Magical

So yesterday I had lunch with my Aunt Peri-- with Bella. We had a really nice afternoon and lots of time to talk. I was telling her all about my love for fitness--which she already knew-- as well as my love for the art of photography. We were talking about how different things can become as you grow and learn. Here is what I am talking about.

When I was in high school-- people would ask me what I wanted to do when I grew up, and I always thought I wanted to be a doctor or a vet. Mostly because I enjoy helping people, and because I thought it would be a smart career move. However, I ALWAYS really really wanted to be good at something creative. I yearned to be able to do something magical, something unique that only I could do. That would bring me joy. I enjoyed singing (and still do) but I had to work REALLY hard at it... and while I don't think I suck at it, I was never "magical" (unless you ask my mother, hahaha). So I went on to college and majored in pre-vet.

Fast forward. College. I struggled in organic chemistry SO MUCH. I had a tutor, spent HOURS and HOURS studying to barely pass a test. It was so frustrated, felt so defeated. However, I did manage to get throug hschool well and actually graduated with a decent GPA.

Then came grad school. What the heck do I want t do? I had no idea. Really, no clue. My mom, who has always been my hero of sorts-- my inspiration -- is an amazing social worker. I thought hey, I would be good at this. So off to get my MSW I went. Was I good at it? Yep. Did I enjoy it? Ehhhh... not really. I enjoyed getting to know my clients and having a helping hand. But I was bored. Did not get that excited feeling about my work. I dreaded going some days :(

Then came Bella. My favorite part of my life so far!!! During my social work career, I also started dabbling in personal training and nutrition, a long term hobby of mine. It came VERY naturally. I loved actually seeing the joy in people's faces after spending time with me and I enjoyed sharing my love for health and fitness with others. I still do.

I have been however, still be yearning for that "magical" piece. Its so hard to explain-- but thats the best way I can put it. Anyway, Bella -- herself -- is my magic in my life. No doubt about it. And having Bella re-sparked my interest in photography (something I was interested in high school/college as well-- took classes etc). I've became obsessed with it really! And as I have grown my photography business-- I have found that part that was missing. I feel creative for the first time in my life! WOWZERS! What an amazing feeling.

Anyway, this long winded post has a point, I think :) The point is that my aunt and I were talking about how no women in our family put all of their eggs in one basket. We have multiple paths we have walked down in our lives, and that is FINE! My mom for example-- is an amazing social worker, but she also has a natural talent in broadcasting (for real.. a total natural) and she also is amazing at knitting (i'm trying to get her to start selling it...). My aunt is high ranked in the air force, teaches sign language, works in marketing/management AND can DJ her butt off at a wedding or event.

Needless to say, we are multi-faceted :) And I looked at Bella at the lunch table and told her.. "Bella you can be just like us. It keeps life interesting. It keeps it magical."

My own family Pictures

I had the amazing opportunity to have some family portraits taken this weekend. You would think that being a photographer myself, that I would have tons of wonderful pictures of my own family. Not so much! Bella alone? Yup. But all of us together is hard when you are always the one taking the pictures!! So I took a little road trip this weekend and met my amazing friend and photography mentor, Christine. She took these pictures for me that I will cherish forever. I owe a lot to her as well. She has been my mentor along the way and is A-M-A-Z-I-N-G at what she does!

Some Goood Skin

I like sales and good deals. But there are definitely some things that I tend to buy the best of the best, even if the price tag is higher. Camera gear is one for obvious reasons and the other things are hair and skin products. I usually call my self a product "ho" because I tend to love trying new ones but usually only like the expensive ones, haha! I always blame my mother who started me off on Clinique when I was only 10 years old.;)

Anyway, the skin care line that I use now, and have used for many years going is Arbonne. I love them. Their products are all natural, do not have any artificial fragrances or chemicals. I cannot speak higher of their Re9 skincare line-- and they are also a wonderful company. I get asked what skincare I use often, so here I'm putting it out there for all of you to see! My friend Marcy, who I buy all of my Arbonne products from is currently offering a sale for the month of November. She is offering 50% off any skin care set an 35% off any other order. That is something to be thankful for! Be sure to hit her up if you need some skin care products! Her website can found HERE.

Recipe Share! Chicken Tortilla Casserole

Its been awhile since I've shared a healthy recipe, so here's a new one for you all! Yummy yummy! I got the idea from a recipe from Eat Better America. If you haven't checked out that website, you should!!


Chicken Tortilla Casserole

1	can (10 3/4 oz) 98% fat free cream of chicken soup
1	can (4.5 oz) chopped green chiles
1	container (8 oz) fat-free sour cream
1/2	cup fat-free (skim) milk
1 1/2	teaspoons chili powder
1/2	teaspoon ground cumin
2 1/2	cups shredded cooked chicken breast
8	yellow corn tortillas (6 or 7 inch), torn into bite-size pieces
1	medium green bell pepper, chopped (1 cup)
1	large tomato, chopped (1 cup)
1 1/2	cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese or Mexican cheese blend (6 oz)

1.	Heat oven to 350°F. Spray 13x9-inch (3-quart) glass baking dish with cooking spray. In large bowl, mix soup, chiles, sour cream, milk, chili powder and cumin until blended. Stir in chicken, tortillas and bell pepper. Stir in tomato and 1 cup of the cheese. Spoon and spread mixture in baking dish.
2.	Cover with foil. Bake 40 minutes. Uncover; sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup cheese. Bake uncovered 5 to 10 minutes longer or until cheese is melted and mixture is bubbly. Let stand 5 minutes.

Nutritional Information
1 Serving: Calories 270 (Calories from Fat 100); Total Fat 11g (Saturated Fat 5g, Trans Fat 0g); Cholesterol 60mg; Sodium 610mg; Total Carbohydrate 22g (Dietary Fiber 2g, Sugars 4g); Protein 22g