JORD Wood Watch Collaboration + Our Spontaneous Trip To Steamboat, CO

A few weeks ago Josiah and I decided to take a spontaneous trip to Steamboat, Colorado. I had a wedding there and he decided to tag along so it was half work and half play. Having my best friend along for the scenic drive would have been reason enough to bring him with, but we really made the most out of our visit there!

By this time we knew that we were going to be moving back to Chicago so we wanted to take in as much of the gorgeous Rocky Mountains as we possibly could. And I couldn't think of any place better to spend one of our last weekends than this adorable little ski town. Sunday morning we checked out of our hotel -- in which we got upgraded to a suite that was bigger than our apartment -- and headed off to breakfast at the cutest little breakfast cafe. The tiny restaurant was nestled along a river that ran through town and it was hopping with visitors. We had a little under an hour wait, but didn't mind a bit because we waited outside on adorable benches next to the river and ordered drinks from our very own waiter. Coffee for me and a donut flavored vodka + chocolate milk drink for Josiah (and a little for me) kept us satisfied until a table was ready for us. The breakfast was to-die-for. I had a peach waffle that I am still dreaming about. 

As soon as we finished breakfast we headed to the Gondolas to take a ride up the mountain. As we were lifted up higher and higher I couldn't believe how amazing the views were, but none of them even came close to comparing to the views from the top. I think I might have said, "WOW!" at least fifteen times while we were up there. Even though we had done a lot of hiking prior to this, I truly had never seen such remarkable views. 

After the Gondola rides we had planned on heading to the hot springs (which they are known for), but quickly realized that we didn't bring our swimsuits with us. After a quick trip to Walmart to attempt to come up with some replacements, we came up empty handed and decided that we would just have to promise to return again and go to the hot springs. 

The remainder of our day was spent hanging out by the river and walking around the old downtown. Admittedly my favorite store was the candy store, because I have a MAJORRRRR sweet tooth. We bought more candy than we probably should have, but I have no shame! #sugaraddict 

We hit the road later in the afternoon and felt so refreshed after a weekend away, even if it did involve a little work. Life is really teaching me lately to make the most out of the time that Josiah and I have together because sometimes they are few and far between. 

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Speaking of time....(too cheesey...?),  I have teamed up with JORD, who sells pretty much the coolest men's and women's watches you will ever find. They're made out of wood! They emailed me a few weeks ago and It took me about 2.5 seconds to say yes when they asked if I wanted to partner with them. As soon as I received my watch I couldn't hardly wait to share my review with you all.

The watch arrived in a beautiful wood box that made me feel so special. This is the watch that I picked out and I am obsessed with the bold color pop that it adds to my outfits. I tend to go for neutrals so this bright splash was definitely welcomed. I would never have considered myself a watch wearer, but since getting this watch I have worn it all the time! I have worn the watch as both a casual accessory (with leggings and a chambray shirt) and then more dressy piece and I think that it works just as well! It's a super unique accessory that I can wear every day. 

JORD has put together a little giveaway for all of you! The winner will receive a $75 voucher to purchase their very own JORD watch and just for entering you will receive a $20 voucher*. The giveaway will be open until this Sunday at midnight. Share the love with your friends and give them a chance to step up their accessory game! 

You can enter here. 

Here are a few of my favorite picks for women: 

1. Frankie -  Dark Sandalwood + Emerald 

2. Fieldcrest - Maple 

3. Frankie - Koa + Ash 

And a few for men: 

1. Frankie - Zebrawood + Champagne

2. Frankie -  Dark Sandalwood + Emerald

3. Fieldcrest - Dark Sandalwood

*excludes the winner

**The $75 voucher will expire on 11/30/2016, and the $20 e-gift cards will expire 1/31/2017 

Luxury Wood Watch

5 Things I learned Reading The Luminous Portrait by Elizabeth Messina

Right before I moved away, my friend Grace gifted me Elizabeth Messina's book The Luminous Portrait and although I've taken my time reading through it, I have finally finished!  Mid-hair appointment last week I read the last page and haven't stopped pondering it since. Elizabeth's writing was so calm and gentle to read. I felt as if she was taking me by the hand and graciously gifting me all of the knowledge she has acquired throughout her career. Here are just five of the many lessons that she imparted to me. 

1. Take your camera with you everywhere - A lot of the images in the book are images that Elizabeth captured spontaneously of her children or other people she encountered while just living her every day life. Those images were some of the most raw and incredible I had ever seen. Every time I say that I am going to bring my camera with me to go to the park, to go hiking, or to attend a baseball game, I end up not. I view it as a hassle that is not worth it. Elizabeth views it as an opportunity to capture life as it. I am so inspired by that mindset! Next time we head to the park for a casual walk or even run to the grocery store, I'll be sure to have my camera in my purse, ready for any opportunity. 

2. Always have a personal project on the side - When your creative passion becomes your job, it is so easy to start to only take on projects that you are going to be monetarily compensated for. Elizabeth challenged readers to always have a project that is personal and not for business. She argues that it keeps us creative. I would argue that it keeps us from hating our craft.  I am going to really try to challenge myself with that this year. Josiah and I have started a weekly thing where we go to an area of the city and just do a fun photoshoot. We switch on and off, taking turns to let the other practice their modeling skills (which are nonexistent) while the one behind the lens is challenging themselves to think outside the box. It's so far been rewarding. I have a few upcoming styled shoots that also allow me to expand and grow in a safer environment. 

3. Always take a picture of the sky - I absolutely love the sky, like I am obsessed with it. If you stalk back a bit further into my instagram feed you'll likely find ALOT of sky pictures. There's something magical about how the sky can take on some many different looks, but still maintain it's identity as the sky. Before reading Elizabeth's book I had never thought of ensuring that I captured a picture of the sky during each session that I took. It's a part of the day that is often forgotten and deserves to be remembered. 

4. {Wedding} details deserve their own portrait - The only thing I love to capture more than bride and groom portraits are detail shots. Flowers, cake, invitations, and rings always have me gawking in awe. These items are a huge part of what makes the wedding day unique and it is so important that they have their own portrait. Plus, publications absolutely love details so it is super important not to quickly skip over them without much though (or worse, to not capture them at all!). The more shot of them, the better! 

5. Think outside the box - It's so easy to find your "groove", while doing a shoot, and stay there. It's far more comfortable to take the shots you know have worked for you over and over again, but another challenge that Elizabeth presented in her book, was to always think outside the box. She specifically was referring to wedding pictures, because bride and grooms really want images that are unique to them and by thinking outside of the box we are more likely to achieve that. 

What are some photography/creative books that you've been reading? What are some things you have learned? 

10 Things I Am Loving This Summer

Summer is the best! When I was in school I dreaded the day that summer wouldn't mean a break from responsibilities and studying. I worried that summer as an adult with a job would lack all of the excitement and freedom that I previously found on those brief (much needed) breaks.  However, I am very glad to have found out that is not the case! Summer as an adult is still awesome. Here are a few of the things that I am loving this year. 

1. Watermelon - I once ate an entire watermelon over the course of two days. Not even like a small watermelon, like a huge watermelon. To say I am obsessed with it is clearly an understatement. This summer we have had some of the best tasting watermelons I have ever had. My favorite way to eat it is straight, but we have also discovered summer bliss juice, which we are in love with. I am dying to try a Watermelon Margarita so if anyone knows of a good recipe or a good place to get one, let me know! 

2. Farmer's Markets - Not surprisingly, Denver has an incredible selection of wonderful Farmer's Markets to choose from. We have taken full advantage of them every weekend! The produce is so fresh and the people are so friendly and passionate about their products. Also, hello free samples! 

3. Hiking - I would never label myself an outdoorsy person, but the hiking here is unbelievable. While you will likely never find me camping on the ground or truly roughing it (peeing in the woods is so not my thing. And I shower twice a day so...not going to happen) , I am appreciating the day-trip hikes that we have gone on and the physical challenge that they present. They are serious workouts! 

4. Ice Cream - It's a good thing we've been hiking so much because seriously, Sweet Cow has become far too regular of a thing. When my parents were here we went twice. And they were only here for four days. We are obsessed with it! I usually like really crazy flavors, but their chocolate chocolate chip cookie dough is my new go-to. There is more cookie dough than ice cream and I can not get enough! Josiah love the Beam and Coke, which is essentially Jack and Coke in ice cream form. 

5. Working Out Outside - Mentally I seriously took a beating this winter. As much as Josiah and I tried to stick to a consistent workout schedule, knowing that we would have to either a) go to the gym or b) workout in our living room made it so, so difficult to be dedicated. Having the option to workout outside really makes the workout so much more energizing and makes us more likely to follow through with it. 

6. Being light outside when I wake up -  I love waking up to sunshine! It makes for a much nicer start to the day. 

7. Being light later - Summer almost feels like borrowed time, because once the winter hits, all of the evenings are cut short and it's impossible to stay outside (in the light at least) later than 5pm. We are taking advantage of every single one of these summer nights. Whether we are walking around Wash Park, sipping Kombucha on the Porch, or biking the Cherry Creek Canal we are not taking a single second for granted. 

8. Going outside in shorts and a tank top - I went to get groceries the other day and as I hopped out of the car I realized, I had shorts and a tank top on. I realized, I wasn't even thinking about the temperature when I left. I just left! I didn't have to give myself a pep talk as I walked into Trader Joe's thinking it's so cold, it's so cold, it's so cold. I just walked slowly into the store. It's a truly simple, but wonderful pleasure of summer. 

9. Long Bike Rides - I upgraded to a nice Trek street bike about two years ago and have been obsessed with biking ever since. Prior to moving here, Josiah was not into biking, but living in Denver (and being one-car people) , it's almost impossible to not bike. So, as soon as we moved, we got him a Trek street bike as well and now he is equally (if not more!) obsessed with biking as I am. We have a really nice trail that winds through the city that we absolutely love to ride. Sometimes we like to ride fast (mostly on the downhill) and other times we like to take our time and simply enjoy the ride. 

10. Cold Brew Coffee - I will totally drink this year round, but I love it even more in the summer. It tends to be my afternoon pick-me-up. I've been loving it with a touch of honey and cream.  Novo Coffee has the best in Denver. Hands down! 

What are some of your favorite things about Summer? 

Our Summer 2016 Bucket List

Helllllllo Friday! 

When can we actually start saying it's summer? I think the calendar says it's not technically until later in June, but my brain is convinced that it's already begun. Probably something to do with the warm weather. The sunshine here is just so unbelievable. We can all likely agree that after Memorial Day weekend it's almost impossible to not be in full SUMMER mode, no matter what the calendar dictates. 

Summer is my favorite time of year and I am certain I am not in the minority when I say that. It's the best time of year whether your life is still being defined by semesters or not. I am exceptionally excited about this summer because it is the first summer in what seems like forever that I am not planning a wedding or taking a summer class. It's also our first summer living in Denver which means lots of hiking and mountain explorations will be happening. Because the city is so new, I wanted to make a bucket list of things that would help us to get to know it better along with other summer-y activities. 

Bucket lists are so fun. They're fun to make and even more fun to accomplish. I've made so many summer bucket lists in the past that I didn't even make a dent in before the summer ended, but this year is the year that I cross off every single thing off the list! To make that actually possible I tried to center my list around things that are free/cheap. Hopefully this inspires you to make a list of your own to work through this summer. 

1. See a concert at Red Rocks - I'm leaning toward Twenty-One Pilots, but the price tag on their shows have me hesitating a bit. 
2. Go to Pike’s Peak - I've seen it from a distance while driving to Colorado Springs, but I really want to experience it fully this year. 
3. Walk up the Manitou Incline - This is kind of a fitness challenge more than anything. Josiah and I attempted it this weekend and then we are going to try again at the end of the summer (after we have acclimated to the altitude and gotten in better shape) and see if we improve any.  - (kind of) CHECK! 
4. Use Coffee Passport - We are super excited for this because a) COFFEE (duh!),  b) BOGO! and c) it gives us an excuse to get out and explore the city. There is a restaurant version that we are planning to purchase as soon as it is released. 
5. Go to the Pearl Street Farmer’s Market - CHECK!
6. Bike the Cherry Creek Trail  - CHECK! 
7. Elway’s Taste + Tune Summer Music Series 
8. Coors factory tour 
9. Visit Rocky Mountain National Park - heading there this afternoon! 
10. Go to a Rockies Game 
11. Have a picnic at Cheeseman Park
12. Hike / Climb a 14er
13. Start an herb garden - I'm interested to see how this plays out because my plant track record isn't great. 
14. Visit Tattered Covers Bookstore 
15. Visit the Denver Flea Market 
16. Catch an Indie Flick at the Esquire or Mayan Theater 
17. Visit the Denver Botanic Gardens
18. Go to Lookout Mountain - CHECK!
19. Play a game of chess at the 16th street mall 
20. Check out The Source 
21. Make homemade ice cream 
22. Go to Garden of the Gods - We drove through after doing the Manitou Incline, but I want to take another trip where we actually explore it. 
23. Read A Million Miles In A Thousand Years - Because reading IS important and I need to do more of it. 
24. Make homemade Kombucha - If we follow through on this I'll just be one step closer to being a hippie. 

Do you make a summer bucket list? What's on yours? What should we add to ours? 

Have a wonderful weekend! The next time we chat I'll be in full-out summer mode.