Welcome to my blog!

I believe that if you love doing something, it's impossible to fail. I have always loved taking pictures but never would have guessed that I could have this much fun doing it. Take a look around, get comfortable, and let me know what you think....

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

November is National Child Safety and Protection Month!

Take a minute to teach your children these simple yet essential safety tips!

Strangers
Learn how to deal with strangers on the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s website.
http://www.fbi.gov/fun-games/kids/kids-safety

911 Safety
Talk about when to call 911 with these tips on kidshealth.org
http://kidshealth.org/parent/firstaid_safe/emergencies/911.html

Rules for the Road
Visit ottoclub.org where you will find lots of fun and interactive ways to learn about safety on the road—from buckling your seatbelt in the car and wearing a helmet on your bike to safety tips on crossing the street.
http://www.ottoclub.org/

Tips on Bullying
Learn responsible ways to handle bullying at McGruff.org
http://www.mcgruff.org/#/Main

Even a few minutes reviewing these safety measures can make a big difference. Help your little ones stay safe!

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

YummO Halloween Recipes!

Your entire family will love these fun Halloween recipes. Perfect for a family night or Halloween party!

Mousse-Filled Witches Hats by Reader’s Digest
http://www.rd.com/food/mousse-filled...s-hats-recipe/

Easy spider web cupcakes
http://childparenting.about.com/od/f...ween-Cupcakes/

Gourmet Carmel Apples
Dip Granny Smith apples in melted carmel and decorate with chopped nuts, mini chocolate chips, reece’s pieces, mini m&m’s, or drizzles of melted chocolate.

Happy Halloween from Jen Lapel Photography!

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

“Another sunrise, another new beginning.”

Share the excitement with the expecting mother in your life with a maternity portrait session. We suggest the seven month mark for this session, as the baby bump is defined, yet cute. This is also a great time, because there is less scrambling to get ready for the baby and more time to relax and show off that pregnancy glow.

That due date is going to come sooner than you think, so call to reserve your session today.
(402) 990-7581

If you haven’t selected a push present for that amazing mother to be yet, get inspired with our selection of favorites.

Victoria’s Secret Kimono
(In her favorite color, of course.)
http://www.victoriassecret.com/ss/Sa...ame=vsdWrapper

Baby Carriage Charm Necklace by Jordann Jewelry

https://jordannjewelry.com/magento/i...-necklace.html

A luxurious rocker like this one from Pottery Barn Kids
Have it waiting for her in the nursery when she comes home!
http://www.potterybarnkids.com/produ...-NoMerchRules-

Coach Diaper Bag
She’ll never be without it!
http://www.amazon.com/Signature-Stri...829798&sr=1-14

Whatever gift you choose, make sure to include a heartfelt card—that always means the most. :)

Sunday, October 9, 2011

Halloween Crafts!

Milk Carton Haunted Houses
Use any size of carton, from an individual sized lunch carton to a half gallon. Cut out a door and some windows and cover entirely with black construction paper. Add some cute halloween stickers and glitter, maybe some candy corn and pumpkins, and you have an adorable decoration that your kids can help create. For an extra spooky touch, add an LED tealight. Create one house, or an entire village!

Boa Bats
These would make great porch decorations! Add glitter and use different colors of construction paper for a more playful effect.
http://familyfun.go.com/halloween/ha...a-bats-669215/

Printable Pumpkin Carving Stencils
My favorite ones are the goofy faces!
http://www.paperpumpkins.com/

Tie Dye Halloween
Create a fun tee shirt, onesie, pajamas or a trick or treat bag with this adorable craft.
http://familyfun.go.com/crafts/pumpkin-shirt-674600/

Thursday, September 29, 2011

Today Is Special

I don't know why exactly, but today is special.  I don't know what is special about it really, it just is.  Now I know I might sound crazy, but trust me, it's true.

I was driving to work this morning (late of course) and instead of the usual anxiety I feel commuting downtown amongst all the traffic - I felt very much at ease. The sky had this sort of orangey warmth I can't quite explain.  And instead of turning my radio up as loud as it would go so that I could scream along with all the songs...I turned it off.  And I was happy.

I went about my work day as usual and had forgotten about my amazing drive in to work until....until I left work and got in my car for the drive home.  And sure enough, I had the same experience...the same calm sort of happiness. 

I don't know if it's Fall, the leaves starting to turn, or the perfect temperature of the day...but something is making it special.  The air even smells different, better, but different...and the breeze feels different on my face.  Everything about today feels different and amazing.

So - today may not have produced anything extraordinary for me in terms of actual events.  However, something made me stop and take notice of all the beauty that exists in a given day.  Even when we're drudging ourselves into work in the morning or rushing home to see our families at night. All of that beauty is there all of the time, if we just take a minute to notice.  And today...for whatever reason...I noticed. 

And that made this day magical for me.  :)

Here's to wishing you all a magical tomorrow.....

Friday, September 23, 2011

First Day of Fall

“Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower.”
~Albert Camus

September 23rd is the first day of autumn. Celebrate with your little ones with these adorable crafts and treats.

Pumpkin Seed Mosaic Arthttp://naturenest.wordpress.com/2008...ll-kids-craft/

Fall Leaf MobileCreate fall leaf cutouts from construction paper, fine cardboard or felt. Tape the leaves to thin ribbons, string or twine. Attach each string to a small branch and hang it where it can spin freely for all to enjoy!

Mini Pumpkin Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting

Sprinkle with nutmeg, and voila!

http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/harvest...es/detail.aspx

Butterscotch Oatmeal Cookies
Enjoy with a glass of apple cider.

http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/oatmeal...es/detail.aspx

Happy Autumn from Jen Lapel Photography!

Monday, September 12, 2011

September is National Children’s Good Manners Month!

Sit down with your little ones and enjoy these excellent etiquette reads.

The Scallywags
by David Melling
http://www.amazon.com/Scallywags-Dav...f=cm_lmf_tit_3

Emily’s Everyday Manners
by Cindy Post Senning and Peggy Post
http://www.amazon.com/Emilys-Everyda...=cm_lmf_tit_11

The Golden Rule
by Ilene Cooper
http://www.amazon.com/Golden-Rule-Il...=cm_lmf_tit_15

Thingumajig Book of Manners
by Irene Keller
http://www.amazon.com/Thingumajig-Bo...=cm_lmf_tit_19

Please is a Good Word to Say
by Barbara Joosse
http://www.amazon.com/Please-Good-Wo...=cm_lmf_tit_21

Happy Reading!
jen lapel

Monday, January 31, 2011

New Year New Beginnings New Goals

So, the hustle and bustle of the holidays are over and 2011 is here.  I always experience this sort of melancholy feeling after the holidays. I wonder if I'm alone in that feeling or if other people get it too.  It's not really a sadness - but more of a sort of calm, peace, and sense of reflection. Maybe "reflection" is a better word.  I look back at the past year and can't believe another one has come and gone. 

January of 2010 I decided that I wasn't going to make resolutions! I was not going to be one of "those people" who got all geared up for new changes and just fizzled out a few weeks or months later. Every year I made resolutions and every year I let myself down by not achieving them.  Not in 2010! Nope, not me...I showed those silly people who make resolutions...you can't let yourself down if you don't ever put yourself out there.  Well...you want to know what's interesting?  When last year drew to a close, I felt a larger sense of disappointment by not having set any goals at all then I ever did by falling short of my goals in prior years.  I sort of felt like although it was a great year filled with many weddings, my new photography hobby, and too many wonderful moments to count - it had no purpose.

So, here I go...it's 2011 and I'm making resolutions everyone! That's right...I am back!  So, to hold myself accountable I'm sharing them with all of you.  I read something interesting on Facebook recently.  I believe it was Rhonda Riha who said that you should write your goals/resolutions as if you've already achieved them.  THAT was something I had never tried before.  So followers, here we go - In 2011 I joined a new fitness program, stayed 100% committed and was a huge success!  In 2011, I made my education in photography a priority - took 4 classes, and attended one major photography conference.  In 2011, I consistently updated my blog every 2 weeks!  In 2011 I achieved balance in the personal, professional, and spiritual aspects of my life!

Ah...that felt great! Okay, now on to the pictures.   The first pictures of the year need to be extra special so I'm going to share some pictures of my nephew who is now 8 days old.  My friend Shanda (you remember her) came over yesterday and we spent nearly 4 hours with little Zander.  She is a great teacher and I'm lucky that she's so generous with her knowledge and her time.  Happy New Year!