My friend, Chris, is an AMAZING photographer and when she suggested an “exchange” for Christmas pictures, I jumped at the chance! Not only did we get to have our first official photo shoot since Simon was born, but I got to, once again, photograph this DROP-DEAD beautiful family. I mean…seriously, I think Chris could wear a bag over her head and still give Heidi Klum a run for her money.

I am on summer vacation for the next month and a half. All I plan on doing is hanging out with my boys and doing fun things. Everytime I think of something new I add it to my list. So far some of the things on the “to do” list are:

-ride the Sprinter to the beach

-go to the library

-camp in the backyard

-make homemade popsicles

-etc.

So far we have been hanging out and drawing in the giant cardboard box I snagged from the Whirlpool guys making a delivery to my neighbors. I love summer.

I think this little girl has the SWEETEST face there is. We had a fun time running around the park. She is incredibly busy (although aren’t ALL 1-year-olds?!), adventurous and athletic. There is a very good chance in a couple years, she is going to be tearing up the soccer field.

I can’t believe that Gigi is 4 already!! Where does the time go?! I swear it was yesterday that she was the precious little flower girl (only  2 months old!) in my wedding. We had planned to do a total family shoot, but had way too much fun eating Nicole’s homemade pizza that it got late and little brother Brody got too tired. I’m stoked on how many shots we got of Gianna though. I think she was super excited to be the center of attention, but then again, what four-year-old wouldn’t be?!

And this one just for fun…

I’d like to start off by saying that I’m not the gym-membership-kind-of-owning person. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve owned a couple gym memberships, but each of them has ended up with two or three visits, well intentioned nonetheless, but then not used for the following six months (that I continued to pay for until finally getting around to canceling). I’ve always been the kind of person that starts off with full steam, excited and ambitious and end up crashing or giving up about a week later (most likely distracted by something or other). So goes all of my work-out or eating-right endeavors.

After having two kids, one right after the other, I am fiercely trying to get back to my pre-pregnancy weight (or better) and decided that the thing I’d like to change the most about myself is to become a more consistent person in life…starting with working out regularly. Since I work full-time and have two kids, I never really feel like I have the time to devote to working out. I’ve tried waking up early, before work, to do it, but that was easily given up . The gravitational pull below my bed is strong and I DID NOT want to get up until the absolute last minute. After being inspired by my sister (shout out to the amazing Renata!), I set my mind to doing the Jillian Michaels’ 30-Day Shred in 30 days. Even though I have never seen an episode of The Biggest Loser…I am a big fan of hers. It’s an intense workout that’s only thirty minutes, which I figured I could work into my day.

Again, like ALL things in my life, I started out with gusto and went 12 days straight, in a row, before I decided to take a few days off to give myself and my muscles a rest.  I have now gone 17 days (that’s 510 minutes of work-out time…in case you were interested) and am sincerely hoping this becomes a habit. I realize though how easy it is to give up, especially when I am going through my day on little sleep. I know that I need to put on my serious work-out clothes (see picture below) and start the video and then I don’t quit. It’s the starting part that’s difficult. It also helps me to put it on my calendar (thank you iPhone for beeping to remind me to get my butt in gear). I figure now that it’s out on my blog, that I will have more accountability and hopefully change my nasty habit of giving up.

This picture is a good representation of how 75% of my work-outs occur. What is it about mommy laying on the ground that attracts the children like bears to honey?!

While we were out taking pictures of her daughter, my sis-in-law, Heidi, asked if I could get “some” shots of her. Always up for a portrait session, I agreed. I had no idea how good Heidi would be in front of the camera. She was super comfortable and has the “no smile, model face” mastered. I am super impressed!

My beautiful niece is turning 2!!! How can that be already?! We headed out to Discovery Lake to capture this milestone and Addie was quite the little model! I just LOVE her!!!!

My amazing cousin, Jodi, came over today to give me a break from potty training hell. In exchange I took her adorable daughter outside to breathe some fresh air. While we were out there, I thought I’d capture a few shots of her exploring. One is such a fun age!

I know this is a photography blog and not a food blog, but it’s MY blog, right? So, therefore I can put whatever I want on it. And so, I’ve decided that every once in awhile I will put up random pictures and various thoughts that I have. Today’s post is about baking, which just happens to be my “happy place”. I’ve had this recipe for awhile and was so excited to finally make it. I mean caramel apples AND cupcakes?! Does it get better than that? It’s also pretty easy, which is a plus. Enjoy! (And feel free to lick the computer screen…they look as good as they taste!)

Caramel Apple Cupcakes by Silvana Nardone (from Everyday with Rachael Ray magazine)

INGREDIENTS

~1  1/4 cups flour

~ 2 teaspoons baking powder

~1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

~1/2 teaspoon salt

~2 eggs, at room temperature

~1/2 cup packed light brown sugar

~1/2 cup granulated sugar

~1/2 cup vegetable oil

~2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

~2 rome apples (I used gala) -about 1 pound, peeled and shredded (it goes quickly if you use a standing cheese grater)

~1 1/2 cups chewy caramel candies

~1 tablespoon heavy cream

DIRECTIONS

1. Arrange a rack in the upper third of the oven and preheat to 350 degrees. Line a cupcake pan with baking liners. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon and salt.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, brown sugar and granulated sugar until smooth. Whisk in the oil and vanilla. Stir into the flour mixture until just combined; stir in the apples. Spoon the batter into the prepared pan until almost full. Bake until golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out dry, 25-30 minutes. Transfer to a rack to cool completely.

3. In a small, microwavable bowl, combine the caramels and cream. Microwave for 1-minute at medium power, then stir; repeat in 30-second intervals until melted and smooth. Let cool. Spread the frosting generously on the cooled cupcakes.

(I doubled the recipe and made 12 jumbo cupcakes!!)

]]> http://renaannephotography.com/2011/02/20/caramel-apple-cupcakes/feed/ 0 http://renaannephotography.com/2011/01/29/presley/ http://renaannephotography.com/2011/01/29/presley/#comments Sat, 29 Jan 2011 23:15:21 +0000 Rena Anne http://renaannephotography.com/?p=365

My beautiful friend Jen gave birth to the most precious baby girl a little over three weeks ago and we finally got around to taking some pictures of her, although I’m sure I’ll be taking many more over the years to come. I really hope she and my son will be best buds someday!