Thursday, March 6, 2014

Maggie Dillon Photography Review

I discovered Maggie Dillon Photography through the recommendation of a mommy friend of mine. I was looking for a family photographer who was really great with kids (my son was 10 months old at the time), provided a good amount of high-quality photos with their packages, but didn't cost an arm and a leg. It turns out that Maggie Dillon Photography was exactly what I was looking for!

      I first contacted Maggie through Facebook and she got back to me so quickly. I was not sure what types of photos I was looking for at the time, so Maggie showed me samples of her lifestyle photos, backdrop photos, beach, and park photos. After looking through them all I decided the park setting was best for our family. We planned for a session 2 weeks later at a great park Maggie suggested. 
    On the day of the photo shoot, Maggie was at the park early waiting for us to arrive. She showed my family to a nice area for the pictures and laid down the most beautiful handmade quilt. Maggie had a few ideas of what kind of pictures we should try to capture, but was very open to any ideas of other poses we were interested in. For instance, it was very important to me to have a breastfeeding portrait taken and Maggie was happy to oblige. 
    During the shoot, Maggie was very easy going, allowing us to be natural and take our time. She was so patient with my 10 month old son, and didn't mind that my mother and sister came along to help make him giggle. When we were done, I was so happy with the whole session that I went home to set up another session for my son's first birthday and cake smash photos before even seeing the photos. Over the next few days I started seeing sneak peeks of our session on Maggie's Facebook page and I could not have been happier. The pictures were beautiful, the colors were vibrant, and I actually liked how I looked in photos! As awesome as that all was, the best part came when I received the CD with all the photos; not only did it arrive ridiculously fast,  Maggie has provided so many more pictures than I could have imagined getting from any other photographer in town. 



        Our second session was for my son's first birthday. I informed Maggie of what I was looking for (some outdoor photos with balloons and some indoor cake smash photos) and she told me she knew of a perfect outdoor location and had a great backdrop for the indoor photos. The day of the shoot we were a little late due to dealing with a one year old's schedule, but Maggie was completely understanding. We discussed some of the shots that I was looking for and took those first. Maggie then continued to take photos while allowing my son to just have fun, and got the most beautifully candid pictures of him just being him. Following the outdoor session, we went inside to do the cake smash pictures. These were so much fun because the situation wasn't forced; we just allowed him to do his thing. We now have beautiful pictures of cake flying everywhere, smushed all over his face and hair (and don't even get me started on the cake monster picture!!). It was great. The entire experience as great as the first; the speed of service, the picture quality, and the amount of photos I received was exactly the same. I could not ask for more.


      Needless to say I have found my family photographer for the foreseeable future. I would recommend Maggie Dillion Photography to anyone who needs beautiful, affordable, high-quality family portraits in the Sarasota area.

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      Maggie Dillon has been interested in photography since 2003. She started with black and white film and darkroom development, but delved into digital photography in college where she earned a fine arts degree. 

      To book a session with Maggie you can email her at MaggieDillonDesigns@gmail.com OR Message her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/maggiedillonphotography
        You can check out some of her work on www.maggiedillonphotography.blogspot.com.

*** On Facebook until March 31st Maggie is running a giveaway, one lucky winner will get a free 30 minute beach session!!! So go to her Facebook, like her page, and enter to win!!!***

Saturday, January 25, 2014

Chubby Cheeks AI2 Cloth Diaper review


       For the last month, I have been reviewing the all new Chubby Cheeks AI2 Cloth Diaper in Mario print. At first look it seems to be like many other AI2 cloth diapers, but after using it for a month  this diaper has proven itself to be even better!
       First things first, the fabric is adorable and has not faded at all; the inside is also amazingly soft and color-coordinated.
       The diaper features a snap-in petal double soaker to adjust absorbency needs as necessary, which has proven itself time and time again through play, naps and overnight, even with my heavy wetter. 
       An extra set of snaps allow the diaper to fold down easily to fit babies of all sizes, and extra long wings allow for a cross over fit. The diaper fits my son (1 year old, 23 lbs) so well, does not leave any red marks on his chubby thighs like many other diapers do (as you can see in the pictures, from the previous diaper), and still doesn't leak!
       The diaper's slim construction makes it less bulky than many other cloth diapers. It fits great under my sons pants. 

All in all, this is an exceptional diaper and a great addition to the Chubby Cheeks lineup. 

If you are interested in buying one, "Like" Chubby Cheeks Boutique on Facebook and keep an eye out for her next stocking. Prices start at $28 plus shipping. 

Thank you so much for allowing me to review this product.