GRATITUDES + BREAKTHROUGHS // JUNE 28, 2016

Gratitudes

This week I’m grateful for a boyfriend who insisted we foster a boxer puppy with a great story. I’ve always been a big animal lover with a huge soft spot for dogs with nubby tails. So on Friday, I went to pick up our little 5 month old boxer puppy who was abandoned by his owner. This little guy at 12 weeks was boarded long term with the idea that he would be flown to Saudi Arabia to meet his owner. Upon completion of his paper work like his puppy passport he was boxed up and headed from Washington D.C. > Germany > Saudi Arabia… where he wasn’t picked up. More time in the crate without his person he was flown back Saudi Arabia > Germany > Washington D.C. where again he wasn’t claimed. After numerous attempts to contact his owner, the last known Veterinarian was contacted and asked if he wanted the dog. This is where my boyfriend works, the Vet went to pick him up and we began fostering him, hoping that with a little time and a little faith he’ll have trust in people again. He had a big weekend. Friday we went for a long walk off leash (man was I nervous for that) but he followed along diligently and explored things like grass, mud puddles, sticks and a ground hog. On Saturday, he got a new collar and two new toys and another long walk with his soon to be best friend Ava Jean. He also met our cat, Tom Bergeron which went about as expected with a puppy and a cat. Tom was really patient with him as he kept bopping in him on the head hoping he would play. Sunday he went on his first winery tour and had so many people come up to pet him. After that he went to a pool party where he ran around wide open with new friends. It’s been really fulfilling watching him open up little by little and begin to trust us, especially after his world tour. As much as I’d like to say “yeah we are just fostering,” I’m already falling in love with this little guy and am secretly (or not so secretly since this is a public blog) hoping we will be able to keep him forever. Also, I’m sure you are wondering, what is his name?! Well, we are still working on that so far my favorite is Hudson or Hiccup. Maybe by next week we will have that locked down.

Oh! Did you see me up there with my new head shots? Well that was a huge gratitude for me this week. As a photographer it’s always the hardest for me to find the time to get my own pictures taken, funny right? I don’t usually mind being in front of the camera it’s more so blocking off the time, but last week my friend and awesome photographer-extraordinaire Alicia Bruce of Love Knot Photo met me for a solid breakfast and girl talk in Leesburg at Shoes. If you haven’t been there it’s a must have with locally sourced food and an adorable atmosphere that looks straight out of a hip, styled thrift store. We enjoyed our meals, caught up on our personal lives and discussed business before sucking down the last of our coffee so she could shoot me. It was fun being on the other side, Alicia is one of those people who know matter what makes you feel comfortable. She was excellent with direction because even though I tell people how to stand and pose daily, it doesn’t mean I know or remember how to move my body and arms. The other thing I adore about Alicia is that she is determined so show authenticity, so when she blogs or shares images she shows the super pretty cultivated ones but also, those equally beautiful ones that are raw, where someone is truly laughing, or moving their hair, or just being silly. Those moments show our true selves and she has been pushing to show more of that in her work, something that I totally respect. If you need a set of head shots done I highly recommend reaching out to her, you won’t be disappointed!

Tuesday, I had the privilege of working again with Liz Miiller, the make-up artist I connected with a little over a month ago. We set out to do a bridal inspired shoot to showcase her bomb-diggity make-up and styling skills. I hosted Liz and two of my old girlfriends over for a day of hair + makeup and shooting. We sat inside and watched as some serious storms rolled through the area knocking out the power a few times. We were able to keep our spirits high with a few glasses of wine and one of my favorite summer beers until both girls were ready for the camera. Living out on a farm provides numerous photo locations but we were most excited to get out on a replanted sod field with the hopes of catching a killer sunset and we did. I’m so excited to show you both full sets of our work together. Liz is quite the talented lady and offers both bridal and editorial services around the DMV.

I almost forgot about my nail polish for this week! With my absolute favorite holiday coming this weekend I went with a creamy bright, but light blue, No Room For the Blues. It’s definitely not your traditional navy + red with added sparkles but I still think it carries a little patriotism. It’s the right amount of bright and if I’m feeling a little frisky at the end of the week I’ll add some white strips to bring it all together. It’s similar to sky blue with a touch of azelea blue. It’s worth the buy or at least for your next manicure.

Breakthroughs

I’m going to leave this blank for today but you’ll be reading more in 2 days as I celebrate my 2 year anniversary! Lots and lots to share, celebrate and be thankful for!

As always, thanks for reading. xoxo.