A Real Simple Dinnertime Makeover Part 3 of 3: THE FINALE

The following is the finale of my experience with Real Simple magazine, and took place in July.

I’m ready for my close-up!

Today is the final day of my Real Simple Dinnertime makeover and it’s PICTURE DAY.

In preparation of our photo shoot I was given strict instructions to wear fall clothing {ie: jeans, long sleeve shirts, etc.} which in the middle of a 114 degree heat wave in Iowa was a bit of a challenge. But I hit the mall and in a mega shopping trip I was able find outfits for all of us. Ironically, I think I’m the only one who wore what I bought…go figure.

Anyone who knows me knows I L-O-V-E to have my picture taken, and this photo shoot wasn’t my first. So I was SUPER excited, the rest of the family…eh…not so much. So it was my job to psych up the troops.

Dawn and G playing ball before the shoot.

The first photo concept was grilling, because of course we still grill in October {even in Iowa} Hello…football games. So poor B2 had to stand outside {remember it’s 114 degrees at 9 a.m.} and stand over a hot grill wearing jeans, a polo and a jacket. UGH! He won the gold star of the day for sure.

Dawn grilling up some veg, and cooking a little herself in the 114 degree heat.

Then it was my turn to look happy while trying to hold a baby under one arm, grab a pot with the other with E in my way. SMILE…ummm…yeah, ok…

Here’s the final shot, which is TOTALLY awesome, but trust me in real life there wouldn’t be a smile … I’m just sayin’.

Overall, the day went fast and well. E had fun tossing the beans in the bean salad and eating like five PBandJs so they could get his photo. Of course there were some minor temper tantrums from our super model, but once he “had some space” he was able to come back and try again. Oh, and next time I won’t even bother picking up toys or random clutter, because the photographer wanted everything to look “real”. Ha!

Our super model had enough.

The shoot was supposed to take all day, but our photographer was on the ball and the kids and hubs did their part so well we were done by 2 p.m. a full five hours before they had planned. I think it helped that everyone wanted to head back to the Big Apple so they could sleep in their own beds. Who could blame ‘em.

Making magic.

Once we were finished and the lights and cameras were packed away it was time to say good bye. Of course I got all teary eyed. {it sounds cheesy I know} I had so much fun with everyone and it was a wonderful and inspirational experience. I’ll NEVER forget it.

Now you might be wondering, ok so did it actually work? Have I been cooking and did the kitchen stay organized?

And the answers are YES and YES!

Cooking has become something I look forward to, instead of something I dread. I’ve been obsessed with finding recipes {thank goodness for Pinterest} and planning my menu for the week. Planning is the key peeps, I’m telling you. Now that I have a game plan for the week I save time because I’m not constantly at the grocery store, I’m not spending loads of money on stuff I don’t need and I’m not stressing out. It’s the trifecta of AWESOMENESS.

Oh, and the best part, I had a “moment” with the kids all because of cooking. I followed Dawn’s advice about the melon and E wanted to help … like actually help me in the kitchen. Then he started snitching pieces of melon to eat then little brother had to do it too and before I knew it E was feeding G melon. They were laughing and having a great time, instead of whining and freaking out about dinner….a miracle.