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Stephanie's Faves of '07

 
   I know I don't have Oprah Winfrey's influence on people, and many of you may be saying "Who cares about your favorite things", but I wanted to share anyway.  These are in no particular order, but they are just things I have loved using, eating, wearing in 2007.
1)My Asics Running shoes.  They are super comfy and light.  They do not get too tight and they don't give me blisters...even after 13 miles.

2)Dreyer's Creamy Coconut Popsicles are my favorite post run treat. They are like a tropical island vacation frozen on a stick.

3) Sport Beans keep my energy up while running. Since I am hypo-glycemic (my body processes glucose too quickly), I need all the energy I can get on my runs. These jelly beans are a yummy way to get that energy.

4)Revive Fabric Refresher is the best for getting the wrinkles out of my clothes. I hate ironing, but all of our clothes are always wrinkled because I hate folding laundry too.

5) Sol-U-Mel  is the BEST at removing any stains and smells from anything.  I go through many many bottles of it since most of the time, at the end of the day,  my house looks like a frat house (with sippy cups and toys instead of beer cans). I have used it to remove permanent marker from my dining table, dog urine from the floor, and red wine from the carpet.

6) MacBook Pro...enuff said!

7) Even when I am tired and pasty from too many late night editing sessions, Nicole Miller Bronzing Powder helps me look like I'm well rested with a nice glow on my skin.

8) One thing I L-UH - UH- UHV, but won't buy often is the bruschetta flavored  Central Market Veggie Chips. If I buy them, I WILL eat the entire bag in one day. To wash those chips down I like to drink

9)my husband's Limeade Sweet tea.  He mixes a small can of Limeade with some home-made sweet tea and ...mmm mmmm mmmmm...it's tastebud heaven....and no, you can't just add sugar to iced tea to make it sweet tea.

10)My Blackberry Curve. 

So, what were some of your favorite from 2007?  Leave me a note, I want to know!

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Now playing: Ingrid Michaelson - The Way I Am
via FoxyTunes   

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Hey Hey Internet!

I hope everyone had a great holiday. I know we did. It was just the 5 of us, but boy was it nice not to have to run around to martial arts, school, and other activities. No work, no editing,....just playing with the toys and making crafts, doing science experiments, and planting the Ch-ch-ch-Chia Pets. The kids have been asking for Chia pets for a couple of years ...strange kids..that's why we love em so much.
If you want to see pictures of our Christmas, just go to www.slsmithphotography.com, go to the client section, and type in 'smith' for the password.

This week I have been obsessed with Ingrid Michaelson's music. Her voice is amazing and her music is soothing. So many of her songs can accompany a wedding slide show. Especially this one: "The Way I Am"

We are tiny Snow People

 

Look at these tiny snow people that my super sweet, super talented, super crafty Mom made and sent us in the mail.  She made them out of marzipan...homemade marzipan...from scratch!  Can you imagine...making each color of the dough and then patiently decorating each snowman to look like each person in our family.  They were yummy too! The kids loved eating them.

You know this family rocks...

because they let me stick them in a freezing cold creek with bare feet, laid in the grass for me, climbed trees, and walked for a long time just so we could get AWESOME pictures!

A model, a sweetie pie, and a Glamour Kitty!

Last weekend I had the pleasure of doing a photo session with these three amazing kids.  At first the youngest two were a little shy, but they took no time at all to warm up to the camera.  Look at Zack (he's the oldest)!  He is already such a pro...giving great poses, gazing into the camera with those beautiful blues...and he was amazing with the younger kids.  He really helped out in getting the kids together (except when his little brother wanted to hug and kiss him).  That's pretty gross at the age of 13.  I told him that when he turned 16, I was going to hire him as an assistant on my sessions that involved little kids...seriously!  He is already a model for Sharkey's, the coolest place for kids to get their hair cut.

Then there was little brother Luke.  What a sweetheart!  As you can see in the pictures, this kid is all smile and hugs.  He seemed so quiet at first, but once he got warmed up he was busting out the funny faces and cracking me up with some funny comments.  These pictures show what a big hearted sweetie pie this guy is!

Finally there is Glamour Kitty herself.....Miss Linsey.  The baby of the family and the only girl.  This squeez-a-licious little thing had her big brothers wrapped around her little finger.  How can anyone resist those blonde curls and the eyes! She was a little shy at first, but she really started whipping out the poses and choosing different locations.  We took some in her room, on the slide, in the trees, on the brick wall, and even one of her standing on the hot tub cover.  I cracked up every time she'd call out "Miss Stephanie...how about here...take my picture here."  I had such fun at their house and cannot wait to have another session with them!  

Amazing FRAMES

A couple of weeks ago I walked into a very busy craft fair and these frames immediately caught my eye. These frames are created by Tricia Huntley of Simply Home Design.  Please check them out.  They have these amazing frames and mirrors that come in a variety of colors and are hand crafted.  They are unique and beautiful at the same time.  They would make an great Christmas gift or the perfect frame for your holiday photo.

Yogging...

A few other blogs I stalk read are discussing a mix tape, mix CD,  playlist for running....here are some of my favorites that got me through training for the half marathon:

ACDC: Back in Black
Dee-Lite: Groove is in the Heart
Black Eyed Peas: Hey Mama
Pat Benetar: Hit me With You Best Shot

Sir Mix - a Lot: Big Butts
Ramones- I Wanna be Sedated
Ramones- Sheena is a Punk Rocker
50 Cent- In Da Club
Rob Base- It takes Two
Ludacris- Money Maker
Joe Budden -Pump it Up
Salt n Pepa- Shoop

Mahalo Okikawa Family!

Here are some great shots from a wonderful family  recently transplanted from Hawaii to Texas.  They were so amazing to work with and totally exuded the spirit of Aloha.  Since her kids are hapa kids like me (half white, half Asian), I felt like I was home.  It is hard to find people who look like me here in San Antonio, so when I find them , I am so excited and want to talk about all things Asian  (and I start to miss my Mom...sniff).

Emily was terrific and just thought of perfect ideas.  I was thrilled when she started to climb the tree with her kids and then she laid down for a "nap" right in the tree!  I had a shooting spree!  As you can see, she is a natural beauty and the whole family was great in front of the camera.  Mike broke out his ukulele which made for some cute shots too....ahhhh...a little Aloha in south Texas y'all!

Let's Parrrrtay!!!!!

This past weekend I stumbled upon the best place to have a birthday party, teach your kids valuable skills, and cure boredom during the long school vacations.  Young Chef's Academy is a cooking school for kids where they can attend birthday parties, weekly classes, workshops, or camps to not only learn how to cook several delicious recipes, but important cooking and safety techniques.   There are many options for taking classes...you can drop in or get a membership. The equipment (pictured) is all child friendly and you can purchase it right there at the store.  My daughter LOVED it and can't wait to go back....I am sure we will become regulars!  We had an amazing time there and my daughter thought the staff was very friendly and funny. 

The owner, Terri Angelico, was so kind.  I could really tell that she loved interacting with the kids and the parents.   Check it out at www.youngchefsacademy.com/stoneoak or call them at 402-0023.  Christmas is coming and I think this would be a fun and amazing gift for your child.