Sharing my thoughts and ideas of what you can do while waiting out the infamous COVID-19. HINT: They are fun projects that will make you feel fulfilled AND help support #SHOPSMALL

Heavy sigh….this virus sure is taking over, isn’t it? And I don’t really mean in matters that come to our health (while this obviously is an issue too), but what I am speaking to is our economy, sanity and lifestyle. It has all been feeling really heavy to me and I have been taking time to reflect and think about all of its impacts. And ultimately, what I have decided is I will do what I do best and that is to choose positivity. I am CHOOSING to think of the positives as we let this virus and precautions take its course.

Before I get too positive, what I first want to say though is, businesses are HURTING. Specifically small businesses and specifically those of us in the service (ahem luxury service) industry. Just like anyone else, we do have our families to feed, staff to pay and business overhead to consider. So if you can, remember those of us in your community that may need your support more so now than ever. A few of your favorite local businesses to consider during these uncertain times:

• Your favorite family restaurant or coffee shop: If you are staying home, consider buying a gift card to let them know you will be back soon.
• Same goes for your favorite shops…general stores, hair salon, nail shop you name it.
• Gyms: Don’t cancel your memberships or put them on hold. Most gyms will make up for lost time in some capacity (offering online classes, extending class options, etc.). If we don’t pay our memberships then these small businesses will not be able to pay their overhead and could result in closure.
• Car detail & pet grooming. These are great (and clean!) businesses to support during this time. So if your car or pet need some TLC consider scheduling these services now.

And now let’s discuss your favorite family/wedding photographer, printer & creative and how we can support each other during this time…

I’ve been thinking about “feel good” projects to do at home while we wait this all out; and also ways for my company to potentially stay busy and earn your business as we weather this storm. So here are my thoughts:

Project Idea #1: Design your yearbook.

Christa gave me this idea a few years ago and it is BRILLIANT! Let’s get our photos off our phone and turn them into something beautiful. And not to mention a tangible item to cherish for many years to come. This is a triple win because we are: cleaning and organizing our phone images (oh does that feel SO good!), doing a creative and calming project, and we will smile and reminisce as we walk down memory lane.

A few tips:

• I create an album for each year and design and print with Artifact Uprising. They have many album options to consider and I have linked above with my favorite one
• If you are a Mac/iPhone user, make sure your photos are saved to the cloud and you can easily access your images from the “Photo” app found on your desktop and iPhone.
• If you are a PC user, then I suggest syncing your images via Google Photos and they will begin to save to this cloud based platform where you can also pull images to create your album
• Don’t forget to delete excess images you don’t need from your phone as you go thru this process – it is going to feel so good to remove the clutter!
• And finally, if you want your images to have a little more pizazz, then consider buying my image editing preset pack found here.

Project Idea #2: Update the pictures in your frames

When was the last time you updated the images in your home or office? There is no better time to tackle this project than now while you are stuck at home.

A few suggestions…

• If you have hired me in the past to capture your moments, then reach out to me for your printing needs. I partner with an excellent printer and we guarantee our products for life. Studio color comes standard (meaning your images will print as they were intended to – no color miss, images that are printed too dark, too light, etc.). Please contact me, as I would LOVE to help!
• Order a travel print from my Etsy shop Hello Jude. These images are sure to be conversation starters and benefit a good cause!

Project Idea #3: (Finally) Order your Wedding Album!

Wedding albums are undoubtedly something that gets pushed to the side in our busy lives. So let’s use this opportunity to work on yours now! I have a step-by-step guide to get us started (think choosing images {or I can for you!}, choosing your physical album finishes, and approving your interior custom album design). It is so easy, I promise!

You will be so happy to mark this item off your to-do list!

I hope this has given you some ideas…

As I’ve mentioned, let’s make the most of this time and work on projects that make us feel good. Positivity is contagious and I hope to infect you with mine!

Please reach out to me for your photography and printed keepsake needs. I would be thrilled to help!

Stay healthy, Stay Safe, Stay Sane. Much love to you all!