2013 Seniors - It's that time already!!!!!

I can't believe it's time already, but it sure sneaks up fast. I am SO excited to already share this fun time with two new Seniors! Here is a preview.

Haloween 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

Our 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/

Charity Highlight

Giving back is a big part of our personal and business philosophy at Clipfell Photography. From the local level to a global stage, there are always plenty of ways to help make this world a better place.


This week, we would like to highlight the work that is being done by The International Rescue Committee http://www.rescue.org/ With the Somali famine creating an extreme crisis in East Africa, organizations like this one are making a huge difference in the lives of thousands. Often, it’s the difference between life and death. It is reported that this year’s drought is the worst in 60 years, effecting 12.5 million people and bringing the region’s malnutrition rate to the highest figure in eight years. The International Rescue Committee teams are providing refugees in Somalia, Kenya and Ethiopia with badly needed food, water and health care.

I encourage you to join me in contributing to this amazing organization in this time of crisis for the people of Eastern Africa. Every little bit makes a difference.

Alex Perry’s article in TIME Magazine offers heartbreaking insight into this reality as well as compelling theories into the cause of this humanitarian disaster. I highly recommend it:
http://www.time.com/time/magazine/ar...090388,00.html

Charity Navigator http://charitynavigator.org/, an independent charity evaluator, ranks not-for-profit organizations on the effectiveness of their programs, their control of administrative and fund-raising expenses and the transparency of their operations. The International Rescue Committee received four stars—the highest rating possible from Charity Navigator.

September!

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!

Back to school already?!

Do you have the back to school blues? Summer is almost over, and it’s time to start getting ready for the kids to return to school. No need to panic! Here are a few tips to make this transition easy and fun for you and your little ones.

Check out the school
Back to school nights are a great time to visit your child’s school, meet their new teacher and help you and your child become more at ease with their learning environment.

Gear up
You can save a lot of money by paying attention to your favorite store’s weekly ads. Make sure to buy clothes and shoes on the larger side so your children will have a little growing room. Buy everything in the same color palette so it will match no matter which combination your child chooses to wear. Pastels, primary colors and neutral earthy tones are all fun palettes that you can focus on, depending on your child’s personality and tastes.

Set up shop
A small desk, comfortable chair and a lamp are all you need to give your child a quiet place to do their homework. Let your child help you set up their study nook, and encourage them to decorate their space and make it their own.

Set a schedule
A week or two before school starts, be sure to manage your children’s sleep patterns according to their school schedule. Put them to bed early and wake them up early, so they will be used to the new schedule by the time school starts. You can also avoid television in the weeks before school starts, so your children will be more primed for active learning.

Suck up early
Okay, joking. (sort of) Show your child’s new teacher how much you appreciate all they do with an apple scented candle or a gourmet caramel apple. Attach a personal note with a fun quote about teachers. Here is one of my favorites: “A teacher takes a hand and opens a mind, touches a heart, shapes the future.” ~Author Unknown Add a wallet sized portrait or one of our custom bookmarks for an extra special touch.

With the help of these quick and easy back-to-school tips, you will be sure to get your little ones off to a great start this school year, and finally have a few minutes to yourself too. Nice work Mom!

2012 Senior Portraits

Can you believe it is already time to think about Senior Portraits?!?!! Now is the perfect time to find your photographer and get scheduled so that you do not get left out. Create memories with power to fly!

Weddings! Jeff & Sarah