Beautiful Mess

The past 2 years have been filled with so many different experiences and emotions. The good, the bad, and the ugly, I’ve been there done that. I have laughed hard with good friends, cried until I couldn’t open my eyes, and loved until every ounce of me hurt. I've struggled through lessons life has taught me, and questioned my purpose about 4.5 million times. I've left the most amazing city in the world, and married the most incredible man I have ever known. I've brought life into this world, survived a house fire, resigned from a job that provided financial security for my family, and picked up a camera that has taken me down a new road. I've taught myself to use that camera though many times I have wanted to put it away and just give up. But something always takes me back to it. I love that camera. I love the stories that it captures.

My life is wonderful in so many ways, abundantly blessed by my Savior. Nothings ever perfect but the one who saved me. For that I am relieved. I am at peace knowing that my growing list of "to do's" may never be checked off, that my house will never be spotless and that I will never know everything about everything. I am thankful that I get to spend time with my soul mate and together lead our incredible little boy in the way he should go.

I am a beautiful mess for sure, but even in the mess... I am blessed.

Arms Up

When Maddox was born, my hubby and I were intrigued by Your Baby Can Read program. We were not as intrigued by the price of the full program, almost $400 for everything. I had met some mom's who had 1 1/2 year olds actually reading words and they would demonstrate to prove it. Since we are on a budget, my incredible husband began to look for the program on EBAY. One day, he found a complete program unopened and of course we went for it and he was a master at winning the bid. $145 later- it was being shipped to our door. Maddox was 4 months old when he started the program and it became a part of his daily routine- right after playtime in the morning and before his nap. I have the first video memorized "Hi, my name is Aleka. We are going to spell some words". And yes, HI was the first word on the video.

Another phrase that is repeated in the first DVD is "ARMS UP, Can you put your arms up"? We always say that to Maddox, just playing around. Even my parents and my brother kinda make fun of us always saying and showing the words "Arms Up" and demonstrating the action for Maddox.

Today we were completely surprised when Maddox showed us this....



Needless to say, the program is working. I can't explain the feeling I had when my little man showed us what he is learning. If you have ever wondered about the program or considered purchasing it, I highly recommend.

That's Mrs. Domestic to you

I have to tell you that life on the road has really prevented me from being the chef and home manager that I would love to be. (Notice I said chef...not Betty Crocker and home manager... not homemaker- get with it it's 2010!) wink. Needless to say, I haven't exactly had time to organize, rearrange furniture, garden, or plan meal time like I would like to. Okay who's kidding who here, the gardening I would fail at even if I had time. But the other three things, I can do!

A good friend of mine (who has an amazing blog), just does this home management thing so well. I am so fascinated by how organized and prepared she always is. Even in my travels, I can always navigate to her blog, MUSES OF MEGRET and find some kind of inspiration. From crafts and activities to life experiences and menus, she just has a way of inspiring you.

One of the things that I have always loved that she does is plan out a weekly menu. This week, I decided to make my list and plan ahead, hoping that it will save our family a little money. I was in doubt a little, but quickly changed my mind when the clerk at the register told me my total. We saved approximately 25.00 just this week alone on groceries, and that does not even include meals we would have had eating out.

I had to share with you tonight's dish- cause it was yummy. This was the first time I have baked my very own homemade pizza. It was an UNBELIEVABLY AWESOME BBQ CHICKEN PIZZAEven my hubby was amazed.
Oh, and my Maddox... completely excited. I had to share this video.

Makes you smile huh?

Change is around the corner

It is hard to believe that after 8+ years I am officially leaving the cosmetic industry to open my very own business. This week marks one of my final weeks teaching product, artistry and selling skills. It is a bittersweet move, but one that I am looking forward to.

I began my love affair with lipstick many years ago when I was hired to work for Bobbi Brown. I still have dates with my moisture balm and cannot live without my light bisque corrector for under the eyes. Working for Bobbi took me to Charlotte, Alabama, Atlanta and then finally the fashion capital- New York City. I still love Bobbi's products and believe it is some of the best out there.

I met THIS GUY and fell head over hills in love. I wanted to marry him and his blue eyes quickly led me back to Atlanta we got married. I took an Education job with Bare Escentuals and was not quite sure if I could ever love a brand as much as I loved Bobbi. Little did I know that I would find another love and yes, it was BE.

At BE, I have met some amazing people and used some incredible product (my favorites are the Renew and Reveal Facial Cleanser, Fruit Cocktail Blush & Luminous Mineral Foundation in Golden Medium). I never in a million years thought I could fall eyes over lips in love with another brand, but I did. One thing that I have learned from working at BE is that you never can stop having fun and you should never take the fun out of makeup. What a wonderful journey it has been.

But now on to other things... like this little guy. I mean what Mommy would not want to spend more time off the road traveling and more time making this little guy smile. His smile lights up a room. I love you Maddox!
So much around the corner... like my business SUGAR SNAP PHOTOGRAPHY. It is the little details that make life so interesting and what a honor it is to be able to capture those details for so many other people. Plus, I get all the free photography I want now, so I can capture that cutie up above as much as I would like to. I never dreamed that I would have the idea to start my own business and that it would take off so quickly. Who am I to be chosen to capture life as art for others?

Leaving a job that has been so wonderful and a career that has been a part of who I am for so long can be scary. The Lord is so awesome to provide me with this opportunity and I am thankful that I have a full book already for September.

PS. I also will be working part time at a friends bridal shop (A Perfect Dress in Anderson) and can't wait to dive into that as well. I can't seem to stay away from the girly stuff!

Looking forward to exciting times!

My little boy is half a year old!

It seems like yesterday all he did was sleep and now all he wants to do is play.Today he is 6 months old. Where has time gone.

Maddox loves...
Mommy and Daddy
Soho (our new dog... he has taken to her- he likes Manny too but Soho is different for him)
Baby Einstein
Apples or Green Peas (made by Mommy)
Any kind of drink with a straw in it
Watermelon
Snuggling with Mommy every morning
Swimming with Daddy

He is our sweet sweet boy. I adore watching him grow up. Just wish it would slow down a bit.

Are you a Creative Mama?

I adore this site! THE CREATIVE MAMA

Sugar Snap has it's first promo postcard ready to go to print!

Some little cutie will win a sweet session from SUGAR SNAP!

Yep... you heard right, a free session. All you got to do is fan Sugar Snaps Fan Page and comment on the link. One great comment leads to a session full of fun, creative memories captured on camera!

Exhausted!

I came home from a really busy day at work, and it was time to make dinner. Shaun wanted to cut the grass, so I put Maddox in the kitchen floor to hang out with me in his BUMBO. He loves to be in the Bumbo and it keeps him active and happy during busy moments. I was cooking away and saying to myself, "I am EXHAUSTED". I turned around and saw this...





Clearly, I was not the only Strickland exhausted a 7 pm last night. My sweet boy crashed out right in the middle of the kitchen.

I'll Keep Um'!

Nerf shootin, Transformer lovin, loud cryin, attention needin, hungry feedin... I wouldn't take anything in this world for these boys. I am IN LOVE!

My favorite things- Part 4- Capturing sweetness!

#4 Photography
I have always been fascinated by photos and for years I was rarely seen without my little digital camera. I have many friends who are photographers, and great ones at that, and have oftentimes been memorized by the art and life that they are able to capture behind the lens. Over a year ago, my husband got me my first "REAL" camera and from there it was history. Now I have went through a series of cameras and lenses and my hobby is getting quite expensive. In all honesty, photography has been my secret love.

Everyday, I am learning more as I capture my little Maddox on camera.

I love the colors in the above picture. He makes me smile.

The more I have played, the more I am getting approached to photograph other babies, children and families. My secret love is turning into a very public relationship. This excites me beyond all measure and my weekends seem to be booking up quickly. So in the craziness of it all... traveling as a Educator for Bare Escentuals and being a wife and mommy, I have still managed to find time to explore this passion of mine, and I love love love it all!

Below are a few of my favorite pics that I have taken recently.


Sweet Maddox's smile!


1 week old baby boy, Lawton. (My nephew)


Precious 1 month old, Lillian.

Day in and out, it is a learning process, one that excites and allows my creative heart to run free.

I can do ANYTHING!

I need to start my day like this little one does. What positivity!

My favorite things Part 3- BEING A MOMMY

Today, I celebrated my very first Mother's Day, so what a perfect day to tell you that BEING A MOMMY is definitely on my favorites list. I never dreamed in a million years that I would be blessed with such a beautiful little boy. Maddox brightens up even the shadiest days and never fails to make me smile.

Today, we spent time with my Mom and then spent the afternoon taking pictures at the SOUTH CAROLINA BOTANICAL GARDENS. What a beautiful day to take the camera out and play with my sweet sweet boy!

Here are a few to share!







Happy Mothers Day to all you Moms!

Project Dance- My favorite things Part 2

#2 PROJECT DANCE



Why is it a favorite?
In 2001, my friend Cheryl Cutlip(Founder of Project Dance) had been vision writing about a project that would change the dance community in NYC and beyond in a great way. While visiting me in SC, Cheryl began to share with me her heart for NYC, the Broadway Community and Dancers who were drawn to perform professionally in a world that can easily devour you. I remember while she shared her vision, my soul would stir in the most amazing way. I too, wanted to be a part of this vision. So, I began to passionately pray about how I was supposed to be involved. I knew that I wanted to help out in some way but I didn't know what exactly.

About a month later, the Lord made it very clear that I was to move to Manhattan in the fall, and help Cheryl do whatever it was we needed to do to make this happen. So I picked up the phone, dialed my dear friend and said, "So, I am definitely moving to NYC in a couple months". Cheryl responded, "Great, would love for you to be here". I went on and said, "I am moving to NYC to help you with Project Dance, so get ready to put me to work". Sounds easy enough doesn't it?

Well funny thing is that Cheryl at the time was just doing her thing. Then it hit her...that someone was coming to NYC for Project Dance. That meant that she couldn't just share the vision anymore, but she would have to act on it. Once I arrived, we set up shop in her tiny 1 bedroom railroad apartment on the Upper East Side, and started planning away. We began meeting once a week with close friends Leslie, Sam, Renee and Cheryl's husband Ron. From there the vision grew greater and it was confirmed that PROJECT DANCE would hold there first event in April 2002 in the heart of TIMES SQUARE.

Our Mission
Project Dance® is a movement of dancers seeking to positively impact culture through artistic integrity. Our desire is to see every dancer nurtured to their fullest human potential for their own well-being and their contribution to the world. We offer training, education, and performance opportunities for dancers worldwide who desire to dance with integrity to inspire.

This video explains it all!


10 years later, PROJECT DANCE is gaining momentum and growing strong. God is changing lives all over the world through this organization. Event cities now include: New York City, Houston, Toronto, Atlanta, Sydney, Manila, and Hong Kong. (past events also included LA)

Being a part of the Project Dance family has been remarkable. Seeing God work through the art of dance is mind blowing. I have seen moments displayed in detail without one single word spoken, but told through movement of the body, change a life forever. I love Project Dance, what it stands for and believe in it's purpose wholeheartedly.

Project Dance is non-profit and any financial contribution you might make would be appreciated. You can donate online HERE. All donations are secure and sent directly to PROJECT DANCE FOUNDATION by Firstgiving, who will email you a printable record of your donation.

PS. It has to be on my favorite list because I met my husband, SHAUN STRICKLAND at one of out event. You never know right!

These are a few of my favorite things

Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens... um that song just popped into my mind... uh oh it is stuck. At least it is Julie Andrews singing it, whom I love of course. giggle.

I have decided that I am going to begin sharing with you some of my favorite things. Everyday for the next 10 days you will get a glimpse of some of the things that make me giddy or things that I simply cannot live without.

#1 MUD COFFEE (MUD MOJO BLEND)
The MUD Espresso Blend works solo, in your Latte or Cappuccino. The taste is spicy but smooth with a heady aroma, it presents a beautiful golden Crema and will make your day a lil' better. This is a VERY special coffee from a little coffee shop in the East Village of NYC. Mud is about a 2 minute walk from my apartment in Manhattan. From first sip, this coffee made my taste buds tap dance. Hitting up Mud in the mornings was not quite on the way to the subway station, but it was definitely worth backtracking UNTIL.... I discovered the MUD TRUCK. This video makes me smile. Oh, how I am longing right now to see that orange truck smile at me.



The Mud Truck sat at Astor Place and I could walk right up to it and get my morning fix quickly before jumping on the train. Problem is that I don't live in Manhattan anymore. Tragedy huh? I know you feel really bad for me huh? Don't feel too bad cause guess what????? I have become an addict....


Yep, say it ain't true. IT'S TRUE!!!! You can SUBSCRIBE HERE to get your auto delivery of your MUD MOJO. We will be getting 3 bags of MOJO once a month til the day we die :)

Trust me when I say ORDER YOURS TODAY. If you don't want to get auto ship, just order one bag... you will forever thank me and so will your taste buds.

Don't take your baby where they are drilling

Giggle. This clip is so funny I nearly oiled... I mean pee'd my pants. On a serious note I am really mad about this oil spill. This is a great example of why I believe South Carolinian's need to CONTINUE to fight against offshore drilling.

The Colbert Report	Mon - Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c
BP's Undersea Dome
www.colbertnation.com
Colbert Report Full Episodes Political Humor Fox News

Future Moms! You don't always need what you think you do!

About 9 months ago, I began the search for all the baby items that I HAD to have. My mother-in-law and I jumped in the car and made our way to BABIES R US to get Baby Strickland registered for everything he and I would need. From the moment that I walked in, I was overwhelmed. Strollers, bottles, diapers, cribs and car seats galore, all neatly in place in the store to ensure an easy find.

Now grant it, I know I have only been a Mommy for 3 months, so I don't pretend to know everything. However, some things that I HAD to have in the end I really didn't need at all. Other things, I chose by how great it looked (I mean I wanted to be a sassy mom with my perfect stroller) rather than whether or not it was truly the easiest and best item to have.

So, with so many of my friends having little ones these days, and all you other ladies who may be expecting and on the search for all your wants and needs- here is my advice...

1. Eddie Bauer Travel System $279.00

While this Eddie Bauer travel seems great, it really ended up being a pain in my rear end. We chose this system because of it's ease in folding up. It seemed light at the time and the infant car seat seemed perfect for Maddox for a while.
I was wrong-
-Car seat is so hard to fasten once baby was in it. And seemed to get heavier with a baby in it duh!
-Stroller was huge! Not to mention more complicated to fold and put in car once you had a crying baby in your arms

What we ended up purchasing to make out lives easier:
Combi Stroller $99.00
This stroller is only 13 lbs and folds up and can be carried on my shoulder. To top it off, it will carry the weight of Maddox for a long long time. Sure it does not have a million and half bells and whistles but it is AMAZING.
The Combi Stroller


Check out how tight it folds

Note: You can also order accessories for this stroller ie. infant car seat etc.

This car seat rocks: Evenflo Symphony $125.00
=Simple, and easy to get baby in and out of
-Adjust from 5 lbs up to 100 lbs


2. Graco Sweet Soothing Swing $169.00
-Great swing, cozy, cute
-Music, IPOD compatible
-Various speeds and swings multiple directions


While this was great for us, Unfortunately, we lost it in our house fire. We didn't realize how much easier a swing could be until we got a temporary replacement with this one:
Bright Start Travel Swing $59.00
-We love that it folds right up and can travel with us anywhere we go.
-Plays soothing music just like the Graco
-7 speeds and visual toys for baby to see and play


3. Medela breast pump $275.00
-Many people told me to wait and not buy one til I knew for sure if breast feeding would be successful. I didn't listen.
-I should have rented a hospital grade pump until I was 100% confident that I would use it a lot.
Take my advice... wait to purchase!


4. Bottles and Pacifiers
-You think you will know what kind of bottles and pacifiers that your baby will like but mark my words, 9 times out of 10 you will be wrong.
Funny, we went through 4 different type bottles before we found the right kind for Maddox. He was very picky.

We ended up with these and he loves them:
MAM Anti Colic Bottles 3/$12.99



These things Maddox and I can't live without!!!!
1. Baby Bjorn $75.00 or in my case a hand me down that I am most thankful for!


2. Angel Care Monitor $169.00
-Detects movement, temp of room and breathing
-PEACE OF MIND!

ps. there is no reason to have a monitor that is video... unless you sleep with your eyes open.

3.Nap Nanny $129.00
-Helps with fussiness, gas, colic, acid reflux and stuffiness
-Maddox slept all night for the first time in THIS!


4.Fisher Price Soothe and Glow Seahorse $14.99
-Calms Maddox in worst of times
-Puts him right to sleep
-Makes him smile!
-We named him GILLY
-We have 2 of them (just in case we lose one)


Hope this helps!

Got Juice?

I am officially 1 week into my juice craze. Needless to say, I am very much addicted to my Juiceman. My husband even texted me while I was working the other day just to tell me about the juice he had made. He too, seems to be a bit addicted to the craft.


There are many benefits to juicing:
1. For one thing, the body can quickly absorb larger amounts of nutrients from juices than from solid foods because the process of digestion that is necessary when you eat whole foods is bypassed.

2. It is an easy way to get beneficial enzymes, which are primarily found in raw foods, into the body. Enzymes in fresh fruits and vegetables have the vital role of converting food into body tissue and energy. Enzymes are also involved in metabolism, GO METABOLISM GO!!!!

3. Juicing also ensures that the body is getting sufficient amounts of phytochemicals, substances in plants that are considered among the most powerful ways to fight disease.

4. Antioxidants and other immune enhancing properties are concentrated in juices.
Juicing can therefore help to accelerate recovery from illness. In fact, juicing with specific combinations of fruits or vegetables can target particular conditions and improve or alleviate symptoms.

CHECK THIS OUT: Dr. Max Gerson researched and formulated a juice plan for cancer patients. He treated 50 cancer patients with juice therapy as opposed to traditional poisoning of the body. It is recorded that 50 of the 50 patients were all cured from their cancer. Info on his therapy is HERE and you can order his book HERE.

5. Anti-Aging and skin benefits- The concentration of antioxidants in juices combats the damaging effects that free radicals have on skin and muscle. Juicing can help keep skin free from wrinkles and muscles well toned.

7.Cost effective! (if you own your own juicer of course) We saved $50.00 on our last grocery bill just because of the fresh produce we were buying vs. boxed food or other items.

This is my favorite juice breakfast

1/2 medium Red Delicious apple (36 calories) BENEFITS of Apples
1/2 small green apple (21 calories)
4 cups raw baby spinach- 4 handfuls (28 calories)- BENEFITS of Spinach
2 Carrots (25 calories) BENEFITS of Carrots
2 celery stalks (18 calories) BENEFITS of Celery

Total Calories for breakfast- 118 calories!!!!!! All goodness for your body!!!!!


What the juice will look like before stirring together


Even my hubby loves it!

Need a Quickie? Bare Escentuals has curb appeal.

When people find out that I am a Education Executive for Bare Escentuals, they always respond "that sounds like an amazing job". In fact it is. Grant it, my travel schedule can get quite busy and taking that on with a 3 month old at home can be quite a task, however, I have to say I work for one of the most incredibly creative and innovative companies ever.

Just when I think it can't get any better, we do this...


This is the QUICKIE VAN. Yes, curbside makeunders in 5 minutes or less. BRILLIANT!!!!


Leslie (creator and CEO) herself is known to take the QUICKIE VAN for a spin. Fantastic!!!

Follow Bare Escentuals on Twitter and you might hear that the van is hitting up a curb in your big city.

Gosh, makes me smile.

My baby boy is 3 months old today

My baby boy is 3 months old today and I simply cannot get over how he has grown. His smile lights up our lives. I seriously, cannot imagine life without him. Just wanted to share some of the latest pics of him. I used to laugh when people said "they grow up so fast". It is so true. I wish I could make time stand still

Happy Birthday Manhattan! A year in the life of a dog.

On this day last year, the sweetest dog in the world was born. 4 weeks later, we adopted him into our family and named him Manhattan Jazz Strickland - Manny for short. Manhattan has had a lot of fun over the past year and we wanted to share with you some of the cute photos we have to celebrate this dog's life so far!


Manhattan's first ball
















Cousin Ella (BFF) teaches Manny how to roll the ball














Manhattan's first bath in the kitchen sink















Manhattan's first time hanging with Baby Maddox












Manhattan's first snow. He loved to eat snowballs













Manhattan's first trip to the beach. you can tell he hated it huh?












We love this dog so much and can't wait for he and Maddox to grow up together.