I always get that little tinge of nervous right before an engagement shoot. I'm not sure why, really. I LOVE love to shoot engagements. We always have so much fun and I get to know so much about a couple - how they met, what they do together... yet I still feel that moment of panic right before we meet up. Luckily I had Courtney and Joe on this gorgeous spring day. Any fear or anxiety I MIGHT have had completely melted as soon as I saw them in the park. Warm smiles, relaxed exteriors and pure excitement for the shoot ahead.

Guys, your wedding is going to be awesome! I can't wait to hang out with you both again in September!

'Tis the season for engagement photo shoots! More often than not, I get asked about what to wear for photo sessions. While I certainly can't go so far as to determine your own style, I can provide you some of my favorite inspirational blogs and sites for just such an occasion.

1.  Jill G's Good Life for Less - This chick knows whats up. I really connect with her personal style because I have yet to see an outfit on her that I wouldn't wear. She takes pictures (daily!) of her outfit and gives the deets on where to get everything. Plus she puts together some great virtual outfits and is always posting sales and cute new stuff! Definitely check it out!

Image from Good Life for Less - love this outfit!



2. Style Your Life - Another super fashion blog that is really usable for everyday attire as well as special occasion and work outfits. While she doesn't post pics of herself all that much, she definitely has PLENTY of outfit combos on there to peruse as well as store and coupon info (a lot of things from old navy and target, too!). And there's even some outfits for the guys, too.

Image from Style Your Life - Side note: LOVING this navy and white collection she just posted.

3. Rose a la Mode - Lots of vintage-y pics and a very hip style. Think really young and trendy but timeless and cool. Is that a contradiction? Whatever. I like it.

4. Strong Sense of Style - a little bit of everything here but definitely some great wardrobe and trend inspiration.

As for my take on outfits? Wear what you love!

For engagement sessions, pick a couple outfits (one casual/everyday, one more dressy/date-night) that you feel fabulous in and the rest is easy. You and the man definitely don't need to be all 'matchy matchy' but try not to clash your colors, especially tops. Oh, and shoes matter! We'll do a lot of full length photos, so remember to have great footwear for both of you.

I hope this helps and gives you some awesome ideas for your shopping session. And if you haven't scheduled your engagement session with me yet, lets get on that! :)

At least that's what I call them. She's 3 now and he's a whopping 6 months. Getting bigger and more like little humans before my very eyes. And yours, as it were. Love you guys. :)

And yep, I totally had them haul this chair out on the front lawn.

He says "word'.

Friends... I'm about to ruin your life. At least that's what this cake did to me. RUINED my LIFE. Why in the world would someone make homemade chocolate cake SO accessible?? And single serve!? ARGH!


If you've met me more than once, you probably know that baking is my thing. I love it and sometimes I just NEED to make a cake or some cookies to get it out of my system. But some days, you just want something warm and chocolate and you don't want to wait or go through the process of whipping up a whole cake or batch of brownies. Heat up the oven, lots if ingredients to mix together and then the waiting while it bakes, then waiting while it cools. Takes forever! Well, here's where the life-ruining comes in: you can do it in one dish. And in the MICROWAVE.



The latest issue of Food Network magazine has a little section on 10-minute desserts which includes this recipe for a chocolate cake you make in a coffee mug.... a COFFEE MUG! Can you tell I'm excited about this?? You have to use a big coffee mug and, really, this is enough for two people to share but the whole thing is done in under 5 minutes! Shoot me.

I mean... c'mon. Really?



Dangerously Accessible Microwave Chocolate Cake
from Food Network Magazine - April 2011

1/4 cup flour
5 tbsp sugar
2 tbsp cocoa powder
1 egg
3 tbsp milk
3 tbsp vegetable oil
dash vanilla
dash salt
Whatever add-ins you want (I like walnuts/pecans)

Whisk all together in a large mug (not kidding. Make sure it's big.) Microwave 2 mins. or until puffed up. Top with more cocoa powder or powdered sugar (or if you're me, top with caramel sauce... what? Don't judge me).

You're welcome.

Its so close. A tree bud here and there. More rain than snow. Opting for the jacket rather than the wool coat. Spring is inching its way back in and I, for one, welcome it with open arms. Who's ready for summer!? :)

In the spirit of WILLING the warmer temps and sunnier days out into the open, I'm offering up a little freebie desktop background image to you all. Just cuz I like you so much! I took pictures at the MO Botanical Garden Orchid Show this year and this is one of my favs. I like that it looks not quite open all the way with just a hint of its bold color. Appropriate for March, wouldn't you say?

Click on your screen resolution to download. Enjoy! Yay for spring!

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