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    family session, maryland photographers

    Family of Four maryland session

    May 7, 2019
    by

    “We were at the airport when Ben+Tara returned from China with 1-yr old Ellie. She clung to Ben, obviously overwhelmed by the reception of strange people in a strange place. A little more than a year on it’s clear she completes the family that was meant for her and she for them. I’m so lucky to call them friends!“- Thuis Studios

    Family of Four maryland session
    Family of Four maryland session
    Family of Four maryland session

    Photographer: Thuis Studios, Southern Maryland
    Find more from Thuis Studios on Instagram

    To submit a family, maternity, lifestyle, birth, or fresh 48 session, please contact us!

    for families, recipe

    Grandma’s candied carrots recipe

    May 6, 2019
    by

    These candied carrots are such an easy side dish that it almost feels silly to post it, but here’s why I am. Food brings about such nostalgic feelings and this is one of those dishes for me personally that does.

    Every year at the Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter dinner tables, this was always there. After college, the visits back home became fewer and fewer for whatever reason and this simple little dish became something I missed and appreciated more.

    When I started my own traditions of holidays dinners, there was no thinking about whether or not this little dish would be there. It was a no-brainer. Upon her passing in 2013 and going through her things, my mom saw her recipe card for these and thought of me. Just thinking of the smell makes me miss her even more, but I am so thankful that this recipe belongs to me now and I can continue passing it down to my boys.

    candied carrots

    Recipe

    • 1/2 cup water
    • 1 1/2 cups
    • 3 tablespoons butter or margarine
    • 2 tablespoons honey
    • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
    • 2 small bags of baby carrots or 1 bag of full size carrots (julienne them)

    Saucepan directions-

    In Medium saucepan, bring water to a boil. Add Carrots. Cover and book over medium heat for 8-12 minutes or until carrots are tender. Once tender;drain.

    In Large skillet, melt butter and stir in brown sugar and honey. Keep stirring for about 30-60 seconds and then add carrots. Cook over low heat stirring constantly until carrots are well glazed.

    Prep/cook time: 15-20 minutes Makes aprox. 4 servings

    candied carrots

    If you have a family friendly or fun recipe to submit, please feel free to email us at info@thefamilyjourneys.com or contact us here

    family session, South Carolina photographers

    Summerville SC family session

    May 3, 2019
    by

    “It was a pleasure photographing the Mugica family a few weeks ago. They are the sweetest family and I became friends with Gladys while planning her session. She had a specific look she wanted for her family photos so we discussed some possibilities for locations and wardrobe. The best tool for helping clients decide on what clothes to wear for their session is Style and Select. “

    “If you’ve never heard of it, look them up now! It lets you select all of your family members, input specific info about them, and then choose a few color palettes you may like. Once you put in all that info it gives you options for each family member. Immediately after youre done they send you a list of all your choices and the links to buy each item on the list. I mean how cool is that?! “

    “Here are a few of my favorites from their session in Summerville so you can see for yourself! ” Melissa Hunt (photographer)

    Summerville SC family session
    Summerville SC family session
    Summerville SC family session

    “Do you see how important outfit choices can be? The colors complimented each other so beautifully and because everything flowed so well it let their connection and story of their family shine through. ”


    If you are a photographer and you want to know more about what Style and Select can offer your clients check out their website herehttps://styleandselect.com

    Photographer: Melissa from Oakley Photography– Summerville, SC
    See more from Melissa on Instagram

    Have a session or article that you’d like to submit, contact us here!

    advice, gift ideas, Gift ideas for women

    What moms want- A Mother’s day Guide

    May 2, 2019
    by

    Tell me what you want, what you really really want…..

    ok, moving on. I asked a lot of women who are mothers what they wanted for Mother’s day, in an honest, no holds barred way. Now, there are times when us moms say things like “we really need a new vacuum” or “I really want a new phone” but here is what moms REALLY want for Mother’s day. Get ready to take notes.

    Top ideas, in no particular order

    -A massage trip. Make it a good 60-90 minutes and add a glass of champagne or facial for bonus points. (use spafinder.com to find a location near you)

    -handmade gifts from the kids. Pinterest has SO many ideas for this, so some research and get your kids involved. Kids love doing arts and crafts and will love to help and take part in a sweet gift for their mom. (see some ideas here, here and here)

    what moms want

    -Let her sleep in. Not with the door open and kids being allowed to run by or run in and interrupt the sleep. Trust me, a happy mom is a better mom. Bonus points if she can wake up to a CLEAN house, too!

    -breakfast in bed with her favorite beverage that the kids help prepare. Starbucks, mimosa, bloody mary- judge-free zone here. Or, take her to her favorite brunch place with the family!

    -If you’re privy to the information needed for this one, this is a good one. A girls day complete with her favorite friends, at a fun place, with a couple bottles of wine. Or, plan an activity for them all to do if drinking isn’t in her plan. Anything she doesn’t have to plan is a bonus.

    -If sleeping in isn’t an option, one thing a lot of moms have told me is that having a nice long nap would be a wonderful idea.

    A few more…

    I might be biased being that I am a photographer, but a photo session/mini session with a photographer in your area! You may hear that moms are often the ones who take the pictures and are rarely in them and it’s pretty true. Trust me, she will absolutely love this!

    a mothers day guide
    Photo by Meghan Casey Photography

    -If this is financially feasible, a night at a hotel complete with fuzzy bathrobe and some room service would be heaven for many moms. Some women (myself included) won’t take the initiative to plan something like this because of a timing issues, or in my case, mom guilt. If you can make this work for the woman in your life, I am sure she would be immensely grateful.

    Happy Mother’s Day!!!

    advice, for families, travel

    Packing tips for families

    May 1, 2019
    by

    Laura is the blogger and influencer behind Frugal for Luxury, a family travel and family lifestyle blog, where she inspires fellow parents to make remarkable family memories. A mom of 3 and happily married, Laura and her family travel often and enjoy adventuring in foreign lands.

    Follow her on social media: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest.

    Packing tips for families

    Let’s talk family travel for a minute…

    If you traveled before kids, chances are high that you love the adventure and exploring inherent to travel.

    But now you have kids, you say? Great! Kids love adventures, they love exploring, and I want you to start them on travel, as early as possible!

    My daughter crossed the Atlantic for the first time, when she was 8 weeks old. She and her siblings have pretty much been traveling ever since. Our son crossed his first border when he was just 13 hours fresh… Travel is inside them, it is who they are.

    We have taken all three kids to 4 continents so far, and if you ask me the recipe for a happy and tight family, I will tell you, without a doubt – FAMILY TRAVEL.

    So now that you have kids, and can’t wait to take them on fun family adventures, comes the time to pack your bags!!!

    Yay!!

    Time to pack

    Nope… my least-anticipated chore of any sort of travel. I do not like packing, I procrastinate it, then delay it some more, and when we are finally about to leave… I pack…

    I have never liked packing for trips – kids or not… But I have become good at it, and can have the whole family packed in about an hour. (I do let the hubby pack his own stuff!!)

    Let’s talk about what goes into the checked luggages, what you should keep handy in the airplane, and what you should be leaving home!

    The list below is considering that none of us like paying for checked luggages… So I will have you pack 2 luggages max, per family, for a 7-night trip!

    Checked Luggage

    In your checked luggage, you will want to pack the essentials, and customize it for your destination (snow trip? beach vacation? Disney visit? I have links below for each type of vacation).

    This is what you will want for each traveler, for 7 nights in a warm-weather destination:

    CLOTHING

    • 4 pairs of shorts
    • 2 pairs of pants (one to be worn in the airplane)
    • 4 to 6 casual shirts
    • 2 dresses for women / girls
    • 1 sweater
    • 1 cardigan
    • 2 – 3 work-out outfits if plan on hitting the gym
    • 7 underwear
    • 3 pairs of socks
    • 2 swimsuits (with UV shirts)
    • 1 pair of flip flops
    • 1 pair of closed-toe shoes (to be worn in the airplane)
    • 1 hat
    ACCESSORIES / TOILETRIES
    • 1 pair of sunglasses
    • 10-15 diapers (just enough to get you to your destination and back! Put half in your carry-on)
    • 1 toothbrush
    • 1 deodorant
    • 1 hairbrush 

    GRAB ONE

    • 1 tube of sunscreen SPF 50
    • 1 after-sun lotion
    • 1 bottle of ibuprofen (kids and adults)
    • 1 tweezer
    • 1 nail scissors
    • 1 baby butt cream
    • 5-10 bandaids
    • any prescription medication!

    Carry-On Bag

    The carry-on bag is for flight essentials. Remember that you are traveling with kids. You will probably be carrying at least one child through airports, security, at the gate, on your laps in the air, to the hotel, from the hotel, and so on, etc….

    Your carry-on needs to be as light as possible. This is what you should be packing:

    • 2 books / e-reader
    • 1 tablet
    • 1 iPod (yes, I still do that…)
    • 1 pair of quality headphones
    • charging cables
    • 1 pack of gums for the airplane
    • chapstick
    • baby’s safety blanket and pacifier

    What NOT To Pack

    Let’s get to the meat of the subject and look at all the things you DO NOT need to pack. I know you won’t believe me right away, but your wallet and your back will thank me.

    The items below can be purchased at destination. I mean it… no matter where you’re going, every country has the following items pretty much shelved at any store.

    Do not over charge yourself. You’ll move slower, you’ll get frustrated. You will also pay much higher baggage fees, which could be spent at destination:

    DIAPERS

    Yes, I did it… I am telling you not to pack diapers, outside of the 10 to 15, which will get you to your destination and back. All other diapers (which can be 50+ diapers for a week-long trip), you can buy at destination!

    BABY FOOD / FORMULA

    Same thing. Those are heavy and can be bulky. Unless you have a baby with strict dietary restrictions and you are traveling out of the country, buy those at destination. Children without dietary restrictions will learn to like what other countries taste like! You are doing your child and yourself a huge favor!

    TONS OF SUNSCREEN

    Make sure to pack 1 tube of sunscreen SPF 50. More would just be weight… buy it locally if you need more than one.

    I hope this article helped you demystify family packing!

    I know it can be overwhelming to try to think about everything everyone will need. But take it one person at a time, and only pack the essentials. Travel is also made for the thrill and memories. Enjoy the moment and don’t over think it.

    Enter your email address HERE to receive this list and a few more items in printable format!

    ACCESSORIES / TOILETRIES

    • 1 pair of sunglasses
    • 10-15 diapers (just enough to get you to your destination and back! Put half in your carry-on)
    • 1 toothbrush
    • 1 deodorant
    • 1 hairbrush 

    GRAB ONE

    • 1 tube of sunscreen SPF 50
    • 1 after-sun lotion
    • 1 bottle of ibuprofen (kids and adults)
    • 1 tweezer
    • 1 nail scissors
    • 1 baby butt cream
    • 5-10 bandaids
    • any prescription medication!

    Carry-On Bag

    The carry-on bag is for flight essentials. Remember that you are traveling with kids. You will probably be carrying at least one child through airports, security, at the gate, on your laps in the air, to the hotel, from the hotel, and so on, etc….

    Your carry-on needs to be as light as possible. This is what you should be packing:

    • 2 books / e-reader
    • 1 tablet
    • 1 iPod (yes, I still do that…)
    • 1 pair of quality headphones
    • charging cables
    • 1 pack of gums for the airplane
    • chapstick
    • baby’s safety blanket and pacifier

    What NOT To Pack

    Let’s get to the meat of the subject and look at all the things you DO NOT need to pack. I know you won’t believe me right away, but your wallet and your back will thank me.

    The items below can be purchased at destination. I mean it… no matter where you’re going, every country has the following items pretty much shelved at any store.

    Do not over charge yourself. You’ll move slower, you’ll get frustrated. You will also pay much higher baggage fees, which could be spent at destination:

    DIAPERS

    Yes, I did it… I am telling you not to pack diapers, outside of the 10 to 15, which will get you to your destination and back. All other diapers (which can be 50+ diapers for a week-long trip), you can buy at destination!

    BABY FOOD / FORMULA

    Same thing. Those are heavy and can be bulky. Unless you have a baby with strict dietary restrictions and you are traveling out of the country, buy those at destination. Children without dietary restrictions will learn to like what other countries taste like! You are doing your child and yourself a huge favor!

    TONS OF SUNSCREEN

    Make sure to pack 1 tube of sunscreen SPF 50. More would just be weight… buy it locally if you need more than one.

    I hope this article helped you demystify family packing!

    I know it can be overwhelming to try to think about everything everyone will need. But take it one person at a time, and only pack the essentials. Travel is also made for the thrill and memories. Enjoy the moment and don’t over think it.

    Enter your email address HERE to receive this list and a few more items in printable format!

    Packing tips for families
    packing tips for families
    packing tips for families

    To submit an article for families – contact us!

    Welcome

    Welcome to The Family Journeys!

    May 1, 2019
    by

    Hi! Hey! Hola! I am so very excited to finally say “Welcome to The Family Journeys!”


    When I first had this idea to create something for both photographers and families, I admit, I doubted most every aspect of it. Making it so that both sets of groups feel welcome, important, heard, understood, appreciated and valued is no easy feat. I realize there will be a learning curve to truly make this all of those things,but here we are! Finally launching something we have been working on and curating for a few months now! I feel like I am birthing a baby- except ya know, there’s no actual pain.

    so, what’s it all about?

    Anywho- Let me tell you a little about what The Family Journeys is about. The Family Journeys, or TFJ as you’ll see me abbreviate it as, was started after I switched from the wedding photography industry to being primarily a family photographer. There are several spaces online and in print where photographers and brides can go to submit their work and their articles on experiences shooting or planning a wedding. Having switched to family photography, I quickly realized there are not even as close to as many options in the family realm and I would try and fill that void.

    In creating TFJ, I wanted BOTH a place where family photographers could go to submit their sessions and show off their amazing talent, but also somewhere that everyday families could go and gather information, resources, tips, and ideas for various family related activities as well. This meant really brainstorming how to make everything work and be able to meet those goals. With a launch date set to May 1st, I knew it was crunch time and off I went gathering content and curating posts!

    Without going into tedious details, it really has been a fun experience for me. Reaching out and getting to know so many other amazing people through gathering sessions and articles has been the most rewarding thus far. In the spirit of Community over Competition, I am here to showcase all of these amazing talents that the Family Photography community has. While doing that, we will also be bringing you recipes from families that they have found easy and well loved by their own broods. I hope that this site brings something for everyone and in the process allows you to create more fantastic memories with your own families.

    So, without further ado, Welcome. We are so thrilled you’re here. Browse the pages and check every single thing out and check back often as we will likely be consistently updating most of the pages weekly. Enjoy it all!

    Thank you so very much for being here
    -Amanda
    founder//Editor

    “The Family is one of Nature’s masterpieces”

    family session, florida photographers

    Dreamy Florida family session

    March 1, 2019
    by
    dreamy florida family session

    It was end of December and while in most places it would be cold, but not in Florida. It was a gorgeous day and this family was all smiles. Here comes this dreamy florida family session! Sara and Paul were celebrating 10 years married and just got back from a Disney Cruise- sans kids!!! 10 years is a huge milestone and they decided for such an occasion, a family photo shoot was much needed!

    “We spent some time photographing the whole family looking dapper as ever and then mom and dad got to spend some time together as I snapped their photos with the kids close behind acting as paparazzi! ” -Amanda

    dreamy florida family session
    dreamy florida family session
    dreamy florida family session
    dreamy florida family session

    This session was fun loving and super sweet. Showing an incredible bond between the four of them and a very whimsical look to the whole session with such great light and emotion!

    Photographed by Amanda McMahon Photography, Melbourne Florida

    Interested in submitting a session, please feel free to head here