We are finally having some Minnesota winter weather! What a great time to do some outdoor portraits in the snowy wonderland! Everyone in their winter hats, a snowman or a toboggan, classic Minnesota family portraits! If you are more of an indoor family – we now have studio options in Minneapolis and Chanhassen!

December Special:

Book a portrait session, in-studio for 85.00, by December 31st (session must be used by March 2012)and receive one free digital image (75.00 value) and one 8×10 print (35.00 value) of your favorite portrait! Contact us to book your session now!

(651)398-0667

amy@adamfullerphoto.com

Upcoming News and Events

Avast Ye Scurvy Dogs!

Pirates are coming to Adam Fuller Photography! We are busily working  on creating a fantastic pirate themed set! Like our Fairy Days, Pirate Day will be a once and a while theme we set up and book appointments through one weekend day. Pirate costumes and props provided, you just bring the family and we provide the fun while creating awesome pirate portraits! Whether looking for pirate treasure, swashbuckling on the deck or making a traitorous landlubber walk the plank your family will never forget Pirate Day at Adam Fuller Photography! Keep your eye on our blog and our newsletter for more details as the time draws nigh!

 

Fairy Days will return in April!

Every year we create a slightly different look in Fairyland and add new details to make it visually different ( some families bring their daughters year after year to create portraits). Always unique and always magical – be sure to keep your eye on our blog and our newsletter for specific dates!

 

 

 Amy’s Fitness Corner

With the holidays upon us and New Years approaching, we are all crunched for time. Don’t let your health and fitness  take a backseat this year! Most people feel good and get results from as little as two workouts a week, combine them with a little daily walk at lunchtime to keep your mood up and you can get a jump on your New Year’s goals.

Here is an at-home circuit you can do with little or no equipment – it works every muscle and should only take about half an hour!

(Amy Simmer is a certified personal trainer, however you should consult your doctor before engaging in any new physical activity. The exercises here are not a prescription for anything and you undertake them at your own risk.)

Do each one set of each exercise, then go directly to the next exercise without stopping. Once you have done all the exercises, rest 1-2 minutes and repeat for 2 more circuits.

1) Squats – to make these more challenging, hold a phone book or jug full of water in front of your chest while doing them. Do 15-20 repetitions. be sure your weight is in your heels and you bend at the hips before you bend your knees.

 

2)Push ups on knees or toes, or with hands elevated on couch for beginners. 12-15 repetitions.

 

3) Double step ups, or single step ups , on stairs. 10-15 repetitions per leg.

This shows a step but you can use your stairs or a sturdy chair seat.

 

4) One arm row with bottle of water or dumb bell. 12-15 repetitions per side.

be sure your abdominals are pulled in a little to keep your back straight.

5) Overhead water bottle or dumbbell press. 12-15 repetitions.

Be sure you are in good posture and your abdominal muscles are creating a firm girdle around your waist.

6)Superman Back Strengthener – 12-15 repetitions.

Keep hipbones in contact with the floor and think about lengthening your body as you lift, don’t aim to lift as high as possible, just feel your back muscles along your spine working. This move is a great back pain prevention movement.

7) Abdominal Plank or basic crunch, 30-60 second plank or 15 crunches.

The plank is one of the best total core strengtheners. Keep your shoulders and hips level, don’t let your belly sag and keep your neck/head neutral. If you want to plank but the forearms on floor version is too challenging, try forearms on the couch.

The basic crunch is a good abdominal strengthener, and most people can do it without too much difficulty. You only need to come up as high as your shoulder blades coming off the floor. really focus on how your abdominal muscles pull in and crunch to lift your upper body. Breath!

Now you have a total body circuit that is quick and efficient! Have a healthy holiday and stay fit!

If you need one-on-one personal training give Amy a call at (651)434-2409 to discuss options. Also check out her website at :

www.physicalfitnet.com/amy4training

Recipe of the Month

Who doesn’t love soup in the cold winter months?

Soup Du Jour (Muscle and Fitness, 1995)

This is one of my favorite recipes – so fast and easy. You can boost the protein content by adding cooked chicken, turkey or beef.

The recipe is laid out for a different kind of soup each day for a week-

Day / Frozen Vegetable /Seasoning /Garnish
Monday Broccoli Basil or Tarragon Popcorn
Tues. Cauliflower Nutmeg or clove Sliced scallions
Wed. Hubbard Squash Ginger or curry Toasted almonds
Thurs. Lima beans Thyme or Mustard Goldfish crackers
Friday Green peas Dill, parsley or mint Chinese noodles
Saturday Spinach Tarragon or Marjoram Crushed corn chips
Sunday Mixed vegetables Basil or Tarragon Oyster crackers

Ingredients:
1/2c frozen chopped onions
1c frozen cubed potatoes (southern-style hash browns)
13 3/4 ounce can low-salt chicken broth
1 bag (20-24 ounce) or two 10 ounce boxes frozen vegetables (see chart above)
1/2 – 1 tsp complementary seasoning (see chart)
12 ounce evaporated skim milk
Salt and white pepper to taste
Complimentary garnish (see chart)

In a 3-quart sauce pan, combine the onion, potatoes and broth. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and cook for five minutes. Add the frozen vegetables and seasoning. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
Uncover, remove pan from heat and let it cool slightly.
Remove vegetables from pan with a slotted spoon or small strainer and place in a food processor or blender. Cover and blend 15-30 seconds until vegetables are smooth. return pureed vegetables to the saucepan and gently stir to combine with the broth. Add evaporated milk and cook over medium heat, stirring often. Adjust seasoning with salt and white pepper, if desired. serve hot with choice of garnish.
Makes 5-6 cups

Per serving:

Broccoli soup 144 calories, 11g protein, 1g fat, 26g CHO, 371mg sodium, 3 mg cholesterol
Cauliflower soup: 142 calories, 10g pro, 1g fat, 26g CHO, 371 mg sodium, 3 mg cholesterol
Hubbard squash soup: 183 calories, 9g pro, 1g fat, 38g CHO, 343mg sodium, 3 mg cholesterol
Lima Bean soup: 244 calories, 15g pro, 1g fat, 44g CHO, 413 mg sodium, 3 mg cholesterol
Green pea soup: 207 calories, 14g pro, 1g fat, 37g CHO, 481mg sodium, 3 mg cholesterol
Spinach soup: 141 calories, 11g pro, 1g fat, 25g CHO, 433 mg sodium, 3 mg cholesterol
Mixed vegetable soup: 191 calories, 11g pro, 1g fat, 36g CHO, 399 mg sodium, 3 mg cholesterol

 

For more great recipes and healthy food preparation  tips – check out Amy’s Food Blog at:

http://harddogfitness.blogspot.com

 

Thank you for letting us capture your special moments with beautiful portraits! Have a safe and healthy holiday season!

 

(651)398-0667

amy@adamfullerphoto.com