Mama G + Three: August 2012

Friday, August 31, 2012

Camera Settings

Happy Friday!

A few of my blog friends have asked about the settings I used in my "Good Night Moon" picture.

Here is the breakdown on photo one:

Camera: Nikon D7000 | Aperture: f/16 | Shutter Speed: 1/320 sec | ISO: 200

Focal Length: 135mm | Lens: AF-S 55-200mm f/4

I took an additional photo, where I wanted the moon more in focus to show (or hopefully) some the features of the moon and less of the vibrant colors in the sky.

Camera: Nikon D7000 | Aperture: f/16 | Shutter Speed: 1/100 sec | ISO: 100

Focal Length: 200mm | Lens: AF-S 55-200mm f/4

I hope this was helpful! Please always feel free to email or message me with questions!

Happy Labor Day Weekend to all. Have fun and be safe.

Thursday, August 30, 2012

Summer here is New England is coming to an end. Last night it was a chilly 53 degrees. The sun is setting a little earlier each night too.

Every night, I look out IV's bathroom window after he's out of the bath. This is what I saw last night. So peaceful and a such a sweet ending to our day.

Happy Thursday, Friends!

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

I'll drink to that | Sassy Water

As you all may know by now - it's mission "lose weight and get fit" in the G household. And as I mentioned, once I set my mind to something - there is no stopping me. And I'm not going at it half ass. I think that in order to lose weight - you need support and motivation.

My Husband (after day 13) has lost a total of 10.4 pounds - this is due to 13 days of the Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred and eating extremely healthy and clean. I'm so proud of him!

Ok...moving on. I'm sure my Husband is blushing by now.

So what is Sassy Water. It's a detox drink.

1 teaspoon grated ginger (to boost metabolism)
1 medium cucumber, sliced thin (a natural diuretic, helps the body release stored excess water)
1 medium lemon, sliced thin (a digestive aid and liver cleanser)
12 leaves spearmint
8 1/2 cups water

Mix all ingredients together in a pitcher and place in refrigerator over night. Strain in the morning and drink all 8 1/2 cups throughout the day. Repeat for 4 days.

Want to read more about the benefits of Sassy Water? Check out LiveStrong.

Let me know if any of you give this a try. I'd love to know what you think.

Happy Tuesday, Friends.

Monday, August 27, 2012

The Liebster Blog Award

My sweet blog friend Tiffany over at Austin Family Diary awarded me the The Liebster Blog Award. It is given to bloggers by bloggers. It is a way to acknowledge each other and say “you’re doing a great job”. It is for blogs with 200 or less followers, so it’s also a great way to spread the word about smaller blogs and get them more readers and followers!

Here are the 11 questions asked by Tiffany:

1. Have you read any of the mainstream series (Twilight, Harry Potter, Hunger Games, 50 Shades)? Did you like them? What was your favorite? No. I really don't have the time to ready any good books - unless it's some sort of baby-type book. I know that sound ridiculous, but it's true. My day consists of working from my home office - balancing client emails and phone calls, all while attempting to keep my 16 month old entertained and educated. At night, it's dinner time, a walk before IV's bed time, workout, then catch up on work that I was unsuccessful at completing during the day. So no - I haven't read a single one...but some day I will find more time in my day to do so.

2. What's your favorite part of your house? Pictures? My kitchen - especially lately. I love cooking and I'm really enjoying the recipes I've been cooking lately. Here is part of our kitchen:

{the must haves: a small flat screen to watch the News while I cook and a popcorn machine}

{fresh flowers}

{cook book and wine}

3. What is your favorite sports team? New England Patriots for sure. I love Football and Football season!

This is Rob Gronkowski - he rocks! Both on the field and off.

4. What is your must watch, can't miss an episode, favorite TV show? Right now, probably "The Firm". Stew and I were really into that show and can't wait for the next season to start up again.

5. If you could travel back in time for any event, what would it be? I'm not going to say any historic moment - so I'm going with the birth of IV. It was an amazing day that I'd like to relive all the time.

6. What is your dream car? My realistic, "every day driver" would be a 2013 Range Rover Sport.

My "weekend" car would be a '67 VW Bug Convertible (restored).

7. How long have you been a blogger? Since January 2010.

8. How many kids do you want? If you have them already, show us your favorite pic. We'd like to have two children -

My sweet boy at 3 months:

And now at 16 months:

9. What's your favorite treat? Hands down - peanut butter M&Ms.

10. What's #1 on your Bucket List? Going to the Kentucky Derby - good seats, mint juleps, cute dress and big hat. I'd want it all - it is my bucket list, right?

11. What's your favorite holiday? How come? That's a toss up between Easter and Christmas. Easter, because that Holiday will always hold a special place in my heart - IV was born on Easter Sunday. Christmas is another favorite, I love gift giving, decorating and enjoying the day with family.

So there you have it! I hope you all have learned a little more about me. Thanks for the questions, Tiffany!

Saturday, August 25, 2012

Stuffed Peppers | A Recipe

As some of you know by know, I'm on a mission to help my Husband lose some weight. He's not over weight by any means, but then again he hardly has time to make it to the gym and has a bad habit of eating cards and other "fun" foods...including beer! But hey, who doesn't love carbs and beer?

So I've incorporated the 30 Day Shred and a new daily menu - did you expect anything less? I'm totally OCD.

So for the past two weeks, I've done a lot of research based on the caloric intake set for my Husband and I'm choosing healthy low calories breakfast, lunch and dinner items.

Dinners have been the "hardest" - something that is filling enough where he won't need a snack, but healthy enough where he stays within his caloric goal. But I did find a fabulous website, Dashing Dish. This is one of the recipes that I thought we'd love...and we did.

Last night as I started prepping dinner - I decide to photograph this recipe and share it with you all.

Italian Style Stuffed Red Peppers

What You'll Need:

1 lb	Lean ground turkey
2	Red bell peppers
2 cups	Organic low salt Spaghetti sauce
1 tsp	Basil/oregano seasoning (or any blend of italian herbs)
1 tsp	Minced garlic
1/2 tsp	Salt and pepper
1/2 cup	Fresh chopped spinach
2 tbs	Grated parmesan cheese + 4 tbs to garnish over the top of each pepper

Breakdown:

170	Calories Per 1/2 Pepper
8 g	Fat
10 g	Carbohydrate
3 g	Fiber
2 g	Sugar
19 g	Protein

Pre-heat oven to 450 degrees. Wash red peppers, and cut around the stem to remove.

Cut peppers in half length-wise, and remove the seeds and ribs inside the peppers. Set peppers on baking pan.

Meanwhile, cook ground turkey in a large non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Stir and break up the turkey while it’s cooking. When turkey is almost completely cooked through, add the sauce and seasonings to the pan. Stir and continue to cook until the turkey is completely cooked. Add the spinach.

Scoop 1/2 cup of the turkey mixture into each pepper.

Sprinkle 1 tbs parmesan over each pepper.

Bake for 20 minutes or until a golden brown.

Let cool and enjoy!

Friday, August 24, 2012

What I'm Loving...

Happy Friday, Friends.

I'm loving a lot lately - the temps are getting slightly cooler here in New England, which means that Fall is just around the corner. I'm a total Summer girl, but Fall is my all time favorite season here in NE.

Here is what I'm loving for Fall:

AE Chambray button-down

Black Burlap: Last season I loved burlap, I even incorporated it into IV's first birthday party, but this season - I'm loving Black Burlap and just picked up a small roll at Michaels.

{these are from Etsy}

Ann Kelle Fabric: How cute are these fabric designs? hint hint, Mom!

Mini Statement Necklace: I may have just order the "Coral" mini. How can you not for a deal like $9.99?!

Tory Burch Revas: I recently received a 20% coupon from TB due to some issues I was having with a pair of sandals I ordered. This coupon expires soon - so I think it's time these adorable flats go in my shopping cart.

Just Dandy: I just love Danielle and her fashion blog. Her online boutique opens toady at 10am!

Essie Fall nail polish: I'm a huge fan of a good shellac mani, but I'm also a fan of changing my nail color more than every two weeks.

And finally, I'm loving the 30 day shred: My sweet Husband is on a mission to loose a few pounds and I'm on a mission to make that happen. Which means, I'm doing the 30 day shred as well. Not to lose weight, but to help support him. It's always easier when you have a support buddy. I have adjusted our meals to meet his caloric intake recommendation and every night after IV goes to bed...we shred. Stew has already lost weight after just 10 days! If I can talk him into it - I'll write a post about his 30 day journey on the shred...and share before and after pictures. Yes, I took before pictures!

Ok, Friends. There you have my Fall (ish) Favorites! Enjoy your weekend.

P.S. You didn't really think I'd post and not share a picture of my sweet 16 month old did you?

Happy 16 Months, Love Bug!

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

61/41

Yesterday my Mom celebrate her 61st birthday. I don't think there is any shame in posting her age. She looks fabulous.

My parents also celebrate their 41st wedding anniversary - and that is just plan awesome.

My Mom took yesterday (and Monday) off to spend the days with IV and I.

Here is a little something I set up yesterday for her special day.