Don't miss out go to my website at www.sweetpeamemories.com and select your date you would like on my calendar and it will automatically send me an email. Hurry now, on available for the month of February and they are saying the sun is going to continue! What a great time to get out enjoy the weather and capture those smiles!
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
SPRING IS ON THE WAY!!!
SPRING IS ON THE WAY....LOOK AT THAT SUNSHINE!!! It may be chilly yet, but the sun has definitely been shining. What a great day it was for a 2 year old session! My special for February being that it is Sweetheart Month, is a Sweetheart of a Special. Great time to get some photos of you and your loved ones....no extra subject charges....$70 and it's all covered 30-45 minutes at your location or my studio, with 8-12 images (or more :) ) Each image comes in color and black and white, all on a cd with copyright release so you can print and share as much as you like!
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
PORTRAIT PARTIES ARE HERE!!!
Do you want to have a photo session for your Family, Children or something special without paying for the full price of a Photography Session? Portrait Parties are now available. Get atleast 5 of your friends together on one day at the location of your choice for a fun filled day of Photography Sessions. Each Family will pay $20 for a 1/2 hour session and will recieve 8-12 photos provided on a CD for printing and sharing as much as you like. Don't miss out....get your Portrait Party Scheduled Today!
Monday, January 11, 2010
New Year, New Goals!
Today is the first day of an 11 week challenge of Biggest Loser with my sisters work. Everyone paid in $5. Each week we email in our weight loss or gain. The Team Member with the lowest weight lossed has to pay $5. At the end of the 11 weeks the Team Member with the Highest % lost wins the pot! After having a baby this is the best thing for me. I'm not going to call it my New Years Resolution because I have NEVER stuck with anything that was a NEW YEARS RESOLUTION!!!
Last Year I didn't have a Resolution either. I began Weight Watchers towards the end of January and everything started out well. During the Month of March I was getting frustrated, I was working out 4-5 days at the gym for 1-2 hours per day, counting points, and it consumed my life basically. All I talked about is points this and points that and next thing you know my weight stopped going down. I was frustrated. I told WW that I was going to take some time off from going to the meetings and weighing in. After all I had a photo shoot the next Sat and then I was going to be going home for two weeks so this would just be easier and maybe I would lose more weight without the pressure. Then I thought to myself that maybe this wasn't the problem. So, I took a pregnancy test and we were VERY HAPPY with the results. Now after being off of WW for 10 months and a 2 month old baby girl in tow back to WW I go or should I say WE go. When I'm on WW then the whole family eats better and we have all our dinners based on WW recipes. This time my family won't hear me counting points as I'm putting our dinners and dessert together because I'm doing the "Core Plan" this time. The Core plan has a list of foods that I can eat which will include my 3 servings of milk (for nursing) and my 5 servings of Fruit and Veggies and then all my lean protein. Of course I won't be deprieved because I have my 35 weekly points to use on the items I want that are not on the list. I think this is going to work for me. I know what my portions are supposed to be from previously being on the point system so I will continue to eat 3 smaller meals and 2 snacks per day! I'm going to also work on using the Momentum program that encourages eating more Fiber filled, energy sourced foods to make your meals last longer without the ups and downs from being starved before it's time to eat again. Anyone that would like the Core Foods list sent to them let me know and I would be happy to type it up for them. The Core Plan is designed to teach you the healthy things to eat for a healthier lifestyle.
I enjoyed emailing in my weight this morning knowing that next week I'll be emailing in a loss! I'm so excited!
Last Year I didn't have a Resolution either. I began Weight Watchers towards the end of January and everything started out well. During the Month of March I was getting frustrated, I was working out 4-5 days at the gym for 1-2 hours per day, counting points, and it consumed my life basically. All I talked about is points this and points that and next thing you know my weight stopped going down. I was frustrated. I told WW that I was going to take some time off from going to the meetings and weighing in. After all I had a photo shoot the next Sat and then I was going to be going home for two weeks so this would just be easier and maybe I would lose more weight without the pressure. Then I thought to myself that maybe this wasn't the problem. So, I took a pregnancy test and we were VERY HAPPY with the results. Now after being off of WW for 10 months and a 2 month old baby girl in tow back to WW I go or should I say WE go. When I'm on WW then the whole family eats better and we have all our dinners based on WW recipes. This time my family won't hear me counting points as I'm putting our dinners and dessert together because I'm doing the "Core Plan" this time. The Core plan has a list of foods that I can eat which will include my 3 servings of milk (for nursing) and my 5 servings of Fruit and Veggies and then all my lean protein. Of course I won't be deprieved because I have my 35 weekly points to use on the items I want that are not on the list. I think this is going to work for me. I know what my portions are supposed to be from previously being on the point system so I will continue to eat 3 smaller meals and 2 snacks per day! I'm going to also work on using the Momentum program that encourages eating more Fiber filled, energy sourced foods to make your meals last longer without the ups and downs from being starved before it's time to eat again. Anyone that would like the Core Foods list sent to them let me know and I would be happy to type it up for them. The Core Plan is designed to teach you the healthy things to eat for a healthier lifestyle.
I enjoyed emailing in my weight this morning knowing that next week I'll be emailing in a loss! I'm so excited!
Thursday, January 7, 2010
On a Healthy Note (Thanks to Women's Health)
Boost your Brainpower
Hydrate Your Mind
In a 2006 University of South Florida study, people who drank three or more 4-ounce glasses of fruit or vegetable juice each week were 76 percent less likely to develop Alzheimer's disease than those who drank less. The high levels of polyphenols—antioxidants found in fruits and vegetables—may protect brain cells from the damage that may be caused by the disease, says study author Amy Borenstein, Ph.D. Eight six-ounce glasses of water a day will do you good, too. "Your brain is 80 percent water, and if it's not hydrated, your neurons can't perform properly," says Dr. Amen.
Dance, Dance, Dance!
"Few activities stimulate as wide a variety of brain systems as dancing does," says Daniel Amen, MD, author of Magnificent Mind at Any Age. "Dancing requires everything from coordination and organization to planning and judgment." Ditto for martial arts. "Both require you to position different parts of your body simultaneously and in synchronicity—and with dance, you've got to move along to music," says John Ratey
Visit the Gym
According to a 2007 Columbia University study, working out at the gym may help you sprout new cells in the dentate gyrus, an area of the brain vital to memory. Researchers measured blood volume in the brains of adults who worked out four times a week for four months and found that activity sparks the production of more neurons.
Crack Some Eggs
The ideal breakfast is an egg, according to Larry McCleary, M.D., author of The Brain Trust Program. The incredible edible contains B vitamins, which enable nerve cells to burn glucose, your brain's major energy source; antioxidants, which protect neurons against damage; and omega-3 fatty acids, which keep nerve cells firing at optimal speed. Similarly, McCleary says that the best brain foods are those that would rot if the power went out. Pick fresh fruits, veggies, and lean proteins and avoid the dreaded duo, trans fats ("they diminish brain cells' ability to communicate with each other") and high-fructose corn syrup ("it can shrink the brain by damaging cells").
Keep On Moving On
Multitasking is like Kryptonite to gray matter. When you have a crammed to-do list, rather than layer projects, take on one task at a time and change them up every hour. Can't finish something in 60 minutes? Schedule another slot for it later in the day. "Switching from one project to the next will engage different areas of the brain, keeping you mentally alert," says Gary Small, M.D., director of the UCLA Center on Aging and the Semel Institute Memory Research Center and the author of The Longevity Bible.
Take a YouTube Timeout
You can counteract stress—and roll back psychological aging—with laughter. Even the anticipation of a good laugh decreases the stress chemicals cortisol and epinephrine by 39 and 70 percent, respectively, say researchers at Loma Linda University. Laughter is also great for the heart. When participants in a University of Maryland study watched stressful film clips, they experienced vasoconstriction—a narrowing of the blood vessels—while the blood vessels of those watching funny films expanded by 22 percent.
Hit the Hay
Getting plenty of snooze time is key to keeping your head on its toes. According to a 2007 study at Harvard Medical School, z's help memories lodge themselves in your brain (as anyone who has ever pulled an all-nighter and then tried to recall important details can attest). The study showed that the brain gathers disparate pieces of information and weaves them into a coherent whole while you're asleep. Clock seven hours of shuteye, recommends Dr. Amen. "Science shows that people who sleep for seven hours exhibit significantly more brain activity than those who don't," he says.
Disconnect the cable
A 2005 study published in Brain and Cognition found that for each additional hour per day a person spent watching TV between the ages of 40 and 59, the risk of developing Alzheimer's later in life rose by 1.3 percent. Top out at two hours a day, recommends Aric Sigman, Ph.D., psychologist, biologist, and author of Remotely Controlled: How Television Is Damaging Our Lives, and consider joining a reading group. "Reading is good for your brain only when it involves storing and retrieving information," says Dr. Amen. "And the social aspect of book groups adds another dynamic that bolsters cognitive functioning."
Raid the Spice Rack
Sprinkle some rosemary on your entrées and side dishes. The carnosic acid found in this spice has been shown to reduce stroke risk in mice by 40 percent, according to a study published in the Journal of Neurochemistry. Carnosic acid appears to set off a process that shields brain cells from free-radical damage, which can worsen the effects of a stroke. It can also protect against degenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and the general effects of aging. But rosemary is not the only "mind spice" on the shelf: Cinnamon, turmeric, basil, oregano, thyme, and sage can all protect your brain from inflammation, says neurologist Eric Braverman, M.D., a clinical assistant professor at Weill Cornell Medical College. Shoot for 3 to 7 teaspoons of any combination of these spices each day. "Add a teaspoon of cinnamon to your morning yogurt or coffee," says Dr. Braverman. "Sprinkle basil and oregano on a sandwich, or stir a teaspoon of rosemary into tea. It'll add up."
Study Another Language
Parlez-vous français? Non? Then you may find yourself less able to stave off dementia when you're older. In a 2007 study at York University in Toronto, bilingual seniors kept the worst effects of the condition at bay 4 years longer than those who'd never ventured beyond their native tongue. Learning a second language appears to increase the density of gray matter in the areas of your brain that govern attention and memory, says researcher Ellen Bialystok, Ph.D. During your commute, play some language-instruction CDs, such as the ones from Macmillan's Behind the Wheel series.
Floss Your Teeth
Inflamed, bloody gums can signify bodywide wellness issues. Not only do unhealthy mouths unleash bacteria into the bloodstream, where the bugs can travel to vital organs, but people with gum disease also have worse mental functioning than those whose gums are healthy, according to a U.K. study of more than 6,500 adults.
Go Green
Drinking five or more cups of green tea per day can make you 20 percent less likely to experience psychological distress than if you drink less than a cup, according to a new study in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
Hydrate Your Mind
In a 2006 University of South Florida study, people who drank three or more 4-ounce glasses of fruit or vegetable juice each week were 76 percent less likely to develop Alzheimer's disease than those who drank less. The high levels of polyphenols—antioxidants found in fruits and vegetables—may protect brain cells from the damage that may be caused by the disease, says study author Amy Borenstein, Ph.D. Eight six-ounce glasses of water a day will do you good, too. "Your brain is 80 percent water, and if it's not hydrated, your neurons can't perform properly," says Dr. Amen.
Dance, Dance, Dance!
"Few activities stimulate as wide a variety of brain systems as dancing does," says Daniel Amen, MD, author of Magnificent Mind at Any Age. "Dancing requires everything from coordination and organization to planning and judgment." Ditto for martial arts. "Both require you to position different parts of your body simultaneously and in synchronicity—and with dance, you've got to move along to music," says John Ratey
Visit the Gym
According to a 2007 Columbia University study, working out at the gym may help you sprout new cells in the dentate gyrus, an area of the brain vital to memory. Researchers measured blood volume in the brains of adults who worked out four times a week for four months and found that activity sparks the production of more neurons.
Crack Some Eggs
The ideal breakfast is an egg, according to Larry McCleary, M.D., author of The Brain Trust Program. The incredible edible contains B vitamins, which enable nerve cells to burn glucose, your brain's major energy source; antioxidants, which protect neurons against damage; and omega-3 fatty acids, which keep nerve cells firing at optimal speed. Similarly, McCleary says that the best brain foods are those that would rot if the power went out. Pick fresh fruits, veggies, and lean proteins and avoid the dreaded duo, trans fats ("they diminish brain cells' ability to communicate with each other") and high-fructose corn syrup ("it can shrink the brain by damaging cells").
Keep On Moving On
Multitasking is like Kryptonite to gray matter. When you have a crammed to-do list, rather than layer projects, take on one task at a time and change them up every hour. Can't finish something in 60 minutes? Schedule another slot for it later in the day. "Switching from one project to the next will engage different areas of the brain, keeping you mentally alert," says Gary Small, M.D., director of the UCLA Center on Aging and the Semel Institute Memory Research Center and the author of The Longevity Bible.
Take a YouTube Timeout
You can counteract stress—and roll back psychological aging—with laughter. Even the anticipation of a good laugh decreases the stress chemicals cortisol and epinephrine by 39 and 70 percent, respectively, say researchers at Loma Linda University. Laughter is also great for the heart. When participants in a University of Maryland study watched stressful film clips, they experienced vasoconstriction—a narrowing of the blood vessels—while the blood vessels of those watching funny films expanded by 22 percent.
Hit the Hay
Getting plenty of snooze time is key to keeping your head on its toes. According to a 2007 study at Harvard Medical School, z's help memories lodge themselves in your brain (as anyone who has ever pulled an all-nighter and then tried to recall important details can attest). The study showed that the brain gathers disparate pieces of information and weaves them into a coherent whole while you're asleep. Clock seven hours of shuteye, recommends Dr. Amen. "Science shows that people who sleep for seven hours exhibit significantly more brain activity than those who don't," he says.
Disconnect the cable
A 2005 study published in Brain and Cognition found that for each additional hour per day a person spent watching TV between the ages of 40 and 59, the risk of developing Alzheimer's later in life rose by 1.3 percent. Top out at two hours a day, recommends Aric Sigman, Ph.D., psychologist, biologist, and author of Remotely Controlled: How Television Is Damaging Our Lives, and consider joining a reading group. "Reading is good for your brain only when it involves storing and retrieving information," says Dr. Amen. "And the social aspect of book groups adds another dynamic that bolsters cognitive functioning."
Raid the Spice Rack
Sprinkle some rosemary on your entrées and side dishes. The carnosic acid found in this spice has been shown to reduce stroke risk in mice by 40 percent, according to a study published in the Journal of Neurochemistry. Carnosic acid appears to set off a process that shields brain cells from free-radical damage, which can worsen the effects of a stroke. It can also protect against degenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and the general effects of aging. But rosemary is not the only "mind spice" on the shelf: Cinnamon, turmeric, basil, oregano, thyme, and sage can all protect your brain from inflammation, says neurologist Eric Braverman, M.D., a clinical assistant professor at Weill Cornell Medical College. Shoot for 3 to 7 teaspoons of any combination of these spices each day. "Add a teaspoon of cinnamon to your morning yogurt or coffee," says Dr. Braverman. "Sprinkle basil and oregano on a sandwich, or stir a teaspoon of rosemary into tea. It'll add up."
Study Another Language
Parlez-vous français? Non? Then you may find yourself less able to stave off dementia when you're older. In a 2007 study at York University in Toronto, bilingual seniors kept the worst effects of the condition at bay 4 years longer than those who'd never ventured beyond their native tongue. Learning a second language appears to increase the density of gray matter in the areas of your brain that govern attention and memory, says researcher Ellen Bialystok, Ph.D. During your commute, play some language-instruction CDs, such as the ones from Macmillan's Behind the Wheel series.
Floss Your Teeth
Inflamed, bloody gums can signify bodywide wellness issues. Not only do unhealthy mouths unleash bacteria into the bloodstream, where the bugs can travel to vital organs, but people with gum disease also have worse mental functioning than those whose gums are healthy, according to a U.K. study of more than 6,500 adults.
Go Green
Drinking five or more cups of green tea per day can make you 20 percent less likely to experience psychological distress than if you drink less than a cup, according to a new study in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
New Years Family Session
Well, one client of mine decided they wanted to start the New Year off with a Family picture. Also included in the picture is their exchange student that is staying with them for the school year. I've had the pleasure of taking their sons picture for Senior Pictures last year. Now he's off to college so what a perfect time to capture pictures when he's home from college. Thanks Jeni for choosing me for your pictures again!!
Monday, January 4, 2010
Family, Newborn, 3 Generations Photo Shoot
I had the pleasure of taking photos of my Cousin and his Family. His wife had a baby 3 weeks after I did so it was exciting to be able to do their pictures.
I
also had the pleasure of doing their family and 3 generations photos with my Uncle. My Un
cle was diagnosed with ALS not too long ago and is beginning to have difficulty
walking. This made it a very special session to be able capture them all together and know that I'm capturing memories that will last forever for everyone in the family.
Sunday, January 3, 2010
PRECIOUS
Went to see the movie "Precious" with my mom, sisters and daughter last night. Very good movie....maybe not appropriate for my 13 year old daughter but I do feel it's good for Children her age to see what goes on in the world sometimes. Movie was not what I expected but I don't think I had any expectations anyway. Makes me very thankful for the childhood I had and the environment I provide for my family and know that my daughters would never have to go through something like that.
Going to finish up some photo editing from sessions last week....will post pictures when I'm finished!
Going to finish up some photo editing from sessions last week....will post pictures when I'm finished!
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