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Showing posts with label photography. Show all posts
Showing posts with label photography. Show all posts

Tuesday, December 18, 2018

Walt Disney World Memory Maker - Is It Worth the Cost?

In the sixteen years my husband and I have been married we've probably been to Walt Disney World theme parks 40+ times. For a couple of years, when our oldest boys were little, we had Seasonal Passes. Some years we went to the seasonal parties, like Mickey's Very Merry Christmas and the Not So Scary Halloween Party. Other years we would just go to one park for the day. Nonetheless, our visits have added up over the years. Each one being just as magical as the last.

It seems like every time we would go to Walt Disney World we would get one of those Photo Pass cards from the photographer standing in front of Cinderella Castle {at the Magic Kingdom} or the Tree of Life {at the Animal Kingdom}, but we never stopped at the front of the park at the end of our day to look at our photos. And, truth be told, by the end of the day we had run out of money to buy any photos that were on that card to be viewed and purchased.

The Imagineers at Disney must've been hEARing my thoughts on wanting more photos WITH my family and wanting to not really worry about them until I got home from vacation. Enter the Disney Memory Maker.

When we started planning our vacation a couple of months ago I knew I wanted to add this feature to our budget. Let me tell you all of the wonderful reasons why:
  • PhotoPass Photographers are in hundreds of locations all over Walt Disney World theme parks. Have photos taken each time you see one. 
  • EVERYONE in your party will be IN the photo. I'm talking to you, moms. {I can count on one hand how many pictures I'm in with my family in our past trips to Walt Disney World. It's sad, really.}
  • Photos in front of Cinderella Castle, with Mickey and Pluto or Anna and Elsa, wherever you can snag a PhotoPass Photographer, take a picture and it'll be included on your Memory Maker.
  • Did you make character dining reservations? Those photos are included!
  • You know those silly faces {and frightened faces} you have on ride attractions? Even THOSE pictures are included in your Memory Maker!
  • Every.Single.Photo you have taken by a PhotoPass Photographer is included in your Memory Maker.
  • Memory Maker is Magic Band compatible. If you're family is wearing the new Magic Bands you'll just have the PhotoPass Photographer scan your band after he's taken your photo. No more keeping up with that card. 
When came home from our mini-vacay to the Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom we had 84 pictures available to download right to our home computer. Guess what? I'm in all of our family photos!

Hollywood Studios

{at Hollywood Studios}

Animal Kingdom

{You have the option to add borders or stickers to your photos.}

Expedition Everest

{Scary ride photos are the best! Without the Memory Maker we wouldn't have purchased the photo...individually, they're just too costly.}

wd034wdw201408758391033

{every magical character photo opportunity is forever yours! Here are Jett and McKinley with Wreck it Ralph and Vanellope von Schweetz.}

I still have Days 2 and 3 to write about this vacation so I don't want to give away too many of the photos but, I wanted to share with you the greatness of the Memory Maker. If you're on the fence about whether or not it's a good use of $149, I'd say it absolutely IS worth the money. The cost is minimal considering the priceless photos you'll come home to. AND, you'll have 90 days to play with your photos and download them to your computer. {in other words, they'll be saved on the Disney server for 90 days so you'll have time to come home, unpack and unwind before needing to even worry about those photos.}

My Disney Tip: Purchase the Memory Maker online at least 3 days prior to your trip. You'll save $50! 

Edited to add: Disney has now made Memory Maker an added perk to having an Annual Pass. Seriously, that's an AMAZING perk!! 

Don't forget to read this post on how to make Disney Autograph Books for the kids!
DIY Disney Autograph Book



Disclosure: This post is written from a real mom's perspective. No one from Disney asked me to write this. My family purchased the Memory Maker with our own money. The opinions are my own.



Tuesday, January 2, 2018

9 DIY Hearts Crafts for Valentine's Day

I love Valentine's Day. All things hearts and red and pink and Cupid. Oh, Cupid, that cute little guy!

Each year I have good intentions to decorate my mantel and hang a heart-shaped wreath on the front door. Each year I peruse blogs for fun crafts. And each year I don't decorate my mantel or hang a heart-shaped wreath. Not this year! I vow to make at least one of the following crafts AND hang a wreath!

Below I've gathered nine lovely heart ideas that are perfect for anyone to recreate. Grab a chair, your latte and a notepad and pen to make a list of the supplies you'll need to get started!

9 DIY Hearts Crafts @jonahbonah

/1/ LOVE Bowl - It has SPARKLES...need I say more?


9 DIY Hearts Crafts @jonahbonah

/2/ Heart String Art - This could be a pretty mindless activity. Grab the needed supplies and park yourself in front of the TV. Catch up on The Bachelor. Or Downton Abbey. Whatever drama show is your vice.

9 DIY Hearts Crafts @jonahbonah

/3/ Heart Pincushion - The sewist in me LOVES this craft. Make one for someone you love who sews!

9 DIY Hearts Crafts @jonahbonah

/4/ Heart Pom-Pom Wreath - Did you make pom-poms when you were a kid? I did. A million of them! I would wind and wind the yarn around a piece of cardboard, tie it off and then trim the strands until it was a cute little pom. Now you can find a fancy pom-pom maker at the craft store for less than $10. Give this wreath a try today!

9 DIY Hearts Crafts @jonahbonah

/5/ Red Heart Shaped Ice Cubes - Wouldn't it be fun to surprise the kids on Valentine's Day morning with these ice cubes? And the sprinkles trimmed glass? Be still my heart!

9 DIY Hearts Crafts @jonahbonah

/6/ Heart Shaped Bookmark - SUUUUPEEERRR simple craft for the book lover in your life!

9 DIY Hearts Crafts @jonahbonah

/7/ Burlap Valentine's Gift Bags - These would make great little bags to give small Valentine's treats to the neighbors, the mailman and your children's teachers. Fill them with candy or hot cocoa mix.

9 DIY Hearts Crafts @jonahbonah

/8/ Lighted Marquee Heart - The tutorial for this marquee is amazing! Use it to make the pictured heart or a letter. Wouldn't one of these be a great addition to a child's room? I love it!

9 DIY Hearts Crafts @jonahbonah

/9/ Heart Bokeh - As a photographer, I'm always looking for new ideas to take unique pictures. Heart bokeh? Yes, please!

Which of these heart-shaped crafts is calling your name? I'd love to see what you make! Will you share with me? I'm @jonahbonah on Instagram or leave me link to your blog  in the comments.

Wanna see more great crafts with hearts?? Check out this post I wrote on BlissfullyDomestic.com.


Monday, January 25, 2016

When They Were Little

I love it when I go looking for one thing and I come across something special. This happened to me the other day when I went looking for a picture from years ago, and I stumbled upon these gems of my kids when they were little bitty. I look at them now and can't believe how big they've gotten or how much they've changed.

jonahjett
[Jonah and Jett on Easter Sunday, 2012, maybe.]

DSC06614
[Jonah at Disney's EPCOT, 2008]

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[Jonah on his 7th or 8th birthday, 2011 or 2012]

Candid. #marchphoto366
[McKinley Rose with her "na-na", or bottle, and her puppy, 2010]

Five. FIVE! {I'm "blue" he's growing up so fast.} #aprilphoto366
[Jett, 2010]

"we going to 'wolmot', mom!"
[McKinley sitting on Daddy's lap pretending to drive. I think she told me that her and Daddy were going to "Wolmot", and they'd be right back. 2011 or 2012]

Untitled
[McKinley, 2012]

There was a time that I would scrapbook and make sure that my pictures were printed and dated and put into a book for preservation. Now, I'm lucky if can remember to print photos and when and wear the photo was taken. In 2016, I'm going to work harder to make sure that I print more photos and put them in scrapbooks. They don't have to be elaborate works of art. Just photos and words is all I need to remember my kids when they were little. 

How do you preserve family memories? Do you scrapbook? Do you create photo books through sites like, Shutterfly? I'd love to hear your ideas!

Tuesday, January 5, 2016

How to Make a Collage Wall with Your Instagram Photos

A few favorite photos from 2015 printed. 💛 The black and white ones wall start a wall project, much like the one seen on @underthesycamore. 💛 Lets get our photos out of digital "lock-up" and into our hands! Hang them. Put them in

Last year I shared with you how to get your favorite Instagram photos out of digital lock-up. I told you that the black and white photos would become a collage above my fireplace. If you follow me on insta, then you've seen a peek of the collage...

Untitled

This is how far it's come. I still have to add September-Decmeber to the wall, but I'm loving it so far! Best part, based on the space that I used in 2015, I will have enough room to add pictures for the next 3-4 years. Holla!!

So, how can YOU start your own collage wall with your Instagram photos?? 
  • First, get your photos printed onto 4x4 photo paper at your local printer. I get mine printed at Walmart. 
  • Find a place in your home that you're willing to devote to all of your favorite photos. 
  • Then, grab your photos and your glue gun, and start gluing your pics to the wall. Yep, glue them!
  • PRO TIP: Take this advice from a gal who has glued photos to the wall and taken them down, once or twice, because of crookedness or from them not being centered. Get a level or a ruler and use that to help put the pictures straight on the wall. 


What is your secret to getting your digital photos off of the computer and into your hands?? Tell me in the comments, or leave me a comment on Instagram. 


Monday, May 18, 2015

The NEW Memory Maker at Walt Disney World Resort

Last week, we were at Walt Disney World Resort having the time of our lives at Disney Social Media Moms Celebration. One of the perks to this event was receiving the Memory Maker as a gift. This truly is a gift that will give for years, if not generations, to come. 


Disney's Hollywood Studios



Disney's Hollywood Studios

I've told you before how much I love the Memory Maker. The Imagineers at Disney have made it even better! Before, you would get professional quality photos from every PhotoPass photographer you stopped to get photos from and ride photos from each ride that offered a photo experience. NOW, there are videos. You guys, this is AMAZING!! When you ride Seven Dwarfs Mine Train or The Twilight Zone's Tower of Terror you get a video from your ride experience! Watch this:


So. Much. Fun. Right? For $199, or $169 when purchased three days or more in advance, you can add the Memory Maker to your My Disney Experience account, too. Each time you stop in front of a PhotoPass photographer to have a photo taken, you simply have them scan your Magic Band or your PhotoPass Card. When you ride an attraction you really don't have to worry about scanning your Magic Band or PhotoPass Card, Mickey Knows. Within 24-48 hours {sometimes sooner} your photos will appear in your My Disney Experience account. {If you're missing any photos, by chance, you can call customer service and they can locate your photos and add them manually. It's like magic.}

Tell me, do you purchase the Memory Maker when you go to Walt Disney World? I'd love to see your favorite photos. Leave me a link or share them with me on Instagram, I'm @jonahbonah.

I attended Disney Social Media Moms Celebration and was given the Memory Maker as a gift. All opinions are my own. 


Monday, March 16, 2015

How to Get Your Favorite Instagram Photos Out of Digital Lock-Up

A few favorite photos from 2015 printed. 💛 The black and white ones wall start a wall project, much like the one seen on @underthesycamore. 💛 Lets get our photos out of digital "lock-up" and into our hands! Hang them. Put them in

2015 will be the year I get my favorite Instagram photos off of my computer, out of digital lock-up, and print them. The black and white ones will become a huge collage above my fireplace. All of 2015's best memories will be on display for us to see everyday. The ones in color will go in a scrapbook or photo album...any book that my kids can hold and flip through. Trust me, it won't be anything fancy. And, that's okay. 

I use the self-printer at Walmart to print my photos in 4x4 size. 

When is the last time you printed photos to be enjoyed? It can be overwhelming, I know. But, it doesn't have to be.  

Here's my best tip: print a months worth at a time. If you start now, you can print only your favorites from January and February to be caught up for 2015. Then, at the end of March, you can print only your favorites from March. {If you want to work on 2014, too, print one month from 2014 each time you print for a month in 2015.} 

I'd love to see your favorite photography project. Scrapbooks, photo journals, collage walls...share them with me! You can find me on twitter, instagram and pinterest as jonahbonah. Let's be friends!




Friday, April 25, 2014

Are You Hiding Behind the Lens? {#MomIsHere}

Be honest. If you needed a picture RIGHT NOW of your child WITH you could you find one? Like, from yesterday or last week, not from two years ago? I didn't think so. I would've been hard-pressed to myself until a few days ago.

Kisses for My Girl
{Just giving my girl some kisses.}

The Sprout Channel recently launched a campaign titled Mom Is Here. The idea is to get moms out from behind the camera and INTO the shot with her son or daughter. Us moms need more photos WITH our children. LOTS of them! Don't you agree?

I love her.

Years from now, when I'm no longer here, I want my kids to be able to look back on our time together. Myself and that individual child. So, it won't be easy...but, I'm going to get out from behind my camera and take more photos WITH my kids.

Even if it's silly shots like this one...
Jonah gets his competitive nature from his dad. Me, I'm good, win or lose. #latergram #fromwhenikickedhisbuttinarmwrestling
{Jonah gets his competitive nature from his daddy. He was trying to beat me in arm wrestling.}

I wrote more about this campaign AND a contest over at Blissfully Domestic. Go check it out!

Tuesday, July 2, 2013

9 Tips to Taking Better Fireworks Photos

TAKE FIREWORKS PHOTOS THAT SPARKLE
{photo credit}

If you plan on heading out to see the pyrotechnics in the sky {that's *fireworks* for you simple folks} on Thursday evening you might want to stop by Blissfully Domestic to read my newest post.

Will you share your photos with me when you get home?  I'd love to see what you captured!




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Wednesday, September 5, 2012

summer fun {i heart faces}

i really should do these photo contests more often.
not only does it give me a reason to pick up my camera, it also {sometimes} results in super cute pictures of my kiddos!

this month's photo theme over at i heart faces is *summer fun.*

when i think of summer i almost always first think of the pool.
such great photos often come from the pool!!!

summer

oh mckinley...she's my little mermaid.
this girl LOVES the water.

and *i* am loving this new photo i have of her!


you can see what all the fuss is about over at iheartfaces.com.
and also see the other submissions to get some photo op ideas...there's still time to capture some *summer fun* shots!

Photo Challenge Submission

Thursday, May 17, 2012

a sneek peek.

today was a good day for an impromtu photoshoot with my neighbor's daughter.

i've been wanting to take shots of this little cutie for weeks.

today was the day!

here's a sneek peek....
maddie 2012

i mean, really?!
check out those curls.
and that sweet face.

i love being a photographer!

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

i need a professional.

sunday after church i had the bright idea of trying to get a single picture of my four kiddos together.

i just wanted one.
of all four of them.
in the same shot.

did i get it?
no.

i can take pictures of other people's kids just fine.
my own?
forgetaboutit. {said in my best donnie brasco voice}

here's my proof.

Photobucket
hubs was there to hold them all down. {just kidding}
you can't tell what jett is showing but, it's a worm.
i have a feeling if i want to good shot of him it's going to include a bug of sort sort.
every time.

Photobucket
one more time...
and jett's head is behind jake's knee.

Photobucket
mckinley took off running the opposite direction.
it was killing jake to stand this close to his brother.
goodness to pete, it's not cool to show love to your brother...so he says.

and finally,
my two who did want to cooperate and take cute pics for mom...
Photobucket
this is my favorite from that day.
even if it is just my two littlest boys.

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have any tips for me???
do i duct tape them to the ground?
bribe them with candy?

how do you get the perfect picture of your kiddos??

Friday, March 30, 2012

this week.

spring break was loooooong.
i feel bad for saying 'i'm glad it's the last day.'

but, i am glad.

if we had plans to explore new places or jump through the ocean's waves then i'd be sad it was coming to an end.
instead, it was spent at home.
each of us trying our hardest not to get on one another's nerves.

it just isn't our season to go on great vacations.
i'm ok with that.

what did we do?

Save your paper towels. Have a light saber pop ice!
we ate lots of popsicles and played outside.

An egg in the mail. A fun surprise from @littlebitfunky!
we got a fun surprise in the mail from my pen pal.
{yes, that's an egg filled with goodies! it was delivered to my mailbox just like that!! fun!!}

This. Is. Exciting. @pichaglobal @dedraherod @alliworthington
i was invited to test a new website geared towards us photographers who want to sell our art.
i can't give too many details just yet.
but, you NEED to head over to the picha global site and request an invite. now.
go!
you're welcome.

iPad sleeve.
i have been working, literally, day and night to bring new items to the shop.
this. this is an ipad sleeve.
cutest one you ever did see, right?
and with your initial...best ever!

My eyes are behind these glasses. If they could talk, they'd tell you there is so much going on in the life of my family. Lots of uncertainty. We trust God has a plan. Would you pray for us?
selfies are fun!

best news all week???
Natalie Grace is here!!!! {my niece} I'm so sad I'm not there to love on her...
my natalie is here.
ok, she's not mine.
but, she is my niece.
and i love her to pieces.
{give her a big fat kiss for me, kris!}

well, that's the end of spring break.
exciting, no?

how was your spring break??

Thursday, March 29, 2012

in her daddy's arms.

Her daddy will always keep her safe. #army
this princess will always have her daddy wrapped around her finger.
and he'll always keep her safe.

Monday, March 26, 2012

monday eats.

This is happening. #bakedpotstickers
i'll be the first to admit i'm no pioneer woman.
but, my husband sure thinks i'm a good cook.
and his opinion matters most.

it helps that my mother-in-law also likes my cooking. {i'm totally putting words in her mouth.}
the last two or three times she's been up here or i've been down in florida she's asked me to make potstickers.
she loves them.
the kids love them.
and so do i.

while at the amish grocery the other day we picked up one of the ingrediants.
the hardest ingredient to find.
jalepeno pepper jelly.
This is gonna make the dipping sauce super tasty!

let's get started.
these are going to become one of your favorites.
i promise.


Baked Asian Potstickers
adapted from The Pampered Chef

1 (10 ounce) can white chicken meat , drained and flaked or about a cup and a half of cooked chicken
1 (8 ounce) can water chestnuts
½ cup green onions with top , thinly sliced
¼ cup carrot , grated
1 teaspoon fresh gingerroot , peeled and finely chopped (or 1/4 tsp dry ginger)
1 tablespoon reduced sodium soy sauce
1 egg white , lightly beaten
¼ cup mayonnaise
1 garlic clove , pressed
24 square wonton wrappers

dipping sauce
½ cup jalapeno jelly
¼ cup rice vinegar
2 tablespoons reduced sodium soy sauce

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F.

2. In a large bowl, combine chicken, water chestnuts, green onions, carrot, ginger, soy sauce, egg white, mayo and garlic. Mix well.
Carrots, water chestnuts, and green onions.

3. To assemble potstickers, place 12 wonton wrappers onto a smooth, clean and dry surface. Lightly brush the edges of each wonton with water. Place about 1 tablespoon of filling onto the center of each wonton. Fold corners of the wonton to the middle to secure the filling inside (envelope style works well, but you can be creative).
Assembly.

you can even recruit a couple of helpers...
Helper.

Another helper.


4. Place wontons on a cookie sheet and lightly spray with Pam or olive oil. Repeat with remaining wontons.
Ready for the oven.

5. Bake 12-15 min until golden brown.

6. For dipping sauce, place jelly in a small bowl. Microwave on high 30-40 sec or until warm. Add vinegar and soy sauce. Whisk until well blended.

7. Serve potstickers with dipping sauce and enjoy!
Finished. Baked Chicken Potstickers with Sweet Asian dipping sauce. So good!

will you let me know if you try them??
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linking up with skip to my lou.