Rediscovering the Lens: A Photographer Mom's Journey Back to the Blog... and Social Updates!

In this fast-paced world of social media, taking a break can sometimes feel like hitting the pause button on your dreams. For photographer or social media moms who have stepped away from their craft to focus on family (hiiii, meeee.... sometimes!), returning to the online blogging and social media community can be both exciting and daunting. In this blog post, we'll explore the challenges and triumphs of reestablishing your presence as a photographer mom on social media after a long brea. Let's dive in!

1. Embrace Your Journey:

Acknowledge that taking a break from social media to prioritize your family was a valuable decision. Embrace the experiences and growth that motherhood has brought you, as they will undoubtedly shape your unique perspective as photographer or with your social media presence. 

2. Reflect on Your Style:

Take some time to reflect on how your photography style may have evolved during your brea. Has motherhood influenced your artistic vision? Use this opportunity to reconnect with your passion and explore new advents of creativity. 

3. Update Your Portfolio:

Before diving back into social media, update your portfolio to showcase your best work. Include a variety of subjects and styles that highlight your versatility as a photographer mom. This will give potential clients and followers a glimpse into your unique perspective. 

4. Engage with the Community:

Social media is all about connection. Engage with fellow photographers, moms, and photography enthusiasts by commenting on their work on social media, participating in photography challenges, and joining relevant groups or communities. (By the way, if you need some good groups, I got you!)Building relationships within the online photography community will not only help you gain exposure but also provide support and inspiration. 

5. Share Your Story:

As a photographer/social media mom, your journey is relatable and inspiring. Share your story on social media, discussiong the challenges and joys of balancing motherhood and photography. Be authentic and vulnerable, as this will resonate with your audience and help you build a loyal following. 

6. Collaborate and Network:

Consider collaborating with other photographers, brands, or influencers to expand your reach and create meaningful content. Networking with like-minded individuals can open doors to exciting opportunities and collaborations that can enhance your online presence. 

7. Consistency is Key:

Maintain a consistent posting schedule to stay engaged with your audience. Whether it's sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses of your photography process or offering tips and tricks (I'll have SO MANY for you!) for fellow photographer moms, consistency will help you stay top of mind and build a loyal following. 

The conclusion of this post after so many years of me posting on here... 

Returning to social media as a photographer mom after a long break is an opportunity for growth, connection, and rediscovery. Embrace your unique journey, engage with the photography community, and share your story authentically. By doing so, you'll not only reignite your passion for photography but also inspire others along the way. Welcome back to the world of social media/photography, mama!

Easter Bunny

I'm honor of Easter this week, I thought I'd share my little hunny bunny!

Visit Old Soul Charm {Photography} on Facebook (www.facebook.com/oldsoulcharm) for more! :)

Also.... Etsy.com/oldsoulcharm for her hat! 

LiFe

Life is good, you know that?

The weather is beautiful... I loved summer and I love that fall is coming up. I got to watch my brother, Griffin, graduate college and play in his LAST year of baseball. I got to hang out with my youngest brother, Chase.... watching him play his first year of HIGH SCHOOL baseball and having him come stay with us for a few days. I've had the privilege of taking SO many awesome people's photos this summer... And booking more into the fall! I love love love love it! Life is good! I get to do what I love with my life... Having my own business, staying home with Sienna! Aaron got a promotion and we are moving soon- up towards our parents and close friends/family. I planned our little girls 1st birthday party and it went great (minus my migraine).  Starbucks' Pumpkin Spice Latte is back for the fall season. We have been scouring houses looking for what will be our new HOME! I've started getting more and more orders again for the fall and winter months of my crochet hats... 6 in one day actually! I better restock my yarn stash. I had a garage sale with one of my best friends, which was a huge success. Speaking of garage sales... I spent my summer Fridays and Saturday mornings with Sienna (and sometimes Bentley) getting Starbucks, a caramel roll from the bakery, cruising around town to scope out all the good deals. I was in HEAVEN doing this all day... So fun!  Pretty soon I'll start cooking my cheeseburger soup, set out my fall decorations, and watch Hawkeye games with Aaron. Ill get to start filling a new house with all of our things.... Go out on more (any?!) dates since we will have family to babysit, plan our winter vaca with friends to Jamaica, and enjoy the cooler weather. As I type it's 99 out today! 

So... Life is good. There's so much more to appreciate and recall from the summer and to look forward to for the fall. But, for now... Aaron was home a day early this week, we ate out favorite pizza (Zeno's) for dinner, prepared for our tailgating in Iowa City trip tomorrow, Sienna is asleep in my arms as I type, and Breaking Bad is on our TV while an amazing smelling candle is burning. I'm surrounded by a man and baby that love me... A dog who is my best buddy... Parents and siblings that are great... Friends that I'm becoming closer and closer to as we get older.... And a "job" that's all mine. 

Life is good!

Oh HAPPY Day!

My little baby girl, Sienna, and I had a fun day together. Just mama and baby (and Bentley, of course!) time while Aaron was out of town. I dressed her up, laid her down... and 3 shots later... this little beauty was taken! I got a quick print and hung it on my wall already. I couldn't be more proud and love how happy she looks in this photo! She really is the happiest little thing- and this shows it!

SO Terrible!

I have been SO SO SO bad at updating my blog... muchless on a regular basis. Whoops. I have been so busy.... mmm, SWAMPED, actually, with crochet orders and photo-taking. So, running that business plus being a mom, dog mom, and significant other, has been keeping me SO busy.

YAY!! I am so excited to be that busy!

I am really random today.... but... thoughts of the day-

• I just ordered roughly 4 new patterns for baby boots/shoes/sandals, 4 new hat patterns. 
• I need to make my mom or myself an infinity scarf w/my new, super soft yarn
• I should make a flower headwrap for myself.
• I need to get roughly 48 new listings on my Old Soul Charm, Etsy store (puppy baby hat, flower hat, headwrap, scarf, shoes, etc)
• I am going to keep on booking through my orders and get sent off
• I need to edit 2 photo sessions worth of pics to get caught up, and prep for the next!
• I want to make Sienna a Valentines Day hat.... and then a St. Patricks Day one
• Speaking of St. Patricks Day... I need to get going on a red beard for Leprechaun hats!
• What ideas should I start for doing Siennas SIX (6!!!) month photos?
• AND.... order photos for us and grandparents. I'm about 3 months behind on this.
• Order a 6 month photo canvas of Sienna... or a large to replace in frame... or get another frame.
• Make more hats for The Market and take them there in a week and a half when I go back.
• Make another chick hat for Sienna for Easter
• Try out a new BUNNY hat- with ears that stick up and everything... closer to Easter.
• Get all of these also on Etsy.
• Order new photo props/check out some local stores for "fun" stuff
• Start some new, fun Photoshop things w/photos! 
• Get all of my vintage books on my Old Soul Charm, Etsy store!
• Start booking more and more and more photo sessions for Spring/Summer/Fall 2013!

Oh... happy Thursday!

Requested- CHEESEBURGER Soup Recipe!

So... Aaron has been requesting I make this soup since last winter. Seriously. I told him it was not a spring/summer meal, and I would be making it again in the fall. Wellll... guess what. Now that it is fall, he once again requested it. Yesterday was too warm- but today? Today is the PERFECT day for this soup! Cold, cloudy, and rainy. Sienna and I have stayed indoors the entire day... in our pajamas. She has been sleeping through the night, with the occasional wake-up during the night. I decided to stay up late last night (12:30) working on editing photos/business. I thought- "no problem, she has been sleeping until about 8:30 a.m., I can survive on that much sleep one night". No. She decided to wake up at 3... and 6. I then fell asleep in the rocking chair feeding her- until she awoke at 8:30. Ughhh..... So, I made the executive decision to stay in our pajamas- nice and warm- all day. :) (Okay, yes, I did shower and I did wash her up!) I had gotten all of the ingredients for the soup on Monday, waiting for the temps to drop again. Today is the day- and I am sure Aaron is going to be chomping (pun intended) at the bit to get home and eat! I doubled my batch so I can freeze and have a nice, easy meal another night. I serve with homemade bread or something like Pillsbury flaky biscuits. Yuuummmmmmmm.

Cheeseburger Soup:

4 c potatoes
3/4c onion (1 sm onion)
3/4c carrots (Picky eaters? Leave out.)
3/4c celery (Same with these.)
1 jalapeno...seeded and minced
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2tsp basil
1/2tsp parsley
4 tablespoons butter
3c chicken broth
1 lb hamburger
1-2c (i used 2!) shredded cheddar cheese
1/3-1/2 of box of Velveeta, cubed
1/4c flour
1 1/2c milk
1/4c sour cream
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
A couple "squirts" of ketchup and mustard

salt and pepper to taste


1. In a large pot, melt 1 tablespoon butter or margarine over medium heat: cook and stir vegetables, jalapeno, garlic, and beef, until beef is brown.
2. Stir in basil and parsley. Add broth and potatoes. Bring to a boil, then simmer until potatoes are tender, about 10-12 minutes.
3. Melt the remainder of butter and stir in flour. Add the milk, stirring until smooth.
4. Gradually add milk mixture to the soup, stirring constantly. Bring to a boil and reduce heat to simmer. Stir in cheese. When cheese is melted, add sour cream and heat through. Do not boil. Season with cayenne.

Garnish with bacon bits, chopped pickles, diced tomatoes, and shredded lettuce if you so desire!

Show some LOVE!

If you haven't already- please "like" my Old Soul Charm {Photography} page on Facebook... Follow along for updated posts, pics, etc!

Fall Oreo Truffles

YUM! Today we are having one of Aaron's co-workers and his family over for dinner after work to grill. In Iowa today it's mid-70's and perfect warm fall grilling weather. Burgers with garden tomatoes, cheesy potatoes that I just mixed up, along with green bean casserole and a pasta salad is the menu. Had it been last week... we also would be having homemade apple crisp- with apples from my grandparents backyard! This week... what to make for dessert was on my mind. Now, I have about 15 boxes of brownies still in my pantry from my coupon raid this summer, but I wasn't feeling those. I wanted something more "special". Fall Oreo Truffles it is. Easy, quick, and ohhhh soo fulfilling for those chocolate after-dinner cravings. Wanna make some? Herreeee it issss! Enjoy.

1 package Oreos (Halloween orange cream filled ones)
1 package cream cheese, softened
1 1/2 packages Bakers semi-sweet chocolate squares, melted
Sprinkles in your fave fall colors

1- Crush Oreos. I just throw 'em in my blender and turn it on, stir, turn on again. Done.
2- In medium bowl, combine soft cream cheese and Oreo crumbs. Mix with spatula until all evenly blended.
3- Roll cookie/cream cheese mixture into about 1-inch balls.
4- Melt chocolate in bowl in microwave until all smooth
5- Roll Oreo balls in chocolate- place on cookie sheet/wax paper.
6- Sprinkle on your sprinkles!
7- Refrigerate until hard, at least 1 hour. Then, store in sealed container.
8- Eat one to make sure it turned out okay.
9. Repeat step 8, above.
10. Share!

*Recipe adapted from Kraft Recipes.

Sienna Lynn is {almost} THREE months!

I am starting to take photo's for others, as well as keep on with more and more of Sienna. This weekend we were busy with lots of "mini shoots"! She turned 12 weeks yesterday, and I can't believe it! Smiling constantly is my absolute favorite thing these days! Enjoy the pics!

Stationery card

Elegant Lace Girl Birth Announcement

Create beautiful birth announcements at Shutterfly.com.

View the entire collection of cards.

"Remember You're Her Daddy"

Remember you're her daddy
when she's crying late at night,
when she needs a little loving
to know that it's alright.
Remember you're her daddy
when dolly's lost an arm,
when you take the time to fix it
because you can't resist her charm.
Remember you're her daddy
when she's had a real rough day,
when school's been pretty tough on her
and nothings went her way.
Remember you're her daddy
when she goes on her first date,
when you tell her to be in by ten
and she's not home 'till late.
Remember you're her daddy
when she makes you very proud,
when in a very awkward way
she stands out in a crowd.
Remember you're her daddy
the first man she's ever kissed,
and when you go away
you'll be very, very, missed.
Remember you're her daddy
remember I'm your wife,
we know that you'll love us
for the rest of your life.
 Copyright 2002
Christine Michaels
www.WelcomeBaby.com

Dress Clothes and FREEBIE!!!

Alright everyone- lets have a little fun!

For all the men out there or the man in your life needing some new dress clothes- I have the perfect place for you to do so! Shirts, pants, suits, ties, etc- these are top of the line AND, come with some awesome discounts! Visit Dardis Clothiers. THEN, in order to get the promo code (discount!) enter Griffin Hatten as your rep and he'll hook you up! ("Like" the Dardis Clothiers Des Moines Facebook page or email him for extra info)

BONUS- not only will you get the great clothes you need.... the FIRST person to make a purchase through him will also receive a FREE Old Soul Charm hat for a little one ($25 value!). Hurry on over!! First one!!

Remember, enter Griffin Hatten as your rep for your discount, and let him know you were referred through Old Soul Charm.

Rue La La Free $10 credit w/link! :)

Since I am into some "super-couponing" lately- here is a link to a free $10 credit! :) Head on over to http://www.ruelala.com/invite/hhatten01 and get yours! :) Anyone who signs up for a new account here a FREE $10 credit. Please note that this credit could take up to 48 hours to show up in your account. You can use this credit to purchase anything on their site and the deals change daily, so if you don’t like anything you see when you get your $10 credit, you can check back later (in the past, Rue La La has even offered up some great deals on gift cards. They also have really cute Little Rue kids’ section with lots of bargains on great brands! http://www.ruelala.com/invite/hhatten01

Before I was a Mom

Before I was a Mom

I never tripped over toys or forgot words to a lullaby.

I didn’t worry whether or not my plants were poisonous.

I never thought about immunizations.

Before I was a Mom- I had never been puked on,

pooped on, chewed on, peed on.

I had complete control of my mind and my thoughts.

I slept all night.

Before I was a Mom-

I never held down a screaming child so doctors could do

tests... Or give shots.

I never looked into teary eyes and cried.

I never got gloriously happy over a single grin.

I never sat up late hours at night watching a baby sleep.

Before I was a Mom-

I never held a sleeping baby just because I didn’t want to put

her down. I never felt my heart break into a million pieces

when I couldn’t stop the hurt.

I never knew that something so small could affect my life so

much.

I never knew that I could love someone so much.
I never knew I would love being a Mom. Before I was a Mom-

I didn’t know the feeling of having my heart outside my

body. I didn’t know how special it could feel to feed a hungry

baby.

I didn’t know that bond between a mother and her child.

I didn’t know that something so small could make me feel so

important and happy.

Before I was a Mom-

I had never gotten up in the middle of the night every 10

minutes to make sure all was okay.

I had never known the warmth, the joy, the love, the

heartache, the wonderment,

or the satisfaction of being a Mom. I didn’t know I was

capable of feeling so much,

before I was a

Mom.

Update: About ME!

So, it appears I haven't updated my blog with my 'about me' for a while. So... for any of those of you that are reading this and wondering- here it is! About me!

Name: Heidi Lynn
Age as of today: 27 {ahhhhh, seriously?!}
Current location: Iowa
College: Yep, MBA!
Marital status: {don't even get me started... ;)} Not married yet, boyfriend and I living together for 3 years
Boyfriend name: Aaron Lee
Kids: One on the way! Due in June.... baby girl! And our "first" child- our miniature black goldendoodle puppy, Bentley (I'll attach a pic!}
Favorites-
Food: Now?? I'm pregnant, so.... most everything {sweet}, unfortunately! Love me some seafood also. Yum.
Drink: Water w/lemon, skinny caramel macciato's, Stella Rosa wine
Past-time: Crocheting, couponing {yes, I get tons of free stuff... all the time!}, walks with my puppy, Bentley {and anything else with him, actually!}, decorating, researching, cooking, shopping, family and friend time, and being silly with Aaron!

So, to wrap it up.... I'm a small town girl who has since lived in bigger places. Aaron and I met 5 years ago, started dating 3 years ago, and have been about inseparable ever since! We help each other, make each other grow, challenge each other, and most of all- make each other better- together! We are SO excited to have moved back from Monett, Missouri to Marshalltown, Iowa, for Aarons career and to be closer to our family and friends. We loved living in SW Missouri, had tons of great life experiences, and are so happy we had that. But... we are thrilled to be back in Iowa to have our baby girl. We want to raise her here, close to family and friends! This is our first and we are busy preparing everything for her! We started our Lamaze class last night, and we even enjoy that! Our life is going to change drastically, and we know that... but we are both in a great place in life to start that next chapter! In my spare time, I love to cook {try new recipes or make my own}, crochet {see my Old Soul Charm Etsy store}, spend time with our little goldendoodle, Bentley, coupon {I LOVE good deals and free things!}, take walks, and stay connected to family and friends. Life is good!

SUPER Pregnancy Green Smoothie

Okay... I'd be lying if I said I wasn't obsessed with these. Literalllllyy... obsessed. I don't know what I'd do this whole pregnancy without these! They give me needed vitamins... annnndd... all that good stuff! But really, they taste great and make me feel like I am giving my baby lots of good "stuff"... as well as myself, of course! I drink one DAILY, and almost feel deprived if I am somewhere and cannot have one. 

So... now that I've talked this smoothie up enough... here is a little "recipe" for my "Super Pregnancy Green Smoothie"!!! Try it and let me know what you think!

Ingredients:
*Blender
*Crushed ice
*Water/{Orange} juice
*Spinach
*{Mixed} frozen fruit
*Banana

Optional:
*Prunes {SERIOUSLY!!!!!- they make it SO good!} I promise I'm not 95 years old... and we all know that they can "help" a pregnant lady :)
*Any other fruit you like {blueberries are great and turn it purple!}

*Avocado

*Flax and/or chia
*Yogurt- I don't put it in mine, because I don't like the {creamy} flavor/texture it adds, but it is up to you. I MUCH prefer my {GREEK!!!} yogurt on the side... makes for a perfect breakfast! 


To start- get all of your ingredients ready to go! You can see in this I'm using a little oj, banana, frozen mixed fruit, prunes, and- of course- spinach.

Next.... throw it all in your blender {make sure you have one that will blend the ice}. I start with a little ice first {cup?}, enough water/oj to cover it, two handfuls of {fresh} spinach, a banana, and about two handfuls of frozen fruit. Here is where you can also add any other things to it... like I am adding my prunes in this one!

Got everything in? Mix it up! If it doesn't seem to be mixing enough/properly, I usually add a little more water and it starts turning! You will most likely need to use a spatula to scrape down the sides about mid-way through {the darn little spinach gets stuck on the sides}.

Get ready to enjoy........

Pour into a tall glass, get a {thick} straw, and ENJOY all of this fabulous pregnancy SUPER smoothie!

How was it??!

Spring! Pink Flowers, Mothers Day, Just-Because-Days!

So, two weekends ago was my moms {35th? ;)} birthday! Her, my dad, and my little brother, Chase, were coming to stay with us for the weekend, because my older-younger brother, Griffin, was playing baseball in Mount Vernon {by Cedar Rapids}, and we were all going to attend. I had been wanting to crochet my mom something for quite some time, but, this time of year, when the weather had been in the 80's, I just didn't feel like a scarf was my best bet! I know she would love a blanket {and that will come} next, but I need to find a {perfect} pattern and get started on it! {Finish my baby blanket, first, though!} SOOO... what did I whip up for her that weekend? A bouquet of a dozen roses, of course! I had spotted the pattern for these little pretties on a Pinterest link, so I just grabbed all my pink and green yarn, and got started!

Pattern I used is found here.

Her finished product!

I am not putting these on my Old Soul Charm ETSY store, because, frankly, they take too long and labor-intensive to make! Butttt..... that being said, if you or anyone wants one, or a dozen like these, message me, and I'll see what I can do!

Aren't they gorgeous? I heard they look beautiful sitting on her table at home- and are the perfect "spring-time" accessory!

Baby Crochet!

So... as many of you know- we are expecting our 1st baby in June! We couldn't be more excited, and since finding out... I've been busy crocheting baby hats, headbands, and just started one, of probably many, baby blankets! Booties/shoes are next on my list to tackle as well!

I am going to show you all that I've been working on... pics or sites of them done by the originators! I'll upload my finished product pics as soon as we get our new DSLR (coming soon!). :)

I think these products will all be perfect for the new baby... for CUTE pictures as photo props, etc! 

Like any? Let me know and I can maybe whip one up for you! They will be added to my Etsy store then as well. I create something new basically daily or every-other day. Any requests or any good ones you've seen? Let me know!!!

Multi-Color ELF Hat
Mine is a couple shades of pink, green, gray, yellow, and navy. Adorable.

Newborn Earflap Hat
This is the first thing I made, before knowing if we were having a girl or a boy. Mine is white with gray piping... and I will be adding a baby pink, super-light flower!

Owl Hat 
LOVE these! I think they are so precious. Mine is fuchsia on top, pink on bottom, with green and yellow accents!

Teddy Bear Hat
The picture they have on this helps- isn't is so sweet?! I am in the process of making this one now... and I cannot wait to have it on my babe taking some pics.

 Beanie Hat with Flower 
Mine is light brown with a huge light pink flower... and matching light pink piping/trim around.

Flower Headband
Okay... So this is an example pattern that I've used. I must admit I have made MANY different headbands with many different flowers (some big, some small!), colors, thicknesses of the bands, etc.  They're so cute on- why not make multiples?! :) We have an Iowa Hawkeye one, a white and pink one, an all sparkly-light-pink (super-sweet) one, etc!!

Are YOU Ready for Some FOOTBALL? And the snacks that come along with it!

Well, folks, it is that time again! Football season has officially begun... So, start your tailgate or party off right with some of my all-time FAVORITE snacks that people are sure to be asking for the recipes over and over again!

Hot Wing Dip

In slow cooker/crock-pot, mix all together:
2 packages softened cream cheese
1 cup Franks Red-Hot sauce
1 cup Ranch or blue-Cheese dressing
2 cups cooked, diced chicken
1- 11/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Heat on low for about 2 hours, or until hot... serve with tortilla chips. My ABSOLUTE favorite!

Little Smokies

In slow cooker/crock pot, mix all together:
2 packages little smokies/cocktail weiners
1 bottle of your favorite BBQ sauce
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup ketchup
1 Tbsp Worchestershire sauce
1/3 cup chopped onion
1/4 cup Jack Daniels, optional
Heat on low for about 2 hours, or until ready to serve. So bbq-y, but with the extra, "hmm, what is that?!"

Cocktail Meatballs

1 lb ground beef
1 egg
1/4 cup ketchup
1 tsp soy sauce
3 Tablespoons minced onion
1/2 cup bread or corn flake crumbs

Sauce:

1 (8 oz) can jellied cranberry sauce
3/4 cup chili sauce
1 Tablespoon brown sugar
11/2 teaspoons lemon juice
Mix all top ingredients into small balls. (Or, if you want to cheat, buy pre-made meat balls!) Bake 20-25 minutes in 350 degree oven, turning once.
In slow cooker/crock pot. blend all "sauce" ingredients, stir. Add in meatballs, and simmer for at least 1 hour before serving. YUM!!! You cannot eat just one, I promise you!

Creamy Beefy Salsa Dip

1 pound ground beef, with 1/2 package of taco seasoning added
1 package cream cheese, softened
1 jar salsa (Mild- Medium- Hot, whichever you prefer!)
1 pound loaf processed cheese spread (Velveeta)
Brown hamburger, drain extra grease.
Add cream cheese to bottom of a 9 inch pan/baking dish. Spread a layer of salsa on cream cheese, then a layer of ground beef. Top with Velveeta, and cover with aluminum foil. Bake for 15-20 minutes in a 400 degree oven.
Serve hot with your favorite tortilla chips. This is my boyfriends FAVORITE thing! I swear he can eat half!

Jude 1:2

Mercy, peace and love be yours in abundance.

- Jude 1:2 NIV