Welcome to my blog!

A big congrats and Laura and Tom!  I was looking forward to this day for so long!  I met this awesome couple in San Francisco a few months back and had the chance to spend the day with them and shoot an engagement session that took us to all corners of the city-  it was way too much fun.  Laura and Tom are both funny, sweet and just amazing to be around.. couldn’t wait for the wedding so I could see them again.

And what a day!   It was gorgeous.

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UPDATE:  Photos from Laura + Tom’s wedding will be posted soon!  Go HERE TO REGISTER.  Password is Laura’s maiden name.

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Venue:  Del Coronado

Coordinator Extraordinaire:  Kelly Aull at Mint Weddings

did i mention they’re a stunning couple as well???

i also want to make mention of this super special couple- tom’s grandparents.  they’ve been married for over sixty years!  they are also the cutest couple EVER.  sorry, to all of my other couples, but it’s true.  his grandma, especially- that smile is on her face 100% of the time and it’s as contagious as the little kisses she blows to everyone.  and they’re still so in love!  i asked them how long they’d been together and she started teasing him and signing “you love me.. you love me.. don’t you papa?”.  throw in the cute french accent.. i thought i was going to melt.

congrats again to you two.  i had a GREAT day and am so privileged to have spent this huge day with you.  more photos to come, and I hope we get a chance to hang out some time again soon!  and happy holidays!!

Posted in Weddings

what, a real recipe??  say it ain’ so!   yep, it’s true, and just in time for the holidays.  i unearthed one of my favorite recipes from a book binder of veggie recipes put together by a restaurant in Green Bay called The Never Ending Cookbook (which actually ended after the restaurant mysteriously closed and the owners skipped town..).   despite the apparent business sketchiness, the recipes are amazing and it was one of my favorite places to eat- it was all home cooking that even the biggest of non-tree huggers could enjoy (i.e my dad).

so if you’re looking for something hearty and healthy, give it a try.. it’s one of my faves!  and of course it’s super easy to make (except this time around my blender decided to toss it’s entire contents all over me, the walls and the ceiling..).  it’s cheap.  and it’s high in fiber, iron and vitamin C,  and is low in fat with no cholesterol.  yay!

Black Bean Soup

Serves 8,  prep time is about 30 minutes

1    cup black beans (or two cans, though sometimes i use 3!)
1    spray oil
2    onions, diced
2    cloves garlic, minced
¼    bunch scallions (optional)
1    cup carrots, diced
1    red pepper, diced

½    tsp cumin seed, toasted (optional- I’ve never used it!)**
½    tsp sage
1    bay leaf
1     Tbsp vegetable broth powder***
1 ½    tsp salt
¼     tsp pepper
1/8    tsp cayenne
¼    tsp oregano

3    cups water
3    cups tomatoes, diced, canned

In a large pot of water, cook beans  until tender.

Saute onion in spray oil and/or water for a few minutes.  Add garlic for a few minutes more.  Add scallions, carrots, and red peppers and sauté 3 more minutes.

In a dry skillet, toast cumin seeds until browned and fragrant (about 5 minutes).

Add cumin, sage, bay leaf, salt, vegetable broth powder, pepper, cayenne and oregano to sauté.

After a few minutes, add the cooked (or canned) beans, water and tomatoes.  Simmer until vegetables are soft.

Remove the bay leaf and blend half the soup in a blender.

** I’ve used a “small” amount of red pepper flakes instead of the cumin for a little kick.  Maybe ¼ tsp?

***Also, with many of these soup recipes, everyone’s idea of vegetable broth varies. When in doubt, I look at how much water I am using, and use the appropriate amount of vegetable stock according to the package instructions of what I have on hand

Posted in Personal

i admit it.  i was sitting here feeling a bit glum about not being able to go home for the holidays, but as i sit here today watching news stories about people getting to the airport 3 hours ahead and still missing their flights because of the lines, i don’t feel quite so bad.  i know, i’m evil.. but i have to make myself feel better somehow and looking at the weather in minneapolis, chicago, detroit and all of the other hubs that i’d be flying through to get to wisconsin is helping ever-so-slightly.

best wishes to everyone in their holiday travels.  be safe if you’re driving!  for those of you heading through the midwest, enjoy your weather outlook, provided by the funny, amazing Quinn.  Her doodles put a smile on my face every week.

Posted in Uncategorized

so often i feel like the luckiest gal alive.  i get to do what i love. i hang out with cool people. i go really amazing places.  and some days it all comes together at once.  please meet olivia and ron!  one of the most wonderful, down-to-earth couples ever who are so incredibly CUTE together.  i am so grateful i was asked to be part of this day!  i had such an awesome time ALL DAY LONG.  we started out at the fabulous Lowes in Coronado and then headed out to one of the greatest churches in San Diego- the Immaculata!   It was then back to Lowes for friends, family, food and a little break dancing.

Ceremony: The Immaculata

Venue: Lowes Coronado Bay Resort

Coordinator: DeShai Roberson at Oh So Chic Events

Tunes: RPM Productions

how cute are they?

we hit up all sorts of great spots!  and in style.. the immaculata, balboa park and the beach!

i looved this wedding party!  it was a big FUN group!

best wishes to you guys!  thanks again for an amazing day!  hope you had a GREAT time on your honeymoon!

Posted in Travel, Weddings