Fairy Photo Portraits

Christmas is approaching

2011-11-04T03:44:00.000-07:00

Christmas (dare I say it!!) is a special time of the year and as we all know it can be difficult finding something that is unique to give to friends and family. Enhance-Me are launching a few new services in the approach to this Christmas that may just help add that extra sparkle to your greetings! So have a look here at what Enhance-Me can offer you!

Imagine your Christmas portrait moving, dancing with snowflakes.... the new personalised E card is a great way to add something extra magic to your Christmas portrait this year!

Cards with Verses…. A chosen Christmas verse can be printed on the outside or inside of your card

Give your house or workplace a Winter makeover! Brilliant for Christmas cards with a unique twist

You can have your personalised Christmas portrait created and printed onto cards – imagine your child as the star!

A huge collection of themes available and bespoke themes created at your request

Last order dates (by which time orders must be places and paid for and I am provided with all the photos and information needed to complete your order) for Christmas this year are:

Magical portrait & delivered digitally (via email) - Sunday 18th December

Greeting cards – Designs must be approved & ready to post by Wednesday 14th December

Gift Vouchers – As they are delivered digitally these can be purchased up until Thursday 22nd of December

Last minute panic?

I might be able to accommodate digital orders beyond these dates. Please contact me, telling me what it is you need, and I will let you know if I will be able to process an order for you.

M O T I V A T I O N that’s what you need!

2011-10-10T02:11:00.000-07:00

How do you keep motivated when you work for yourself? This is a question that Joanne Dewberry recently brought up on her blog and it has really got me thinking!

It has been a funny old year for me as I feel that I was far more motivated last year having been shortlisted for a number of awards and won a special achievement award in the Mumsclub Awards 2010. But this year, for a number of reasons I have been somewhat lacking my usual burst of energy.

I think one of the most important things about finding motivation is doing what you know or love to a certain extent. If you are confident and enjoy what you do then you will have more enthusiasm for it.

I feel lucky to be in a position where I can work from home – I am not saying that it is easy but it certainly allows me the flexibility that rarely comes with a full time job.

Now looking back across the years that I have been self employed and thinking about what has kept me motivated – even through those more difficult times I came up with this!

Motherhood – without a doubt my main motivation was being able to spend more time with my children. I wanted to be able to cherish every moment of their early days – their first steps, tastes, words etc. I felt torn between this and going back to a steady income but I knew in my heart what was right for us as a family and I have never regretted that decision.

Orders – The more orders that come in the more motivated I am, I seem to work better under pressure! It is so encouraging to receive positive feedback from a customer who is happy with what I have created for them and even more encouraging when customers return and order more!

Time – most importantly with my children. Time to work flexibly too but time is a difficult thing for someone who runs thier own business because it's very difficult finding a good balance - where you are not devoting every waking hour to your work or feeling it is actually having the opposite affect and taking you away from your family. Lack of time is a serious factor for a Mum who chooses to run her own business and is something that we all learn to work around. It always amazes me how much you can adapt to suit your visions!

Incentive – my main incentive is my children. I don’t work to make a living (not yet anyway!) At the moment I work to supplement our household income and in doing so I am able to remain at home with my children while they are young. I don’t have to worry about not being home if my children are poorly.

Vigor – I want to share one of my favourite quotes here: "They who lack talent expect things to happen without effort. They ascribe failure to a lack of inspiration or ability, or to misfortune, rather than to insufficient application. At the core of every true talent there is an awareness of the difficulties inherent in any achievement, and the confidence that by persistence and patience something worthwhile will be realized. Thus talent is a species of vigor.” Eric Hoffer

Talent – I have never been great at accepting praise but it is something I am working (really & truly!) I have such wonderful feedback from my customers who say I am very talented in what I do. I know that I have improved greatly from when I set up my business initially and it is the nurturing of this talent, learning new skills and techniques that will benefit my business that keep me motivated during any quieter times.

Income – at the moment I work to supplement our household income but in time I have far larger plans (I want to conquer the world…..Ahem, ok perhaps not!) BUT I do have huge aspirations and a mind that is bursting with ideas of where I want to take my business and how I want to do this. I know that the time to prove I can do this and put my plan into action is when my son starts school fulltime – I will then have the daytime between 9:30am and 3:30pm to make my business work the way I envision it can (and will!)

Occupation – this is who I am, this is what I do – I like being my own boss, I like having the freedom to make the decisions.

New Ideas – no business can develop or grow without new ideas and this is a constant factor in mine! I am always developing new ideas and on the lookout for inspiration! It's just having the confidence to develop those ideas, the motivation to put them into action that can lead you to take those first steps towards success!!

I run http://www.enhance-me.com/ a service that specialises in Magical Photo Portraits, I can turn your ordinary photograph into anything!

This is an entry into the JoanneDewberry.co.uk blogging competition.

Summer, what summer?

2011-08-31T13:11:00.000-07:00

I can’t believe the summer has gone by so fast. It can be stressful having children at home, trying to find activities to keep them occupied, the never ending mess, the constant exclamations of “I’m hungry (or Ungry in Robbies case!)” and “What can we do now Mummy?”, the squabbling and of course the never ending array of toys scattered everywhere, play dough all over the kitchen floor and more sand in the house than in the sand pit!!

There are many things about the Summer I love though – I liked the fact that my two children were able to spend more quality time together learning how to appreciate eachothers company and actually play together nicely. Those lazy mornings where you don’t have to run around like a crazy woman getting the children dressed, fed, teeth and hair brushed, packed lunches made, bags packed and everything organised for school. Being a little more relaxed about bedtime allowing us to make the most of those light summer evenings!

Me and Milly November 2004 One day old

Perhaps for me like many other Mums out there its how quickly the time of going that is more of a concern – my daughter has just begun Primary two and she has a wonderful enthusiasm for school but how can it be that she is in primary two already when I can remember the very day she was born so vividly? The realization that I may not have any more children now that I have waved my youngest off to nursery this term is also something I am learning to (but not necessarily liking having to) come to terms with.

Robbie on his first day at nursery August 2011

Not that I haven’t been constructive with the two and a half hours I have to myself a day. I was all geared up to use this time to work but for those first few days found it hard to concentrate so what did I do? I decided to participate in a competition that PhotoBox were running called 24Live. The idea of it was that every hour they would give you a theme made up of one word or a sentence and those taking part would have that one hour to go capture that theme using our cameras and upload it. Each photo had to be taken within that hour, live!

You didn't have to enter all 24 and I only managed to enter 15 - I didn't think an all nighter and having to get two small children ready for school in the morning would mix well! It was a great fun, and really interesting at points....some serious thinking went into it at times!

The mess of my kitchen creating props for photos!

What did I subject myself to in order to participate in this competition….I turned the house upside down in order to create props for photos including tipping toys out everywhere and carrying handfuls of sand through the house, I heard myself saying to my husband (during the challenges he was home for ) “What can I do now?”… I realised I was doing this to keep myself ‘occupied’ so I didn’t have to think about how quickly my family are growing up….this all had a very familiar feel to it! But guess what – I have only gone and WON us a family holiday to FLORIDA!!! (courtesy of http://www.lowcostholidays.com/)

The winning photo

Tights Please

2011-07-12T08:05:00.000-07:00

My daughter is six years old and she is very tall!! I always have problems buying tights and trousers for her. They are always either too long or short in the leg but fit perfectly around the waist or they are far too tight around her waist and fit perfectly on the leg! Bit of a no win really! I now need to buy clothing that ranges from 8 to 10yrs in size.

Here in Orkney you never know what the weather will do – it can be sunny one moment, blowing a gale the next and I have (no word of a lie) experienced four seasons in one day on many an occasion (followed by a serious sense of humour failure!) Therefore I will quite often dress Milly in a dress or skirt but rarely with bare legs – here in this household, we love tights! (OK perhaps not my hubby or son! But you know what I mean!)

Tights Please are an online retailer who specialise in well……tights! (And various other leg wear) – They have a wide range available on their website which is easy to use and I also noticed that their Postage was very quick! I was introduced to Tightsplease via MumsClub

I have to recommend the Country Kids Cotton Blend tights (I received the 8-10yrs for Milly) in Bluebell. A beautiful striped Daisy design in different shades of blue much to Millys delight! Lovely thick tights and very soft….Milly really liked them. They have since been washed and they have not lost their shape as some tights do which is a definite bonus!

Another pair of tights I would recommend are the Sarah Borghi Diamond Opaque Children's Tights (9-10 on this occasion) Milly loved how soft these were, very comfortable yet they stayed up! (Minor miracle!) I like how they could be worn for formal or informal occasions depending on what they are paired with! They also seem to be fairly hardwearing for Denier tights! The diamond pattern is lovely.

So if you are ever looking for tights for yourself or your children then I would suggest having a look at this website for great quality tights and value for money!

Summer Soon Sale

2011-05-09T07:17:00.000-07:00

The first official day of Summer 21st June BUT I have decided to run my sale early this year as I plan to have a holiday at some point in the Summer! And the sun is making me feel generous!

So Grab a bargain while you can in my 'SUMMER soon SALE' - (portraits including up to 5 people) for just £12.50 - I will be running this offer all through the remainder of this month!

A HOOOOOGE box of rainbow Wotsits! Review

2011-05-05T14:50:00.001-07:00

When I was informed that there was a HUGE parcel being sent to Orkney from Jane at Mumsclub (who also apologised in advance for the mess!) I was slightly dubious but of course excited, I like anyone love getting parcels, especially surprise ones! This of course was a lovely gesture given I couldn't make it to the Mumsclub Awards back in April.

So much excitement followed (particularly from my two children) when the (correctly described) HUGE parcel arrived at my door a couple of days ago. Much to Milly and Robbies delight it was a HOOOOOGE box of rainbow Wotsits!! Thier description (don't you just love it!) Actually I informed them it is called 'PlayMais' - Playmais is a natural craft material for children which is 100% biodegradable imposing no burden on the environment. It is made from maize, semolina and water, and dyed with natural food colouring.

Yesterday after school the three of us sat down to give the rainbow Wotsits a go! What can I say - it is BRILLIANT! (Thankyou Jane & PlayMais!!) So versatile and easy to use - no glue is required (one reason to love it!) just a small amount of water activates the natural starch in the maize to form a glue which will stick to many surfaces including paper, card, glass and of course PlayMais. We had so much fun modelling.My son who is 3yrs old simply enjoyed the fact it stuck together so easily and made snakes....he even attempted a chick which was quite fiddly but the look of glee on his face when he managed to stick a small orange piece onto yellow resembling a beak was wonderful! He was so proud of his creation!

My 6 year old daughter who is naturally very creative was in her element! She made a castle (not life size though I am sure we could have with the amount we were given!), a Princess (with my help), An elephant, Flower, Fox, Tree, Bird, Cockerel and I have probably missed something! I was very impressed with how immersed she became in it!

It is a wonderful tool for developing imagination and the possibilities are infinite - you can cut it, shape it, thread it, twist it and much more. I am going to get them to decorate flowerpots with it at some point.

Probably the best thing about it is though it is simple it can provide hours of fun for a child (and adult if you are anything like me!!) of any age as I am sure far more complex models can be created with some imagination. So what do you think of my Dinosaur!!

(This review has not been endorsed in any way)

Lovely Surprise

2011-04-24T02:41:00.000-07:00

Received a message today letting me know that:

I will be the first to admit that I am not great at updating my blog so this was a lovely surprise!

365 Project - A year in photos

2011-04-11T14:23:00.000-07:00

I wanted to share with you my 365 project! I have always loved photography and having recently been able to purchase a new SLR camera with the Nectar points I won in the Small business Tip competition I decided that I would begin a project for myself. This was to enable me to learn more about using my camera but also my way of recording a year in photos!

I hope you enjoy my photos! Remember I am just learning!! Any tips are welcome!!

Special Achievement Award

2011-04-11T14:14:00.000-07:00

It was lovely to be aknowledged at the mumsclub.co.uk Business Awards 2010 on the 8th of April. I was given a Special Achievement Award

"For many people distance is a problem but not for Victoria, even though she lives so far away in the Orkney Isles, with social networking she’s never far away; she is well known and well liked on the ‘mumpreneur’ circuit. The volume of votes she received is testament to her popularity. (Thanks to all my lovely friends & customers!) She’s had more than her fair share of heartache too but she hasn’t let it affect her.

From her corner in the Orkney Isles, she quietly gets on with building her empire. She is quite simply a wonderful inspirational mum in business. We felt that Victoria deserved special recognition because of the determination to become part of the mumpreneur community, despite her location."

I was gutted that I couldn't attend - but it was just too far away for me to travel due to various family commitments. You can see some fabulous photos from the event here though!

FIVE Years in Business

2011-03-10T12:02:00.000-08:00

It all began back in Febraury 2006 with this portrait

when I launched my business www.enhance-me.com - I never imagined it would be going as strong five years later!

And I still love what I do!

This year officially marks 5 years in business for Enhance-Me!

As a thank you to all of my wonderful customers, anyone who orders a portrait before the end of March will either receive a FREE 8×10 print (Please note: only applicable to UK customers) with their order or a 10% discount! You are free to choose which offer you would prefer or which best applies!

Here's hoping I can develop what I have in mind for my business over the years to come and eventually, when both my children are at school make it work for me and my family on a full time basis.

Third Time Lucky?!

2011-02-15T04:50:00.000-08:00

As many of you will be aware - I have been nominated and reached the finals for two awards in the past year - As a FINALIST in the Mum & Working Awards 2010 for the ’Self-employed parent of the year’ and again a FINALIST in the Mumpreneur Awards 2010 for the Best Online Business!

A few days ago I received an email informing me I had been nominated for the Mumsclub.co.uk Business Mum Awards - What a lovely feeling it to know that someone has put my business and myself forward for this!

And then this morning checked my emails and find and email from Mumsclub informing me that I have been shortlisted alongside a number of other inspirational Mums. I was also thrilled to see that Joanne Dewberry who runs Charlie Moos and Networking Mummies alongside Laura Morris.

I can't believe that I have reached the shortlists - will I make it to the finals for the third time? Time to put the 'Third time Lucky' theory to the test! Wish me luck!

Something Unique for Valentine's Day

2011-01-17T13:56:00.000-08:00

Show some love this Valentine’s Day with a one of a kind personalised photo portrait from www.enhance-me.com. A completely new twist on traditional Valentine's Day Gift ideas...why not get a romantic magical portrait created of you and your partner? You could be in a horse drawn carriage in Victorian dress. Or in a magically romantic setting with a sunset, flowers and castles.

If you have children - there are a number of backgrounds available to create a really sweet personalised Valentine greeting for their Mum or Dad!

For something completely unique for Valentine’s Day? Enhance-Me creates wonderful magical photo portraits. A huge number of themes are available to create a beautifully enchanting portrait. Bespoke themes can be created upon request; the only limit is your imagination.

Portraits can then be printed onto cards to create a fantastic personalised Greeting for any occasion. You can feature your children, yourself, your pets, your loved one, or your whole family.

The service is very simple to use – you just email your enquiry along with the photo/s you want to use and you will be advised from that point. A proofing system means that any changes the customer requests can be made. Upon approval the customer will get final high resolution files emailed to them that they can then print themselves or they can request prints to be made by the company. Prices begin at a very reasonable £13.99. You can even add your own personal text to the magical portraits created at no extra charge!

It is worth having a look at the galleries as there are so many different themes to choose from. You could have a portrait created as a gift and present your loved one with a canvas as a very unique keepsake that will be treasured forever!

Each project is very important to Enhance-me and great effort is put into creating the perfect portrait every time. With many different themed images to choose from they can create a truly unusual gift for any occasion, any age, and any one. Enhance-Me have created portraits for children of all ages, adults and even pets throughout the world!

"We are providing a unique and beautiful way to add something completely different to a photograph. We are able to add a little bit of magic to make a beautiful personal gift for a friend or family member. We work to achieve an as photo realistic effect as possible"

For more information go to www.enhance-me.com

Festive ORDER deadlines

2010-12-08T14:17:00.000-08:00

The North Star - NEW theme

Last minute panic? I might be able to accommodate digital orders beyond these dates. Please contact me, telling me what it is you need, and I will let you know if I will be able to process an order for you.

The sun has closed this winter’s day

2010-11-29T02:13:00.000-08:00

On the 29th of November 2003 my dear beautiful brave friend Ingrid lost her battle with breast cancer - she was only 25yrs old. Today it has been 7 years since she died. I have so many happy memories of her. She is missed so much.

The sun has closed this winter’s day,
And moonbeam fairies dance and play,
The wind gets up and the trees, they sway, This is end of another sad day.

But your sadness will not last forever,
As time goes on, it will get better.
Keep remembering, ‘cause you’ll never forget her.

The silences are just like glass,
Too empty for the present and the past,
But never mind, they will not last.

And just a word before I go,
I’ll always be here when you’re feeling low.

By Ingrid Rosie

Facebook Challenge

2010-11-29T01:34:00.000-08:00

Well long time no post!! Terrible isn't it but I have been so busy with work lately that I just haven't had much of an opportunity - until today when I realise that I can't use FaceBook GAH! (I will explain more about that in a moment!)

I honestly can't believe how busy it has been this year - beginning to think I need a VA! Just need to figure out in my mind how I could make that work for me and my business! I am so grateful to all my loyal customers who return for more portraits every year....it's so lovely seeing thier children grow!

I was nominated for two awards this year and became a finalist in both! I was shortlisted for the Best Online Business Award in the Mumpreneur Awards and for the ‘Self Employed Parent of the Year’ in the Mumandworking Awards. Though I didn't actually win either I feel it's such an achievement to have reached the finals for both given the huge amount of entries for each award!

As from today I am taking part in a Facebook study run by Joanne Dewberry - a successful business Mum who runs the fabulous Charlie Moos basically it is a time managment experiment to find out if we as Mums running our own business really need to spend a lot of time updating and interacting with our customers on Facebook to make it work for us! A huge amount of my traffic comes directly from FaceBook - On average 60%. But I will be the first to admit that I am terrible for wasting valuable time on my personal FaceBook account. I feel really excited about participating in this and seeing just how much more organised I can be.

Must note too though - Day one of school being closed due to snow so my work output is already cut by two hrs!

I may be able to see the irony in this if the school is off all week!!! Wish me luck!

For Remembrance

2010-10-14T13:39:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow is October the 15th The Wave of Light - This is a day to remember all babies that have been lost either during pregnancy, during birth or after birth. All you need to do is light a candle at 7pm (wherever you are and leave it burning for 1 hour. Please help raise awareness of this day as it provides a lot of help for those who have been unfortunate enough to lose a baby.)

Light a candle for hope,

for remembrance.

No matter where you are,
or which holiday it is for you,

light a candle for love,

it is the greatest light of all.
~ Darcie Sims and Andrea Gambill ~

Thomas' memory box

As many will already be aware the loss of a child, however early is a devastating thing to have to cope with. My baby boy Thomas was born silently into this world on New Year’s day 2004 after a 19 hour long induced labour. I was eight months pregnant. He had a congenital heart defect and we were told even if I had carried him to term he would never have survived.

I wanted to mention some charities close to my heart in the hope that it may help generate some more support and possibly donations.

Mums Mission is a project that has been set up as a way for mums who run their own businesses to come together and raise money for charity.

This year Mums Mission will be supporting Sands, Stillbirth & neonatal death charity, in 2010 through the sale of our Mums Mission 2011 Calendars! See thier beautiful business mums baring almost everything in the name of charity. Guaranteed to put a smile on your face on the first of every month! You can purchase a calendar here

Sands, the stillbirth and neonatal death charity was founded in 1978. It was set up by a small group of bereaved parents devastated by the death of their babies and in particular by what they felt at the time was a complete lack of acknowledgement and understanding of the significance and impact of their loss.

Incredibly in the UK today, in spite of medical advances, many parents continue to have their lives turned upside down by the death of their baby. 17 babies a day are stillborn or die within the first twenty eight days of life.

Another charity I have recently donated a voucher to for an online auction is Chloe's "Count The Kicks" Campaign

Chloe’s “Count the Kicks” Campaign want to raise awareness of the risks surrounding later stages of pregnancy, they also want to empower expectant Mums to take responsibility of their own health and care and that of their unborn babies. They want to ensure expectant Mums work with their midwives and health care providers by being aware of the risks they could face during pregnancy and birth, and by being aware of their baby’s movements and development. They want to ensure every expectant Mum has the confidence to call for advice if they are worried at all.

6500 babies are stillborn or die within minutes of birth throughout the UK each year …

That’s 17 families who suffer the devastating loss of their babies every day!

Please visit their website for more information www.countthekicks.org.uk

Little Snowdrop

The world may never notice
If a Snowdrop doesn't bloom,
Or even pause to wonder
If the petals fall too soon.
But every life that ever forms,
Or ever comes to be,
Touches the world in some small way
For all eternity.
The little one we long for
Was swiftly here and gone.
But the love that was then planted
Is a light that still shines on.
And though our arms are empty,
Our hearts know what to do.
Every beating of our hearts
Says that we love you

February 23rd 2003 'Baby D' - Miscarraige 10 weeks pregnant

Thomas - January 1st 2004 8:31am - Born Still (31 1/4 wks)

"Fly, fly little wing - Fly beyond imagining"

Miscarriage - Lost twin - 31st March 2004 at 9 weeks

Milly Ingrid Dixon - Born 16th November 2004

Robert George Dixon - Born 18th March 2008

Finalist for Best Online Business - Mumpreneur Awards 2010

2010-08-13T14:12:00.000-07:00

I am thrilled to say I have been shortlisted as a finalist from hundreds of entries in the Mumpreneur Awards, a conference and awards aimed at celebrating women throughout the UK who manage the difficult task of juggling business with family life.

I have been shortlisted for the Best Online Business Award, sponsored by create.net, which will be given to the finalist who has the most deserving business and most inspirational website.

As well as being shortlisted for this category, I am also in with a chance of winning the title of The Inspirational Business Mum 2010, which will be awarded to the mum who is an inspiration to all women in business, and could walk away with a range of fantastic prizes.

Judging my entry will be a panel of 10 judges including ex-BBC Dragon, Rachel Elnaugh and successful entrepreneur and star of The Apprentice, Jo Cameron.

The winners of The Mumpreneur Awards will be announced at The Mumpreneur Conference on September 18th 2010, being held at the Heart of England Conference Centre in Warwickshire, an event open to all mums who run their own business, or are looking at starting up. Tickets cost just £20, and can be purchased through the website http://www.themumpreneurconference.co.uk/ and you better hurry as there not many left!!

I have my hotel and flights booked. I am a little nervous having never travelled this far on my own before (silly I know!) Don't think I would be as nervous if I didn't have to change flights halfway through the journey - just keep envisioning myself wandering around the airport completely bamfoozled!!

I am really really looking forward to meeting many other inspirational women and likeminded people who know just what running your own business and juggling being a Mum entails! Birmingham here I come!!!! Wish me luck!

Captivate Your Children

2010-07-04T12:47:00.000-07:00

I watched my 2 year old son playing with bubbles today and the sheer joy in his eyes that something so simple could bring so much wonder to his day! Sadly children grow older and as the days, weeks, months and years pass by they lose this innocent way of thinking. Santa Claus, the Tooth fairy, and all those other magical fantasies they have held belief in fade away.

Children love anything magical – as far as they are concerned anything is possible, from the ordinary to the completely enchanting. The world can be anything a child imagines or wants it to be.

One of my customers a while back said when she ordered a portrait of her son that she was going to tell him ‘Father Christmas took a photograph of his dream and left it for him as a surprise’ – I thought this was a wonderful idea! Being able to captivate your children, use your imagination and help them hang on to this wonderment is so important.

Sing, dance, play, laugh, create, enjoy and hold on to your little ones for as long as you can – one day they will grow up and discover reality.

How Many Children Do You Have? - The Gallery - Week 15

2010-06-15T13:55:00.000-07:00

This will be the first time I am participating in The Gallery - I have seen it mentioned on Twitter a few times and thought it was a wonderful idea - it was the theme this week that really attracted me this week though! 'Motherhood'

I feel that my journey to Motherhood and beyond has been full of highs and lows. It wasn't easy getting here and I wanted to share my journey through photos. From this point I will let the photos do the talking....interpret this however you want - those that know me and know of our journey will know what this is about!

12 days overdue here!

I finally meet my daughter after over 32 hrs of labour

My son is finally born via C-section after spending 4 weeks in hospital

I have three children.

Does Enhance-Me provide a Very Good Service?

2010-05-01T06:31:00.000-07:00

I need your help PLEASE!! ....

Can you go here Very Good Service

BECOME A FAN & LOOK AT THIER NOTES.

My company is there and needs comments and thumbs up (The comments & thumbs up have to be left on the NOTE)

Please if you have a moment ...could you leave a comment or thumbs up for me?

♥ Thanks in advance to those who do and to those who already have left comments x

Going On Holiday? - Here's a great idea!

2010-04-27T14:10:00.000-07:00

Have you noticed that when you are going on holiday you struggle to get all the kids clothing in suitcases along with all the toys that they want to bring and yet there is never enough space for the pushchair! You seem to spend hours trying to make it fit but instead if your going on holiday then why not hire your items?

For a small charge, Rentabuggy can deliver your choice of items to where you are staying, ready for your arrival! You don't even have to worry about it being sent back as they pick it up too! Rentabuggy provide pushchairs, highchairs, stairgates, steriliser, travel cots and much more.

For smaller items, why not try one of their new Holiday Welcome Packs. Designed to incorporate nappies, wipes, snacks, toy and other essentials they are a great solution for more room in the suitcase!

Rentabuggy have a great special promotion on for April only... Buy one holiday rental item and get the second half price. Holiday doesn't have to be in April just booked in this month!

For more information, please visit www.rentabuggy.co.uk

Win a Family Tree - A wonderfully unique keepsake!

2010-04-22T02:35:00.000-07:00

INTRODUCING THE FAMILY TREE By Enhance-Me

Children are naturally curious. Family history can be a fascinating subject, even for a child. Not only is learning about the family tree fun, it is also educational and gives them a tie to their own heritage. This is a great way to introduce Genealogy to your children and a wonderful way to create something that will be a really unique keepsake gift.

To celebrate the launch of The Family Tree Enhance-Me are running a competition to win your own Family Tree where your family will be positioned within the branches of an actual tree making a fun portrait for any child or family member. You can get as creative as you want with family members poses. They don't have to be sitting the tree, they can be standing, leaning, laying down or even swinging! You can also add birth dates to the portrait meaning you will also have a great reminder of Birthdays!

Visit www.enhance-me.com for more details

Playing Catch Up!

2010-04-21T02:58:00.000-07:00

I have abeen awful at updating my blog recently - so much has been happening I don't know where to begin! You will see why I haven't had much time when you read all the news!! Ahem...be prepared for a long post!

18th January 2010 - Enhance-Me has been featured in a book! Mum Ultrapreneur: 8 Essential Secrets to Starting, Running and Building a Successful Mum-based Business This a great book for any Mum out there who wants to start her own business! In this inspiring & informative book for entrepreneurial mums, Susan Odev and Mark Weeks share advice and experiences from over 30 well known mumpreneurs who are running their own successful businesses - including Me!

5th February 2010 - Enhance-me has been mentioned in the NORTHERN SCOT Newspaper on Page 25!

12th February 2010 - Enhance-me has received a lovely review from the Opinionated Parent Blog and are also running a competition to win a portrait - visit the link for more details!

18th February 2010 - I happened to come across this wonderful review for Enhance-Me and am blown away by it - there are a number of reviews on the site for Enhance-Me and I am so very grateful to have such lovely customers! THANK YOU all!

February 23rd 2010 - Enhance-me has been mentioned in the Banffshire Advertiser! Lovely Mugshot!

February 2010 - Enhance Me & Sarah thew Photography worked in collaboration to run an Easter Baby competition through February. People were invited to send us photos of thier children aged between 0-24 months for the chance to win a gift voucher from Enhance Me.

They had to post thier photos on the facebook competition page to enter.

Judging took place on Easter Sunday and we were pleased to announce after much deliberation that Sofie was our winner!

March 2nd 2010 - Enhance-me has received another review - this time from Iconic Gifts Blog!

March 14th 2010 - Another fantastic review from Baby Genie Blog!

March 25th 2010 - I was interviewed on Family Friendly Working Blog by the lovely Antonia Chitty!

A big peice of news is that Enhance-Me has been nominated for a Mumpreneur Award for the Best Online Business!

April 1st - Enhance-Me was mentioned in The Orcadian - page 4

April 13th 2010 - I have been interviewed again - this time by The Hamptom Blue Blog!

And finally Katie Talks About has reviewed Enhance-Me and is also running a Competition to win one of my portraits - Go ENTER here!

Phew........... More news to come about a new product (<----sneaky link!) but that's a whole new post! This will teach me to be more organised and update my Blog more frequently!

PROMO Video for Enhance-Me

2010-04-05T15:30:00.000-07:00

I have never done anything like this before but decided to give it a go! Here is a Promotional Slideshow Video I made for my business! Might have enough confidence to VLOG one day LOL!

Create your own video slideshow at animoto.com.

Thoughts on Springtime from a 5 year old!

2010-04-03T05:20:00.000-07:00

Milly with one of her Bunnies

Happy Easter!

I’ve just been tagged by Tracey to take part in a Meme that was originally posted by ReadyForTen.com. I had no clue what a meme was so thought I would investigate - apparantely it is a list of questions that you saw somewhere else and you decided to answer. Then someone else sees them and does them and so on and so on. It seemed like fun so thought I would participate! I’d love you to join in too and leave your comments and/or write your own blog about it.

ReadyForTen suggested that we interview our children about Spring (this could be interesting!) I have stuck to the questions Tracey suggested but anyone else who wants to take part can choose what they want to ask based on whats already been asked.

I tried it with my 5 year old daughter Milly - I asked her "Can I ask you some questions?" She replied "Why Mummy" I said "about Spring for my Blog" Not that she even knows what a Blog is!! hence her reply "Whats a Bog Mummy - you mean a toilet?" OK this is off to a great start!

1. How does the world change in Spring?
"Cos it does - animals are born in the Spring - like worms" Me "Eh....OK!!" Milly "Lambs, Chicks and Butterflies too and bestest of all it's an Easter hunt"

2. Lots of babies are born in the Spring. Where do you think baby animals are born?
"In the tummies of thier Mummies - in the H o s t i p a l!"

3. What did Mummy do before you were born?
"Goed to the H o s t i p a l and errrrmmm........danced" - Yes Milly, that's how you were born indeed!!

4. Spring is a good time to play outside. If you and Mummy could spend a whole day playing outside, doing anything you want, what would it be?
"Go on an Easter hunt and to the swings in the play park"

5. Did you know we moved the clocks forward onto British Summer Time? Why do you think we do this?
"I don't remember" <------Her standard answer when she doesn't understand something!

6. How long is it until Summer? "After Easter.......not long at all"

SO I danced before Milly was born.....ahem.....you can interpret that however you want to!

It's great asking our Children questions - I love how they see the world around them.

Here's hoping she is right when she says Summertime isn't far away at all!

Now over to you......

I am a little unsure of how to do an official meme too (anyone know?) I would like to suggest that a few of my Twitter friends participate (@CharlieMoos who is a fab Business Mummy and runs the fabulous CharlieMoos.co.uk @Soph4Soph Another clever Business Mummy who owns Sophie4Sophie.com & my lovely friend @mazmama) could start us off with their interview answers. Everyone else join in too please!

Hope you all have a WONDERFUL Easter!

Mums shout about their businesses in website launch

2010-03-10T14:08:00.000-08:00

When the opportunity arose for Natalie Hickey to help fellow Mumpreneurs raise the profile of their businesses, she simply couldn’t resist. In December 2009 a networking site aimed at mums in business was put up for sale. The basis of the site was in place but there was room for development. After starting an online business, Precious Parcels, in 2008, Natalie saw it as an opportunity to help established and new Mumpreneurs with their business efforts. The aim to create a completely free and thriving online community of likeminded individuals to help support each other through different business ventures.

Natalie, 30 and mum of one to George, is an award winning mumpreneur herself named "Best Start up Business" at the Mumpreneur Conference 2009. Natalie says: "I've had so much fun and success with Precious Parcels that I want to show other Mums that running your own business is always a possibility. It’s a fantastic chance for me and other Mumpreneurs to share our experiences and further our knowledge, whilst enabling all of our businesses to grow in a positive way.

"The Mumpreneur website currently provides a place for mums to network, an index to list their business, useful articles and guest blogs as well as a number of other features all at no cost to members. I have exciting plans for the website’s future including regional site developments to allow mums to connect quickly plus some other exciting new features over the next few months."

The original Mumpreneur Group (previously known as 'Mompreneur Group') was set up in January 2009 and Natalie quickly established herself as a member having an article published on the website, helping to drive new traffic and create a buzz about her online business Precious Parcels. Having a low budget as a start-up business, free advertising was hard to come by, but the nature of Mumpreneur Group made it possible and assisted in her early days of success in her venture.

Without doubt once the website had been announced for sale Natalie knew she had to put in an offer. Natalie said: "Despite being incredibly busy with Precious Parcels and the run up to Christmas, once I knew the website was for sale I could not sleep that night. Call me mad but I didn’t once think about ways the site could make money, I didn’t want it to! Just the opportunity to shout to other mums and the world 'You CAN run your own business and be a mum!' was enough."

Mumpreneur Group boasts an impressive amount of information and opportunities including member spotlights, forums, competitions and member’s articles. If you are a mum in business or are even thinking about the opportunities that may be available, join Natalie and the other Mumpreneurs currently enjoying success through the free online networking at http://www.mumpreneurgroup.co.uk

Natalie Hickey runs www.preciousparcels.co.uk handcrafted gifts for all occasions and is the new owner of www.mumpreneurgroup.co.uk

Contact Name: Natalie Hickey
Company: Mumpreneur Group
Contact Email: click to reveal e-mail
Company Website: http://www.mumpreneurgroup.co.uk

Mothers Day

2010-03-07T14:07:00.000-08:00

It has been a while since I updated my Blog but felt it was about time I did. Business has been very steady lately which is always a positive thing!

I have recently added some new themes to my website for Mothers Day - with only a week to go there is still time to order a Magical Photo Portrait which are completely unique and would make a great gift for Mothers Day! Particularly from a partner/husband to his partner from the children!

Below are some of the new themes. There are more in the galleries and I can also create bespoke themes at a customers request!

NEW Mothers Day theme - Precious Gifts -
This portrait works well with boys and girls and can be done using any age of children.
You are also welcome to provide a photo of your own hands!

NEW Mothers Day theme - Mothers Gift -
can be used for both boys and girls. Can also be any colour.

NEW Mothers day theme - Gathering Flowers -
I can change the colours and make this suitable for a boy too

HAPPY MOTHERS DAY!

New twist on traditional Valentine's Day Gift ideas

2010-01-23T14:56:00.000-08:00

NEW Valentines theme - Love Potion

I can change the colours and make this suitable for a boy too!

NEW Valentines theme - Love Boat
suitable for boys & girls!

NEW Valentines theme - little Valentine
suitable for boys & girls!

Are you looking for something UNIQUE for Valentines day? There are a number of new Valentines themes in my galleries with still a few more to be added. A completely new twist on traditional Valentine's Day Gift ideas...why not get a romantic magical portrait created of you and your partner. You could be in a horse drawn carraige in Victorian dress. Or in a magically romantic setting with a sunset, flowers and castles.

If you have children - there are a number of backgrounds available to create a really sweet personalised Valentine greeting for thier Mum or Dad! I am happy to create bespoke themes should any customers have thier own ideas.

You can even add your own personal text to the magical portraits created at no extra charge!

And worth a mention - if you are a fan of the Enhance-Me page on facebook you may find some special offers, discount codes and competitions there!

Bloggers for Haiti

2010-01-17T04:36:00.000-08:00

I have been one among many to admit I have been guilty of complaining about all the snow, ice and general disruption to routines over the past few weeks. Feelings of frustration that we could go nowhere, the children climbing the walls!! Not being able to devote as much time to my work and so it goes on.....

Suddenly my mind was opened to the fact that I am so lucky - I have a lovely warm comfortable home and my family are safe. After watching the catostrophic events unfold after the Earthquake that hit Haiti measuring 7.0 on the Richter scale on Tuesday 12th January 22:00pm (GMT) I suddenly feel ashamed of how much I take for granted. It has been five days since the massive earthquake devastated this tiny Caribbean country. Suffering on a scale we can't even imagine continues to grip much of the survivors. The quake is estimated to have killed between 50,000 and 100,000 people and affected a total of three million Haitians.

http://englishmum.com/ and a number of other bloggers have created a JustGiving page for the Haiti disaster.

The Bloggers For Haita Just Giving Page will be donating all funds raised to ShelterBox. ShelterBox is an international disaster relief charity, specialising in emergency shelter provision. They instantly respond to earthquake, volcano, flood, hurricane, cyclone, tsunami or conflict by delivering boxes of aid. Each box supplies a family of ten with a tent and lifesaving equipment to use while they are displaced. Since 2001, ShelterBox has provided shelter, warmth and dignity following over 80 disasters in more than 52 countries. Each Box costs an average of £490 including all materials, packing, storage and distribution to individual recipients worldwide.

I found one of the most touching additions to each box to be simply a children’s pack containing drawing books, crayons and pens. For children who have lost most, if not all, of their possessions, these small gifts are treasured. To read more about this charity and what they provide visit thier website http://shelterbox.org/

EnglishMum Thank you for helping bloggers to reach out in a practical way to help this cause. I would urge any fellow Bloggers to spread the word.

“Be grateful for the home you have, knowing that at this moment, all you have is all you need.”

Quote by Sarah Ban Breathnach

Can you help - DISCOUNT CODE

2010-01-16T04:24:00.000-08:00

Looking for any customers who have had my magical portraits printed onto canvas who would be willing to take photos of thier child/children who are featured in the portrait standing or sitting next to the canvas.....I need some images for my website and for marketing purposes.

Anyone who can help will be given a discount code for a 20% discount which can be applied to thier next two orders from http://www.enhance-me.com

NEW - LOMO effect

2010-01-16T04:07:00.000-08:00

NEW - LOMO effect can now be applied to your Magical portrait - this really sharpens the colours and gives your portrait a really vivid unique, almost glowing appearance. Looks wonderful on Canvas.

It costs an extra £2.50 for this process to be applied to your portraits - please enquire whilst ordering. Here are a few before & after samples of the process.

Never forgetting our little man!

2010-01-01T03:34:00.000-08:00

Words will go unspoken,
But theres still many words to say,
I don't want people thinking I'd forgotten,
so here's something I want to say,
It's just, Happy Birthday sweetheart,
to a special little star,
I didn't want you thinking I'd forgotten,
no matter where you are,
I'll light a little candle, and think of you on your special day,
so here is a happy birthday sweetheart,
to a star who's six today.

Author Unknown

HAPPY CHRISTMAS

2010-01-01T03:25:00.000-08:00

As this year comes to a close, I would like to take a moment to say a HUGE thank you to all my lovely customers who have helped my business grow this year and wish you all a WONDERFUL Christmas and all the very best for 2010.

As always, I value your feedback. Please feel free to contact me at any time by emailing info@enhance-me.com

Another sad day

2009-11-28T16:22:00.000-08:00

On the 29th of November 2003 my dear friend Ingrid lost her battle against Breast Cancer - she was only 25 years old. She fought bravely and remained positive throughout....she was a wonderful friend and I miss her so much. I can hardly believe that 6 years have passed by since she left us.

We had just gotten our make-up applied for my wedding here.

She was a wonderful Bridesmaid

Below is a poem she wrote.....it holds so much meaning for me!

The sun has closed this winter’s day

And moonbeam fairies dance and play

The wind gets up and the trees, they sway

This is end of another sad day.

But your sadness will not last forever

As time goes on, it will get better.

Keep remembering, ‘cause you’ll never forget her.

The silences are just like glass
Too empty for the present and the past
But never mind, they will not last.

And just a word before I go

I’ll always be here when you’re feeling low.

By
Ingrid Rosie

"As we grow older, things must change, but they don't always have to end. Even though it is different now, you will always be my friend"

Let Them Be Children

2009-11-11T13:08:00.000-08:00

Lately I have begun to realise that one of my biggest failings as a parent is that I have simply forgotten what it feels like to be a child. I think that this is something every parent should try to remember....how it feels to splash through puddles in the pouring rain, to catch the raindrops on your tongue and feel the cold water drip off the end of your nose! How it feels to make squishy squelchy mudpies, collect leaves and pebbles in a bucket and add them to the mix! How it feels to run around naked outside, feel the grass between your toes, the sun on your skin. (perhaps not at this time of the year - not in Orkney anyway!)

As a work at home mum, my days not only revolve around my children but around my business too. At this time of the year when lots of orders come in and my workload increases I struggle to find a balance. I find myself getting stressed and rushing the kids to do things quickly, like have their bath, playing games and reading stories. I am forever dashing back and fore, between entertaining them and checking emails.

I get frustrated if they make a mess, I feel I don't have time to tidy up every five minutes......on top of everything else. I get irritated if Milly runs out into the garden in the morning without her shoes and gets her socks wet - meaning I have to change them before nursery and yet another item of clothing is added to the mountain of washing.....BUT I am realising - I have to take a step back from feeling like this and learn to relax more.

They are children and I want to watch them 'be' children (they do grow up way too quickly).....they will make a mess, they will be unpredictable. Accidents do happen. Being obsessive about cleaning and routine is teaching them nothing, splashing in puddles, painting, baking, making a mess (ok within reason) teaches them so much more.

Childhood is the most beautiful of all life's seasons. ~ Author Unknown

The BIGGEST give away ever!

2009-10-24T04:09:00.000-07:00

Enhance-Me have contributed to this fantastic giveaway being run by Monica at My Funny Bunny. She is collaborating with many other companies & crafters to bring you the biggest give away ever!

This will be a wonderful freebie. The Giveaway contains over 20 great gifts from contributors such as Baby Not Included, With Hugs and Kisses, DaisychainBaby, Lactivist, KnitWits, Rainbow Totz, Peggy's Knits, Be-Fabulous, Stitching For You, Three Little Bears, Pickled Pumpkins, CuteBitz, Julie's Booties, Kims Creative Crafts, Jolicious Jewellery, Icklebabe and more!

The Mother & Baby Mega Give Away is due to start soon, for now they are just announcing all the goodies that are up for grabs and getting everyone excited! See what the give away is all about by visiting My Funny Bunnys blog.

The THANK YOU post!

2009-10-22T15:07:00.000-07:00

This post is all about saying THANKS to all the lovely people who have sent me lovely prizes. I never win competitions....but since I joined Twitter my luck seems to have increased and on three occassions I have been sent beautiful items! It has taken me some time but I feel I must thank all those who have chosen me as thier winner.

Firstly....and this was some time ago....http://www.littlesunflowers.com/ were kind enough to send me an Amber Teething Necklace for Robbie. All I had to do was be one in a certain number of tweets to reply to win one! Robbie loved it.....I had never thought to try these necklaces but had read some wonderful reviews about them.

Apparantly Amber is traditionally known to have calming, anti-inflammatory, analgesic (for pain relief), soothing and uplifting properties and may help children who are dealing with inflammation, pain or stress. Amber is believed to reduce inflammation of the throat, ear and stomach. Traditionally used to fight inflammation, it is known to be healing, soothing and harmonizing. They are double knotted for safety but I never allow Robbie to wear his through the night. I did feel it helped him when he was cutting teeth.

THANKS Littlesunflowers! Your generous gift was very much appreciated (even if it took me long enough to say it!!) Oh and have a peek at the website - beautiful stuff!

My second win on Twitter was courtesy of http://www.hunkydoryhome.co.uk/ - all I had to do was Retweet @hunkydoryhome is my cup of tea because...... My tweet below:

"@hunkydoryhome is my cup of tea because....it makes me feel cosy & homely...with a dash of funky retro & one teaspoon of shabby chic sweet!"

Won me a FABULOUS retro striped lampshade which is now pride of place in my bathroom...and may I add will be the ispiration for our new decor when we get around to decorating it!

THANKS Hunkydoryhome! Do visit thier wonderful website - full of retro chique GORGEOUSNESS!!

And......finally my last and most recent win came from http://www.mumslikeyou.com for entering this competition - I had to add to the Toddlers dictionary created by Mothers of Innovation My entries came courtesy of Milly who has come out with some fabulous interpretations of words:

Mini-beavers - Maltesers

Nostrils - Minstrels

Hannic - Attic

So I won a gorgeous Rockin' Hood which will help keep Robbie cosy & snuggly in his buggy through the Winter...they are meant to be for younger babies and are probably more useful when baby isn't moving around as much but we love it! A pair of sock-ons anything that keeps Robbies socks on would be a miracle but they do work!! and pack of practical Count On It labels scratch-off food freshness label that tells you at a glance if your food is still fresh or if it should be thrown away - very handy!

A HUGE THANKS to Mumslikeyou and Mothers of Innovation for my lovely prizes. x

So do I feel thoroughly spoiled, yes absolutely - do I love Twitter - YES ABSOLUTELY!!

LOOK I'm FAMOUS.....OK perhaps thats an exaggeration!

2009-09-19T13:47:00.000-07:00

I have been running my business since February 2006....I have looked into many forms of advertising and ways to market my business. It has been one of my aims to get a mention in a National Parenting magazine. I send out a revised Press release to a number of magazines at different times of the year and I was so excited to get some response from my most recent Press Release.

As a result http://www.enhance-me.com/ has been featured in the News section (Page 19) of the October issue of the Prima baby & Pregnancy magazine. I am thrilled and hope that this helps my business reach a much wider audience and results in more orders!

It just goes to show that perseverence always pays off.....eventually!!

Great fun for all ages - boys and girls!

2009-09-19T13:38:00.000-07:00

Look at these New portrait backgrounds! SO much fun.....

They can be posed with any animal, large or small....let your imagination become reality!

Halloween....get S P O O K Y!

2009-09-19T13:33:00.000-07:00

Halloween Themed portraits now available.....Custom themes can be requested - Witches, pumpkins, broomsticks, cauldrons, Skeletons, bats, spooky castles, graveyards, Black cats, ghosts, mist, dark forests and so much more...designs can be adapted to suit both boys and girls.

Perfect for creating spooky Halloween greetings or fun portraits for a party!

SCRUMMY YUMMY CUPCAKEYness!

2009-09-14T13:14:00.000-07:00

Thank goodness I am not on a diet (what’s that?) – I feel sorry for all those who are this week! It was my Birthday last Friday (the 11th) and I was given a whole host of baking goodies from my parents in law….I am looking forward to putting them to good use this week and making some cupcakes (ahem…and lots of mess) with my 4 yr old daughter & 1 yr old son.

It is such a simple past time for the children – for younger children you can bake the cupcakes in advance and just lay out lots of things, like coloured icing, smarties, chocolate buttons, sprinkles etc to decorate them with…. My kids love it.

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This is the fail safe recipe we use, kindly passed onto us from my lovely friend Claire - it is an Annabel Karmel Cupcake recipe.

Makes about 16 cakes

4oz / 100g Margarine
4oz / 100g Caster Sugar
4oz / 100g Self Raising Flour
2 Eggs
1 Tsp Vanilla Extract

Cream margarine and sugar until fluffy then add eggs, flour and vanilla. Mix well and add 1 tablespoon to each paper case. Bake at 180°C/350°F for about 15 minutes.

Icing:

1oz / 25g Unsalted Butter
2oz / 50g Philadelphia Cream Cheese
4oz / 100g Icing Sugar
1 Tsp Vanilla

Mix Marg and cheese, add vanilla and sieved icing sugar.

Decorate with your preferred items, we use sprinkles, buttons and smarties - you can also make more icing and colour it making it more fun for the kids.

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In celebration of National Cupcake Week I created a new theme called ‘Candyland’ – it was so much fun but seriously made my mouth water!...Must mention that the beautiful dress the little girl in the portrait is wearing was created by the very talented Natalie from http://www.sophie4sophie.com This theme is suitable for Boys and Girls of any age, what child wouldn’t love to be surrounded by so much scrummyness!!

I have been on the hunt for some Cupcake themed products and promotions running across this week – I have listed some of my favourites below. If you have anything you feel is suitable please feel free to leave details in the comments below!

Precious Parcels create beautiful handmade gifts and decorative treats - Look at this GORGEOUS Handpainted wooden cupcake with a wooden red cherry on top! I LOVE it! Best of all it is calorie free!

VIP Signature Gifts stock Bespoke Gifts for all occasions - They are offering a 10% discount off all cupcake products on their site - all you have to do is enter ‘cupcake1’ at checkout -Look at some of these gorgeous Cupcake themed products here

Milly Bee sells affordable, contemporary wall art for your little one's nursery, bedroom or playroom. See their special offer on cupcake prints & their first piece of free downloadable art – I have already downloaded it – Cute!

Have a look at Amy Lanes Blog for her scrummy offer of 15% off her divine cupcakes all this week (between September 14th and 20th) You can get yourself a box of 6 beautifully decorated cupcakes for only £8.50 or 12 for £17 (plus P+P if you want them delivered anywhere in the UK).. Visit here for more information Something else that is well worth checking out is her amazing GIANT, yes you heard me…GIANT cupcake cake!!

At Rainbow Totz you will find a fabulous collection of newborn baby clothing and funky, fun childrenswear for the kids. So how can there be something here that is Cupcake themed I hear you say?! Here it is - These adorable and completely calorie free cupcakes make fun quirky little baby gifts. They are also perfect for your baby shower parties too! - and there are socks too….

Fashion Cake creates beautiful bespoke cakes - Creating wonderful cupcakes with themes such as this beautifully elegant butterfly and floral cupcakes to racing car cupcakes

ColourartJunior presents a collection of lovingly hand painted canvas art for nurseries, bedrooms and play spaces. Commissions are welcome – have a peek at the Cupcake canvases – they are lovely!

Thelittlecakery is currently being launched and specialises in egg-free, dairy-free or wheat-free cakes. They have just launched thier (very unbranded!!) blog and late this week will ‘launch’ thier website (which has a taste of things to come) on http://www.thelittlecakery.co.uk/ - Fans can also join them at www.facebook.com/thelittlecakery where you can find pictures of the latest cake couture. For National Cupcake Week, they have two main offers in place:

- ANYONE who books their wedding cake during The National Cupcake week will receive a 10% discount off their total bill

- A box of dozen cupcakes £18 (usually £20)

Here is where I get a little carried away but I found so many beautifully scrumptious cupcake inspired products that I can’t not share them here with you!

LOOK!!!

Cupcake Keyring

So cute - Imagine this dangling from your keys looking yummy!

Cupcake Bunting

Great for any little girls party - scrummy sweetness with a touch of cute!

Happy Birthday Cupcake Candle

These look good enough to eat!

Ceramic cupcake keepsake pot
I really like this and think it would look lovely in a little girls bedroom

Cupcake Shoes
I have fallen completely in love with these shoes - I love the candyfloss cloud cupcake design

Little Yummy Necklace No.3 - Jewellery by Corrina Smith
Beautifully sweet - I think this would be a perfect little gift for a little flowergirl or young bridesmaid!

Cherry Bakewell Crochet Baby By 'Maisie Moon Designs'
What can I say - these speak for themselves!

Strawberry Teatime By 'SophieCat'
Mmmmmmmmmmm *drool*

And finally I had to share these – I came across this Alice In Wonderland inspired Cupcakes on Flickr….aren’t they just FABULOUS!

National Cupcake Week is a fantastic week-long extravaganza being organised by British Baker to celebrate this very special bakery product – visit this link for more information on the event http://bakeryinfo.co.uk/news/categoryfront.php/id/167

My Bumbly Boy!

2009-08-24T02:09:00.000-07:00

My baby boy is growing up fast - I can't believe he is 17 months already - This is his favourite game and I wanted to share it with you as I find his high pitched squeals of delight such a giggle!

Being a work at home Mummy allows me to make the most of moments like this - he will be at school before I know it!

"If you can give your son or daughter only one gift, let it be enthusiasm." ~ Bruce Barton

Get your Christmas Orders in EARLY!

2009-08-18T13:59:00.000-07:00

Christmas is fast approaching Aaaaaaargh - My wee girly started nursery again today......I can hardly believe the Summer holidays are over already!

I have put the Christmas galleries online again and have already had my first two Christmas Orders!

If you are looking for something extra special to give someone for Christmas then you could get them a personalised Magical Photo portrait from www.enhance-me.com or how about sending your friends and family a fantastically unique greeting card with a HUGE choice of themes in the galleries and custom bespoke orders at your request.

The approach to Christmas last year was chaos! I am a little (OK a lot LOL) worried about how I will get through so many orders this year with two children but am sure I will find a way to work - even if it means all nighters!

It is important to order your Christmas themed Magical portrait early as it is an extremely busy time of the year, to ensure your order can be processed please ORDER EARLY

ATTENTION all Mumpreneurs!

2009-08-18T13:46:00.000-07:00

If you are a Mum who owns her own business this is a GREAT way to advertise your business and reach you market.

The latest Business Mum’s Journal is being put together now, BIGGER distribution and BIGGER ad sizes. For JUST £63 you can be seen in 20,000 copies going into 45 Mothercare stores across the UK

www.businessmumsmagazine.co.uk

Go to print in 4 weeks so hurry!

Go WAYBACK there.......if you dare!!

2009-08-10T14:05:00.000-07:00

This is FAB ------> The WAYBACK MACHINE

I love the fact that I can see how much my website has developed & changed since I first began!!

Check it out - E a u r g h !!! What was I thinking?? (BTW - some links are broken! I don't think it archives a whole site)

APRIL 2006

JANUARY 2007

Go ON - check out your own site - you know you want to!! Go on - I DARE ya!

Look who's talking!

2009-07-25T03:30:00.000-07:00

Recently Enhance-me has received a lot of Reviews and various Interviews. I am thrilled to get such positive feedback from so many places and hope it continues!

BLESSINGS Abound REVIEW

Ketty - Knot Just Jigs REVIEW

Upscale Baby Blog REVIEW

These were a couple of interviews I took part in - I find it difficult not to repeat myself when talking about my business but really enjoyed taking part!

And looking at my website Statistics recently I came upon a review one of my lovely customers added to DooYoo.co.uk - completely bowled over by it! Click here to read it

If anyone owns a Baby or Parenting Blog, or publishes a magazine that you may like to review Enhance-me in please don't hesitate to contact me info@enhance-me.com for information on how to review my services.

WHY do you use TWITTER?

2009-07-25T03:14:00.000-07:00

Many people ask me "why do you use Twitter?" Why do I use Twitter?........I find it strangely addictive! I have found it has been an invaluable networking tool for my business and a great place to ask any niggly questions you may have and usually get an instant response.

I have found lots of useful links to lovely fonts and resources, a wealth of information, a dash of humour, a shared understanding of certain scenarios, a variety of fantastic products and businesses now bookmarked with Christmas Shopping in mind! Admittedly along with some spam and attention seekers - but the positives far outwiegh the negatives in my eyes........and much more in the Twitterverse.

I am currently running a competition offering a FREE Magical portrait for my 1000th follower on Twitter ----->so what are you waiting for? Click here!

"In a minute"....

2009-07-24T14:52:00.000-07:00

.....seems to have become a part of my everyday vocabulary now it is the Summer Holidays! Juggling being a Work At Home Mum and young children can be tricky at the best of times but try finding time to clean the house, answer daily emails, keep on top of enquiries and orders all whilst trying to entertain a one year old and a bored 4 yr old is quite hilarious! I have had a few sense of humour failures lately though! I am also thanking God for Grandparents who have been helping out more than usual by taking Milly more often....

Robbie - trip to the Playpark

I feel like a Mum, a cook, a cleaner, an admin assistant, a creative boffin, queen of crafts!, olympic trampoliner (OK make that 'out of breath' trampoliner!), nappy changer extrodinaire, Hide & Seek & Peekaboo master, wild flower & bug expert, playpark frequenter..........the list goes on.....

Me & Milly looking Knackered on the trampoline

Thank goodness us women can mulitask!

Any little SUPERHEROES out there?

2009-07-24T13:55:00.000-07:00

A PERFECT new theme has been added to the galleries for little boys - SUPERHEROES, ideal for any little boy who dreams of having superpowers - I can create any superpower you request, not just the lightening and light orbs seen in this sample. The possibilities are endless, Ice, Fire, Invisibility, strength, flying, webs etc

Imagine your little boys face presenting him with an image of himself posed as a SUPERHERO! Visit my website and delight your wee man with a fantastic new image for his bedroom wall!

New Theme - Daisy Fairy Baby

2009-06-04T03:17:00.000-07:00

This beautiful little baby girl was photographed by the very talented Beverly Cardinal at Orange Glow Photography and provided the perfect image for me to work with....It inspired this little Daisy Fairy Baby theme!

COMPETITION TIME

2009-06-04T03:10:00.000-07:00

Win a Magical Photo portrait PRINTED in POSTER dimensions!

All you have to do tell me how many different themes there are currently in the Holiday Gallery for Father’s Day?

Closing date is 5th of June 2009

I will randomly select a winner from all correct entries. They will receive an enhancement of their choice printed in full colour on Fujifilm Professional digital photographic paper in a 20"x16" poster dimension.

Email your answers to me atinfo@enhance-me.com With ‘May/June competition’ in the subject line.

I look forward to receiving the entries!!

Role playing fun

2009-06-04T02:22:00.000-07:00

Playing is one of the most important ways for a toddler to learn. Through playing with mum or dad, or other toddlers, your child will begin to make sense of the world around them. ROLE PLAY can be great fun for you and your child!

One of my favourite websites for finding beautifully crafted, hardwearing and unique items for such play is http://www.knotjustjigs.co.uk/ Traditional toys with a modern twist....what a wonderful concept!

I have a one year old boy and a four year old girl and was trying to find something I knew they would both find fun, I found this lovely little carpenter's belt full of wooden tools and knew both my kiddies would love this. The complete set includes an adjustable clip fastening belt for a snug fit, a chisel, saw, hammer, wrench, square, 2 nuts and 2 bolts. Though the age is 3+ my son certainly loved it as much as my daughter, admittedly he wanted to explore most of it with his mouth but he still loved it and was enthralled at all the different shapes of the tools!

Children love pretending to be like their mums and dads and helping around the house . Now they can help with a bit of DIY, be it hammering that nail or sawing that piece of wood! At a very reasonable price of £9.99 it would also make a great gift and would be ideal for child minders or children at pre-school. My children both love it.

Fairy Treats

2009-05-15T02:33:00.000-07:00

SO I have always had a thing for fairies (like you don't already know that!) - ever since I was little - the idea intruiged me! I was obsessed with the Flower Fairies and one of my all time favourite books is Lady Cottington's Pressed Fairy Book

I think that people who can't believe in fairies aren't worth knowing. ~Tori Amos

I have come across a number of delightful products to share all with a Fairy theme - and where better to share them than here when I am talking all about little folk!

This gorgeous Personalised tooth fairy hanger is a lovely idea and can be personalised and even better it is under £10 making a great and affordable gift.

I loved these Beautifully detailed pink sparkly fairy themes Alphabet letters from Knot Just Jigs - fun and educational! You can use them to make plaques for a childs room or they can be used individually. I think they would be a great addition to a party bag....particularly for a Fairy themed party....personalising each childs bag with the 1st letter of thier name.

I have spoken of how it can really add that extra special touch to on of my Magical portraits if you dress your child up. One of my favourite websites stocking a HUGE range of costumes is Blush fashions, their Fairy and Princesss costumes are gorgeous and very reasonably priced. I particularly like the Lilac fairy belle costume with wonderful detailing on the bodice and beautiful colours! They also sell a range of other products and I came across this delightful wee fellow while exploring the site: Bug A Boo How quirky, I Love it!

Raindrops are like fairy whispers. ~Author Unknown

Etsy is a wonderful place to explore everything and anything handmade and there are some wonderful little treasures there! I came across these Big Sis Little Sis beautifully crafted fairy wings....aren't they lush!?

I fell completely in love with the FairyTale Bird Cage one of a kind and completely unique.

Perfect for any little girls party are these Personalised Party Bags in a Fairy Princess theme from Personalised Party. Each gusseted party bag has sturdy twisted paper handles, and measures a very generous 20cm x 9cm x 25cm so there is plenty of room inside for party bag fillers, activity toys, cake, or even a substantial packed lunch. They are also 100% Recyclable!

Some other Fairy themed products I liked:

Fairy themed jewellery from Delicate Dreams

The I'm sick of reality I want a fairy godmother plaque made me giggle!

Colourart have some lovely fairy themed canvasses for childrens rooms.

Come cuddle close in daddy's coat Beside the fire so bright, And hear about the fairy folk That wander in the night. ~Robert Bird

If anyone has any other suggestions for products with a fairy theme please do leave a comment!

TIPS ON TAKING YOUR PHOTOS

2009-04-22T15:28:00.000-07:00

Enhance-me take your every-day snapshots and transform them into one of a kind magical portraits.

Though I am able to get beautiful effects, re-dress people and create changes in brightness and contrast within the digital process, it really does help to have the best possible start.

A high quality photograph from you makes all the difference. It does not have to be professionally taken; in fact due to the fact many Photographers these days retain the copyrights to their work Professional shots are best avoided unless you have suitable permission to make use of them.

To begin with high resolution is the key - The photo I use must be at least 200kbs but size in MBs is much better.

If you don't have any photos in digital file format, you can send me any amount of photos by mail and I will scan them in for you. I cannot work with low resolution images or anything that is too grainy, so please keep this in mind when choosing your photographs.

TIPS ON TAKING YOUR PHOTOS

You are welcome to email several photos and this way I can select which will work best with the theme you choose.

Many customers simply select their favourite photographs they have already taken but a few of my customers actually pose their children with my portraits in mind. Both ways work well but the ideal scenario is for you to think about what type of portrait you want, and then set out to take some photographs with that in mind. Here are some tips for taking photographs:

One of the best tips I can give you is to take full body shots, if arms and legs aren’t cut off in the shot the subject can be completely immersed into a scene making it appear all the more natural.

Babies or toddlers: Get down to thier level, often the best photos taken of children are taken looking directly at them...engage them by singing, chatting or playing with a noisy toy. It is best to take photographs of them in natural lighting as this helps avoid washed out colours or photos that are too dark.

With babies, as little clothing as possible is best as this makes it easier to digitally redress them – otherwise often a baby draped with a petal or shrouded in grass can look simple yet stunning!

Often customers mention that they find it difficult to pose a baby, particularly a newborn – You can stand above them and take a photo looking down on them, propping them up with a pillow works quite well and those adorable shots of new babies taken where they are laying on their tummies with their legs curled underneath them work really well for enhancements!

For older children action shots work well – if you want a boy in a knight theme for example, have him charge at the camera (be careful!) Ask a young girl to jump up and down on the bed to see if you can get an action shot that may be suitable for a flying fairy theme!

Most importantly use your imagination and have fun!

New Themes

2009-04-22T13:04:00.000-07:00

I have been working on a number of new themes recently, as seen below!

Unicorn Dreams

This theme is perfect for any little girl who believes in Unicorns or loves Horses!

The Wild Things

A great theme for both boys and girls, works well for a family shot.

Sail Away

Another theme that works well for boys or girls

Princess For A Day

Lovely theme for invites, children can be digitally redressed for this theme!

My Robot Friends

Fun theme for boys though can be created for girls too.

The Popstars

This theme can be done in any colours so can be created for both boys and girls

Fairy Glade

Quite a neautral background meaning it can be used for boys and girls, wonderfully magical theme!

Land Before Time

Again can be used for girls or boys, this one has been very popular!

Dandelion Forest

Beautifully enchanting dreamy theme for something extra special. Again colours can be adjusted to suit.

I am always open to suggestions for new themes, also I am happy to create custom portraits - contact me at: info@enhance-me.com

Fairy Talk

2009-04-02T13:09:00.001-07:00

SO it is somewhat interesting and a little tricky being able to find quality time to work these days with my beautifully inquisitive and imaginative little lady, who is now four and my boisterous bumbly one year old boy who just loves exploring Ahem, getting into everything! But I feel so lucky that I am still able to work from home! It is not easy understatement - believe me.

So many Mums out there say to me "Oh I so wish I could afford to work from home too, or find something that would allow me to stay home with the kiddies" - We sacrifice a more comfortable life financially to allow me to be able to run my business.....its no walk in the park but it is how we choose to live for the time being! And we are happy!

My Milly-Moo as we fondly call her, (she was named Milly at birth but this former name has become more familiar!) asked me today - "Mummy, why do you make Fairies?" I was charmed by her question....though she was very intent on what my answer would be, I told her "it lets me be creative and do something I love while being able to stay at home with you baby". She replied "Oh, I thought it was because I am a Fairy!!".......my funny girl!

My Milly Fairy!

Robbie is now walking and pointing and talking up a storm! They grow so quickly - I don't want to miss a minute - no matter how difficult it might be to find time to devote entirely to my work!

EASTER Competition

2009-03-31T03:43:00.000-07:00

How many EGGS are there on my twitter homepage?

Closest to correct answer will win an Enchanted Portrait from www.enhance-me.com - CLOSING DATE 10th April 2009

Easter Gift

2009-03-30T14:28:00.000-07:00

If you are looking for something a little different to give as an Easter gift this year, something that isn't chocolate! Ssshhh! Then look no further! I can create pretty much anything you describe to me as well as have a selection of Easter/Spring themed backgrounds that would be perfect!

Easter is in mid-April this year 10th-13th, and there are some backgrounds in my galleries that would make a lovely gift for someone.

PLEASE NOTE: If you want to ensure your order is complete in time for the Easter weekend, you need to get your orders in to me by April 5th at the latest!

Vote for Enhance-me

2009-03-30T12:50:00.000-07:00

Take a second to help out enhance_me! Vote for them on Twibs at

http://www.twibs.com/business?business=enhance_me

HUGELY appreciated!! xXx

Blessings Abound REVIEW

2009-03-20T13:55:00.000-07:00

ANOTHER REVIEW! Read it here....

COMPETITION CLOSED

2009-02-16T13:53:00.001-08:00

Thank you to all those who entered the Enhance-Me January competition. It wasn't easy selecting the winners but they have now been notified and the new themes will appear sometime in the very near future!

Blush Fashions - COMPETITION

2009-02-01T12:57:00.000-08:00

Blushfashions is looking for one special girl to become the Face of Blushfashions 2009 - One lucky girl will be chosen to feature right slap bang in the middle of thier homepage throughout 2009. Not only that but their winning picture will be transformed as if by magic by enhance- me.com

Closing date is 15th of February 2009 midnight (UK time)

Visit thier competition page for more information....Good luck!

COMPETITION TIME

2009-01-08T14:58:00.000-08:00

I am currently working on three new background themes and need suitable photos of children to work on them.

GIRL theme: ‘Popstar’ – For this theme I will ideally need one or two girls standing, taken from a front view – they will need to be full body shots. Feel free to dress your children up for this one in popstar outfits!

BOY Theme:‘My Robot Friends’ – I will need a good clear photo of a boy taken from a front view - full body shot, seated or standing....possibly with arms out to either side so they could be draped around a robot next to him!

UNISEX Theme: ‘The Wild Things’ – I will need up to two children, a boy and a girl....full body shots - ideally seated taken from any angle....

ALL PHOTOS SUBMITTED MUST BE BETWEEN 500KBS AND 4000KBS (4MBS) IN SIZE and I will also need your full permission to use the completed enhancements and original photos for my galleries and marketing purposes.

Email your photos to me at info@enhance-me.com

With ‘January competition’ and ‘Popstar', 'My Robot Friends' or 'The Wild Things ’ Theme in the subject line.

Closing date is 5th of February 2009

I will select the most suitable photos for each theme, and the winners will receive a completed 8x10 digital version of their enhancement in thier chosen theme.

I look forward to receiving the entries!!

JANUARY SALE

2009-01-08T14:31:00.001-08:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR to all my customers, friends and family - wishing you all a very happy and prosperous 2009!!

Glogster

2008-09-18T12:30:00.001-07:00

Has anyone ever used GLOGSTER? I Could get seriously addicted!

Christmas Orders....Looking for something UNIQUE?

2008-09-08T13:43:00.000-07:00

I am now taking Christmas Orders - Last year was absoloute CHAOS in the lead up to Christmas with approaching 200 orders *eek*

Get those orders in EARLY!!

The new and improved 'Enhance-Me' website!

2008-08-13T10:31:00.000-07:00

LAUNCHING the new and improved 'Enhance-Me' website!

The galleries are no longer Flash driven and therefore viewable for those who don't have Flash on their systems.

There is now a BUY IT NOW option allowing you to make payment through the site!

I am always open to suggestions for new themes and for new ways you may feel I can improve my site and service. Just email me at info@enhance-me.com if you wish to share any ideas.

About time.....announcing Robert George David Dixon! (he is only 12wks old LOL)

2008-06-13T15:51:00.000-07:00

I am delighted to say that I am now home with my little man....Robert George David Dixon, he was born via C-section on the 18th of March 2008 at 11:20am, 7lbs 15ozs......he is perfect!! A very peaceable wee chap who only ever seems to cry when he has his nappy changed! Otherwise he is feeding and sleeping well....Milly is besotted with him and a very doting big sister.

Trying to juggle working from home with two children is interesting to say the least - but I am sure I will find a balance again soon! Famous last words LOL!!

Another REVIEW!

2008-06-13T15:48:00.000-07:00

....and I am so thrilled with it!!

You can read it here: http://lyricandariasmom.blogspot.com/2008/06/enhance-them.html

CONGRATULATIONS Competition winners

2008-02-21T13:08:00.000-08:00

A HUGE CONGRATULATIONS to all the winners of the January Competition and thanks to everyone who entered. There were lots of great photos to choose from and I found it so difficult to make a final decision that there ended up being two winners in each category!

CONGRATULATIONS

Claire, Tracy, Leanne and Sarah!

COMPETITION - Get those entries in!!

2008-01-10T03:20:00.000-08:00

I am currently working on two new background themes and need suitable photos of children to work on them.

GIRL theme: ‘Fairy Tea Party’ – For this theme I will ideally need two girls seated, taken from a side/profile view – they will need to be full body shots. Feel free to dress your children up for this one in fairy outfits!

BOY Theme: ‘Spaceman’ – I will need a good clear photo of a boy holding something under his arm, (a ball or toy of some description perhaps), so I can transform whatever he is holding into a helmet! The other arm could be up at one side to allow for a flag to be placed in it or down against his side.

ALL PHOTOS SUBMITTED MUST BE BETWEEN 500KBS AND 4000KBS (4MBS) IN SIZE and I will also need your full permission to use the completed enhancements and original photos for my galleries and marketing purposes.

Email your photos to me at info@enhance-me.com

With‘January competition’ and ‘Fairy Tea Party or Spaceman’ Theme in the subject line.

Closing date is 5th of February 2008 when I will select the most suitable photos for each theme, and the winners will receive a completed 8x10 version of their enhancement in a ‘Fairy Tea Party or Spaceman’ Theme!

I look forward to receiving the entries!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR....Here I come 2008!!

2008-01-07T14:04:00.000-08:00

So I haven't found time to update my blog *blush* in a good old while but here I am now - new beginnings and all that! WOW the approach to Christmas was crazy...so many orders!

My TO DO List for January (you will notice a few creeping in from my last to do list LOL!!)

Complete admin for TAXES!! Bleurgh!
Re-Design website (with the help of my lovely hubby!)
Update my website galleries with more recent enhancements
Work on more themes
Keep my BLOG, yes, this one - updated! (sure I promised this before!!)
Implement 'Buy It Now' buttons on my website (Another familiar one!!)
Update myspace, BT Tradespace, profiles
Work on another Newletter
Think of another competition theme I can run
Re-organise folders to ONE main background template for each set design
Update News and blog with Family Grapevine and varioue other magazine features, covers, comps!

Ho Hum!!!! LOL

Add something SPECIAL to your Christmas cards this year...

2007-09-26T09:06:00.001-07:00

Gone Fishing!

2007-05-25T07:53:00.000-07:00

Does your husband like fishing? Looking for a special gift for Fathers Day? Look no further....

Take two ordinary snapshots or gorgeous kiddies!

....add some lovely fishy scenery - hey presto - the perfect Fathers Day gift!

Other themes can be created at your request - sports, fairies, bugs, jungle etc.....have a peek at my galleries to get a better idea of what I can do!

Technorati...

2007-05-15T13:36:00.000-07:00

GO on, FAVE me - Purty P L E A S E!!! (not that I am begging or anything LOL!!)

How do you define success?

2007-05-15T11:42:00.000-07:00

Would you say you are successful? How do you know - in what way would you define success as a Mother, in your work and home life?

Personally, I feel successful with each and every little new thing my two year old daughter, Milly learns. My heart swells with pride as I witness each new achievement. She sang 'Happy Birthday', (OK so it was to her Tickle-me-elmo!!) today and I thought this was simply amazing!

I feel successful in my business when I make my customers happy. I have had ups and downs with my business as I am sure anyone who runs their own business has, but when people say to me how much they love my website, concept or creation I feel like I have achieved something wonderful! I don't make a huge amount of money from my business but it does add to my husbands income and helps us live a little more comfortably than we would without it. I get so excited and feel so successful when anyone asks to review my website/business....it's an amazing feeling knowing that others want to talk about what you do!

.....and the thing that makes me feel most successful is that I am able to spend time at home with my daughter and add a little to our income. I did this myself, I thought of and created my own business....I know how lucky I am to be in this position but believe me, it has take hard work and a lot of commitment.

R O A R

2007-05-13T15:01:00.000-07:00

I love being given the opportunity to create new backgrounds for new themes - it gives me such a buzz to begin something from scratch - gets my creative juices flowing I guess!

Here I would like to share two such enhancements - in a Dinosaur theme, I can't begin to say how excited I was about these ones - I really need to get more boy themes into my galleries and what could be more perfect!!

M o t i v a t i o n - A funny old thing...

2007-05-12T13:46:00.000-07:00

"I don't dream at night, I dream all day; I dream for a living." Steven Spielberg

So, this motivation thing is a funny old thing. It ebbs and flows like the changing t i d e s.....it is as changable as the weather here in Orkney!! I know what my dreams are - I would say I am ambitious but find I never seem to get around to all the ideas buzzing around in my mind (much to my constant frustration!)

I owe it to you dear readers (if any LOL!) to make an oath - I WILL remain motivated, I will make a list of things I MUST do and will update as I do them.....perhaps writing them down and recording each one achieved will be more rewarding. There is always something about a challenge I find motivating!

My TO DO List

Update my website galleries with more recent enhancements
Work on more themes
Keep my BLOG, yes, this one - updated!
Get a form on my website that allows my customers to upload directly to my server rather than email me photos for enhancements.
Implement 'Buy It Now' buttons on my website
Update myspace profile
Get my business cards printed
Work on another Newletter (haven't sent one out since February! *shame*)
Think of another competition theme I can run
Take some more photos for backgrounds - Go to Binsgarth woods, Happy Valley, The Beach etc.
Revise PR to resend to Magazines etc.
Clean up folders on computer, particulary 'stock photos'
I am sure there will be more.............................P H E W !

If anyone has any suggestions on anything in my list, such as new themes...please feel free to comment!!

Please help find Madeleine....

2007-05-12T09:10:00.000-07:00

Please spread the word and copy/save this image to your computer and post it anywhere and everywhere you can online.

There are no words I can say - every parents worst nightmare...she looks so like my Milly - it sends a chill up my spine every time I see her, such a beautiful little girl. Praying for her safe return.....just so sad.....

Tried and Tested......

2007-05-09T13:31:00.000-07:00

....Ways to keep your child/children occupied while you check your emails!

As a WAHM with a 29 month old daughter who seems to have boundless energy, I do admittedly have some moments (sometimes brief, sometimes not so brief!!) of stress. It's not an easy task to juggle keeping a toddler occupied, checking and replying to email enquiries and keeping on top of orders (particularly around busy periods, such a Christmas!) AND THEN think of all the housework you have to find time to tackle too!

I was O V E R J O Y E D when I miraculously discovered a whole manner of ways - albeit some a little messy!! To keep Milly occupied while I work!

~ Play Doh - firm favourite though she has of late decided it's more fun to stuff it into her mouth behind Mummies back and laugh hysterically every time I catch her doing it!

~ Supply Milly with her Tickle me Elmo, a bib, a spoon, her highchair and a few little cups and plates filled with Rice Crispies or Coco Pops and she is kept ammused for at least 15 to 30 minutes! The mess that follows is quite hilarious but is worth it if it means I can reply to a few emails!

~ Fill a large pan with different shapes of pasta and give Milly a wooden spoon - she loves it!

~ Fill a washing up bowl with soapy water, place it on a towel....strip Milly down to her tights and bodysuit and ask her to wash her dishes - all her plastic plates, pans, utensils - she loves it! Thank goodness for Lino!!

~ Let your little one paint/draw/stick - don't turn your back for too long as you may (to my horror) have a redecorated multicoloured kitchen wall! You have been warned!

If anyone has any other tips - please do add your thoughts! I would appreciate it!

Tips on taking photos for enhancements

2007-05-09T08:01:00.000-07:00

I Take HUGE amounts of photos of my daughter! I am what a photographer would probably call a 'fluke' photographer as I take so many I am bound to end up with a few decent shots here and there!!

The best way to choose a good photo for an enhancement is to make sure you have your child’s body within the shot, or at least the upper half. That way I have more scope to create a scene around their pose.

When taking photos of your children, I find that it really works to get down to their level. This can result in great photos for enhancements.

Another good pose for an enhancement can be to take a photo from slightly above your child and get their attention by clicking your fingers or asking them where the light is (in the case of my 2 year old daughter!) This way they will be pointing and looking upwards towards the camera…..now what could they be pointing at within an enhancement? a fairy, a dragon – the possibilities are endless!

Getting your children to pose can be tricky but also creates wonderful photos to work with – if you have a child straddling a chair or a cushion for example, they can then be placed on a whole array of different things, from a horse in a cowboy scene to a bird flying through a magical forest!

If you are selecting from photos you already have, the best tip I can give you is make sure they are large, clear and not too dark.

Most importantly of all - HAVE FUN!!

An Extra Special Gift!

2007-05-09T07:50:00.000-07:00

Don't know how to add something a little extra special to a friend or family members birthday or anniversary gift? Not sure what to give that new bundle of joy in the family? You can now purchase an Enhance-Me voucher....

This will be emailed to you directly upon payment. You can then either print it off and place it inside a card for your friend or family member or simply email it to them! A wonderfully unique gift!

Email info [at] enhance-me [dot] com for details!

Play List

2007-05-09T07:00:00.000-07:00

If you want creative workers, give them enough time to play.
~ John Cleese, English actor, writer ~

A list of things I want to do with Milly:

Go to the beach and play 'shoppies' using pebbles as money and seaweed, sand and shells as things to buy!

Have an 'under the sea' party - Float lots of blue, green & white helium filled balloons to the ceiling. Tie green and blue crepe paper from random balloons so it looks like seaweed. Make little fish, crabs, sea horses, and star fish and hang from random balloons at different levels. Replace the light bulb with blue or green bulb. Cut tiny wavy slits in an old lamp shade so it reflects patterns like waves on the walls! We could play music assocaited with water/sea/sealife.

Make a rainbow flower by placing it in food colouring.

Have pillow fights until feathers fly everywhere!

Make a stage/theatre and create a puppet show using old socks!

Have lots of picnics.

Go to the beach and collect lots of shells. Make shell sculptures with shells and play doh.

Go camping at Findhorn (where I used to go when I was little with my parents!)

Build a Tree House

Travel and see lots of different cultures and sites

Make GIANT bubbles

Play with a Hula Hoop

Trampolining - bounce, bounce, bounce!!

Hire a Bouncy castle and hall for a Birthday party!

Visit the Zoo lots

Make Christmas cards together. Sticking lots of sparkly things!

Make our own magical garden. Paint giant flowers and stick them around the wall. Make bugs and fairies....using various boxes, egg cartons, pipe cleaners, mesh etc.

Build a snowman, go sledging and make snow angels!

Make a dolls house, paper the walls and decorate it!

To be continued.........

...New Themes...

2007-05-08T15:51:00.000-07:00

Dragon Sky

At The Bottom Of The Garden

Little Mermaid

Fantastic book, A Guide to Promoting Your Business!

2007-05-08T15:29:00.000-07:00

Antonia Chitty has written a guide to help you promote your business.

The book takes you step by step through working out what it unique and special about your business, to writing and sending your own press releases. Packed with low cost techniques for getting your business noticed, just follow the steps in the book and you will reach more customers.

There is a website, to accompany the book, with lots of free resources and essential links. Visit the site to download a template to help you plan your business promotion, a template for writing your own press releases, and more. You can also see extracts from the workbook, and submit your own suggestions for useful resources.

A guide to Promoting Your Business costs £15, and is available from http://www.prbasics.co.uk/, http://www.acpr.co.uk/, http://www.amazon.co.uk/ and can be ordered from any bookshop if you quote ISBN 978-0955534508

The Opinionated parent - R E V I E W

2007-05-07T15:40:00.000-07:00

March 2007: Enhance-me has been reviewed by the Opinionated parent BLOG
Click here to read the review!

Mommies With Style…

2007-05-07T15:37:00.000-07:00

...have reviewed Enhance-me!!! I am thrilled with what they have written for me.

It's such a buzz hearing such wonderful things about my business! When I launched Enhance-me last February I really didn't know what to expect! It seems to be going really well though - here's to many more reviews LOL

I have become a Stumbler!

2007-05-07T15:34:00.000-07:00

.....and I am absoloutely addicted to this fabulous site! You can have a look at my favourite sites here: Oh yeah - and if you get the chance - you could give my website a review if you want LOL *hint hint*

Photos Into Art ~ The Possibilities Are Endless!

2007-05-07T15:23:00.000-07:00

Anyone out there who has a child knows that these days, it’s almost impossible not to take HUGE amounts of photographs.

I myself have a two year old daughter and our computer has over 5 gigs of it’s space devoted entirely to my snapshots, from my pregnancy to the willful two year old she is today! These photos are so priceless to me but do you ever wonder if there is something more you can do with them?

Welcome to the new blog for ‘enhance-me.com’ Unique Photo enhancements by Victoria Dixon. For those of you out there who have been looking for something unique and magical to cherish, you have found it in the service I provide.

I am a work at home mum – I decided to set up my business ‘www.enhance-me.com’ after deciding I really didn’t want to leave my baby girl just yet! I work while she sleeps, be it at night or while she naps through the day. It has been a challenge but a very positive one that I am happy I took on!

I have over six years experience in using Photoshop and a degree in Art & Design. I feel so blessed that I can combine my love for Photography and art with being able to stay at home with my daughter.

I intend to use this blog to give you tips on photography, what poses work best for the kind of enhancements I do etc. And just generally to waffle about the challenges and rewards of being a work at home Mum!

So WELCOME!