Sparks of Joy
In a year truly unlike any other, Events by JBK will be sharing activities, inspiration and ideas for how to make the 2020 Holiday Season joyful.
Because if there’s one thing we could all use more of right now, it’s JOY!
COOKIES FOR “SANTA”
Wrapped up in anticipation of what's to come and the magic of believing, I have always found JOY in the tradition of cookies for Santa.
As a child, I am not sure if I was more excited to see if Santa ate my cookies or the presents under the tree. But the gig's up; we all know who eats the cookies.
That's why I partnered with Alavita Nutrition to share these Badass Chocolate-Peanut Butter-Protein Cookies, because "Santa" needs a little extra somethin' somethin' to fuel these holi-days.
My friend, badass mama, dietitian and co-founder of Alavita Nutrition, Anna Bohnengel created these "jet-fuel" cookies to energize all the Santas out there, working extra hard to make the holidays extra special. You can find the full recipe on Alavita’s blog but here’s what you need to know:
"Yes, they're super healthy, #guiltfree indulgence - made with #glutenfree, #wholegrains and packed with protein from the #collagen, peanut butter and eggs. But they're also so damn delicious."
CHRISTMAS CAR BINGO
For some Joy this weekend, pile the family into the rig from some old fashion fun with Christmas Car Bingo. Cruise the neighborhood, pack some snacks, hot cocoa and print out this handy dandy bingo card for fun! Download and print the word or picture version below.
FAMILY PHOTOS 101
To get you all prepared for the holiday rite of passage that is the family Photos, I caught up with Portland photographer and queen of the 15-minute-photo Session, Elizabeth Soule. Below you will find her advice on planning a great experience for your family this season. And then, to test out her Guidance, we signed up for our very only family photo session!
“Family photos are about capturing memories, the feelings you have for each other and to document this time in your life. My goal for each session is for everyone to have fun and show each other lots of love.”
What is the magic in this in the 15-minute photo session concept?
First, fifteen minutes doesn't feel like too large a commitment, it won't take up most of your Saturday or feel neverending. Second, I tend to photograph families with young children, and having a 3 year old myself, I know they don't have very long attention spans. Fifteen minutes is the perfect amount of time to get to know each other, keep the energy high and people engaged. I plan out each session with a shot list to maximize the number of poses, so you have lots of photos to choose from.
do you have any ideas for getting everyone in the family excited?
I don't like getting my picture taken either, especially when it feels forced. I think your attitude going into the session can really help make the session fun and easy. Before the session, I provide a short questionnaire that I ask the family to fill out together to drum up some excitement.
I would remind your family that this is a way to capture memories and the feelings you have for each other. My goal is to have the session be fun, a time for you to hang out together, be silly and show each other some love. I would also recommend planning something fun for after the session, to celebrate everyone's participation. My family tends to end up at a donut shop after events like this.
Let's talk wardrobe; what are some of the basic rules? Is matching a good idea?
Wardrobe is always a consideration with family photos. Before each session I send a style guide with suggested do's and dont's and examples of outfits. I recommend being comfortable and dressing like you typically dress, whether it's your normal day to day or like you are going to a wedding. Avoid matching, unless it is something that is done frequently in your family, such as sisters wearing matching dresses. Instead, pick a color or a small palette of colors to dress around, playing with different hues of the colors. Some guidelines I recommend are:
avoid busy prints, logos or large words
avoid neons or dressing all in black
vary the tones of color from outfit to outfit
keep it simple with accessories and color
How important is the backdrop location? What do some of your go-to places have in common?
Location definitely sets the tone for your family photos. I like to find locations that offer a variety of backdrops in close proximity. My go to spots in Portland tend to be parks or farms in the area where I know the space and lighting well. When I offer up suggestions for families, I take into consideration how easy it will be for the family to get to the location and whether or not it is crowded. I want the whole experience to be enjoyable, so I provide an email with parking information, meeting spot location and any things to know about the space.
In your experience, what is the best time of day for family photos? Also, what about the conditions? I think we all have this image in our mind that it has to be sunny, is that true?
I tend to photograph most of my families outside with natural light, so earlier in the day or later in the day when the sun isn't creating harsh shadows is the best. I personally love photographing when it's cloudy or even foggy, the light is more even and the element of fog makes for more distinctive photos.
But ultimately, the best time of day for family photos is when everyone in the family is happy. That means everyone has gotten enough sleep, are dressed in comfortable clothes and aren't hungry.
