Catch Your World

kids + dogs = fun :)

This is the second time I've headed out to the beach with this awesomely fun family - the first time there was only one child, and two dogs.   Now in addition to the 2 toddlers, they have three dogs, and obviously lots of patience - I've been in that exact family setup and know how it is!

Both of these adorable blondies graduated from my StarBabies program and I am thrilled to continue to watch them grow :). 

One of their pups had recent surgery and couldn't play in the sand, but we took Gator down to check out the dog beach for the first time - he gave it a thumbs up!

:::sigh:::: I love love love love LOVE this image.  :)

Sugarplum Treats for kids - Pineapple Treats for mom :)

SUGARPLUM TREATS

I know that Easter is fast approaching and that means fun and gatherings galore.  So in my attempt to find an easy treat for my kids to make I came across an extremely cute one - Sugarplum Treats.  Don't worry, not only cute but very easy.  Here are the supplies you will need:

14-oz bag of candy melts (they have soooo many pretty colors-pastels are what I used)

Craft sticks (a.k.a.Popsicle sticks-these come in neat colors too)

10-oz package of marshmallows (the large ones)

Assorted sprinkles, sugars, nuts, flaked coconut and candy decorations

Here is what ya do:

1.  Line a cookie sheet with aluminum foil and lightly spray it with nonstick cooking spray.

2.  Melt candy coating according to the package directions.

3.  Insert a craft stick into each marshmallow.  Working one at a time, dip them into the melted candy coating and then into one of the decorations/toppings (to make dipping easy place the decorations/toppings in shallow bowls.  I put my shallow bowls in a 9x13 cake pan to help minimize mess)

4.  Once all sugarplums are made, chill them in the freezer for 15 minutes.  They can be stored in an air tight container for up to 5 days.  To make them really cute you can wrap each treat in cellophane candy bags.  We used plain or one color bags-the ones with designs on them took away from the treat and you couldn't see what was in the bag.  We took several wrapped treats and tied them together with ribbon to make a bouquet to give to families.

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MOMMY TREAT :)

PINEAPPLE-RUM COCKTAIL

In lg. pitcher, stir together 1 can (46oz) pineapple juice, 2 cups spiced rum, and 1/2 cup fresh lime juice (about 6 to 8 limes).  Refrigerate until chilled.  Serve over ice, garnish with lime slices and enjoy. Makes about 8 servings. 

Believe me when I tell you these are GOOD-GOOD-GOOD!!!!!!!! 

Adventure Portraits!

This fun family knew from our session last year that I lovingly/jokingly call some of my on location sessions 'adventure portraits' :D.   If there are things to climb on, we're going to climb them.  If we have to hike to get there, then we will! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Can't leave the beach without getting wet, right?  The kids were having so much fun in the waves crashing around this beach access that I think the parents and I could have gone out to dinner and come back and got them later :D.....kidding!

Thanks to all of you for such an enjoyable session and for being so adventurous!

 

Future tennis star

I'm coming up on my 7th anniversary of operating Catch A Star Photography in May of this year.  Over those years, I've had the pleasure of photographing people from a number of different places.  It's really neat to know that my work hangs in homes in Australia, England, Ireland, Belarus, France, and Canada, as well as all over the USA!

Last year I had a session with a young tennis player studying at a world-class tennis facility right here in Bradenton, IMG Academies.   Her family referred another tennis prodigy from the academy, miss Anita, pictured here.  I can't believe I didn't share some images from Anita's session sooner! - her session was last month.  It was a very foggy morning, but we had lots of fun exploring the beach.

I can't wait to see where Anita takes her skills!  I've seen these kids in action, and believe me they work HARD.  They have tennis practices each day, then schoolwork, then a few more hours of conditioning and work at their sport.  They are incredibly dedicated!

 

 

 

 

 

Community Connections - Stroller Fit by Robyn Roszel

     We all know what happens when we have a baby:  Our bellies turn to mush, our legs rub together and our schedules turn into complete chaos. Stroller Fit is designed to help moms tighten up that mush, slim those legs, all while fitting a great workout into your already hectic schedules.  Stroller Fit with Robyn Roszel offers 3 class formats to fit the changing needs of your life and body.  You are encouragedto come by and enjoy a free class.   They would love to meet you and answer any questions. Your mind/body will thank you and you will experience some other great benefits as well:

1.  Getting a work out while having your baby right there with you.  No need for sitters or daycare!

2.  You stroller is turned into your own ultimate, portable fitness machine.

3.  Convenience (all mom's need this).

4.  Results while interacting with your baby/child.

5. Make some good friends all facing the same challenges you are.

6.  Be healthy and fit.

7. Professional, accredited instructors.

8.  HAVE FUN!!!!!!!

All this powered by mommy muscle :o)

We at Catch A Star Photography encourage you to find out more on Stroller Fit and class information by going to robyn.roszel@strollerfit.com 

Or contact her by phone at (941) 232-0750.  

I'm in love!

We are always scouting for new, fun products to offer our clients.  And we're picky!  We try a lot of different items, from albums to storybooks to jewelry to brag books, and some never make it past the sample stage - we try it, and if it's not awesome enough, out it goes!

And some products just completely wow us and become absolute favorites.  These Custom Image Boxes are among those favorite products.  We've been using them for about a year, have ordered dozens, and every single time a shipment of boxes comes in I can't *wait* to open it up!

The best thing about the boxes is, they are completely customizable.  I get to take the images from your session and run wild with the design.  A clean design slate equals a happy Heather.  Love it, love it, love it.

The Custom Image Boxes come standard with our full Image Set, and are available as an upgrade to other collections as well as an a la carte choice.  They hold 5x7 prints, and are deep enough to accomodate about 100 of them.

Front, back, spine....I get to design it all!



 

The boxes have a canvas-y texture and wrapped edges.








  

Claire :)

Well Mistie has just been posting her little heart out, but *I* have fallen behind on sharing!  Let me jump back in by sharing little miss Claire, who just joined our StarBabies program.

She is 4 months old, and I half expect her to be walking when she comes in for her 8 month session!  This girl is *strong*, and she wanted to stand up the whole session.  She was solid as can be after she got those chubby legs under her.

 

 

The really cool thing about meeting Claire is that three years ago, I shot her mom and dad's wedding :).  They were such a fun, relaxed bride and groom, and their wedding was a blast to shoot.  Gotta share a favorite from that day......and thank you both again for bringing in your adorable baby girl!

An Ah-Ha idea for everyone with kids:)

So, I was looking through one of my favorite magazines (Family Fun) and saw this great idea for "Thank You Notes Made Fun" article.  It recommends starting a binder full of thank you note supplies so that your children can go to the binder at anytime and start there very own personal note.  Here are the supplies they suggest you have.

You will need:   

*Envelopes, blank note cards-we added construction paper and regular paper, and craft supplies (see the recommended list below)

*Plastic ziplock bags in sandwich, quart, and gallon size

*Colored duct tape

*Three hole or single hole punch

*Three ring binder

*Free*Printable Thank-You Note Tracker from FamilyFun.com/magazine

Things you may want to stock in your binder:

Address Book                          Eraser

Glitter Glue                            Sharpener

Return address labels              Markers

Postage stamps                      Scissors

Pencils                                   Hole Punch

Stamps and ink pad

Determine which size bags will hold what supplies. Each bag will be made into a supplies pocket.  For each of the pockets, sandwich the bags bottom edge between two lengths of duct tape, making sure to make one inch of overhang.  Using your binders rings mark the holes in the duct tape, then punch the holes but avoid puncturing bag.

You can stick the printable chart inside the front cover with tape or stickers (I didn't do this step-this is just my need to send a thank you -folder not for any specific reason so I didn't use a chart).

This makes it so convenient for me when someone does something nice or we just want to say thank you for any reason.  We grab the folder and everything is in there.  The kids do not have to ask me where everything is and it is easy to put away.

Community Connections - My Baby's Face 3D/4D Ultrasound

This months vendor is My Baby's Face 3D/4D Ultrasound in Sarasota, FL.  This is a very special place that you can get a sneak peek of what your little bundle will look like as well as some pampering too.  They offer many other services including massages in a very serene and soothing atmosphere.  You can let all those stressful thoughts, sore feet, tired eyes and stretched tummies take a break and just RELAX!!! 

The minute you walk in you are at ease, welcome and spoiled - now who isn't looking for a little of that?  And unlike many other ultrasound facilities they can accommodate clients who wish for multiple friends/family to be present. 

My Baby's Face is located in beautiful Sarasota, Florida  at 2075 Main Street and can be reached at (941)951-2229.  You can also see them on the web at www.mybabysface3d.com.  So find the time to check them out. call or stop on in and schedule yourself a truly amazing experience. 

one of those neat stories

One of my awesome clients has two little boys.  These two little boys have an extremely adoring auntie who lives in NY. 

Last year, this adoring auntie was chosen to take part in a book by designer Isaac Mizrahi called How To Have Style which you can see at his website: Isaac Mizrahi .  Just click those pretty blue underlined letters to go to his site and the book info pops up.  In fact, that lady in the pink dress on the front cover of the book is the auntie I'm talking about! - her name is Rebecca :).

If you read through his site, you'll see that he asked the ladies in the book to make an Inspiration Board so he could help them define their style.  On Rebecca's Inspiration Board, she included a picture of one of her nephews that I had taken.  When Isaac saw her Inspiration Board, he commented that it was a 'beautiful picture of a beautiful child' or something to that effect.  Sooo when Rebecca shared that info with me I was so excited - Isaac Mizrahi liked my work!  He has no clue who I am, but he liked one of my images! :D  Hey, it's the little things that really get you excited sometimes :).

I went through some archived images to find The Picture Isaac Liked and share it here - below.  If you have the book, it's on page 172 - check it out! 

I also want to say that, I bought the book because of Rebecca being in it, and my picture! - but as a :ahem: style challenged person who tends to hang out in jeans and tshirts, I really *really* enjoyed this book!  Lots of things to think about for those of us who are maybe a little toooo casual and could stand to mix it up a little :).