Hair: Greener Grass, Bumble and Bumble

I went WAY over do for a hair cut this time! My hair literally was like breaking off with the straitener--GROSS!

ANYWAYS; one of my favorite salons in Savannah, Georgia is "Greener Grass"! When I first moved here in 2009 I was trying to find a place to have my hair cut and they had recently won a small business award and had great reviews for cuts, colors, products, etc.

The girl I had for the few months I could consistently go--until Nicholas wouldn't sit in the stroller longer than two minutes anymore--was named Lauren; talk about small world--she also went to Troy University--cheered there, actually, and we knew a lot of the same people. She then studied hair in New York--she's FABULOUS! SO fabulous that she's currently booked through January; so when I got an appointment at 1045--and then realized I forgot my son's Christmas program and had to reschedule--I obviously lost my spot with Lauren!

However, I took a chance with someone new--and totally pleased...may actually request her first next time! Amy was awesome; I took in 4 pictures all different lengths styles, textures, etc and she totally listened to me--combined them, and gave me not only what I couldn't really describe but wanted, but a haircut that is functional as a working mom and instructor!

As long as my hair is in this picture--she cut off nearly 5 inches! Yes--I'd let it go that long!

She also used this product by Bumble and Bumble called 'Brialliantine'; it's a texturing cream--super concentrated, you use a tiny dab and squeeze it on your strands for that full but piecy look--like you always see celebs having and wonder 'how the heck?' She said the company originally was using lotions and creams on runway models and developed this product for every day use...um THANKS!

Love Lauren and Greener Grass--now I also Love Amy and Brilliantine...I'm gonna have to add some last minute stocking wishes for more Bumble and Bumble products!

2 Gluten Free Made ahead Dinners

I am so proud of myself for preparing two gluten free dinners this morning! In just 4 days I feel so different eating this way! I'm not bloated or feeling yucky...I'm not deprived, and everything I have had is delicious!

The first meal we are having tonight. I am making a meat loaf that I will serve with mashed potatoes; the Idaho Spuds brand--says 'Gluten free' right on the back of the box, and last time I made them Lee said how good they were...he will never know they are out of a box!

Meat loaf:

1 lb Jimmy Dean sausage
1 lb ground beef
1 cup Plain Oats
1 tbsp Mrs. Dash onion and herb seasoning
2 tsp parsley flakes
1 egg
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder

In food processor blend seasonings and oats until finely ground.

With your hands combine sausage, beef, egg and oat mixture until evenly blended.

Press into loaf pan.

Bake 350 degrees until cooked through out!

OPTION: add 1/4 cup brown sugar to mixture...I would love this but I'm trying to save calories.

Meal 2.

PESTO SAUCE

Nicholas helped me make this one. In a food processor I blended about 1/2 cup dried basil flakes, 1/2 cup corn oil, 1 small package walnut pieces, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp coriander, 1 tsp pepper. I just blended until smooth and even. Now this is in the refrigerator--tomorrow I'm making some quinoa pasta shells and buying a rotissere chicken and serving it with the pesto shells on side! YUM.

Starting the Gluten Free Journey

I totally mastered the 'Atkins' diet for over a year; I ate potatoes 4 times in 12 months, and transitioned all my grains to whole wheat...but now I still am not down to my actual goal weight. I am totally pleased with my body--but I have been looking into doing something new in order to lose my last 5-7 lbs.

The owner of Pure Barre Savannah is not only in great shape from Pure Barre, but everyone knows staying in shape is not just exercise (unless you have freakishly awesome metabolism--in which I am jealous). Brook said she feels so much better avoiding gluten, sticking to high protein and fruits and veggies...

I was also telling my long time friend Karlis--who's whole family is in rediculously good shape (we will credit theirs to exercise, diet and beautiful genetics) that I was considering cutting out the grains and sticking to corn, and allowing some rice and potatoes again...and looking up info on that I realized the Gluten free diet was the way to go.

When looking through gluten free recipes I realized some of my favorite meals can be delicious and still gluten free--including shrimp and grits. So that was my 'kick off' meal two nights ago!

Yesterday I went head first--and I felt a bit 'puffy' (that's my lady like word for bloated)--but that's totally my fault for eating nearly a whole bag of 'pirate's booty'--which is gluten free but not really a diet food if you eat the whole bag, lol!

For breakfast, my friend Regina and I took our kids to the Pancake House. I had coffee, cheese grits, and sausage. For lunch I mostly snacked on grapes, and the Pirate's Booty. But for dinner I made red beans and rice. Rice in it's natural form is gluten free, but sometimes thickening agents are added to the rice or way it is prepared. I bought some gluten free basmati rice and made my red beans and rice. It was more than delicious--I can't wait to have left overs for lunch!

This morning I had Van's gluten free waffles; I spread butter on them and drizzled honey over them. They were a bit crumbly--but delicious!

I am a bit concerned gaining weight on potatoes or rice--so I'll still have to limit those, which stinks because although I don't crave them like I used to, they can indeed be delicious, and they are an inexpensive way to make a meal!

How I made this Boy's heirloom Bubble/Romper

 A sweet Louisiana momma asked me to make an heirloom brother/sister set for her children for Christmas this year. I was beyond excited--and she had a great idea already in mind!

We decided upon using heirloom ivory batiste--so soft, just gorgeous--with red accents.

For the boy's romper, I used a pattern called 'Bailey'. I extended the yoke to where the smocking would end, and did some insertion, pin tucks, and hand embroidery.

The center buttons have a gorgeous etched design--they were $1.50 a piece...I couldn't let her pass on them--they are gorgeous!

I can't wait to see a picture of him in his little knee socks!

Stay tuned for the matching dresses with embroidered sashes!

Alyssa Paige

Out of all the wonderful moments people ask me to be a part of, photographing a newborn is definitely one of my favorites. The first few days of a new baby's life are so inspiring, so new, so tender.

This morning I was able to photograph a 2 day old precious baby girl, Alyssa Paige. This whole family was gorgeous; Sonya is an absolutely beautiful woman!

For these photos I used a small grassy area in their cul-de-sac. It had a nice natural feeling and for December, how on earth we ended up with weather in the 70s I don't know--but it was PERFECT!

Thank you for letting me part of this special day, and again--congrats to ya'll!

See a few more photos from their shoot HERE

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.502924069748268.114023.502891899751485&type=1

PICTURES PICTURES PICTURES

OK--so I am OFFICIALLY obsessed with my camera!

I truly LOVE my sewing--but something about being around my clients when photographing them is very calming; I love capturing their expressions and finding ways to take neat photos of them! This weekend I took pictures of a precious couple and their dog, Gus. Greg and Allison are high school sweethearts--taking their pictures was not only fun, but they were so calm with one another; it was like hanging out with old friend! Happy Holidays to them and Gus!

Another photographer friend recently helped me learn how to put logos on photos in photo shop--I didn't really understand, but after working for an hour in photo shop last night not only did I perfect that task, but I started experimenting with the 'curves' in one of my photos and it totally is my new editing addiction! 

In about two weeks I'm doing another newborn shoot--talk about exciting--babies are breath taking!!!! As much as I love to sew for babies--taking their pictures is so rewarding! I learned from our newborn shoot with Nicholas that taking photos of newborns in the first 7 days really allows you to move and pose the infant while they stay peaceful and their muscles are still very tight--so they won't fall out of the poses, etc.

I'm also doing a SUPER cool shoot this weekend! 4 sisters and their sweet children--how fun is that going to be! I can't wait to get back to Huntsville and explore to find the perfect place for something so fun!

Apart from sewing and photography--Pure Barre has transformed my body...since high school I've always tried to draw in the rib cage area; I've always had trouble toning that area and it has always looked horrible under snug tops where my bra ends...well it's tighter, and my waist not only draws in, but my rib cage has narrowed! My legs are slimmer without looking masculine with muscles bulging, and my 'baby belly' skin has totally tightened up...amazing...not only is it a mental work out to sweat out the stress, but the music totally makes your hour fly by!

HOW ON EARTH IS IT ALREADY THANKSGIVING! Lord help us all get through the holidays! They have come far to quickly!

Pure Barre/Advocare Morning

I have been workin the past month on eating right and really getting in effective work outs for my shoot next weekend with Kevin Lanier in Auburn; I am doing some modeling in exchange for a photography workshop--what an amazing trade!

So WHAT have I been doing? I truly believe in keeping an omega/fish oil supplement and fiber in my daily routine; slacked a bit on fiber this past week tho since I've been tryin to low carb. I have been taking a thermogenic supplement before my workouts, as well. DANG I feel ready, revved up and focused when I get in there--talk about mind/body connection! Here's That Thermo, and the SPARKS energy drink mix I use for my smoothies!

https://www.advocare.com/120713271/Store/ItemDetail.aspx?itemCode=T4101&id=A

https://www.advocare.com/120713271/Store/ItemDetail.aspx?itemCode=A2096&id=E&flavor=L&size=C

I personally love the cherry flavor! I only use frozen fruit, calorie free laCroix flavored water (lately i'm OBSESSED with the coconut flavor!!!!) and the mix--low cal, fresh and delicious!!!! And avoiding the extra fat and calories from yogurt--plus the frozen fruit is cheaper and I don't have to use a ton of ice to thicken it up!!!

I have done a Pure Barre Class 5 days a week, interspersed with a couple mile runs, some weights, and a LOT of toes to bar exercises everyday. I could look a bit better--but hey, for hittin 197 lbs pregnant 2 years ago, I'm pretty ok with 132 lbs! If you haven't taken a class--you have no idea what you are missing. You truly get addicted to 'the shake'; if I'm not trembling in my own sweat I know I'm slacking off!

Head here to check out more Advocare! After the holidays I plan to do the 21 day challenge and trim off that turkey and ham I will probably pack on!!!!

Like Pure Barre and find a location in your area--I promise you won't regret taking a class! And Advocare is amazing--it takes my workout from a sweat to a super revved up hour that makes me leave feeling like I kicked ass!

https://www.advocare.com/120713271/