A little Rob Pattinson, a whole lot of Evil Pawn Jewelry, RockNFashion Show, and my girl, Layne Haley!

I feel like I've been a total slacker when it comes to blogging lately!  Sorry everyone!  This weekend was a little crazy, but definitely a good kind of crazy.  Just tons of stuff going on, even with it being Easter weekend!

Friday night, I went with some friends from work to see, "Water for Elephants."  Now, I haven't read the book yet, and I'm kind of glad that I didn't, because I might not have like the movie as much if I had.  I really enjoyed the movie (maybe because I'm secretly, or not so secretly, in LOVE with Robert Pattinson- don't worry, Jeremy knows all about it.)  

Up super early (5am) on Saturday morning to head downtown to promote one of my absolutely favorite companies (be on the lookout for a company spotlight soon), Evil Pawn Jewelry at Rock Culture Con.  We all had a great time getting dolled up and supporting Faith (owner of EPJ.)  She's definitely one of my favorite designers that I work with and EPJ ROCKS!!!  After promoting, we all did a fashion show, showing off some of Faith's amazing designs.  Be sure to check them all out at:  www.evilpawnjewelry.com

Next:  Rock N Fashion!!!!  I went straight to Rock N Fashion from Rock Culture Con.  Whew...yes, very exhausting, but worth it?  YES!!  This is absolutely one of my favorite fashion shows that I participate in.  I walked for two different boutiques, Nikki Grant Boutique and La-de-da.  

After Rock N Fashion, I wanted nothing more than to go home and crawl in my bed after such a long day...wait that's not true at all.  We left the show around midnight, which meant it was EASTER Sunday!  I had given up pop, red meat, and going to Starbuck's for Lent, so on the way home, I made Jeremy stop at Burger King so I could have a cheeseburger and a Dr. Pepper.  Mmmm....I miss that.  BUT I missed Starbucks, Non-fat, no whip, iced Mocha more.  So on the way to Mom and Dad's from church on Sunday morning, Starbucks was a definite stop we had to make :) 

Easter Sunday was good...I hope you all had a great Easter...I always, always overeat on holidays, but I just can't help it.  I love food, what can I say?

Yesterday was a fabulous day, spending it with my girl, Layne Haley with Layne Haley Photography.  Che Butterfield was at the shoot, shooting video footage, Lora Wade did my makeup and Shana Richardson did my hair.  Everyone did a fantastic job and I can't wait to show everyone the photos!  Here is a teaser pic from the shoot, but we're using these to promote Layne Haley Photography, so the rest won't come until later...

While it was pretty crazy weekend and I was worn out when it was all over, I remember this is why I do what I do.  I met some amazing people this weekend and had a blast!  Being tired is sooooo worth it ;)

Ideas For Future Photoshoots

When I'm reading celebrity gossip and such online, I always seem to find a photo that I really, really like.  Typically, I try to save these all in one folder on my computer, so when photographers ask me for ideas for photoshoots, I know exactly what to tell them.  Here are some of my favorites that I still want to try:

Modeling Portfolio Help? Check out House of Style Productions.

HOUSE OF STYLE PRODUCTIONS:

When starting modeling I had no idea where to begin.  I knew I liked to model, because I had done a little of it when I was younger and had been in a few fashion shows, but to actually start a portfolio...I was clueless.  

I was lucky enough to be contacted by David Hamilton, Founder/CEO/Owner of House of Style Productions.  He found my profile on Model Mayhem and told me about an upcoming portfolio building shoot they were having.  While I had done one photoshoot, with a friend, previous to the House of Style shoot, I knew I needed more practice and different types of images.  

My first photoshoot with House of Style was a breeze!  i was nervous, but they immediately welcomed me in and helped launch my career as a model.  If it wasn't for the advice that David and floor manager, Terrance gave me along the way, who knows if I'd even be with an agency yet. 

A few shots from my first photoshoot with House of Style:

   

House of Style is a fantastic networking based company.  They have portfolio building events across the country, where you can work with several photographers all in one day to quickly build up your portfolio.  

Photographers, Hairstylists, Make-up Artists, Clothing Designers, etc:  This is a great opportunity for you as well!  You can easily build up your portfolio and gain clients from working with House of Style.  They are always looking for new people to work with models at various shoots.

After being involved with House of Style for almost a year now, I have really learned a lot and met a lot of great people.  I am now a Posing Coach for House of Style Kansas City and I absolutely love helping new models.  It's been a great experience and it will only get better!

More recent House of Style shots:

Check out House of Style at:  http://www.houseofstyle.info/

Photographer Spotlight: Layne Haley Photography- Kansas City

Thought:  What would be a great way to get the names of some of my favorite professionals, out there?  Why not blog about them!!

Layne Haley Photography- Kansas City

I can not say enough great things about Layne Haley!  I met Layne at a fashion show that I was walking in, in Kansas City, back in August 2010.  She was there taking pictures for the designer that I was walking for, Baby Maracas. I knew I just had to work with her for images for my portfolio. Talk about professional... this girl knows what she's doing.  She always has some fantastic and unique ideas.  She knows her stuff! 

While weddings are what she most often shoots, she has often expressed to me how much she loves changing it up a bit and shooting models.  She also does photography for families, babies, and boudoir shoots.  

Not only is she a great photographer, she's putting on a fantastic fashion show at the end of May that everyone should check out (hint: yes, I will be walking in it!):

I have been very lucky to have shot with her several times now and I look forward to every time.  

Need a wedding photographer?  She's got ya covered!  

Need a modeling portfolio?  Layne is your girl!

Need pics of your amazing, new little bundle of joy?  No problem! Layne's in!

Need some new family photos?  If you don't know by now... 

CONTACT LAYNE HALEY!!  

Check out her blog at:  http://laynehaley.wordpress.com/

Here are some of my portfolio images that she's taken:

The New Modeling Portfolio- The iPad and Online Portfolios

Is the age of 9 x 12 portfolio books over?  It may be getting there.  Printing 9 x 12 photos can get expensive and some photographers don't format your photos to be printed 9 x 12.  I've found it easier to print everything 8 x 10 and keep my portfolio that size, but that still can be pricey.   


Many agencies are starting to keep online portfolios of their models that they can send out to clients for free and very quickly.


But what do you take with you to castings to show the client???  Good question! You can now follow what Next Company Model Management has done and use your iPad!  They have created a portfolio app for their models, so the clients can flip through their portfolio at castings.  Other "portfolio" type apps are available through the app store.


This sounds like a great idea, right?  Of course it does. iPad's are extremely light, so lugging around a huge portfolio book to a bunch of castings would be a thing of the past.  It would also be extremely easy to update and edit your photos within your portfolio.    


Drawbacks?  iPad's aren't cheap either.  iPad's start at $499 US.  Not "cheap" by any means.  I typically spend $1.99 for an 8 x 10 photo and $3.99 for a 9 x 12 photo.  I could get a lot of photos printed for $499.  Now, that's assuming you're buying the iPad strictly for the purpose of having your modeling portfolio on it, which in almost all cases, would not be the only reason you're purchasing it.  


So, will this be the next big thing in the modeling industry?  It could be.  We could start seeing this more and more with how well the iPad has caught on.  If I had an iPad, I would definitely use this feature.  Will I go out and buy an iPad now, for this reason... probably not.  Would you?


Watch the YouTube video below for a peek at Next Company Model Management's Modeling Portfolio iPad App.

Learn to Walk the Runway

Fashion models make it look so effortless, but strutting your stuff in 4 inch heels (or taller) is not as easy as some might think.

Here are some runway basics to ensure you’ll be gracing the runway like a pro: 

1.  Make sure you are comfortable- Make sure you choose the right shoes, if you get to wear your own.  The last thing you want to do is fall on the runway, because your shoe slips off the back of your foot.  If the shoes are new, it’s always good to scratch the soles with scissors or place masking tape on the bottom so they will not slip on the floor.  Make sure you practice your runway walk in the exact shoes you’ll be wearing, several time prior to the show. 

High heels change the way you hold your body.  They change your posture.  They actually push your weight forward to the balls of your feet, which make you able to pull your shoulders back and opens them up.  It’s a much more powerful posture and that’s what you want.

2.  Posture- When walking on the runway, posture is extremely important!  Try to make your body as tall as possible, keeping your back and neck straight.  Your head should face straight ahead of you and you should be fairly still.  Some models also lean back slightly, so their legs are moving forward before the rest of their body.  This is definitely not necessary, but can be done.

3.  Legs and Feet- Walk with your feet facing straight ahead of you.  Don’t turn your feet out to the sides as you walk.  As you take each step, place your foot down in front of the other one, rather than parallel to each other.  Your footprints should form a single line, as if you’re walking on a rope or a beam.  Try to keep most of your weight on the balls of your feet, so you’re not clunking down the runway on your heels.  Some models also lift their legs up very high while walking, done by bending more at the knee, and taking much longer strides.

4.  Hips- Don’t feel like you have to move your hips dramatically as you walk.  Many designers want you to look natural.  It’s not necessary to force or exaggerate this movement, because your hips will sway naturally as you walk.

5.  Arms- What you do with your arms, depends on the type of clothes that you are modeling.  As a general rule, try to avoid big, exaggerated arm movements.  Your arms will sway naturally at your sides when you walk, but exaggerated arm movements are not needed.  While this is the most common way to place your arms when walking on the runway, you can also walk with one hand on your hip, with both hands on your hips, or with your hands in the pockets of a jacket you are modeling.  Some times you could be modeling accessories, like handbags or jackets that you will need to practice with before the show.

6.  Hands- Make sure your fingers are not scrunched into fists.  Always remember to have your hands open with your fingers natural, but not completely straight.  You don’t want to get a photo back of your ending pose, and have it look like you have no fingers.

7.  Posing- When reaching the end of the runway, models typically pause for a moment to show off the clothes.  This can be done in different ways and the show director or designer may let you know how long they want you to pose, or how many poses they would like for you to do.

After walking down the runway, stop at the end and shift your weight to one hip.  Strike a pose with your arms that complements the pose of your legs.  Placing your left hand lightly on your hip while leaving your right hand down along your side, is a classic runway pose that shows off the lines of clothing well.  Change your weight again striking a new pose with your weight on your other foot.  This can be as simple as switching arms.  Keep your eyes towards the end of the runway to make sure you offer photographers a good photo opportunity.

8.  Eyes and Head- Always look straight forward.  Focus on an object straight ahead of you, but not an audience member.  Do not focus on the bright lights that will be shining on you.  You don’t want to go blind and fall off the end of the runway.  Keep you chin slightly elevated, but not too much.  Everyone will be looking up at you, so you don’t want to have your chin raised too high.  Try to keep your head and your shoulders still as your body moves down the runway. 

These are just some basic tips for perfecting your runway walk.  There are many variations that can be done.  Check back to the blog often for other print modeling and runway tips and topics.   

Chicken Pasta with Thyme-Mint Cream Sauce

I figured that since I've been on a cooking kick lately, I would share with you another of my favorite recipes.  

On a trip Jeremy and I took to Chicago, I had an amazing pasta dish in a mint cream sauce at a fantastic restaurant called MK.  I decided that I wanted to try to recreate this dish that I loved so much.  

I ended up finding a recipe that sounded similar online and I tried it out one night when we had some friends over for dinner.  Success!!!  It tastes almost exactly like the pasta that I remember.  The mint is definitely not overwhelming, so no need to worry about that and mixed with a little lemon zest...this makes it a great spring/summer pasta dish.  The recipe is actually very easy, so check it out!

Chicken Pasta with Thyme-Mint Cream Sauce

INGREDIENTS

• 1 pound pasta, such as linguine or fettuccine
• 2 Tbsp olive oil
• 1 1/4 lb boneless, skinless chicken tenders, cut into 1-inch cubes
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 cup of dry white wine (I've used Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc)
• 1/2 cup chicken stock
• 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
• 2 1/2 Tbsp chopped fresh mint 
• 2 Tbsp chopped fresh thyme
• 2 teaspoon lemon zest
• 2 teaspoons honey
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt and more salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

instructions

1 I generally like to cut everything up prior to starting the actual recipe, so I'm not rushing through trying to get everything done for the next step.  Chop the Mint, Thyme, Chicken, and zest the lemon before starting anything else.

2 Heat 4 quarts of salted* water in a large pot for the pasta. As the water heats, prepare the chicken. Heat olive oil in a large skillet on medium high. Season the chicken pieces generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper in a bowl. Add the chicken pieces to the skillet, spreading them out initially and then not stirring them, so they have an opportunity to brown. Once lightly browned on one side, use a large spoon or tongs to flip the pieces over so they brown on the second side. When pieces are browned on both sides, and just cooked through, remove to a paper towel lined plate.

3 Deglaze the pan with white wine.  Use a wooden spoon to scrape up the browned bits from the bottom of the pan, but leave in the pan after scraping. Add the chicken stock and let liquids reduce by half (turn up the heat if necessary). Add the cream, mint, thyme, lemon zest, honey, salt, and vinegar. Reduce the sauce by half again.

4 Once the pasta water is boiling, add the pasta and cook following directions on pasta package. When pasta is ready, drain and add to cream sauce when cream sauce has been reduced by half and is thick enough to coat a spoon. Add chicken to the pasta and sauce. Add more salt and pepper to taste.

* Use a teaspoon of salt for every quart of water. Some people wait until the water is boiling to add the salt. Makes little difference to me. Just make sure you get the salt in the pasta water or your pasta will be tasteless.

Serve immediately. Garnish with a little chopped fresh mint and thyme. Serves 4-6.

Adapted from a recipe at www.simplyrecipes.com.

Tiramisu Cupcake Victory!

I am not a baker.  Granted I've never really tried, but if I do ever need to bake anything, it's always the easy way out...a box of Betty Crocker Cake Mix.  I don't really ever find myself having a ton of extra time to spend all day in the kitchen baking.


I don't know what got into me this weekend, but I decided to be ambitious and try to make Tiramisu cupcakes from scratch for my mother-in-law's birthday dinner.  Wait, it was because I had a weekend off from all of my jobs and activities, and I really wanted to make a nice dessert for Jeanne's birthday.  


Although it took longer than the recipe said it would (probably because I was just really slow and trying to be extra careful not to mess anything up,) they turned out great!  They taste just like Tiramisu, which is my favorite dessert. They sure take a long time, so make sure you leave yourself plenty of time, but they are sooooo worth it.


Check out the recipe below:

TIRAMISU CUPCAKES

Yield: 18 cupcakes

Prep Time: 1 hour(or a little longer)| Bake Time: 20 minutes

For the Cupcakes:
1¼ cups cake flour (not self-rising), sifted
¾ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon coarse salt
¼ cup milk
1 vanilla bean, halved lengthwise, seeds scraped and reserved
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature, cut into pieces
3 whole eggs plus 3 egg yolks, at room temperature
1 cup granulated sugar

For the Coffee-Marsala Syrup:
1/3 cup plus 1 tablespoon freshly brewed very strong coffee (or espresso)
1 ounce marsala
¼ cup granulated sugar

For the Mascarpone Frosting:
1 cup heavy cream
8 ounces mascarpone cheese, room temperature
½ cup confectioners’ sugar, sifted
Unsweetened cocoa powder, for dusting

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Line standard muffin tins with paper liners. Sift together cake flour, baking powder, and salt. Heat milk and vanilla-bean pod and seeds in a small saucepan over medium heat just until bubbles appear around the edge. Remove from heat. Whisk in butter until melted, and let stand 15 minutes. Strain milk mixture through a fine sieve into a bowl, and discard vanilla-bean pod.

2. With an electric mixer on medium speed, whisk together whole eggs, yolks, and sugar. Set mixing bowl over a pan of simmering water, and whisk by hand until sugar is dissolved and mixture is warm, about 6 minutes. Remove bowl from heat. With an electric mixer on high speed, whisk until mixture is fluffy, pale yellow, and thick enough to hold a ribbon on the surface for several seconds when whisk is lifted.

3. Gently but thoroughly fold flour mixture into the egg mixture in three batches; stir ½ cup batter into the strained milk mixture to thicken, then fold milk mixture into the remaining batter until just combined.

4. Divide batter evenly among lined cups, filling each three-quarters full. Bake, rotating tins halfway through, until centers are completely set and edges are light golden brown, about 20 minutes. Transfer tins to wire racks to cool completely before removing cupcakes.

5. Make the syrup: Stir together coffee, marsala, and sugar until sugar is dissolved. Let cool.

6. Brush tops of cupcakes evenly with coffee-marsala syrup; repeat until all syrup has been used. Allow cupcakes to absorb liquid 30 minutes.

7. Make frosting: With an electric mixer on medium speed, whisk heavy cream until stiff peaks form (be careful not to overbeat, or cream will be grainy). In another bowl, whisk together mascarpone and confectioners’ sugar until smooth. Gently fold whipped cream into mascarpone mixture until completely incorporated. Use immediately.

8. To finish, Dollop frosting onto cupcakes; refrigerate up to overnight in airtight containers. Dust generously with cocoa powder just before serving.

My sister-in-law, Lauren, turned me to this website- www.browneyedbaker.com, where I found this recipe.   Michelle has so many great recipes and ideas.  Check it out if you're looking for a new recipe to try.  

Will I start baking more regularly now?  Maybe...it was exhausting, but really fun, so if I have some extra time on a weekend, you may just start finding me baking up yummy treats in the kitchen ;)