This trip was a little bit different for me. I very much wanted to be present for my kids, so I left my camera behind for most of the time we were there. It was a wonderful time and we played our hearts out. Looking forward to going back again next year!

This year I brought my camera along and had some fun capturing the light show. This is the first year I have tried to Photograph fireworks and I had so much fun playing with the settings and seeing what effects I could come up with. Here are a few of my favorites from the evening!

Hope everyone had a safe, fun filled day celebrating the amazing Freedom we have here in the U.S.! A huge thank you to all our troops who help keep it that way

This is how the kids interpreted “Go cuddle with your Mom and Dad!” Ha! SO cute!

Hmmmm, I think Dad must be a superhero.

So this was me and my husband  in November of 2009.

I honestly had to stop and take a deep breath right after I posted this. Wow, did I really just post those picture of me for the world to see? Well, yes. I guess I did. For a reason.

Moving on. And this is us as of last Thursday…

Hmmm. We seem to have lost a pound or two. More like almost 100 pounds between the two of us! So what did we do to get where we are today? I am so glad you asked. There are actually many parts to that story but for the sake of this blog post I will keep it simple and just tell you about one very important part of  the equation.

Meet my secret weapon.  This is my trainer, James “J.R.” Rosania and his instruments of torture Gym equipment. Ha!

He was probably thinking “Hey, go put down that camera and get on the treadmill!” Okay, maybe not exactly that. But close enough. There are a lot of things I can tell you about my trainer. And if you go on over to his Healthplex website, you can read about the numerous awards and achievements he has under his belt, such as being named one of AMERICA’S TOP TRAINERS by Men’s Journal and Vogue magazines. He offers a variety of programs for strength training and weight loss (including nutrition), Triathlon/Marathon training and Dryland Swimming. His clients range from beginners to lifelong athletes, including a sprinkling of both professional and Olympic athletes. My favorite part is that every program he offers is customized for each individual. No “one size fits all” mentality here! Which makes it perfectly do-able for me, the previous non-athlete,  to work out right along side someone who has years of training and experience. I just  go at my own pace and level.

Last year for Christmas I bought my husband, Mark, a Gift Certificate for three months of Personal Training with J.R. I have to come clean and admit I bought the package for him with the full intent of doing the same thing for me when spring rolled around. But big baby that I am, I first wanted to see what Mark thought of the whole experience before I jumped in. Well fast forward to now. I, Sandi Shipley, have become a total and complete convert. (I was going to say “addict” but that doesn’t sound quite as healthy, now does it?!) I have been training with J.R. since May. Definitely ranks high up there on my list of  Best Decisions I have ever made, both for myself and my husband. I workout with him 2 -3 times a week and love it!  I love that I now have time I set aside for myself where nothing else takes priority over me and I am doing something good for myself. All you Moms out there, I know you know what I am talking about. I can chat up with the girls if I want or just put on my headphones and lose myself in my play list and the rhythm of my workout. Is it hard? Yes, some days more than others. Is it worth it? Definitely! J.R. will push you. You will be sore. But you will be all the better for it and glad you showed up.

This was a gift that was life changing for our family. And I don’t use that term lightly. So if you have a loved one that could benefit from working with a Personal Trainer (or you want to drop a major hint for yourself!), get in touch with J.R. at jrhealthplex@aol.com or 602-295-0652. Look him up on his webpage or reach him on his Facebook page!

Okay, so now that we have a gift for Healthy bodies, lets move on to my favorite gift for a healthy state of mind. Hey, it’s all about balance!

There are days when I feel like Humpty Dumpty have fallen off my wall. That’s when I turn to the lovely and talented staff at Atmosphere Salon, who so kindly help me put it all back together!

Atmosphere, A Paul Mitchell Focus Salon,  is co-owned by sisters Danielle and Jamie. I have been a guest of this salon for three years now. And when I say “Guest” I mean “Guest”. There are salons on practically every corner here in Phoenix. Why choose this one?  Because every Stylist at Atmosphere, beyond being extremely talented in their own field,  is a student in the fine Art of Customer Service. From the moment you walk in to the time you sit your newly pampered self back in your car to leave, you will be treated with the utmost of care. Sip a Latte, Hot Cider or Ice Tea while your color is processing or your cut is taking shape. Browse the locally made jewelry before you check out. Enjoy the great music playing in the background and join in on what is most likely lively conversation going on between the stylists and other guests.

The salon itself is a beautiful wide open space with gorgeous natural lighting through out. (Which, as a photographer, I just love!!) And did I mention the Paul Mitchell part?  That translates into a consistent level of education on the newest techniques and excellent products for your hair and body. Care to try a styling tool before you buy? Step on over to the Tool Bar. I have had both Afton and Jaime walk me through different ways to use a Smoothing Iron. Hey, don’t laugh…it’s not as easy as it looks! Well, I could go on and on about this place. What can I say? I am a major fan!

Afton, Vera and Jaime are my Dream Team, although I would wholeheartedly recommend any of the stylists! Afton is my Color and Cut specialist, Vera works magic on my fingers and toes and Jaime tames those unruly eyebrows of mine.  And yes, before you ask, it does apparently take a village   I also bring all three of my kids in for their haircuts.   So drop on by and pick up a Gift Certificate for that special someone on your list.  Atmosphere Salon is located at 49 West Thomas Road here in Phoenix. You can call them at (602) 248-8300 to book your appointment or follow them on Facebook for daily specials!

Well that is all for today. We are almost home…only 7 more shopping days left.  Have a great weekend and see you here next Friday!

Lovely big sister…

Really, are these eyelashes fair?? And such a little ham to boot…

The family all together…

These two were great together!

Thank you, Simpson family for letting me share this part of the Holiday with you!

A new favorite…

Merry Christmas, Hills! Thank you for letting me share this day with you