New Look, New Home

My blog has been redesigned - check it out at -  www.jenlapel.wordpress.com

New features and flexibility and I can't wait to hear what you think about it!

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!

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!

“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. :)

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/

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.....

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!