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First of all, thank you to all of you who entered into my New Blog Contest.? I do have to say, it was hard to beat the winner, this momma rallied up the troops and spread the word and banked herself mucho points.? So, it was no surprise to draw her name, Jenn….can’t wait to see Tyler again!? Now, get off the computer and go give some hugs and kisses to those you love 
I have always tried to do my part to conserve and be as earth friendly as possilbe, not only in my home, but in my work too.? All my packaging materials including photo boxes and tissue paper are all made of 95-100% recycled material.? All my shipping supplies including boxes, bubble wrap, air pillows and cardboard materials are all saved and reused to help reduce waste.? And my new line of albums have? vegan alternative.
I am always searching new ways to go green, so when I came across Greener Photography, I knew I needed to join.
“Photography is an art form that allows each of us to interpret the world around us. The nature of our tools and traditional materials makes photography a high-tech field; it is an energy-intensive activity. We believe that we can make our high-tech field more green by implementing environmentally-friendly practices, and encouraging suppliers to do the same. Here are Greener Photography’s four core values:
Preservation
Preservation conserves all of the resources that go into creating photographic images. It is the single best thing we can do to reduce the impact of our photographs.
Reduction
Reduce, Re-use, Recycle. While we are trying to produce the most archival products in our industry, we will do so while using the least energy-intensive products available.
Local Production
Shipping and transport are some of the biggest sources of pollution. Anything that can be produced, manufactured and assembled locally will have a significantly lower environmental impact than components manufactured overseas.
Cruelty-Free
Animals and people are as much part of the eco-system as water, air, and trees. We do not see a difference between environmentally harmful products and those produced in harmful working conditions.
I am excited to make a good portion of my business GREEN.? I have some great things planned.What can you do to be GREEN? It is easier than you think, here are some great resources:
Great Green Gifts: ETSY
And of course Oprah
Receiving First Communion is one of the most important milestones in a young Catholics life. It is also a day of family and tradition. First Communion Portraits are treasured keepsakes for parents and their family to cherish the innocence and hope for the future of their children.
On March 21st and 28th, I will be hosting mini First Communion mini-sessions. I never offer mini-sessions, so this is truly a treat. Each session will be 30 minutes and there are several special collections for you to choose from. If you or patrons from your church wish to plan a session at your church, please email me for more detailed information.
Here are some of my favorite from last year…
For more detailed information on mini sessions and collection information, please email me at melissa@surprisephotography.com.
I love bribery, it can be a wonderful thing, sometimes ? I bribed my little guys with lollipops, which I am sure were a big hit with every photog who shops at Target ??? Why buy Valentine’s Day cards, mommy has more fun making them.
The answer my friend, is blowing in the wind…
Share the love with me, and I will give some back to you.? Refer a friend and they shoot a session anytime from now until Feberary 28th, all referral bonuses are DOUBLED!! Not only are they doubled for you, but your friend as well! SWEET! Newborns, engagements, seniors, etc are all included.
And if that wasn’t enough, don’t forget about my BLOG CONTEST. Only one week left, check HERE for more details.
Meet Dr. Jessica Burkhard, of Rhinebeck Chiropractic. (isn’t she so cute) Jessica and I finally got to meet after a month of planning and re-planning, due to weather, life, kids with colds and what not, messing up our schedules.? I was really interested in meeting Jessica to learn more about her business.? Some of you already know that in my past life, I was an “Exercise Physiologist” for a holistic based wellness club.? It was my job to teach people how exercise and lifestyle modification is not just about today, but forever.
Opening in October of 2007 with her partner and husband Joshua, Rhinebeck Chiropractic is located right in the heart of the village of Rhinebeck.? Their office space is small, but warm and inviting.? There is no being rushed out for the next client and their is plenty of privacy.
About 30% of their clients are expecting mommas.? One of my favorite little features, that any mom can appriciate, is the small basket of toys in each room. That truly lets you know, this is a family place.
Here is? little more about Rhinebeck Chiropractic in Jessica’s words:
Please explain a little bit about your product/business and how you developed the concept behind it:
Rhinebeck Chiropractic is dedicated to helping individuals become the best version of themselves. We strive to educate & empower our practice members with knowledge about health & wellness. On an initial visit, we perform a complete comprehensive examination including consultation, orthopedic & neurologic testing, & two scans; the first scan tests the function of the nervous system, the second tests the integrity of the foot & associated anatomy. A detailed report is prepared & presented to the patient on the second visit.
As chiropractors, we look to the spine for signs of subluxation. Subluxations are bones that are not moving properly & are either mechanically compressing nerves or irritating them chemically. If nerves are irritated or compressed, they are unable to carry messages both to & from the rest of the body & dysfunction results. Though our focus is the spine & nervous system, we coach our practice members on proper nutrition, exercise, positive mental attitude, stress management, & a variety of other factors that impact their state of health. We provide whole food nutritional supplements to help bring balance to nutritional deficiencies, if present.
The concept of our practice is to address the entire person & the world in which they live. Through working together, we bring balance to each persons live, by removing subluxation, allowing the nervous system to function at 100%, & reducing exposure to physical, chemical & emotional stress.
What makes your product/business so unique and why can’t I live without it?
Rhinebeck Chiropractic is a fun, love filled office. We treat our practice members like our family. We are unique in that we are a husband & wife team. Also, I have additional training in caring for pregnant women & children. I am certified in Webster’s technique, a specific chiropractic adjustment that brings balance to a pregnant woman’s pelvis & associated ligaments. This technique allows the baby the opportunity to get into the best possible position prior to birth. It also reduces interference to the nervous system of the mother, having a direct effect on the development of the growing baby.
What are some of your short and long term goals with your business?
Short term:
Form a Holistic Moms group in Dutchess County
Perform a monthly wellness workshop series to mothers on a variety of health & wellness topics such as Increasing your child’s immunity, Vaccination, Having a healthy pregnancy, Healthful Nutrition, etc.
Make chiropractic care available & affordable to pregnant women & families in our area
Long term:
Be the wellness leaders of the Hudson Valley
Have chiropractic care offered through the local birth center
What is the hardest part or has been some of your struggles starting your own business?
Balance. As a chiropractor, I am always looking to bring balance to people lives, through working with their spine & nervous system. With a 15 month old son, I have learned that balance is important in all aspects of life. I constantly remind myself not to be too serious & to slow down & be present each day. I am committed to being the best mom & the best doctor that I can be. I focus on raising my son naturally, practicing Attachment Parenting, extended breastfeeding, eating organic whole foods, regular chiropractic care, fresh air & exercise & having a positive mental attitude. Sometimes it can be challenging to do all of this & work part time.
Tell me about your family, kids, hubby, pets:
I am blessed with the most loving, supportive family. My husband is my rock, my best friend, & an amazing father. We have a 15 month old son, Hudson Drew. He has the most fabulous deep blue eyes & a smile that melts everyone he meets. He is our daily reminder that life is fantastic regardless of what is going on in our world. He keeps us smiling & laughing day after day. We also have a five year old Jack Russell, Roxie.
What is your ideal thing to do on a lazy weekend with the family?
What is a lazy weekend?! Seems like we haven’t had one of those in months. I love a good morning run around the lake that we live near. After that, making a picnic lunch & going to a park. Sitting on the grass, taking photos of my boys. After a relaxing lunch, grabbing a Starbucks coffee & browsing the books at Barnes & Noble. Maybe catch a late night movie & have a glass of red vino with my husband.
Favorites:
Reality Show: The Hills. I got hooked bad.
Favorite online shopping: Old Navy, Gap, JCrew, anything on sale!
Can’t live without item: Burts Bees Chapstick
(Ok, Jack Russell, red wine, Starbucks, The HIlls, taking pictures, and an adorable son, this girl is my new BFF)
Upcoming Events:
Strengthening Your Child’s Immunity Workshop
Join Dr. Jessica Burckhard as she shares vital tips on how to strengthen your child’s immunity naturally. Empower yourself and your family with this information and learn easy immune boosting practices to keep you and your children healthy. Tuesday, February17th & Tuesday, March 24th at 6 pm. Call 845.876.6450 to reserve your family’s seat!
Wellness Workshop
Be our guest every Wednesday during the month of February & March at 6:00 PM for Dr. Joshua’s exciting wellness workshop. Learn how to optimize your healing. Those who have attended past workshops are getting phenomenal results! There is no cost for the workshop, but seating is limited so call 845.876.6450 to reserve your seat. This workshop is a MUST for anyone who is serious about taking a proactive approach to their health.
Complimentary Examinations for Children
On January 19th we participated in the National Day of Service by donating spinal examinations to children free of charge. In keeping with our mission to serve families and in an effort to reach more people, we are extending this offer for complimentary spinal and nervous system examinations to all children throughout the month of February. Seize the opportunity to have your children checked for subluxations by calling 845-876-6450 to make a mutually convenient appointment time.
In the not to distant future:
Holistic Mom’s Network group forming
Kids Day America – May 2009, a day dedicated to health, safety & environmental awareness. Rhinebeck Chiropractic coordinated the entire event last year & is looking forward to having an even bigger & better event this year! Each child that attends receives a complimentary spinal screening, dental screening, and child identification card. Last year the Dutchess County Sheriffs attended & provided a canine demonstration. We raised over $1,500 for the Astor home of Rhinebeck, through donations & corporate contributions. This years event promises to be another fantastic day dedicated to the children in our community. Check www.rhinebeckchiropractic.com in the upcoming months for more information.
Rhinebeck Chiropractic
13 West Market St
Rhinebeck, NY 12572
845.876.6450
www.rhinebeckchiropractic.com
And just for our Surprise Photography Blog Stalkers:
Complete spinal examination, report of findings and first adjustment (if needed) for $99. During the month of February all children exams are free.
Workshops are always complimentary as well.
Just mention Melissa sent you