Sarah // KBP Senior Model Feature

Dark haired beauty Sarah is my first Senior Model Feature. This girl loves the outdoors specifically winter sports. She attends Conestoga High School where she will graduate from this coming Spring. She's like me and loves New York City in the Fall, especially the Winter months. Like I said, this girl loves snow! She has dreams of being an FBI agent and aspires to the great work ethic that she sees in her parents. They inspire her.

Sarah said her favorite part of the KBP Senior Model experience was having her hair and makeup done for the styled shoot. She said it was such a treat! Well, Sarah I think you are just wonderful! I wish you all the best in your Senior year and as you embark on new journeys to come!

Cross Country Roadtrip

My husband and I had the wonderful opportunity to travel the country this summer. We went from PA all the way to California staying with friends and family along the way. The visits were so special, the sightseeing was amazing and the time together was priceless. Here is my advice to you straight from the wise Lara Casey, 'You know all those things you've always wanted to do? You should go do them!' 

This collage is a great big bunch of my Instagrams from the trip. I will share the photos I took with my professional camera sometime soon. What a wonderful trip it was!! 

Baby Grace // Newborn Session

I had the wonderful privilege to capture Jim & Sarah's wedding a few years back. I can't tell you how thrilled I was when they contacted me to say they were pregnant and now wanted me to take photos of their new little one. When clients give you the opportunity to not only capture one, but multiple huge life events, it truly is an honor. Seriously, I was holding back tears watching these parents hold their newborn daughter, kiss each other and just stare at her - they are truly in love. Grace is such a sweet little baby - Congratulations Jim and Sarah!

Kayla & Kevin // Styled Shoot

A few months back I was able to meet up with the lovely Olivia Craft for coffee. This girl is an amazing photographer. I knew of her because we had met previously at a friend's wedding, but she also ended up moving into the apartment my husband and I used to rent before we moved last year. This girl is as sweet as they come and I love her photographic style.

We thought it would be super fun to get together for a styled shoot. So we made a social media shout out for a couple who was willing and available - insert Kayla and Kevin. This sweet duo is getting married in just 6 months! He's a DJ and she is a dancer and together they make photo magic! We decided to give this shoot somewhat of an edgy vibe by choosing a very structural, dry outdoor setting and going with black leather as one of the key pieces for the wardrobe. This styled shoot was a whole lot of fun for Olivia and I, as we tag-teamed taking photos of this great couple on a night with an incredible sunset and awesome light! Check out Olivia's images here: Olivia's Blog

Friday Favorites

Instagram is a wonderful thing. I mean, just wonderful. It is interesting how I've found it to be dangerous at times though. It only takes a split second to grow discontent or jealous when you see a person's 'picture perfect' life displayed in 100's of little square photographs. However, I've decided (and believe me you must intentionally make this decision) for Instagram to instead become one of my greatest inspirations. I have made it a point to only follow those that truly inspire, encourage or advise me in a positive way. Many of my Friday faves come from my Instagram wanderings.

New Favorite Book

1. The Nesting Place

This book is quite the reality check for an avid home decorator like myself. One I needed. This book has taught me how important it is to make your home a place for people to live within, not tip toe around in so they don't break anything in. Myquillyn Smith shares photos of her own home - messy and clean, put together and torn apart - all to show you that it is ok - that it is ok to not have it all together, that everything isn't perfect, that you don't have a lot of money to decorate or that you cannot figure out for the life of you what to hang on that wall behind the couch. She is a sweet soul, you can tell by her kind, encouraging and true to life words. Go buy this book. Seriously, if you love decorating or want to love decorating - go buy this book!

Myquillyn Smith // Instagram

New Favorite TV Show:

2. Fixer Upper on HGTV

Talk about feel good television. Seriously, this husband and wife team brighten my day every time I watch there show. Joanna is a decorating genius. She owns her own shop in Texas Magnolia Market (I SO wish I could visit this gem!). She is also a mother of four. This couple has some super cute chemistry - they don't take life to seriously. But they also do an amazing job with the homes they renovate and decorate. I have fallen completely in love with the rustic, fresh, soft and beautiful style that Joanna creates in the homes she completes. Favorite HGTV show ever and I watch a LOT of HGTV.

Joanna Gains // Instagram

New Favorite Product

3. The Mason Bar Company

How adorable are these cute little lids for your mason jar. Let's be honest, who doesn't feel a little bit cooler takin a sip out of a mason jar, verses a regular old drinking glass. Also, I'm bound and determined to solve the 'there aren't any more clean glasses' problem in my house, by having my 'go to glass'. Of course, it needs to be cute though too, right?! They have an array of different colors of their super awesome lids and different mason jar sizes, as well. They even offer really adorable, customizable cuffs too. Now if I could just decide which one I like the best, then I can place my order! YAY!

Mason Bar // Instagram

 

New Favorite Recipe

4. Chocolate Chip Cookies

If you know me at all, you know it only makes sense that my favorite new recipe is for cookies. This is the simplest, fewest ingredients and most delicious chocolate chip recipe for me to date! I love making desserts from scratch, but sometimes you just want a cookie and you don't want to take the time to make them. With this recipe I had cookies within a half hour of starting to make these bad boys. They are fluffy, soft and chewy, with a hint of moistness in there too. I must say I have eaten more of these little delights than I care to share with you ... I found this recipe on Pinterest - if easy is in the title, that's my kind of recipe. But this one is easy AND delicious!!

 

So there you have it - my Friday Faves. I hope these encourage you, inspire you, get you to pull our your wallet and even hit your sweet spot. I suggest you follow these people on instagram for inspiration. Happy Weekend!!!

 

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