23snaps - useful app & website

As I have mentioned before we don't live near any of our family.

When I was pregnant we were looking for a way to share photos of my bump with family so they could see how much I was growing.  We also wanted a way to share photos of Baby M once he was born. 

I am not a huge fan of putting photos of Baby M on Facebook, yes we have put a few photos on but I could count them on one hand.  Plus not all of our family are on Facebook.

We discovered 23snaps.  We use it as an app on our phones but you can also log into the website.

You invite who you want to be able to view you photos, so you know who can see them.  They can either download the app or sign into the website.  They will get a notification email every time you add a photo.  you can add family members so I have Baby M as a member, this allows me to add information like his weight and height so our family have access to that information too.

When you add a photo you can put a description if you like.  Your friends and family can then add comments or like/love/smile at the photo.

We love using the app as it's a great way for us to share Baby M growing with everyone.  Plus when he does funny things we can share them instantly with everyone.

I'd definitely recommend 23snaps.

Disclaimer: Views are my own, this post is not sponsored by 23snaps

Cherubs Baby Photography - first session

We heard about Cherubs Baby Photography through an email.  The are associated with Bounty.

I asked for further information as the information was vague in the email.  I was sent the contact details of my local photographer, I still hadn't been told how much this would cost (I was suspicious!!).

After contacting my local photographer I was informed that the scheme was free.  You receive a photo of baby newborn, when able to sit then when able to stand all for free.  Obviously they take a lot of photos so if you want you can buy these.  Some photographers charge a booking fee but ours didn't.

We thought we'd go along for a session - it's free after all!!!

Our photographer was lovely.  We took along 3 outfits for Baby M. 

For the first outfit (cheeky tshirt & chinos) Baby M was on his back at an angle so he was looking to the right - we got lots of giggles.

For the next outfit (superbaby sleepsuit) he was again on his back but at an angle looking left.

Next we put him in his Mamas & Papas Welcome to the World sleepsuit.  A number of photos were taken of the three of us together - I can't wait to see what these look like.  Baby M was then put on his front over a cushion.  His ability to llift himself up as improved so much, he was lifting his head well clear of the cushion and for really long spells.  These photos will look brillliant!  Finally some photos were taken of him over my shoulder.

We are going back to the studio on Thursday to look at the photos and pick our free one for the folio.  We will probably buy one of us as a family at least, maybe more.  The studio are also putting the photos password protected on their website as our families live far away so they can buy copies if they like.

Roll on Thursday!!

100 Happy Days - 19 days in

I decided to take part in 100 Happy Days after seeing someone on my Facebook timeline talking about it.

The idea is that we are all to busy to notice things that make us happy, this challenge asks that you take a photo each day of something that makes you happy.  Sounds easy!!

The website reports that if you complete the challenge you will feel happier, become more optimistic and receive compliments from others.  I haven't noticed any of that yet but I'm not even half way through yet

My biggest problem is my baby brain, my memory is shocking at the moment, I'm lucky I remember my own name some days!!  I often forget to take a photo until the evening. 

Many of my photos so far have been family orientated, I'm hoping to expand this once we get out and about and doing more things.  Not that there's anything wrong that my family make me happy!!

So 19 days in how am I doing? Not too badly, I have managed to take a photo every day (although I didn't realise that day 13 hadn't posted on twitter until the next day so I had to post 2 days on the same day).  Like i said I just feel I need to expand what I take photos of and also try and remember to take photos!!

Why don't you join up and see if you can complete the challenge & see whether it makes a difference to you!!