CT Daytrips with Kids this Summer

1. FREE Kids Pizza Making Class at Square Peg Pizzeria! 

Kids pizza makign class is the perfect activity for kids 5-12!  Take a look at their schedule and find a FREE pizza making class near you!

7/27/23	Thursday	10:30AM-11:30AM	FREE KIDS PIZZA MAKING CLASS VERNON (NO SCHOOL)	One Session	226 Talcottville rd Vernon CT
7/27/23	Thursday	2:30PM-3:30PM & 4:00PM-5:00PM	FREE KIDS PIZZA MAKING CLASS BERLIN	First session: 25 Second session:25	151 WEBSTER SQUARE RD, BERLIN CT
8/1/23	Tuesday	2:30PM-3:30PM & 4:00PM-5:00PM	FREE KIDS PIZZA MAKING CLASS ORANGE	First session: 25 Second session:25	200 INDIAN RIVER RD
8/10/23	Thursday	2:30PM-3:30PM & 4:00PM-5:00PM	FREE KIDS PIZZA MAKING CLASS NEWINGTON	First session: 25 Second session:25	80 Fenn Rd, Newington CT
8/17/23	Thursday	11:30AM-12:30PM & 1:00PM-2:00PM	FREE KIDS PIZZA MAKING CLASS HIGGANUM	First session: 25 Second session:25	66 Killingworth Rd, Higganum, CT 06441
8/17/23	Thursday	2:30PM-3:30PM & 4:00PM-5:00PM	FREE KIDS PIZZA MAKING CLASS BERLIN	First session: 25 Second session:25	151 WEBSTER SQUARE RD, BERLIN CT
8/18/23	Friday	3:00PM-3:45PM	FREE KIDS PIZZA MAKING CLASS ALMOST FAMOUS (NO SCHOOL)	One Session	17 Kripes Rd East Granby
8/24/23	Thursday	12:00PM-1:00PM & 1:30PM-2:30PM	FREE KIDS PIZZA MAKING CLASS GLASTONBURY (NO SCHOOL)	First session: 25 Second session:25	1001 Hebron Ave, Glastonbury, CT 06033
8/24/23	Thursday	10:30AM-11:30AM	FREE KIDS PIZZA MAKING CLASS VERNON (NO SCHOOL)	ONE SESSION: 25	226 Talcottville rd Vernon CT
9/10/23	Sunday	12:00PM-12:45PM	FREE KIDS PIZZA MAKING CLASS ALMOST FAMOUS (NO SCHOOL)	One Session	17 Kripes Rd East Granby
9/10/23	Sunday	2:30PM-3:30PM & 4:00PM-5:00PM	FREE KIDS PIZZA MAKING CLASS ENFIELD	First session: 25 Second session:25	630 Enfield St, Enfield, CT
9/23/23	Saturday	2:30PM-3:30PM & 4:00PM-5:00PM	FREE KIDS PIZZA MAKING CLASS BERLIN	First session: 25 Second session:25	151 webster square rd, Berlin

2. Take advantage of CT Free at the Museum program!

I personally LOVE taking a day trip to Mystic and seing the Sea Lion show at Mystic Aquarium, then heading over to Alice in the Village and of course a stop at Mystic Drawbridge Icecream.

3. Supercharged in Montville, CT

It's time to get SUPERCHARGED! Go-Karting, Axe-throwing, Ninja Warrior Games, and Trampoline Park... ALL IN ONE SPOT.

4. FUNBOX in Milford, CT

FUNBOX is the World's Largest Bounce Park with over 25,000 sqft of JUMPING zones.  You can get your tickets here!

5. Pick Your Own Fruit- Peaches, Rasberries + Blueberries

We went to Lyman Orchards and loaded up on peaches, Rasberries and Blueberries.  Such a fun day to pick your favorite summer fruits, then grab icecream at the shop after!

See my segment on NBC Connecticut here: Day trips in CT with kids:

 CT LIVE!: Summer Day Trips With Kids – NBC Connecticut

Jamie

5 MUST-HAVE TIPS FOR PROFESSIONAL HEADSHOTS

If you're like me, it's probably time to update your LINKEDIN profile picture. But does your picture really matter?  

According to Linkedin, having a professional photo taken helps build trust and credibility with your client and it demonstrates that you value their time. In this digital age, your headshot is your first impression.  This is a place where you don't want to skimp!

1. INVEST IN A PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER

Sure, with smart phones everywhere with exceptional cameras, everyone's a photographer, right? This may be true for Instagram, but when it comes to headshots, I highly recommend investing in a photographer with brand headshot experience.  Not only will they know how to make you look professional and inviting, they know how to show you poses and certain backdrops that may go well with your brand. I used Ashlie Steinau Photography who not only takes beautiful pictures, but also specializes in brand photography which is so important. 

2. HIRE A HAIR/MAKEUP ARTIST

I spent several years in broadcast media at local TV stations like WFSB Channel 3 and WTNH News 8 in New Haven, CT and I learned some tricks from the anchors- makeup is important!  You would be surprised how a "natural look" ends up on TV.  Photos are 2-dimensional and not having any makeup will leave you appearing dull and flat. Even the most basic of makeup for your headshot is going to make sure your best features are highlighted and working in your favor. For headshot pictures, you want to look professional, put-together, and well-groomed. A hair/makeup artist will help you achieve the "look" you are going for.  I went to West Hartford to the talented team at Kiss & Makeup for hair & makeup. They did a great job at making sure I looked like the best version of myself! 

3. LOOK LIKE YOURSELF!

After telling you to get your makeup done, remember this isn't a Glamour Shot! The ladies at Kiss & Makeup gave me some absolutely great makeup tips to share with you guys when it comes to headshot makeup. 

    - Go airbrush for full coverage as it gives the smooth skin look we all want
    -  Opt YES for the false eyelashes.  In pictures it makes your eyes appear bigger and can help avoid "tired eyes".
    - Tell your stylist where you normally part your hair so that you look like "yourself."  

Of course, they can make sure there are no flyaways, but make sure to not steer too far from your normal look like adding hair extentions (unless you wear them daily), updos, or headbands/head jewelry. 

4. CHOOSE THE RIGHT CLOTHING

Our fashion sense tells a lot about us. Are you creative? Smart? Sloppy?!  Yes, your clothing SPEAKS and people DO judge a book by it's cover.  However, you also do not want to be someone you're not.  For example, I am not a traditional "pants suit" woman so I did not want to wear something I would never actually wear to a client meeting. Being in the creative field, I can get away with less traditional clothing that's a little more trendy.  Think about your clientele and what you would wear to your most important meeting. A bold blazer works wonders for a headshot.

5. HAVE FUN!

Most people loathe having their picture taken and it shows.  One of the reasons it's so important to choose the right photographer is they know the flattering angles and know how to get you to loosen up. My photographer, Ashlie, did just that.  The more comfortable you are, the more natural the photos will come across. Also, not having to fuss over hair & makeup was such a burden off my back as well.  Have fun with your pictures and choose a space that captures your personality.  Having fun and being yourself is what will make your headshots stand out from the rest.
CHEESE! :) 

Ever After,

Jamie

My Microblading Experience + Special Discount

Microblading has been on my "wishlist" for years but truly, I just didn't know enought about it and also wondered if it was worth the cost.  My eyebrows, like most, have thinned out since I've gotten older and I am so in love with a bold brow.  I found a really good brow kit from Benefit Cosmetics and this was working for a while but I was longing to save 20 minutes every morning and wake up and go.  I am not a huge makeup person and try to take under 30 minutes to get ready so felt like brows were really carmping my short get-ready time. 

I'm also a pool-owner and my son would say, "c'mon do a Cannon Ball, Mom" and of course after I went under, I was left with smudgy brows.  The freedom of diving in a pool with no eyebrow worries is truly amazing (stuff women go through to look good-haha)

Finally, it was my chance to finally have my chance at micro-blading. First I met with Denise, permanent makeup artist to see if I was a good candidate for microblading or powder, which is dependant on the amount of brow hair you have. I knew I had to do research and find someone who was experiences, professional, and had a great reputation. When someone referred Altered Image Permanent Makeup and Hair, I was so happy to hear that Denise was a licensed tattoo artist and has over 20 years in permanent makeup. A lot of people think microblading is not a tattoo process. Any time color is placed into the skin with any device it is considered a tattoo process. Microblading is performed with a grouping of needles attached to a handle to manually create lines that resemble eyebrow hairs.

Honestly, I am so thrilled with my brows- I decided to go with Microblading with Brow Enhancement, which includes the initial microblading appointment, toouch up, and the brow lamination to make the brows more fluffy and beautiful :)  I highly reccomend getting that package.  

Some things to consider when considering microblading that I learned.

COLOR - I was AMAZED by the color selection and how exact Denise got.  I decided I wanted to match my natural hair color/root color and I was happy with the results.  When it first gets done, it is serval shades darker but once it heals, it is the permnant color which is lighter. Some people prefer darker brows, lighter, etc so Denise discusses these options and works with you to choose the perfect color.

PROCESS - It hurt WAY less than I thought.  I heard "tattoo" and through it was going to be as painful as a regular tattoo and it was NOT for me.  It's much smaller strokes and it's relatively quick service 15-25 minutes. Also, it helped that she applied topical anesthetics are applied to alleviate discomfort.

AFTERCARE/MAINTENANCE - Healing took about 2-3 weeks for me. All I did was keep putting on Vaseline generously to avoid flaking.  however, even one day after, it looks pretty good so you are fine to go out  + about, just avoid picking or putting product on t for 24 hours.  Touch-ups are a per customer basis- some don't need touch-ups at all and some 6 months or a year.  the touch-ups are far less expenisve (about 1/2 of 1/3 of the cost depending on how much you need).  

PRICE - I did my research and I found that the average microblading price was $500-600.  Of course you get what you pay for but I was pleasantly surprised that Denise is currently offering a Summer Package!  Altered image is offering FULL micro-blading special for only $350.  PLUS if you want to do the brow enhancement like I did (to get that super fluffy look) she is offering that for only $30 (50% off).  Just mention my blog + Denise will honor this special pricing, however you do have to book before July 4th, 2022.  You can book for a future date (I reccomend calling her ASAP because she is a busy lady) and booking you date to get this awesome package.

Have perfect eyebrows already?!  We're jealous.  Don't worry, Altered Image offers so many amazing services like eyelash extensions, lip blushing, other permanent makeup services, nails, and hair services like Brazilian Blowout and full color/cut.

Ever After,

Jamie