Heather Hart of www.ALaModePhoto.com put together some tips for Belly Photography for our readers! So if you're not in California and you can't get her to fly to meet you where you live, here are some of her secrets:

1. Find a friend. Since you are the model, you need someone who has a few hours to dedicate to you and your Belly!

2. Try using a camera with real film and not digital. Go to a camera store and ask for professional black and white film - avoid going to the local market or drugstore for your film - there is a big difference!  Ask for 125 speed film - there is less grain. And everyone always looks so much better in black and white - try it, you may like it!

3. Wear natural make-up - a little base and accent your eyes! Since you're shooting outdoors, keep it light!

4. Choose a place outside! A local park with trees always works nicely. Make sure that the background where you are shooting is also nice. Be careful of trash cans and other items in the background that might detract from your focus.

5. Go to a local fabric store and buy some material. Black, grey, white - any color is fine! Use this to wrap around you and make a great skirt. This will accentuate your Belly just perfectly! Bring safety pins - they will be your new best friend.

6. Pre-pregnancy t-shirts always look good and complement your arms and Belly.
Pair them with your new skirt and you will look fabulous!

7. Have Fun!
Enjoy the wonder of the Belly and have a great time photographing it!
Call Heather today for a free consultation...she creates "magic"!

ALaModePhoto.com
Natural Environment Photography
Santa Monica, Orange County and San Francisco Bay Area, California
(also known to travel to see "Bellies" around the country)
Tel:  310-770-2676

As a busy mother of two I never seem to have enough time to get things done. I am always running from one place to another doing running errands for the house or doing something for my kids.  I am always looking for ways to make my life easier.  

One of my best discoveries happened just recently. Both of my kids were born in the fall so every year our hectic social life begins with the start of the new school year. We attend party after party for all the friends’ birthdays.  Buying gifts is always fun because we love finding that special item for each of the friends.  However, I am bothered by the escalating cost of cards—especially when the little ones don’t even given them a glance. Hence, the discovery of the gift sticker!  I found cute stickers that can be personalized for a fraction of the price of a card. I always have them on hand.  We simply wrap up the gifts and adorn the boxes or bags with a sticker.

I first purchased a set of stickers with both my kids’ names and an illustration of a birthday cake. Now that they have gotten older and go to their own parties they each have their own sticker to fit their personality.  My son has a message on a fire truck sticker and my daughter picked out a cute little pink cupcake.  They love them as much as I do.  

These days not only do I have gift stickers for my kids but also I have gotten some from the family that I use on gifts that we give to friends for the holidays and throughout the year.  It is a great thing to have on hand when you are going over to a friend’s house for dinner and you want to bring a little something.  

I have noticed lately that my big discovery seems to have caught on.  Recently my son had his 4th birthday party and as I glanced at the pile of gifts I smiled as I scanned over the large variety of adorable gift stickers adorning the packages.  Busy moms know a good idea when they see it!

About the author: Phyllis is the owner of Broadcasting Baby, a premier web site for personalized stationery, stickers, invitations, announcements, gifts and more.

You’ve gotten a beautiful baby gift , what do you do now? The most appropriate thing to do when you receive a gift in the mail is to notify via phone or email that you have received the gift. With a new baby at home it might be difficult to immediately send out handwritten thank you notes and most people will understand, but a simple call or email to inform them that you received the gift will be most appreciated.

Having been in the gift business for over five years, our company receives numerous emails and phone calls each week from customers wanting to verify that a gift we sent on their behalf has been received. Some go so far as to ask us to phone the recipient because they are too embarrassed and don’t want the new mom or dad to feel bad for not thanking them sooner.

After the thank you phone call or email, a follow up handwritten card in the mail within a month or so will also let the person know that you appreciate the gesture. Take another step by adding a photo of the newborn with the gift incorporated in the photo.

The handwritten note should include first and foremost a line of appreciation for the thoughtfulness of the time and energy taken to select a gift for your baby. It should then be followed by a description of the gift itself and how helpful, cute, useful or original the gift may be. Let the gift giver know that you’d love for them to meet the baby in person and thank them again for their generosity. The closing signature from you personally is appropriate.

Here is an example of a quick, thoughtful note:

Dear Jane,

Thank you so much helping us welcome Baby Jack into the world. We just love the new bib, burp & blanket gift set. These personalized treasures will come in handy at every phase. Thank you again for thinking of us. We hope you can meet Baby Jack in person soon.

Love, Julie

Technology is a convenient time-saver for a new parent, but nothing compares to reciprocating the kindness of a friend or family member with a handwritten thank note.

Author: Kathie Papera, founder and owner of Lilypad Baby a premier site for stylish and unique baby gifts that can be personalized.