Audio Portraits -- A Unique Offering from Norah Levine Photography

Anyone who knows me is aware that I’m big on communication. Apparently, I began talking on the phone when I was a toddler and never stopped. I love connecting with others and much prefer one-on-one conversation to group interactions. I have been told by others that communication is one of my strengths, and feel that it has helped me both personally and professionally to connect with others and to allow people to feel comfortable speaking with me. As I continue to expand my photographic work and my experience as a creative, I am looking for ways that help me bring more of what I love into my work. For the Lifelines project I worked on a few years ago, I included audio vignettes to accompany the still images of the homeless people and their pets. The results were powerful. The audio set to stills made the viewers slow down and truly listen and look. This experience inspired me to explore the idea with my portrait business. I have already applied the Audio Portrait concept to my Petribute Package, for elderly pets and those diagnosed with illness.

I am calling them Audio Portraits. Audio Portraits are all about communication and connection.  They combine still photography with the sounds of those in front of my camera. The final slideshow is a combination of interviews, discussions, voices, and sounds with still images from the session. The result is a custom keepsake unique to each family.

Seeing in still frames has been a practice of mine for over 20 years. I love the opportunity to make decisions about what stays in or out of the frame and when to press the shutter. Still photography allows me to connect with the subject in front of me to evoke authentic moments and expressions. With these Audio Portraits, I am enjoying the process of finding an even deeper connection through their voices and sounds. The slideshows I create in the process are making my heart sing, and (hopefully) my clients’ as well.

I’ll continue to create and share this work with you in the coming months. I am looking forward to applying the Audio Portraits to any portrait session I already offer, because it is a beautiful way to communicate the emotional story of each of my clients. Ultimately, that’s what I am here for as a photographer.

Feel free to inquire about how to include an Audio Portrait as part of your next portrait session. I look forward to it!

Healthy Halloween Snack Ideas for Kids

 

Halloween is one of my favorite times of year. I love all things pumpkin, fall, and apple. Halloween and fall, in general, can also be a time of sugar overload since many people have festive Halloween parties and go Trick or Treating. Because of this, I like to create fun side dishes that are kid-friendly and healthy. If you're going to a Halloween pot luck this weekend, here are a few of my favorite healthy Halloween snack ideas for kids:

Frozen "Boo-Nana" Pops from Skinnytaste 

I love these simple treats. Though the recipe calls for white chocolate to coat the bananas, you don't have to follow that part if you're opting for a healthier choice. You can simple stick on some chocolate chip eyes and call it good!

Jack O' Lantern Clementines

Talk about easy! All you need are some clementines and a Sharpie. Draw on some cute jack o'lantern faces, and you're good to go.

Mozzarella Stick Ghosts from Midget Momma 

These are even easier. All you need is a Sharpie and some mozzarella cheese sticks. Draw a ghost face on each cheese stick, and voila! The perfect kid-friendly snack.

Candy Corn Fruit Cocktail by Family Fresh Meals

These are a huge hit at any Halloween party and give that perfect taste of sweetness without a sugar rush!

Dress Up Your Pouch, from See Vanessa Craft

It doesn't get much cuter than this. Kids love pouches, and what a fun twist on an already classic snack staple!

What do you think, Austin parents? Will you be trying any of these great Halloween ideas?

About the Author: 

Jessica is an East Coast girl originally from Boston, MA but recently transplated to Austin, TX. She is a former OB Nurse Educator turned Content Manager and Brand Strategist. She helps businesses with their social media presence, SEO, and brand strategy. She recently founded Every Mama Birth Education, where she creates customized childbirth education courses for busy moms, in the comfort of their own homes. When she’s not busy blogging or being a pregnancy and birth nerd, you can catch her chasing around her three busy kids and rescue fur baby. You can also follow her antics on her personal blog or Instagram.

The Health Benefits of Homemade Pet Treats, From A Veterinarian

We all love to spoil our pets, and for many of them, treats are a part of this every day love. Sure, you can get pet treats pretty much anywhere, but what could be better than a treat made with lots of love, right at home? Did you know that there are also a lot of health benefits of homemade pet treats? What's more, these treats make great gifts for folks on a budget who have pet loving friends. You just whip up a batch of personalized pet treats, put them in a nice mason jar, and there you go -- unique and cost-effective holiday gifts!

One important health related benefit to homemade treats is that they can be sized specifically for your pet. You can certainly purchase treats of different sizes commercially, but it isn't great if your pet's favorite treat is way too big for her. From 2 pound Chihuahuas to 200 pound Mastiffs, homemade treats can be exactly the right size.

Another benefit is that you choose the ingredients. If you have a pet with a food sensitivity, you can be sure that the treats you give him will be safe for his stomach and skin. Anyone with pets who suffer from food allergies knows that finding treats and foods for your pet can be frustrating.

Here's a little peek into the science behind homemade pet treats, too! First of all, your pet's treats are not a balanced diet. All the treats your pet consumes in a day should account for no more than 20% of his or her caloric intake. Eighty percent of the calories need to come from an AAFCO balanced diet (the AAFCO statement is in small print on the back of all commercial foods that are balanced). What's not on the bag or can is the calorie content. You're going to have to do some math here, as well as some internet research. If you email me photos of your pet's food, as well as the recipe you use for your pet's treats (or photos of your pet's commercial treats), I will do the math for you and let you know how much you can give. I can be reached at info@doorstep-vet.com! Other than controlling calories, don't forget that there are some delicious ingredients our pets can't enjoy. Here are some ingredients that you'll want to avoid:

• Walnuts

• Raisins

• Chocolate

• Xylitol (artificial sweetener)

• Onions or Onion Powder

• Garlic or Garlic Powder

• Macadamia Nuts

Now, onto the recipes! Though I am not the creator of the recipes, I did review and approve them for pet safety. Follow these links to some safe and fun pet treats. Feel free to use cookie cutters and create fun, personalized shapes that also make terrific gifts.  Here are the recipes below:

• Dog Treat Kitchen

• Joy the Baker (for cat treats!)

• Martha Stewart (the last recipe called Martha’s Dog Food is not a balanced dog food, but also a treat)

I hope you and your furry friends will enjoy this adventure. Don't forget to stop by Joy the Baker’s page for a photographic journey of what it means to let your pet help to bake!

About the Author:

Casey Hill, DVM, cVMA

Dr. Casey Hill, the Doorstep Vet, graduated from veterinary school in 2010 at Virginia Tech. Upon graduation she moved to Austin with her husband, Christian, and two cats. Since that time she has been working to keep the pets of Austin happy and healthy. She has worked as a traditional cat, dog, and exotics practitioner but now concentrates on her housecall work with Doorstep Vet. Dr. Hill’s acupuncture training was completed in 2016 in Fort Collins, Colorado and she is excited to offer this valuable modality to her housecall patients. You can also follow her on Facebook!

Commissioned Fine Art by Norah Levine

I’ve been paying close attention to what fills me up as a creative person, and right now, that fulfillment is showing up in some exciting new ways. As you may have noticed, fine art has become a greater piece of my practice as an artist. I have been creating mixed media art pieces (combining photography and painting with beeswax and resin), which have sold to individuals in Texas, New Mexico, Illinois, beyond. I have been encouraged by the response to my work and continue to dive into the studio as much as I can to keep exploring. View some of my custom fine art pieces online HERE.

Art and the investing in art is very personal, which is why I want to get my clients involved in the process. After receiving several requests, I have decided to start offering Commissioned Fine Art! I love working with my hands to give photographs a unique environment of colors and textures in which to live. The commissioned art experience gives clients the opportunity to be involved in the creation of an art piece that truly fits their home and heart.

My Commissioned Fine Art is now offered as an a la carte option from new and previous portrait sessions, or even from your own photographs (these must be reviewed first to make sure the photographs will provide stunning results). Ten percent of every sale is also donated to an animal welfare non-profit!

The more I photograph and connect with people, the more I realize how important it is for what we surround ourselves with to be personal and meaningful. I’m so excited to get started working on these pieces and collaborating with my clients in a different way.

As the holidays approach, you may want to start thinking about a unique gift for someone you love, or for yourself!

This Commissioned Artwork is perfect for many different settings, including:

• Ranch Home Décor
• Home Redecorating
• New Home or Office
• Memorializing a Beloved Pet
• Restaurant/Business Décor
• Beautiful, Personalized Gifts
• Baby’s Nursery
• Honoring a Loved One

Contact me directly to find out more about commissioning a fine art piece! To view more of my fine art pieces, please feel free to browse my Instagram gallery. 

Fall Fun: The Best Pumpkin Patches in Austin, Texas

Fall is a favorite season for many. When we think of fall, we often visualize scented candles, pumpkin everything, boots, and sweaters. Though Austin hasn't quite gotten the memo yet that it's no longer summer, there are still pieces of fall here that we can partake in with our kids. One of my personal favorites is visiting a pumpkin patch! Who doesn't love a good Instagram worthy fall themed photo, even if everyone is still in shorts? If you're looking for some fun pumpkin patches around Austin, Texas, here are a few of my favorites:

Sweet Berry Farm: Located in Marble Falls, Sweet Berry Farm is a great place to snap some fall pumpkin pictures. Admission to the pumpkin patch is free, but note that it is closed on Wednesdays. There are also other fun activities such as hayrides, a maze, horse rides, a scarecrow, and homemade ice cream.

Robinson Family Farm: This family owned farm located in Temple, TX has a pumpkin patch open on weekends. You and your family will be able to enjoy activities like a corn maze, animals, and arts and crafts. There is no admission fee, but you must purchase tickets or a wristband to partake in activities.

Barton Hill Farms: Located in Bastrop, TX, this little farm is open on weekends and boasts a 5-acre corn maze, as well as a giant sandbox. There's also farm animals and of course, pumpkins!

Elgin Christmas Tree Farm: Beginning on October 6th, this adorable farm hosts October Fall Fun. This includes a hayride, animals, playground, pumpkin decorating, and more.

Evergreen Farm: This farm has the total scoop on all things pumpkin. On weekends during the month of October, enjoy a pumpkin maze, pumpkin slide, pumpkin launcher, pumpkin golf, and other fun activities like a bounce house and a train ride.

Be sure to check each farm's website for hours of operation and admission prices, as well as for any details about events happening. Even though the temperatures are still higher here in Austin, we can still have a little piece of the season by visiting these adorable farms. Start a new tradition with your family and make the trip!

What do you think, Austin parents? Is one of your favorite pumpkin patches on the list?

About the Author:

Jessica is an East Coast girl originally from Boston, MA but recently transplated to Austin, TX. She is a former OB Nurse Educator turned Content Manager and Brand Strategist. She helps businesses with their social media presence, SEO, and brand strategy. She recently founded Every Mama Birth Education, where she creates customized childbirth education courses for busy moms, in the comfort of their own homes. When she’s not busy blogging or being a pregnancy and birth nerd, you can catch her chasing around her three busy kids and rescue fur baby. You can also follow her antics on her personal blog or Instagram.

Should You Train Your Dog?

There are few relationships as incredible as the bond between dog and human. Most people couldn't imagine their life without their furry best friend, and training your dog not only helps strengthen your bond, but also serves as a great experience you can partake in together. Dog training can help eliminate unwanted behaviors and even help protect your pet from potentially hazardous situations. Should you train your dog? The short answer is yes! Here are some great reasons why:

1. Training enhances communication. Training teaches your dog to be more in tune with both your verbal and physical cues, such as commands and hand signals.
2. Training keeps your dog safe. Teaching dogs the basic commands such as sit, stay, and heel helps keep your dog out of danger because you will be able to tell her to stay in place instead of running into a busy street or chasing a car. If your dog accidentally becomes loose, you will also be able to call to her and have her return safely because she is accustomed to following your commands.
3. Training strengthens your bond. Dogs naturally fall to an alpha to look up to, and training allows you to better communicate and be on the same wavelength as your furry best friend. If you are the one training your dog as opposed to a professional trainer, this bond is strengthened even further.
4. Training socializes your dog. Dogs enjoy being around other dogs, and lack of socialization in dogs can lead to behavioral issues. Just like people, your dog needs to socialize in order to stay well-rounded. Training serves as a chance to meet other people and dogs if you're opting for group classes. You will also be more in tune with how your dog handles being around others, thereby helping you understand unwanted behaviors and be better able to stop them before they escalate.

Keep in mind that while some pet owners will choose to enroll their dog in training classes, others are comfortable training their dog themselves. Speak with some trainers and other pet owners to figure out which route is best for you and your family.

What do you think, Austin pet owners? Did you train your dog?

About the Author:

Jessica is an East Coast girl originally from Boston, MA but recently transplated to Austin, TX. She is a former OB Nurse Educator turned Content Manager and Brand Strategist. She helps businesses with their social media presence, SEO, and brand strategy. She recently founded Every Mama Birth Education, where she creates customized childbirth education courses for busy moms, in the comfort of their own homes. When she’s not busy blogging or being a pregnancy and birth nerd, you can catch her chasing around her three busy kids and rescue fur baby. You can also follow her antics on her personal blog or Instagram.

10 Things to Do in Bee Cave and Lakeway, Texas with Kids

 

I love living in Bee Cave, Texas. The schools are great, the views are beautiful, and there are some great activities to do with kids. It's also close enough to Austin and the outskirts to go downtown whenever we need a change of scenery. Having a middle schooler, a four-year-old, and a toddler, I'm always on the hunt for fun, family friendly activities to do with the kids. Here are 10 of my favorite activities for kids here in Bee Cave and Lakeway, Texas:

Rolly Pollies. We are a huge fan of Rolly Pollies, a children's gym and gymnastics center here in Bee Cave that offers birthday parties, classes, and open gym hours. You can even drop off your kids if they're over three and potty trained! Kids can swing, climb, jump, and expend some energy in this safe, comfortable space. It's one of our go-to activities!

Songs 4 Seeds: I am always looking for fun classes to do with my kids, and I am so grateful to have found Songs 4 Seeds! This 45 minute interactive class is geared towards children under six features a live, three piece band. Your kids learn about language, shapes, colors, and more in a fun, hands-on manner AND they get to experiment with the instruments at the end! My boys are in love. Bonus: they offer a free demo class!

Sculpture Park: This hidden gem is surprisingly a great source of entertainment for my busy kids. The Bee Cave Sculpture Park boasts seven acres of natural setting as well as permanent and rotating sculptures. My kids loved seeing the different sculptures and climbing on them. We even brought a picnic lunch to eat together in the park, and it was the perfect morning.

Music Together, Music Forever: This amazing little class introduces children to basic musical skills that instill a lifelong love of music. There is dancing, singing, and a lot of hands on interaction with instruments and other fun tools. My kids adore this class, and the teacher -- Ms. Sage -- is fantastic.

Barnes & Noble: The Hill Country Galleria has an adorable Barnes & Noble that we love to visit on a rainy or hot day. Browse the children's section and read some books, play with their adorable wooden train set, or attend one of their story hours or events!

Public Library & Story Hours: We love the Bee Cave and Lake Travis public libraries. Head over with your kids and check out some books or attend one of their adorable story hours!

KK's Art Club: Ok, this is admittedly *not* in Bee Cave or Lakeway, but it's so close that I had to add it to the list because KK is one of our favorites! KK is a sweet mama with a background in preschool education. On Tuesdays and Fridays, she transforms her garage and driveway into a hands on, free range art class for kids! It is truly adorable and something we love to attend.

Local Parks: We are lucky to have some great parks here in Bee Cave and Lakeway! The City of Bee Cave Central Park contains two separate parts for older and younger children, and the Falconhead Park is shaded and peaceful. Pack a picnic lunch for a fun morning with your kids!

Hat Creek Burger in Lakeway: This newer spot is a blast, especially in the mornings before the heat creeps in. You can feed yourself and your kids a hearty breakfast for under $10, the coffee is delicious, and the playground is adorable. It's such a nice spot for a morning or lunchtime play date!

Color Me Mine: If your kids are a little older or are able to sit still (unlike my two youngest!), Color Me Mine is a great activity to do with your kids. They are able to be creative in this peaceful, air conditioned environment. They even offer birthday parties!

Hill Country Galleria: This great outdoor galleria is a fantastic way to kill some time. You can walk around and grab a treat at Amy's Ice Cream or The Candy Jar, play in the splash pad (when it's actually turned on!), browse Learning Express, or just run around the grassy common. There are stores both kids and adults will enjoy, and it's a great opportunity to get out of the house and into the sunshine.

What do you think, Bee Cave/Lakeway mamas? Which one is your favorite on the list?

About the Author:

Jessica is an East Coast girl originally from Boston, MA but recently transplated to Austin, TX. She is a former OB Nurse Educator turned Content Manager and Brand Strategist. She helps businesses with their social media presence, SEO, and brand strategy. She recently founded Every Mama Birth Education, where she creates customized childbirth education courses for busy moms, in the comfort of their own homes. When she’s not busy blogging or being a pregnancy and birth nerd, you can catch her chasing around her three busy kids and rescue fur baby. You can also follow her antics on her personal blog or Instagram.

Why You Should Choose a Rescue Dog for Your Family Pet

Dogs end up in shelters and rescues for many different reasons, whether they were surrendered by an owner, found as a stray, etc. Rescues also quite literally remove dogs from situations involving abuse or neglect and help them find safe, loving homes. Shelters and rescues are filled with beautiful, amazing dogs that could be a great addition to your family. Here are five reasons why you should consider a rescue dog:

1. You just might help save a life. Choosing a rescue dog can often literally that pet's life, as well as the life of another animal who can then take your pet's place in the shelter. There are many dogs who need great homes, and if you are looking to add a fur baby to your family, consider the many feel good benefits of a rescue dog.

2. Adoption can be more affordable. Rescue dogs often come with minimal fees, as well as with their first set of shots. Many adopted animals are already spayed and neutered as well. If you're set on a specific kind of dog, rescues sometimes have purebred dogs and waitlists where you can request a specific breed. This route will cost much less than purchasing a pet from a breeder or pet store.

3. Skip the house training. Some rescue dogs are already house trained, at least partially! Can you imagine if children also came potty trained? At any rate, it certainly makes life easier.

4. It's a way to fight the puppy mills. A puppy mill is a factory style facility that breeds dogs for profit without regard for their wellness. Dogs from these puppy mills are often very sick and neglected from being kept in such horrible conditions. By choosing a rescue dog, you aren't giving one cent of your hard earned money to these groups.

5. You'll get a more personalized approach to pet ownership. Rescue volunteers often screen the pets in their care and quickly discover if they have a specific temperament or certain aversions. This allows them to best match you with a pet that is a great fit for your family.

Remember that not every dog will be a good fit for every family. Be sure to lean on volunteers and employees to help guide you through the process of choosing the pet that best meets your needs. If you're looking to adopt here in the Austin area, there are some great organizations who can help. Contact Austin Pets Alive or Austin Humane Society, or the Austin Animal Center to name a few! Congratulations on choosing a rescue dog -- you won't regret it.

About the Author:

Jessica is an East Coast girl originally from Boston, MA but recently transplated to Austin, TX. She is a former OB Nurse Educator turned Content Manager and Brand Strategist. She recently founded Every Mama Birth Education, where she creates customized childbirth education courses for busy moms, in the comfort of their own homes. When she’s not busy blogging or being a pregnancy and birth nerd, you can catch her chasing around her three busy kids and rescue fur baby. You can also follow her antics on Instagram.

Local Love for Tomlinson's of Austin, Texas

It’s time to share some local love! I really enjoyed having the chance to create commercial photography for Tomlinson’s, an Austin, Texas based pet food and supply store. This project was so much fun, and I want to share with you a little bit about this company and my experience working with them.

Tomlinson’s has multiple locations in the Austin, Texas area. This is a family run business which was established in 1946. I have been shopping with Tomlinson’s since I moved to Austin over 7 years ago. Part of what I love about this company is that I trust the quality of food and products they offer. In addition, Tomlinson’s gives back to the community in huge ways. This really matters to me! They are constantly raising money for animal welfare groups, donating tons of pet food to those in need, and are currently making efforts to support the Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund.

This particular project’s assignment was to photographically illustrate Tomlinson’s core values. I had the chance to photograph real customers and employees -- I even got to connect with some dogs via Austin Dog Rescue. These photographs were printed and displayed in large scale throughout multiple store locations, as well as in their headquarters. Fun stuff!

If you live in Austin, Texas and haven’t had the chance to check them out, I highly recommend stopping in. Thank you, Tomlinson’s, for all you do for the animals and the people who love them in the Austin area. Here are the core values that Tomlinson's represents: trust, rescue, growth, expertise, team, quality, delight, health, and display. I'm honored to have photographs that depict such values.

5 Tips for a Smooth Back to School Transition

 

The start of a new school year is always exciting, but for many families, the thought of returning to the morning rush can also be daunting. Schedules become filled with homework and activities, and even simple things like eating a balanced breakfast can be impossible at best. How do you stay organized? As a parent of three kids ages 13, 4, and 18 months, here are five of my favorite back to school tips for ensuring a smooth transition:

1. Enlist your kids' help as much as possible. Parents, if your kids are at the age where they can help pack their own lunches, let them! Not only will it teach responsibility, but it will also lighten your load a bit. My daughter has been helping pack her lunch since first grade. I initially supervised her, but now as a 7th grader, she does a great job. It also helps our evenings and mornings run much smoother!

2. Complete everything the night before. We have a rule in our house where permission slips and homework have to be dealt with before bedtime -- no exceptions. Have all lunches packed and ready to be pulled out of the fridge, choose outfits the night before, and have car keys in visible spots. Better yet, consider putting a tile on your keychain so you'll never have to waste time looking for car keys again! This helps keep the peace in the morning and get you out the door faster.

3. Meal prep is your best friend. Balanced breakfasts can be tough! If you have older kids, consider choosing breakfasts that are portable and can be eaten on the way to school. If you have more time in the morning, consider making a batch of egg muffins or overnight oats for the week so you can easily pull them out each morning. Try to simplify your breakfast routine as much as possible to save time and stress.

4. Have a designated homework corner or portable homework station. When it comes to homework, does your child do best at the kitchen table? Or perhaps he or she needs their own quiet space? However your child learns best, have a designated corner of the house where they can successfully complete their homework. If the spot changes, consider creating a portable homework station so it can be taken wherever your child needs it. Have all supplies in one central spot so you aren't scrambling to find them when needed.

5. Give yourself grace. It's easy to get caught up in the crazy of the school year, but remember that you will find your new rhythm. If it takes a little while to get into a good routine, that's ok! Take it one step at a time and remember to do what's best for you and your family.

Do you have any back-to-school tips you'd like to share? We want to hear about them!

About the Author:

Jessica is an East Coast girl originally from Boston, MA but recently transplated to Austin, TX. She is a former OB Nurse Educator turned Content Manager and Brand Strategist. She recently founded Every Mama Birth Education, where she creates customized childbirth education courses for busy moms, in the comfort of their own homes. When she’s not busy blogging or being a pregnancy and birth nerd, you can catch her chasing around her three busy kids and rescue fur baby. You can also follow her antics on Instagram.