1 | trees full of pretty blooms

2 | the smell of fresh cut grass

3 | tulip buds popping out of damp soil

4 | the lingering smell of rain after a rain shower

5 | outdoor patios and dining al fresco

6 | dusting off my sunnies and wearing them on a regular basis

7 | driving with the windows down

8 | sun kissed afternoon walks

9 | flirty dresses and open-toed shoes

10 | the promise of summer

Growing up, did you ever have one of those notebooks filled with questions that you passed around to all your friends? I did. It was a Saniro Keroppi frog notebook, and I would pack it in my backpack and pass it off to all my friends to fill out during class. I remember getting it back at the end of the day full of stickers and different color pen marks highlighting their favorite song, what they wanted to be when they grew up, who their movie star crush was.

I thought it was so cool. Like really cool. I officially knew everything about all my friends and it was all in one precious notebook. Maybe I just liked the idea of seeing different answers to the same questions or how I could learn about each person through a combination of random questions. Either way, I thought it was cool, and I still do. So in honor of Keroppi (who was totally the coolest of the bunch), I’m answering 20 random questions.

1. What is the best gift you have ever received? When I was in high school, my parents bought me a Nikon film camera for Christmas. I was just starting to get into photography, and I LOVED that camera. I still use it when I shoot film. Years later, Phil surprised me with my first “real” lens – my 24-70mm f2.8. It was this gift that pushed me to start my business and live this life.

2. What is the best advice your mom gave to you? Always be nice to everyone you meet. You never know when your paths might cross again.

3. What is on your kitchen counter? A soda stream and a bowl of bananas … always.

4. Have you ever been a member of a club? Lots, but I totally started my own Ghostwriters Club complete with meetings, cool pens, and hip notebooks.

5. What is on your feet right now? Sand. Jealous?

6. What splurge is well worth it? Travel. I have never returned from a trip and wished I wouldn’t have gone.

7. Do you have any pet peeves? People who don’t write thank you cards. I blame my mom for years of writing them as a kid, but a handwritten note goes such a long way.

8. What is one thing you wish you’d known when you were younger? That everything usually works out how it is supposed to.

9. What is on your perennial to-do list? Printing my personal photos.

10. What are the last three items on your credit card statement? Our South African safari, a sushi dinner and a dress from Nordstrom.

11. What item in your closet do you wear the most? My black leather motorcycle jacket from Florence. It was such a splurge, but it is my favorite piece I own because it fits like a glove.

12. What quote do you live by? “What’s meant to be always finds a way.”

13. What app do you use the most often? Instagram + VSCO

14. What kind of sickness have you lied about so you didn’t have to go to work? When I worked in corporate America, I once told a boss I had pink eye so I could go to an interview. I totally rubbed my eyes for 30 minutes before going back to the office. Geeze …. I mean who does that?!

15. What is your perfect pizza? It is loaded with cheese and lots and lots of vegetables

16. If you could be any age for a week, what age would you be? 75 – I think when you are in your 70’s you have a pretty good idea about life, what is important, and you know a ton of life lessons. I’d be nice to have some of that insight for a week.

17. What is your favorite city? In the U.S., I love San Fran. Internationally, it would have to be Cape Town.

18. Have you ever been stung by a bee? Yes. Twice. Once a bee was caught in my hair and it stung the corner of my eye (let me tell you, it wasn’t a good look for me … or anyone for that matter), and another time a bee stung my hand during a photo shoot. I was a little freaked out about it, but I kept my cool until the shoot ended and then I called my mom … and panicked.

19. Are you afraid of heights? Yes, yes, yes. I am pretty much terrified (with a capital T) of heights, but if you put a camera in my hand, you can push me a little.

20. Do you collect anything? Vintage cameras, jewelry from every country I travel to and postcards and ornaments from our trips.

Have a question you would like to know? Leave it in the comments, and I’ll answer it on the next edition. Or share a little about yourself in the comments below. I’d love to get to know you better.

PHOTO CREDIT // cassandra photo

It all started when the public library would offer those summer reading contests. Do you remember these? Read a certain number of books and then you would get a free ticket to Six Flags Great America. I wanted that ticket to Six Flags … bad. So I read and read and read some more. It was bribery … but it got me reading, and since then I’ve been hooked on books.

I did a LOT of reading in 2014. It was one of my major goals and with all the travel we did, I managed to read a ton (hello, reading at the beach might be one of my favorite hobbies, ever.). Plus, I’m a pretty fast reader (or so I like to think) – especially when I have a page-turner in my hands.

Here are 10 books I read in 2014 … and LOVED.

I am Malala // Malala Yousafzai

Unbroken // Laura Hillenbrand

Steal Like An Artist // Austin Kleon

#GIRLBOSS // Sophia Amoruso

The Fault In Our Stars // John Green

Picture Perfect Posing // Roberto Valenzuela 

Where She Went // Gayle Forman

Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? // Mindy Kaling

The Cuckoo’s Calling // Robert Galbraith

Orange is the New Black // Piper Kerman

But if you aren’t really into reading, and you are only going to read three books this year, read Unbroken, Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? and I am Malala. They will not disappoint.

What books did you read last year that were AMAZING? I’m always looking for recommendations.

Things have been rather quiet on my blog since the holidays. I opted to take a few days off to just focus on friends and family after a whirlwind of a year. I’ll be recapping 2014 this week, so we can relive what a year it has been together (and WHAT a year it has been!). However, I wanted the first post of 2015 to be forward-thinking. Positive energy. Excitement.

Now you guys know, I pretty much LOVE lists. Grocery lists, to-do lists, goal lists, packing lists …. they all make my heart sing with joy. Rather than write down some resolutions, I put together a START / STOP / CONTINUE list. Yes, I know, technically these are resolutions, but they feel more attainable (in my mind, at least) written down this way.

I have a pretty hefty list (along with a lot of other goal lists for 2015) but here are just a few things on my START / STOP / CONTINUE list.

// START 

1. Taking more photos of my personal life //  This includes friends, family, and what I ate for dinner. Document. it. all. And then do something with those photos. Hello, photo albums and frames.

2. Waking up earlier //Don’t hate me, but I pretty much never use an alarm clock (perk of self-employment).  I let my body decide when I should wake up, however I want to get back into a pattern of waking up early, getting a morning routine established, and structuring my day.

3. Journaling more (or at all) // I used to do this all the time and then I started this blog, and I pretty much stopped. So I picked up this Q&A – 5-Year Journal to get me going again.

4. Drinking more water // Eight 8 oz glasses a day would be the goal. But anything above 2 would be an improvement. I just am never thirsty enough to be reaching for more.

// STOP

1. Comparing myself to others // This is always a hard one for some reason. I look at others’ success and want it. I see friends at different points in their lives, and I long to be there too. I sometimes think my photos are not what they could be. It is all negative. And I’m trying to eliminate the negative this year.

2. Watching pointless TV shows // Crime shows and Modern Family are NOT included in this because those are fan-tastic. I’m thinking Keeping up with the Kardashians and maybe Millionaire Matchmaker. 

3. Talking about working out – I put it on my calendar. I say I am going to start hitting the gym or joining a fun class … and then…. nothing. If talking about exercising burned calories, I would be winning … big time … but it doesn’t.

4. Making excuses – Just admit why it happened … and move on. Misplacing blame changes nothing.

// CONTINUE

1. Reading – I read 22 books this year (blog post to come on some of my favorites), and I felt SO good about it. Sure, a lot of the books came off the books-being-made-into-movies list … but the book is ALWAYS better than the movie and it gave me a timeline to get the book read.

2. Saving money – I love seeing those $ adding up. It is nice to have a rainy day and travel fund set aside especially when last minute getaways pop up.

3. Making the bed every morning – It only takes 2 minutes, and it really makes our bedroom look so much better. And I’d so rather get back into it at night when it is a pretty made bed (5 pillows and all) vs a crumpled mess of blankets. Duh.

4. Traveling – I visited 5 countries (Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Grand Cayman and the Dominican Republic) in 2014. We are planning out our travel schedule for 2015, and I cannot wait to document our next adventure.

What’s on your START / STOP / CONTINUE list this year?

I’ve been a bit of a bad blogger lately. Ok, pretty bad …. especially when it comes to some more personal posts. I have no problem getting the latest session or wedding up, but when I don’t have that on the schedule, well, I can be uninspired to come up with something to share … especially about myself. :(

So when I stumbled on a monthly article in Marie Claire that has celebs answer 20 questions, I thought it could be a fun additional to the blog.

1. What brings you the greatest joy? Exploring new places and photographing them.
2. What is the best advice you’ve been given? Be nice to everyone you meet. You never know when you might cross paths again… It is so true but even more true since I started my business.
3. What issues are you most passionate about? Human trafficking and sex slavery. It breaks my heart that this is so prevalent today.
4. What is not to be missed on tv? Any crime shows but especially How to Get Away with Murder and Criminal Minds.
5. What is on your bucket list? A safari through Africa.
6. Who do you follow on social media? Lots of people but my favs are on Instagram – @jasminestar, @promisetangeman, @sugarpaperla, @25Park, @kennethtan
7. What do you wish someone would invent? More hours in the day. 24 is just too short.
8. What book had a profound effect on you? I am Malala. If you haven’t read it, read it. It was so emotional and made me beyond grateful to have the possibilities that we have for women in America.
9. Do you have a secret talent? I am an expert organizer. Closets, drawers, cabinets. I spend my days off organizing everything.
10. What irrational fears do you have? Fear of heights (mostly of falling when I am every where high.)
11. Who is your girl crush? Sophia Bush
12. What are your vices? Blue Moon and anything chocolate.
13. Of the seven deadly sins, which are you guilty of? At some point, probably all of them but envy and lust. As a creative you see others success and you want the same for yourself.
14. What would be your last meal? Hm this is so tough. A surf and turf combo but only with a twice baked potato and plenty of bread.
15. Favorite store? A tie for Target and Nordstrom … followed by Trader Joes. If I only had these three stores, I would be ok. :)
16. Favorite hotel? 99 Gallery in Chiang Mai. I just loved how it was decorated and it has the most amazing view of the Wat Phra Singh Woramahaviharn.
17. How did you make your first dollar? Probably a lemonade stand if you are being technical. Otherwise selling nachos and sodas at the local summer pool.
18. What should every woman try at least once in her life? Something you are completely terrified of.
19. How would you like to be remembered? For being authentic, real and creative.
20. What do you wish you had more time for? Journaling. It is such a great release for me but I never do it anymore.

Have a question you would like to know? Leave it in the comments, and I’ll answer it on the next edition.

If I wasn’t a photographer, I think I’d make an excellent professional shopper. One time, I walked into Home Depot to pick up a can of gold spray paint, and I walked out with soil, terrarium food, terracotta pots … oh and NINE cacti. (I would have purchased more, but nine already getting a little crazy for someone living in an apartment in Chicago). You can take me ANYWHERE – Ikea, Trader Joe’s or a tupperware party, and I am walking out with a shopping bag. I’m on my way to Confessions of a Shopaholic.

So, with the holidays around the corner, I put together 15 gift ideas specifically for photographers. Yes, photographers actually like getting gifts that are photo related (and if they don’t, send it my way because I do.).

FOR THE PHOTOGRAPHER …..

1. WHO LIKES TO BE DIFFERENT : Holga 120N Plastic Camera

2. WHO LOVES TO DECORATE : Some photo themed artwork for their home like this or this or this

3. WHO LOVES THEIR IPHONE : Olloclip 4-in-1 Lens for iPhone

4. WHO LOVES TO TRAVEL : JOBY Gorillapod Flexible Tripod

5. WHO LOVES THE LOOK OF FILM BUT SHOOTS DIGITAL : VSCO film packs for Lightroom / Photoshop  

6. WHO NEEDS TO PRINT THEIR WORK : an Artifact Uprising gift card

7. WHO ONLY HAS A KIT LENS : a Nikon 50mm f/1.8G AF-S NIKKOR FX Lens or a Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II Camera Lens

8. WHO IS A BAG LADY :  Shootsac Neoprene Lens Bag

9. WHO IS A FASHIONISTA : a fun, printed camera strap like these from Capturing Couture

10. WHO NEEDS COFFEE FIRST THING IN THE MORNING : a camera lens travel mug for the Nikon or Canon lover

11. EAGER TO LEARN MORE  : Picture Perfect Posing: Practicing the Art of Posing for Photographers and Models or Picture Perfect Practice: A Self-Training Guide to Mastering the Challenges of Taking World-Class Photographs 

12. WHO COLLECTS CAMERAS : Vintage cameras

13. LOOKING FOR INSPIRATION : a magazine subscription. I personally love W, Vogue and Esquire. Or opt for a subscription to a photo magazine like American Photo or Rangefinder.

14. WHO WANTS TO SHOOT REAL FILM : Film Is Not Dead: A Digital Photographer’s Guide to Shooting Film

15. ….WITH EVERYTHING : Recycled Film Roll Magnets

>> long days and short dresses

>> sun-kissed skin with a lingering smell of coconut tanning lotion

>> an afternoon of guilty chic-lit book marathons

>> juicy, watermelon and ripe tomatos

>> fireflies buzzing around

>> chocolate-chip cookie dough ice cream … dripping down the waffle cone

>> fresh cut grass

>> pool parties that turn into dance parties

>> bonfires and yummy ‘smores

>> bare feet and bright colored pedis

>> lemonade on a deck and beer at a local fest

>> taking a long walk because you want to be outside … doing anything

>> short shorts and strappy sandals

>> fireworks, sparklers and sticky nights

>> sand in toes and salt in your hair

>> sweet corn and bbqs

>> laughter, love and lasting memories

I walked into the apartment after my consulation last night and nothing had changed. The million throw pillows were still perfectly placed on the couch. The pineapple I cut the night before was still being chilled in the refrigerator waiting to be eaten. The TV was still tuned to Bravo. Everything in its place, but I wanted it all to be different.

As some of you know, my boyfriend, Phil, has been in South East Asia since January. I last saw him 86 days ago when I left Thailand after a whirlwind of a trip visiting Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh, Hoi An, Nha Trang) and Cambodia. And while we have done the long distance thing more than once over the last 10 years together, this time feels the longest … the hardest …. and the strangest.

We are over 8,000 miles apart. Living in two different days (literally) in two different worlds. I am so blessed to be extremely busy in Chicago with work, dates with friends and dinners with family, but even with everything else in my life being so “full” it feels a little empty with Phil not here.

Our not so successful attempts at video chatting and phone calls seem to be more about “can you hear me” …or … “what, you are cutting out” than actual conversations. And while g chat and whatsapp have made me feel a little closer so I can tell him about my day or send a funny picture to him, we are still so far apart. Long distance sucks. Seriously. To all my couples out there who do this for months / years … you are SO strong. There are days when I wake up, and I miss him so much it hurts … that I think about jumping on a plane for a 17-hour flight just to see him for a few days in between my work schedule. The next 25 days seem as if they are forever away. :( I am ready to come home to the throw pillows on the floor, an empty bowl of pineapple and ESPN on the TV …. so that I can be right by his side again.

As I walked to my car Wednesday night, I picked up the phone to call to say I was running late. I wouldn’t be at my parent’s house for another hour, and I didn’t want to worry my mom. “Please be careful,” she said back as I clicked in my seatbelt and headed towards the expressway. My mom has told me “be careful” all my life … along with hundreds of other pieces of advice that moms tell their children. The stuff that as kid, you sorta tune out … until one day you have an ah-ha moment, and realize your mom was pretty smart. Yeap, my mom …. well she is insanely smart.

Between packing lunches, applying band-aids and being the best listener …. she has taught me so many life lessons and gave the best advice. I mean, she is still the first person I call with any news.

So in honor of Mother’s Day …. I thought I would share 10 of my favorite life lessons /advice from my beautiful mother.

[ 1 ] Always be nice to everyone you meet. Don’t burn bridges. You never know how / when they will come back in to your life. 

[ 2 ] Take care of yourself. Eat well. Stretch (she tells me this every time I talk to her … still). Exercise. Rest. Your health is one of the most important things.

[ 3 ] Create and always stay inspired. My mom’s family is FULL of creatives, and growing up I watched my mom and grandma make endless projects for fun, their homes and as gifts. It is something I love to do …. and it is even better when I can do it with my mom.

[ 4 ] Wear good shoes and keep them polished. When they look tired … let them go. I know this one to be true, but I have a hard time getting rid of some of my boots.

[ 5 ] Follow your passion. Life is too short to be unhappy. #truth

[ 6 ] Always send a thank you note. It goes such a long way. And who doesn’t love snail mail these days?

[ 7 ] Continue to push yourself outside of your comfort zone. It is the only way to grow.

[ 8] This too shall pass. When things are bad, they will get better. When things are amazing, they won’t always be. Be present in the moment, and make the most of every one you have.

[ 9 ] Don’t save the china, silver or candles for a special occasion. Today is special.

[ 10 ] The only thing you can’t get more of is time. So choose to spend it wisely. 

Happy Mother’s Day, Mom. I love you. Thank you for showing me over the years how to be strong, creative, loving and happy. I am the person I am today because of you. These simple words cannot convey how much you mean to me … but until I can figure out how to do that, this will have to do.

Things have been a little quiet on the blog, and I promise you I have a good reason for it. I am traveling through South East Asia for two months with Phil during my off-season. Yes, we escaped snowy, cold Chicago for Vietnam, Thailand, and Cambodia. It it my first time ever traveling this far (the farthest I had been was Italy) and my first time in Asia.

I am beyond excited to be traveling and photographing all the beauty and culture around South East Asia. Yet, like any other Type A personality, I cannot simply just take it all in … no, I have a nice little bucket list of things for our trip and our time away from Chicago.

// Relax with a Thai massage

// Meet an elephant

// Take a Thai cooking class in Chiang Mai

// Try pho (a Vietnamese noodle soup)

// Photograph Angkor Wat at sunrise/sunset

// Celebrate the Vietnamese New Year in Hoi An

// Soak up the sun in Phuket

// Take photographs of the tigers at the tiger temples in Thailand …. and I must be in at least one

// Attend a full moon party in Koh Pha Ngan

// Get a custom made dress in Hoi An

// Snorkel in Nha Trang

// Meet and travel with new people from around the world

// Release a lantern

// Go to as many markets as I can … there are tons all over South East Asia, but a floating market is a must

// Chat with a monk

// Get a fish pedicure

// Live, enjoy and have no regrets about the next 2 months – from take off to landing.

As we travel along, I know my list will continue to grow. I will be blogging throughout the trip and sharing photos from our adventure, so stay tuned. #bbphotoinasia

The last few days have been full of sipping hot chocolate, eating cookies and singing (I really should leave it up to Mariah, but who can resist “All I Want for Christmas”). I hope you all have a fabulous Christmas celebrating with friends and family, and that Santa brings you everything you wanted.

In honor of Christmas, I made Bentley dress us as my little elf. I think he is in for next year.

You are taking too much. Um….are you going to save any for me?! Who took all the veggie casserole? Ah, my Aunt Marge’s famous veggie casserole. This warm, heavenly mixture of broccoli, cauliflower, carrots and creamy goodness is liquid gold …. and it is the ONE thing on the Thanksgiving table that my cousins and I battle over just about every year. After years of hearing this banter, my Aunt Marge started making huge trays so that we can eat as much as we want AND bring home leftovers. Now that is something to be thankful for.

Today will be bittersweet though. I’ll be getting an extra serving of veggie casserole because my little and only brother, Peter will be eating rice and noodles in Thailand. It won’t be the same without him sitting alongside us strategizing over the Black Friday ads like years past.

Everyday this week, I have been noting all the things I am beyond thankful for … but rather than give you the full list, here are the cliff notes … Phil, my family + Bentley (how adorable does he look laying on the couch today watching football?!), friends, peanut butter cups, long, hot showers, true happiness, being my own boss, Pinterest and all of my clients, readers, and supporters who trust me to document and share their special moments.

Happy turkey day!

Gosh, today marks the day that I am officially 28. It is a weird age. It is not like turning 16 or 18 or 21 … those big birthdays where life totally changes … finally being able to drive, to vote, to drink. And it isn’t a year like 20 or 25 or 30 where it is a milestone birthday … where people get you cards with your age on them. (I’m pretty sure Hallmark doesn’t make a happy 28th birthday).

In a way, it feels like just another birthday. Yet as I look back on the past 28 years, all the tears, disappointments, adventures, laughter, and amazing memories, I realize it is one never ending journey. I wouldn’t go back and change a thing … however life might have been a little easier had I known the following. So if I could write a note to my younger self with advice it would be this. (And I’m sure my future self could be reminded of these things too).

>> Live what you love. No matter what.

>> Travel light.

>> It is ok to say no (an invitation is not an obligation).

>> Unplug (from technology) as much as possible.

>> It something isn’t beautiful, useful or meaningful … get rid of it.

>> When you discover something you love, do it more often.

>> It is OK to not have a plan.

>> Let things go.

>> Big risks = big rewards.

>> Find someone who inspires you, and then become someone who inspires others.

>> Relationships are complicated, but always worth the roller coaster.

>> A day without chocolate isn’t complete.

>> Save your money. You never know when a last minute trip of a lifetime might happen.

>> Friends grow apart, but you can still cherish your relationship for what it was.

>> Don’t compare your life, relationship, work, family, etc to others. You don’t know what their journey is about.

>> It is ok to ask for help.

>> Don’t burn bridges. You never know when you are going to need that person.

>> A good cry is sometimes all you need to feel better.

>> If you are unhappy, don’t talk about it. Change it.

>> Burn the candles. Use the china. Wear the your jewels. Don’t save it for a special occasion. Today is special.

>> However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

>> Everyone is busy. Make time for those who are important to you.

>> Make time for yourself.

>> Don’t take no for an answer when it comes to your dreams.

>> Always tell someone how you feel.

>> Give credit. Take blame.

>> Listen. Every person has a story to tell.

>> What’s meant to be always finds a way.

This past weekend, I traveled to Tulsa to photograph a wedding with my dear friend and talented photographer, Cassandra Photo. When we landed back in Chicago, Sunday, I promised myself I would take a day off this week. Yes, an actual day off. With no sneak peaks, no Facebook updates, no blogs, no emails. I may have snuck in a little work in the morning (eek, A for effort, right?!), but I did get to spend a whole day with one of my best friends. My mom.

We spent the day running in and out of different stores hunting for the perfect leather jacket while sharing stories, giggling and just spending much needed quality time together. All on a Monday. And then when the day turned into night, I decided to stay the night watching Betrayal with my mom on the couch.

And as I sat there, watching TV, I couldn’t help but smile. Because my heart felt full. I was genuinely happy. I have created this amazing life for myself. A life where my job is beyond fun …. a job where it really doesn’t feel like work. A life where I can take a random day off to just spend time with my mom …. or where I can grab lunch with an old friend or  …. where I can just work in my pjs as the rain pours down outside.

I am so blessed that this life is real. That I have the freedom and flexibility that I longed for so many years ago. And that every day I wake up, I get to live my dream.