Just Peachy Photography

Sweet, Sleepy Guy–Chicago and Suburbs Newborn Photographer

justpeachyphotog — Fri, 24 May 2013 21:38:12 +0000

Little M decided to come into the world three weeks early but we were ready for him! Luckily his Mom and I were all set with a whole bunch of ideas and she even text me on the way to the hospital. I loved hearing about M’s birth and how relaxed Mom and Dad were. He is a lucky boy to have such great parents! I also enjoyed the sweet lullabies that Mom and Dad picked out for his newborn session and it really did help him sleep. I believe these were some of the ones that are available from the same company. It was a great session and M slept almost the entire time so we were able to get quite a few poses together for him. Mom and Dad were mainly excited to do a baseball themed image including both the Cubs and Sox since they were split fans. It will be fun to see who Baby M roots for later. We did come across one glitch in our session when M decided to get the hiccups for almost a half hour after his feeding, but then he went right back asleep to finish up his family images and a few extras. I hope the R Family loves these as much as I do! Loved cuddling with their sweet, sleepy guy last week!

Beautiful on blue

With Mom's vintage books

Too sweet for words

Two Moms, a Little Time and a Keyboard Interview–Chicago NW Suburbs/Mom Around Town

justpeachyphotog — Fri, 17 May 2013 07:30:56 +0000

Mom Around Town Palatine, IL

Welcome to another Mom Around Town Feature! We have an interview with Melissa Schwartz and Kathy Ruhnke from the blog, Two Moms, a little Time and a Keyboard! This is a fun, local blog with plenty of resources for moms! The blog was established in 2011 and focuses on Chicago’s North Suburbs.

Erika: What services does your business provide?

Melissa and Kathy: We introduce our readers to unique and interesting products and activities that we discover with an emphasis on small, local businesses. We also discuss easy recipe solutions and simple crafts. As parents, we like to share some of the interesting things we encounter while raising our children. However, we are not just defined by motherhood, so we also discuss ways that we are growing ourselves.

Erika: How does your business benefit the families in the Chicago area?

Melissa and Kathy: We try to provide real life glimpses of local businesses and activities so families can get an inside view and a feel for what fits with their families. We also try to spread the word about businesses that they may not know about or did not know were appropriate for families. Parents also need time away, so we like to introduce them to things they can do sans the children.

Erika: How did you get the idea to start your business?

Melissa and Kathy: We both enjoy trying local businesses and interesting products, so it seemed a natural progression to discuss them on the blog.

Erika: What did you do before you started your business?

Melissa: I worked at National Louis University as an Admissions Coordinator. I helped students with the admissions process and also worked as a backup for other positions in Admissions. I have spent most of my career in Higher Education and wanted a change. So, I left Higher Ed. Besides this blog, I am also helping out as office staff at a local dental office. I am learning a lot at both my blogging and dental office jobs which is fun!

Kathy: I worked for about 10 years as the Chicago-based reporter for a national trade magazine that covered the TV commercial production industry. I mostly interviewed directors and ad agency executives; a highlight was being on set watching the production of a spot directed by Joe Sedelmaier (best known for doing Wendy’s “Where’s the Beef?” spot). I then left and got a masters degree in teaching special education; I worked for several years teaching 8^th graders before I had my daughter.

Erika: Can you share one memorable story from an experience you had related to your business?

Melissa: For me, the most memorable experience is our first visit to PrimaTea in Wheeling. We were just blown away by Nina and all of her knowledge about tea, essential oils, gems and much more. Her tea class was amazing and I came home with a lot of knowledge that was easy to employ.

Kathy: I think our visit to the Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center in Skokie was one that left the biggest impact on me. Walking through the exhibition, it’s impossible not to be affected by the testimonies, artifacts and images you encounter. It was a haunting, moving experience.

Erika: Do you have children yourself?

Melissa: Yes, I have one daughter and two fur babies.

Kathy: Yes, one daughter, two greyhounds and a cat.

Erika: Feel free to tell us about them.

Melissa: My daughter is eight years old and is quite the restless soul like myself. She loves to experience new things and broaden her horizons. She also has a big heart and likes to help make the world a better place. My oldest fur baby is a sweet 10-year-old Shetland Sheepdog who loves to sleep under the door of the dishwasher (true story). My youngest fur baby is a 5-year-old Australian Shepherd whom we adopted from a rescue. While she can be a little possessive, she really is a sweetheart.

Kathy: My daughter is about to turn eight and – it’s worth noting – she met Melissa’s daughter when they were both about 6 weeks old (we met at a suburban mom-baby group). She is non-stop energy, loves to read, play piano and is full of curiosity about everything. My oldest pet, a fat orange tabby we named Vinny, we adopted in Galena in 2001. We adopted our first greyhound Rowdy through Greyhounds Only a couple of years ago and – thinking our small house wasn’t full enough – we took home another, Bella, last fall. My husband would take 12 more. Happily all of our pets are sweet and kid-friendly.

Erika: What do you think makes a quality service or product?

Melissa: A quality product or service has been put together to the best of the provider’s abilities. The particular service or product is open to changes. The business owner is always seeking ways to improve the product and/or its presence.

Kathy: A quality service or product is one that meets the needs of its intended market. Ideally, it provides good value.

Erika: How do you think you provide a quality service or product?

Melissa: We work hard to give readers a unique glimpse of local businesses—something that jumps out at them rather than just an ad in a paper. We also like to work with business owners to learn a little more about their business so that we can truly relate the passion behind the business to our readers.

Kathy: We also report our honest experiences with businesses and products (no sugar coating). We think it’s worth promoting local businesses that deserve a wider audience (i.e. PrimaTea in Wheeling).

Erika: Do you have anything you would like to tell us that is new for your business in 2013?

Melissa and Kathy: We would like to work more with businesses local to the Northern suburbs to help spread the word about their services and the uniqueness that they add to the region.

And a fun one!

What is one thing on your “bucket” list?

Melissa: One thing on my bucket list is to go dog sledding in Alaska.

Kathy: I’d like to make it to Europe (England or Italy) again, this time accompanied by daughter and husband.

Photo compliments of Two Moms, a Little Time and a Keyboard

Check out the amazing review that Two Moms, a Little Time a Keyboard did of Just Peachy Photography last year HERE.

There are no current giveaways on their site, but check back soon! If you mention this post when booking your session, I’ll give you $25 off any of our services through the end of May (2013).

Two Moms, a Little Time and a Keyboard

North Suburbs of Chicago

Website: http://twomomsalittletimeandakeyboard.blogspot.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/TwoMomsaLittleTimeandaKeyboard

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Momsandkeyboard

Photo Feature–Organizing Your Photos Part 1

justpeachyphotog — Wed, 15 May 2013 02:09:40 +0000

From speaking with clients, friends and overhearing other people share computer frustrations, it seems that methods for organizing digital photos is a big concern. I’m pretty confident that people all have their own ways but I’m going to share some of the ways that I have learned to store and organize my own photos from things I’ve learned over the years.

I will have to split this into parts since you’d be scrolling for hours if I did it all at one time and we don’t want that. So today I’ll begin with Part 1 which will share how to organize in folders.

If your camera software or editing software has a way to name all of the images in your set of photos, I recommend starting there. I use Lightroom 3 for transferring my photos onto my computer and have that option to assign a name and number to all photos and also dedicate a folder for them to be transferred. It is convenient and easy. Most camera software has an option to name the files but not all. If your software does not, I highly recommend taking the time to rename manually (right click on photo and select rename). My choice is to use a time reference so that my photos stay in one place and do not get jumbled with past images I’ve taken. I label each of my photos with the date in number form, ex. “051413_” and then the computer assigns a number after that to tell them apart.

Here are some steps to break down my own method of organizing photos into folders.

1.) To start with I have a folder off of my desktop labeled “My Pictures”. All of my image files are stored here.

2.) Next I have a folder with the current year, so all of the photos I take this year all in a folder in “My Pictures” labeled 2013. See image below for an example.

3.) The next folder has my months of the year so that I can keep the photos I take and immediately transfer them to the date they below in. It is a good idea to number the months in front of the name of the month to keep them in sequential order. Without doing that, the computer will alphabetize them. See image below for an example.

4.) The final step is to label the actual dates of the images by typing the month and date and each date has its own folder. If it is an important event I might label it with a few words, ex. “Dec. 20 Christmas Party” or “May 30 Jim Bday Party” , etc. See image below for visual example.

How do you organize your photos? Tell us in the comments below! Also share any ideas you would like to see in upcoming Photo Feature blog posts. If you like what we have to say, share!

Creatively Caring Carnival Event Fundraiser–Chicago NW Suburbs/Mom Around Town

justpeachyphotog — Tue, 14 May 2013 01:59:26 +0000

Welcome back to our Mom Around Town blog feature series! I’d like to introduce our first local event!

Creatively Caring Carnival

Sunday, May 19th from 11 am -2 pm

Tickets are only $30.00 per family (up to 5 members, $5 each additional member) and only 30 tickets total will be sold!

You can register and purchase your tickets HERE.

Creatively Caring Fun!Raising Carnival

Details about the event:
Creatively Caring turns Nibbles Play Cafe into a Family Carnival for the day! Play areas transform into carnival games with prizes, Live walk around entertainment, Face painting & Tattoo station, Snack booth, Kiddie coaster (under 2), raffle prizes from donors such as Starbucks, Gigi Hill & much more!

Raffle Prizes have been donated by the North Suburban Children’s Business Network members Just Peachy Photography, Language Stars – Chicago Area, Nibbles’ Play Cafe, playOccasion, Log on 2 Learning, Inc., Here Whee Go Again- Kidz Resale, More Than Scores And Tests (More Than S.A.T.), Kidz N Moms Natural Health Care, and a special guest, Mickey Simple…entertainer and a fun person to be around!

One price includes fun for the whole family:

Games with Prizes (Lots of Prizes)
Snacks, Sweets & Beverages
Live Walk Around Entertainment by Mickey Simple
Activities by Language Stars
Face Painting
Kiddie Coaster (under 2, Donated by Here Whee Go Again)
10 Chances to Win Raffles (Prizes valued over $1000.00)
Fun

The event is hosted by Nibbles Play Cafe, 13 Huntington Lane, Wheeling, IL.

Creatively Caring is a registered 501(c)(3) charity.
www.creativelycaring.org

Creatively Carings Mission: We provide opportunities for families to get involved in hands-on community service projects that help people, animals, and the environment.

If you have a business, upcoming event or other resource for local moms, contact us to be featured on our Mom Around Town series.

Happy Mother’s Day!–Palatine Children and Family Portraits

justpeachyphotog — Mon, 13 May 2013 03:57:58 +0000

To all of our expecting mothers, stepmothers, grandmothers, new mothers, and veteran mothers, we wish you a Happy Mother’s Day!

Mothers hold their children’s hands for a short while, but their hearts forever.

- Unknown

Share this with all of beautiful mothers you know!

Spring Cutest Kid Contest 2013 Participants–Voting Ends May 31st!

justpeachyphotog — Mon, 13 May 2013 03:35:29 +0000

Thank you for participating in Just Peachy Photography’s Spring Cutest Kid Contest 2013! Each person can vote one time, but can vote for one girl and one boy.

How to Vote: Scroll down past the photos to the Rafflecopter form link below. Click on that link. In the first box, select the green button “+1 Do it”, type in the name of the girl AND boy you are voting for, and also put your name and email address. After you type this in, select green “Enter” button and you are set! You get one entry into our drawing for a $30 Amazon Electronic Gift Card (US Only) and if you are local $150 Just Peachy Photography Gift Certificate.

For extra entries in the drawing to win a Amazon or Just Peachy Photography Gift Certificates, you can can follow the other items in the green boxes. Just follow the directions given. Make sure you actually do what the directions say in each entry. Please understand that this does NOT increase your chances of winning the contest, only adds extra entries to win the gift certificate giveaway at the end of the contest. It is also is a GREAT way to support the sponsors so that we can continue to get such amazing sponsors in our future contests! All entries will be verified so please be honest. Also do not try to vote with different email addresses or names because I can check the IP address as well. Any voters that attempt to use other email addresses or names will be disqualified from voting. Comments will also not increase your chance of winning but are welcome as long as they are friendly and not excessive.

The winners of the Cutest Kid Contest will be chosen from the most votes and announced in by June 15th, 2013. After the winners have been announced, I will contact the two winners of the Amazon and Just Peachy Photography gift certificates. You must vote before you are given extra entries for the gift card drawing.

The voting will close May 31st, 2013 at midnight CST. The form will not allow you to vote anymore if it has been closed.

On to our adorable participants!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

If you have any questions about voting or the contest, contact Erika at 847-302-1783 or Erika@justpeachyphotog.com. Good luck to all of our adorable participants!

Mother’s Day “Group Deal” Special–Chicago NW Suburban Family Photographer

justpeachyphotog — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 08:30:57 +0000

Since the weather was less than desirable this spring and the beautiful greenery is not here yet I’ve decided to cancel all spring mini session events. Our newsletter subscribers got the first peek at this deal over the weekend and now I’m opening it up to everyone! We will be doing several “Group Deals” throughout the year but all will be limited!This first one is a gift to our Moms for Mother’s Day! Dads, what would be a better gift than updating your family portraits?

How does the “Group Deal” work? The deal is valid after 5 people purchase it. If less than 5 people purchase it, it is NOT valid. There are ONLY 10 available total!!!

What does the “Group Deal” include? It includes one of our Petite Collections. This includes up to 5 subjects (people/pets).
Add $15 for each additional subject.

* 20-30 minute outdoor session at a location within 10 miles of Palatine, IL

* 8-10 edited images uploaded to a private online gallery
* Choice of 3 digital images on keepsake cd with full print release OR $100 print credit for any of our prints/custom products (excludes digital images)

* Matching low-resolution watermarked images for web sharing use; 20% off all other prints and products (excluding digital images)

* Custom 3-image Mother’s Day Facebook Timeline Cover (as a gift to the lovely Mothers)

How much does the “Group Deal” cost? ONLY $99 for a limited time.

When does the “Group Deal” expire? Deal expires on May 13, 2013 at midnight CST

Limitations: No refunds due to nature of work. Session must be redeemed by July 31, 2013. Voucher will be exchanged as credit for any of our services if not redeemed by this date. Payment will not be collected until the 5 are purchased and deal is on.

Norton’s U.S.A.–Chicago NW Suburbs/Mom Around Town

justpeachyphotog — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 20:42:31 +0000

Welcome to our first Mom Around Town photographed feature! I took a ride to Barrington with my 3 year old in tow, to visit Norton’s U.S.A. which is described as an “A Uniquely American General Store”.

Norton’s U.S.A.
400 Lageschulte St.
Barrington, IL 60010
847-382-8872

Connect with them:
Website
Facebook
Twitter

Normal Business Hours :
Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday &
Saturday 10am – 5pm
Thursday 11am -7pm
Beginning Nov.1, open Sundays 12-4pm

When I first pulled into Norton’s U.S.A.’s parking lot, I was amazed at how large the store was and the adorable design to the building. It has a very comforting, old-fashioned look to it. My amazement grew when I walked in the door and saw all of the unique items they carried. I took much longer than I expected looking around and glancing at all of the details throughout the store. Everything in their store is made in America and the owner mentioned that she opened her store after years of researching products in hopes of supporting the American workers and manufacturers. One of the most interesting things I learned is how Norton’s got its name. Apparently the owner named Norton’s after her dog since she knew he wouldn’t live forever and wanted to carry on his name. There was a great comfort walking through the store and knowing that the owner put great importance on learning about the manufacturers and knew a great deal about the products offered including what part of the country they came from. It was apparent that items in the shop were chosen carefully.

The first place we were led was the children’s “Creative Corner” where my 3 year old got comfortable by removing his coat AND shoes! He had a nice time playing at their train table building with the wooden blocks available there. I was truly stunned by how many beautiful, hands-on learning toys they carried and could tell that they were all high quality. The owner let me know that they did not carry anything battery operated or electronic for kids. All of the toys’ appeared very safe and well constructed. Some items that caught my eye were the Spuds food products, this tableware, including cups, plates, bowls and silverware was made out of potatoes and was made in Illinois too. How can you get more organic than that? There were also some fun chairs and rocking horses that are made locally and fold up for easy storage.

Here are some images from the Kid’s Corner!

Norton’s U.S.A. also sells several children’s organic clothing items and other keepsakes with brands such as Green 3, Woof & Poof, Twinkle Baby, and Salisbury. There were handmade custom knit sweaters, reclaimed cotton items and bamboo products.

Other fun things I found in the store were party accessories, candy, gourmet food items, gardening equipment and decorations (including fun kids’ gardening tools), patriotic items, unique puzzles for kids and adults, pet goods (including colorful leashes and knit sweaters for dogs), bug boxes, jewelry, stationary, ant tunnel boxes, birdhouses, butterfly houses, organic seeds for planting and so much more!

Here are some other photos I took at the store. Just push the “play” button to view the slideshow!

Make sure you check out their upcoming events!

Spring Wine Walk–this weekend, Saturday, April 27th from 2-6 pm

Plant Exchange–May 25th at 3pm

Anniversary Week–June 11th-15th including raffles, specials and a lot of fun! They even have a family friendly movie presented in the back of the shop on the 15th!

The owners and staff are very friendly and have a lot of knowledge about the products sold in the store. The owner even knew which of the foods were made in nut free factories for people/children with food allergies which I found very impressive! Make sure you stop in and tell them you were sent by Just Peachy Photography. If you mention this feature post in the store or use the code “peachy” online, you will receive 15% off your entire purchase! Believe me, you’ll love it all!

Cutest Kid Contest 2013–Sponsor/Prize #7–Just Peachy Photography

justpeachyphotog — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 07:35:06 +0000

Our contest is in full swing and we’ll be accepting entries until Friday, May 10th at midnight. I’m very excited since we have so many wonderful prizes for the winners, great perks for the participants and even a fun drawing for the voters! Make sure you check out our amazing sponsors and thank them for their donations!

If you would like more details about the contest, please go HERE!

Every day we’ll be announcing one of our amazing sponsors! Today I’ll announce our last but not least sponsor of our Spring Cutest Kid Contest which is us, Just Peachy Photography!

Just Peachy Photography is an on-location custom portrait service that serves the Chicagoland area, mainly the NW suburbs. We specialize in children and family portraits but also offer small event photography services (view information HERE), portrait playdate parties (view information HERE) and casual headshots (view information HERE).

Each of our winners, one boy and one girl will receive

* One Complimentary Family Portrait Session, including

–25 beautifully enhanced proofs uploaded to a private online gallery

–keepsake CD and print release for 10 high resolution images, both in color and black and white with matching l0w-resolution watermarked images for web sharing

–3 gift prints (8×10, 5×7, 4×6 or set of 8 wallets)

– Custom Facebook Timeline Cover with your favorite 3 purchased images

–25% all other prints or products

Value: Over $450 value!!!

Prize limitations: Session must take place outdoors before November 15th, 2013. Session includes up to 5 people or pets and is up to a 60 minute session. No cash value. Session must take place at an outdoors location within 20 miles of Palatine, IL and excludes newborn sessions. Winners must sign a portrait agreement and model release form. Prize is transferable.

Current Promotions: During the course of the contest, mention our Cutest Kid Contest and receive a $50 print credit with any full portrait session (not valid on petite sessions or mini session events) OR $25 off any of our small event photography packages. Expires May 31st, 2013 and cannot be used with any other promotions or specials. Call or email for details

View Sponsor/Prize #1 HERE

View Sponsor/Prize #2 HERE

View Sponsor/Prize #3 HERE

View Sponsor/Prize #4 HERE

View Sponsor/Prize #5 HERE

View Sponsor/Prize #6 HERE

Cutest Kid Contest 2013–Sponsor/Prize #6–Language Stars

justpeachyphotog — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 08:30:45 +0000

We are a week into our Cutest Kid Contest 2013 and started accepting entries on Monday, April 15th! I’m very excited since we have so many wonderful prizes for the winners, great perks for the participants and even a fun drawing for the voters! Make sure you check out our amazing sponsors and thank them for their donations!

If you would like more details about the contest, please go HERE!

Every day we’ll be announcing one of our amazing sponsors! Today I’ll announce our sixth prize from Language Stars!

Language Stars is Fun Foreign Language for Children ages 1-10yrs old in 5 languages, Spanish, French, German, Italian, and Mandarin Chinese! Our programs are full immersion and play based!

Language Stars Mission:

To revolutionize how and when American children learn a foreign language

to foster a future generation of multilingual Americans.

Language Stars

2105 N. Southport Ave, Suite 209

Chicago, IL 60614

Phone: 773-935-STAR (7827)

Find more information about Language Starts HERE. Now accepting registration for their Summer 2013 program, which is discounted at almost 40% off the regular price! Also make sure you take a look at all of their fun events!

Find Language Stars on Facebook HERE and make sure you tell them Just Peachy Photography sent you!

Follow Language Stars on Twitter HERE.

Each of our winners, one boy and one girl will receive

* One $100 Gift Certificate, a t-shirt and a CD!

Value: $125

Prize limitations: No cash value. Prize is transferable.

View Sponsor/Prize #1 HERE

View Sponsor/Prize #2 HERE

View Sponsor/Prize #3 HERE

View Sponsor/Prize #4 HERE

View Sponsor/Prize #5 HERE