Sugar Free Cake Smash

We all know the bad things that sugar does to our bodies and our teeth, so it’s not surprising that these days, we are being advised not to even let children taste anything sweet. There is advice but I think that maybe it may take a generation or two to change habits totally.

Sucrose, glucose, all types of syrup (maple. golden, corn) are all off the list. Natural sweetness, derived from fruit, is in.

As I said there is advice. Generally we all try to follow it but sometimes we tell ourselves we deserve a treat. That is why our standard 3 layer, 4-inch cake is still very much in, so you can choose which to give your baby. The suarfree cake is not dairy free but ingredients can be changed to suit a vegan or dairy-free diet.

The recipe uses ripe bananas, and blueberries/strawberries for sweetness and has a whipped cream cheese topping, which can be coloured pink or lilac (using fruit) and a llittle fruit can be held back to decorate the top. Fancy having a go? Head over to our Cake Smash page Cake Smash

Messy Play

Messy play, also known as sensory play, refers to activities that allow babies and young children to explore and interact with different textures, materials, and substances in a hands-on and unrestricted manner. Engaging in messy play is highly beneficial for babies around 12 months of age for several reasons:

1. Sensory development: Messy play provides opportunities for babies to engage their senses, including touch, sight, smell, and sometimes taste. Exploring different textures such as water, sand, or squishy substances helps stimulate their sensory receptors and promotes the development of their sensory processing skills.

2. Cognitive development: During messy play, babies actively learn about cause and effect relationships as they manipulate materials and observe the outcomes of their actions. Pouring, scooping, squeezing, and splashing materials encourage cognitive skills such as problem-solving, spatial awareness, and understanding of basic scientific concepts.

3. Fine motor skills: Engaging in messy play activities promotes the development of fine motor skills, which involve the coordination of small muscles in the hands and fingers. Babies can practice their grasping, squeezing, pinching, and releasing movements while exploring various textures and objects, thus enhancing their dexterity and hand-eye coordination.

4. Language and communication: Messy play experiences provide opportunities for babies to engage in language-rich interactions. As parents or caregivers participate in the play, they can describe the sensory experiences, name different objects or materials, and engage in conversation, which helps expand the baby's vocabulary and comprehension skills.

5. Emotional and social development: Messy play offers a platform for babies to express their creativity, curiosity, and independence. It allows them to explore their own preferences, make choices, and take the lead in their play. Additionally, engaging in messy play with others, such as siblings or peers, encourages social interaction, cooperation, and turn-taking skills.

6. Emotional regulation: Messy play can be a therapeutic and calming experience for babies. It provides them with a safe outlet to release energy, reduce stress, and explore their emotions through tactile stimulation. Engaging in messy play can help babies develop self-regulation skills and cope with various sensory stimuli.

It's important to note that during messy play, parental supervision is crucial to ensure the baby's safety and to introduce age-appropriate materials and activities.

What is a Cake Smash?

Cake smashes are a popular trend for first birthday parties. They involve a baby being photographed with a cake, often a special outfit. The baby is then encouraged to smash the cake, which results in a messy but adorable scene.

There are many reasons why parents choose to have a cake smash for their child's first birthday. First, it's a fun and memorable way to celebrate their child's special day. Second, it's a great way to get some adorable photos of their child. Third, it's a way to document their child's first birthday in a unique way.

If you're thinking about having a cake smash for your child's first birthday, whether you’re hiring a professional photographer or doing it yourself, here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Choose the right cake. The cake should be something that your child will enjoy eating. It should also be easy to smash. A good option is a simple sponge cake with buttercream frosting.

• Dress your child in something that they can get messy in. You may want to consider dressing your child in an outfit that you can easily wash.

• Choose a location. The cake smash can be done indoors or outdoors. If you're doing it indoors, make sure to choose a location that's easy to clean up.

• Have fun! The most important thing is to have fun with your child. Let them enjoy the cake and don't worry about making a mess.

Here are some additional tips for planning a cake smash:

• Book your photographer in advance, especially if you're planning to have the cake smash on your child's actual birthday.

• Send your photographer inspiration photos so they know what you're looking for.

Cake smashes are a fun and memorable way to celebrate your child's first birthday. With a little planning, you can ensure that your cake smash is a success.

THINKING OF STARTING A BUSINESS DOING CAKE SMASH PHOTOGRAPHY? SPACES ON OUR TRAINING AND MENTORING PROGRAMME ARE NOW AVAILABLE

Another Year…

Having moved my website onto an updated platform, I lost all of my blogs so I am choosing a small selection for republising……this one is from just over 5 years ago in March 2018

WOW....SIX years old... Bright Eyes is 6 years old today...six years since I purchased my URL and 6 years since I took out my business insurance.  Six years since I took a huge breath and jumped in feet first. I can't pretend I knew everything then, in fact I don't feel as if I know everything now. There is lots more to learn and this year I am investing in more training in different genres of photography.

I never went to University or college to learn photography but have done many training courses within the industry which taught me about light and styling and I have continued to learn with a strive for perfection.  There'll always be better photographers, cheaper photographers, photographers who do weddings or the perfectly posed newborns, but something I learned early on was to only ever compare myself to the photographer that I used to be. 

Photography was not my chosen profession. From school I worked in an office block for an insurance company which was extremely well-paid except I was miserable there.  Thirteen years later I was given a chance to get out and went to work for a travel company where I worked for 9 years. This was the total opposite to my previous job, huge enjoyment but really poor pay.  Now later in life and living  in a town that's not my home town, nor having any family around, it was important to me to be around for my daughter who was 6 when we moved here, and I couldn't do that effectively taking a part time job that required me to work during the school holidays. I therefore did numerous part time, school time jobs for a few years, including being a dinner lady! Then, in 2012, I found my niche.

Actually, my niche, that elusive little thing, had been right there all along, following me in life but never really showing itself. After taking a photo of my daughter on her first birthday (with a very dodgy point and press camera), I vowed to ensure photos were taken at every birthday as she grew up so I could have a permanent record of her growing. She was 18 last week and yes, we did it, and having her as my muse made me push to get a better camera, improve my skills and explore the craft of photography more and more.

So I don't compare myself to other photographers.  I don't think, "I should be doing so and so because X is or Y is."  I just compare myself to the unhappy, unfulfilled person I was in my younger  life and know that I am happy and content just being me and doing what I do.

If you like my photos then please let me know; it's lovely to hear from people and that I am appreciated. If I am not for you then hey it's great, everyone has different tastes, different budgets, different expectations so go on right now and find that different/cheaper/more experienced photographer that you love as there is room for plenty of us out there.

Connect to me in your chosen way:

www.facebook.com/brighteyes.stevenage

www.instagram.com/brighteyes.photography/

Jo@brighteyes-photography.co.uk

Telephone or text: 07748651523

Jo Hennessey

12 March 2018

A photo I took yesterday (March 2018)

Why Christmas Mini Sessions are so Useful

Christmas Mini Sessions are So Useful!

THEY ARE a cost-effective way of having a professional yearly update of your children, without the price tag of a full session. As we do a lot of sessions on the same day, we can offer these at a lower cost than standard sessions.

THEY ARE a way of spreading that CHRISTMASSY MAGIC, dressing up in your Christmas-best or Christmas PJs…these have already become a Christmas tradition for a lot of my regular clients, up there with that visit to Santa or that sparkly Christmas shop.

THEY ARE great for producing the digital image needed to create those Christmas cards and gift to loved ones. . 12 Christmas Cards for just £18 for the first pack and £16 for each pack thereafter.

WHY NOT join us on the 19th/20th November? The venue is Hampson Park Community Centre, Webb Rise, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, and the booking link is here