romancing the stone

(see the rest of the collection on my photography website.) 

   I have done quite a few photo-shoots with Alexis, even many long before I had given any thought about labeling myself as a "photographer", and we develop the most elaborate and detailed collections together. I had been dying to develop a small collection using some of my vintage lingerie, and the morning light with the vase of roses in her home was perfect for these shots.  

   After editing/gathering up these photographs from this shoot, I really couldn't be more pleased with any work I have created with a camera so far. I always find myself in love with the work that I do that is slighty over-the-top/edgy and extremely impromptu, which these photographs are both of those. I have realized 2014 is also the year I will take no boundaries with capturing art through a lens, and I can't wait to see other visions of mine come to life. 

knees of my heart

(maple salted lattes and soy vanilla chais at Whistle Stop.)  

(exploring Blackwell's Thrift, always a must for decorating.) 

(dress: Brass Giraffe Vintage, scarf: handmade, tights: h&m, everything else is either thrifted or vintage)

     The last few days have been extremely nice to me. Despite the dreadfully cold weather for some of the time, I have sincerely enjoyed this time of my winter break. I stayed over at a friend's house the other day, drink too much wine, explored around the small downtown, grabbed coffee, and managed to spend a whole day away from emails/my laptop. It's great to have those days away from your home and other responsibilities (or just habits) that you tend to. 

      I ventured to my favorite little shop in Kansas City today, Blackwell's Thrift Store. The name has people often confused, it's more like an antique store of your dreams than a thrift store that you have to dig through racks and usually find contemporary items. I just adore the shop owner, our conversations of being collectors, and the friendship we've developed since I am always headed there. If you're a Kansas City native, I'd suggest a trip there if you haven't yet. I walked out with a teapot, a vanity mirror top, and a stainless steel pitcher. Sometimes I wonder how many of items purchased from her shop are displayed in my home... probably most of my dishware. 

made at home: rosemary oatmeal bath soak

Rosemary Oatmeal Bath Soak

• 1/4 cup of honey
• 1/2 cup of oatmeal
• 2 tablespoons of coconut oil
• 2 tablespoons of Epsom salt 
• 2 tablespoons of rosemary 

   Mix all ingredients together in a medium sized jar (or bowl). Run a warm bath and pour the ingredients in the tub while the water is running. For less of a clean-up, combine the ingredients in a large tea bag or sock, and squeeze throughout soaking. 

   Kansas City had record-breaking lows today. This below zero degree weather is frighteningly cold, so I preferred to stay indoors as much as I could today. As most normal people do on chilly days, I decided to take a warm bath after spending some time outside this afternoon. I decided to mix together a simple bath soak, which couldn't be more relaxing. Rosemary is great for cleansing the skin without over-drying, oatmeal reduces inflammation and is good for dry skin, and honey keeps the skin smooth. I will defiantly be using this soak more often. What are your favorite bath soaks? 

haunt you love

(Browse through the rest of the collection on my photography website.)

   The snow brings out the most beautiful times to conduct a photo-shoot. My good friend (and model/make-up artist) Courtnie Marie modeled for me the other day around the Midtown  area of Kansas City. Using the snow-covered pine trees, the icy sidewalks, and pieces of clothing from my personal collection made this shoot one of my favorites. Something as simple as a snowfall makes for the perfect set (possibly one of my favorite parts of this season, for photographing in the snow). See more of Courtnie Marie on her website. 

welcome to the new year

  The start of a new year brings the sense of rebirth and awakening to everyone. As with the masses, it did the same for me as well this year. Making my list of new year's goals/desires is a yearly tradition that I take a part in, usually consisting on New Year's Day (or the day after depending on how tried I am from the evenings festivities the night before). I made my list last year, which most of the goals I accomplished, and now it is time to store away that list to make room for a new one. 

  As I look back on 2013, I couldn't be prouder of myself for accomplishing all that I have. Doing well in all my course studies, deciding on the school I will stick and graduate from/switching my major, being on television twice & in a local magazine, starting a photography business, keeping up with my blog & my etsy shop... the list goes on and on for the past year. Although I am proud of the things I have achieved this year, I am not one to settle with contentment of the past year's adventures. 2014 will only bring bigger and better things, and I can't wait to begin to see what it has in store for me.