Four

     Wow exactly 4 years ago today I found myself just staring blankly in front of my laptop waiting for some spark of genius. Just give me something God... should I really do this or what? I thought as I tapped my fingers nervously on the keyboard. I had just graduated from college a few months before and had returned from an amazing road trip in California..... so now what? 
     I had a newfound passion for photography, but there was one problem. I had no idea how to use it. After a year of my camera collecting dust in my closet, I finally decided to really give this a shot and I enrolled in an online program and bought endless books. I was hungry to learn everything I could, but it was a passion inside of me that kept me moving forward. 
      I had been going back and forth whether to start a blog or not... and finally I decided to publish my first post. I want to tell you it was the easiest thing for me, but then it would be a lie. I CRINGED at the thought of a written journal of my heart being exposed online for everyone to see. But I'm so unbelievably thankful I did. 
     It wasn't much, in fact it was a few sentences declaring I'm all in... as my mind was saying BARBARA WHAT ARE YOU DOING, DELETE DELETE!!!! I'm so glad I didn't follow that fear. I've learned so many things throughout these past 4 years. I've met amazing people who have supported me in this wild dream of mine, and I've learned so much more about myself. I've discovered other loves and talents and even more dreams along the way!
     So what I say to you is this: Go for it. You don't have much to start with? Go for it. You don't think you're good enough yet? Go for it. If there is one thing I've learned the most, it's to not be afraid to start something. You don't know what you're capable of until you just try with what you've got! Whether it goes well or not... either way you'll learn about who you are along the way. Isn't that what life is about? Diving into new things and seeing what you can do? Yes it totally is!!! I can't wait to see what else is up on this awesome adventure... Happy Friday!! =) 

Recipes | Cream Cheese Pie

     I've grown a love and interest for cooking lately and sooo I've decided to photograph and post some of my favorites from time to time because, well who doesn't love to eat right?! So I was skimming channels the other day and stumbled upon the cooking channel and yep you guessed it, this recipe stopped me in my tracks. 
     It's called Cream Cheese Pie and it is courtesy of Tiffani Thiessen (aka Kelly from Saved by the Bell)... she has a new show called Dinner at Tiffani's! I love cheesecake and this recipe just looked too good to pass up and so here it is. Super easy and soooo delicious... if you give it a try let me know ;)

Ingredients:

6-8 Servings

Total Time: 4 hours 45 minutes

Graham Cracker Crust

1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs

6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

1/4 cup confectioners' sugar

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Cream Cheese Filling

12 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature

3/4 cup granulated sugar

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

2 large eggs, room temperature 

Sour Cream Topping

1 cup sour cream

3 1/2 tablespoons granulated sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:

For the graham cracker crust: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. 

Combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, confectioners' sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Press into a 9-inch pie pan. Bake for 10 minutes. Cool completely before filling. Leave the oven on.

For the cream cheese filling: Put the cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla and eggs in a medium bowl and beat with a handmixer on medium speed until smooth. Pour the filling into the cooled crust and bake until set, 15 to 20 minutes. Cool 5 minutes before topping; leave the oven on.

For the sour cream topping: Combine the sour cream, granulated sugar and vanilla in a small bowl and mix until smooth. Spread onto the pie and bake 10 minutes. Cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until cold, about 4 hours. Slice and serve.

Project Her Heart: Skylands Manor Adventures

     I started Project Her Heart this past Summer as a personal project and to practice my creativity. I love discovering new places to see and to photograph, among them is the Skylands Manor, one of my favorite places to shoot. It's filled with beautiful gardens that stretch over 1,000 acres of land, including an old castle with both modern and rustic architecture. Here are my favorites from that day...enjoy!!

 

Sweet Love | Katrina & Michael

     There are so many things I love about photography. But one of my absolute favorite is the connection that is made with people while photographing them, as well as long after. I went to high school with both Mike and Katrina and so I was really excited when they approached me about their engagement photos. Mike and Katrina met in high school and have been together ever since, and so we stayed local for the photos and walked around making sure to include all of the memorable places in town. 

     Mike is a firefighter in town and so we just had to take some photos in front of the firehouse. So of course I asked to pull out the firetrucks so we could get a couple of shots in front (thanks guys!) :). A few of their friends from the firehouse made Mike and Katrina laugh the entire time I was photographing them...and then that totally made me laugh which made it all the more fun! 

     A few months ago after Mike took Katrina out for dinner, he told her to wait outside and that her gift would be coming soon. Katrina stood outside in the cold and wondered what could possibly be coming and when because it was freezing! All of a sudden sirens and lights were seen and heard throughout town, and as Katrina looked at the banner that read "Katrina will you marry me?"... Mike proposed in front of all their family and friends. How sweet is that?! Mike you totally get super points for that... and oh of course Katrina later forgave him for having her stand outside in the cold if only for a bit ;). 

     Mike and Katrina, I wish you two the best and lots of love!! Thank you for allowing me to photograph this special part of your lives, and for making me laugh the entire time... you guys were awesome!! ♥