Better in Bulk - Family photographer with a large family

10 Travel Photography Tips

Lolli — Wed, 16 May 2012 15:08:57 +0000

It shouldn’t come as a shock to anyone that photography and traveling are two of my favorite things. Since I’ve had a chance to play tourist in my own area, as well as take several trips already this year, I have had plenty of chances to remind myself of my un-written rules about travel photography.

10 Tips for Capturing Great Travel Photos

Carry your camera with you whenever you go out. Remember – sometimes it’s ok to be a cellphonographer, too. Cell phone photos can be a great supplement to the rest of your vacation photos, and often provide a fun and unique view of the trip.
Include people in your photos. Landscapes, buildings, and monuments are wonderful, but don’t forget to add your fellow travellers in at least some of the shots. People shots will enhance your memories and add personality to the photos.

Carry plenty of extra (charged) batteries. Remember that you will probably be taking many more pictures on the road than you would at home, so be prepared with back up batteries. When you get back to the hotel (or home base) every night, make sure to fully charge them for the next day’s events.
Have extra memory cards on hand. This tip is especially important if you won’t be near a computer to upload photos each day. It’s worth it to buy an extra card or two so that you don’t run the risk of missing out on photos due to a full memory card.
Try different perspectives – include a variety of horizontal and vertical shots. Focus on the unexpected. Sometimes what seem like the most ordinary scenes will tell more about your trip than the standard tourist shots.
Turn off the flash. Many locations (especially museums) don’t allow flash, so it’s good to be prepared and know how to handle low light photography.
Be your own tripod. Whether you’re dealing with low light situations or shots utilizing a long zoom, be sure to brace your camera to avoid camera shake. (this is another case where those indoor photography tips can come in handy).
Hand your camera to someone else every once in a while. Have you ever returned from a trip only to discover that YOU were not in any of the photos? Yeah, that happens to me all the time…
If there’s ever a question about whether you should take a shot or not, always err on the “take it” side. Don’t hesitate. Digital photos are free, and it’s better to have a bunch of silly shots than to miss capturing an adventure altogether.
Take a ton of pictures. You can always go back later and delete the bad shots, but you can rarely go back and get a shot you missed because you hesitated.

Summer is on it’s way, and with the season comes many opportunities to go on vacation or take short day trips around town. Use these tips to make the most of your vacation photos. Once you’re home, how wonderful would it be to make a DVD of your travel photos and videos with YesVideo?

What are your favorite things to photograph when you are traveling?

Disclosure: I am a YesVideo ambassador and receive compensation for my time and involvement with them. All photo tips and opinions are my own.

Note: I am now selling a handful of my photos on Picha, and you can actually purchase each of these photos along with others (new photos added daily) for as little as a dollar. I’d love for you to check them out!

Smithsonian National Zoological Park – #WW

Lolli — Wed, 16 May 2012 00:06:13 +0000

A few weeks ago, when my brother and sister in law were in town, we spent a day at the National Zoo in nearby Washington DC. The day was perfect, the animals cooperated, and we had a blast.

And there were 9 very tired Franklins at the end of the day.

What are your favorite animals to visit when you go to the zoo?

For more inspiring photos, check: High Impact Mom, The Bonafide Life, Shanamama, From Dates to Diapers, Not Your Mom Blog, The Divine Miss Mommy, Colorado Moms, Rajean Blomquist and Zensible Mama and link your own photo stories.

Linked up to Wordful Wednesday, Wordish Wednesday, and Wordless Wednesdays all over.

Are you playing along with Wordless or Wordful Wednesday today? Link up!
Want to grab my button?

I’m a Skype Ambassador

Lolli — Tue, 15 May 2012 13:52:33 +0000

A few years ago, I had no idea how to use Skype or why I would want to learn. My husband swore by it, but as a mother of then very young children, it simply sounded like something that would take more of my non-existent time.

How wrong I was!

CandyMan was finally able to sell me (and the kids, as well) to Skype when he was traveling for work. Years before, when he traveled to Europe and the Middle East, we had to carefully plan when we would talk on the phone. Phone calls were hideously expensive, and the time difference was often difficult to coordinate. But Skype brought a whole new level of communication to the table for our family. Instead of the kids each getting 45 seconds to say hi and bye to Dad, I would gather around the computer as we video chatted with Daddy as a family. The kids would invariably stick their noses up to the camera and laugh and laugh as Dad got an up-close-and-personal view of their nose hair.

Skype made our times away from Dad seem less harsh.

Nowadays, Dad doesn’t travel much for work (in fact, I travel much more often than he does these days) but we’ve have found a new favorite use for Skype. As both CandyMan and I are now working at home, we have found that many of the people that we work with live in different states and countries around the world. Skype not only helps is to connect with business associates and clients face to face, but it saves on our phone usage each month (yes, we are one of those families without a land line phone).

Skype has grown from something I thought I didn’t have time to investigate to something I couldn’t live without, and I couldn’t be happier to represent them.

Skype’s Mom You Rock promotion

I’ll be blogging over the next few months about some of Skype’s amazing features. In the meantime, visit Skype’s Mom You Rock promotion to send a video message to a mom in your life. Didn’t get to spend Mother’s Day with Mom? It’s not too late to surprise her with something special.

The Skype Mom You Rock promotion is a great way to personalize a message to Mom (or any other woman who has influenced you for good) and one every mom is sure to love. In addition, for every video card that is sent, Skype will donate $1 to Save the Children.

For more information, visit Skype on Facebook.

Disclosure: I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for Skype. I received Skype credits to facilitate my review and a promotional item to thank me for participating.

Some Mothers – A Mother’s Day Poem

Lolli — Mon, 14 May 2012 03:03:26 +0000

My husband wrote this “poem” last night as he prepared to speak at church on Mother’s Day. He was surprised that so many women approached him and said that his poem really touched them. I was not so surprised.

I think each of us can find ourselves in this list. I think it’s particularly interesting that he would write this knowing nothing of all of the “Mom Enough” talk happening last week all over the internet.

Some Mothers

Some are short and some are tall.
Some are thin and some are not so thin.
Some were raised by a dedicated mother who was there at every turn.
Some did not know their mother at all.
Some have many fond memories of learning at their mother’s knee.
Some feel like they never connected with their mother.
Some have completed college.
Some never graduated high school.
Some have many children.
Some have never given birth to any children.
Some are in their 20s, or 40s, or 80s… and some are teenagers.
Some enjoy being a mother…most of the time.
Some don’t enjoy being a mother at all and would rather do other things.
Some feel very satisfied with their roles as a mom.
Some wish they could do other things.
Some have lots of time to devote to their children.
Some feel guilty that they don’t spend more time with their children.
Some live in a nice home at the end of a well-landscaped street.
Some live with their parents, or a friend, or a boyfriend.
Some have busy demanding jobs.
Some are in jail.
Some think that every other mother does a better job than they do.
Some wonder why their kids don’t behave better.
Some think that life would be better if X or Y or Z would happen.
Some have depression.
Some are depressed today because they are not having a very good Mother’s Day.
Some woke up today to a wonderful, tasty breakfast in bed.
Some had breakfast in bed that wasn’t so tasty, but made with a child’s love.
Some had cold cereal by themselves.
Some are having their first Mother’s Day.
Some are sick because they are pregnant.
Some are sick of being pregnant.
Some have mastitis.
Some are frustrated with trying to breast feed.
Some wish their mother would visit.
Some wish their mother would go away for a while.
Some have perfectly healthy children.
Some have children with serious physical or mental disabilities.
Some wonder, or think, or believe that other moms do a better job at raising children.
Some mothers are enough, just the way they are.

Happy Mother’s Day Edition – Project 365 Week 19

Lolli — Sun, 13 May 2012 16:59:17 +0000

Happy Mother’s Day to all of you!

My Mother’s Day started out with a gourmet breakfast made by my two oldest girls. This week has been a particularly pleasant one, with lots of special mom and kid time.

What memories have you been making this week?

Go From Drab to Fab with Allegra #ClearBeauty

Lolli — Sat, 12 May 2012 19:57:32 +0000

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: I love the Spring. I love the regrowth of flowers and grass and trees. I love the fresh air coming in through my windows and the warmth and sun before the Summer humidity hits. But I do not love the allergies that come with Spring.

For years, I was pregnant or nursing and simply endured through the Spring time itchy eyes and constant sneezing. But I realized a few years ago that I didn’t need to endure my Spring time allergies anymore. I gratefully went out to the pharmacy to snatch up the first bottle of allergy medicine I could find. I really had no idea what I was looking for. I just wanted relief.

The story of my allergy medicine mishap is legendary in our house now, even though it only happened 3 years ago. You can read the whole amusing story if you’d like, but let’s just say that I did NOT get a non-drowsy allergy medicine. I was downright loopy.

I’ve tried allergy pills that work for a few hours, and others that last for a full 24 hours, and I am happy to say that I am almost completely symptom-free this season, thanks to Allegra. I take one pill each morning with breakfast, and I’m not itching and sneezing all day long. It’s a miracle and I feel like a totally new person.

This week, I was challenged to think of how Allegra played a part in my beauty regimen, and I realized that it’s part was huge. When I am suffering from allergies, my eyes are red and itchy, and even if I put eye make-up on in the morning, it will inevitably be rubbed off by lunch time.

And then there’s the OTHER issue…the part where my “beauty regimen” is almost non-existent lately. All too often, I spend the majority of the day looking like this:

I want to change that. I don’t like the feeling of growing out of all of my clothes, wearing comfortable pants and a t-shirt simply because I know I’ll be working at the computer all day. I have been working on getting back into a regular exercise routine, and because the weather is so perfect right now, that has included many morning walks. I love getting my exercise outside, but again – being outdoors is only possible when I am not itching my eyes out or sneezing constantly.

And I made myself a promise – a promise to not only take better care of my body, but also to take pride in the way I look and dress each day – even if my family are the only ones who will see me that day.

I set out for CVS on Thursday, armed with coupons, to get some new make up and stock up on some more Allegra. There are two things that I can’t live without when it comes to make-up: foundation and lipstick. Even on a lazy day, I wear those two things. I figured, though, in order to make a difference and add a little something more, that I should pay more attention to my eyes.

I scanned the shelves at CVS and found a few new items.

Going from DRAB to fab

I picked up some Advance Radiance Age-Defying foundation from Cover Girl (because I do need that age-defiance these days), some ColorStay mineral lipglaze from Revlon (color 500 – Lasting Shimmer), and some Maybelline Expert Wear eyeshadow (crease-free and fade-proof) in “Sunbaked neutrals.”

I snapped a picture of the example at the Maybelline display so that I could attempt to recreate the look at home. I might not be a make-up expert, but my eyeshadow DID prompt my 15 1/2 year old daughter to compliment me. Not too shabby, in my book.

Try Allegra out:

During the month of May, CVS shoppers can get a 30 count of Allegra for $17.99 with their CVS card. Also, check out the Allegra Makeover Game. Learn a not-so-obvious beauty secret and you could win a $50 CVS® Gift Card from Allegra®.

Connect with Allegra and CVS

Website: Allegra.com
Twitter: @AllegraOTC
Facebook: facebook.com/AllegraOTC
Allegra Makeover Game – TheAllergyMakeover.com

See the full shop experience, from drab to fab and in between in my #Clearbeauty Google+ album.

Disclosure: I am a member of the Collective Bias™ Social Fabric® Community. This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias™. All opinions are my own. #CBias #SocialFabric

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First Impressions – Interesting Study Results

Lolli — Fri, 11 May 2012 17:49:10 +0000

“Whether we like it or not, we are often judged by our appearance.”
(Dr. Michelle Callahan)

I consider myself an open, welcoming person. I am able to quickly get past a person’s appearance and enjoy them (I hate to even use the word “judge”) for the person that they are rather than what they look like. However….I am the first to admit that I do make those initial judgements based purely on what my eyes see.

My husband has a classic story of first impressions. One Sunday, years ago, a man walked into our church, wearing old, worn out jeans and a dirty shirt, his days-old beard looking scruffy. My husband was in the lobby (he had an administrative role at the time) and he greeted the newcomer. He said that his “first impression sensors” were going haywire. On one hand, his senses were telling him that this guy was a loser and would probably never come back around. On the other hand, the man had “bright, friendly eyes” and his demeanor seemed to contradict his outward appearance.

It turned out that this man had just finished moving in to a new house. I don’t remember the details of his story, but it went something like this: he had been driving all night, finally arrived at the new house, and didn’t have water to take a shower before driving over to the church. He figured he’d take a break and check out where the local congregation was meeting before finishing the move-in procedure.

First impressions are not always correct. In fact, they are often very incorrect….but the simple fact remains. People are judged by the first impression they make.

“There have even been studies that indicate lasting impressions are made within the first three seconds of seeing someone,” said Dr. Michelle Callahan, renowned TV host, relationship expert, coach, and development psychologist. “Many adults are concerned about how their smile might affect their chances for employment or advancement in a competitive job market.”

Kelton Research recently conducted a study where 1,047 nationally representative Americans were shown images of men and women with straight and crooked teeth. Those participating in the study were unaware that they were comparing people with straight teeth to crooked teeth. In the study, respondents were shown images of people with varying tooth issues and asked to give their honest opinion about them. According to the study results, it appears that Americans perceive people with straight teeth to have more desirable qualities than those with crooked teeth, including happiness, success, and friends.

“First Impressions” study results

What kind of an impact do first impressions make on you?

Do you have an amusing “first impressions” story that you could share?

Note: This post was sponsored by Invisalign. The survey results and infographic were supplied by Invisalign but the thoughts and opinions included within the post are mine.

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Potion Making in the Kitchen – Give Me Your Best Shot #PSF

Lolli — Thu, 10 May 2012 22:00:25 +0000

A package arrived earlier this week filled with dry ice (and Blue Bunny ice cream treats for AJ’s birthday next week). As excited as the kids were about the ice cream, they were equally as excited about the dry ice. AJ started making plans to make potions the next day after school.

He used a ladle to scoop a bunch of dry ice into a bowl and then slowly poured water over the dry ice. Instant cauldron!

It’s amazing what simple things can entertain kids for so long.

Hosted by Cecily and Lolli

To play Give Me Your Best Photo Story Friday, check this. Copy this code into your post and sign the link list:
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Makinson Island – A Peaceful Retreat in Kissimmee, Florida

Lolli — Thu, 10 May 2012 16:47:50 +0000

Apparently I’ve been home from my travels long enough to start wanting to go back again. Truthfully, though, I never really wanted to leave Florida in the first place. Last month’s trip to Kissimmee and Disney World was both exhausting and rejuvinating at the same time. Our daily schedule was packed with things to do (and I suspect that we could have stayed equally busy for another week or two considering how many amazing activities that Kissimmee, Florida has to offer.

Our final day in Florida was spent at the pleasing-and-relaxing-to-the-senses Makinson Island. The 132-acre island is located in Lake Tohopekaliga in Kissimmee, and is home to a delicious variety of flora and fauna. Our group took a boat over to the island. The boat ride itself was wonderful – I am always amazed at how different the plants can be from state to state.

Once we got to Makinson Island, we found a small group of campers (what a great place to take a primitive camping trip!) before we set off on a hike around the island. On our walk, we spotted a juvenile bald eagle, orange trees, and hundreds of butterflies. It was a photographer’s paradise.

Here’s a peek at what I saw and experienced:

Can you spot the juvenile bald eagle in the tree?

I caught the bald eagle as he was flying overhead, too!

I can’t wait to go back.

Disclosure: I was able to spend the day at Makinson Island as part of an expense-paid media trip to Kissimmee, Florida for the red carpet premiere of Disneynature’s Chimpanzee. All opinions are my own.

Cinnamon Roll Rice Crispy Treats Recipe

Lolli — Thu, 10 May 2012 04:06:03 +0000

If you know anything about me, you probably know that I have a sweet tooth (my header gives that little fact about me away). I have long held a place in my heart for rice crispy treats, but only recently have I discovered flavored rice crispy treats. Rice crispy treats are simple, but flavored rice crispy treats are simply amazing.

A few months ago, I made cinnamon roll rice crispy treats and had to hold myself back from eating the entire pan. They were that good. I’ve made them a couple times since then, but for some odd reason never got around to sharing the recipe here. I apologize. It took a week of filling in for the 5 Minutes for Mom Food column to make me realize my over-sight and go searching for the pictures I took when I made them back in January. I’ll blame my neglect on the fact that I wasn’t overly thrilled with the pictures. Regardless of how these look, trust me when I say that they are to die for.

Cinnamon Roll Rice Crispy Treats

Recipe type: dessert

Prep time: 15 mins

Total time: 15 mins

Combine the ease of rice crispy treats with the flavor of cinnamon rolls.

Ingredients

1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter
1/8 tsp salt
2 tsp molasses
2 tsp cinnamon
1 (10.5 oz) bag miniature marshmallows
1 tsp vanilla extract
6 cups Rice Crispies (Rice Krispies) Cereal

Cream Cheese Frosting

1/4 cup butter, softened
4 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups powdered sugar

Instructions

Butter a 9×13 dish; set aside.
Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat.
Stir in salt, molasses, and cinnamon.
Add marshmallows to melted butter mixture and stir constantly until marshmallows have melted.
Remove from heat and stir in vanilla.
Fold in Rice Crispy Cereal, a cup at a time, and stir until evenly coated.
Pour Rice Crispy Treat mixture into buttered baking dish.
Spread mixture evenly into pan with a buttered spatula or buttered hands.
Allow to cool several minutes, then cut while still slightly warm.
Use your hands to round the edges of the cut squares.
Allow to cool completely (remember not to stack rice crispy treats while they are cooling or they will be forever stuck together).
Swirl cream cheese frosting on the tops of the rice crispy treats and then dust lightly with cinnamon.

Cream Cheese Frosting:

Whip together butter and cream cheese with an electric mixer until fluffy.
Stir in vanilla and then add in powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, and mix until smooth and fluffy.
Spread or pipe over rice crispy treats.

Recipe based on the recipe I found on Cooking Classy. Thank you, Jaclyn, for such amazing recipes!