My Story: One Week Away….

A few weeks back, I blogged about a race my friends and I are doing called The Ragnar Relay.

We're all meeting up on Cape Cod, (coming from PA, NJ, NY, RI, FL, and MA) to run 200 miles over the course of 2 days.  In 2 vans.  With no sleep.  It's pretty nuts.  And we can't wait!

The race starts one week from today.

We are so ready and we are so excited.

And so I thought I'd spend this week's "My Story" blog post introducing you to my teammates.

We are Team Sole Sisters, and this is the order in which we will be running:

Runner 1: Courtney

What an awesome lady to start us off on this crazy adventure.  Courtney was once my prefect at Hill and I coached her back in her high school days.  She is now a teacher and coach herself as well as a wife and mom.  Despite some recent medical issues, this woman is a warrior and ready to kick some butt.  Although, she will quickly admit that she's a running diva and hates running in rain, wind or cold.  Hmm… curious to see how THAT pans out! 

(Leg 1: 5.1m;  Leg 13: 5.1m;  Leg 25; 3.4m;  Total= 13.6m)

Runner 2: Sarah

Sarah and I go way back to the Hartwick days, when I was her assistant field hockey coach during her senior year (1996-97).  She will be making the trip down from central NY to join us on the Cape, and I could not be more excited about seeing her again after all these years (haven't seen her since Hartwick!).  Sarah has worked super hard to prepare herself for this race and we are all so proud of her!  I cannot wait to watch her crush this!

(Leg 2: 3m;  Leg 14: 5.2m;  Leg 26: 4.8m;  Total= 12.3m)

Runner 3: Lynda

Oh my word, what can I say about Lynda?  Lynda is the fit and the fun and the fierce all wrapped up in one awesome package.  She likes to proclaim that she's the vet of our group (but only by a year or so), but she'll be tackling one of the hardest legs of the group- a 9.4 mile leg at the END of our race.  She didn't even bat an eye over it when we decided on our legs.  She will surely have us in stitches when she's not kicking butt on her runs.  The woman is hilarious.

(Leg 3: 6.3m;  Leg 15: 5.2m;  Leg 27: 9.4m;  Total= 19.7m)

Runner 4: Chrissy

This photo soooooo suits Chrissy.  She might be the coolest friend I have.  I absolutely adore this woman.  Before she ditched me at Hill for the beautiful shores of Rhode Island, she was my workout buddy.  She made 6am workouts fun.  No joke.  I miss her all the time, but cannot wait to connect with her again on this adventure.  She's a beast of a runner despite the beauty you see.  She is definitely going to kick some butt next weekend!

(Leg 4: 6.2m;  Leg 16: 4m;  Leg 28: 5.6m;  Total= 15.8m)

Runner 5: Dana

I have so many connections with Dana, I hardly know where to start.  Back in the day, I coached Dana at The Hill School.  She then went on to play field hockey at my alma mater Colgate University.  From there we became dear friends as we had our kids right around the same time.  And then I became her family photographer!  And now, for the first time, we will be teammates.  I could not be more excited!  She's the best!

(Leg 5: 5.4m;  Leg 17: 5.2m;  Leg 29: 3.5m;  Total= 14.1m)

Runner 6: Jen I

The first of our almost FOUR Jens (we have 3 Jens and a Jenna!), this Jen is the bomb!  Jen stepped into the 6 slot just a couple of weeks ago after one of our Sole Sisters went down with an injury!  Jen I is a gem.  She actually lives about a mile off the course we will be running and has spent the past week scoping out the course, encouraging us all about our night legs and getting us excited about what we have in store.  I have known Jen since those Hartwick days and I can't wait to finally run with her.  We've been "sisters" pretty much since the day we met.  

(Leg 6: 4.2m;  Leg 18: 5.7m;  Leg 30: 3.1m;  Total= 13m)

Runner 7: Jen L (that's me!)

I'll be taking up the Runner 7 slot.  I'm not really sure what to say about myself except that I absolutely adore all of these women.  I have known each of them in some way before this race, but after the training for Ragnar and the fun we've already had, I truly consider each one of them to be my "sole sister".  PS- photo credit to my little 4 year old love for this shot of me!  

(Leg 7: 9.8m;  Leg 19: 5.2m;  Leg 31: 6.3m;  Total= 21.3m)

Runner 8: Jen B

Nicknamed Jenny B, our fearless captain came up with this crazy idea for us!  I still remember her emailing a few of us back in October, asking "Hey, check this race out!  We can do this!"  I thought she was insane, and still do a little, but she believed in us!  Jenny B just finished a half marathon last weekend and so is definitely ready to tackle her 16 miles next weekend.  Jenny B is one of my favorite running partners and one of the few crazies who loves 5am workouts like I do!

(Leg 8: 8.1m;  Leg 20: 5.6m;  Leg 32: 2.3m;  Total= 16m)

Runner 9: Cat

Cat is the kind of friend you can't describe with words.  We taught together at Hill, coached together, ran a dorm together, then got married within a year of each other (were in each other's weddings) and had our kids together (though in different parts of the country by then).  Cat can do it all.  She's a great mom, a tireless volunteer, friend, organizer, teacher, coach, you name it.  And she's a tireless runner.  She's running this race as a fundraiser in honor of a friend who recently died of cancer.  Cat's trying to raise money for Madeline's children.  Her Fundraiser is called "Miles for Madeline" and you can donate here if you want to support her through this.

(Leg 9: 3.6m;  Leg 21: 5.6m;  Leg 33: 7.3m;  Total= 16.5m)

Runner 10: Shelly

Shelly is the runner of this group and we have all loved having her knowledge and experience through our training.  Though she's never actually done a Ragnar, she's done countless half marathons and even a few marathons, not to mention all the shorter races.  This woman loves to run!  When she's not running, she's working, wifing, and mommying like a champ.  Oh and being one awesome friend!  Shelly has been one of my best friends since our Hartwick Days.  She's soaking up rays in sunny Florida these days so we don't see each other too often, but I cannot wait to spend the weekend kicking butt with her!  That is, if she doesn't FREEZE her butt off!

(PS- Shelly will be basically running a half marathon as her first leg… woah!)

(Leg 10: 12.8m;  Leg 22: 3.7m;  Leg 34: 3.6m;  Total= 20.1m)

Runner 11: Karrie

Karrie stepped in a couple of months ago after we lost a teammate to injury (getting old is hard!), and she has been amazing.  Despite bulging discs in her back, this woman cannot be stopped!  Karrie and I were workout buddies and good friends back in the Hartwick days (are you picking up that Hartwick theme yet?) and I am so excited to reconnect with her.  Despite our only living about an hour apart, we have not seen each other in maybe 15 years or so.  I predict a lot of laughing and hugging!  Maybe before we start sweating and stinking up the van though! 

(Leg 11: 4.5m;  Leg 23: 2.4m;  Leg 35: 4.5m;  Total= 11.4m) 

Runner 12: Jenna

Last but not least is Jenna.  In fact, Jenna might be our speediest runner!  Jenna's trip to meet us will be a short one, as she hails from Boston.  I absolutely love her accent.  Always have!  I coached Jenna at Hartwick and have adored her since Day 1.  She's a spit fire and a feisty athlete, scrappy and strong, but then the funnest, sweetest girlfriend around.  Again, it's been about 15 years since I've seen Jenna, so I anticipate lots of hugs!  

(Leg 12: 4.8m;  Leg 24: 3.1m;  Leg 36: 8.4m;  Total= 16.3m)

And there you have it- Team Sole Sisters!

I'll be bringing my camera along for this crazy race to document this amazing experience for us.

I know this will be something I'll want to remember for always!

Wish us luck!

Jen

Your Story/ Massage and Yoga with Liz

I love the idea of sharing tips and treats each Monday on the blog, and what better to share with you on a Monday than a friend who specializes in massage therapy and yoga.  I can almost feel myself relaxing already!

Meet Liz Ziherambere, owner of MedCare & Wellness Therapeutic Massage, here in Pottstown, PA.

I thought it'd be fun to do a little "Q & A" with Liz to learn about her business and what drives her:

Jen: What's the name of your business?

Liz: Medcare and Wellness therapeutic Massage, also know as Massage and Yoga.

J: How long have you been in business?

L: I have been in business for four years.

J: What led you to pursue massage therapy and yoga instruction?

L It's kind of funny, but I am basically here because all my other plans fell through. Prior to becoming a massage therapist I was in the process of opening a daycare. Things didn't go well with my business partner at the time. But, I maintained my goal of opening a business and there I began the journey of finding out what I really want to do with my life that will allow me to work a bit less so I could spend time with my kids, attend field trips and so on , Given my 12 years experience in the social work field, as well as a genocide survivor, I have come to embrace the art of touch. During my years as a clinical social worker I saw the impact of therapeutic touch and how it helped my clients deal with stress and navigate through their social challenges. On one particular Thursday while I had a client in for therapy, she shared with me that she was a massage therapist. We brain stormed a bit, and the following Monday I put my resignation letter in. I told my supervisor that I was going back to school.

J: Can you speak a little bit about the new found passion that you are pursuing?

L: My new found passion is working with women who are going through breast cancer treatment. I have a client who is going through breast cancer treatment, and while she was in her recent doctor's appointment she learned that among 6 of her friends who are going through the same treatment she is doing well and healing better than everyone. We started researching and found out that there are sturdies that support the benefit of massage. I grew a burning desire to help more women navigate better through this painful process. I really want to learn everything I can.

J: How might we ladies/moms benefit from yoga and or massage therapy?

L: I personally teach yoga to kids, mainly because, as a single mom I am always looking for ways to spend time with my kids, but also because, as a social worker I saw first hand how yoga benefits kids. I worked with children with behavior problem and noticed that these kids who supposedly are on heavy medication for attention disorder could hold a pose for a long time. Yoga definitely improved their concentration, focus and attention. Many kids I worked with were from foster parenting, and due to multiple moves, most of them did not participate in outside sports activities. Yoga definitely boosted their confidence and self-esteem. The number one benefit of massage therapy is that it increases circulation, everything in the body is meant to move around. A muscle cannot heal with inflammation, and so on there are many benefits of massage. For a complete list check out my website.

J: Where can we find you?

L: My office is located on 1143 E High St. Pottstown PA 19464. I provide an integrative therapeutic massage that is tailored to fit each individual. My hours of operation depends on my clients' schedules.

J: What are your passions in life?

L: I am passionate about my purpose in life. At this moment I am passionate about working with breast cancer patients. I am practically devoting all my resources toward reaching this objective, and I noticed that I have become more alert to related opportunities. My purposes and goals changes from time to time. but at the end of the day I am a mom and a woman of faith and that never changes. It only gets better.

Liz, thank you for spending time with me and for answering questions for us women and moms.  

And for you, my friends, Liz will be teaming up with me and a few other local business women to put together a fantastic event for you this spring.

And I will have more of these wonderful women "visiting" in the coming Mondays!

Stay tuned, because it's going to be AMAZING!

Keep smiling,

Jen

Their Story: Jen Lebo Friends & Family/ Pottstown Family Photography

Don't even try it.

Don't try to tell me you have the best friends ever.

Because you'd be wrong.

I do.

I have the best, most beautiful, fun, and loving friends ever.

And I like to show them off, so every fall and spring, I spend a day photographing them and their families.  

It's one of the highlights of my year.

Life is so wonderful with good friends.

Lucky for me, I've got the best.

(yeah, I'm betting you do too)

What makes your friends so amazing?

Have you told them recently?

Why not do so right here?

Comment below and tell us about them!

Keep smiling,

Jen

JLP Seniors: Summer Friend Sessions/ Pottstown High School Senior Photography

I have been busy having the BEST time this summer!  I just spent the last month photographing all of my JLP Seniors and their best friends in gorgeous settings, with super fun concepts, and even some crazy tricks (because that's how the boys roll).

These friend sessions are part of what my JLP Seniors get and it's often one of their favorite perks!  We have lots of laughs and create wonderful memories of them with their best friends, which they can all hold close forever.

Thanks to my awesome JLP Seniors for grabbing their friends for these fabulous sessions!  Guys, you have got some awesome friends!!!

As for the rest of you, grab your friends and set up your own friend session!  And be sure to enter the JLP Senior Portrait Giveaway HERE!  

Keep smiling!

Jen

Pieces of the Puzzle: Part 3/ Pottstown Tween Photography

For the past few weeks I've been sharing my story about discovering the joy of photographing tweens and the vision for showing them their beauty and significance through portraits.  You can read Part 1 here, and Part 2 here.

It has been so fun to begin this journey, to learn how fun it could be to spend time with spunky tweens and be a part of their world, to connect with them and give them an experience to remember and images to encourage and empower them.

It has been so fun that I've decided to create a special package for tweens to enjoy their own portrait experience with their own best friends.

The Terrific Tween Party Package

30 minute mini-session for your special tween and her best friends!

(up to 5 friends)

15 proofs of the session

a 5x7 for each tween of the group (one chosen proof)

a mobile album for each tween's mom to share with everyone!

$225

What a wonderful opportunity to celebrate these special years with your special son or daughter.  I cannot wait to spend some time with your tweens, capturing all of the wonderful things that make them... THEM!

So grab your tweens and make a date today!

This special is only going on through August and September, so don't wait!

I can't wait to get started!

Until then,

keep smiling!

Jen

Love for the Friends & Family!

I love my friends and my family!  They are wonderful blessings in my life, friends who make me laugh over coffee together, family who stand behind me and encourage me in every way, they just make my days better.  And I love finding ways to show them how grateful I am for that.

I have especially enjoyed thanking them through my portraits.  But as months and years have passed, it's become harder to do so with a growing business, and a growing calendar.  And so I've come up with something super special for them!

Friends and Family Days!

I am having one day this spring and one day this fall, and I'm treating my friends to free sessions and free images!  All for them!

Sessions will be 30 minutes long, here at my home campus, and I'll have 10-15 wonderful digital images burned to a disc for each of you.

And it's all free!

The two dates are:

Sunday, April 21st

Sunday, September 15th

Sessions are limited for those 2 days though, so hurry up and get your session booked now!

Just my way of giving back to the amazing people I'm so blessed to call friends and family!

You all keep me smiling!

Jen

Fabulous New Friends... and A Fabulous Idea!

I met the most wonderful, the most talented, the most friendly and fabulous group of ladies this past week, and they were all under one roof! Gwendolynn's Salon & Spa houses a collection of super skilled and super fun professionals who specialize in hair, makeup, skin, nails, and massage. I'm telling you, stepping foot inside this salon is like entering luxury at its finest!

I had the wonderful pleasure of working with these ladies in creating portraits of them in their gorgeous workplace. After two days, I left there having made a bunch of great new friends, and a ton of gorgeous portraits of gorgeous ladies.

After sharing a few on Facebook, Rebecca (my go-to guru at Gwendolynn's) and I were overwhelmed with the comments we were getting on the portraits, and were excited to see how many friends and friends of friends were enjoying them. We loved that friends of Jen Lebo Photography were connecting with the gorgeous faces of Gwendolynn's, and that friends of Gwendolynn's were enjoying my portraiture. We knew we had to do something with this.

And so we are!

Friends of Gwendolynn's Salon & Spa can now enjoy a special discount with Jen Lebo Photography! Simply book your portrait session with Jen (family, high school senior, engagement, maternity, whatever!) and mention Gwendolynn's.

You'll receive 50% off your session fee!

And...

Friends of Jen Lebo Photography can now enjoy a special discount with Gwendolynn's Salon & Spa! Simply mention JLP when booking your appointment.

You'll receive 20% off your visit!

How fantastic is that???

This is our way of celebrating this wonderful new friendship with our dear friends and clients! So celebrate with us and enjoy the treats!

Hurry and book by April 30th to enjoy this special!

New friendships, precious memories, and luxurious moments are waiting for you!

Jen

Party Time! Host Your Own Portrait Party with Jen Lebo Photography

Host a Portrait Party!

NO Session Fee! NO On Site Purchase Obligation!

Just Fun, Fresh, and Fantastic Friends and Photography!

What is a Portrait Party?

Portrait Parties are a wonderful new way for you and your friends to have professional portraits taken in an exciting and affordable way. Portrait Parties take place in your home (if you are hosting) or a location of your choosing. You invite 8 to 12 familes to the party and for your hard work as hostess, you enjoy credits toward your portraits (based on the sales of the other families). It's an easy and fun opportunity to have beautiful portraits made of your family in a relaxed and fun environment.

Hosts also receive special gifts of custom made, one-of-a-kind photo jewelry for each party attendee who then hosts her own party. These necklaces are not available for sale and may be the biggest attraction to hosting a party. Everyone will know if you have hosted a Portrait Party with Jen Lebo when they see your gorgeous necklace! (just wait until you tell them that they can't buy a necklace like this anywhere!)

How do Portrait Parties work?

The Portrait Party is organized by the hostess. She provides the location, snacks and drinks, activities, the guest list, and the session schedule. Sessions will be 15 minutes long (perfect for little ones who do not like sitting for photos, or for older ones who like it even less!). Guests enjoy a fun time together and a free professional portrait session. It's a great time for everyone involved and the children will actually look forward to the next portrait party!

A week or two after the party, each family's proofs will go on line for viewing. Guests will place their order with the host. When all the orders are placed, the host and I will then set up a date where the host can then place her own order based on credits from her guests' purchases. Feel free to visit Jen Lebo Photography for more information on products, packages, and prices, or to get an idea of my style and portfolio.

How do I schedule a Portrait Party?

Simple! Just contact me at jalebo@gmail.com to book your party date and to receive the forms needed to put your party together. I will help you step by step through the planning process to ensure your party runs smoothly and wonderfully! I can even help put together an invitation which we can send out by email or postal mail. Contact me and let's get started!

What are my responsibilities as a Portrait Party host?

The Portrait Party is organized by the host, so you are the key ingredient to a fabulous and successful experience. Hosts invite guests, coordinate the bringing of snacks and drinks, and organize the session schedule. (we can discuss the schedule as you'll want to book your sessions as close together as possible to ensure the most sessions and thus, the most possible credits towards your own order! I will provide scheduling forms.) Successful hosts also follow up with their guests with reminders on how and when to place orders. The more effort you put in, the more credits you'll come out with for your own portrait order.

After the party, guests will view their session proofs on line. Hosts will collect orders from their guests, meet with me to turn over those orders (and place your own order based on guests' orders), then deliver the orders to guests a few weeks later.

Do I receive free portraits if I host a Portrait Party?

Absolutely! The number-one benefit of hosting your own party (aside from the fun factor) is to build enough credits to pay for your family portraits. It's a great way to buy those larger pieces that you wouldn't normally purchase (like large canvas prints). Sure it's a bit of work, but after hosting your first party, you will find yourself looking forward to the next opportunity to host, and planning what great portrait products you'll be purchasing next time! What a great way to collect precious and gorgeous memories of your family at little cost! And don't forget- for each guest who then hosts her own Portrait Party, you will receive a special gift of photo jewelry! What's not to love about this?

What types of Portrait Party themes could I throw?

Choose from one of the following or create your own. The possibilities are endless!

• Newborn
• Families or Couples
• Seniors
• Maternity
• Ballet or Baseball (or any kids' activities)
• Preschool classes, Playgroups, or Neighborhood Packs
• Holidays or Seasons

Contact me for more information or to book your Portrait Party today! I can't wait to hear from you!