Hiring a Photographer for Your Next Party {Sara Davis Photography}

Sara Davis Photography

A fun fad in the world of party planning is to hire a professional photographer to photograph your little one’s birthday party, holiday party or whatever fun event you have planned.   Just think of how much more you would enjoy the party you’ve spent weeks planning if you didn’t have to worry about capturing a picture of all the most special moments.  Plus, you’ll save yourself hours of photo editing time.

I am very excited to bring you some fabulous tips for having a professional photograph your party from Sara Davis Photography.  Sara Davis was the amazing photographer who took all of the photos as the Clueless Chick Release Party that was featured in the November 2012 issue of Walter magazine.

Sara Davis Photography

How to Hire a Professional Photographer for Your Next Party

by Sara Davis

1) Book your photographer as early as possible if your party date is not flexible OR book your favorite photographer before you set your party date.

2) Be sure to let your photographer know if there are any “must have” pictures of special guests or moments you want captured.

3) Try not to take pictures yourself during the party; let the professional handle it.  This is your time to celebrate and enjoy all of your hard work. 

4)  Introduce your photographer to important family members and friends who are on your “must have” picture list.

5)  Whether the party is outside or inside, be aware that photographs are best in really good light.  Give the photographer flexibility to position your guests in the best available light for special moments like blowing out candles, fun games, or opening gifts.

Sara Davis Photography

So book your favorite photographer and sit back and enjoy your special event! 

Until next time,

Jennifer

aka Chick #1

For all of my party planning tips pick up a copy of Party Planning Tips for the Clueless Chick.  Use coupon code SAVE25 to get 25% OFF!

Until next time,

Jennifer

aka Chick #1

A BIG thank you to Sara Davis for these great tips!

How to Save {and MAKE} Money During Maternity Leave

If you are preparing for maternity leave you may be a bit worried about stretching every dollar.  Most of us can expect to receive only a portion of our salary, or even no leave pay at all, while on maternity leave.  So whether you are planning to take 6 weeks or 6 months off of work, it’s time to start planning!

Today I shared some of my favorite tips for saving and making money on maternity leave with Amber Rupinta on ABC11 from Babiology:

ABC11 #MoneySaver with Amber Rupinta

Cut “work related” Expenses

• Skip the dry cleaners, morning trips to the coffee shop and lunches out
• If you have an older child, pull her out of day care during your leave
• Trade trips to the gas pump for long walks with the baby to save money and the environment while shedding a few pounds

Shop Smart

• Stock baby’s closet with clothes from your local consignment store or seasonal sale – or search craigslist.org.  They outgrow those adorable little outfits so quickly you can find outfits worn only once for ½ the retail price.
• Clip coupons.  Now that you’ve got a little more time on your hand, spend it planning your shopping trips.  Record a few episodes of Extreme Couponing and find a local coupon swap – use your downtime during feedings to advance your money saving mission.
• Plan ahead and shop sales.  Use your free time to pre-plan menus, shop around store sales and make freezer friendly meals you can use you go back to work and life gets crazy.

Make Money, on your own schedule

• If you aren’t on short-term disability or being paid while on leave, consider taking a flexible part time job. Check with local temp agencies, local churches/non-profits and craigslist.org for postings.  You can act as a virtual consultant in your area of expertise or provide administrative support. 
• See if your company will allow you to work 10-20% (hrs you could squeeze in over the weekend).
• Put your hobby or favorite craft to work for you.  Create an Etsy site or find a local craft fair to exhibit your handmade jewelry or hand knit newborn hats.
• When you’re comfortable exposing your newborns to other little ones, consider taking care of a friend or neighbor’s little one.
• If the day care center you’ll be using offers a referral discount, start finding new friends to refer!
• Don’t forget about the cash hanging in your closet.  If you don’t plan on having another baby take your maternity wardrobe to a local consignment store like Babiology or sell them on craigslist.org.

The key to saving money during your maternity leave is planning ahead and getting creative.  Be sure to talk to your HR department to determine what income you can expect during your leave and whether or not you can choose to defer certain taxes until you go back to work.

If you’re lucky, you may not even feel the financial impact of your maternity leave!  Shoot, you may become so adept at stretching your dollar that you decide to extend your maternity leave, or not go back to work at all.

For all of my maternity leave tips pick up a copy of Pregnancy Tips for the Clueless Chick.  Use coupon code SAVE25 to get 25% OFF!

Until next time,

Jennifer

aka Chick #1

A BIG thank you to Babiology for letting us film in their adorable store in Raleigh, NC!

Perfect Birthday Breakfast {Clueless Chick Giveaway}

S'mores Waffles + Breyers Vanilla Fudge Swirl 

= The perfect Birthday Breakfast

Based upon the fabulous response to my early S'mores Waffles post, I am excited to bring you our July Breyers Delicious Moment: The Perfect Birthday Breakfast! 

I don't know about you, but I'm a sucker for tradition and breakfast in bed on your birthday is one of my all-time favorites.  I LOVE planning the perfect birthday breakfast in bed complete with the birthday boy's favorite foods.  Sometimes I *may* go a bit overboard (shocker, I know).  Like the year my husband got a tower of tower of Krispy Kreme donuts and all of his favorite guilty pleasures from the local drive-thru (gasp!).

What, you ask, constitutes the "perfect" birthday breakfast?  Well, all you need are S'mores Waffles: 

S'mores Waffles

With two scoops of Breyers Vanilla Fudge Swirl (or your favorite flavor) and a candle and voila! You've got the perfect Birthday Breakfast!

S'mores Waffles + Breyers Vanilla Fudge Swirl 

= The perfect Birthday Breakfast

Not a morning person?  No problem!

• Make your S'mores Waffles the night (or week) before, freeze them (with waxed paper between each waffle), and toast or warm them in the oven the morning of
• Have breakfast for dinner, or serve your S'mores Waffles for dessert

Breyers Delicious Moments

In addition to the fabulous Party Planning Tips you’ve come to expect from the Clueless Chick, is bringing you all sorts of fun ideas to create Breyers Delicious Moments throughout the summer.  What could be more fun than cold ice cream on a hot summer day?  Don’t worry; we’ll have plenty of healthy delicious moments ideas too!  

I am thrilled to be working with Breyers and I can’t wait to share with you exclusive recipes, product sneak peeks and host some fun giveaways!  Breyers is kicking off a summer of Delicious Moments where you can enter even more contests online and attend some Yummyfun events in Orlando, Richmond and Raleigh in July.  Join me at the Raleigh, NC event Friday 7/26 at Marbles Kid's Museum.

{Giveaway}

Without further ado, our second Breyers Giveaway of the summer!  Enter to win a $25 Target Gift Card and some awesome Breyers coupons so that you can create Delicious Moments of your own - or pick up some paper towels ;-)  I’ll be drawing a winner on August 5^th so enter early and often.  Good luck!

Until next time,

Jennifer

aka Chick #1

a Rafflecopter giveaway

S'mores Waffles {a Clueless Chick Original}

One of my favorite treats are S'mores which is no secret given my previous S'mores Favors blog and extensive S'more S'mores Pinboard :-)  I mean come on, what's better than Graham Crackers, Chocolate and Marshmallows?  These days S'mores are not just for campfires, they have become a high end dessert - cheesecake, cookies, dip, truffles, cupcakes, you name it!  

So why not waffles?!?  That was the stroke of genius I had last weekend when planning my hubby's birthday breakfast.  So I grabbed some graham cracker crumbs and came up with this fabulous new recipe. 

It starts with a simple list of ingredients:

S’mores Waffles

by The Clueless Chick 

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

2 tablespoons sugar

¾ cup graham cracker crumbs

1 teaspoon baking powder

½ teaspoon baking soda

¼ teaspoon salt

2 eggs

2 cups whole milk (or buttermilk)

½ cup vegetable oil

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 cup chocolate chips

2 cups mini marshmallows

1. Combine all dry ingredients, flour, sugar, graham cracker crumbs, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl and set aside.
2. In a separate bowl beat eggs, add milk, oil and vanilla.  Add egg mixture to dry ingredients, stirring only until moistened then add chocolate chips.
3. Pour ~1 cup of batter onto a preheated, lightly greased, waffle iron.  Quickly sprinkle batter with mini marshmallows.  Close lid immediately and leave closed until waffle is fully cooked.
4. Remove waffle with fork or bamboo tongs.  Repeat until you have used all remaining batter.  Serve warm with Breyer’s Chocolate Ice Cream and a dollop of Marshmallow Fluff.

Sprinkle mini marshmallows over waffle batter 

and immediately close the waffle iron.

You can also skip this step and sprinkle marshmallows

on top of the warm waffles. 

Be forewarned that it is nearly impossible to make 

S'mores Waffles without snacking on them :-)

S'mores Waffles are the perfect addition to your:

~Birthday Breakfast

~Brunch

~Breakfast for Dinner

~Dessert

~ Late Night Snack

 

Happy Waffle Making!

Until next time,
Jennifer
aka Chick #1

Post-Natal Pilates {even 2 years later!}

Did you know that post-natal Pilates isn’t just for brand new mommies?!? If you haven’t yet reclaimed your pre-baby body, or if you’ve never had abs of steel, Libby from Studio Sculpt has the perfect exercise for you. Libby introduced me to Pilates just recently and boy have I been pleased with the results!! So naturally I asked Libby to share her ultimate post-natal Pilates move with you:

 Hi Chicks,

The number one muscle women forget to retrain, and keep training, after having a baby is the deepest core muscle, the transverse. This muscle has nothing to do with your six-pack, but actually this is the core muscle that hugs and holds your spine in place like a natural corset providing core strength and support for your back.  One of the best moves you can do for your deepest core is the knee hover.

The Knee Hover

1. Start by coming on all fours, hands underneath shoulders, and knees underneath hips.
2. Tuck and round your lower back, think about tucking your hips under.
3. Take a big inhale and exhale without losing this round in the lower back (this is the most difficult part), lift the knees off the floor.
4. Hold for 5 seconds eventually challenging yourself until you can hold this position one minute.
5. See if you can get your core to shake, if your core is not shaking relax your shoulders. Shaking is good, that means the core is working.

At first this may seem impossible, but slowly this will make the deep core muscles start to fire, eventually your body will start to use this muscle when it is under strain, instead of your back. Now how cool is that?

Depending on where you are post baby, whether you are just starting back into your fitness routine, or your child is old enough to do this move with you, this should be a part of your core work at least three times a week.

-Libby

Studio Sculpt

Check out Studio Sculpt’s PINK (Pre and Post Natal) class that focus on activating the deep transverse core, counteracting imbalances from holding children on one side, and deep pelvic floor and core connecting exercises like the knee hover. For more information visit www.studiosculptpilates.com

This blog is meant to inform and entertain the general public and other healthcare providers on nutrition and health issues. Information on this blog does not replace that of your own health care provider. The opinions presented on this blog are my own and do not necessarily represent that of my employer. Please consult a physician before beginning any new physical activity program.

my name is Libby, i am a lover of all things fitness, food, and fabulous things! i spend most of my time working with clients and teaching them how to move better and live better through pilates.  ive come to find that moving everyday, eating clean, and experiencing fabulous things is when i feel the happiest. I started this adventure of pilates and eating cleaner in LA and NYC almost 7 years ago.  at the pulse of fitness and health i found that getting your core to work properly is the secret to it all, and believe it or not it is pretty simple with pilates.

I Scream, You Scream… {Clueless Chick Giveaway}

I know two little guys (and one big one) who are a tad bit excited that Mama is now a Brand Ambassador for Breyer’s :-) Needless to say we had to celebrate with some, you guessed it, ice cream.

For this special occasion, each of the boys got to pick out their own favorite flavor.  

Needless to say they were in heaven!

Girl Scout Thin Mint

M&M’s Milk Chocolate

Dada of course couldn’t be left out of the fun ;-) 

Unfortunately he didn’t get to take his ice cream home

Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups

In true Clueless Chick form, this quick trip to Target had to include a little hunt for some fun inspiration.  You would be amazed at how many of my ideas start when I’m wandering the aisles of Target.  On this trip I was limiting myself to fun items I can use for all of the ice cream fun we’ll be having this summer, and I had to be quick with all 3 boys in tow.

What I found, for $1.48 each, are true little gems that will surely be making appearances at a variety of summer parties:

You can't beat frozen ice cream bowls for $1.48!

These adorable ice cream bowls can be frozen which makes them extra versatile.  I look at these bowls and I don’t just see ice cream bowl, I see:

• Grape and strawberry serving bowls at a pool party
• Dip bowl at a backyard BBQ
• Fresh mozzarella serving bowl at a bitty bites baby shower
• Whipped cream serving bowl on your ice cream sundae buffet
• Cheese square snack bowl at a second birthday party

The bowls will also of course be making guest appearances in various Breyer’s Delicious Moments throughout the summer.  What other fabulous ideas to you have for these little gems?  Leave a comment below and the best idea will be incorporated into an upcoming post!

What else do you have to look forward to?

In addition to the fabulous Party Planning Tips you’ve come to expect form the Clueless Chick, we will be brining you all sorts of fun ideas to create Breyer’s Delicious Moments throughout the summer.  What could be more fun than cold ice cream on a hot summer day?  Don’t worry, we’ll have plenty of healthy delicious moments ideas too!  

I am thrilled to be working with Breyer’s and I can’t wait to share with you exclusive recipes, product sneak peeks and host some fun giveaways!  Breyer’s is kicking off a summer of Delicious Moments where you can enter even more contests online and attend some Yummyfun events in Orlando, Richmond and Raleigh in July – so stay tuned for even more info.

{Giveaway}

Without further ado, our first Breyer’s Giveaway of the summer!  Today you can enter to win a $25 Target Gift Card and some awesome Breyer’s coupons so that you can create Delicious Moments of your own - or pick up some paper towels ;-)  I’ll be drawing a winner on July 15^th so enter early and often.  Good luck!

Until next time,

Jennifer

aka Chick #1

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Toddler + Restaurant = Stress-Free??

Jennifer Durbin on My Carolina Today 06.19.13

On June 19^th I was lucky enough to appear on My Carolina Today again and meet the new co-host Mike Morse.  What fun we had this time!  Well, we always have fun, but this time I got to test Volanda and Mike’s traveling with baby knowhow with a little quiz on eating our with your little one from Baby Traveling Tips for the Clueless Chick.

So let’s test your knowledge!

1.  You should never take your little one to a restaurant that does not normally serve children?

False

If your child is well behaved, feel free to take her to any (yes any) restaurant, even one that doesn’t have highchairs.  Just don’t forget your On The Go Booster Seat and Gripper Sipper from The First Years.

2.  You should worry about the cleanliness of highchairs and tables at any restaurant?

True

Try as they might, it is nearly impossible to keep highchairs clean, especially when people turn them over to rest an infant carrier on the “bottom”.  All you need is a Green Sprouts high chair cover and table topper and you’re ‘covered’ he he ;-)

3.  It is easy to travel with homemade baby food?

True

By prepping your baby food in Baby Cubes or a Little Green Pouch, you can pop them in your diaper bag and you’re good to go.  If you need to thaw frozen food, just ask the waitress for a cup of hot water.

4.  When eating out you have to order from the Kid’s menu?

False

First, bring a few snacks like your favorite NurturMe yum-a-roo’s.  Second, look for a meal that you can share with your little one – what are the chances you’ll finish your entire dish anyway?  Third, if you have 2 little ones, let them split one kid’s meal.

5.  Keeping a toddler occupied long enough to have a nice meal is impossible?

False

Always, always, always have baby’s favorite Linki Uni and snacks handy.  Be sure to have an extra few crayons and Post-it notes in your diaper bag for craft time and don’t forget to ask for the check as soon as your food arrives just in case you do need to make a quick exit ;-)

Taking your little one to your favorite restaurant, or eating out while you are traveling can be surprisingly stress-free with a little strategic planning.  Now don’t get me wrong, if you’re in the throws of the terrible twos or your little angel likes to hurl his peas across the room, I’d skip the restaurant and order in ;-)

For more must have tips for traveling with your little one, pick up a copy of Baby Traveling Tips for the Clueless Chick.  Use coupon code SAVE25 to get 25% OFF!

Until next time,

Jennifer

aka Chick #1

A BIG thank you to the companies who provided samples of their products for this taping:

The First Years (part of the TOMY family)

Green Sprouts

Little Green Pouch

PouchPop

Baby Cubes

NurturMe

2 Red Hens

Kleynimals

Kushies

Holly Aiken

Each of the above mentioned manufacturers provided samples of their products for use as props.  I was in no way compensated for my honest product recommendations.  These are, in my humble opinion, some of the best products out there!