I finally have found the time to sit down and talk to you about mini first aid !

Michelle has kindly invited me to attend one of her classes and how could I say no. When I started my business I did attend a first aid class but was definitely up to refresh my memory.

When I arrived at the class it looked  very inviting and Michelle made you feel at ease immediately. Everyone was there for the same reason and it made for a nice  atmosphere. It was a 2 hour class that covered everything you need to know when you have a child. I mainly wanted to do this for 2 reasons : my business and because I also am a mum. It is important to me to know that if I ever get in a situation that needs first aid that I hopefully will refer to what I have learned on the day.

The class covered meningitis which I thought was very informative. It went on to sepsis awareness and then to burns, break and bleeding. All of these were very educational and there was a few things that I knew but forgot or that I learned which I was never aware of.

It then went on to CPR, now this bit made me a bit anxious. I wasn’t aware it was actually quite hard to hear/see. It is the thought of performing CPR on someone. Michelle showed us how to do CPR followed by you having a try on the dummy if you wanted to. I tried it and it is scary how hard you have to push on someone’s chest. when we all discussed this Michelle gave us a reminder that will stick with me for the rest of my life.

she said ” this is the worst case scenario, if you ever have to do this then just do it and go for it. you cannot make it any worse ! you can only hope you make it better. if they have broken ribs due to your CPR, they will heal ”

It made so much sense! you will do anything if that is your last chance and what are a few broken ribs compared to the alternative !

At the end we went on to choking. Now this is a big one right?  How many times as a mum have you given your child food that they hoover up so quickly that they forget to chew ? It is scary and it gets to you every time when you see your child choking ! It is so nice to know what to do if you ever get into that situation, that you know you have full confidence to keep calm and help.

I would 100 % recommend this class if you are pregnant, have a child or even babysit someone’s children.  It give your the confidence to help others when they need it. I feel it should be almost mandatory for any carer or parent.

I ended up purchasing  the  mini first aid kit, I did have one already but it was nowhere near as kitted out as this one. this one now stays in the studio with me for whenever I need it !

Thank you Michelle for having me ! you are made for this job and not only educated us about what is important but also made us feel welcome.

Mini first aid information :

https://highlands.minifirstaid.co.uk/

https://www.facebook.com/minifirstaidmoray

x

– Astrid

Let me just start with saying that life is full of surprises.
We have had some challenging years behind us and are still facing a lot of challenges just now.

It has been hard for absolutely everyone !
I am very thankful and lucky to have all of you to keep my business going.

I have reviewed my price list and have not done this for a few years so I knew it was time to change this.

I am not only talking about the pricing structure but also about new products and new packages. It gives me a boost to be able to deliver to you new, beautiful and high quality products that you can have in your family home forever !

Now bear with me as I have not been able to take photos of all of my new products but I have a new album that I now include into different packages, way more choice in frames and colours and much much more !

Some of my packages have not even gone up in price but have just changed completely! no session fee anymore and a beautiful bundle of products included into your photo session.
There is no comparing the old pricing with the new if it comes to some packages.

You know I am always open about pricing and I also wanted to address that.
I always try and keep my pricing as fair as I can for you.
I do calculate this with the work I put in, the props I need to purchase for your session, the equipment I use and of course all the yearly/monthly bills I have to pay for my business, not to mention due to the events of the last few years some of my suppliers had to up their prices which of course leads to a knock on effect for my business.

I do want you to know that I always give 100% for every job and that I know that when you book in with me that means that you are prioritising a photo shoot and the cost that comes with it.
That in itself makes me so happy since it is such an important thing to do in your life.
It is a luxury but my, oh my the best one of them all !
How would you not want to stop time to have that photo session of your kids when they grow up so quickly !

So yes, I realise you may have been saving to come to the studio and yes, I do realise you made this your priority and yes, I do realise you might of had to leave some other priorities to get this photo session done and that is why I always give my all !

I will always welcome you with a smile.
I will always make you feel at home.
I will always try and make your child smile.
I will always do the best job I can from start to finish.
I will always edit your photos with the passion I have for my job.
And I will always want to give you the best possible products that I can.

Because I know that this is important for you and your family and because I want you to have those beautiful photos hanging up in your family home.

Are you interested in the new price list and new products ?

Get in touch to find out more and I will happily keep you right.

The range of our frames have now grown ! More choices and more colours !!

Some products are still the same and we have also added a beautiful linen album to the new products. this will be photographed soon for you to see !!
A new design of our portrait album is also in the making and will be revealed soon !

When Erin contacted me to do a mini newborn session for Thea I felt happiness and sadness at the same time. Thea has a twin brother Connall who was still born.

Being a mum myself it broke my heart! When I think about loosing my child I feel a knot in my stomach and a pain I never felt before and this is only a thought for me.  For  Thea’s mum and dad it is the reality.  They have had twins and are filled with happiness for Thea and grieving for Connall. All they wanted was 2 healthy babies and I feel such sadness for them and am amazed how strong they are and how they are coping.

Thea made me smile throughout her session and she is the most content and happiest baby every. Mum also brought in Connalls ashes and we took some photos of them together.

I was relieved to hear that mum really opens up about what she went through. I find that talking helps us so much and I was more than happy to listen and to hear all about her 2 beautiful twin babies.

It is so important to raise awareness about this as it helps so many mums. I cant imagine what mums go through when they have a still born baby but I do know that we can all help each other and listen to each other.

Erin has also kindly send me some links as we also just lost someone dear in our family and she pointed out this link to me that is very useful : https://www.lossbooks.com

If you are going through the same as Erin please reach out to someone in the same situation or talk to someone that is in your support system. Here is also a useful link with lots of information ; https://twinstrust.org/bereavement.html

Inverness Raigmore should be rolling out the purple butterfly symbol from the Skye High Foundation. If you choose to use it a card will be placed in your babys cot bed to let staff know that your baby is a twin. have a look on this link for more information ; https://www.theskyehighfoundation.com

Here are a few words from Thea’s mum :

When we found out I was pregnant with twins I couldn’t wait to take them for a newborn photoshoot. Heartbreakingly it was not to be as our son Connall was stillborn. His sister Thea is thankfully thriving and so it was with one twin, Connall’s urn and the knowledge that when one twin dies they are known as the sunset twin and the surviving twin is known as the sunrise twin that we contacted Astid.

It was such an emotional day but we are delighted with the photos of Thea, the most beautiful, content baby who helps us to face each sunrise without Connall. His presence is very much represented in a selection of the photos as is the sunset/sunrise theme.

It has been such a long time since I have done a blog but wanted to make one about this cake smash. Huntley came to my studio to celebrate his birthday !
He was the happiest wee boy and I was so excited when mum wanted a timeless backdrop with foliage.

It is obviously all about the photo’s we get on the day and that I deliver to my customers but It is also equally important to me to make your child feel safe in my studio and that they have fun on the day and really enjoy the session.

Cake smashes, like any photo session are a personal thing. I always listen to mums and dads to see what they want out of their session. I listen out for colours or themes their child loves and I will get to work by getting ideas for the set up and then telling mum and dad about it.

They can then agree or change whatever they like. Exact same story for the cake. This is also customised to your session with the colours of your choice.

It  makes your session personalised and that bit more special.

Enjoy some images from wee Huntley’s cake smash

x

Astrid

Twinklecottage wax melts

I was so excited and happy when Beci from twinklecottage contacted me to work with her and make some amazing lifestyle product photo’s of her wax melts.

I have been massive fan of her wee business since the beginning and always purchase  wax melts from her as they not only leave the most amazing scent throughout my home but also because she is just such an amazing person and what a business brain she got !

We chatted back and forth about how she saw her vision of this photo shoot and we shared a pinterest board to keep each other right. With a cup of tea in my hand and a notebook in front of me, my brain went into overdrive with all the different cosy set ups I wanted to create.

This is my first lifestyle product session and I fell in love ! Lockdown has been tough and we also have to deal with other struggles, so when this  amazing opportunity came to me I just had to grab is with both hands.

Just these amazing products, my studio and me….

being creative for 2 full on days, I felt that fire in my belly again and my passion for creativity and I was hauling my light throughout my home making my whole home my studio for the perfect set up.

Now it is time for you to put your feet up, get the fire on ( since it is snowing in April ? ) and get a nice hot cup of tea. Read through my blog and enjoy these images I created. You can also do a bit of shopping if you are looking for waxmelts, I cannot recommend them enough and have put all the links to amazon below for you, just click on the images to go to amazon.

Laundry days 

Scents include
Washing Line
Lavish
Fresh Bedding
Uplift
Clean Cotton
Soap Suds

Fruity & Tropical 

Scents included –
Tropical Watermelon x 2
Raspberry & Rhubarb x 2
Pineapple Perfection x 2
Tropical Crush x 2
Mango & Lime x 2
Strawberry & Lime x 2

Assorted hearts 

Scents included –
Pineapple & Coconut
Parma Violets
Creamy Coconut
Mojito
Peppermint
Seville Orange
Cranberry
Marmalade
Fizz & Roses
Banana Nut Bread
Baby Powder
Black Cherry
Juicy Apple

The perfume box

Scents include
Decadent
Floralbomb
Angel
Millions
Delicious
Five

The designer box

Scents include
Blush Pink Peony
Madam
Thai Lime & Mango

Unicorn dreams 

Scents included –
Over the Rainbow x 2
Starlight x 2
Unicorn Dreams x 2
Unicorn Kisses x 2
Fantasy x 2
Magical x 2

Assorted stars 

Scents included –
Bakewell Tart
Berrylicious
Vanilla
Lemon
Clean Cotton
Lavender
Magnolia Cherry
Sea Breeze
Lime
Rose
Candy Floss
White Musk

Clean & Fresh

Scents include
Sweet Pea & Cherry Blossom
Fushia Passion
Strawberry & Lilly
Fresh
Sunshine
Soft Towels

The classic box 

Scents include
Pomegranate Black
English Pear & Fressia
Lime Basil & Mandarin

Stay cosy, stay safe

x

Astrid

What if my children misbehave ?

What if the photo’s don’t look nice ?
What if it rains ?
What if I don’t know what to wear ?
What if we all feel uncomfortable ?
What if we all fake smile in the photo’s ?

What if I don’t look good?
What if I haven’t lost the weight I wanted to loose before the session ?
What if…
What if….

Please remember that you are beautiful and that you are enough on the day of the session !

You do not need to loose weight or worry about how you look.
Remember you are doing this for your family !

Your children will have these photo’s when they are older and will not judge you on your weight or how you look. They will remember that fun day out and they will remember an amazing mum and dad and a lot of love !

Turn your what if’s around to positivity :

What if we have a fun day ?

What if everyone behaves ?

What if we have amazing images to hang up in our family home ?

What if we are all confident in ourselves ?

Have fun preparing for your shoot.

         

       

Hi Everyone !

I would normally offer you a portrait session between the 8 – 14th February to raise money for Tiny Tickers.
This year I won’t be able to but I have decided to offer something else.

You can now purchase a word photo art or a valentine’s card.

These are DIGITAL DOWNLOADS so they will be emailed into your mailbox for you to print yourself or to use online.

You can use your own photo or one that has been taken in my studio from your child(ren) !

These are £ 5 each or £ 7 for both of them.

* WORD PHOTO ART ( LOVE)

This cute photo art will look amazing printed and put into  a A4 frame to give to your partner for valentine.
How amazing would this look in a nice frame in your home !

What do you need to do ?

Take a photo of your child and send it to me

tips :
– take the photo close by a window or outside
– see that your child(ren) are on the left of the photo and have enough space around them especially on the right of the photo.

* VALENTINE CARD

This cute card would be amazing to give to your partner or even to the child(ren’s) grandparents.
Imagine how delighted they would be to get this through the post !

Keep in mind this is a DIGITAL DOWNLOAD so I will email this over to you and you can then print this as a card online.

tips :
– Most photos can be used for this card but it needs to be a landscape photo.
– You can give me the name that can go on the front of the card.

Please dm me for more info or to order yours !

About Tiny tickers :

Tiny tickers are passionate about babies and detecting any heart defects from when they are newborn.
Go to this link to read all about it : https://www.tinytickers.org/about-tiny-tickers

• Harry’s story: Harry is a little boy from Inverness who was born with a serious heart defect. You can read his story here: https://www.tinytickers.org/2019/04/24/transposition-of-the-great-arteries-harry/ Feel free to copy and paste all/some of it into your blog and use the pictures. I’ll attach a few here.
• Pulse oximetry: We’ve placed 6 pulse ox machines in the Highlands region – 3 at Elgin Hospital and 3 on Shetland. These machines test oxygen levels in newborn babies’ blood, and can detect heart defects. At present, pulse oximetry is not a mandatory newborn test, so we are placing the machines at maternity units throughout the UK. We’ve so far placed 180 machines across the UK
• Training: We train the sonographers who carry out pregnancy scans to have the skills and confidence to detect heart defects. Scotland is the next region on our list (postponed already due to COVID unfortunately)
• Family support: we support families from all over the UK who are dealing with a diagnosis of congenital heart disease, open heart surgery and other experiences related to their child’s condition.

Kind regards,

Astrid

Changes to keep us all safe

As a photographer working in our community it is essential for me to help and minimize the spread of any infection.

I have always operated a clean studio policy but now have introduced some new protocols to meet the government guidelines to protect you & me.

As a small business I have been hit by the pandemic and am happy to slowly get back to work. I can only do this with your cooperation.

1 ) Social distancing

Where possible we will conform with government guidelines on social distancing, I will email/chat with you to talk you through the session so you know what to expect.

2) Sanitizing station

There will be a station at the entrance of the studio as well as in the studio itself.

3) Feeling unwell

If you feel unwell do not come to the studio for your session. Let me know as soon as possible so I can reschedule your appointment for you.

4) Minimal shoots

I will allow only one customer per day and I will allow 24 hours between each session to give myself time to sanitize and deep clean everything.

5) Changing facilities

This will be cleaned and washed in between sessions.

6) payment

Cash payment won’t be accepted just now but you can always pay by online banking.

7 ) Masks & Gloves

I will have masks and gloves in the hallway for you to use during the session. I will also wear a mask and will wash my hands thoroughly before, during and after every session.

8 ) Questions

Before every session we will ask you how you are feeling and if you had any symptoms of covid-19 in the last 14days.

If you do have any more questions or are unsure about anything, please feel free to contact me info@littlebirdphotography.co  07944502417

First of all thank you to everyone who has joined #moobythefrontdoor.

I loved meeting  you and your family so much!

This project has meant more to me then you might realize.

It meant that I kept my sanity throughout lockdown by still seeing and meeting all of you and having a wee chat. It meant that I can help other small businesses and myself to make you aware that we are still here . It meant that I could give you a small gift of giving you a family photo in this crazy time.

I am a small business and I know that it might not seem that I can make a difference on my own but having done over 50 families and asking them to buy from a small business in the future is for me a small win. If those 50 + families then also start talking about the business they bought from and so on…. that means I did my job and made you guys aware of me, my business and other businesses around us that we might not always see.

I hope you are all still safe and sound and following the guidelines as it will only get better from here on out.
I am now stopping my project due to be able to do outdoor photo sessions soon so I will focus on getting some plans together for the future of my business.

I want to thank each and one of you who has shopped local and especially the ones that have supported me throughout my journey. I have had such amazing gifts from you that really touched me and all of you that bought a print and also bought gift vouchers…I just can’t thank you enough. It means the world to me and my family and I will keep pushing myself to provide you the best service I can give you.

For all the latest news follow me on : www.facebook.com/photographylittlebird 

                                                                          www.instagram.com/little.bird.photography.a

                                                                            youtube channel : astrid little bird photography

I will pop down the list of the small businesses below for your interest.

(There are many more but these are the ones I have put in so far)

FOOD :

* The black isle dairy : https://www.facebook.com/BlackIsleDairy/

* Milkbar inverness : https://www.facebook.com/milkbarinverness/

* Bad girl bakery :    https://www.facebook.com/badgirlbakery/

* Highland farm cafe : https://www.facebook.com/Highland-Farm-Cafe-1946027988801119/

* Black isle veg boxes  : https://www.facebook.com/fearniewell/?ref=br_rs

* Robertsons farm shop beauty : https://www.facebook.com/robertsonsfarmshop/

* Biagiotti beauly : https://www.facebook.com/cafebiagiotti/

* Corner on the square beauty :  https://www.facebook.com/corneronthesquare/

* Tanita from ladybug cakes : https://www.facebook.com/LadybugHomemadeCupcakesTeaTimeTreats/

* Debbie & Andrew from the chocolate place : https://www.facebook.com/thechocolateplace/    they also do markets on saturday during lockdown !

* Bob from the natural pig :  https://www.facebook.com/thenaturalpigco/

HEALTH :

*  Yoga with jenn : https://www.facebook.com/JennHighlandYoga/

*  Lindsay from synergy massage therapy highland : https://www.facebook.com/HighlandSynergyMassage/

*  Bellafemme inverness : https://www.facebook.com/Bellafemme-137226929691534/

* louise meraki therapies : https://www.facebook.com/merakitherapies1/

* juicy-ness https://www.facebook.com/JuicyNessHQ/

* nicco fitness : https://www.facebook.com/NV2FN/

TRAVEL :

*Carndaisy house  https://www.facebook.com/CarndaisyHouseBedandBreakfast/

* big sky lodges muir of ord : https://www.facebook.com/bigskylodges/

* sophie from exclusive travel : https://www.facebook.com/ExclusiveTravell/

* nicole has 2 b&b’s in beauly : https://www.airbnb.co.uk/rooms/17651354?s=67&sharer_id=60962750&unique_share_id=7e1fe3d8-7bb8-4eac-8f40-ce5b142dc780&fbclid=IwAR12vAAj8YgZAgk-8eXsXIp16Bx2dDWycztEZO61ux4yEMAQpCBLGhAEiBo&source_impression_id=p3_1588182170_tUJEhIC7M1VIMHq5&guests=1&adults=1

and : https://www.airbnb.co.uk/rooms/33892152?s=67&sharer_id=60962750&unique_share_id=a701a6f2-aab7-4928-96ed-a0d3f44e3cd1&fbclid=IwAR02lejtNaS0-GfVmtFJifjUrWuJGakmQmzhY0PuBeCAy3BCZqjH0g2v79g&source_impression_id=p3_1588182261_PspV0Vhu%2F4eFwYqw

BABY / CHILDREN  :

* Laurna hislop : https://www.facebook.com/coorieinwithlove/?hc_location=ufi

* little stagies : https://www.facebook.com/Little-Staggies-ELC-100457014774486/?ref=br_rs

* babysensory kathryn : https://www.facebook.com/babysensoryinverness/

* Kayleigh from mini first aid highlands: https://www.facebook.com/minifirstaidhighlands/

* Fiona from sing and sign inverness https://www.facebook.com/highlandsingandsign/

* children clothes : https://www.facebook.com/rorymacaroni/

BEAUTY :

* The vanity lounge : https://www.facebook.com/The-Vanity-Lounge-393180504866636/

* Body beautiful beauly :  https://www.facebook.com/Body-Beautiful-160207283998059/?ref=br_rs

* Highland aesthetics : https://www.facebook.com/highlandaesthetics/

* Perfection by Janie :https://www.facebook.com/perfectionbyjanie1/

* Patricia with the body shop :https://www.facebook.com/groups/1099064647139821/

OTHERS :

* Flameless with kerry : https://www.facebook.com/groups/2027295154024744/?hc_location=ufi

* Whitescents :   https://www.facebook.com/whitescents/

* emma with embers wood creations www.instagram.com/embers_wood.creations

* Piper on parade :https://www.facebook.com/PiperOnParade/

* patches corner : https://www.facebook.com/teawig.beauly/

* watson & carrel joinery : https://www.facebook.com/WatsonandCarrel/

* David & rachael from isight cctv & home automation : https://www.facebook.com/isightsystemsltd/

* Bob joinery : https://www.facebook.com/thehousedoctorshighland/

* Ness music : www.facebook.com/NessMusic55Academyst

* Mother fluffed ( face masks etc..)  https://www.facebook.com/xmotherflufferx/

Hi Everyone,

This idea came from a photographer in the US and is called frontstepproject.I customized the name to suit our village to #moobythefrontdoor !

so my project is called #moobythefrontdoor

The 2 main reasons I am doing this are :

1 – To gift you a  family photo not only to remember you of this time and where you were / lived but also to put a smile on your face

2 – most importantly is the goal to raise awareness for us small businesses

I know it is a hard time for everyone but I feel that we small businesses really have to put up a fight to keep going. Although a lot of us are closed there is still some ways you can help !

     * Help out by liking and sharing posts on social media from us.

     * Help out by buying a gift voucher to gift to someone or for yourself to use in the future.

     * Help out by not forgetting about us and keep talking about us to your friends and keep using our services, even if you cant now make sure you do in the future when we are all ready for you again.

If you are interested in a free family photo in front of your house please get in touch ! I will be 3 meters away from you and keep in mind that I am doing this during my 1 hour exercise a day. I am also in lockdown and don’t want to break any rules but I felt that without breaking any rules I can still make people happy and help the small businesses.
That is also the reason I can only take photos in muir of ord at the moment.

X
Astrid

I also want to mention :  Muir of Ord Development Trust and Moo Food are providing a link to those in the community that need help or support. This can be providing a volunteer to get shopping, pick up a prescription, source food, or even have a blether on the phone. People can get in touch to request some support through the usual Hub number 01463 870 588, Monday to Friday 10am-4pm or Moo Food at the weekend on 07419 129851.