This week's VIP is Lisa McKendrick of Snugabug Portrait & Art Studios
Lisa also shares this week the top 5 tips for getting awesome holiday family photos. Click here to read.
BIO:
I am the owner of Snugabug Portrait & Art Studios. I opened my first studio ten years ago in Bloor West Village. I then opened up in Vaughan inside Baby Land and after having my first baby and getting ready to start trying for number two decided to sell the Bloor West location. My clients always laughed and wondered when I would be having my own babies and once I started it seemed I couldn't stop! I would think of getting pregnant and I was. My third little man was a surprise, but a very welcome one as we had just started talking about having another and two weeks later I took a test and it was positive. I love my life, my job and even though it seems like it couldn't get crazier it always manages to. The next adventure in my life I am sure will be to open up another location or two and finally learn to use my big fancy camera and take photos myself! One step at a time.
10 QUESTIONS:
Describe your career and life in a few words.
I am always around kids! I own a portrait studio that specializes in newborns, toddlers and kiddies of all ages. I have three kiddies of my own under the age of 5, a dog and a husband, life is about as crazy as it can get! I wouldn't have it any other way!
Website/Twitter name/Facebook
Finish this sentence: Its 5 o'clock and I am ...
Getting ready to fly out the door, late as always to go grab all three kids by 6:00 for my favourite time of day...dinner!
What's the parent-motto you live by?
Live, Love, Laugh, Dance and Sing! I hug, kiss and laugh with my kids all the time. Nothing makes me happier than getting a huge hug and tons of kisses, even if they are open mouth from my 18 month old. When I get together with my mother and sister we all grab a kid and dance and sing...we love dance parties.
Who's your favourite model parent? Why?
Is there such a thing as a model parent? I take little pieces of parenting from all sorts of people and apply it to my parenting. My favourite parents are the honest ones that share their craziest days with their out of control kids and just want to sit down with a big cocktail to take the edge off! We all have those days. I think they are the most relatable and laughable, especially knowing you are not the only one who has these kind of days.
Name your favourite kid-welcoming hangout?
We love Chuck E Cheese. It is a great place to go during the week with your kids! You can bring in your own snacks, the kids can run around and play games and pick a bunch of prizes at the end.
Think back to your baby and diaper bag days, what was the one piece of gear that was always good to go?
I still carry one! Treats and toys. I always seem to be able to pull a treat or toy out at any given time to entertain with.
If CSI poured over your diaper bag what profile would they build?
They'd think I was prepared with medicine, snacks, toys, diapers, wipes, but wonder about the rocks, socks and random sticky, mushy things that have collected on the bottom and sides of the bag.
What is your biggest on-the-go pet peeve?
My kids are the pickiest eaters so I am constantly packing snacks and water bottles. It would be nice to pick things up on the fly. They are getting better with age so we are able to do some drive-thru's.
Whats your number one piece of advice for new parents?
Get newborn photos done professionally. Your babies will never be that teeny tiny again and that is the biggest regret I hear from my clients all the time. It is something that you can look back on and treasure forever!
Snugabug will be at the The Baby Time Show (Toronto) November 11-13, 2011 offering a seasonal photo booth and on-the-spot belly shots (in a private room with a black backdrop for you to pose in front of!) CDs available same day and great package pricing.
