Cleansed?

I talked my Mom into doing a cleanse diet with me this week. With the holiday pounds lingering stubbornly and my weekly craving for nachos raging, I needed some out-of-state support. The diet seemed simple enough and none-too-crazy: three days of berry smoothies, spinach salads, fish and broccoli. The most attractive aspect for us (aside from the promise of shedding poundage in a very short amount of time) was the fact that the meal prep times were minimal. (It's no surprise for anyone who knows my Mom where I get my tendency to avoid the kitchen at all costs. She's a great cook...but I think all of us Soares women would much rather eat than braise, broil, saute or sear). Despite the simplicity of the diet, we both agreed by the end of day three that if we ever saw a piece of fish (baked and lightly seasoned with lemon and pepper) again, it would be too soon. And we are of New England stock, people. This was serious. I, for one, was practically begging Mike to let me toss the fish down the garbage disposal and order a pizza for dinner. It was not my finest moment. This almost turned into a major black dot. But in the end, I am glad Mom and I both stayed strong. We did both lose weight and are now supposedly prepared to forge ahead with a healthy diet regiment and continue shrinking. Although all we really want to do is make a McDonalds run for french fries and sundaes. Somethings never change.

This week's gold stars go to:

*Willpower: Thanks, Medge, for doing this diet with me! It was fun to commiserate with you. Hopefully we won't completely undo everything we've accomplished this weekend. Nachos do sound good...

*My Jeans: Now that they fit properly again and my legs don't remind me of sausages when squeeze into them. Mmmm....sausage. And pancakes. I really feel like pancakes.

*Ladies who lunch: And, speaking of food, I'm so excited to spend the afternoon with my friend, Lachelle, and celebrate her birthday over something yummy. Happy BIG Birthday, friend! Mike and I are right there behind ya with that one...although you're handling it much more gracefully than I think I will

Bonnie and Joe at the Art Institute

I have always, always, ALWAYS wanted to do an engagement session at the Art Institute. (Did I stress enough how big of a dream this was for me? Just to be sure...I have ALWAYS wanted to shoot at the Art Institute.) It's one of my favorite places in Chicago, not only for the abundance of amazing art it houses but for its incredible architecture, as well. One of my best friends claims it as her "happy place," and I tend to agree. You can just lose yourself, and all your worries, wandering around that place.

I was lucky enough, last Sunday, to find the two perfect people to fulfill my dream. Actually, they found me, and I am so incredibly glad they did. Bonnie and Joe were engaged in Amsterdam about two weeks ago, and they, in every way, live up to just how cool that is. They're both really into art and since they first met on the steps of the Modern Art Wing years ago (sigh, that just sets my heart aflutter), the museum was a no-brainer backdrop for their engagement photos. It's safe to say we had an absolute blast. Thanks to the big Bears game, which started at the same time as our session, we had the place to ourselves. It. Was. Magical. By the end of it, we all felt like long lost friends. Bonnie and Joe, thanks for a great time. We wish you every happiness and all the best as you start to plan your wedding and the rest of your life together.

Flirt

I love how uninhibited little kids are in front of the camera. Before they are taught "say cheese" and forced smiles. Theo was definitely not camera shy last Sunday morning. He smiled, laughed, showed us his toes, blew raspberries at us and flirted with the camera like a pro. We had such a great time meeting you guys, Genevieve and Jack. Thanks for a fantastic time!

In living color

Now I understand why this mom requested all color photos: that's the best way to capture the bubbly, unique, outgoing, lively personalities of her three kids. These guys were great. They showed off all of their cool toys, some wicked dancing moves, and then we went outside and had a little fun in the snow together. Thanks again for having us over, Lauren and Andrew!