One Inspired Mama

Ahhh, the upside of pregnancy...

noreply@blogger.com (GinSalas) — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 22:38:00 +0000

By far, the best thing about being pregnant is having a craving...going with it...and ahhhhh ecstasy! I bought the juiciest blackberries at our local farmers market this week and wanted to give Blackberry Cobbler a try. I looked for a recipe that I had the ingredients for and found this one from the Pioneer Woman, whose food blog regularly keeps me drooling over my keyboard. It ended up being the BEST cobbler that I've ever had in my life (forgive me Grandma). It came out of the oven with the berries bursting and the juices bubbling and the crust around the edges of the dish tasted exactly like shortbread cookies. My husband and I were in Heaven. Because I'm from TX, I had to add a scoop of Blue Bell Homemade Vanilla. Sweet Perfection. My husband is sooo happy that I'm out of the 1st trimester funk and am cooking again. He loves me pregnant...it's the one time I cook with abandon. Wish these screens came with a scratch and sniff (or taste) function, because while this picture is drool-worthy, it just does not do the experience justice! Thank God we left some for tonight!

It's been a while...

noreply@blogger.com (GinSalas) — Wed, 26 May 2010 00:11:00 +0000

Well, I've dropped off the face of the earth for the last few months as far as blogging is concerned. Life has been a rollercoaster to say the least.

My business has grown exponentially thanks to my addiction to Facebook (Become a Fan here). See, honey, there is some value to being glued to my computer screen at every spare moment of the day! I've had to really learn how to balance my time with my toddler in order to pull off completing those orders. I've had to beg for help from my Mom, work late nights, and have recently recruited my BFF to help me going forward. It's fun and exciting and exhausting! I have learned so much over the last year and am happy to still have that long running list of things that I plan to do YESTERDAY!

Amid these small successes, the most exciting thing to happen here at Casa de Salas is the impending addition of baby number 2! That's right, I'm 11 weeks pregnant with Evan's baby brother or sister...the determination of which will be known in about 2 weeks. So far, I've had a rough first trimester, but am coming out on the other side and am feeling great! Onward and upward. Time to get busy! I've got orders to fill, a website to complete, and that list of new projects to work through. I have a toddler to chase, a new baby to prepare for, and a home to maintain. Oh, and I'd better stop to post here and there along the way! How else am I going to remember what went on during this time? Oh, and here's one of the latest pics of the munchkin for your viewing enjoyment. This little guy makes it all worthwhile.

Eggplant Lasagna

noreply@blogger.com (GinSalas) — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 04:21:00 +0000

I love coming up with new recipes that satisfy both my desire for great food and a more narrow behind! My eggplant lasagna recipe uses no meat or pasta, but I can assure you that they will not be missed.

You will need:

Olive Oil Cooking Spray

Big Eggplant, sliced lengthwise into 1/4" 'noodles'

2 red bell peppers, chopped

2 big handfuls of mushrooms, sliced

4 pack of Breakstone's Live Active 2% milk cottage cheese

bag of 2% milk mozzarella cheese

1 can Muir Glen organic Pizza Sauce (because it's olive oil based and contains no high fructose corn syrup)

Tony Chachere's, crushed red pepper, basil, oregano, garlic powder to taste

Spray the pieces of eggplant with olive oil cooking spray and place under your broiler. Let it get lightly browned on each side. Saute the bell peppers and mushrooms in olive oil cooking spray. Set aside. In a bowl, mix cottage cheese, basil, oregano, Tony Chachere's, crushed red pepper, and garlic powder (don't be shy...the only thing you need to watch the amount of is the Tony Chachere's and crushed red pepper). Set aside. Spray a 13 x 9 pan with olive oil cooking spray, add a little pizza sauce on the bottom, spread 1/2 of the eggplant across the bottom, spread 1/2 of the cottage cheese mixture over the pieces, spread 1/2 of the pizza sauce over that, add 1/2 of the bell pepper & mushrooms over that, 1/2 of the mozzarella cheese over that, and repeat for one more layer.

Bake at 400, covered with foil, for 15 minutes, uncover and bake about another 15 minutes until cheese is melted and it's bubbly.

1/4 of the 13 x 9 pan is only 310 calories and 14g of fat!!!

Enjoy!

My Inner Healthnut

noreply@blogger.com (GinSalas) — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 22:14:00 +0000

I know, I know. It's January 5th, a time of year that we all resolve to be better eaters, avid exercisers, nary a vice in sight. So, I'm sure a blogpost such as this is more than a little predictable. The truth is, over the past couple of years, I have become a freak when it comes to health and nutrition. I became particularly interested in this topic when I had trouble getting pregnant a couple of years ago. My cycles were anything but regular. I was overweight and very unhealthy. My gynecologist immediately wrote a referral to a reproductive endocrinologist to get my infertility sorted. I left her office with tears streaming down my face, knowing that I just was not ready to head down that road. I had witnessed so many women go through it and did not feel that I was emotionally ready for it. I decided to give my body a little more time to do it's thing and do a little research of my own. What I found was that there are a number of things in every day food items that can alter your hormones. I started buying mostly organic whole foods and began the slow journey to becoming a healthier person. I am far from perfect and loved my cocktails, so it took a while, but eventually my cycles became closer and closer together and when they were 6 weeks apart and I started dropping a few pounds, I got pregnant. What happened next is pretty amazing. I dropped 15 pounds in the first few weeks of pregnancy (with minimal morning sickness). By the end of it all, I'd only gained 10 pounds. After his birth, I made the commitment to breastfeed for the first year. One of the biggest deciding factors, other than the benefits to my child, was that new research showed that it completes the natural hormonal cycle that a woman goes through with her pregnancy, returning her body to a hormonally sound state. Almost a year later, I weigh 35 pounds less than I did when I got pregnant. I still have about the same amount to lose, but am confident that if I focus on what I've learned, it will take care of itself. The coolest thing about all that has happened is that my self esteem is in a place that it hasn't been in many years and my old body image issues are ruling me no longer. Am I the skinny minny I was when I was 17? No. Absolutely not. But, I wasn't a D cup back then either, and you won't catch me bitching about that.

I know that if I'm going to continue to have babies well into my 30's, and be able to keep up with them through their upbringing, I have to be serious about my health. So, you'll probably find me going on about a random health fact that I'm geeked out about, a recipe I've thrown together in my kitchen, or how I've fallen off the wagon and have been gorging on Culver's chocolate custard with caramel and Snickers pieces. After all, this fluctuation in resolve is what makes us so wholly human, is it not?

Now, on to purging my shelves of all the junk that has collected there over the holiday season. Out with the trans-fat and sugar-laden chips, cookies, and crackers. Bring on the lean protein, whole grains, and veggies. Oh, and before you begin to think that all joy will be gone from my life, please remember that I am a lover of food in all forms. I guarantee you that when I'm going on about my grilled shrimp, mango and avocado salad with honey-lemon vinaigrette, you will be hard-pressed to remember that I'm on anything resembling a diet.

As the new year approaches, the excitement builds...

noreply@blogger.com (GinSalas) — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 15:20:00 +0000

Well, I most definitely dropped off the face of the earth during the month of December. Between filling Christmas orders and taking care of a sick baby, I did not have much motivation to write. Now that this hectic month is wrapping up, I can say that I am so excited about what is to come in the New Year. What better way to start things off than by having my products featured in the online baby boutique, My Bellisima Baby? I was approached a couple of weeks ago and am honored to be one of the Etsians selected to stock their virtual shelves alongside their commercial vendors. The site launches January 1st, and will be filled with more and more of my items as I develop them throughout the year. So exciting!

Looking back on the last year is absolutely bittersweet. I cannot believe that January brings my baby's first birthday! When people tell you that it goes by so fast, you think yes, I'm sure it does, but what a huge understatement! I feel like I blinked and am looking at a toddler. Evan has grown into this walking, babbling ball of independence. How beautiful it has been to be here every day to witness it. I feel so blessed.

It's amazing to me how having a baby changes every little thing about your life. The way you feel about and deal with others. The way you feel about yourself. Even this little business of mine can be attributed to the addition of Evan to my life. Speaking of, I NEVER would have thought that within 6 months of the very first inspiration, that I would be here, announcing a retail launch. I really do believe that when you find something you are passionate about, success follows. I still have a million little ideas to bring into fruition and can't wait to get started. Bring on the New Year!

New Additions for Your Little Man!

noreply@blogger.com (GinSalas) — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 18:14:00 +0000

I am so excited to finally add items for little boys to my shop! Check out these bodysuits adorned with neckties. My sweet boy wore the Perfect Polka Dot Tie for Thanksgiving and it was a bit hit!

They are also available in the following prints:

Snazzy Snowflake

New Year Cheer

Strident Stripe

Awesome Argyle

And, of course, Dad's favorite, Baseball!

I was also asked by a friend to make her son a bib. I came up with the following denim and baseball reversible bib. It features a layer of terry for extra absorbency and velcro closure. A monogram can be added as well!

This is just the first of many exciting projects that I'm working on. It is so fun to receive custom orders!

Whew!

noreply@blogger.com (GinSalas) — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 21:03:00 +0000

I needed a couple of days to just hibernate after that holiday! I literally cleaned, shopped, and cooked for more than 12 hours each day last week. My hands were raw and swollen and I was completely wiped! My baby, who turned 10-months-old on Thanksgiving Day, wanted his Mama back (thanks Mom for wrestling him while I was working)! It was soooo worth it though! Here are a few snapshots of what I am so thankful for:

Evan, in his tie bodysuit made by yours truly! See the Silly Cheeks Baby Boutique tab for a link to my shop!

No, you haven't had too much vino...there are 3 babies there! My triplet nephews Luke and Cruz and niece Gracie! Their cheeks are fabulous!

Oh, and the grub! It turned out beautifully! Check out my Clementine-Salted Turkey, Chipotle Cranberry Sauce, and Scalloped Potatoes with Fennel!

And here is a happy Evan, eating his first Thanksgiving Dinner!

I hope you enjoyed your holiday as much as we did! Now, time to get ready! I'm obviously certifiable to be hosting Christmas too!

Bon Appetit!

noreply@blogger.com (GinSalas) — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 00:42:00 +0000

Have I bitten off more than I can chew? Pun intended.

I've decided to take on the following recipes from the Thanksgiving issue of Bon Appetit for this Thursday's celebration at my house and will report in a couple a days on how it went. Wish me luck!

Clementine-Salted Turkey with Redeye Gravy

Wild Rice and Mushroom Stuffing

Green Beans and Walnuts with Lemon Vinaigrette

Scalloped Potatoes and Fennel

Herb and Cheese Poppers

Photos by Elinor Carucci

The Big Chili Cheese Dog Fakeout

noreply@blogger.com (GinSalas) — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 02:13:00 +0000

I'm married to a man who loves to, in his own words, "get all chili cheesed out". I gain 10 pounds just by hearing these words. So, I had to come up with a healthy alternative. If you've never cooked with veggie protein before, then this is a great recipe to start with! Don't knock it 'til you've tried it!

I buy the 2 Alarm Chili kit in the packaged seasoning / gravy section of the grocery store. Make it according to the package directions, but instead of 2 lbs. of beef, I use 1 lb. (a package) of Morning Star Farms Meal Starters Grillers Recipe Crumbles (found in the frozen section), 2 cans of beans (I use black beans or chili beans), and I sub out the tomatoes for a can of Rotel tomatoes with green chilies.

I use 100% whole wheat hot dog buns, turkey hot dogs, and shredded 2% milk Mexican-blend cheese. So good and a fraction of the calories!

Mommy, the ultimate teether.

noreply@blogger.com (GinSalas) — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 15:57:00 +0000

The latest battle I am fighting in this War on Motherhood is teething. TEETHING. I knew it was going to be rough, but I didn't know that it would last this long! Why don't they tell you that it takes WEEKS for a tooth to come in? The time period from the first bit of fussiness when the gums get a little red until the tooth has fully come in is an absolute ETERNITY. Evan has his two bottom teeth and has been working on the top four for the last month. He has two through the gums, but still coming all the way in and two currently erupting. On days like today, I'm not the least bit ashamed to admit that I'm alternating between Motrin and Tylenol with teething tablets thrown in for good measure. I know it's going to be a rough day when the least little thing causes my normally cheerful baby to dissolve into tears. He wants to nurse all day. The real problem is that my boy is a biter. He loves to sink his teeth into my arm, my leg, my shoulder, and yes, sometimes even my breast. Ouch. I've read up on how to make him stop and most of the posts are adamant about taking a stern stance and even biting back to get it under control. Yes, even to a 9 month old baby. Not hard, mind you, but enough to get their attention. I've tried it all. A stern talking to. A mild thump on his cheek. Nothing works. And what exactly was I supposed to do yesterday while checking out at the grocery store, when he was throwing a fit for me to pick him up. I was trying to pay and didn't respond immediately to his demands (which I don't really have an issue with because the child needs to learn some boundaries) and he sunk his teeth into my arm. Can't really get on to him much in the middle of the store and it's not like he would remember it five minutes later! You can hardly tell a 9 month old that we will be discussing this in the car. The problem is that to him, it just FEELS SO GOOD. Which I understand. I love how people are so quick to say, "Well, just give him something to chew on!" Like the thought had never occurred to me. Like I hadn't given the kid a frozen washcloth, cold spoon, frozen fruit in a feeder, teething biscuit, cold teether...must I go on? He could care less about all of these things and has gotten more than a little P-O'd at me for forcing them on him. Oh, and the temper this child has. Which I also understand. He came by it honestly, right? So, we'll just keep at it and meanwhile I'm hoping...PRAYING...that these teeth finish their debut before I have a houseful of people for Thanksgiving...as I can hardly whip up a gourmet meal with a screaming baby hanging off my boob! Off to our playdate now, can you please say a prayer that he doesn't decide (at the one moment that I'm not watching him like a hawk) to sink those chompers into some other poor unsuspecting child?

Brown Sugar & Chile Rubbed Salmon

noreply@blogger.com (GinSalas) — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 02:53:00 +0000

This is one of my absolute faves! If you do not care much for salmon, give this a shot. I've converted many a salmon-hater with this recipe! It's quick and easy with very little clean-up. Perfect for weeknight dinners!

Before we get started, I cannot stress enough the importance of buying wild-caught Alaskan salmon over the Atlantic or farm-raised versions. You will absolutely notice the difference in quality. Buy it frozen. This may surprise you, but frozen fish is actually fresher than what you would buy at the seafood counter in the grocery store. It is frozen within hours of being caught. What you get at the counter has been transported. Also, many of the varieties were frozen and then thawed there at the store to be served at the counter. To thaw them quickly, put the packaged salmon in water in the sink for half an hour. Remove skin (or buy skinless). Rinse and pat dry.

Preheat oven to 425. Lay out a large piece of foil and drizzle olive oil across the center. Add 1 t Tony Chachere's, 1 T chili powder, 1 t garlic powder, and 2 T brown sugar per fillet. Mix together lightly with your fingers. Place the salmon fillets over the mixture and gently rub it into the fillets. Wrap in foil and fold in to seal. Place on a baking sheet and cook for 25 minutes.

Serve over mixed salad greens with a drizzle of balsamic vinaigrette. A little feta and cracked black pepper over the top is great as well.

Enjoy!

Chicken Tortilla Soup

noreply@blogger.com (GinSalas) — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 20:35:00 +0000

This is by far one of my most requested recipes. When there is something new that I want to try, I search through numerous recipes online, picking out what I like and don't like about each of them and then compile my own variation. The base of this recipe is from The Junior League of Houston's cookbook, Stop and Smell the Rosemary. I'm not big on cookbooks, but this one is definitely worth purchasing. The recipes are great for entertaining! I changed their recipe to add a little heat and simplify it for quick preparation.

Chicken Tortilla Soup

1 Rotisserie Chicken, deboned

1 onion, chopped
2 cloves of garlic, minced

1 bunch cilantro, leaves chopped

1 package of 30 yellow corn tortillas

3 cans Rotel tomatoes and green chilies

2 cartons Chicken Broth

3 bay leaves

Tony Chachere's seasoning (absolute must-have in my kitchen!)
Chili Powder

Garlic Powder

Cumin

Garnish:

2% Milk Mexican Blend Cheese

1 Avocado, cubed

Light Sour Cream

Cut 20 tortillas into 1 inch pieces, fry in skillet with canola oil. Drain on paper towels and set aside. Cut remaining 10 tortillas into strips. Heat 6 T Canola Oil in a large pot. Saute tortilla strips, stirring and separating frequently, until crisp. Add chopped onion, garlic and cilantro. Cook until onion is softened. Add cans of Rotel, bring to a boil. Add chicken broth. Season with Tony Chachere's, Chili Powder, Garlic Powder, and Cumin to taste. (If you are completely unsure, measure about 2 T Tony Chachere's, 2 T Chili Powder, 1 T Garlic Powder, and 1 T cumin. If you are sensitive to spicy food, keep in mind that the rotel tomatoes and the Tony Chachere's will add heat. Either adjust the seasoning or swap out all or part of the Rotel for canned tomatoes.) Add 3 bay leaves, simmer 30 minutes. Add chicken, remove bay leaves, heat through, and serve. Garnish with avocado, cheese, a dallop of sour cream, and tortilla crisps. Enjoy!

This Real Housewife gets a shout out!

noreply@blogger.com (GinSalas) — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 03:41:00 +0000

In October, I was honored to be featured in the blog, Project Mommyhood! I was interviewed and I offered one of my Butterfly Garden Baby Blankets as a Giveaway. I was informed of the winner, Denene Millner, Editor and Founder of the blog, My Brown Baby. I sent her the blanket and followed up a few days later to see if she received it. Meanwhile, I checked out a few of her blog posts and absolutely loved what she had to say. She and I corresponded a few times thereafter. Imagine my surprise when I tuned in to Rachael Ray that day and she announced that her next segment was centered around a few "Mommy Bloggers" who would offer their perspective on Motherhood and first up was none other than Denene Millner of My Brown Baby...WHAT?! Denene was skyped in and I'm not even sure I heard what she had to say because I was so blown away that this was the woman that I had been emailing back and forth with. I looked back at her blog and discovered that she was the co-author of Steve Harvey's book, Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man (which I saw featured on Oprah a few months back), wrote the book version of Dreamgirls, and...drumroll please...biographer of none other than NeNe Leakes of The Real Housewives of Atlanta! Now, you have to understand...in my house, the first thing that my husband asks when his butt hits the couch is, "Is there any good reality on tonight?" Needless to say, I was thrilled to find the following review of my blanket by none other than, Denene Millner. I know...if I ever meet a full-blown celebrity face-to-face, someone had better have a crash cart!

The picture does this blanket no justice... it's is absolutely STUNNING in person. I won the blanket in the Project Mommyhood contest, and honest to goodness, when I pulled it out of the box, I was blown away. It is thick and lush and colorful and EXTREMELY well made. It really does look like a blanket I would pay GOOD money for in a high-end store. (Indeed, I had to fight my 7-year-old, a blanket fiend, from taking it into her room... I'm going to give it to my sister-in-law who is due with a new baby in the coming month.)

Thank you for the beautiful gift!

Revamping My Blog - One Inspired Mama!

noreply@blogger.com (GinSalas) — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 04:50:00 +0000

I am thrilled to announce my new blog format! This imaginative new layout was designed by Keshia Larsen of Urban Design Studio 1. Thank you Keshia!

Along with this new design, you can expect that I will bring you:

A look at the building of my new business, The Silly Cheeks Baby Boutique.
My perspective as a first-time Mom, battling my way through my own personal War on Motherhood!
Rants from The Soap Box about everything from the Finding Happiness to the Food Industry!
Easy Healthy Recipes via Cooking with Ginger! I have been flattered by requests from my friends and family to write a cook book. Follow my pursuits as an Amateur Chef!
Talented Artists that I have come across under Fabulous Finds!

I hope you enjoy all that is to come!

October's Featured Etsyblogger!

noreply@blogger.com (GinSalas) — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 02:23:00 +0000

This month's featured Etsyblogger is Made by Melissa! Check out her Skull Charm necklace HERE as it is a perfect choice for Halloween!

The Perfect Beginning to the Holiday Season!

noreply@blogger.com (GinSalas) — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 02:07:00 +0000

I've spent the last couple of afternoons strolling around my neighborhood with Evan in an attempt to keep him up a little longer so that the time change will be a little easier on us all. I was so excited to buy him his first radio-flyer to cruise the neighborhood in on Halloween. He loves riding in it. It's given us the opportunity to really enjoy the beautiful weather and check out all of the awesome Halloween decor. My neighbors really know how to go all-out for the holidays! Yesterday, we pulled up to a particularly spook-tacular display and it was so fun to watch my 9-month old's face light up! My husband asked what I'd like to do this year for my birthday, as it is on the 28th, and I am honestly more than content with taking Evan trick-or-treating for the first time and then hanging out watching all of the other kids come by for the rest of the evening! I'm learning that the holidays are so much more fun when you have children to share them with!

The Celebration of a Lifetime!

noreply@blogger.com (GinSalas) — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 11:40:00 +0000

Four years ago today, I married my best friend. Seriously. He is the person that I laugh the most with and can tell anything to!

If I had to pick one day (or weekend for that matter) of my life to relive, it would be the weekend of my wedding. We were married in the coastal city of Galveston, Texas, in the first brick home ever built in the state of Texas, the Ashton Villa. The Italianate mansion survived the Great Storm of 1900, a hurricane that stole the lives of more than 6,000 men, women, and children. It is rumored to be haunted and is one of many stops on the Galveston Ghost Tour. I chose it simply because it is beautiful.

We began our weekend by spending a girl's day at the Spa at the San Luis Hotel, getting pampered and ready for the rehearsal dinner. It was really casual, at The Ocean Grill, a restaurant that was destroyed in September 2008 by Hurricane Ike. We had an unexpectedly amazing time that night. My long-estranged parents and their respective spouses sat down and had a great meal together. We presented our wedding party with their gifts and my Dad made a poignant toast. We left the restaurant and proceeded to my Dad's beach house, where we had a night of fun that was a little rowdier than we had planned, but worth every wink of sleep that we missed that night! The next day it was back to the Spa to prepare for the wedding that evening. The excitement and anticipation were overwhelming! I could not wait to experience the event that I had spent the last year planning.

Our not-so-traditional ceremony was held outside the Ashton Villa at the open air gazebo at Harris Garden.

The reception started off with a performance by an award-winning Mariachi Band! The ballroom was beautiful! The caterer did a better job than I could have ever anticipated. I could show photos of the decor, but YAWN, I'd rather show you our guests having what can only be described as a RIDICULOUSLY good time.

People still tell us that it was the most fun they have ever had at a wedding. A huge compliment to me. My main goal throughout the planning process was to create a wedding that would be fun for the guests. I just didn't see the point in going to all that trouble if they didn't!!! At the end of the night, we were still dancing when they were clearing the centerpieces from the tables!

Thanks for taking this walk down memory lane with me. Today I celebrate the 4 year Anniversary of the best decision I've ever made! :-)

Fellow Etsians, Find your Handmade Success!

noreply@blogger.com (GinSalas) — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 17:22:00 +0000

Jordan Moore of Handmade Success is continually coming up with marketing ideas for us! I have purchased several of her plans. They help a newbie like me to find my way around the world of selling online. Check out her blog and enter to win a free consulting session, a $75 value!

Project Mommyhood!

noreply@blogger.com (GinSalas) — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 14:49:00 +0000

I was so thrilled and honored when I was approached by Lesley of Project Mommyhood about being featured on her fantastic blog! Please check out my interview and enter for a chance to win my Butterfly Garden Baby Blanket / Playmat! Thanks Lesley!

And Here It Is!!!

noreply@blogger.com (GinSalas) — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 14:51:00 +0000

It's hard to describe the feeling a Texan gets when October rolls around. No, we don't have 4 distinct equal seasons here. Robbing us of those precious spring and autumn days, the months of May through September can only be described as hellacious. The summer starts out great, but by the time August hits, we are begging for relief! When you break out into a full-on sweat in the walk from the door to your car, it's hard to have a sense of humor for long. Then it happens! That first time you walk out the door to a temperature that you blissfully describe as MILD. Yes, it only lasts for about a month before it gradually develops into what we Texans think of as cold (yes, an embarrassing number like 50)! The leaves turn, the smell of them burning brings to mind the joy of the holidays that are just around the corner. There is an excitement in the air. We Texans find an energy the forgot we had! There is truly nothing like it. So, here's to Autumn in TX! People may not flock here as they do to New England, but it is a magical time nonetheless!

Etsyblogger of the Month!

noreply@blogger.com (GinSalas) — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 02:12:00 +0000

Congratulations DesignsByVanessa!

Check out her shop and leave her a heart! She has some of the most delicate, beautiful pieces that I've seen in quite some time!

http://designsbyvanessa.blogspot.com/

noreply@blogger.com (GinSalas) — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 20:47:00 +0000

It's moments like these that inspired the name of my shop, "Silly Cheeks"!

Hitting those Milestones!

noreply@blogger.com (GinSalas) — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 18:29:00 +0000

I walked into Evan's room this morning to find him standing at the edge of the crib, crying for me. It was just a month or so ago that he started sitting up on his own in his crib! He's 7 1/2 months old and he is crawling all over the house, pulling up on furniture, the back door, me...it's crazy! I never thought I would be dealing with a baby who is into everything this early. It's exhausting, but so fun to watch!

Having one of those Aha! moments that Oprah's always going on about...

noreply@blogger.com (GinSalas) — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 16:21:00 +0000

In my early 20's, I entered the corporate world. At the time, it was an exciting place to be...full of high-powered executives, larger than life accounts, and plenty of rungs in the ladder to climb. I jumped on any and every opportunity that was thrown my way in order to make my place in this world. About the time my 30th birthday rolled around, I started seriously questioning the path that my life was on. I was dissatisfied, unhealthy, and to be quite honest, angry most of the time. What had happened? I went from being a bright, enthusiastic young woman to someone that I hated to look at in the mirror every morning. I had accomplished quite a bit in a short period of time for a girl that had never finished college. There was plenty to be proud of and still plenty of places to go...only I was no longer interested in this destination. Couple that with a boatload of bonus-time cut-throat drama and a failing close friendship with a colleague, and all I wanted to do was run. So I did. I made my decision quickly, went to HR, and said thanks, but no thanks. No thanks to the ulcer-inducing travel itinerary, the egotistical boss...but also no thanks the nice salary and security I'd worked so hard to attain. Thank God for my very supportive husband, who encouraged me to go through with this...on his 30th birthday, no less! I quit, and went through what I now look at as a detox period of sorts. I spent a lot of time alone, re-evaluating myself and my life. My friends and family called me 'brave' to my face, and I'm sure something not to different from 'stupid' behind my back. I worked as a real estate agent during the downturn of the economy. Made just enough money to help out a little. Then, a year later, my life changed. I became pregnant after a year and 7 months of trying. Pregnancy did a strange thing to me. I lost weight. Got healthier. Stronger. Emerged from it not only a mother, but a different woman. It was on the tail-end of this metamorphosis that I started this new business and found that I actually have a creative side that I never knew existed. On to the Aha! Moment...I now realize that what I did out of necessity before is not what I am meant to do for eternity. Just because I had a knack for numbers and problem-solving, does not mean that is who I am. I always knew that something was off, but I'm only now realizing that I was squeezing the life right out of that bright, enthusiastic young woman. Now that I'm making my own rules, spending my time loving on my husband and child, and allowing my true self to come forward, she's back. Aha!

What the fuss is all about...

noreply@blogger.com (GinSalas) — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 00:39:00 +0000

To say that I'm inspired by motherhood is a huge understatement. I simply cannot explain what the last few months have meant to me. I've met a person that has completely stolen my heart, which is something that happens so rarely to a person. I feel like I did when I fell in love with my husband. Euphoric. Amazed. I feel like the world became a sharper, brighter, more wondrous place. This sweet child of mine blows me away with his beauty, his intelligence, his sense of humor, and, of course, his wicked temper. :-) He is my child, after all. I was always a little apprehensive of having children because I was told by so many friends that it puts such a strain on a marriage. It always seemed like such a huge risk to me. I loved my husband so much that I did not want to upset the balance. However, I have to say that so far, my experience has been just the opposite. My husband and I are closer than we ever were before. I count my blessings every single day.

Anyway, I thought I'd make a quick post to try to sum it up and share a couple of photos so that you'll know what the fuss is all about. Ladies and Gents, meet Evan Issac.