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Staying Healthy

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Keep Your Makeup From Making You Sick

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February is almost here and spring is just around the corner.  What are you doing to be ready for spring? When you begin your spring cleaning, and go through your clothes don’t forget to go through your makeup as well!

Many women forget that expired makeup can actually make you sick.  Expired cosmetics can cause skin irritation and even eye infections if you don’t replace them before they go bad. Just as you should never share your personal eyeliner or lipstick, you need to make sure your makeup has not reached its age limit.  Many makeup products do not have an expiration date on them, but periodically weeding out old makeup is important.

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The hardest part is knowing when to throw away an item as their life expectancy varies from product to product.

Some makeup has a symbol that looks like a jar with a number in it.  That is the number of months the product is good for from the day you open it.  Not all makeup has this symbol so I’ve included a list below of products and when each should be tossed.  The key to being successful in this process is keeping track of when you bought the item.  If you’re like me and have a hard time remembering when you bought that specific red lipstick or your favorite charcoal eyeliner, here are a few tips to help you out.

One option is to use a sharpie to write down the date of purchase directly on the item.  If you can’t do that on things like eyeliner pencils, you can use small stickers that you have written the date on and stick them onto the product.

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And don’t forget, your makeup brushes should also be cleaned regularly to prevent contamination or illness.  If you are sharing your brushes, they should be cleaned between each use.

 

PRODUCT                                                                    WHEN TO THROW IT AWAY

Lipstick and Lip Liner                                               1 year

Lip Gloss                                                                    18-24 months

Mascara                                                                      3 months

Liquid or Gel Eyeliner                                               3 months

Pencil Eyeliner                                                           2 years

Concealers                                                                 12-18 months

Oil Free Foundation                                                   1 year

Cream Compact Foundation                                     18 months

Powders – blushes, shadows, bronzers                     2 years

Cream blushes and shadows                                     12-18 months

I hope this information helps you stay healthy and allows you to continue your beauty regime with confidence!  Maybe you can even get a few extra items when you’re replacing your old makeup!!

If you have dreamed of having a photo shoot that is all about you, call me to set up a complimentary consultation.  You can see the studio and we can talk over coffee about how you want to be photographed.

If you have any questions about this article or ideas for other topics you would like me to write about, please comment below or Contact Us from our web page.

If you have dreamed of having a photo-shoot that is all about you, call me to set up a complimentary consultation.  You can see the studio and we can talk over coffee about how you want to be photographed.  To make that happen, just click to book below! Is it a long trip to visit the studio?  We’ve photographed women from all over the eastern part of the country including New Jersey, Virginia, Ohio,  New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island.  Feel free to contact us and set up a special phone consultation! And, as you now know, Gift Certificates are available.  

 Book your session today!!
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Life Lessons from a Flight Attendant

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If you’ve ever flown on a plane you’re familiar with the standard process before the plane takes off.  The flight attendant was talking us through our pre-flight safety demonstration and as usual, I listened with little enthusiasm to the same litany of “exits here, here and here…” as well as the instructions for putting on oxygen masks in case of an emergency… “If you are traveling with a child or someone who requires assistance, secure your mask on first, and then assist the other person.”  It wasn’t until much later that I realized there was a deeper message hiding in these words for me.

Life can be hectic most days and downright challenging others. Trying to keep up with the daily schedules of work, kids, pets, housework, running to and from kid’s events, and a list of other responsibilities can leave us with little to no time dedicated to ourselves.  As wife, mother, boss or worker, we’re accustomed to putting ourselves last on the list.

As a single mom raising three children, there was never enough time while the kids were growing up.  I usually had to have two of them at events in the opposite direction at the same time or multiple homework meltdowns for things I never even studied in school!  Now as a grandmother and business owner I sometimes feel like I have even less time.  In our daily lives, just like when applying an oxygen mask on a plane, there are times we need to think of ourselves first.  Keeping ourselves energized and healthy is critical if we are going to be able to do all the other things we have on our lists!  Now this doesn’t mean ignoring our family and job, it means making time for ourselves so we are able to be there physically and emotionally strong for whatever life throws our way.

Here are a few things you can do to get back to a stronger, re-energized you.

  • Take a long, hot bath or shower to relax your tired muscles and joints.
  • Replace strenuous exercise with something like yoga, a day or two a week. Combine exercise and relaxation techniques to achieve both physical and emotional balance.

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  • Get outside and spend some time in nature. Feel the ground under your feet and focus on the sights and sounds around you. Enjoying your environment can give you time to replenish your energy. Talking walks with family or a close friend can give you time away from technology to reconnect.
  • Find ways to express yourself creatively. It could be a night painting at a local winery, singing karaoke or learning how to belly dance.It’s hard to stress and over-think things when you’re immersed in something fun and expressive!
  • Focus on your successes! Make a note of all the things you’ve done well, and give yourself permission to be proud of what you have accomplished instead of dissatisfied with what you haven’t done. Tomorrow is another opportunity to add to those accomplishments!

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  • Make that bucket list! Replace your regrets with dreams. When you start thinking about what you should have done, stop; change your focus to what you plan to do now. It’s much more empowering and will give you the confidence to take on the next thing on your list!
  • Set aside a day just for you. It may seem like a monumental task to carve out a whole day for you, but it’s worth it.  Work with family or friends to watch the kids, maybe even set up a trade with another mom who is also in need of some time for herself and trade babysitting for a day.  Find something you want to do that will rejuvenate you, boost your confidence and leave you feeling great about yourself.  Whether that means participating in a triathlon, going to the spa, or being made to feel like a princess for a day getting your hair and makeup done and your photo taken, you deserve it!

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So make sure you are taking some time for yourself as we get ready for the crazy holiday season.  Stay healthy, be happy, and share lots of love!

If you have any questions about this article or ideas for other topics you would like me to write about, please comment below or Contact Us from our web page.

If you have dreamed of having a photo-shoot that is all about you, call me to set up a complimentary consultation.  You can see the studio and we can talk over coffee about how you want to be photographed.  To make that happen, just click to book below! Is it a long trip to visit the studio?  We’ve photographed women from all over the eastern part of the country including New Jersey, Virginia, Ohio,  New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island.  Feel free to contact us and set up a special phone consultation! And, as you now know, Gift Certificates are available.  

 Book your session today!!

 

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Menagerie Photography Studio Celebrating Local Women in Business Featuring Jessica Keegan

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We’ve started a new group of blogs focusing on local Connecticut businesses owned and run by women. The blogs will give you a chance to learn about the women who own these businesses, why they chose the work they do, what drove them to transform that passion into their own business and how their business has a positive impact on others.

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I am very happy to share the story below from one of our own Dream Girls, Jessica Keegan, who runs Jessica’s Dance Fitness in Jewett City, CT.  I’ve had the chance to spend some time with Jessica and she is fun and full of energy as well as being an amazing person!

 

Name: Jessica Keegan

Owns/Operates: Jessica’s Dance Fitness

“It’s not always easy but I just remind myself every day to stay focused on my goals because that’s what makes me happy. That’s what makes me love the skin I’m in. Motivating others to do the same is my biggest goal❤”

 

 

 

“Starting at a young age I’ve always struggled with my weight and body image. I was bullied to the point where I started starving myself and almost put myself into the hospital. My whole life focused around what I ate. I shut everything out including dance (which was my passion since I was 5), but even at my lowest weight of 78 lbs., it wasn’t good enough. Always seeing myself in the mirrors at dance just disgusted me. 

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Over the years I started getting into cardio. It was my escape from everything and it made me feel like I had a sense of pride in myself after my workout. Then one day my mom suggested we take a Zumba class. I immediately fell in love. 

I took Zumba for about a year until my favorite instructor left. I decided to take it upon myself and get certified. From there I had my own class at a gym. That alone gained me more confidence in myself once I knew my class was a hit!

 I decided to see if I could open my own place. Two years later I’m still open and it just keeps getting better! I couldn’t be happier! Not only do I get to do what I love, but I get to push and motivate people that do the same for me! 

The connection and camaraderie of people working out together and working towards the same goals is such an amazing feeling! 

It’s not always easy but I just remind myself every day to stay focused on my goals because that’s what makes me happy. That’s what makes me love the skin I’m in. Motivating others to do the same is my biggest goal❤”

Jessica really loves what she does!  She has been featured on Channel 3 with Scott Haney and is always ready to dance and work out.  Check out her videos and business information and you will see how dedicated she is to her business.

If you would like to be featured in one of our blogs, please go to our Contact Us page at MenageriePhotography.com and tell me more about you and your business!

 

 

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5 Quick Summer Skincare Tips From The Photographer

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Summertime and outdoors go together for most people. Are you planning on spending a lot of your time outside this summer? If so, check out our 5 quick summer skin tips.

I love spending the day outside, absorbing the summer sounds, smells and the warmth of the sun. If you’re like me and have light skin and eyes the summer sun isn’t always very forgiving.  Even if you are lucky enough to tan easily there are still some important items that should be on your summer agenda.

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Also, remember if you are planning on getting married this summer or have a special event where pictures will be taken and you don’t want tan lines, it is important to protect your skin so you can look your best and feel great!

  1. Keeping your lips Kissable

Spending a lot of time in the sun and fun during the summer is expected but can dry out your lips. No one wants to kiss lips that are cracked and dry.  Keep your lips protected with a lip balm that has at least SPF 15 protection.

  1. Try a new fashion for your head

Throwing on a baseball cap can protect your scalp and keep the sun out of your eyes if you’re at your favorite team’s game; but does not protect the rest of your face from the harsh sun.  Choose a wide brimmed hat instead and be fashionable and protected.

  1. Summer fruits to encourage healthy skin

Cantaloupe and Watermelon are at the top of the list for healthy summer eating.  Cantaloupe is rich in antioxidants and is said to deliver a unique hydration to the skin.  Watermelon is an all-around favorite at most picnics and is rumored to actually boost your SPF by several factors according to skin care expert Kate Somerville.

  1. Summer salads – literally eating your SPF!

Some experts are saying that eating foods containing vitamins C and E together can help reduce your chances for sunburn.  With this in mind, eating a salad that includes citrus, berries or tomatoes for your vitamin C along with Vitamin E rich nuts is healthy and could help protect your skin from painful sunburn.

  1. Protect those areas where the sun doesn’t normally shine!

Slathering on the sun screen when you get to the beach or to the pool is great but don’t forget that most bathing suits don’t protect real well from the sun.  Many new materials are meant to allow your skin to breath – from beach wear to t-shirts – and allow the sun to burn your skin even though you feel covered.  Put your first layer of sun screen on before you get dressed to make sure you are fully covered.

Remember to take good care of your skin no matter what time of year and you will look and feel great!  Have that glow for your special day, whatever the occasion and remember to capture those memories in photographs.

If you are planning a photo session and want more information about Women’s Portraiture – boudoir, fashion, pinup, groom’s gift, etc. you can click the link below, fill out your information and we can set up a free pre-shoot consultation for you.

If you have enjoyed this or any of our other blogs, please feel free to comment below or send us a message via our contact form on our web page.  We would love to hear from you! Enjoy your summer!!

Book your session today!!

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Staying Healthy and Reducing Stress this Summer – Tips From The Photographer

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With spring here and summer quickly approaching, I wanted to share some ways you can stay healthy and reduce your stress levels this summer.  I hope these help make your summer brighter and your life a little easier – Enjoy!

  • TAKE A HIKE OR A WALK

Spending time on a hike in the woods or a walk in the park has been shown to reduce anxiety levels in children and adults.  A wonderful additional benefit is walking and hiking are great exercise even when done at a leisurely pace.

 

  • WORK IN A GARDEN

Whether your garden is large, small, or just a few potted plants, working in the dirt helps keep us grounded.  Beautiful flowers, great smelling herbs or fresh vegetables are an awesome bonus to a fun way to relax.

 

  • CREATE BONDING TIME

Summer picnics, family and friends getting together at the beach, and time spent playing with the kids outside are all great opportunities to get closer to the people who are important in our lives.  Relax, talk, listen and have fun just being together.

 

  • FARMER’S MARKETS – TAKE ADVANTAGE OF LOCAL EVENTS

Many areas now have local Farmer’s Markets, produce stands or “pick-your-own” days at local farms.  These are great places to find fresh fruits, vegetables, homemade soaps and jams.  Not only are you supporting your local farms, but fresh fruit and vegetables are a great way to keep healthy!

 

  • CREATE SOME “ME-TIME”

Remember that to be at your best for yourself and your family and friends, you need to take time to re-energize!  Pick whatever works for you, sitting outside on your lunch break to get some sun and fresh air or having a spa type day that is all about you. It is important!  Whether you’re taking time relaxing in a nice bubble bath or if you’re relaxing in a chair outside while the kids are playing, take the time to recharge and feel great about yourself this summer!

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Menagerie Photography Connecticut Boudoir Studio 5 Easy Exercises Daily Routine

5 Easy Ways to Fit Exercise into Your Daily Routine – From The Photographer

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Going to work, taking care of the kids, the house and the endless items on your daily to do list can be exhausting.  Our days are very busy and it can seem impossible to find time to exercise. Whether you are exercising to lose weight, get toned or just to build your energy, here are five ways to add a little more exercise into your daily routine. These are things you can do without having to carve out special time to go to the gym or buying expensive equipment to use at home. 
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#1 – Use the Stairs

Whenever possible, take the stairs instead of the elevator.  This is an easy exercise to build into your daily routine. Studies have shown stair climbing burns more calories per minute than jogging, as well as helping to control weight gain and building muscle tone.

 

#2 – Going the Distance

Instead of hunting for the closest spot to park near the store when shopping, pick the farthest parking spot and walk a little further. Take a walk on your break and at lunch to keep your metabolism moving especially if your job includes sitting all day.

 

#3 – Laundry Time

Though not too many people enjoy doing laundry, there are a few exercises you can work into this never ending chore to add some extra benefits. If you have a front load washer, do squats when you are taking the clothes from the washer to the dryer. Once the clothes are dry, set the laundry basket on the floor and do deep knee bends when taking each piece out to fold.  These simple steps give your thighs and butt some great exercise!  Remember to always be careful of your back when lifting wet clothes.

 

#4 – Doing Dishes

Try doing calf raises while you are washing the dishes.  With your legs hip width apart, rise up onto your toes.  Hold this position for 3 to 10 seconds then slowly lower your feet back to the floor. Do this 10 times then rest for about a minute before doing another 10. Great for toning your calf muscles!

 

#5 – Getting off the Couch

While watching your favorite show on TV, get up during commercials and try jogging in place or doing jumping jacks.

Are you a Netflix fan?  Many shows are broken into episodes that last 20 to 25 minutes. Try doing step exercises for an entire episode.

 

Each of these things may not seem like a lot on their own but when you add it up over a week, you will be surprised at how much extra exercise you have gotten.  If you do each of the items listed daily, using 20 minutes as your average time on each, you will have added  over 11 ½ hours of exercise to your week!

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Five Antioxidant High Foods to Easily Add to Your Diet – Tips From The Photographer

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We all know that adding fresh fruit to your daily diet is a healthy alternative to sweet snacks.  When choosing your fruit at the market, remember to double the benefits by selecting fruits that are also high in antioxidants. Antioxidants are important in your diet as they help to boost your immune system.  Here are five of my favorite choices and their benefits.

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  1. Blackberries – One cup of blackberries provides half your daily recommended intake of vitamin C and is only 62 calories
  2. Strawberries – One of my favorite fruits, strawberries are high in fiber and vitamin C, (providing 149% of your recommended daily intake) and one cup of strawberries is only 49 calories
  3. Raspberries – Another super healthy choice, raspberries are also loaded with vitamin C. At 54% of your recommended intake of vitamin C, one cup is only 64 calories
  4. Blueberries – Not only good for your health, blueberries can help prevent premature aging of your skin! One cup of this super fruit is only 83 calories
  5. Cranberries – Though many think of cranberries as a Thanksgiving side dish, incorporating them in your diet throughout the year is a smart choice. At only 51 calories, one cup of cranberries is full of disease fighting and health boosting antioxidants.

For all you coffee lovers out there – here is a bonus note!

Recent studies have led researchers to add coffee’s Arabica bean to the list of antioxidants.  So that morning cup of coffee may not only wake you up but also be providing some of the much needed antioxidants to keep you healthier!  Another great reason to enjoy that second cup of coffee.

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Menagerie Photography Connecticut Boudoir Studio Water Blog

Five Great Reasons to Up Your Water Intake – Tips From The Photographer

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Many people only think about drinking enough water during the hot summer months but I want to share some reasons it is important to drink enough water all year long.  I have heard from many people that water is bland and they want something with flavor. At the end of this post you will find four recipes to up the flavor without adding sugar to make it tasty without the additional calories.   Menagerie Photography Connecticut Boudoir Studio Water Blog

  1. Losing weight.  If you are trying to lose weight upping your water intake could help. Studies have found that drinking water before a meal can be beneficial. The extra water helps us eat less by making us feel full.
  2. Preventing headaches naturally. Going too long without enough water has been found to be a migraine trigger.  Staying hydrated can help ward off headaches but if you do get one, drinking two to four cups of water can help reduce or eliminate the pain if it is triggered by dehydration.
  3. Proper hydration keeps your kidneys working properly.  Our kidneys do a lot of work removing waste from our bodies.  They also help control our blood pressure and balance fluids.  All this work requires you to stay properly hydrated so the kidneys can do their job!
  4. Soda water makes healthier cocktails. Try seltzer water and fresh fruit instead of your normal sugary mixers to make a delicious, better-for-you drink.  Not only are their less calories but it can also help prevent dehydration.
  5. Want a way to help take the edge off of hangovers?  Drinking alcohol causes dehydration and with the warm weather parties the heat can add to that problem.  The combination can lead to a doozy of a hangover or worse. Drinking a glass of water with each alcoholic drink you sip is one way to offset the dehydration and avoid some of that day-after misery.

Recipes

Strawberry, Blueberry, Lemon Balm (pictured)
1/2 cup strawberries, sliced
1/2 cup blueberries
1 Tbsp fresh lemon balm leaves

Minty Cucumber Lime
1/2 cucumber, sliced
1/2 lime, sliced
1/4 cup fresh mint leaves

Strawberry-Lemon with Basil
1/2 cup sliced strawberries
1/2 lemon, sliced
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves

Watermelon Mint
1 cup cubed watermelon
1/4 cup fresh mint leaves

Pineapple-Orange with Ginger
1/2 cup cubed pineapple
1/2 orange, sliced
1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger

You’ll Need:
1-quart jars
Water
Wooden spoon
Agave or another sweetener (optional)

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Directions:

  1. Choose which recipe you’re making—or come up with your own combination—and gather all of the ingredients.
  2. Place fruit, herbs, and/or spices in the bottom of a jar and muddle with a wooden spoon. (That basically means mash up fruit to release some of the flavor-filled juices.)
  3. Fill jar with water and give it a taste. (You can also fill jar with seltzer water for a fizzy treat.) If you’d like something a bit sweeter, add some agave and mix until dissolved.
  4. Enjoy as-is or refrigerate overnight for maximum flavor.

 

 

Sundaes for Dinner

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Vegetarian Sundaes for dinner!?

We were tired of the same old options for dinner and decided to try something different. Who hasn’t wanted to have a sundae for dinner? Well, we know an ice cream sundae is not exactly a well-rounded meal so we used different ingredients. Don’t they look yummy?!? They are actually made out of vegetarian barbecued pork and mashed potatoes, layered in sundae glasses with a cherry tomato on top. The recipe is simple and only took about 10 minutes to make. We used vegetarian friendly ingredients but it could easily be made with real pork. If you want to try this one yourself, the recipe is below. Enjoy your summer and make dinner fun!
Vegetarian pork and potato sundaes
BBQ Pork and Potato Sundaes
Ingredients:
1 box Morningstar Hickory BBQ Riblets (heated as per instructions)
1 package Betty Crocker Instant Potatoes (prepared as per instructions-any flavor-though some look more like vanilla ice cream than others)
Sweet Baby Rays BBQ Sauce (optional for extra sauce)
Small grape or cherry tomato
Vegetarian pork and potato sundaes                  Vegetarian pork and potato sundaes
In sundae glass, layer pork and potato. Occasionally using the BBQ sauce for more of the hot fudge sauce look is optional. When you get to the top of the glass, the last layer should be potato. You can make this look like a scoop of ice cream (as shown in the small sundae) or you can make it look like a dollop of whipped cream (as shown in the larger sundae). You can add some extra BBQ sauce over the top and garnish with a small grape or cherry tomato. Grab a spoon and enjoy!

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