A Taste in The Life of Lacey & Mac...

Mountain Brook Monday with Shindigs!

2012-01-28T08:06:00.000-06:00

Starting next Monday, January 30th Shindigs will be testing the waters of the Brook! They will be parking on Heathermoor Road across from the football field of Mountain Brook Elementary. There is a great parallel spot near the alley that would be perfect for them! When I get to work on Monday I am going to park there to save the spot...I am praying that it will be available because I sure am SPREADING THE WORD! I need my Shindigs fix every once in awhile!

I really think this will help cater to a whole new audience. Mothers can now come out with their kids and/or drive thru to do a pick-up order if you call in advanced ((205) 538-1170)! Village workers will love a new place to eat that is close and convenient. And there should be better parking unlike the parking downtown. I am also hoping it can reach some Samford students.

Soooo SPREAD THE WORD! Here is a link to the Facebook event that I created. I am hoping that will give some kind of estimated head count for them!

Cheers!

iPhone Dump...

2012-01-27T16:59:00.002-06:00

My iPhone captures most of my daily life.

Here are some recent pics of Ford's life from my iPhone download...

This is what it looks like every Wednesday morning when I drop Ford off at Lindsay's. Thank you sista!

Ford chillin' in the Kickin Coaster...

BIG FOOT

I know you have heard me mention the Kickin' Coaster but here it is in action...!

And, now we are slowly moving to the Johnny Jump Up.. Is that what it's called?

Well, that is what I call it!

NO Green not Go Green! #breastfeeding #babygas..WARNING: could be TMI

2012-01-25T20:34:00.002-06:00

You wonder what I am about to talk about, huh? Well, it's ultimately about how God so remarkably designed our bodies, pregnancy, and nursing to be. After having a baby and going through the whole process, I really came to see how perfect, how divine, and how creative our God is. No, I did not have a natural birth. I full-fledged took advantage of that epidural- with an extra boost. But, that's not what I am talking about. I am talking about the beauty of breastfeeding. I am talking about you, the mother, as the prime source of food, energy, and growth for your little one. What a huge task! What an honor, right?!

Please note that I have only had one child, and I am only speaking from my "first time" experience. But regardless, what I am about to talk about is the divine nature of a woman's body and how God designed it to be when it comes to nursing.

In the book "Baby Wise" and quoted from the nurses in the hospital, they told me to feed Ford every 2.5- 3 hours starting from the beginning of one feed to the beginning of the next. Within the 3 hours you feed baby, play with baby, and then baby sleeps. So, the natural routine is: eat, play, sleep. It's as easy as that!

When you know this simple routine, it makes it so easy to decipher what baby needs next. And, after you do this for awhile, if baby cries at all you know exactly what they need! I used to wonder all the time: how do you know why they are crying?! What do you do when they are crying!? Well, when you follow that method, it crosses a lot of those questions out.

When Ford was about one month old he was a little fussier than normal for a day or two. And he was fussy at odd times, so I knew something was up. I called the lactation consultant at St. Vincents (who is wonderful btw!) and asked her what was up. She asked me, "What color is is poo?" I said, "Well, it's not as yellow as it used to be...it's a little darker and it doesn't smell as sweet."

That was it! She told me that he was getting too much of the foremilk. Which is the milk that comes out first. It tends to be more clear, and not as fatty as the hindmilk. The hindmilk is full of all the fat and good stuff and is located in the back. If the baby gets too much of the foremilk then they get overly full/bloated on the foremilk which will cause them to get gassy AND their poo will be green. So cool, right? So, if their poo is green that means they are getting too much of the foremilk and not enough of the hindmilk and therefore they will be gassy and fussy.

So how do you fix that problem? Well, one way is to just feed the baby on one breast for the full feeding. It helps you know that the baby is getting to the hindmilk. If the baby gets a good balance of the foremilk and the hindmilk then he shouldn't be gassy. The goal is to get to the hindmilk. So, feeding on one breast helps you rest assure that baby is getting to the hindmilk.

That means every other feeding you are feeding on the opposite breast. Does that make sense? For awhile you might feel a little lopsided,:) but it's worth it to know your baby is getting what he needs and ultimately will not be fussy.

Isn't that the neatest thing!? So you will know if your baby is not getting to the hindmilk if his poop is greenish/black!!! And, then you know he will be gassy- which you don't want ;)!

Another way I fixed this problem was just by feeding him a bottle. I figured if I pumped then all the foremilk and all the hindmilk would be mixed together. But, sometimes pumping and then having to feed him a bottle is such a pain- just takes too long! Once we got his stomach back to normal I went back to feeding on both breasts and just made sure he was getting to the hindmilk. I let him feed for a little bit longer on both.

The other thing that happened to me was what is called an "overactive let-down." A "let down" is when you milk "lets down" (i.e. milk is available in the breast and baby is ready to eat). You actually feel the let down. It's kind of a tingly feeling. Well, for a couple of days Ford was fussy again. And, his poo was almost black and smelt somewhat like minerals or acidic??? I can't describe it. Regardless, I knew he was getting to the hindmilk. But I was confused because I was only feeding on one breast at a time. So, what was the problem?! I finally realized it was what they call an "overactive let-down." It's when your milk is let-down so fast, because you are so full, that it is shooting in the back of the babies throat...they can't even keep up and end up swallowing air and getting too full on the air and foremilk. Sometimes the baby will gag, gulp, gasp, and cough while nursing. He will also turn his head from the breast. And, will continue to be fussy and kick after the feeding. He looks and acts as if he has a tummy ache.

So, how do you fix that problem if you are already feeding on one breast?! Well, you have to pump before you feed him for about a minute or two. Just enough for that foremilk to not be so forceful and to help the baby get to the hindmilk quicker.

Isn't all of that so interesting? I thought it was! This post might have been a little TMI for some people, but knowing all of that really helped me. Don't be afraid to call the lactation consultant at the hospital. Sharon was a huge help to me and knew me by name. So in conclusion, I guess the main thing you always need to strive to do is make sure your baby is getting to the hindmilk. **Note that his poo will ALWAYS let you know ;).

Isn't God so creative!??

All day long Ford eats, plays, and sleeps. He eats for about 30-40 minutes (which apparently that will get quicker) then he plays for about 45 minutes and once he makes that first "wheee"/whine I know he is ready to go to bed. You don't want to wait too long after babies make that first whine to go to bed or they will end up getting wired and get more fussy because they are tired. The chemistry and relationship between the mother and baby really is a beautiful thing. I know there will be harder days and there are hard days already. But, the joy and satisfaction of feeding, nurturing, and cuddling with the child you have made is an unbelievable feeling.

Shindigs Food Truck Helps Tornado Victims

2012-01-23T18:02:00.001-06:00

Follow Shindigs on Twitter @Shindigstrucks and

"Like" them on Facebook @ShindigsCatering

I have the sweetest, cutest, best friends ever! Happy B'day to me!

2012-01-22T19:29:00.002-06:00

I seriously do have the sweetest, cutest, best friends ever!!! I have always wanted to do one of those wine-in-a-bag parties. Where each guest brings a bottle of wine then you hide it in a bag and everyone votes on how good it is, what grape it is, what country of origin etc... whatever you want them to guess! By the end of the night there should be one bottle that was voted the BEST and then the person who brought that bottle wins and takes home a bottle of champagne. I am sure there are other version of this game, but that is how we played it this fun night!!

I have to highlight one lady from this night, Mary Cox Brown (a.k.a. Martha Stewart). She is one of the most generous, creative, thoughtful, loving, beautiful, and well-dressed friends I know. When she throws a party she doesn't mess around. Normally, they are hosted at her humble abode, but since she was throwing one for my birthday, we hosted it at my parents so Ford could be watched by my mother etc.

This is just a taste of what she came up with.... I am always blown away by her creativity and thoughtfulness!!!!!

Look at how cute this chalkboard table is!!!

Wine bottles painted with chalkboard paint...

Here she is... the head chef and creative genius...

Of course, Ford was played with and passed around until his bed time...

Are you wondering who the baby is in the background of the picture above??! Yeah, that's me!! What is so funny, is that Ford will make that wide-eyed face sometimes too! Runs in the family, I guess. My mom had that blown up for my 16th surprise birthday party and it continues to show up and certain occasions in my life.

We all had our cards and were ready to vote on the wines as they were passed around...

The puff decors became bracelets and hair bows throughout the evening...

Another dear friend and best friend from the age of K-5, Margaret....bringing out the cake.

Rhodes had to come help me blow out the candle!

All the ladies...

And then, to top it off, people put their hand print on Lovey's famous "Wall of Friends" dated back to the 1990's!

I cannot thank my dear friends enough for such a fun night. A night to hang with the ladies while Ford was well taken care of. Thank you, thank you, thank you to the ladies who helped, planned, and participated in such a fun occasion. I felt so loved!

Like Father, Like Son

2012-01-13T11:46:00.002-06:00

Audrey always licks his bald little head...

Audrey is a little obsessed with Mac so she gets a little jealous...

This is Audrey jumping over Ford as if he is just not there...

She is still trying to get attention from Mac...

Multitasking at its best...

We have all gone back and forth on who Ford looks like. But, when you put Mac and Ford together, they really favor each other. It's fun to watch Ford grow and change!

What to get? What to register for?! Tips from mothers for new mothers

2012-01-12T14:39:00.000-06:00

Overall my pregnancy was really not that bad. I was sick at the beginning, throwing up almost every morning because of the smell of our new house. Yeah, it was sad. We were so excited to move in, but I could not stand to walk into the house because the smell made my stomach turn over! Let's just say, this house is a fixer-upper. So, needless to say, I had a love-hate relationship initially to this house. Now I love it! It really is more than perfect for us and where we are in our lives. Through about a 2 year search for a house, the Lord really taught be how to wait on Him and His timing and sure enough it is just want we needed.

Well, enough of that, what I was initially going to blog about today was the items new moms should register for and all the questions I had as I walked through my pregnancy. That, to me, was one of the most confusing things! What stroller do I get? How many newborn diapers do I need? What bottles? What about a paci?? OH, so many questions!

Before I had Ford I emailed a few friends to get some advice. I thought I would copy and paste what they said and then also post what I think. The thing is, everyone is different. Everyone has a different lifestyle. And, each baby is different. So, take what you will. But, this did help me a little...

friend 1

1) I'd wait until your baby shower to see all the stuff you'll get. You'll be amazed at what you will receive, can take back, can keep, etc.

2) I have the Jenny Lind basic white crib. Not the fanciest out there, but so so inexpensive (we bought it at walmart.com), and so practical and functional. Alot of our friends have it and love it. We just spent more on Restoration Hardware bedding.

3) You definitely need blackout drapes so your baby can sleep. Mom made mine, as I couldn't find any online that I liked. Easy to do. Also, invest in a sound machine (although we received 6, YES SIX, of them for baby gifts, so you may just wait until he's here). Baby Russell most likely won't be sleeping in his crib for the 1st little bit anyways.

4) Register at Buy Buy Baby...they are awesome. Babies R Us is good too, and they accept each other's coupons. Yay! Also, Buy Buy Baby will accept Bed, Bath and Beyond current (not expired) 20% off coupon, and you can use one coupon per item, so you're able to get things for good and cheap!!!

5) Johnson and Johnson really bothers my baby's skin (plus it's filled with parabens, dyes, etc). Aveeno is a great alternative, and I use some BabyGanics stuff I bought at Babies R Us.

6) Keep your diapers you get, as you'll get through newborns and size 1 quickly, but you'll stay in size 2/3 the longest. So if you get an abundance of size 1 diapers, you can take them back and exchange for other sizes.

7) Keep all the burp cloths you get! You'll use them! I'm amazed at how quickly we go through them. Keep tags on blankets, as you'll get tons of them! Aden and Anais are some of my fav (at Target, Swaddle)...they are lightweight and great.

8) Register for an exersaucer, high chair (although you won't need it for a little bit), Bumbo, bouncy seat, swing, pack n play, play mat, baby bathtub, really anything and everything you think you'll need, from blankets to bathtowels (you don't need more than 3), to washcloths, to Boudreaux's Butt Paste. It helps to look at other of your friends' registries online to know what to register for and to get ideas. We love our Summer Infant Monitor, but we also have another portable monitor to take to the lake (or what was left of it!), vacations, etc.

9) The Bob is amazing. Be aware the Chicco car seat does not fit in the Bob, so we just got a basic grey Graco Snug Ride and I love it. We bought the adapter for the car seat for the Bob on amazon.com/mom (register for free and get GREAT deals on diapers, free shipping, etc!) for about $45, (it's normally $60 in stores).

10) If you don't have a FLIP video or other video camera, get one. It's awesome, and we use it alot! Also, invest in LOTS of batteries!! You'll use them!!! (Esp. size D for a swing, AA for everything else)

11) The best nursing bras are honestly at Target, the Gilligan O"Malley brand. They also have great nursing thanks for $16.99 for after you have the baby. You'll also need to register for a breast feeding pump, breastmilk storage bags, and you'll want to wear thin nursing disposable pads (so you don't leak everywhere, although I mainly wear mine 24/7 for comfort so the fabric of my bras doesn't rub up against me).

12) I also registered at Target (which is great for family all over the country who may want to send you a gift...but I think we told you about our woes with their registry at times...can talk more in person later if you have questions on that), Swaddle, Once Upon A Time, and PB Kids (although I didn't see much there I loved...they do have the most comfortable and soft Boppy cover!! And register for a Boppy, you'll need it!).

13) I love my bottle drying rack I bought on Amazon.com/mom. It's sitting on my counter. Best bottles that we love are the Born Free, as they are BPA free. Honestly the glass ones are great, as I feel like the plastic ones may leak. You might want to try several different bottles to see what Ford (???) likes, but the Born Free ones sort of imitate the mom's breast, if that makes sense. Only problem is they are wide mouth nipples/bottles, so they don't fit other standard sized bottles.

14) I only have one thing of Dreft laundry detergent, and I don't think you need more than that.

friend 2

Car Seat-Chico KeyFit 30 mid of the line, great quality

Strollers-bob jogger and peg perego-like an upscale umbrella stroller. Has straps that hold chico car seat.

Monitor-Summers Video Monitor
This is a must have. It is expensive but totally worth every penny. Bc
our house is small, I turn of the volume but keep the video on that
way small noises don't wake me but I can see them at all time. For
second child, all you have to do is buy a second camera bc the monitor
will pick up both cameras so we can switch channels and see both
children

Medela Quick Clean bags-totally must bc these bags can be used 20
times to steam bottles, nipples, pump supplies, sippy cups, etc in 3
minutes! A box has five bags (again, each bag can be used 20x) for
$4.99.

Medela Pump and all the different supplies for it-Expensive but
totally worth every penny. I have used it for both children. One part
broke and all I had to do is call Medela and they mailed me the new
part. Has a great warranty. You may want to see if your milk comes in
and breastfeeding is going well before buying. At St. Vincents, you
can rent a pump at first. This is what I did and then I bought a pump
after I knew I would continue breastfeeding.

Medela Soft breast shields-I produce a lot more milk using the soft
shields than the regular all hard plastic ones.

Don't buy a lot of bottles. Buy just a few bc your baby may not like
what you buy. I bought all these Dr. Brown's and Nolen was fine using
the simple Medela bottles. Mae on the other hand, likes the $1.50
Gerber bottles. Who knew??? Same with pacis-Nolen liked the Nuk pacis
like you get from St. Vincents but Mae had trouble with those. Now she
likes the Gumdrop ones. I had to try a lot of different types on her
before she would take one. I think her mouth is too small for a lot of
them. She would gag and almost throw up when I would try a paci.

If you have an iphone, you can download an app (I used Baby Brain-not
my favorite some times but I am still using it. There are a lot of
apps to choose from.) that will help you keep track of feedings, sleep
patterns, dirty diapers, etc. Keeping track of these types of things
is extremely helpful. If you don't have a phone that has apps, get the
Itzbeen. It keeps track of everything and you can even set an alarm to
tell you when the next feeding will occur.

Blankets: Summers swaddle me blankets are a must
Swaddle Design flannel blankets are great. Good for inside and cold weather
Muslin swaddle blankets good for warm weather and outside

Burp cloths-I like the Gerber cloth diapers (you can buy a pack of 12)
and then I got my sister-in-law to monogram/applique them for me.
***Monogramming burb cloths, lovies, etc is good thing especially if
the baby goes to daycare or mother's day out bc their stuff won't get
confused with other babies.

Speaking of that, get labels made for bottles and pacis. Here is a
great website:
http://www.cherryhilldesigns.com/princess-colors-tiny-pacifier-name-labels--set-of-48_p_2.html

You can also order labels for baby's clothes so if someone borrows the
clothes your name is in it. The labels just stick to clothes like a
sticker but never come off. It is amazing. I did some with my last name
and put on my maternity clothes so when people borrow they know what
is mine.

Once Upon A Time has a good bottle/sippy cup name band, I order for
the kids too.

Sounds machine is a must! The kind at Buy Buy Baby is great. The key
to my kids sleeping well is a full tummy, sounds machine, dark room
and tight swaddle-works like a charm.

Travel bag for baby-not a necessity but I love this. I packed the
baby's stuff in their bag for the hospital:
http://www.littleenglish.com/gifts/quiltedtravelaccessories.html

Get lots of Gerber onesies-baby can't regulate the body temp so I
always put baby in onesie and then gown on top of onesie. It also
helps to have baby in onesie bc if they have a poop explosion : ) the
onesie can prevent the poop from getting on the outside gown or
clothing.

Speaking of poop explosions, I keep Dreft stain spray in the baby's
closet so when this happens I can spray the stain right away to
prevent the stain from really staining. Keep a dreft pen in diaper bag
too. So far, must of my stains come out really well.

I love the medela lotions, diaper rash cream, shampoos, body wash,
etc. It is more expensive than Aveeno or Johnson and Johnson but it
has never broken out my babies' skin and both babies have never had
cradle cap using the foam shampoo. Plus I think it smells divine. BBB
and Babies R Us run good specials on it every once in awhile too. I
think right now there is buy one, get two free or something like that.
AND I only go through one foam shampoo every six months so the money
goes a long way. Lotions do the same thing. The body wash/shampoo gets
used up fast though.

Swaddle has a really neat nail file that has worked well on both of my children.

They also have a neat touch thermometer that you touch
their foreheads with and it gives you their temperature.

Pottery Barn Kids chamois crib fitted sheets are wonderful

If you use a boppy, make sure to get a pillow protector along with a
cover. Between sip up and other dirty things that can happen, you want
the boppy pillow to be protected.

I would get two boppy pillow covers, a couple sheets, a couple
changing pad covers, etc. Stuff like that can get dirty or messed up
really quick. It is always helpful to have a spare or two.

Remember, I am not the most frugal person, so I will spend money for
convenience. : )

Don't dry baby clothes-they shrink in a blink of an eye. I hang dry
most things. It just seems to let the baby get more wear out of a
certain size if I don't dry it.

Wash everything in Dreft. A lot of my friends use The Laundress (sp?)
detergent that you get at swaddle, I think. They say it smells good.
It is more expensive but they say one bottle last a really long time.
Dreft works good for me and I think it smells good to.

Bath tubs-I had this thing made by Summer. It was mesh and looked
almost like a sling. It folded up. Baby used it for awhile but I
discovered it was easier to take a bath with him and just hold him. I
went out of town with Baby and needed something to help me give him a
bath in the hotel room, so I bought this inexpensive mesh thing with a
frame from WalMart that we are putting in the sink and using for my other baby
while she is so tiny. It works really well. It looks like a baby
lounge chair, if you will. : )

Okay, that is my baby advice for now. I hope this is helpful. Take it
with a grain of salt. You have to do what works best for you, and you
will discover this when the baby gets here.

What I did:

That is some great advice from those two ladies!

Let me start off with things I love and use all the time, things that I have used in the first 4months:

Swaddle blankets- I have about 8 and use them all the time. I also "stole" from the hospital about 4-5 of the hospital blankets and use them to clean up messes, spit ups, etc. They are soft and I don't care if they get ruined. I do love the Aden and Anais blankets, they stretch and are breathable. I also love this felty type blanket I received from someone it's made by Swaddle Designs (friend #2 mentioned these as well). I love it because the texture of it helps the baby not to squirm out of it. Ford is a big kicker- once I swaddled him tight enough he started sleeping through the night. Did you hear that? "Once I swaddled him tight enough he started sleeping through the night." Just want to make sure because that is when life started getting better for me ;)!!

Changing pad covers- I bought 2 changing pad covers, which I am glad I did because when one gets dirty I can immediately put a new one on. I also took friend #2's advice on keeping the Dreft spray stain remover on the changing table to spray on clothes if they got dirty. And then my laundry basket is right next to the changing table= easy!

Sound Machine- Definitely get a sound machine I have this one I love it because it's small, makes loud rain noise, and it projects circling images on the ceiling- which is nice for the baby to look at but also nice because it lights up the room just enough for you to see baby at night without turning on bright lights! Even though, I do recommend getting your hubby to install a dimmer light switch - it just can calm a room in a second when you can dim the lights.

Crib info: I have a pottery barn crib but that's only because I was able to get it 40% off! Otherwise, I am sure any crib is fine. I also have their comfy swivel glider and love it. It is a perfect size for a nursery.

I have a liner for the crib. It's like this waterproof sheet thing that you lay on top of the fitted sheet of the crib so you don't have to completely undo the whole bed. You can just pick up that top liner and wash it.

Ford has not been sensitive to anything so I am just using the basic Johnson and Johnson baby wash and lotion.

Bottles- I use the Dr. Brown bottles. The beauty of Dr. Brown is that it really does get the air out. In other words, the baby won't get gassy or air in his belly. The trick is to NOT fill it above the line that says "If you fill above here, bottle may leak"...So, of course, since I did that every time initially to make a good big bottle, it leaked and Ford got gassy because the bottle wasn't doing what it was capable of doing....getting the air out! I have a few (like 4?)of the 4 oz. bottles and then you will want to get the larger 8 oz. (4 of these too). When I am at work I take two 8 oz. bottles to pump into throughout the day and then I give my mom or Lindsay two 8 oz. bottles full plus a full 4 oz. bottle to cover they day. (this is when Ford is 3- 4 months old).

Waste basket- I have the Diaper Genie II and it has worked great. You do need to buy refills for it though.

I LOVE my diaper bag:

It looks like an adorable purse, right?! It is by timi & Leslie. It came with a insulated bottle carrier, a cute clutch bag inside this big bag for Mom, a pad to change the baby on, and many many pockets inside to hold wipes, pacis, hand sanitizer, and let's not forget diapers! When I first left the house, I had no idea what to really put in there- you feel like you need to pack the WORLD! Lindsay said, "Put a few change of clothes (which I never would have thought of), diapers, wipes, and paci. I now throw in blankets, bottles, and always a snack for me in there!

Boppy- LOVE IT. Obviously you use it while you are nursing but I also used it to prop baby Ford up when he was little:

I only have one cover for it and that hasn't been a problem.

The small things to have on hand at the beginning: finger nail clippers, rectal and a regular thermometer, you will get the nose sucker thingy from the hospital, a Soothie paci (great for at the beginning because it mimics the nipple), Lanolin cream (for the boobies), cotton balls to soak in alcohol and keep in zip baggy on changing table- you will dabble a little bit on the belly button when you change them to help it heal quicker, many pads and a couple full coverage panties, disposable breast pads, a bottle brush cleaner, a bottle rack/dryer, newborn diapers and maybe some size 1s- you might have a big baby;).

Let's talk boobs- My SIL, Rayne, let me borrow her Medela breast pump. All I had to do was go buy more tubing etc. for sanitation. I also took it apart and cleaned everything with a sanitary wipes. Even the lactation consultant at St. Vincents told me this was okay, as long as I cleaned it well. Beforehand, I might have been a little hesitant, but after I have used it and pumped etc. I have realized it's just not that big of a deal. It's air pumping through the tubes that I purchased and are brand new.... so to each their own! You will also want Medela pump and save bags to store milk in the freezer.

I also enjoyed these things called Lily Pads (around $20). They are reusable silicone breast pads that keep you from leaking. I also have the disposable ones, but at one point those were rubbing me the wrong way if you know what I mean (you wouldn't think, but things get real tender in that area!) and the silicone ones felt so much better to me!

I have one nursing bra with no under wire, one sleeping nursing bra, and one black and one white nursing tank top. Most of these I got from Target and they have worked fine. I also now wear sports bras all the time. I do love having the tank tops.

How did/do new mom's make it without an iPhone??? I took notes from what the doctor said on my phone, counted my contractions with an app I downloaded, I still use my breast feeding app I downloaded to track my feedings and how long they are (ibabyfeed app), I pencil our doctors appointments in my phone calendar, I take pictures of him constantly on it! I mean, I don't know, it has been a wonderful thing to have!

So, what about the BIG stuff? Like the stroller?

I, of course, took big sis with me to Buy Buy Baby with me to help me pick out everything and Rayne, who had just had a baby helped me fill out my registry online- two HUGE helps! When Lindsay and I went they just so happen to be having a sale on Britax stroller and car seat. It was buy the stroller get the car seat for FREE and then I also go the next step up for the stroller, when he starts facing forward. So, honestly, we went for it because of the deal, but there were also great reviews on Britax. Lindsay also liked that there was storage underneath the seat to hold her purse, a cup holder for a drink, it was easy to move around, it wasn't too bulky, and one day we could even fit two kids in there. We would just have to buy the other seat.

Things other people told me: Peg Perego was very heavy, but VERY safe. Graco is lighter, more affordable, but apparently can be pliable/not as safe?. I never heard one word about Britax until I got to the store.

As far as the exersaucer, bumbo, activity/play mat I got all of mine at a consignment sale after he was born. So they were barely used and a third of the price. But he didn't need that the first 2 months. So, if necessary you can maybe wait on those initially. And, if you saw the previous post, he loves this thing called the kicking coaster!

The swing- They now make a swing and a bouncy seat all in one= less clutter! It's this one. I like it because it sings, swings, and vibrates. Then you can pick up the seat and just make it a bouncy seat on the ground. I did have a swing at the beginning and enjoyed having that to make let him take a nap in.

Bath tub- You will want one of these. I recommend the one that has a hammock in it because when they are really small you will want that to help support the baby. I only have 2 towel wraps and a couple of wash clothes and that has been fine for me.

Bassinets- Rayne let me borrow her beautiful one. She was so creative and used her husbands old wicker bassinet but then got it recovered with beautiful, more modern fabric. This is the only pic I could find, but notice it in the top left behind the chair...also notice Audrey totally taking over Ford's activity mat.

I did not put it in my room when he first came home. I kept it out in the living room for him to take naps in and it was nice to have out there when people came over to see him. I, from day one, put him in the crib. As hard as it is for new mothers to put their brand new baby in another room- I would highly recommend it! You will sleep so much better and, trust me, you WILL hear him. Its just weird - even if I don't HEAR Ford crying in my house for some odd reason I just know when he is. Probably because I have him on a schedule. I try to do the same routine everyday. Then he knows what to expect next and is less fussy because he knows what's coming next. Does that make since?

Speaking of that, I read a couple of books beforehand. The one I recommend the most is Baby Wise. Lindsay is also a big believer in this book. It talks about the schedule: eat, play, sleep and to always make sure you give a full feeding and lots of other good stuff. I also browsed: "The Essential Guide to Breastfeeding" by Marianne Neifer, MD, "The Girlfriends Guide to Pregnancy" by Vicki Iovine, and Rayne also gave me a funny book by Jenny McCarthy called "Baby Laughs": the naked truth about the first year of mommy hood.

What do I need to take to the hospital? Here is a list that I got from some one...

Hospital Bag:

Change of clothes for hubby

Leaving the hospital outfit for mom

Leaving the hospital outfit for Baby (gown, hat, socks, and blanket)

Two more outfits for Baby

Toiletries for mom and hubby

Robe

Slippers

Socks

Boppy and Boppy Cover

3 Nightgowns

Nursing Pads

Underwear that can be thrown away in big size

2 Nursing bras – one is a sleeping nursing bra

Camera

Camera Charger

Cosmetics and Hairdryer

Phone chargers

Pillows & sleeping bag for hubby

Pages from baby book for footprints

My list:

I splurged on some nice shampoo and soap so I would feel pampered and clean after labor.

Makeup, hair dryer, brush

Nightgown that buttoned up

Boppy

Granny panties

Pillow

Sleeping bag for Mac (it just makes the hospital bed more comfortable)

Baby book

Camera, camera charger

Nursing bra and sleeping nursing bra

Socks, Slippers

Toiletries

Phone charger

Leaving the hospital outfit

Couple outfits for Ford and his leaving outfit

Car seat

Man, I'm out of breath, or really my fingers are getting tired. I feel like I have covered most everything. If not let me know!

If anyone else has suggestions make a comment and I will post it! Because everyone has different preferences and every baby is different! So just take what you will from this post!

Ford and his Faces

2012-01-10T18:18:00.003-06:00

Even though Ford is NOT quite big enough for this little sucker... I stuck him in it anyways and he loved it!

I tried to put something under his feet so he could bounce around, but it kept on moving around and tipping over. He didn't care at all though!

The songs! The lights! He was me mesmerized and full of many expressions. Take a look...

Such a cutie! Love him so!
Tomorrow is the first day my sister will watch him while I am at work. We will see how it goes! I bet everyone is going to think she has had another child, which will be hilarious! And, even funnier that Ford is a little rouge on the scalp and very fair skin- complete opposite of the Ole Miss Mom clan.

Lawson's Dedication

2012-01-08T16:58:00.003-06:00

Today this sweet boy, Lawson, was dedicated! Lawson is the first born of one of my best friends and college roommates, Holli. He is just a few months older than Ford, so it will be fun to watch them grow up together.

Babies of all shapes and sizes were passed around and walking around. It's fun to see Ford around other babies and see how he interacts.

This is us...the couples and their first borns!

Sweet Holli holding Ford. He's grown so much since the last time she saw him.

Katie has a little girl named Ellie. Ellie is quite the catch....I think Lawson and Ford will be fighting over her down the road!

We love you Lawson and we pray you grow up to be a man of God at an early age!

Meet Ford

2012-01-06T13:03:00.001-06:00

Meet Baby Ford!

He will be 15 weeks tomorrow and is just growing so fast! He is one big fellow, so far in the 90% percentile in height and weight. He really is such a good little baby. We just eat, play, then sleep alllll day long.

I was delighted when my sister-in-law, Rayne, let me borrow this thing called the Kicking Coaster as Ford loves to kick his little legs very aggressively. When he kicks the little trampoline at the bottom it sings a little tune and then Ford slides up and is able to point his little toes. It's almost like a tilted trampoline. My mom says she uses a machine like this in her pilates classes... So they do have one for grown ups if you were wondering. Sounds like fun to me- not a workout! :)

Of course, you have to blow bubbles while you are on it. Quite necessary.

He is also grabbing and playing with many of his toys and trying to put all of them in

his mouth along with his little fists.

Whoopsie daisy! He dropped the phone!

To sum it up in 3 pics- 2011

2012-01-05T17:11:00.000-06:00

You wonder why I haven't posted anything in awhile?? Well, 2011 has been quite a year for the Russell family. These 3 pics should sum it up:

New HOUSE!

New BUSINESS! Shindigs Catering and Food Truck

AND a BABY!

WHOO! Quite a year!

I am sure I will post a few pics of certain things from this past year. Things that I would like to remember and such. But, for the most part we are starting off a new year and a new blog! Hopefully I can keep up with it. I will say, it helps to have a new addition to the family because it is like an online scrap book. So, here we go! Happy New Year!

Merry Christmas to all!

2010-12-27T18:45:00.000-06:00

(Maw Maw/Gigi this post is for you ;)- Merry Christmas!)

I hope everyone had a delightful, peaceful and fat n' happy holiday!

We sure did...

We had to initiate Margaret into our traditional family walk to the Pig while playing frisbee golf.
This is a group shot before we started the game!

And the game begins!

We passed many people on the way to the Pig... but one in particular was festive Trudy.

Ole Miss Mom giving her best!
I am going to let her give you the fun details of the walk so stay tuned!
These are just a few sneak peeks of Mac and I's Christmas.

We lost a few frisbees in bushes along the way... and a few other places. Again, soon to be posted by Ole Miss Mom.com. :) "Adventures of the Rader Christmas Eve Frisbee Golf Game to the Pig"

Landon was the lucky child that got to participate in this fun event.

Santa bearing gifts from the Pig.

That little contraption is our "driver" and then we have a different little frisbee thing for our "putter"

We did look pretty crazy in Santa hats and ears while we walked around throwing things at random landmarks.

::Gasp!:: Santa!

Robert the Elf visited me this year- he was quite generous! Thank you!!

Off to the country we go....

I absolutely love the Charlie Brown Christmas Tree!!

Pop with all smiles and a generous heart!

Still adoring his bride.

Cooking is a quite a tradition down in the country.

My favorite, white chocolate blueberry bread pudding!

And, this might be something you have never seen before... but it is delicious!
Yorkshire pudding... a staple down here on Christmas Day.

The best part is the crispy edges!

Mac slicing and dicing.

Teaching as he goes.

Feeding as he goes.

Table is set. We are ready to go!

It's a crowded and entertaining kitchen in the Crawford household :)

umm... perfect! That's my baby!

And we owe it to this precious lady, MyDot. She inspired Mac to cook- thank you MyDot! What a wonderful gift!

Who wouldn't want to cook with her in the kitchen!?? :)

Now MyDot learns from Mac.

You're always welcomed with love and hugs in the country.

Have a safe New Year!

Welcome to Seabed...

2010-06-22T07:12:00.001-05:00

Mac's mother built this house...
Play house...

Can't have a farm without some horses...

and a tractor...

the huntin' dogs! I don't think I have ever seen them be so still!

And, let me introduce to you Sam my nephew... he is adorable and hilarious!
He loooves goin' to the "country"...
We always have delicious food at at the farm and Mac is always helpin' out in the kitchen....yummmm!

2010-06-20T21:27:00.001-05:00

Birthday Girl...

Her friends...

Boy:

Girl:

Boy meets girl...

Girls flirts with boy...

Boy starts to like girl...

Girl starts to get annoyed with boy...

Boy now obsessed with girl...

Girl plays hard to get...

BIG HUGS from Birthday Girl:

Happy Birthday Lillian!

Goodnight!

New Camera!

2010-06-18T14:29:00.001-05:00

Just got a new camera! Playin' around with it. Hopefully I will get better at taking some pics before Mac and I go to Hawaii for a wedding!

A Rainbow Encircled the Throne

2010-03-09T08:28:00.002-06:00

I have anticipated this weekend for quite awhile. I knew the festivities of the wedding weekend would be so fun and also relaxing. Mac and I were staying with my parents in a house called Narnia in Seaside. The lady who owns the house told us before we went that we would hear from the Lord in this house, that we would have the best quiet time ever because God's presence is there. This house was absolute beautiful with 3 levels and a porch on each one. In the afternoons we would go the the top level and sit out on that porch and watch the sun begin to set over the ocean as we rested. At one point everyone fell asleep but I began to think as I look at this gorgeous view: "God you are in control of everything.... you are in control of that little bird right there, you are in control of each and every wave that hits the sand... and it is so beautiful." 1 Chronicles 29:11-12 came to mind:

"Everything in the heavens and on earth is yours, O LORD, and this is your kingdom. We adore you as the one who is over all things. Wealth and honor come from you alone, for you rule over everything. Power and might are in your hand, and at your discretion people are made great and given strength."

It is at His discretion- no one elses! I adore you for being in control of everything... isn't that relaxing.
So, I am sitting there, and began a listening prayer...just sitting there letting the Lord speak to me. As I feel the sun kiss my face in my mind I hear, " You're in the heat of the moment.........things are about to boil over." I heard it, and of course, we all question was that God? Was that me? And then I looked up at the sun. I saw shadow of a curve under the sun- it looked like the shape of an upside down rainbow. It really was glorious, unlike anything I had ever seen around the sun. And, of course, I had the thought, "Why aren't all rainbows upside down, because then it makes a smile...and the treasures would be in heaven instead of the earth..."
Regardless, I knew they Lord was revealing his promise to me, even though it was just the mere shape of a rainbow. He is in control of everything and he promises us that he will guide us through any storm. I took those thoughts and words for what they were worth- thinking that it had to do with Mac and I and our life situations. I then laid my head to rest for about 30-40 minutes or so. As I woke up, I looked up again to see if the rainbow looking shape was still there as it was so beautiful the way it framed the sun. And, the precious Lord was so kind to confirm that what I was thinking and hearing was Him. To the right of the sun, where the rainbow would have ended, there was a little peep through the clouds of a rainbow. And, on the other side, where the other end of the rainbow ended, was another little peep of a rainbow. It moved me so much that I took a picture of it with my phone...

It is kind of hard to see in my phone pic, but that was the rainbow on the right side.
I looked up rainbow to see if it had any other meaning, and in Revelations it says:
"A rainbow, resembling an emerald, encircled the throne."
That was His throne... the Lord received 2 precious treasures the next day. It was such a blessing to be in Narnia that weekend as my parents and their other best buds were able to be in the same house together as they mourned over the loss of their close friends. It was a difficult night that night. But, God was ready for them to come home and he had the throne ready- I can't even imagine how beautiful it was up there if it was that pretty enough for me to take a picture down here!!

Here are some pics and clips of this precious couple:

At one of mom's dress up parties...

Best Buds...

Peggy dressed up like my mom at her big birthday party! They have known each other since they were sorority sisters in High School...

Dad was in the plane with Evan just a couple of weeks ago...best buds doin' what they do...

Mom made this video just a couple of weeks ago...

Mom and Dad flying with Evan...

Her brother-in-law is my husband

2010-01-26T09:33:00.001-06:00

I thought she said it well so here is an update on the America's Funniest Home video....click here!

Dry Skin Protocol

2010-01-08T14:38:00.000-06:00

If you are struggling with some dry skin, this stuff is amazing! It is one of my new favorites and it isn't too expensive compared to other products we sell here. It is the Avene Emollient Cream. It's very very moisturizing but not too heavy or sticky. I can actually wear it under my makeup. We sell it for $29.00, but it is worth every penny.

It is also great for sensitive skin and children too...

Another new found product that I love is Aqualant Moisture Sealant. You apply it when you get out of the shower, you want to stay a little damp, and it seals the water into your skin. It also is full of antioxidants and has a little retinol which will help exfoliate. We sell this for $36.00

Family Videos

2010-01-07T18:25:00.001-06:00

I thought I would say goodbye to the holidays by posting an old family video of us on Christmas Eve doing out traditional skits, talents, singing, and more. This video brought back so many memories. One being that we wore these antlers and noses as we would go from door to door delivering gifts to friends, families, and neighbors. We would hop out of the car, run up to the door, ring the door bell and when they opened the door we would begin singing "We Wish You a Merry Christmas"

.....and we thought this was normal. Every family does this, right?

Well, speaking of videos. My sister sent off a hilarious video to AFV (America's Funniest Home Videos) and yesterday they called her! They wanted us to fill out the release forms so they could look into putting it on a future show! I mean, what if we win!? How funny would that be!?

Okay, so I have posted the video before but here it is again...

It is probably funnier for people who don't know us because they think Mac is the Dad. I am sure I will be posting more on this later, but for now, let's hope we make the cut!

Mac in Birmingham Magazine: Smart living, savvy business

2009-12-31T15:44:00.000-06:00

Mac made Birmingham Magazine with his Sweet Potato Gnocchi!

(btw ladies.....he's taken :)

Standard Bistro’s Mac Russell prepares a tasty and simple gnocchi.

By Jan Walsh Photos by Miller Mobley

A new addition to the Standard Bistro menu is Executive Chef Mac Russell’s Fudge Family Pork Mania. The Sweet Potato gnocchi side for this dish is one that can easily be matched with any other proteins yet goes especially well with chicken.

Sweet Potato Gnocchi Recipe

Ingredients:

6 sweet potatoes
2 Idaho potatoes
3 eggs
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for rolling out gnocchi)
2 tablespoons herb salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
Chopped flat-leaf parsley
Fresh herbs like sage, savory and/or marjoram
1/2 cup fried chestnuts or roasted hazelnuts for garnish
1/4 cup chopped flat-leaf parsley and fresh sage leaves

Procedure:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Roast the sweet potatoes until tender, 20 to 30 minutes. Set aside to cool.

Boil the Idaho potatoes until a knife pierces them easily.

After all of the potatoes have cooled, work them through a food mill or potato ricer. In a bowl, combine all the potatoes, by mixer or by hand, with the eggs, flour, salt and pepper. Mix only enough to incorporate all of the ingredients. Test by taking a small portion of the dough with floured hands, form into a ball and blanch in boiling salted water. When it floats, remove, taste and adjust seasoning.

Shape the gnocchi into one-inch ropes, then cut into oneinch squares. Mark with the back of a fork. Heat a saute pan over medium-high heat. Add all herbs except parsley.

Boil shaped gnocchi until they float. Add gnocchi to pan.

Season with salt and pepper. Sauté until the gnocchi is slightly golden on that one side. Add nuts and finish with fresh chopped flat leafed parsley.

Finished Banquette

2009-12-29T12:45:00.000-06:00

So, I finally bought a cow at Scott's in Atlanta! I got it for $100 which is an unbelievable price for this much leather/suede. Normally the leather man at Scott's sells his leather for $150, but since it was the only one left he gave it to us for $100. I wasn't initially going to get this color or type of leather but it does go with my pewterish (I don't think that is a word, but you get my drift) color scheme AND since getting leather was one of the main reasons I was going up there I figured it was a God-send. He just so happen to pick it out for me!

this is the final product...

I will soon show you the table that my grandfather is working on which will go with this bench one day!

Tacky, The Club, and family Christmas

2009-12-21T22:23:00.000-06:00

Friday night:

I participated in this tacky christmas party wearing my mother's High School sorority (TKD) fall formal dress...

it is a red and green gingham white collard dress. Real cute.

Notice I wore a tank top underneath due to the hole in the middle of the dress...

Mom is still trying to find the picture of her wearing it in High School. She thinks the dress "didn't hit her at that spot"..."I can't imagine wearing that dress with that hole in that spot in High School!"

Once you find it mom, let me know!

Saturday night:

We went to family tradition of going to The Club with my Dad's side of the family...

And Sunday:

We did our "immediate family Christmas" the Sunday before Christmas this year to spread things out a little bit.

Since I was little our family has celebrated Christmas primarily on Christmas eve. We go to both sets of grandparents that day...

my mom's parents for lunch and my dad's for dinner.

Fortunately we are so blessed to have all of our grandparents still alive and going strong! And now that my parents are grandparents

they want to start building their family traditions thus the "immediate family Christmas day" came about and it is ALL DAY and SOOOO FUN!

At this joyous occasion we:

Cooked some really good food!

Skyped my cousin Rachel in China to say Merry Christmas and WE MISS YOU AND KEITH!

...here is us "skyping" for the first time:

It was 7:00 p.m. for us but 8:00 a.m. for Rachel and Keith...so we basically said good morning!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lH4rGMAAa6E

Here is her blog to see the family photo of us via skype

We tried to get pretty pictures taken:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D05cgAMlZ68

The newest addition to our family, baby Rhodes:

Lovey (mother) always gets a toy for all the boys to play with outside...this was the toy this year. You basically put a target on your chest and try to throw the ball on the velcro target.

Robert set up a game and here he is as a "moving target" worth 20 points! Yes, his arms are swaying back and forth as he moves left and right- very creative! Mac is a "still" target in the back ground...

There goes Robert again...

We exchanged gifts

I gave this limbo toy to the kids it was the most popular gift being played in the back of Smith's Variety:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=okgdQRG74Ww

And, some "Blessings in a Bottle"... I infused garlic and red pepper into the oil and bottled it for the fam...

a little drizzle will give a little kick and a little flava

Mac and I have already used some of our gifts...one was a gift card to PF Changs which we used Monday night. Then we came home and rested in all of our snugly accessories! Thank you for our gifts we love them all! I need to get rested for the rest of the holidays!

Let the festivities continue!

I hope you have a very Merry Christmas!

Craigslist Chairs

2009-12-02T21:36:00.000-06:00

I LOVE craigslist. Even though it can be kinda sketchy to meet random people for a purchase. But, I just love to look on it a couple times a week to see what it out there...you never know what you are going to find.

When I communicated with the sellers on these items I talked to the wife via email. Which, you never really know if you are really talking to the "wife." I mean, who knows who it could really be. So, no worries I had my guard up. The wife told me to meet her husband at the Dairy Queen off 459 where Tazikis, Billy's, and a few other stores are. In other words, it is nicely lit up and should be pretty safe. So, I arrived about 15 minutes before 6:00 PM which is when we were supposed to meet there. I call Fred to a) confirm that we are meeting here and b) to tell him I was already there. Fred said he had someone at his house fixing something and he would be able to be at the DQ by 6:00. So, I wait. As 6:00 rolls around his black SUV pulls up quickly and he hops out wearing a "life is good" type t-shirt. First impressions: very clean cut, nice looking man. Well, right when he hops out he says, "So sorry I am late, the chairs are actually in the storage unit 2 miles down the road...would you like to follow me and unload them there?"

Uhhh!? I have never been in this position before. Keep in mind this particular storage unit is PITCH BLACK DARK. I think my face spoke for itself, because shortly after Fred said, " I mean, I don't mind going to pick them up....I just didn't want to be any later!"

Whoo!

"Yeah, I don't mind waiting. If you don't mind, that would be great."

So, needless to say, I wait another 20 minutes, but I came home with these beauties...well, not really beauties....They are pure 70's mustard yellow with velvet cushions!

I did try to bargain with Fred, but he said many other people wanted these chairs too so $50 each was the lowest he would go.

At first I didn't realize I could unscrew the cushion from the chair, so I covered it to do my layers of paint. BTW, this bright lady was the one that gave me the idea to unscrew the cushion.

Then I painted it with a color called Knights Armor... a dark grey color. It's kind of the Anthropologie grey/gold/yellowish look. Of course, I have to give some very slight gold highlights here and there with a gold spray paint and do a sponged coat with an Antique Glaze.

Once I realized I could unscrew the cushion, it allowed me to paint the wicker part. So, I painted that with the same color but did not apply the Antique Glaze which makes any color look darker. So the wicker looks a little lighter than the edges.

Then I applied some nailhead trim...

My dog insisted that I take a few pics of her in the chair, even though I am

NOT done with these suckers- I don't think!... But, of course, I gave in.

Audrey: "How about this pose?"

"Or this?"

"No, this one."

"I don't know, I think this is my better side...?"

I am debating on covering the cushion cowhide. What do you think?

More than thankful...

2009-12-02T19:29:00.000-06:00

Continuing my updates....Thanksgiving was great!

We put on our gear...

Pop joined us by driving the mule around. This is his typical location during a hunt...

Getting ready to go kill the turkey that we ate at lunch and dinner!

This little pup helped us...

Amos is in training...

Mac geared up and ready to go!

Mac killed the winning turkey!

And, he cleaned it out and then plucked the feathers and it turned out like this...

(Okay, we didn't really go turkey hunting or kill a turkey... but that would have been cool!)

However, we did participate in the Annual Russell Thanksgiving Quail hunt

AND,

Rayne made the Chez Fon Fon caramel ganache tart... it was divine!

It went along with the rest of our dessert table...

After a big lunch we drove 7 miles down the road to what we are calling

"The Roost"

Mac's parents have been building this house for the past year and it is almost finished. They should be moving in in the next couple of weeks.

This is a sneak peek:

This is the view. But, this picture doesn't do it justice...

It is a beautiful view especially when the leaves are changing colors. Can you picture it?

The pic below is the side of the house facing the view.

The screened in porch is on the left and master bedroom on the right.

Guest rooms are upstairs with a really cute bunk room.

Aren't the stairs cute!

kitchen:

Happy Thanksgiving!

Now let's get ready for Christmas!

Chef Mac and Standard Bistro

2009-12-02T08:43:00.000-06:00

I thought I should highlight/(brag :) on Mac a little...

He is doing such a great job at Standard Bistro. His hard work is paying off!

http://www.birminghamrestaurants.com/:

Mac Russell

Standard Bistro

Chef Mac Russell, born and raised in Selma, Alabama, learned the love of cooking during his childhood. Whether dove or quail hunting, there was always a reason to have a large get together. He was mentored with this party planning by his four aunts, mother and grandparents as they gathered in the kitchen at their Ranch outside of Selma. So for Chef Mac food brings happy memories involving family and friends being very active together. When a large family is involved, as well as a kitchen team, it often produces a lot of high energy. Mac obviously thrives on this as evidenced from his quarterbacking days at Hampden-Sydney College, where he set every passing record. While attending Culinard, after graduating with honors from Hampden Sydney, he worked under renowned chef Chris Hastings at Hot and Hot Fish Club and learned the ropes to set records in the restaurant business. While there, he met his future wife and greatest blessing and served up some love. Restaurant management and wines were the subject of his intense study during the summer of 2004 in Florence, Italy. Traveling in Europe opened up his knowledge of these cuisines and how simple classics can be life changing. Chef Russell, to gain further and a much different experience, then spent two years managing and revamping the culinary horizon of one of America's favorite bar's, the Flora-Bama. From Italy to the Redneck Riviera, Chef Mac Russell is proud to bring his unique culinary perspective to the Standard Bistro. Come take a tour of flavors with him at the Bistro!

Birmingham News:

Standard Bistro's new chef, Mac Russell, has ties to Chris Hastings

By Bob Carlton -- The Birmingham News
November 24, 2009, 10:15AMMac Russell is the new executive chef at the Standard Bistro in Mt Laurel. "Those people out there have such a hidden jewel," Russell says. "It's a perfect local hangout, but also a great place to have a destination food experience." (News Staff/Beverly Taylor)Mac Russell, who earned his culinary stripes under Chris Hastings at Hot and Hot Fish Club, has taken over chef duties at Standard Bistro in Mt Laurel. Russell is Hastings' hand-picked choice to replace Alan Martin, who, in July, left Standard Bistro after about six years to reopen the restaurant at the Victoria Inn in Anniston. "Mac and I go way back," Hastings says. "He started years ago in our kitchen here at the Hot and Hot, and his enthusiasm and passion for cooking and flavors and understanding the farm-to-table concept is clear." Hastings manages the business end of the Standard Bistro for owner EBSCO Industries, and had filled in as the chef there until he hired the 29-year-old Russell to replace Martin. "That's helped a lot to come into a place where expectations are so high because those are my expectations, also," Russell says. A Selma native, Russell started at Hot and Hot in 2003 and also has worked at the Renaissance Ross Bridge Golf Resort & Spa in Hoover and the Flora-Bama Oyster Bar & Grill near Orange Beach. While working at a surfside honky-tonk like the Flora-Bama might seem like unusual training for a fine-dining establishment such as the Standard Bistro, Russell says it was an invaluable experience for learning the food business. "(Owner) Joe Gilchrist is a wonderful businessman; he built an empire," Russell says. "The people in charge have been there forever, and I was very blessed to have them teach me a lot from the business aspect." As far the food preparation is concerned, Russell plans to apply much of what he's learned from Hastings to what he has planned for the Standard Bistro. "My philosophy has come from Chris and just the way he's done such a fabulous job of doing good, clean Southern flavors and using the best local ingredients," Russell says. The Standard Bistro dinner menu, which changes daily, features such entrees as chicken paillard with garlic grits ($28), pork with sweet potato gnocchi ($29) and tuna with mushroom rice ($32). Much like a scientist in the kitchen, Russell says he likes to experiment with old recipes and invent new ones. "I'm trying to not only do good ol' Southern things that I was raised on, but also do them in a way that's healthier, using modern techniques like molecular gastronomy," he says. Standard Bistro is at 3 Mt Laurel Ave. The phone number is 995-0512 and the Web address is https://blog.advance.net/mt-static/html/www.standardbistro.com. Dinner hours are 5:30 to 10 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays, and lunch hours are 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.

Shelby County Reporter:

Published Monday, October 12, 2009
MT LAUREL — Chef Mac Russell of The Standard Bistro isn’t shy about his love for food.
“We want to spank your taste buds,” Russell proclaimed. “It’s all about blowing away your senses.” To give patrons that senses–blowing experience, Russell plans to take Southern food and up the ante with progressive techniques and unique combinations.
...........

Going far beyond standard

Chef Mac Russell plans to whip up a variety of chef tasting menus in an effort to "spank customers' taste buds." Russell wants to up the ante at The Standard Bistro on every level.
“Growing up, food wasn’t an after–thought, it was a focus,” he said.

Russell wants people to see any meal they enjoy at the bistro as an event. He said the meal could be as humble as a fried quail supper, created in a way that makes it special.
He said he wants people to come enjoy a good drink and new chef–tasting menus during a game. A tasting menu might include a grilled ciabatta with a chicken liver mousse and French bleu cheese.

Though the ingredients might seem foreign to some, Russell doesn’t want people to be intimidated by a menu. He wants instead for the bistro to become a local hangout –– drawing people with the restaurant’s food and atmosphere. What he hopes they leave with is a new appreciation and love for a good meal.

“You’re going to see the picture and where we’re trying to go. You’re going to grow your food knowledge and enjoy great food while doing so,” he said. Russell spent about a decade working on and off for Birmingham’s Hot & Hot Fish Club, while attending culinary school and traveling to places like Italy to study wine and food pairings.

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So, go eat there with friends over the holidays!