saturday foodie fest & shameless friend plugs

A lot of food got cooked up in this house today and also, my sweet tooth is raging today.  It's days like today where my body reminds me it's not running optimally. Brain fog, fatigue and sugar cravings do not make a girl feel particularly productive.  Started the day with a breakfast of pancakes topped with warm berry compote, organic maple turkey sausage and scrambled eggs... that was enough to set it off.  I wanted to cook Mr. Charming a surprise breakfast in bed and I haven't had pancakes in MONTHS, as I've been doing more protein focused breakfasts and detoxifying smoothies.  For lunch I had a protein smoothie and a salad, but throughout the day I snuck a Berry Vanilla bar, some fruit, a square of dark chocolate and some coconut milk ice cream.  Not horrible offenses, as the only item with actual sugar was the dark chocolate square, but whether its natural sugar, fruit sugar, cane sugar or starch my body sees it the same way.   Because I'm super special like that... yay.   

On a positive healthy note, Mr. Charming and I have rejoined the gym, reclaimed our home gym (it became a guest room during the holidays) and I took my first ballet class!  I adored it!  We did a lot in the first class and I realize I STILL have a hard time doing pirouettes across the floor without getting insanely dizzy.  Even though I spot.  So, I don't know... hopefully that will improve.  I'm excited to gain back some more of my flexibility and I love workouts and hobbies that allow women to feel empowered.  Those of us who nourish and nurture ourselves work hard to take care of the body that God gave us and I want to use His blessings for good.  And dancing feels good! 

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To offset some of my sugary binge today, I made a deliciously healthy dinner that I am super proud of.  It was scrumptious, and though I was hesitant to make the soup for Mr. Charming because it was really green and super healthy, he actually ate it all!   For dinner I cooked up garlic chicken tenders, fresh green beans and a broccoli, onion and leek soup.  It was super creamy without having ANY milk!  

Mr. Charming had a newborn shoot scheduled tonight with the adorable little Harlem.  She did so good, and was such a perfect little angel, she even posed for a couple!  Spring is busy photo season for him, with a full schedule of grad photos, engagement sessions and newborn shoots, we have a sessions almost every Saturday and Sunday until May.  It's fun being able to assist him and watch him be creative.  I adore photos, and photography, and though I'm intimidated by everything his massive camera can do I'm thinking about learning a little more about the in's and out's to work as his second shooter some day.  I love rockin' my iPhone 5 foodie photos, but it would be cool to be able to shoot more professionally. 

Speaking of which, I know I talk about how proud I am of my wonderfully, awesome, amazing friends quite often, but since we are speaking on photography I just want to give a shout out to some of my girls & my hubby for the amazing professional photography work they do.  If you are looking for amazing photography I would suggest any of these four.  Seriously, beautiful, beautiful work put forth by these lovelies. 

Mary Spease - Dream Aloud Photography - One of my dearest and best girlfriends from California, she is based in La Jolla, CA she specializes in wedding, family, couples and newborn.  She is still developing her website, but the link will take you to her Instagram, follow her and tell her Mandi sent you so you can be notified of her website launch. 
Kristi Klemens - KLK Photography - I met this beautiful woman when I was performing in Hollywood.  She actually emceed a concert I did, and has shot me before for publicity photos.  It's crazy to say she is now a world renowned wedding photographer and also specializes in engagement and boudoir sessions.  She is by far one of the best photographers I've ever seen, and she is a sweetheart too. 
Mr. Charming - Douglas Photography - My darling has been a photographer since highschool, and has been professional for the past 7 years.  Starting out he specialized in entertainment and fashion as the staff photographer of my record label, NVE Records, he now shoots family, newborn, engagement, event and wedding photography.  I adore his vision and the way he views things so differently than the normal eye.  It's inspiring and I love watching him work. 
Winter Collins - Winter Wonderland Photography - Based in Corona, CA, my friend Winter is the absolute best when it comes to dreamy, adorable children's photography.  Her extensive selection of props and her creative mind in staging, puts forth the most adorable and whimsical shoots.  When Mr. Charming and I start popping out some littles I will make  a trip out to CA just so she can shoot them. 

Speaking of photography, Photoshop calls as we have got to get some newborn editing done so Harlem's mama can see some adorable sneak peeks.  More recipes and goodies coming this weekend, including some Easter Picnic cookies and some tips on building your own blog!