Capturing Your: Oh No You Didn’t: Oh, Yes, I Did

Just keepin’ it real people. Sometimes, in between the cutesy pictures, is the not so cute picture…but more like, Eww…what are you doing picture? And we’ve all seen this before…and if you are really honest with yourself, done this before. It’s ok to admit it….no one will blame you if you were 4 years old. If you are an adult doing this, well, that’s a whole ‘nother story! Here’s my boy, the one who picks his nose….and yes, sometimes goes for the the kill….just to get the reaction I was looking for…a big huge smile. If that’s what it takes, we’ll sometimes I’ll just have to go there.

Dear Travis,

This is gross….but thanks for the smiles. Now, go wash your hands and your mouth.

Love,

Mommy

 

Sneak Peek

Ooooohh….I can’t wait to share these pictures!!

Capturing Your: Flavor

I love french fries. I don’t love the calories. Instead of eliminating the foods I love from my lifestyle, I search for ways to enjoy them, but with a healthy twist. I don’t believe in diets, I strongly believe in lifestyle changes. I don’t believe in cutting certain foods from my lifestyle, just having what I enjoy in moderation. I need all the food groups, so wiping one of the major food groups from my menu, would probably make me crave it even more, then binging on it like mad after I succumb to my weak will power.

Here is one of my favorite healthy twist on French fries. I can’t take the credit, since it is from one of my favorite shows of all time, The Biggest Loser. I have been a hardcore fan since season one and have NEVER missed an episode. Ever. So, I am happy to share this awesome recipe and hope that you enjoy it too.

Parmesan-Pepper Sweet Potato Fries: FYI, I tend to double the ingredients and usually adjust the seasonings to my taste since I tend to prefer it a bit with more of a punch. The following is the actual ingredients given by BL.

Ingredients: 1/2 lb of sweet potatoes, cut into 1/4” thick sticks, 1 tsp reduced fat parmesan cheese (either grated or the stuff you sprinkle on spaghetti), 1/2 garlic powder ( I actually use garlic instead of the power…but that is because I love garlic! The best is the jarred garlic…but that is just me.) 1/8 paprika, pinch cayenne, salt to taste, pinch of black pepper.

Preheat oven to 450F. Mix all the ingredients. I prefer to either use a large tupperware bowl or a large zip lock bag and shake all the ingredients together since this coats them the best. Place them on a non stick baking sheet in a single layer and bake for 8 minutes. Then flip them and bake for an additional 10-12 minutes, or until browned. I typically put it on broil for the last minute to give them that extra crispness. Enjoy!

Pictures of the Day: Family Night

Every Thursday night in our household, is family night. This is the one night exclusively dedicated to Travis and Derek. In a perfect world, every night would be like that, however, laundry needs to be done, baths need to be taken, dishes need to be put away , which can sometimes interfere with our undivided attention. Today, Travis and I played with play dough…a good ole’ childhood classic. While Travis made mounds for his little tractors to play and plough through, my mind…*ahem* was thinking of something…shall I say, Tropical? Those who know me, know that I am an Island Girl. Big time. End oh’ subject. Period. Got it? Well, based on my sculptures, that was exactly what was on my mind. Now don’t start hatin’ because of my mad artistic skills. We were all born with a gift…and my, well, was sculpting with play dough. The first is me, in my bathing suit…look how sexy I look. I especially love my belly…so cute…you just want to watch me jiggle it. The next is the pineapple I will be feasting on, followed by the mai tai I will be sipping, the flower I will put in my hair and the desolate island that our family will be taking over. Seriously, don’t hate.

Sneak Peek….

Capturing Your: Future

After the final months, then weeks, then days, then hours of anticipation, the many sleepless nights, the uncomfortable heartburn, Talya made her debut on March 3, 2010 weighing 8lbs 7oz and 21 inches long. With a head full of hair and beautiful blue eyes, Talya joined her Mommy, Daddy and big brother to complete their family of four. I got a chance to meet the baby Talya two weeks ago and little did she know that I would keep her up for the longest span of hours in her two weeks of life. Through it all, she was so sweet, rarely cried, ate ate and ate, but was such a good little model and so alert through her first of MANY photo shoots to come. Her Mommy has big plans to take LOTS of picture of her, so Talya will soon be a pro for taking pictures. Thank you Ozzie and Brian for letting me be a part of one of her first photo shoots! She is beautiful and I wish you all the best as you bond, adjust and welcome her into your hearts. Welcome to the world Miss Talya!

Capturing Your: Flavor

In honor of spring, I thought I post one of my favorite salads! It is one of the easiest to make and super tasty! Here’s to some warmer weather for us seasonal states!

Ingredients: Combine your favorite greens, strawberries, grapes, red onion, dried craisins and feta cheese. I made my own apple vinaigrette, but any raspberry vinaigrette will do too! For apple vinaigrette I add 1/4 C olive oil, 1/4C(usually a tad more since I prefer the cider over the oil) of apple cider vinegar, 2 tbsp of sugar (start with 1 tbsp…and add as much as you prefer), and LOTS of garlic! Shake! Drizzle over salad and enjoy!

I have some beautiful babies to post pretty soon, so be sure to check back. Hope you are having a great weekend! I am being a bit lazy and enjoying some March Madness with my husband :) Hey, I am allowed once a year, right?

Capturing Your: Heart

I had the pleasure of meeting and photographing the very kind and sweet Marette family. Our session was planned well in advanced since the weather in Colorado finally seems to be turning around :) I am always nervous meeting new people, but was instantly put at ease with their down to earth personalities and also being comfortable hanging around two kiddos the same ages as my boys. These little guys were so handsome and had the most beautiful eyes! The highlight of the session, of course, was eating suckers the size of their heads! There definitely was no shortage of smiles and was the perfect way to end our time. Both boys will be celebrating their birthdays soon, so Happy Birthday sweeties! Thank you so much for letting me be a part of your celebration!

This is by far, the BEST expression I have ever seen. I LOVE it! Such a handsome smile!