My future Edward Hopper and René Magritte

After struggling with the idea of managing my twins boys with paint, I finally was able to get the boys painting! I may have cried a wee bit :)

My goodness. I was amazed. They LOVED IT! Really LOVED IT! Hendrik was so upset when the session was over. LOVE IT! Seriously, they took to it like a fish to water... 

We used a homemade milk-based paint that I found here.

Basically, it's sweetened condensed milk and food colouring. That's it, easy as. As the boys still put everything in their mouths, it was important to be an 'edible' recipe. Henk wasn't into it. Willem didn't mind the taste. But it was rather tasty ;) After using it though, I think I need to make a version that doesn't take 4 days to dry! And it's so sticky! But mission accomplished. The boys are painting. I'm a happy happy mum.

Happy Friday!

Enjoy the weekend! 

xoxo

Holy Winter! Where's the playdough!?

Ok ok. I know it's not THAT cold - or rather what cold used to be. Living in Minnesota for the better part of 8 or 9 years makes you hard. But winter here in Wellington just makes you grumpy. It's still cold. There is rain. 100k+ wind gusts. Almost freezing temperatures. But never cold enough to snow! At least seeing snow would make it alllllll worth it. 

We've all been trying to keep busy. Playgroups. Baking. Trying to evade those cold grumpy moments. And as we try to find new and fun things to do, my new favourite recipe for the boys is...

PLAYDOUGH. LOTS AND LOTS OF PLAYDOUGH.

Both Hendrik and Willem have been requested "plydu" every day since I made this first batch. It's one of those recipes that make you wonder why anyone would ever have a want to buy it in the shop. Easy. I got it at one of my new most visited blog/sites, The Artful Parent. You can find the recipe here.

It's so scary that these little men will be 18 months old in a couple weeks! Amazing. I remember seeing other kids at 18 months, thinking "I CAN'T WAIT!!!" And honestly, it's better than I ever imagined. Even with the newly found screaming and running and temper tantrums, watching them at this stage and all of the cuddles are truly amazing. 

Hendrik. Eating. Wanting cumr (camera). Watching birds. Eating.

Willem and his new favourite word, Helloooo. Getting upset. Getting more upset. Getting REALLY upset.

But they love each other. Cuddles and hi-fives on request.

And in case playdough, markers, toys, snacks, etc etc... Balloons. Always balloons. *pop*

With Love,
vH
x

The Charlton's {Wellington Portrait Photography}

After a wet and icky week, we all braved Percy Reserve and made some feathery friends!

I hope everyone had a lovely Mother's Day!!! xx

Meatfree Monday - Mushroom & Silverbeet Lasagne

I love a good, hearty lasagne. And to get that heartiness in a vegetarian dish - always add mushrooms! I found this recipe and thought it was a good basic idea. A great starting point for an easy lasagne. Also, as I try to budget more and more (it's amazing how much those boys can eat!!) I switched up a bit of the original ingredients for more of a budget conscious mind.

This is what you need...

*new bits and piece { Melbourne Children's Portrait Photography }

Hey hey!!

So - some new bits and pieces for Portrait sessions!!!

I'll be adding new and fabulous products as time goes on, and if anyone has any particular requests - leave a comment! :)


*Storyboards
This is one of the best ways to display your favorite images from your portrait session. Each one is custom designed and depending on the size chosen, you can pick out 3-6 images to be displayed.

Below are a couple 10 x 20 inch Storyboards. These normally come mounted and ready to hang. You can also have them unmounted if you plan on having them framed.

Other sizes available (in inches) - 5x30, 10x10, 10x20, 10x30 30x30, 40x40. If you have a specific size in mind, let me know. Storyboards begin at $230.


*Fine Art Canvas
I've seen so many versions of these in the past few years... but I still go back to the traditional process. I love these. These are made from actual photographic prints and then the emulsion is heat pressed into the raw canvas. (In my personal opinion, this is much nicer and truer than the regular inkjet prints that you see nowadays - go the old school photographic ways!!!) The canvas is then put onto a stretcher with DRings and hanging wire.

Sizes for Canvases (in inches) - 5x7, 8x10, 10x10 and standard sizes up to 40x60. Canvas Prints begin at $300.


*Gift Vouchers
I'll have some images of these soon, but Gift Vouchers are always available for Portrait Sessions and Wedding Services.Email me for more details.

xo