40th Birthday Ideas For Women: The “Four T”s of Turning Forty
Forty.
As I type this number, I find it hard to believe that they will represent my age in a matter of days.
I don’t find the number to symbolize being old. It’s not necessarily a symbol of maturity. To me, it isn’t a determinant of anything I was hoping to be by now. Perhaps that’s because so many people I know have completely reinvented themselves in years much past the ripe age of 40. It’s not a big deal, right? It’s not about beauty or youth. Some of the most beautiful women (and men) I have ever met are older than 40. Some are first time parents! I spent weeks thinking of 40th birthday ideas.
So what is it? What captivates so many people about this age?
While I remain perplexed about the hoopla of this birthday number to avoid at all costs, I think turning 40 is one of the single most important rites of passage a person can experience. Here are FOUR reasons why I think this is true.
The “Four T”s of Turning Forty
Transition from Youth.
At one time, people used to consider themselves middle-aged at forty. People twice this age used to be seen as frail or on death’s door, perhaps dying in a nursing home somewhere. Today, people are living into the 100s, so therefore it seems that forty year olds aren’t exactly halfway through their lives yet. Although 40 isn’t the midpoint anymore, I do think that people who are 40 are in an ideal situation. They can see quite clearly the past and its impact on a potential future. A forty-year old can recall with ease, and sometimes angst, all the ways he or she has improved over the years. We can think back and smile, remembering the mistakes we made, with the knowledge that we won’t recreate the same experiences, if we can help it.
Trust in Oneself.
Because there have been four decades of experience accrued, a forty-something person have gleaned quite a history of experience. While the teens and twenties were about wondering what our friends thought, and the thirties concerned with what the neighbors and Facebook friends thought, forty is finally the time where it’s about What “I” think, and what “I” want. Having lived through years of choices made upon the suggestions of others, a person’s inner compass is much more in command. Instead of being fearful of what might happen when making a big decision, I can remind myself of how I have lots of resources and connections to help me should things not go as planned. Less panic, more support. Less worry, more belief in oneself.
Total Body Acceptance.
Once predominately a vehicle for getting attention, through overall shape, body art, or muscular agility, our bodies have proven themselves to be miraculous temples. Many forty year olds have experienced childbirth, illnesses, and weight gains and losses at least once in their lifetimes. Wrinkles have appeared and gray hairs have triumphed. No longer can we survive on 3 hours of sleep and nacho chips and soda diets. And while we may feel as though our bodies have failed us, we realize the importance of taking care of it. Our bodies are with us through every experience.
Dating as a forty year old is drastically different in comparison to dating in the twenties. Often times, the opposite sex has learned to appreciate the wisdoms offered by and experienced partner perfection becomes overrated. Being 40, for many people, is the time they do less comparing of themselves to fashion magazines and more to the weight that feels best for oneself. And while many of us try to get back the bodies we had in our twenties, we find comfort in knowing that our peers also join us in such reminiscing. To be honest, I’ll take a few fine lines on my face over acne any day of the week!
True Friendships.
Being forty is especially wonderful when you can think of friends you have known for most of your life. There are few finer things in life than the shared memories between longtime friends. During the twenties and thirties, we were still testing out some of our friendships. By forty, we often tout friendships that span 20+ years.
I have a friend that I met when I was about 18 years old. I think of all of the talks we have had, the adventures we have been on, the times we covered for each other, the times we didn’t speak to each other, the ups and downs of relationships we have been in, and the highs and lows of life in general. Now that we both have young children, the joy we both feel in watching our children grow up together is magnified by our rich history. When I compare my friendships to those I had in my teens and twenties, there isn’t any question of which decade I’d rather be in with my friends.
For many reasons, including the Four Ts I outlined above, I look forward to my own rite of passage, my entrance into the era of my 40s. Armed with a real appreciation for what truly matters, I’m excited for what is yet to come. I’m still young enough to get out there and try something different. I could only think of two perfect 40th Birthday Ideas for myself. Dinner with my very dear friends and boldly planning my boudoir photo shoot at the castle. I was tempted to plan a boudoir portrait party, maybe next milestone.
How did you celebrate your birthday? Please share your stories with us. We’d love to customize your experience at Je Revele and make it unforgettable.
40th Birthday Ideas For Brides-to-Be | Boudoir Photos the perfect grooms gift!
Looking for an art piece for your home: something a bit anonymous could make the perfect fit.
Life, in many ways, is just beginning. Welcome, forty. I’ve been expecting you!
~Charity Fues
Also featured on our boudoir blog: http://newjerseyboudoirjerevele.com/40th-birthday-ideas-for-women-boudoir-glamour-photos/
We invite you to celebrate turning forty with a boudoir photo shoot in New Jersey at the Je Revele castle. If you’re looking for the best boudoir photographer New Jersey, we’d be grateful if you’d consider our studio for an unforgettable experience. Are you looking for: 40th Birthday Ideas For Brides-to-Be, including portrait parties, or unique ideas? Give us a call anytime.
Je Revele Fine Art Photography Studio & Gallery
433 River Road | Highland Park, NJ 08904 | NJ Castle: 732-964-3773
Website: www.jerevele.com | Blog: www.blog.jerevele.com
Check-in with us on Facebook & receive $25 Credit: https://www.facebook.com/JeRevelebyNatalieLicini
International Award Winning Photographer
PPA Photographer of the year 2012
The Glow Within: New Jersey Boudoir Photographers Je Revele
While staying up late to watch the most recent Academy Awards, I marveled at the glamour and prestige that graced the red carpet.
So many stunning gowns. So much admiration from outside looking in. Yes, of course, the celebrities were all wearing customized gowns and had personal stylists create their looks, but still, the jaw dropping splendor seen everywhere I glanced could only reflect the inner beauty I gazed upon. Ah, the perfection of youth is so gloriously made manifest at the Oscars.
I find this same dynamic during shoots at the studio. Many of our New Jersey boudoir photography clients prepare for shoots, determining outfits and special looks. Perhaps more time at the gym or a new skin care regime help them feel even more radiant.
No matter what is done to enhance the natural aura of each client, I find myself amazed at how beautiful every woman truly is. No matter what stage of life she is in, her femininity is discovered during our shoot together. This is particularly true with some of my younger clients, who still have yet to realize how close to perfect their physical features are simply because of their youth.
Emily, age 26, reminds me of a delicate sprite. Her blonde silky hair, porcelain skin and prominent, piercing eyes fluttered every version of gorgeous that could be imagined.
Wearing a lovely lace garment which complemented her skin and eyes, she was stunning. All the essence of innocence and radiance were contained in her glances. When she slipped into a grand tulle skirt, her spirit was light and playful. Everything about Emily seemed to show that she was enjoying being a young woman… but is still a girl at heart. And her images will always remind her of this very fact.
Emily, thank you for reminding us that we all still have this glow within us. We don’t need to be on a red carpet to feel worthy.
Here is what Emily had to say about her time with us.
“My experience at Je Revele was absolutely wonderful. I can’t say enough good things about Michelle & Jessica. They both made me feel so comfortable and helped me really enjoy the whole experience.
I felt amazing during the shoot. I wanted a real classic look and Michelle nailed it! I totally felt like Marilyn Monroe for the day!
I’ll always love these pictures and remember the shoot. It will forever be one of the highlights of my 20’s and I’m so thrilled to be able to share my photos for the rest of my life with all the people I love. Especially my boyfriend, he loves them.
I loved the exhilarating feeling I got being in front of the camera. It was such a great day and I can’t thank everyone at Je Revele enough for creating such a special memory for me!”
It was such a pleasure meeting Emily. I’m so glad she found us!
Also featured on our boudoir blog: http://newjerseyboudoirjerevele.com/academy-award-beauty-new-jersey-boudoir/
Je Revele Fine Art Photography Studio & Gallery
433 River Road | Highland Park, NJ 08904 | NJ Castle: 732-964-3773
Website: www.jerevele.com | Blog: www.blog.jerevele.com
Check-in with us on Facebook & receive $25 Credit: https://www.facebook.com/JeRevelebyNatalieLicini
http://instagram.com/natalie_
International Award Winning Photographer
PPA Photographer of the year 2012
“The master in the art of living makes little distinction between his work and his play, his labor and his leisure, his mind and his body, his information and his recreation, his love and his religion. He hardly knows which is which. He simply pursues his vision of excellence at whatever he does, leaving others to decide whether he is working or playing. To him he’s always doing both. ”― James A. Michener
New Vision
It all started with a dream in 2008. Je Revele originally Natalie Licini Photography was once merely an aspiration, birthed in the mind of a focused businesswoman whom envisioned the idea of combining photography with fine art.
As artists, we have found that one of the secrets to success is discovered when taking time to reflect upon progress made and then setting goals for what is to come. And in our studio at Je Revele, we proudly do this with our clients during every photo session. We help clients realize their greatest aspects, traits and strengths so they can be visualized in timeless works of art to be admired by future generations.
We’re not huge fans of typical New Year’s Resolutions, instead, we create action plans based on specific goals allowing us to see our plans through to completion.
To begin the process, I like to think about the different things that have happened in the previous year as well as in the years prior leading up until this point. It’s important to reflect on both the good things that happened and things that weren’t so wonderful. For the latter, rather than dwell on them, we take note of anything we learned or ways we could achieve a better outcome in the future.
Most importantly, we believe we should celebrate our successes. We have learned that such positive vibes set an energy, which attracts more success.
Some favorite highlights from our sessions in 2013 relate to the following areas.
New Genres of Photography
Over the course of 2013, we are so pleased to share that we conducted over 200 photo shoots. 60% of these shoots were boudoir/beauty shoots. We fondly refer to boudoir and beauty shoots as intimate portraits, which has proven to be, year after year, our most popular genre. Our newborn/maternity sessions continue to grow year after year. We had the great privilege of photographing FOUR sets of twins at our Highland Park studio.
We also expanded our genre repertoire. Je Revele launched a whole new category of men’s portraiture in the summer of 2013. Several of the photographs seen on the website won awards at WPPI later in 2013.
We also, upon the requests from some of our clients, launched the pet-ography genre, which animal lovers will find to be delightful focusing on our furry little friends.
With cameras in hand, we excitedly photographed famous singers, a basketball star and a news anchorwoman this year. “Talk about being nervous – ahh” ~Natalie
We are always so grateful to clients for traveling from near and far to be photographed by us. But we felt so honored when clients flew from Dubai/France and California to be photographed at the castle.
New Renovations
Our Highland Park studio has undergone a transformation over the past year. The castle was the former home of the Johnson and Johnson family and as you can imagine, required the skill and expertise of someone meticulous who could transform my space yet maintain the old world charm. Under the direction of our talented interior designer Rose Abby, gorgeous wall paper, custom drapery, chandeliers, crown moldings, wardrobe, a fireplace in our viewing room was installed…and that’s just for starters. Now it really is a fairy tale modern studio set in a historic castle.
New Videography
In 2013, Je Revele has released its second commercial. This newest installment, filmed on location, can be found on the Je Revele website or by clicking here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WQaOgQOsobU
New Professional Development
Natalie second-shot a wedding with her mentor Bambi Cantrell. She is still gushing over this honor!
Natalie taught a photography course for gifted students at Middlesex County during the early part of the spring. She also co-presented a workshop with world-renowned photographer Nik Pekridis. Pekridis soon after joined Je Revele to lead our Wedding team in our NYC studio.
Team Je Revele embarked on a weekend getaway to The Lodge at Woodloch for an office retreat. It was a surreal experience for each participant.
We truly celebrate our professional development knowing that training and personal development is paramount for our team’s successes.
New Studio!
An opportunity arose albeit a little earlier than we dreamed. We acquired a second property in the Upper West side of Manhattan to serve as our second studio. Je Revele has expanded to serve clients in NYC!
To help with the launch of the new studio, Natalie was able to utilize the talented resources of Zoe Richards, a British based photographer and entrepreneur.
New Staff
Je Revele proudly welcomed new additions to staff in 2013.
Jessica Crespo, Lead Photographer
Charity Fues, Director of Social Media
Cara Schwab, Director of Client Experience
Nik Pekridis, Lead Wedding Photographer
The uber talented Lara Saggese, Kristin McCandless, Hannah Ho and Tatiana Rodriquez also joined the team with Natalie and her right hand Michelle Ernest.
New Baby
At the start of Spring, Natalie gave birth to her 3rd child. This time it was a boy! Welcome to the world Luc Declan!
New Clients
We at Je Revele are so appreciative of all of the clients that we have met over the year and in years prior. We look forward to meeting your future photographic needs. We are committed to you, our communities, and our families. Please keep us in mind if you’d like us to consider sponsoring your organization for special fundraisers in 2014.
New Year
As we embark on a new year, remember to reflect on all you have learned from last year. Count your blessings. Learn from your mistakes. We hope you will join us as we follow the advice of Howard Thurman, when he wrote,
“Don’t ask yourself what the world needs; ask yourself what makes you come alive. And then go and do that. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.”
Here’s to a wonderful and lively 2014!
Charity Fues
New Jersey Boudoir Photographer | with Megan
Every year, Boudoir Photography is becoming increasingly popular. Based on my experience in the industry, I’d say it’s the hottest genre of portraiture on the market.
Time and time again women book sessions at one of our studios, and express their desire to “feel beautiful”
It is often the case during phone consultations, a woman will express that her significant other describes her attractiveness, but it’s not always the way she sees herself. She wants to create a portrait for her spouse so that he sees her beauty in a timeless way.
And when each individual client arrives at one of out studios, I smile in disbelief. Is this really the woman who described herself as a bookworm? She seriously felt as though she wasn’t noticed for the looker she so obviously is?
Sometimes it takes another person to help a woman feel safe enough to embrace her sensuality. Many times it’s a husband. Often times it is us. I’m so proud of the countless ways and times we have been able to pamper, uplift, inspire, encourage and help a woman recognize that she is, in every role she carries out, a living, breathing work of art.
Megan is one such example of this realization. Just take a glimpse of some of her fabulous boudoir portraits in New Jersey.
Here is what Megan had to say about her experience at Je Revele:
“My experience at Je Revele was memorable. I had initially planned the shoot to be an anniversary surprise for my husband. What I got out of it was much more. All my life, I never thought of myself as a beautiful, attractive individual. I was known as the smart one, or the bookworm but never the one to always get asked on a date or be invited to parties. Until I went to college, I didn’t really know what it meant to be attractive. My husband was one of those people to allow me to see myself in a different light. Through the years though for some reason, my self-image went negative again and I needed a something to give me the reassurance that I was a beautiful, strong woman.
My husband has always found me to be sexy and with photography being something that we both admire, I thought why not capture what he loves in pictures. What I got out of the experience was a confidence about myself that I didn’t expect. I left the viewing of my photos with a pride for the woman I am and for the woman I exude for my husband. I finally can see clearly what he is so proud of and why he is so happy to have me as his wife.
Like most women about to do a boudoir shoot, I was extremely nervous. I admittedly entered the studio shaking a bit from being anxious about what was to come. However, upon meeting the stylist, I was immediately put at ease and felt like I was about to spend an afternoon with a girlfriend. Once made-up, my shoot began and Natalie made me feel so comfortable. It can be quite daunting for a woman to have her picture taken in such an intimate fashion but Natalie made the entire afternoon fun and relaxed. Also, such a photo shoot can feel very posed and stiff but again, Natalie was able to capture me in a natural light that made me feel true to myself and show exactly what I wanted to convey through my photos.
It is not often that I can feel that sexy and sensual about myself but when you do something for your husband, who wouldn’t. I couldn’t have asked for a better atmosphere and experience.
My lasting memory from this experience was the reaction I got from my husband. Being that he is a hobbyist photographer, I have been his subject matter in the past for photos. He was happily shocked to see someone else catch me in a different light and have the ability to turn out with so many great pictures for him to choose from; the decision was not an easy one. I even think he saw me in a new light, probably one that radiated sexiness and sensuality but also one that gave him the approval that his wife was confident and comfortable with her own body.
The thing I loved the most about my session was the relationships I made with some women who I only met for a few hours. They gave me not only a great gift for my husband but a self-image that was improved and verified. There is nothing that could replace that kind of feeling or experience.”
We’re so thankful Megan choose us as her New Jersey Boudoir Photographer
I must say one of the many blessings from doing what I do, is meeting people like Megan. I’m so glad you found us =) xoxo
If you’re looking for a New Jersey Boudoir Photographer, please feel free to call or visit our studio to meet our team and see our picturesque castle studio.
Also featured on our boudoir blog: http://newjerseyboudoirjerevele.com/new-jersey-boudoir-photographer-with-megan/
~Natalie
Je Revele Fine Art Photography Studio & Gallery
433 River Road | Highland Park, NJ 08904 | NJ Castle: 732-964-3773 | NYC Studio: 212-787-2175
Website: www.jerevele.com | Blog: www.blog.jerevele.com
https://www.facebook.com/JeRevelebyNatalieLicini
International Award Winning Photographer
PPA Photographer of the year 2012
VISIT US at our NEW location in Manhattan on the Upper West Side!
There was an air of excitement in the castle. It wasn’t every day that we had a man coming in to be photographed, although now it’s become a more popular type of session we schedule these days. I think it has much to do with the pensive yet striking man who sauntered carefully up the gothic stairwell.
In one heartbeat, Roly arrived at the studio. As soon as he walked in, I could feel my fingers tingle, itching to reach for my camera. This face..that body… all of him…was meant to be seen!
I couldn’t quite place his look. Mysterious? Reserved? Intriguing for sure.
I tried to make small talk with him as we set-up for the shoot.
Roly actually seemed nervous as he leaned over to whisper to his companion, tentatively displaying his wardrobe selections. They consulted together and I conferred with them as well as to which outfits would produce the best look. How could anything look bad on this man? I felt quite certain that he could work a burlap sack!
My camera was in love. For someone who seemed so shy in person, this man was a star for the lens. Leaning against the classic Cadillac as his backdrop, Roly’s smile rivaled the stars. Other staff members giggled and blushed as he moved from set to set. All eyes were on him!
And yet, thee was not a sense of gloat or awareness that he was being so admired. His sensuality was innocent. Every instruction was followed, although many times direction was not needed. He knew what to do. A simple gaze. One clench of the jaw. Amazement and awe.
Since this shoot, we have received numerous calls to the studio for men’s portraits. Our clients realize that we are able to capture a person’s essence in its prime and preserve it for all time. In our photographs, we reveal the most desirable, irresistible features that time is destined to ultimately change. Fortunately for us, we can admire Roly’s handsomeness for years to come.
—
NYC Dudeoir Photos at
Je Revele Fine Art Photography Studio & Gallery
433 River Road | Highland Park, NJ 08904 | Studio: 732-964-3773 | Mobile: 917-886-5666
Website: www.jerevele.com | Blog: www.blog.jerevele.com
LIKE us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JeRevelebyNatalieLicini
International Award Winning Photographer
