In everything we do, we are creating legacy. In everything we do, we are writing a message.Guaranteed, there will be days where we don’t feel that, but how we live our lives and the priorities we make create a declaration to the world. It's a message that declares what we believe to be valuable, what we believe to be true and what we believe to be precious. It is filled with our stories and our courage and those subtle nudges of advice; how we would do things just a little bit different.

Children are unpredictable, and photography sessions can seem hard to prepare for. Clinton and Jill's session was so loving and genuine, even if sometimes little big brother Oliver wanted nothing to do with being photographed. Their newborn baby girl, Eleanor, was content and wonderful. To help my clients keep their stress levels down when preparing for a session like this, I’ve put together some helpful hints. Reading these over and following them will be sure to help you feel completely informed, and to reduce your stress levels before and during your photo session.

Local businesses are a big part of what make the Niagara Region an amazing place to live. I love driving through town and seeing which shops have updated their window displays and take great care of their buildings. There is so much available to us.What we often don't see is the many businesses that are within people's homes. The shops handcrafting baby toys, clothes and so much more. Kaitlin's K Kraft Handmade Children's Items is one of them, and here's a bit about her.

Every year I get in front of a camera lens. I do this for many reasons. I having my family documented and the connections we have to each other, I love to compare the portraits and see how much my children are growing.

What does happiness mean to you? Maybe it's pay day. Maybe it is when all your kids are at home. Maybe when you’re sitting with your husband on the couch after a long day. To you, maybe happiness is a good conversation. Maybe it is doing something you love…

The birth of a child is remarkable. It is remarkable in conception, in anticipation, in pregnancy and in their arrival. Like a breath in these seasons, it is almost like you can just feel it, like you just know it deep inside, “This is remarkable.”…

Mamas are such an important part of our everyday lives. It can be hard to find a gift that says you love her, but also that you know her well. You want to find something practical, and sentimental too. Think about what makes her smile. Does she love to bake, or often stop to smell beautiful flowers? Does she love to read a good book or attend Yoga classes? Is one of her favourite things just playing with, and being with, her little ones?

There is this feeling you get. You can feel it in your soul. It comes when you’re watching a family play, like really play, with their kids. And if love could be seen, it would be bursting out of every single moment and every single interaction.It is this moment where all the busy is set to the side and forgotten and all that matters is the connection between family.

Last month my beautiful little girl turned the big 1-0.  I can't believe how much time has passed since I held Lily in my arms for the first time. Her photo sessions have always been magical and this session was no exception. You simply must scroll down and see those gorgeous brown eyes, and those freckles!

I love doing these local business features! It's so great to get a glimpse into the lives of the people in our community, and of course, I also love buying local!This month's featured business is The Happy Baby, owned and operated by the lovely Mary Jo Clements. She super pretty, funny, and never seems to run out of energy. If you haven't been to her store yet, you're seriously missing out! It's amazing, and already a favourite of all my clients with little ones.

I remember what it felt like when I had school photos taken. I hated the fact that I had so little time, but also could not wait to get out of that chair. I had to sit so stiffly, and my hair had to be just right but I was too young to really know what that meant so it wasn't. I remember one year the photographer parted mine right down the middle and I looked ridiculous. It is still in my childhood photo album.

Before I became a mom for the first time, I realized that raising children would involve many emotions - joy and happiness, sadness, confusion even. What I didn't realize is how young they would be when I actually had to let go. In my mind I figured this moment would be like in Gilmore Girls when my 18 year old daughter went off to college but she still came home every weekend for Friday night dinners.