. Wear what you feel comfortable in and it will show in your smiles. Stick with simple classic looks and your photos will never become funny family historical memes.

Did I miss your fear associated to getting family photos taken? Let me know what your common worries are during family photos!

August 20, 2018August 20, 2018

Life with a Two Year Old {Mommy Life, Antioch IL Photographer}

Hi Friends! I know it’s been a while since I’ve last posted. After becoming a mom I decided to take some time to spend with my family. I had to figure out this crazy new life of being a mom. I’m now back and so excited to use some of my mommy skills during your photo session!

But what have I really been up to lately with a two year old?

Learn to splash in puddles.

Having a curious kid who loves water has been such a blast this summer. We embrace every puddle, pool, bath possible! At first my fear kicked in of not letting him drink the water but now I no longer worry about a little dirt. Why the change? Andrew decided to put a handful of real dirt in his mouth and let me just tell you how impossible that is to get out.
Lawn work really isn’t that bad

To say Andrew is obsessed with lawn mowers is an understatement! He screams with delight when we talk about mowing the lawn and he is more than willing to help right besides us. The joy that he finds in the simple tasks take away the drudgery of doing the task. It also gives mommy great photo opportunities.
Have fun everyday.

Jump like no one is watching…I know the saying is really dance like no one is watching but when you are a 36 year old mom bouncing along in a bounce house you have to release your fear and bounce like no one is watching. Little kids don’t care who is around them or what they are doing, they are going to have fun and we should too! I can often get caught up in my never ending to-do list but sometimes you need to pause and do something enjoyable. Your little one is only going to be this little once in their life.