We recently visited Emma Rolfe so she could take some photos of little Lucy (luckily before she came out with chicken pox) and were delighted with the outcome.

Emma is a great Dorset based family photographer.  Although she specialises in babies and children she also does family shoots, weddings, christenings and special occasions.  We decided to go to Emma’s studio at her home in Bournemouth however she will come to your home or meet you at a local scenic location.

When we arrived we found Emma incredibly welcoming and friendly even though we were late due to Lucy having a last minute feed at home.  I could tell straight away that she clearly loves children and she has a natural ability to make you feel relaxed.

The studio is perfect for little ones and there are a few well set up areas in the room to get different shots.  Although I’d bought Lucy a pretty new dress I didn’t think of anything for her head so I was really pleased when Emma showed me a little collection of super cute hairbands.  We ended up being in the studio for a good hour even though it felt like about 5 minutes and I was pleased we got a few last minute shots of Lucy smiling (yes it was probably wind).

There are many photographers in Dorset and we’ve used a couple now for family shoots however we will definitely be contacting Emma again when the next opportunity arises.

Emma’s package prices vary so it’s best to contact her with your requirements and see what she can offer.  It took 6 months for me to organise a photoshoot for our Son and I’m so glad I have these amazing photos of Lucy as a baby.  Mums often forget to get the camera out in the early days and a week seems to go by in the blink of an eye.

If you would like to have a look at some of Emma’s work then please visit her Website and take a look at her Facebook page for up to date news and photos.

If you read this Emma then thank you for a great morning.  We really enjoyed our photoshoot and absolutely love the pictures which I’m in the process of printing and sending to family members.

Love

Dorsetmum
xxx

Yesterday we visited Crazy Monsters in Blandford Forum so our 3 year old son could try somewhere new.  The play area is quite big but not big enough that I’d worry about him getting lost and because it was very quiet we could see and hear him wherever he was in the play frame.  I especially loved that the exit was gated so he couldn’t escape.

Comparing prices to other soft plays in the area I think it was very reasonably priced for over 2 year olds.  They offer a peak and off peak price which is really great and something I haven’t come across before.

The 3 tier play frame has plenty of obstacles, ball pits and 3 great slides plus a separate under 4’s area with a smaller play frame, slide and ball pit.  Sam’s favourite part was a huge inflatable ball which he rolled up a ramp and then run away which kept him amused for ages!

Crazy Monsters have a good sized menu and although we didn’t eat there yesterday I’ll remember it for next time.  Menu options included breakfast, burgers, paninis, mmlettes, pizza and ploughmans plus a Little Monsters Meal with all the usual favourites.  There’s plenty of tables, chairs and sofa’s dotted around and the large viewing area upstairs offers even more seating.

The staff we met on the day were incredibly friendly and it was nice to see that they cleared tables away as soon as customers left so it wasn’t messy.

Good to know:

• The staff will happily warm baby milk and food for you and there's plenty of highchairs.

• The toilets are lovely and clean and they have a low sink and toilet which is perfect for little ones.  There is a baby change table in the disabled toilet.

• There’s plenty of free parking outside.

• Free Wifi.

• Crazy Monsters offer special discounts for child minders, creches and pre-school groups.

• There are lots of party options with the standard including 1 hour play time, 1 hour in the party room plus food and drink.  Other party options include a disco and laser tag.

• Annual passes are available, please contact them direct for prices.

Thoroughly recommend a trip to Crazy Monsters, my son had a great time and I have no doubt we'll be back again soon.

For more information on prices, parties and special events, please visit Crazy Monsters.