find beauty friday {link-up co-host}

I was honored to be asked to co-host Find Beauty Friday with Aimee today!  I was beyond flattered she asked so of course I couldn't say no.   It's also my first co-hosting post so please bare with me. 

If you had told me when I was younger that I would become a morning person, I would have laughed in your face.  But mornings have become my favorite part of my day.  I get so much more accomplished before 1 then I do any other time of the day.  It wasn't necessarily a conscience decision.  Just happened after having to be at work at 730 am every week day for the past 6 or so years.  I feel like my morning is wasted if I sleep past 8 (ha!  who am i?!).  

Anyway, along with morning being my favorite time of the day, it also happens to be my favorite time to photograph.  The earlier the better.  I love the early morning light.  And the colors, oh the colors.  Some of my best shots have been taken when the sun just begins to show herself.

And my new favorite place to photograph the beautiful early morning light was discovered from an annoying detour heading to my nanny gig.  Can you see why?

While this route started out as annoyance, I find myself lately, and if I have enough time, going the few extra miles out of my way just to capture what you see above even now.  And I even get a little excited when I do.  As annoyed as I was that I had to leave my house an extra 5 minutes early when the detour was necessary, I am not grateful for it.  Other wise I would not know of this little place, where me and beautiful mornings are able to come together from time to time.  

Are you a morning person?

What is your favorite time of day?

What about your favorite time to photograph?

Link your Find Beauty Friday Posts below! 

1.	Cherin @ Masterfully Me	4.	Alyson Starting Over at the Dirty 30	7.	gabby @ like a little fox
2.	Stephanie @ Lattes and Paw Prints	5.	Lauren @ My Passion Journey	8.	Mar @ t.o. & fro
3.	Jenna @ A Mama Collective	6.	Guy @ Quick! Get my camera!

(Cannot add links: Registration/trial expired)

Link your Find Beauty Friday Instagram Photos below! 

1.

Cat - On the Wall

(Cannot add links: Registration/trial expired)

And in honor of it being Friday and our German visitors coming in town tonight, one of my favorite songs from one of my favorite bands. 

 

Linking up with Aimee, Whitney, and Jess today! 

365 link-up thoughts

Sooo, I lost a little over a pound last week.  Unfortunately it is just one pound from the two I gained last week. I am not really sure how though because I wasn't great (again) about watching what I ate and certainly didn't keep track on MFP (I blame that on it not allowing me to add anything yesterday. ha.).  But hey, it's a loss and I'll take it.

Also, I am so happy some of y'all expressed interested in participating in a 365 link-up!  So, today I would like to talk a little more about what I have in mind.  

What do you think about me providing prompts to you every week?
  Have you heard of ProjectLife365? It's a great interactive photo-a-day project for those who have always been interested in completing one.  What I think is both nice and sometimes a little hard is that they share prompts at the beginning of each week to photograph.  While I have found some of the prompts nice on those days where I am having a difficult time finding something to photograph, some of them are pretty hard.  Which can be good to get your creative juices flowing a little but there are just some days where that is extra hard (am I right or am I right?).  However, if I did choose to share daily prompts, 1) I would love for y'all to make suggestions and 2) they would be more like suggestions rather than the rule to help on those less creative feeling days.

Anyway, can you believe today is 335 of 365 for me?  Only 30 more days until my first 365 is complete and I already can't wait to continue on to another year.  I am thinking about trying to only shoot in Manual (when using my DSLR).  I want to be able to look at a scene and just know aperture and shutter speed I need.  That is my goal for the coming year I suppose.

Nov 14, 2013.  Day 329 of 365. 

"Morning Light"

Nov 15, 2013.  Day 330 of 365. 

"Story of my Life"

Nov 16, 2013.  Day 331 of 365. 

"Sniffles"

Nov 17, 2013.  Day 332 of 365. 

"Rainy Pane"

Nov 18, 2013.  Day 333 of 365.

"Morning Commute Sunrise"

Nov 19, 2013.  Day 334 of 365.

"Road Stop Shoot (2)"

"Road Stop Shoot"

Nov 20, 2013.  Day 335 of 365.   

"Wall"

What do you think?  
Yay or Nay to prompts?
What are your photography related goals for the coming year? 

Linking up wit  Heather and Shanna today! 

until next time

case of the mondays

A downside to being a nanny are the sicknesses.  I very rarely got sick (even though I used the hell out of my sick days) before I started working as a nanny.  Luckily, so far I have only had one cold (while the kiddos are on their 4th).  So this weekend was spent being lazy on the couch finishing Alias for the 3rd time and blowing my nose constantly (greasy hair and all).  

However, I did get off the couch on Sunday to see Thor 2 (two words: Chris Hemsworth) with the husband.   We both really enjoyed it.  And I laughed a lot too.  And I just love to hate Loki.  I mean he is just the best bad guy.  Tom Hiddleston plays him so well.  But I did personally find Natalie Portman to be extremely annoying in both the Thor movies.  I don't know what it is because I usually love her, she just doesn't do it for me as Jane Foster.  

And since today I had THE most emotionally draining day - had to take the girlfriends to get a check-up and shots (tears and screaming and all) - I would like to share 5 little things that got me through today.  

{one}I may or may not have just housed more than a few handfuls of Angie's Kettle Corn from Costco.  In case you were wondering where you could purchase crack legally, then there you go.

{two}Husband bought me chocolate milk today.  I work with kids all day, what do you expect?

{three}Husband cleaned the house today.  He even unclogged the drain.  And while we are on that subject, can you recommend any good natural conditioner?  I have been using coconut oil which has done wonders for my hair but we are pretty sure it clogs the shit out of our drains.  Help!

{four}Crocheting with a side of Strongbow.  (There goes my diet for the day). 

{five}Alyson time while the husband has his one massage of the day.

How was your weekend?

How was your Monday?

What helps you get you through the first day of the week?

Linking up with Tarole, Sami, and Paulina today! 

  

until next time

up past the nursery {sunday sounds}

A new favorite discovered while watching The Blacklist.

Suuns - Up Past the Nursery 

link-up reveal

{one} I recently discovered a Starbucks card that has $100 on it.  I think my parents put it in my stocking last Christmas or something.  Talk about the best surprise.  Hello skinny cafe mochas.

{two} I had my first ever chiropractic adjustment this afternoon.  Not sure what I was scared of, but I loved it.  Feel so much better. 

{three} I picked myself up Chipotle for dinner.  I am hanging out with my little girlfriends tonight so in an attempt to make working on a Friday night, instead of sitting on my couch with a glass of wine, I now have something to look forward to.

{four} One of my photos was chosen again for #findbeautyfriday!

{five} Do you remember me mentioning that I had a link-up I wanted to start come the new year?  Well, today I would like to share my idea with you.  So many of y'all take such beautiful photos and I want to see them on the daily.  So I guess consider this a formal invitation to join me in completing a photo-a-day project.  Although I am almost done with my first year, I find myself really enjoying it and want to keep it up.  Have you ever wanted to complete a 365 photo project before?  This is your chance.  Interested?  Let me know in the comments below (or email me at acornmanphotography@gmail.com) and I will write a new post with even more details and thoughts.  I hope to hear from y'all!  

One of my favorite photos taken from the week and I saw this simple print on Pinterest and just couldn't resist. 

And last but not least, a recent find on my favorite Pandora Station, Nu, for #backthatazzup. 

What 5 things made you smile this week?

What is your favorite photo you took this week?

Interested in completing a photo-a-day project?

Linking up with April, Whitney, Jess, and Aimee today!  

until next time

soooo...

I weighed myself this morning and I GAINED 2 (well 1.8) lbs.  Not surprising though since I didn't really watch this week and sucked pretty hard core at keeping track.  Plus, the wine.  The wine.  Always that wine.  Clearly my body does not respond well to wine.  

But it's a new a day and week so this week will be better.  I have book club tomorrow night so I need to be more cognizant of what I eat.  Perhaps plan a head a little?  Also, the husband got me Insanity the other day.  I look forward to starting this since we are already on day #2 of snow and chilly temperatures in Pgh.   However, I am not starting that until after Thanksgiving.  We have friends visiting from Germany staying with us the week of Thanksgiving and if I am being realistic, and honest with myself, I know I will not be completing the workouts everyday while they are here.  So come Monday, December 1st, I will become an ass kicker (at least that is what I hear from others who have completed the videos).  

I am not going to let last week get me down though.  I know what I did wrong so I can correct it this week.  I am already liking this weekly check in and it's only my second week:) 

Goals for the next week:

Complete MFP every day.  Even if I don't like what I see.  

Measure my portions. 

Watch my sugar intake.   I may or may not have just looked up less sugary Cafe Mocha options on Starbucks's website. 

Limit the wine. 

     How did you do this week? 

Lose or gain?

Have you ever done Instanity?

Linking up with Ashlee and Shanna today! 

Today is Wednesday so here are my 365 photos from the week.  And speaking of 365 photos, see what I just did there?, I have a link-up I would like share with all of you starting in the  new year.  So stay tuned for the details in the upcoming week. 

Nov 7, 2013.  Day 322 of 365.   

"Blackburn Fall"

 Nov 8, 2013.  Day 323 of 365. 

"989 Sunset"

 Nov 9, 2013.  Day 324 of 365. 

"Topsail Souvenir"

 Nov 10, 2013.  Day 325 of 365. 

"Sleepy Reading"

 Nov 11, 2013.  Day 326 of 365. 

"Pinot"

 Nov 12, 2013.  Day 327 of 365. 

"Snow Covered"

Nov 13, 2013.  Day 328 of 365. 

"Early Winter Gradient"

until next time

an opportunity

It may sound funny to say I am thankful for a job I left a year and a half ago but I am.  I was hired as an intern with dreams of continuing school and one day having my own Psychology office.  However, I quickly learned that working in the field of Psychology was no longer a passion I had.  I stayed for there for 5 years longer than I ever intended but with those five years I learned many things.

I am a morning person.  I am much more productive before noon than I am any other time of the day. 

If I had not enjoyed the internship as much as I did, and then given the opportunity to become an employee, I probably would not have met my now husband.  

I am a hard worker. 

Coworkers can become some of your best friends and even family. 

How to be compassionate even if I don't understand.

I am in more control of my emotions than I ever thought.

Wine does in fact make a rough day so much better. 

The field of psychology is not for me. 

And staying in a job just because you think there is no where else for you to go is not worth sacrificing your happiness for. 

What opportunities are you grateful for?

Linking up with Tiffany, Kenzie, and Kimberly today! 

until next time

another story {sunday sounds}

Who's excited for the new The Head and the Heart as I am?

hawaiian sunset

I am grateful for this photo.

{One} How many people can say they have seen a Hawaiian sunset?  Let alone be able to capture one in person. 

{Two}It was picked for Picture of the Day in Community Webshots (remember webshots?) travel category on 10/27/09.  Can you believe this was taken with my point-and-shoot?

{Three} It really catapulted my interest in Photography to a whole new level.  

Do you have any photos that you are especially proud of?

Has any of your photos ever been chosen for anything?

Linking up with Kenzie and Everything Happens for a Reason today! 

until next time

it's "get comfy and drink wine" time

Happy Friday my lovelies.  I am going on week number 2 of working 5 days a week and so far I don't hate it.  I just keep thinking of the extra cash we will have for the holidays.  That helps.  Ask me how I feel after the holidays though.  

And since I really had nothing else to write about today, I thought I would just share with you 5 things that are making me pretty happy right now.

{one} It's "get comfy and drink wine" time in this household.  Found my robe and poured myself 4oz of Pinot Noir (since I am counting and all) while the husband is downstairs trying to figure out if we need a new water heater or not.  #homeownerproblems

{two} It's Friday.  And we all know how Fridays make pretty much everyone (who doesn't work on the weekends) feel.

{three} Plans to meet up with a dear friend who got married over the weekend to hear all about the deets details.  Unfortunately husband and I couldn't afford the trip down to St. Croix to celebrate them in person.  But hey, belated celebrations are just as fun, in my most humble opinion.

{four} Thor 2 came out today.  And who doesn't need more Chris Hemsworth in their life?  'Cause I needed more like yesterday...

{five} I have discovered two new link-ups photography related that I am uber excited to participate in on Fridays now.

And speaking of said link-ups;
Dear Harper for #findbeautyfriday.  Check it out, I made the cut for the week with this picture I got while driving to take my sweet little girlfriend to school.  Couldn't resist the beautiful Fall foliage.  And Aimee asked me to co-host one of these Fridays in Nov so keep a look out and be sure link-up.

And The Bradley's for Photography Friday.  This one was taken on a different drive on a different morning to take sweet little girlfriend to school.  The rain made the leaves seem so much more brilliant.

How was your week?

Any plans for the weekend?

What are your favorite snapshots you have captured?

 

Linking up with Aimee, Darci, and Elizabeth today! 

the one where I talk about my weight {+ 365 upload}

Why oh why do I feel so moody towards this here blog?  Am I alone?  I get so overwhelmed by the idea of having to sit down and write that I don't even do anything.  I just sit down and watch Alias (which is my 3rd time seeing it by the way), eat, and get mad at myself for not crossing off that blog to-do for the day.  Please tell me I am not alone.  And what helps?  Should I just start writings posts on weekends?  Any and all advice is welcome!

Anyway, as I mentioned in a recent post, I have some goals I would like to accomplish in November and hope to share my progress (or lack of progress - I need to be honest) with you on a weekly basis.  And since I have been wanting to participate in Weigh-in Wednesdays since I really got into blogging in January I figured today would be a perfect time start.  

And since I want to be as honest on this thing as possible, I was pretty nervous about sharing my weight and putting it out there.  And not because it is big number.  When I weighed myself this morning I was 121.6 (gained .2 from 2 weeks ago).  I am nervous to share because I don't want anyone to judge me for it.  I am 5'3" (5'3" and 3/4ths on a good day) and 121.6 on me is soft.  I take after my dad so I carry it all over.  In my legs, my face is round, my arms are flabby, and it looks like I am carrying a small child in my belly when I look at my stomach from the side.  

Ever since graduating college I have had a hard time keeping my weight down.  And not because I was overly active in college but because I took Concerta (a medication for ADD) throughout college to help keep me focused during lectures and get my assignments done.  And much like Aderall and Ritalin, it suppressed my appetite (but without the nasty emotional side effects).  I maybe ate once a day because while the meds were in my blood stream any food I loved just repulsed me at the time.  Once I got on my own insurance through my job, it became to costly to continue to take it.  So there in lies the extra weight gained.  In 2006 I ballooned all the way up to 127 (which for me and my body type is a lot).  

However, it was then that I started dating now husband and he was into health and fitness and helped me start to get back on track.  I mean, I was eating lima beans and Mrs. T's peroggi's for dinner every night because I do not cook (and still don't.  Trust me I have tried to like it.).  He taught me how to eat properly, how carbs and sugars effect me, and even got me into running.  I am the one who wasn't comfortable in my body so I asked for the help.  Husband finds my curves sexy and loves to look at me naked (even when I don't).  

So today starts a new day/week/lifestyle yet again.  But I feel confident that sharing my goals and progress with the blogosphere will help me hold myself accountable for what I hope to accomplish.  My current goals are to: 

 get down to 118 (but to get to 115 and maintain that is ideal).  

Get out and move at least 3x a week

Limit myself to only 60g carbs and 15-20g of a sugar a day

Keep track on MyFitnessPal at least 5 times a week. 

It really feels good to get all of that out there.  I don't want to offend anyone.  I do hope to inspire though.  

If you are need of some good motivation, check out Samantha and Marcy.  They are some of my daily must reads.  These two women are such an inspiration to me!

What are your goals?

Do you struggle with your weight?

Do you have MyFitnessPal?

I am alysoncornman, so be sure to add me!

Linking up with Heather and Shanna today!

----

Oct 23, 2013.  Day 307 of 365. 

"Crochet"

Oct 24, 2013.  Day 308 of 365. 

"Fall Trees"

 Oct 25, 2013.  Day 309 of 365. 

"Fall Scents"

 Oct 26, 2013.  Day 310 of 365. 

"Lit"

 Oct 27, 2013.  Day 311 of 365. 

"Good Morning"

 Oct 28, 2013.  Day 312 of 365. 

"Fall"

 Oct 29, 2013.  Day 313 of 365. 

"Woodland in the Fall"

 Oct 30, 2013.  Day 314 of 365. 

"Harry Potter reflected" 

 Oct 31, 2013.  Day 315 of 365. 

"Crashed Supergirl"

Nov 1, 2013.  Day 316 of 365. 

"Speaking"

Nov 2, 2013.  Day 317 of 365. 

"Cards Against Humanity"

Nov 3, 2013.  Day 318 of 365.

"Hot Apple Cider"

Nov 4, 2013.  Day 319 of 365.

"Backbone"

Nov 5, 2013.  Day 320 of 365.

"Tuesday"

Nov 6, 2013.  Day 321 of 365.    

"Fall Contrast"

until next time