A rose by any other name...

My family and I had our photos taken recently with Urban Rose Photography.  Deanna is not only a talented photgrapher, she is also my friend.  She has this amazing talent of capturing Jon smiling.  I honestly have no idea what kind of spell she has cast on him...but she is the only person he will smile (naturally) for.  YAY DEANNA!!!!!!  You are AWESOME!!

My favorite part about this session is how relaxed and casual we are.  This is the "real" us.  Okay, so we are not really "beach people"...except Ella, but we don't always look perfect, have perfect hair/clothes...and yeah, sometimes our feet get dirty.  I really love how natural we are in these photos.  Thanks Deanna for shooting the Gilliams "as is" and making us look so great!  (and skinny!)

You can follow Deanna's blog or become her friend on Facebook or Twitter.

Here are a couple of sneak peaks of our last session:

c/o Urban Rose Photography

I am having this made into an 11x14 canvas.  Aren't we STUNNING?
Thank you Urban Rose Photography!

A Vintage Find for my Sweet Pea

It is no secret that I am thrift store nut.  I LOVE shopping at the thrift.  A treasure hunt each and every time.  And sometimes you don't even know what kind of treasure you have until you bring it home.  Well, during the Best. Weekend. Ever., I thrifted a vintage Polly Flinders dress for Ella.  It was a gorgeous gold color and a size 4.  I thought I would have to save it until the fall/winter, but I am so glad I went ahead and made her wear it last weekend.  It barely covered her knees!  And looked ADORABLE on her.  THIS is how little girls should dress.  Totally classic, girly and the PERFECT coloring for her.  :)  Ella is wearing a vintage Polly Flinders Smocked Dress, Black Mary Janes from Payless, and a Black Flower Clip from Princy n Paris.

I had a mini photo session (with my iPhone) of her wearing her dress in Modesto, CA.



Jon and Ella (wearing vintage Polly Flinders)

A (rare) sweet moment.

Jon's expression is KILLING me.  HAHAHA!

Apparently, he was coaxing her to FLASH the camera.  BAHAHAHA! 



What can I say, I make beautiful children. 

Me and my Sweet Pea. 
I'm wearing an INC dress, Carlos Santana heels (not shown) and a NY&C headband.

Using Instagram 1977 finish to make the dress look more authentic. 
Jon's (Target) plaid shirt could be vintage too!



Best. Weekend. Ever.

This past weekend was my birthday celebration weekend.  Every year for the last 4 years, my friend Kay-Kay and I get together to celebrate our bdays since they are a week apart.  This year, we added our good mutual friend Tiffany to the group.  Her bday is July 9th and we all celebrated last weekend.  We got a hotel in Sacramento, had dinner at Pete's (a local restaurant) and then walked the scary .4 miles to Rick's Dessert Diner--which was the highlight of the evening.  It was PACKED out.  Bodies everywhere.  A crazy twisting line and desserts galore.  I am pretty sure just inhaling the sugary fumes we gained at least 5 pounds. 

Part of the display case.  It was too crowded to get a wider angled shot.  :|

Happy Birthday to US!!!

Red Velvet Cake, White Chocolate Fudge, Lime Torte & White Chocolate Brownie--FATTIES!!

We stayed up and chatted until midnight.  Yeah, we are SUCH partyers...  And then got up the next morning for some MARATHON thrifting.  How lucky am I that I have friends who love to go thrifting?  Very very lucky.  I know.

With Starbucks in our bellies and a little caffeine jolt to get us started, we hit the first store.  And two hours later we emerged.  VICTORIOUS!  I managed to find a little ride on toy for Ella.  It's a giraffe and she squealed with delight when I brought it home to her.  :)

The next stop was HOT.  As in melt your face off, no air conditioning hot...but we endured for about an hour or so.  I managed to score a new with tags Coach scarf.  Ca-ching!

After that we went to lunch.  Elephant Bar!!  We had the coolest server EVER.  She was so friendly and open.  It made lunch even better.  The best part--besides the fact we all got dessert--was Tiffany was able to invite her to church and she genuinely seemed interested in going.  I am praying Jesus blesses her real good. 

We each got a little dessert!

After that, we had to say goodbye to Tiffany so she could go celebrate her bday with her family and friends.  But me and Kay-Kay weren't finished finding treasures.  We were planning on just ONE more store and then calling it a day.  On the way, we found this little thrift store and low and behold, the entire store was 50% off.  WOOT WOOT!!!  I scored a Peg Perego stroller for $17.  I have been wanting one of these strollers since Jon was a baby...I could just never afford one.  But, I can totally afford $17. 

Finally, we made it to our last stop and I lucked out and found a pair of brown Stuart Weitzmans that appear brand new for $10.  YIPPEE SKIPPEE!!!!

It was a most successful and fun day and I cannot WAIT until next year.  We are already making plans!

Oh, and I should mention that the three of us happen to be married to the greatest guys ever.  All 3 of our boyfriends kept the kiddos for us while we partied and played.  The Best.Weekend. Ever.  Indeed.  :)

34 and Metamucil

I meant to blog yesterday on my BIRTHDAY, but time got away from me and I was not able to.

Yesterday, I turned 34.  That's right...THIRTY FOUR.  I have to admit, I had a bit of anxiety about this birthday.  I'm not sure why...

I remember turning 30 and while most people seem to dread it, I was so EXCITED to turn 30 because in my mind, it meant I was FINALLY a grown up.  Well...now that I've been a grown up for 4 long years...I am thinking it's not all that it's cracked up to be.  The older I get, the harder it is to do stuff.  It takes me longer to do the simple things and my memory is going going going gone!!!

But, typical me, I decided that 34 could be another rock star birthday...if I wanted it to be.  So, I just decided that it would be.  :)

I don't feel old, but sometimes I act old.  Trent makes fun of me sometimes because I'd MUCH rather stay home in comfy clothes lounging around the house rather than running the roads, shopping and hanging out.  I like to go to bed by 10:30 every night and I've become SUCH a creature of habit when it comes to my breakfast now.  I have to have an egg every single day.  Or else...I get REALLY cranky.

The last doctor I saw (for reasons that shall go unnamed, but you could all take a wild guess and probably be right...), told me I had to start taking Metamucil.  Yeah.  Right before my 34th Birthday...so you can see where the anxiety came in.

But come on!!!  How bad can Metamucil be?  (I still haven't bought any...)  Does it come in flavors? 

So, regardless of how much fiber I have to start stuffing myself with...this semi-geriatric 34 year old will party like a rock star all year long!!! 

Here I am the day before my birthday.  I still can't help but get a little excited...

Say Bye-Bye to 33!!

And here is my super most awesome amazing birthday present from my most fabulous precious husband.  Honestly, he spoils me totally rotten.  I probably take him for granted WAY too often, but I love him like crazy (and like a crazy person--there is a difference). 



Dooney & Bourke Flourentine Satchel--She needs a name!

*raising my glass of Metamucil*  CHEERS, Friends!  

Miracle Manicure...Maybe!

I've always been kinda weird about my nails.  I not only love the pampered feeling of freshly manicured nails, I also love the feeling of "ME TIME" when I can find some time to give myself a manicure.  I have TONS of stuff.  Buffers, Files, Cuticle Clippers, Cuticle Cream, Hand Cream, Etc., Etc. 

However, the most annoying part of a manicure is having it chip, crack or peel in less than 3 days.  Ok, so it's only like $12 to get a manicure, but still...shouldn't it look decent for a week?  At least?!?!  *sigh*

Enter Shellac Gel Manicure.

I heard about this while researching via the internet and googled and googled and googled until I finally had an idea about what it REALLY was.  Granted, even then I was skeptical, because I do not like fake nails (or fake looking nails).  So, I went to a salon that I found on Yelp, and asked for Ann.  An hour later, I walked out with nails that looked like this:



Beautiful Natural Looking Nails!  YAY!



This shellac gel manicure is a hybrid polish that is cured with UV light.  It is a bit thicker than a normal polish, but adds strength to your natural nails as well.  I immediately LOVED they way my nails looked and FELT!  They felt strong!  The thing with a shellac gel manicure is it claims to last 14 days (at least) with no chips, cracks or peeling.  It costs about $30 and takes about an hour to have done.

My nails 9 days later:

They look EXACTLY the same as they did on Day One!

After 12 days, I went in to have them done again, because they had started growing out.  I could have went longer, but like I said, I am a bit of a nail freak...

Totally LOVE the fact that I can walk out with DRY nails.  I can dig around in my bag with DRY nails to get my keys.  I can wash my hands with DRY nails immediately after having them done.  YES!!!  No smudging, chipping, cracking or peeling. 

A miracle manicure?  Maybe...you decide!

Somethin' Smells Good!--A Virtual PARTY!!!!!!!!

Yesterday, I came home from work tired and exhausted.  However as soon as I opened the door my nostrils were bombarded by the most delicious aroma!  What?!  Could it be?  Could Trent have COOKED something?  Surely not. 

Nope.  He didn't.  He just plugged in my Scentsy Warmer.  Well, that's good enough for me!

Right now I am burning Oats & Honey in my new Margot warmer.  I bought it from my good friend, Alesha who is now a Scentsy consultant.  I actually went to her to buy my mom a Mother's Day present and decided I needed a new warmer and some new scents too.



I bought Mom this Zebra plug-in along with Sunkissed Citrus & Baked Apple Pie Scentsy Bars!

Have you tried Scentsy?

I asked Alesha to let me know about her Scentsy experience.

SWRB:  Where did you first experience Scentsy?

Alesha:  I had a Facebook friend who was constantly burning up my News Feed with Scentsy. I had no idea what it was, so when a friend of a friend locally started selling it I booked a party in my home. I loved smelling all the little testers! It was alot of fun picking out my favorite scents and helping my friends decide.

SWRB:  What was your first Scentsy purchase?

Alesha:  I used my hostess rewards to purchase a Roma plug in, 2 scent bars (Cozy Fireside & Cranberry Spice), 2 scent circles for my husbands stinky work van and my car (Clean Breeze & Cinnamon Bear). The great thing is all that only cost me $7 as a hostess!

SWRB:  What made you decide to become an consultant?
Alesha:  I had tried several other companies without any success.  I decided to try one last time. We are so close to being debtfree, but the paid for vehicles in the driveway need to be replaced. Rather than take out a loan, I decided to sell Scentsy and save my commissions for a newer vehicle next year.

SWRB:  If someone is new to Scentsy and doesn't know what to order, what do you suggest?

Alesha:  Everyone has different taste. Pick a warmer that matches your decor or makes you smile. Then, browse the 80 scents available. There's sure to be one you will like! Just don't order Berry Tart. I'm going to be frank and honest:  it smells musty. There are 79 other smells to choose from, so pick one of those!

SWRB:  What are the most popular warmers or sets?
Alesha: Here in the Bible Belt, I sell alot of Charity, which is a full sized warmer, and the most popular plug in would probably be the Zebra you ordered for your mom.  Most people start with a full size warmer system. It comes with a full size warmer & 3 scent bars. Ordering a system saves you a little bit.

SWRB:  What are the most popular scents?

Alesha:  French Lavender, Baked Apple Pie, Enchanted Mist, Clean Breeze, and Sweet Pea & Vanilla. That's my Top Five. The next five would be: Love Story, Vanilla Cream, Luna, Wishing Well, and Cranberry Mango.

SWRB:  What is the best way for someone to start their own Scentsy business?  How do they become a consultant?

Alesha: You need to visit my website and sign up with the company. In all honesty, I tested the waters before I paid the money. I asked friends and family if they would be willing to book a party for me. I actually had about three parties booked before I signed up. My suggestion is to contact me personally when you get ready to sign up so that I can order a set of basket testers to go along with your kit. Basket parties are the easiest thing for most people to do because we are all so busy these days!!

SWRB:  Do you have anything else you'd like to share about Scentsy?

Alesha:  I have so much fun with this company. My very first home party there was an 18 month old girl in attendance with her mom. She was the cutest thing! She would open a tester, smell, and if she liked the scent, she licked the tester! It was the funniest thing! It just goes to show how good these scents really smell!
Scentsy has really been an answer to prayer. I have finally found a product that virtually sells itself, and I have alot of fun doing it. If you are a stay at home mom who needs something to get you out of the house to meet new people, give Scentsy a chance. 

Perfect Scentsy



Such a cutie with his Scentsy Buddy!  Ella will probably get one of these for her Birthday!

I am having my very own VIRTUAL Scentsy Party!  This Virtual Party starts today, May 26 and will be open until June 10.  All my She Wears Red Boots readers will receive a FREE scent circle of their choice once they place an order.  Alesha will contact you after the party ends to find out which scent circle you want!  YAY!  A freebie!  I love freebies!!!

You can shop my Virtual Scentsy Party RIGHT HERE!  

If you would like to contact Alesha directly, you can email her at thehammfamily@hotmal.com.

We now return you to your regularly scheduled broadcast...

I know...  I KNOW!  Long time no see, right?  Well, I took a "mental health break" for a bit.  No major drama or scandal going on...I just needed some space for a while.  I tend to get myself into a lot of trouble (mentally) by piling stuff on my plate and then I can't handle it all.  Then I crash.  Well...I had a little crash.  Actually, more like a fender bender...still, you know what I mean.  :)

Let's see, what did you all miss?  Honestly, not much.  :|

Weight loss is going good.  Slow, but good.  I am really at the place mentally where I am HAPPY with my weight and weight loss.  I am ok with losing a pound a week or whatever.  I no longer feel that desperate urge/struggle to LOSE WEIGHT.  No, I am not at my goal.  I still have 18 lbs to go...but I FEEL so much better about the whole thing.  I am down to a size 10 and actually wore an 8 yesterday which MADE MY DAY!  I have also started a group on Facebook for all my weight loss pals!  Anyone can join!!

Wearing: Evy's Tree Charcoal Cardigan, Black Tank, Grey Pleated Skirt--Size 8!!

PS:  I really LOATHE bathroom pics.  UGH!!

Shoesies!!!

My $3 Thrift Store find!!!  Rachel Roy Sequin Flats

Mother's Day Memories...  I was wakened by Jon who wanted me to leap out of bed to go check out my presents.  HAHAHAHA!!!  So, after prying my eyelids open, I got up and was surprised to discover that I indeed had presents!  Jon made me a homemade sign that spelled "Jon".  He cut out 3 hearts and the letters J, O, N and glued them onto the hearts.  It was really cute.  He also gave me a coupon book full of coupons.  They all pitched in and got me some perfume, Givenchy's Ange Ou Demon Le Secret and a gorgous Michael Kors watch.  Yes.  I picked them both out.  Well, actually I cut out 8 different things from Macy's catalog and let Trent decide.  Ella picked out the perfume (Trent said it was based on the picture) and Trent selected the most expensive watch...which happened to be priced wrong, so it wasn't all THAT expensive.  WOO HOO!

We drove up to Redding for Mother's Day service and had a great time (as usual) with the Bobo's and Hope Center church.  I totally FAILED to get one pic of me with the kiddos.  Boo me.  I did manage to take a quick shot of them eating lunch on the way there.

 Yes, McD's for lunch totally qualifies me for mom of the year.

In other news:  Ella wore pigtails for the first time last week.  I am really looking forward to her hair being longer when I can experiment with hairstyles and stuff.  Although, I have to admit...it is kinda nice being able to put a bow on her head or barrette and being able to go.  I'm kinda a lazy mom like that.  HAHA!  Here is a short video clip showing off her pigtails.  She is calling for Jon, who is outside playing and ignoring her. 

I'd also like to mention that I am going to be featured on Chandra's MoMoMod blog soon.  I am working on pictures for her now.  Really excited and looking forward to the opportunity!