For as long as I’ve been a photographer/parent, the topic of feeding babies, toddlers, children and teenagers has been a hot one. (If you’ve ever visited me for a Cakesmash session, you’ll know that even given free rein on the cake, some children prefer to take their time rather than dive right in. Some babies won’t eat the cake at all!!. Children go through so many phases, with their tastes changing so frequently that lots of parents prefer to make lunches to take to school when the time comes, so you know your child is being given something that they’ll actually eat.

However, packing school lunches can sometimes feel like a daily challenge, especially if you have more than one child. But fear not, because today, I’m giving you some tips on making packed lunches filled with delicious recipes and some intriguing lunch box fun facts to keep things interesting.

The Lunchbox: A Mini Treasure Chest

Let’s begin with some fascinating fun facts about lunchboxes:

• Lunchboxes date back to the 19th century but became widely popular in the mid-20th century.
• The first metal lunchboxes were introduced in the 1950s, featuring iconic characters like Mickey Mouse
• Lunchboxes now come in various materials, including metal, plastic, and fabric.
• Traditional metal lunchboxes are now collectibles, with vintage designs fetching high prices.
• The largest-ever sandwich, according to Guinness, was a corned-beef sandwich made in 2005. It was made by the staff at Wild Woody’s Chill and Grill in Roseville, Michigan. It tipped the scales at a whopping 5,440 pounds, or more than 2 tons.

Delightful Packed Lunch Ideas

Now, let’s explore some scrumptious and creative packed lunch recipes that will keep your family excited about lunchtime.  You don’t need to focus on sandwiches – I’ve included tons of ideas here to get you out of the rut!

Turkey and Avocado Wraps:

• Spread a tortilla with cream cheese.
• Add slices of turkey, avocado, lettuce, and tomato.
• Roll it up and slice into pinwheels.

Mini Veggie Quiches:

• Mix eggs, milk, grated cheese, and diced veggies.
• Pour the mixture into mini muffin tins.
• Bake until set and golden brown.
• You can make a muffin pan full of these and freeze them until you need them.  This save precious time in the mornings!

Trail Mix:

• Create a mix of seeds, crackers, cereal (such as cheerios), dried fruits, and chocolate chips for a sweet and savoury treat. (Avoid adding nuts as most schools are now nut free).
• Make up a big batch and store it in a glass container in the fridge for freshness.

DIY Bento Box:

• Fill a divided lunch container with bite-sized portions of fruits, veggies, cheese, and crackers.
• Add a fun-shaped sandwich or rice balls for variety.

Pasta Salad:

• Toss cooked pasta with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, sweetcorn, and feta cheese.
• Drizzle with a simple vinaigrette or mayo dressing.
• This is a recipe that can be made up for a couple of days at a time, portioning out as you need it.  Perfect if you have more than one child or are short of time in the mornings.

Fruit Salad:

• Chop up a variety of fruit and berries – make up 3 days worth in advance and keep in a glass jar in the fridge to stop it turning mushy or brown (Remember to always slice grapes lengthways!)
• Serve with a side of yogurt for dipping.

Veggie and Hummus Cups:

• Fill small tupperware/tubs with hummus. 
• Add carrot sticks, cucumber slices, and cherry tomatoes for dipping.

These lunchbox ideas are not only delicious but also very easily customisable to suit your family’s preferences.  

FREE! 'Animal Facts Lunchbox Cards'

To add a little extra fun and help your little ones spark conversation at the lunch table, I’ve created a fabulous set of 50 'Animal Facts' cards.

You can print these little cards out at home and pop one in their lunchbox each day – your little ones will love the animal facts!

Download my 'Animal Facts Lunchbox Cards' for FREE by completing the form below!

So, there you have it – a guide to making packed lunches more exciting. Lunchtime just got a whole lot more enjoyable!

Travelling with babies and toddlers in the summer can be both a blessing and a curse!  Your family holidays are all about creating wonderful memories for your children and yourselves.  But we all know that travelling with babies and toddlers can be a stressful experience. From keeping little ones entertained during the journey to ensuring they are comfortable and safe throughout the holiday, there is always something to think about.

I’ve been working with families as a portrait photographer for such a long time that I’ve picked up some really useful tips along the way. I’ve pulled them all together here to make your summer travel with young children as stress-free as possible.

Preparing for the Journey

Plan Ahead: Preparation is key when travelling with young children. Book your accommodations and travel tickets well in advance to secure child-friendly options. Research the amenities available at your destination to ensure they meet your family’s needs.

Pack Smart: Make a checklist of essentials, including nappies, baby wipes, snacks, toys, and extra clothing. Pack a dedicated carry-on bag with all the necessities to keep your baby or toddler comfortable and entertained during the journey.

Travel During Naptime: If possible, schedule your travel times to coincide with your child’s nap schedule. This can make the journey more peaceful and allow you some time to relax.

Comfortable Clothing: Dress your child in comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing. Layers are ideal, as they can be adjusted to changing temperatures in airports, planes, or cars.

Tips for the Journey

Snacks and Drinks: Keep a variety of healthy snacks and drinks handy. Hydration is especially important in the summer, so make sure to offer fluids regularly. Avoid sugary snacks that can lead to energy spikes and crashes.

Entertainment: Bring a selection of toys, books, and games to keep your little one entertained. Consider downloading a few of their favourite shows or apps on a tablet or smartphone for emergencies.

Frequent Breaks: If travelling by car, plan for regular stops to allow your child to stretch their legs and burn off some energy. These breaks can also provide much-needed rest for the driver.

Comfort Items: Don’t forget to bring your child’s favourite comfort item, whether it’s a blanket, stuffed animal, or pacifier. These familiar objects can provide a sense of security in new environments.

Making the most of your holiday

Child friendly accommodation: Choose accommodation that caters to families with young children. Look for places with amenities like cribs, high chairs, and play areas. Proximity to attractions and conveniences like supermarkets and pharmacies is also a plus.

Keep Routines: Try to maintain your child’s usual routine as much as possible. Consistent nap times, meal times, and bedtime rituals can help your child adjust to the new environment and reduce stress.

Safety First: Baby-proof your accommodation by checking for potential hazards such as sharp corners, loose wires, and accessible outlets. Bring outlet covers and other safety devices if necessary.

Outdoor Activities: Take advantage of the summer weather by engaging in outdoor activities. Beaches, parks, and nature trails are great options for families. Remember to pack sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses to protect your little one from the sun.

Be Flexible: Travel plans can often change, especially with young children. Be ready to adjust your itinerary as needed. Allow for downtime in your schedule to accommodate your child's needs.

Capture the Memories: Don’t forget to document your trip with photos and videos. These memories will be cherished for years to come and can be a fun way to reflect on your adventures.

FREE! Travelling with a Toddler Checklists

Travelling with babies and toddlers in the summer requires a bit more planning and patience, but it’s well worth the effort. By preparing for the journey, packing wisely, and choosing child-friendly activities and accommodations, you can create a stress-free and enjoyable holiday for the whole family. Embrace the adventure, and make the most of the special moments spent exploring new places together.

I have created a set of checklists for 'Travelling with a Toddler' including:

- Toddler Travel Packing List

- Flying with a Toddler Checklist

- Long Car Travels with Toddlers

You can download my 'Travelling with a Toddler' checklists for FREE by completing the form below!

Summer is the perfect time to capture beautiful family portraits. With longer days, warmer weather (we hope!), and vibrant natural backdrops, it’s a wonderful time to create stunning images that showcase your family’s unique personality and bonds.

Whether you are planning a photoshoot day, or just want to capture some lovely pictures to remember a family day trip, here are some tips for capturing perfect family photos this summer.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT LOCATION

The beauty of summer lies in its variety of scenic locations that can serve as the perfect backdrop for family portraits. Here are some ideas:

Parks and Gardens: Lush greenery, blooming flowers, and expansive open spaces make parks and gardens ideal. Look for local botanical gardens or well-maintained parks that offer a mix of flora and open spaces.

Beaches: Nothing says summer like a day at the beach. The golden sand, rolling waves, and expansive skies provide a stunning backdrop. Opt for early morning or late afternoon photos to avoid harsh midday sun and capture the soft, flattering light.

Countryside and Farms: Fields of wildflowers, rustic barns, and wide-open fields can give your photos a charming, pastoral feel. These locations are perfect for a more relaxed, natural vibe.

Urban Settings: If your family loves the hustle and bustle of city life, urban environments can also work well. Look for colourful murals, quaint streets, or city parks that offer a mix of greenery and urban elements.

Photography Studio: If you’d rather not take your chances on the weather or would like professional family portraits, we can schedule a session in my studio!

COORDINATING OUTFITS

One of the key aspects of a successful family portrait is coordinating outfits that reflect the season’s vibrant colours. Here are some tips:

Colour Palette: Embrace the bright and cheerful colours of summer. Think of hues like coral, turquoise, sunny yellow, and fresh greens. These colours pop against natural backdrops and enhance the overall feel of the photos.

Avoid Over-Matching: While coordination is essential, avoid having everyone in identical outfits. Instead, choose a colour palette and let each family member wear different shades and patterns within that range. This creates visual harmony without looking too uniform.

Comfort is Key: Summer can get quite warm, so choose lightweight, breathable fabrics. Flowy dresses, linen shirts, and comfortable shorts can keep everyone cool and relaxed.

Accessories and Layers: Accessories can add a fun touch to your photos. Consider adding hats, scarves, or statement jewellery that fits the summer theme. Lightweight layers like cardigans or shawls can also add depth to your outfits.

TIMING AND LIGHTING

Summer’s long days offer flexible timing for photos, but the quality of light can make a significant difference. Here are some tips for photos at different times of the day:

Bright Sunshine and the Middle of the Day: Sunlight is harshest in the middle of the day creating hard shadows, over blown highlghts and squinted eyes! Seek out shaded areas to avoid harsh sunlight. Trees, buildings, or umbrellas can offer relief and create a more comfortable environment for you. If no shade is available, try to place your subjects with the light behind them.

Backlighting: Having the sun behind your subjects can create beautiful 'halos'. Be careful not to get the sun in the shot though or you will get under exposed images and lighting flares (though sometimes breaking these rules can work too!)

Golden Hour: The hour after sunrise and the hour before sunset, known as the golden hour, provides the most flattering natural light. This time of day offers soft, warm tones that are perfect for capturing the essence of summer.

Overcast Days: Don’t be discouraged by cloudy weather! Overcast days can provide even lighting and reduce harsh shadows, making for perfect portraits.

POSING AND INTERACTION

Natural, candid interactions often make for the best family portraits. Encourage your family to play, laugh, and enjoy the moment. Here are a few examples:

Activity-Based Poses: Incorporate activities your family enjoys, such as having a picnic, playing a game, or simply walking together. These activities can help everyone relax and interact naturally.

Close-Up Moments: Capture close-up shots of intimate moments, like a child holding a parent’s hand or siblings sharing a laugh. These details can highlight the emotional connections within your family.

Group Dynamics: Mix up the groupings in your photos. Take shots of the whole family, but also capture smaller groupings, like just the children or the parents alone. This variety adds depth to your photo collection.

By carefully selecting your location, coordinating outfits, and choosing the right time for your photos, you can create beautiful, lasting memories of your family enjoying the summer season. Embrace the warmth, colour, and joy that summer brings, and let your family’s unique personality shine through in every shot.

And of course, if you need some help creating the perfect family portrait, drop me a line and we can plan the perfect portrait session together! 

As a professional portrait photographer, I have the pleasure of capturing some of the most beautiful and fleeting moments of life. One thing I have observed over the years that I’ve been a professional photographer is the curiosity of children; their wide-eyed wonder at the world around them is simply magical. It’s one of the reasons I love working with families.

With summer around the corner, I thought I would share some ideas for creative, family-friendly photography-themed activities to entertain your little ones, help them nurture their creative flair and perhaps, even spark an early interest in photography.

DIY Camera Craft:
Kickstart your summer with a hands-on DIY project. Kids love crafting and what could be better than creating their own camera! With just a few items from around the house like a small box, a bottle cap for a lens, and a string to hang around their neck, your child can make a cute, pretend camera. This fun craft project can also teach them about the basic structure of a camera.

Nature Photography Hike:
Make the most of the warm weather and the school holidays and take your kids on a nature walk or hike. Equip them with a disposable camera or a child-friendly digital camera and let them explore. Your children can learn to appreciate the beauty of nature and also understand different elements of a photograph, like subject, background, light, and angles.

Picture Story Telling:
Allow your children to narrate a story through a series of photographs. They could create a storyboard first and then set out to capture those shots. This exercise not only stimulates creativity but also helps in developing their storytelling skills.

Self-Portrait Sessions:
Teach your children about self-portraits. Show them different examples and encourage them to take their own using a smartphone or a camera. You’d be surprised at their unique perspectives about themselves.

Macro Magic:
Introduce them to the world of macro photography. Show them how to take close-up shots of flowers, insects, or everyday objects. If your phone camera has a macro mode, let them play around with it. This can be a magical experience for them.

Shadow Play:
Summers are great for outdoor play and a perfect time to experiment with shadows. Teach your children about the concept of light and shadow in photography. They can create interesting shapes and patterns using different objects and capture their shadows.

Editing Fun:
After your children have taken their photographs, introduce them to simple photo editing software. They can learn to adjust brightness, contrast, saturation, and maybe add some fun filters. This adds another layer to their photography skills.

Photo Scavenger Hunt:
This can be as fun and challenging as you make it. Create a list of items or themes for your kids to photograph. It could be anything from “something red” to “a happy moment”.

Download my FREE Ready-to-Print Photography Scavenger Hunt below!

The goal of these activities is to have fun and spark creativity. Your child doesn’t need to take ‘perfect’ pictures. Encourage them to experiment and explore their unique perspective. The most valuable takeaway from these activities will be the memories you create together and the joy of discovering a potential lifelong hobby. So, this summer, let’s make memories, one click at a time! Happy photographing!

And remember, if you’d like professional family portraits this summer, drop me a line and we can plan your portraits together!

Welcoming a new baby into your home is a joyous occasion filled with love and excitement. However, it also brings the crucial responsibility of ensuring your home is a safe environment for your curious and adventurous little one. Baby proofing your home is not just a good idea—it’s essential for preventing accidents and ensuring the well-being of your child.

Why Baby Proofing is Important

Babies and toddlers are naturally curious and love to explore their surroundings. Unfortunately, this curiosity can lead to accidents if proper precautions aren’t taken. According to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA), accidents are a leading cause of injury and death among young children in the UK. Home is where many of these accidents occur, as it’s the place where children spend most of their time.

Statistics Highlighting the Importance of Baby Proofing:

• RoSPA reports that every year in the UK, approximately 500,000 children under the age of four attend A&E departments following accidents that occur in the home.
• Falls are the most common type of accident, accounting for 44% of all child accidents. Stairs, windows, and furniture are often involved in these incidents.
• Other common accidents include poisoning, choking, and burns, which can often be prevented with proper baby-proofing measures.

Key Areas to Focus on When Baby Proofing

When it comes to baby proofing, certain areas of your home require special attention. Here are a few critical spots to consider:

The Kitchen: This is one of the most hazardous areas in the home. Ensure that sharp objects, cleaning supplies, and small appliances are stored out of reach. Install locks on cabinets and drawers, use stove knob covers, and keep hot liquids away from the edge of counters. The kitchen can also be a high-traffic area, so making sure it is free of hazards can prevent trips and falls. Consider using appliance locks for ovens, dishwashers, and microwaves to keep little hands from opening them.

Living Room: Anchor heavy furniture like bookshelves and TVs to the wall to prevent tipping. Use corner protectors on furniture with sharp edges and keep small objects off the floor to avoid choking hazards. Since this is a common area where children play, ensure all electrical outlets are covered with safety caps, and use cord shorteners to keep electrical cords out of reach.

Bathroom: Install locks on toilet lids and keep medications and cleaning products in locked cabinets. Use non-slip mats in the bathtub and set your water heater to a safe temperature (typically 49°C or 120°F) to prevent scalding. Bathrooms are also prone to slipping hazards, so placing non-slip mats or decals both inside and outside the tub can prevent accidents. Additionally, using tap covers can protect your child from bumping their head during bath time.

Nursery: Ensure that your baby’s crib meets current safety standards, with a firm mattress and fitted sheet. Keep cords from blinds and baby monitors out of reach, and secure heavy furniture like dressers and changing tables to the wall. The nursery should be a place of comfort and safety, so make sure to also remove any pillows, bumper pads, and stuffed animals from the crib to prevent suffocation hazards. Use bed rails for toddler beds to prevent falls.

Stairs: Install safety gates at the top and bottom of all staircases. Ensure that balusters or railings are closely spaced to prevent your child from getting stuck or climbing through. Stairs can pose significant dangers, so using stairway carpeting or non-slip treads can add an extra layer of safety by providing better traction

Fireplace: Use a fireplace safety screen or gate to keep your child away from the fire, and consider using hearth padding to prevent injuries from falls. Fireplaces can be attractive but dangerous features, so always store firewood and fireplace tools out of reach.

Doors and Windows: Use door knob covers or locks to prevent entry to certain rooms. Install window guards or stops to prevent falls. Keep blind cords out of reach and use cord cleats to secure them, preventing strangulation risks.

Electrical Safety: Use cord shorteners or organizers to keep cords tidy and out of reach. Secure TVs and electronics with anti-tip straps. Children are naturally drawn to electrical outlets and cords, so taking these precautions can prevent electrical shocks and other injuries.

BENEFITS OF BABY PROOFING

Baby proofing your home offers peace of mind, knowing that you’ve taken steps to minimise risks and protect your child from common household hazards. It allows your child to explore and learn in a safer environment, which is essential for their development.

Additionally, baby proofing can prevent serious injuries that may require medical attention or hospitalisation, reducing the emotional stress on families. Simple measures like installing safety gates and securing furniture can significantly decrease the likelihood of accidents.

FREE BABY PROOFING CHECKLIST

To help you get started, we’ve created a comprehensive Baby Proofing Checklist that covers all areas of your home. This FREE downloadable checklist provides detailed guidance on securing your home and ensuring your child’s safety. 

Taking the time to baby-proof your home is an investment in your child’s safety and your peace of mind. By following these guidelines and using our checklist, you can create a secure environment where your little one can thrive and explore safely. Happy baby-proofing!