Tiny Oranges – Fresh, fun blog for OC moms

Hello moms!  How was the weekend?  I hope you are surviving the summer off with your kids!  If you are needing a little pick-me-up to inspire you this Monday morning, do yourself a favor, CLICK HERE and just look at these babies.  When I was writing this, I found myself so enthralled by the Studio Cee Photography & Design site and spent so much time admiring her work, I almost forgot I had a blog post to get back to!   Her work is amazing. ARTFUL. Delicate. Crisp. Just click and look. Seriously.

So the graphic designer turned Orange County children and newborn photographer extraordinare, Clarice, and I were talking about her main blog post and what we wanted to share about her company.  She had sent me this beautiful graphic above  and when I saw that precious  newborn, I thought, maybe we need to write something on WHY it is just SO meaningful to professionally photograph your itsy-bitsy newborn?  Most especially in those precious first few weeks when they literally will NEVER be that small again!

So I said, “Clarice! Can you write me up maybe 5 reasons why it is awesome to use a professional to photograph your newborn??”  And then those 5 reasons turned into 10 because she was so passionate about it she had a hard time stopping at 5!  I think she could have even gone to 20!   So, here they are….written by Clarice of Studio Cee…

10 Reasons to Use a Custom Portrait Photographer For Your Newborn Session

1 )  With an experienced newborn photographer you will receive very unique, artful images that will bring you a lifetime of wonderful memories.

2 )  Your photographer goes at your baby’s pace anticipating break times for feeding and your session is completely devoted to you and your little one.

3 )  Beautiful heirloom albums, custom brag books, canvases and storyboards can be created with your images.

4 )  There is no exposing your newborn to germs from a public place.

5 )  Each image will be individually processed to perfection.

6 )  Each image will be a piece of art and your baby’s unique self will show through.  You won’t be given cookie cutter images to select from.

7 )  Props such as blankets and hats have all been washed and cleaned after every session.

8 )  There is not a number of noisy children waiting impatiently in line causing distraction.

9 )  Your session can be done in the comfort of your own home.

10 )  You will receive individual attention throughout your entire experience.

There really is a difference in your experience and your final outcome. Think of your session as an investment because it is something that will last you a lifetime and will be treasured by future generations.

Thanks so much for the amazing tips!

And, for Tiny Oranges readers, Studio Cee is offering $25 off the session fee
when mentioning “Tiny Oranges!”

www.studiocee.com
www.studioceeblog.com
949.276.1639
clarice@studiocee.com

{Disclosure: Studio Cee is a Tiny Oranges Sponsor}

I am so happy to introduce a new Tiny Oranges Sponsor, Bettenhausen Law, a local Orange County law firm that specializes in Estate Planning and Family Law.  I am passionate about spreading the word on how important it is to do an estate plan to protect your kids.  We just did ours last year when our daughter was 3,  and after I learned how much is at stake if you don’t have one, it was, well, downright scary.  But it doesn’t have to be!  Getting it done will bring you so much peace of mind and will be one of those things you can CHECK off your list.

Here are the reasons WHY it’s so important and some frequently asked questions in a fabulous article written by Baron Bettenhausen to easily break it down for parents.

Estate Planning: The Simple Facts for Parents

by Baron J. Bettenhausen
Bettenhausen Law

“In today’s fast-paced society we spend so much time running to and from work, school, swim lessons, soccer practice, etc, we hardly take a break to catch our breath. We beat ourselves up over all those things we ‘need’ to do – clean the house, pay the bills, get the groceries… and we yearn for those things we ‘hope’ to do – read a book, take a vacation, start a new hobby… We rarely find the time for those ‘hope to-do’s’, so we constantly put them off, telling ourselves “I’ll do that when the work is done and the time is right.”

As an Orange County attorney, I have worked in and around estate planning for some time, but it wasn’t until the birth of my own daughter that I came to see how important it was for parents to have a plan in place should the worst happen. This was one of those things on our family’s ‘hope to do’ list but soon realized that it’s a ‘need to do now’ to protect my most precious asset, my daughter.

Nobody likes to think about their own mortality but when you have children it no longer is a choice, but a necessity.

With that in mind I decided to compile this list of FAQ. I have found that just about everyone knows they need some type of estate planning but hardly understand why you need it and why it is so important to do now. As a parent, here are a few questions you may be asking yourself about estate planning:

What is the difference between a Will and Trust?

This is the most frequently asked question I receive about estate planning. Probate is the legal process for determining how to distribute the estate of a deceased individual.   A will is a legal document that instructs the court on how to distribute your assets after death. Without a will, the court will make the major decisions regardless of what you or your loved ones may have wanted. In California, probate is typically expensive and lengthy, especially without a will. In probate, your estate (assets and debts) becomes public and is subject to an overburdened court system. A will eases the process of probate by making your wishes known. However, the most important function of a will for parents is the designation of who will be the guardians for your minor children. Who will raise your children if you are no longer around and is that the person you would choose?

While important, a will is only operative in the event of your death and is meaningless in the face of incapacity. It can be extremely difficult for your loved ones to get access to your assets if you are in a hospital and unable to communicate. With a trust, your successor trustee can manage your affairs until your recovery or in the event of death, a correctly titled trust will not be subject to the very public, time consuming, and expensive probate process. It is important to consult with someone who understands how a will and trust work together to protect you and your children.

It is also important to note that an estate plan should include much more than just a will and a trust. A knowledgeable attorney will also help you prepare a Living Will or health care proxy designating your medical power of attorney and outlining your health care decisions in the event of your incapacitation.

I don’t own a home or I don’t have much money so do I really need a will and trust?

It is impossible to know if you need a trust without a competent evaluation of your estate, but in general, if your estate is valued over $100,000 or you own real estate valued over $20,000 then it will be subject to the expensive and lengthy probate process unless a trust is in place.

Everybody needs a will. However, if you have minor children then it is especially vital that you have a will appointing a guardian for them in the event of your death. Who will raise your children if you are not around or who will manage their inheritance if they are too young? Previously cooperative families can become bitter antagonists over these questions if left unanswered by you, and if you do not have any other family or your choice of guardian is not family then you absolutely must have a legal document designating someone as guardian.

What if I don’t have a guardian yet or cannot agree with my significant other about a choice?

Appointing a guardian for your minor children is one of the most important yet most difficult steps in an estate plan. This is especially true for those who don’t have any immediate family members. I believe your children are your most valuable asset and it is not sufficient to just have one guardian. I always request my clients provide two alternate choices in the event the first or second is unavailable or incapable at the time one is needed. If you cannot prioritize your options or are struggling with your partner in finding a mutually agreeable appointment, remember that even the person you consider your last option is infinitely better than having the state decide in your place or in the worst case deciding to put your children into the state system.

Can’t I just go to Staples and pick up a “Do it Yourself Kit” without paying for an attorney?

I would much rather you have a will using a do-it-yourself kit than to not have one at all. However, a will is an important document communicating your desires after you are gone. It may happen that you get everything right when you do it yourself, but you will never know if you made a critical mistake because the problem will not become apparent until you are gone and unable to fix it. You should get the most competent advice you can regarding your estate. You should also remember that a will does not become operative unless you die. An estate planning attorney can help you plan in the event you are incapacitated and unable to communicate.

The Most important unasked question….

Can’t I just take care of an estate plan later? I’m young and healthy and have plenty of time.

This actually is not a question I receive but is the most common reason I see for people to procrastinate in creating an estate plan. Life is fragile and I can not tell you how much grief and stress I have witnessed because of procrastination in creating or updating an estate plan. It is difficult for loved ones to deal with the requirements of Probate while grieving a loss and if there are children left behind, families can fight over who will take them. All this can be avoided with a little preparation and advice from a competent attorney.

I encourage you, as a parent, to consider providing a will and/or trust for your family on your ‘need to do now’ list and protect what is most important to you.

Contact us today for a one-on-one estate planning consultation (California residents only).

All Tiny Oranges readers will receive a complimentary consultation and 10% off document services (Will, Trust, Health Care Directive, and Power of Attorney) at The Law Office of Baron J. Bettenhausen.

Click HERE for contact information on Bettenhausen Law.

www.bettenhausenlaw.com

I am sure I am not the only mom guilty of owning a fancy SLR digital camera and only using it on “AUTO!”  Truth be told, I have been meaning to take a class or break out my camera’s manual for years. My husband bought me the Nikon D40 for my first Mother’s Day as I was taking literally a thousand pictures a month of my then new baby. I love it. No delay, great quality, but I have not gotten creative at all. Plus, I am a little intimidated.  That’s why I am so excited about this article.

Sandy Heit, the creative talent behind Sandy Heit Photography, and a fellow OC mommy wrote a GREAT some simple tips on how to use your digital cameras off “Auto!”  Plus, it is in language that even my mommy brain can understand – thanks Sandy!  Here is what she wrote…

Getting Creative with Your Digital SLR

“With digital SLRS becoming more popular, it seems everyone nowadays has one. With the current digital technology it’s made it much easier to take good photos in the “fully automatic” or “preprogrammed” (usually denoted by icons) modes.  However, to get really creative and take great images you need to take control of your settings.

With digital SLRs there are 3 variables you can control: 1) Aperture 2) Shutter Speed and 3) ISO.

If you are unfamiliar with these terms, I recommend getting out your camera manual to find out where these settings are located on your camera and which buttons and dials change them.

The Basics

APERTURE: The aperture is the opening that allows light through your lens. The numbers that measure the size of the opening are called f-stops.  One thing that is a bit tricky is that the larger the f-stop number (say f16 is smaller than f8), the smaller the opening (lets in LESS light).  The opposite is also true, the smaller the f-stop (f2.8 is larger than 5.6) the larger the opening (lets in MORE light).   The main thing aperture controls is depth of field.  Here is explanation of depth of field:

Shallower depth of field (lower aperture) = blurrier background – great for portraits

Larger depth of field (higher aperture) = sharper background – great for landscapes

With my portrait sessions, I almost always shoot with a very shallow depth of field.  My aperture is usually f2 – f4 for a single subject or sibling shots and I use an aperture of f4 – f5.6 for family or group shots.  This puts the focus on my subjects and makes a nice blurry background.

SHUTTER SPEED: Shutter speed is the amount of time the shutter remains open once you take your photo. When photographing moving subjects, a fast shutter speed of 1/500 or greater will freeze the motion, while a slow shutter speed like 1/30 shows movement or blur.

ISO: Whether you shoot with film or use a digital camera, your choice of ISO (or film speed) has a direct impact on the combination of apertures and shutter speeds you can use. The easiest explanation I’ve heard to better understand the effect of ISO on exposure, is to think of the ISO as a worker bee. If your camera is set for ISO 100, you have 100 worker bees; and if your camera is set for ISO 200, you have 200 worker bees. The job of these worker bees is to gather the light that comes through the lens and make an image.  The less light that is available the more worker bees you need.  Here are some general guidelines when selecting ISO.

Use ISO 100 or 200 if you are outside on a sunny day.

ISO 400 is the best all around setting. It works well outdoors (as long as not too bright) or for indoor portraits by a window or in “open shade” which offers great soft lighting for portraits.  Open shade can be found almost anywhere not in direct sunlight. Some examples are the shadows of large buildings, under big trees, or all over on overcast days.

Use 800 – 1600 on overcast days or when shooting low light indoors. The downside of using a high ISO is quite a bit of digital noise (similar to grain when using film)

I think a great starting point to putting all of this information together is to start practicing. If you’ve been stuck on one of the fully automatic modes on your camera, I highly recommend starting with baby steps and using one of the priority modes on your camera.

There is Shutter Priority (usually “S” or “Tv” on your dial) in which you set the shutter speed and the camera sets the aperture or Aperture Priority (usually “A” or “Av” on your dial) in which you set the aperture and the shutter speed.  For portraits, I prefer Aperture Priority since this is the mode where you most control the depth of field.

Easy Exercises to Get You Started!

A great exercise is to find a subject and find some open shade (shady part of your yard, covered porch). Have your subject face the light.  For your camera settings, set your camera dial to Aperture Priority, use an ISO of 400 and the lowest aperture your lens will go (typically f2.8 – 4.0) and take a picture. Next, increase your aperture by one f stop (common f-stops are: f/2.8, f/4, f/5.6, f/8, f/11, f/16, and f/22) and take another picture.  Keep doing this until you reach f/16.  Upload your images and notice the differences to your depth of field.

Another exercise is to set your aperture again to the lowest your lens will go.  If you are using a zoom lens keep your lens at a fixed focal length.  Take a close-up picture of your subject, move 5 feet back and take another picture and move another 5 feet back and take another picture.  Upload your images and notice that your distance to your subject will also affect your depth of field.

If you want to step it up a notch and try the above exercises using the Manual mode instead of Aperture Priority, simply set your dial to M for manual, use the same ISO and aperture settings and look through your viewfinder and focus on your subject.  Adjust your shutter speed until your camera’s light meter indicates a correct exposure and take the picture.  In the first exercise, you will need to change our shutter speed each time you change your aperture.

Hope this is information is useful.  The best thing about digital photography is instant gratification. What you see through your viewfinder is what you get.  You learn much faster because you are getting instant results.

If you would like to learn more about photography, I highly recommend the book Understanding Exposure by Bryan Peterson.”

Orange County Photographer Sandy Heit offers contemporary portraiture for babies, children and families. Sandy works all over Orange County and LA and will shoot at your home, the park, a beach or any place you have in mind.

www.sandyheit.com
949.515.3905

{Sandy Heit Photography is a Tiny Oranges Sponsor}

Well, the calendar has turned, and I bet many of you are realizing your little ones are going to be starting preschool before you know it!   Finding “the One” (right preschool that is!) can be quite an overwhelming process.  When I was researching preschools last year I had no idea what I was doing or what questions to ask.  Preschool is a BIG part of your child’s life.  After all, it is their first experience with what is going to be many years of education, so you want to make sure it is a positive one.

Sara Hooper, owner and director of the newly opened Mission Montessori in Mission Viejo was nice enough to write this AWESOME post for us.  I wish I had read this last year – it would have made my life so much easier!

What to look for and questions to ask when touring preschools
by Sara Hooper

Touring preschools can be overwhelming and parents often don’t know what questions to ask.  It’s easy to get overloaded with information and forget specifics when looking at different programs.

Below is a list of questions to take with you on your tour:

What is the education/experience of the director, teachers, assistants and aides?

What is the average turn-over of staff?

What is the school’s educational philosophy or curriculum?

Will your child be prepared for kindergarten?  Is there a kindergarten readiness/assessment test?

What is the teacher to child ratio?  Ratios are set by the state agency, Community Care Licensing Division. The maximum state ratio for preschool students ages 2-6 is 1-12.  Most quality programs offer lower ratio’s than this (especially for 2-3 year olds).

How many children total are in a classroom?

Are the children with the same teacher/s every day?

Will your child have an opportunity to visit and meet the teacher prior to starting?

Are there extra-curricular classes offered such as music, art or dance?

What is the school’s sick policy?

What is the hand-washing policy/procedure?

How is discipline handled?

How are children comforted?

Are snacks/meals provided?  If they are provided, are they prepared on site or delivered?  Ask to see a sample menu.

What is the daily schedule?

Are parents allowed to volunteer?

How often are toys/materials cleaned?

Is the school professionally cleaned or cleaned by the teachers?

How often are carpets cleaned (especially important in infant and toddler programs).

Does your child need to be potty-trained to start?  If not, do staff assist with potty-training and what’s the potty-training philosophy?

How does the school handle allergies?

How does the school handle pick-ups by someone other than the parents?

Does the school have an emergency plan (disasters/fire/earthquakes)? How is communication handled with the parents/teachers and parents/administrators? Ex. P/T Conferences, Emails, Newsletters, Etc.

Follow your parental instincts and be a good observer.  Do the children and staff look happy? Are the toys/materials new and inviting?  Does the center look and smell clean?

An experienced director should give you her full undivided attention and feel comfortable answering all of your questions.  This is your opportunity to get to know the director because she is the person you will typically go to when/if there are problems or concerns.

*Information provided by Sara Hooper, owner and director of the newly opened Mission Montessori in Mission Viejo, CA. Click HERE for contact information.

{Mission Montessori is a Tiny Oranges sponsor}

This expert advice comes right in time for the holidays…

Taking Your Best  Holiday Picture!
By Kristin Eldridge

This is the time of year that we start thinking about scheduling a portrait session with the kids or the entire family.  It can be stressful to decide on the location and clothing, not to mention getting everyone looking happy!

The process doesn’t have to make you feel like pulling your hair out!  With a few easy tips, you’ll be well on your way to a gorgeous Holiday picture!

1.     Location:  You should choose your location based on where you love to hang out with your family.  That may be the beach, a favorite park, a cute ice cream shop or even as simple as your big fluffy bed at home.  The key is to relax, have fun and be comfortable in your environment.

2.    Clothing:  Once you’ve chosen your location,  you can start thinking about what to wear.  Make sure your clothes have the same vibe as your location.   For example, if you’re at home, you might want jeans, a tee and bare feet…not your holiday best.   I tell my clients to choose two main colors- then mix and match subtle patterns and solids to create a casual, yet pulled together overall look.  I even create inspiration boards with clothes for the family as part of my pre-consultation.

3.    Be realistic, and make it fun:  During the photo session is not the time to discipline your children, or expect them to do things you don’t normally expect of them at home.  Also, a little positive reinforcement (like a special toy or a treat when we are finished) goes a long way.  A good photographer will be able to control the situation and get the best out of your kids.
–
Kristin Eldridge Photography
www.kristineldridge.com
562.980.6480