ML Interest Tag: journal

6 Fun Facts about People Born in January You Might Not Know

by Gabby Cullen

The birthstone for January is the garnet, which represents love and friendship

People born in January are more than just “new year babies” or “winter babies.” According to some studies, they tend to end up in creative or health professional fields and they often stay healthy as they grow up. And, January babies share their special month with many famous people born in January. Does your little one have some of these traits or any that are related to their horoscope? Find out what 2024 has in store for them here. 

People Born in January Are Often Creative and Have Good Problem Solving Skills

people born in January usually have good problem-solving skills
iStock

Sorry, Caps. This one's for the Aquarians. According to a small study, January and February are the right months to be born if you want to be famous. And in this case, "fame" extends well beyond actors on the A-List—we're talking politicians, athletes, scientists, authors, singers, humanitarians, etc. Perhaps this shouldn't be that surprising, given that those born in January and February tend to be more creative and possess higher problem-solving skills.

January Babies Are Smart

iStock

Scientists monitored the development of 21,000 boys and girls, and their research indicates winter-born kids measured longer at birth, were taller and heavier by age seven and had higher scores in a series of intelligence exercises than their peers.

Related: 8 Fun Facts about People Born in February

People Born in January Babies Lean Towards Medicine as a Profession

lots of people born in January end up in the medicial profession
iStock

Get ready for the college long haul, January parents. According to a study conducted in the UK, kids born in the first month of the year become doctors more than kids born in the other months of the year. 

January's Birthstone Is about Love and Friendship

people born in January have a garnet as their birthstone
Wikimedia Commons

The birthstone for January is the garnet, which represents love and friendship. Garnets also have ties to Greek mythology by way of the pomegranate. When Hades, the god of the underworld, took Persephone from the surface world, she was told not to eat any food in the dark realm. However, she ate six pomegranate seeds and therefore had to remain in the underworld for six months every year. The change from winter to spring was explained as Persephone's return to the surface. This is also why the garnet stands for the return of a loved one. 

Related: Why People Born in March Are Natural-Born Leaders (According to Studies)

January Baby Names Can Be Inspired by the Zodiac, the Winter Season or New Beginnings

people born in January, like this baby, are happy
iStock

There are lots of different sources of inspiration when it comes to naming your January baby! Consider naming your baby after the season, Capricorn or Aquarius, or even new beginnings for the new year. Some of our favorites include Sophie, Zane, Kiara, Janus, Onyx, and Ione. See Nameberry's entire list of January baby names here.

Famous People Born in January

Bradley Cooper
Wikimedia Commons

January babies share their special month with plenty of famous people, too. Bradley Cooper, Robert Duvall, Diane Keaton, Morris Chestnut, Eddie Redmayne, Mary J. Blige, Issa Rae, Jason Bateman, and Regina King are only a few of the celebrities born in January. 

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Why December Babies Are Bold Explorers & Other Fun Facts

by Shahrzad Warkentin

From being an early riser to having several birthstones, people with a December birthday are a special bunch

Being a December baby can sometimes feel like a downer because birthdays can get forgotten in the holiday rush. But the truth is that people with a December birthday are impossible to overlook. While being born in November isn’t very common, December babies (especially those born on Dec. 25) are some of the rarest of them all. Here are some attributes you might not know about your December baby.

A mom kisses her December baby on the cheek in front of a Christmas tree
iStock

Late December Birthdays Are Rare

It might be a celebratory distraction to be born on a big holiday, like Christmas, but the truth is it’s very rare to be born on Dec. 25, which makes those birthdays pretty special. In fact, Christmas Day is the least likely day of the year to be born, ranking at 366th with just over 6,500 births on average. Dec. 24 is also a rare one, ranking at 364th, and Dec. 26 comes in at 361st. 

Some December Baby Names Are Related to the Holidays (but Not All) 

While some December baby names are related to the holidays (think Joesph, Eve, Noelle, Nicolas), according to Nameberry, other names to give babies born in the last month of the year range from those inspired by light (Lucien) and December's flower (Narcissa, Holly), to the Winter Solstice (Talvi), and good fortune (Felix). 

They're Less Moody As Adults 

While we can’t make any guarantees when it comes to those terrible twos (and threes), according to research, people with a December birthday are less irritable as adults than those born in other months. A Hungarian study found that those born in the winter months, like December, were least likely to suffer from mood swings. So while the weather might be chilly outside when your December baby is born, expect to get a lot of warmth from these little charmers as they get older.

 

A baby smiles and laughs in front of a Christmas tree as he holds up a present
iStock

They’re Bold Explorers

With all this talk of birthdays, you might ask, what is the zodiac sign for people born in December? Babies born before Dec. 21 are ruled by Sagittarius, the archer, meaning that you can expect wisdom, determination, and a bold attitude. These spitfires are also known being adventurous travelers, so get your world map ready. If their birthday comes after Dec. 21, that makes them a Capricorn. Represented by the goat, this zodiac sign for December implies that your baby will be ambitious and highly disciplined while also good-natured. So, in other words, they have a great work ethic.

They're Rich in Birthstones

What is December's birthstone? Lucky for December babies, they have four beautiful blue-hued gems to choose from if you include the blue topaz. The topaz is known for its sparkle, variety of colors, and affordability (a win-win for birthday gifts), although some history and jewelry experts argue that blue topaz does not represent December. Even if that's the case, you're still left with three gorgeous gems: the calming and ever-popular turquoise, the unique purple-blue tanzanite, and the blue-green zircon (said to be one of the oldest materials on earth).

Four smiling children who were born in December stand in a classroom
iStock

They’re the Head of the Class

Depending on what your school entry cut-offs are, your December baby is either one of the youngest in the class or the oldest. Either way, they are on track to be one of the brightest. While some studies show that kids who are the oldest in their class are more successful in academics, other research has shown that being the youngest also has an advantage by the time kids prepare to graduate high school, with the youngest outperforming their older classmates by the time they are applying for college. Either way, it's a win.

They’re Early Risers

A study of human circadian rhythms found that those born in winter months, including December, were more likely to be morning people, which means at least you’ll face a smiling tot when you’re up at the crack of dawn. Better still, other similar studies found that those born during the same season were more likely to go to bed earlier, which means more me-time for mom and a more efficient schedule going forward. 

Walt Disney was a December baby
Wikimedia Commons

Celebrities with a December Birthday

Some famous December babies include Walt Disney, Beethoven, and Jane Austen. Do you like movies and television? There's a VIP list filled with celebrities born in December such as actresses Lucy Liu, Amanda Seyfried, and Julianne Moore, as well as film director Judd Apatow. Mckayla Maroney and Gabby Douglas, two Team USA Gymnastics gold medalists, were born in December. Dec. 30 alone marks the birthdate of several iconic baseball players in history including Sandy Koufax, Frank Torre, and Jose Morales.

—Additional reporting by Dhyana Levy

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8 Cool Facts About People Born in November

by Shahrzad Warkentin

Known for being enthusiastic and cool, babies with a November birthday also have some serious star power

If you know a few nonagenarians whose birthdays are in November, it might not be a coincidence. According to research, being born in November may well mean having a longer lifespan, among other unique traits. Sure, babies born in August are known for their positive attitudes, babies born in September are said to have strong bones, and babies born in October might be just a little bit taller. But people with November birthdays? Well, they stand out from the crowd, and we’d like to tell how. 

child with a november birthday
Humphrey Muleba via Unsplash

They Have Some of the Rarest Birthdays

Turns out, November is one of the most uncommon months to be born. In fact, according to this handy chart compiled using data from the U.S. National Center for Health Statistics and the U.S. Social Security Administration, six of the rarest birthdays of the year, including Thanksgiving Day, are in November. 

Related: Why September Babies Are More Successful

Children with a November birthday are known for being athletic, like these kids playing soccer
iStock

They’re Athletes

Not everyone can make the first string, but there are fewer bench warmers among this bunch. According to a study published in the International Journal of Sports Medicine, kids with a November birthday are often fitter and stronger than those born in other months when measured for cardiorespiratory fitness, handgrip strength, and lower-body power. There's a clear physical advantage for those born in fall, researchers indicated, while also using this information to explain some bias in sports selection, particularly those leagues and schools with September age cut-off.

They're Strong at Heart

While heart disease is an unfortunately common ailment, a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association found that those born in November are least likely to be diagnosed with cardiovascular disease. A look at 10 cardiovascular conditions showed that people born in autumn are more protected than those born in winter.

A happy little girl in fall celebrating her November birthday
iStock

 They Lead Longer Lives

It’s pretty rare to live to be 100. Less than 1 percent of all Americans will make it to a full century, but if you’re born in November, chances are better that you’ll be among the few. Researchers from the University of Chicago found that babies born from September to November are more likely to become centenarians (or 100-year-olds) than those born in any other month. Being female, having good genetics, and a higher socioeconomic status can also help get you into the 100-plus birthday club.

Related: October Babies Are Totally Winning At Life, According to Studies

A little boy with a book is shocked to learn that he is more likely to be left handed because he has a November birthday
Ben White via Unsplash

November-Born Boys Are More Likely to be Lefties

Left-handers make up just 10 percent of the population, but if you have a November birthday, you may well be one of them. More specifically, boys born during November are more likely to be lucky lefties, according to research published in Cortex journal. Scientists suspect this may be tied to pregnant women's early exposure to sunlight, which can increase testosterone levels and result in left-handedness. 

They’re A-Listers

Just about every month has a few birthday claims to fame, but none quite as stellar as November. Celebrities born in November include Leonardo DiCaprio, Scarlett Johansson, Martin Scorsese, Jodie Foster, and Ryan Gosling. It’s pretty clear that November babies are destined to be among the accomplished award-winners.

Related: This Is the Most Popular Birthday in the US

Two little girls celebrate their November birthdays together
Victoria Rodriguez via Unsplash

They Are Brave and Enthusiastic

If you or your child has a November birthday, that means you or they are either a Scorpio (birthdays through Nov. 21) or a Sagittarius (Nov. 22 on). The ever-passionate Scorpio is known for being intuitive, brave, and hard-working, while fun-loving Sagittarius kids are recognized for their honesty, enthusiasm, and spontaneity. So, what does that mean? It means that if you're born in November, you must have a pretty great personality!

They Are Cool as Cucumbers

November babies have two birthstones: the topaz, which symbolizes calmness, and the citrine, also known for its tranquil energy. The stones both signify the serene, as well as prosperity, fortune and joy. No wonder people born in November are so cool! And both of these beautiful birthstones are more affordable than others, making a jewelry-related gift for people with November birthdays a bigger and better possibility. 

 

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10 Splurge-Worthy Keepsake Baby Gifts

by Whitney C. Harris

Looking to pick out the perfect baby gift? There’s no shortage of adorable items to choose from. But if you’re angling for something upscale that really makes an impact at that baby shower, first birthday, or holiday, these splurgy keepsake baby gifts are ones that mom and her babe will cherish.

Savor Baby Edition Keepsake Box
What parent doesn’t want a better way to keep track of baby’s sweetest memories? Savor’s Baby Edition Keepsake Box is an organizing system that keeps everything protected and easily accessible with the help of nine drawers, eight vertical files for cherished paper artifacts like sonograms, letters, and birth announcements, and 50+ illustrated labels. Parents can keep track of the first four years of their child’s life, from the hospital blanket to baby’s first tooth to that first haircut, along with other treasured items.

Savor Baby Edition Keepsake Box ($54.99)—Buy Here!

Uncommon Goods' personalized woodland nursery pillow is one of our splurge-worthy baby keepsake gifts

Personalized Woodland Nursery Pillow
This comfy cotton pillow sprinkles the details of baby’s arrival amid a whimsical mix of plants, mushrooms, and woodland critters like deer, squirrels, and bunnies. If you don’t know all the details of your giftee’s birth (date, weight, length, birthplace, and time of birth), no sweat—those spaces can be filled in with additional illustrations. It’s the perfect addition to storytime in any nursery.

Personalized Woodland Nursery Pillow ($120.00)—Buy Here!

The Elsa Peretti bubble blower from Tiffany & Co. is one of our splurge-worthy keepsake baby gifts

Tiffany & Co. Elsa Peretti Padova Bubble Blower
You can practically hear children’s laughter on a summer day upon unboxing this darling silver bubble wand. A wonderful baby shower gift, the design has a signature Elsa Peretti design and can be engraved for personalization.

Tiffany & Co. Elsa Peretti Padova Bubble Blower ($150.00)—Buy Here!

Butterscotch Blankees Metallic Classic Monogram Stroller Blanket
For a gift that baby will use day after day, this super-soft and cozy blanket comes in nearly 30 different colors to match all tastes. Take it from the nursery to the stroller to the car and beyond for constant comfort on all those baby-led adventures. Personalize it with a monogram and send it soon after baby’s arrival.

Butterscotch Blankees Metallic Classic Monogram Stroller Blanket ($95.00)—Buy Here!

vera wang wedgwood piggy bank is one of our splurge-worthy keepsake baby gifts

Vera Wang Wedgwood Infinity Baby Piggy Bank
Baby’s first bank should be precious and timeless, and what’s more timeless than a piggy? This sweet treasury by acclaimed designer Vera Wang fits the bill with its simple yet sculptural silhouette and an infinity detail around the waist. Like all of her creations, the Infinity Baby Piggy Bank is a classic for contemporary tastes.

Vera Wang Wedgwood Infinity Baby Piggy Bank ($100.00)—Buy Here!

Artifact Uprising Baby Book | The Story of You
From picking baby’s name to favorite books and songs, this baby book prompts parents to write down every important detail. With 100 pages to fill and nearly 50 spots for family photos, it’s a highly interactive photo journal that aptly documents a child’s life to be thumbed through and pored over for years to come. And it fits many family structures, including single parents, adopted children, and same-sex parents.

Artifact Uprising Baby Book | The Story of You ($99.00)—Buy Here!

Michael Aram Bunny Cup with Spoon Set
Handcrafted by American artist Michael Aram, this cup and spoon set calls upon the wonder and innocence of childhood with subtle whimsy and elegance. Made of stainless steel and silver-plated metal, this sweet set will stand the test of time, and, like children themselves, no two are exactly alike because they’re made by hand.

Michael Aram Bunny Cup with Spoon Set ($105.00)—Buy Here!

Beadifulbaby Engravable Silver Baby Bangle Bracelet
A gift of jewelry will always be remembered, especially a child’s first bracelet as a permanent record of that unimaginably tiny wrist. This lovely, high-polished sterling silver rhodium bracelet is made in the USA and can be personalized with a little one’s initials or full name. While this piece of jewelry cannot grow with baby, it makes for a darling gift that can be passed down to future generations.

Beadifulbaby Engravable Silver Baby Bangle Bracelet ($210.00)—Buy Here!

Write to Me | Baby – First Year of You Journal
Inspire any new parent to notice the little things with the gift of this beautiful First Year of You journal. There’s plenty of room for taking note of moments both big and small, with cues to include milestones like first steps, first Christmas and first haircut. The natural linen, gender-neutral design with gold embossing is fitting for just about any family and it’s all made with forest-free paper.

Write to Me | Baby – First Year of You Journal (66.95)—Buy Here!

Reed & Barton Jungle Parade Silverplate Photo Frame
A classic silver frame gets a colorful upgrade with Reed & Barton’s Jungle Parade. This adorable 4×6 picture holder would look positively sweet in any boy or girl’s nursery, and it can be used to display a family photo from your latest adventures. To up the gift factor, personalize it for an extra $9.95.

Reed & Barton Jungle Parade Silverplate Photo Frame ($65.oo)—Buy Here!

—Taylor Clifton, Whitney C. Harris, & Jessica Payne

 

All the products listed are independently & personally selected by our shopping editors.

If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation. Prices and availability reflect the time of publication.

All images courtesy of retailers.

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Why Kids Born in June Are More Social (& Other Fun Facts)

by Kipp Jarecke-Cheng

People born in June fall under both the Gemini or Cancer zodiac sign

If your kiddo was born in the sixth month of the year, you already know that people born in June are outgoing, charming, and creative. And even though they can be more than a handful sometimes, June babies tend to grow up to be healthy, cheerfully optimistic people. Discover more characteristics and fun facts about June babies, including exactly which precious gem is June’s birthstone.

people born in June
Nathan Dumlao on Unsplash

1. June people are healthier and more optimistic.
According to a study published in Heliyon, summer-born babies are more likely to grow up to be healthy adults. Researchers theorize that greater exposure to sunlight and higher vitamin D exposure leads to better overall well-being.

2. Summer people are expressive and quick-witted, but can also have a dark side.
Characteristics shared by many Geminis are sociability, excellent communication skills, and an always-ready-for-fun attitude. But like all Geminis who can possess two different personalities in one, June-born people can turn from fun-loving to super-serious and thoughtful without notice.

3. Most people born in June are Geminis, the social butterfly sign in the zodiac.
These quick-witted passionate people are comfortable talking to anyone about anything.

4. Imagination rules for June-born Geminis.
Thanks to their co-ruling planets, Venus and Uranus,  June-born Geminis rarely are at a loss for ideas. Their imaginations rule them and can always be counted on to devise clever solutions to even the most complex problems.

Mieke Campbell on Unsplash

4. Summer-born babies are happy ...
Science has found that the season of one’s birth can have a lifelong impact on moods, and babies born in the summer months—from June through August—are shown to be the least susceptible to sadness brought on by seasonal affective disorders.

5. June's birthstone is a pearl, which represents innocence and purity.

6. June babies are giving and forgiving.
Most people born in June fall under the sign of Gemini, which means they frequently see both sides of an argument. As a result, June-born people are forgiving and generous. Their Gemini-ness, however, means that they also can be indecisive.

8. There are plenty of celebrities with June birthdays.
People born in the sixth month of the year share their birth month with celebrities like Natalie Portman, Morgan Freeman, Meryl Streep, Kendrick Lamar, Anderson Cooper, Liam Neeson, Michael Cera, and more.

Related: Why Kids Born in May Often Have Wanderlust (& Other Interesting Facts)

 

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Here’s Why Regular Bedtimes Are So Important, According to Science

by Shahrzad Warkentin

Regular bedtimes are important for everyone in the house

If the bedtime battle is the most dreaded time of day in your house, it can be tempting to give in and let the kids stay up late. However, research shows why kids need a regular bedtime and it’s more important than just having some mom-time once the kids are (finally) asleep.

A study in the United Kingdom looked at the sleep habits of 10,000 kids ages three to seven years old. The research, published in the journal Pediatrics, concluded that kids with irregular bedtimes had more behavioral difficulties than those who went to bed at the same time consistently.

Related: Earlier Bedtimes for Kids Is Better for Your Sanity, According to Study

 

little girl at bedtime
iStock

The study, which reported that 20 percent of three-year-olds did not have a consistent bedtime, found that kids who did not routinely go to bed at the same time every night were more likely to be unhappy, inconsiderate of others and argued more. The behaviors reported were based on surveys of both parents and teachers.

A follow-up to the study found that irregular bedtimes were also linked with increased risk for obesity and low-self esteem, as well as lower math scores. Regular bedtimes, on the other hand, were shown to have a positive impact on a kid’s development, health and behavior.

The good news is, even if you’ve let that bedtime slide on more than one occasion, it’s not too late. The researchers found that the effects could be reversed by implementing a consistent sleep schedule. When kids switched from having irregular bedtimes to having a regular bedtime they showed measurable improvements in their behavior. The study’s lead researcher, Yvonne Kelly explained, “This shows that it’s never too late to help children back onto a positive path, and a small change could make a big difference to how well they get on.”

RELATED STORIES: Can You Really Make Up For Lost Sleep? Science Has an Answer

 

 

 

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Oh, Snap: Our Favorite NYC Kid & Family Photographers

by Sara Gramling

Lots of people can take a great picture. Maybe even you. But it’s the true photographer that can balance color, composition, light and more — and also manage to capture the spirit of his or her subject. That’s never more important than when shooting a family, siblings, newborn, etc. We went in search of the best NYC family photographers and found pros for different styles, specialties, and budgets—but all of them create work you’ll cherish for years.

For a Fun Family Shoot & More

Nadia Leon Photography

Nadia Leon specializes in capturing your kid or family in relaxed and fun moments. (No stiff poses or weird lighting here.) Nadia is happy to come to you, or meet you at a location of your choosing. A $400, 90-minute Family Shoot (which includes the opportunity to change outfits and settings) gets you 20 to 30 professionally-retouched photos in an online gallery for download. Turnaround is five business days. Leon also does maternity, engagement and wedding photo sessions in a similar style. During the pandemic, Nadia also launched the Front Steps Project in Queens, photographing families in front of their homes from six feet away. Her mission was to capture the joyful moments of life, even as everyone faced challenges. Her work from that project can be found here. 

Online: nadialeonphotography.com

For Editorial Photographer Who Also Does Portraits: Julie Hassett Sutton

Julie Hassett Sutton

Brooklyn-based photographer Julie Hassett Sutton has worked with The Wall Street Journal and the organization Global Kids (for whom she photographed a visit from Michelle Obama!). And yes, you can also snag a sitting with her. You can choose a 30-minute ($150) or 60-minute ($300) session that can be done in your home or at a location of your choosing.

917-747-7765
Online: photosforyour.life

To Capture the Little Details: Deer Baby

Deer Baby Photo

Deer Baby is all about storytelling. Their photographers will document your new arrival with natural shots with a candid feel — and they'll do it in NYC and Nashville. The Deer Baby shutterbugs frequently shoot in a subject's home, but they're happy to head out to the park, the streets or any location of your choosing. Got a fuzzy member of the family? Deer Baby loves including pets. Starting rate is $550. 

Online: deerbabyphoto.com

For the Out of the Ordinary: Stylish Hip Kids

Stylish Hip Kids Photography

For a truly uncommon snap of the clan, check out Stylish Hip Kids, the studio of photographer Mariliana Arvelo. The Venezuelan native shoots both outdoors and in, as well as at her Brooklyn HQ, and her work is fun, filled with color and energy, and the essence of her subjects. (Sometimes, she even adds some fun illustrated accents in post-production.) Starting rate is $400 for a mini-session.

347-225-4869
Online: stylishhipkids.com

For A Photog Who's Shot for Goop, Cup of Jo & Parents: Ana Gambuto

Ana Gambuto

Ana Gambuto will literally get down on your kid's level to get that perfect shot. (See her website for video of a shoot and the resulting pics to see what we mean.) She describes her style as polished but authentic, bright and full of life, and tells clients to drop any assumptions they might have about family photo shoots. "Mine are fast-paced, and a bit of a cardio workout. You've got to let your kids take the lead to get those real smiles!" She works in NYC and the Hamptons. Hour-long sessions are $925 and include all the high-res JPGs. 

Online: anagambuto.com

For the Classic Central Park Shoot: Ruby Photography

Ruby Photography

Yes, Samantha Ruby does all kinds of photo shoots, but she's got a knack for a great Central Park family portrait. (Check out her site to see what we mean.) Sessions last 45 minutes to an hour and cost $750 for 35 images. She works throughout the city and will travel 90 minutes to you as well. 

Online: rubyphotographynyc.com

For Capturing Moments Big and Small: Michelle Rose

Michelle Rose Photo

With a degree in art photography, Michelle Rose brings years of experience to portrait and family shoots. Her mission: Capture your family's most joyful moments with beautifully styled photos. You can book her for maternity, newborn, family, cake smash shoots and more. Scheduling is easy— just head to her website to set up a consultation and, once a date is locked in, she'll share her very helpful photoshoot and outfit guides to help you best prepare for the session. After the photoshoot, Michelle will share a private album for you to peruse. You can take a peek at Michelle's work on her Instagram account to get a sense of her style. Packages start at $1,180.

Online: michellerosephoto.com

For When You're Not Sure Your Kid Will Smile for a Photo: Shoott

Shoott

Every parent knows the struggle of trying to take a family photo and your children refuse to smile. Introducing, Shoott, a totally risk-free photography service. To set up a session, pick a date and select a location from one of 30 locations in and around NYC. (Bonus: there's no fee for booking.) Meet up with a professional photographer for a 30-minute photo session, and afterward, you'll get 40 lightly edited shots from which to select your faves. Only pay for the photos you love.(Shoott photos are $30 each, $15 per photo when you buy 10 or more or $295 for all 40.)
Book right here in NYC, or in any city in the U.S. 

Online: shoott.com

 

For a Low-Cost, Last-Minute Photo Shoot: Snapped

Snapped

Yes, now you can order up a professional photo shoot on demand. Created with the goal of making it easy to find qualified and experienced photographers on short notice (in as little as two hours!), Snapped promises high quality shots and fast delivery from a small team of vetted photographers. It's relatively low risk, and definitely low cost. A 45-minute Snapped session will set you back just $179, soup to nuts. As a bonus, if your little one is under the weather or you have a schedule conflict, you can reschedule or cancel with no fee. Plus, you'll get all your photos within 24-hours so you don't have to wait. Have we tried it? Not yet. Do we want to? You betcha!

Online: snapped.us

 

RELATED STORIES:

30 Things You Have to Do in NYC Before Baby Turns One

Newborn, Maternity & Cake Smash Photos: Capture Milestones with a Virtual Photo Session!

NYC’s Best Spots for Photo Booth Fun

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10 Ways to Get Kids to Enjoy Gardening

By Suzan Chiang

It seems like I’ve been gardening all my life. And teaching children the skills and love for gardening are what brings me joy in the gardening world. If you can see their huge smiles and excitement as they watch their plants grow, then you know you have instilled a love for nature. I still remember as a young child, my parents would bring me out to their backyard to help plant pumpkin seeds. I then graduated to planting tree saplings to learning how to transplant, divide plants, and propagate.

While not every child desires to learn about plants, most of them do however enjoy being outdoors and digging their fingers in the soil. There are health benefits to growing your own garden or planting your own food. You get to be outside in fresh air, you decide on what you want to grow, you can see pollinators visit your garden, and you can enjoy the bounty of your fresh fruits and vegetables! And there are many easy-to-grow plants for children no matter their skill level. And with spring just around the corner, now is the best time to prepare for your spring planting. If you like to start with seeds, get them ready as most seeds take about 7-10 days to sprout and then 2-3 months for the plants to be fully grown. If you can’t wait for the seeds to sprout and transplant, then seedlings or small established plants might be a better choice.

Below are 10 ways of getting your child interested in growing their own garden. These are fairly easy steps and you can start small with just a few plants.

1. Start off with easy to grow plants. Beans, beets, carrots, peas, radishes, and tomatoes are all easy beginner plants. Buy organic seeds or seedlings whenever possible as these are edible plants. Peas, tomatoes, and carrots can be easily grown in planters too.

2.  Enlist them in the garden design. Decide on whether you want to grow in a planter or directly in the ground. Planters are great for beginners or if you have a small space. Pick planters that have good drainage holes.

3. Make it personal by planting a favorite flower. Check out planting seasons and plant their favorite flower or birth flower.

4. Study the full life cycle of a seed. Most seeds take about 7-10 days to sprout. Seedlings are usually about 2-3 inches tall and can be planted directly into the ground or in a planter that can accommodate the size of a fully grown plant. Growing from seeds is particularly fun because your child can track the growth of the seed as it germinates into a seedling!

5. Take your child to a garden center. Walk around the garden center to see what’s in season and get inspiration. Talk to a horticulturist while there to get some insider tips on growing a bountiful garden! And while you’re there, pick up some plants to take home.

6. Purchase basic garden tools. Buy thick gloves, garden spade, garden hand trowel, a small rake, garden shears, and a watering can. Get either child-size tools or smaller adult sizes so they’ll grow with your child.

7. Go on a nature walk at a local park or arboretum. This will inspire both you and your child to appreciate and discover various plants. Oftentimes arboretums will sell native plants so they’re great for your little ones to choose for themselves.

8. Create a plant journal. Depending on the age of your child, you can have them start a plant journal where they can draw or cut out pictures of what they’re planting. Then record the start date of planting and the growth period. This also helps develop good recording skills for future planting and gardening techniques.

9. Grow specific plants for pollinators. Great plants to grow for butterflies and bees are native flowers or all-inclusive plants such as herbs, sunflowers, and daisies. Pollinators help increase the growth of your own plants as well as help them pollinate other plants. I love growing Milkweed for our Monarch butterflies during springtime. These unique and beautiful pollinators are instantly attracted to this specific plant and you’ll get to watch the cute little caterpillars too!

10. Plant a hummingbird habitat garden. Once in a while, I will grow plants that hummingbirds love right in front of my front door. It’s so delightful to hear their little wings flap as they drink the nectar from my plants. Hummingbird plants include Butterfly Bush, Trumpet Vine, and Honeysuckles. Just think of anything in a tubular flower shape where their long beaks can fit into the flowers. Instill the love of gardening and being in nature when your child is young. Teach them basic gardening skills and they’ll soon want to grow a garden for you! Happy gardening!

I am a mom first and foremost. I might not be a supermom, but I am constantly learning and growing.Topics I stand with are parenting, the environment, and living a healthy and happy lifest‌yle. I work at an elementary school and I have 30 years experience in the health industry.

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This New Book Teaches Kids How to Care for Our Environment & Each Other

by Jamie Aderski
Partner Content

If you’re like us, taking care of your home is a daily struggle… so taking care of the environment, too, may sound like a huge feat—but it doesn’t have to be. We can do so many little things every day, like toting reusable shopping bags instead of answering “Paper” or “Plastic.” And it’s never too early: Young kids can easily learn what gets reused—helping with recycling items around your home is a great way to get them involved. 

Taking care of who is in our environment is just as important. We’ve found a joyful way to help kids grasp these values through an incredibly thoughtful and beautifully illustrated read, The Digger and the Duckling by Joseph Kuefler, a follow-up to his acclaimed picture book, The Digger and the Flower. When a tiny duckling waddles onto their construction site, Digger and his mighty crew are all annoyed, calling her a nuisance. The duckling isn’t bothered, though, and through understanding, patience and acceptance, Digger and his crew help take care of her and grow to love the duckling. They become an unlikely family and make their lives richer, all through having patience (something any young kid could use more of).

That’s just one of the reasons we love the new book, The Digger and the Duckling.

Get your copy of The Digger and the Duckling.

The Story

Digger and the other big trucks love to build. But when a lost duckling waddles onto the jobsite, Digger and his friends learn to do more than just scoop and hoist and push... They learn to become a family. Especially for ages 4-8, this beautifully illustrated book is an excellent introduction to taking care of the environment and one another.

Start reading The Digger and the Duckling today!

This book is hot off the presses, so no reviews just yet—but here’s praise for the first of the series, The Digger and the Flower:

 “Kuefler imbues the text with the heart and soul of the best storytime fare… One couldn’t hope for a better tale of rebirth and regeneration”

—Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

“Kuefler’s simply written and beautifully illustrated tale has a powerful message about the importance of the environment…A wonderful, inspiring tale, perfect for read-alouds.”

—School Library Journal (starred review)

“The image of the clunky piece of construction equipment tenderly caring for the fragile plant gives the story charm, and so do its strong, simple images.”

—Publishers Weekly

 

Looking for a fun activity as a follow-up to the story? Care for a plant together! From tiny succulents to flowy ferns, your little one can help make sure it gets the light and water it needs—maybe they can even read The Digger and the Duckling to their new plant friend!

 

Happy reading! (And don’t forget to shut the water off while you brush your teeth… )

 

—Jamie

 

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