Showing posts with label #findbeautyfriday. Show all posts
Showing posts with label #findbeautyfriday. Show all posts

10.31.2014

fall hike | find beauty friday

On Sunday, the husband and I went on a small hike through our favorite park.  With our 60 degrees days numbered we decided to take advantage of the unseasonably warm October day.  







Unfortunately, I think my posts of the beautiful Fall foliage is also numbered.   Until next year, these posts will have to hold me over.  

Where are your favorite places to hike?
What about where do you go to capture the colorful Fall foliage?

Linking up with Aimee today!


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10.24.2014

park mornings | find beauty friday

Now that 5 year old girlfriend is in Kindergarden until 2:00, I get the morning with 2 year old girlfriend, just the two of us.  One of her favorite places to go is the "big pak" next to the Sewickley YMCA.  Last week, instead of parking next to the park, we parked a little bit farther away so we could hike to get to the park.  With the leaves changing to beautiful vibrant yellows, oranges, and reds, we had to stop a few times to capture nature at her finest along the way.



As much as I was dreading the change in season, I have really enjoyed Fall this year.  For the first time I am really taking in the scenes and doing my best to live in the moment.  Perfect time of the year to rediscover Netflix, crochet, and warm lemon water.  

What are your favorite things about Fall?  What are your favorite Fall activities?

linking up with Aimee and Casey today!

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10.03.2014

iphone mornings

When my alarm went off Monday morning, I rolled over and thought to myself: "Hey, at least it's Friday."  You can imagine the disappoint I felt as soon as I came to a little more and realized, hey you, you dumb ass, it's Monday.  But then I took the long way to work and came across this beautiful sunrise.  Then I didn't hate Monday so much. 

Thursday morning was the exact opposite of Monday morning.  We live in the valley, covered in heavy fog most mornings, but once we reach the top of the hill the sun is shining through trees blinding you.  However, Thursday there was no respite from the fog once I climbed to the top.  However, below's view while listening to Michael Jackson's Thriller on WYEP made for the perfect early October morning. 
Hope everyone had a great week.  HAPPY FRIDAY!  Cheers to the next two days of relaxation and sleeping in. 

What did you capture this week?
What's your favorite part about your morning commute?

Linking up with Aimee today!


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9.12.2014

close-up | find beauty friday

I have been struggling with accepting the upcoming weather change since July.  Every year I wonder how am I going to survive yet another Winter.  And after last Winter, I am really dreading this one.  BUT I have to keep reminding myself that I still have a few weeks left of warm-ish temps before it even gets to the unbearable, hurts to breath cold that is always inevitable in the NW.  These flowers in my mother-in-law's garden certainly helped brighten my mood over the weekend and reminded me that there are still few weeks left of great weather.  


Other posts from flowers in my MIL's garden: here and here

Are you looking forward to the change of season?
What are some of your favorite moments you captured this week?

Linking up with Aimee today!

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8.15.2014

nostalgia | + recent reads

Yesterday morning I went to visit my old coworkers.  Since leaving, I don't often go back.  And it's a shame really since the town holds a lot of memories for me.  It was where I rented my first apartment, had my first big girl job, paid my bills, lived away from my parents, started dating the now husband, and learned to enjoy running.  I used to sit on these benches and read during my lunch break or write my case notes.  It was nice to spend a few hours with old friends and in my old stopping grounds.  Reminded me that I need to return more often.  I miss it.   
There is beauty in nostalgia. 

Speaking of nostalgia, I cannot help but bring up - yes, i know, again - the death of Robin Williams.  As with the rest of the world, I cannot stop thinking about him  and his family.  For some reason, his sudden death has affected me much more than any other celebrity deaths.  Maybe it's because I grew up watching Mrs Doubtfire, Aladdin, and Hook?  I really don't know why.  I just know that it has.  My stomach aches whenever I think about what his family must be going through right now and all of the questions that will continue to go unanswered.
Below are some of my favorite posts written about his death:

1 // While the death of celebrities do make me said, Robin's death is, at least for me, different than any of the others.  I am always annoyed by people's Facebook statuses or Twitter posts about how sad they are that so and so died.  I just felt like it was another effort to post another sob story and make it about them.  However, this post from Adam made me think differently.

2 // Working in the field of psychology for 6.5 years helped me to understand Depression and it's effects on the daily life of the person suffering from it.  This post written by Tyler is spot on.  Hollywood has been demonizing mental illness for decades.  Let's make something positive from his suicide and take the opportunity to discuss mental illness with your loved ones to help them instead of stigmatizing it and making them feel even more alone. 

3 // I am a huge of Raven.  She may come off as brash to some but I appreciate her brutal honesty.  The older I get the less patients I have for bullshit.  Anyway, she writes about how important it is not to judge someone's actions unless you have walked in their shoes.  No, I cannot imagine leaving behind my loved ones by my own doing.  But then again I have never been so depressed that I cannot imagine any other option but to take my own life.  Remember, "everyone has a story." 

And because nothing else seems appropriate today, a little Genie for #backthatazzup Friday. 
Friend Like Me by Disney on Grooveshark

What makes you feel nostalgic?
What was your Robin Williams movie?

Linking up with Aimee and Caitlin, Whitney, and Amanda today!

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8.08.2014

a favorite flower

As with most Sundays, we spent time at my in-laws this past week for drinks and dinner with the rest of the family.  They have some pretty amazing gardens spread out around their property. And every year, around this time, you are greeted with some of the most beautiful sunflowers I have ever seen as you enter.  This year they have a stalk that is at least 12 feet tall, no exaggeration, right in the middle.  Unfortunately I left my camera chip in the computer so these were only taken with my iPhone.  I hope to get some better shots before they are gone though.

I have been in search of a sunflower field for the past couple of years.  To photograph rows upon rows upon rows of sunflowers is on my photography bucket list.  Do you know of any sunflower fields in SW Pennsylvania?

What is your favorite flower?
Do you have a photography bucket list?
What moments did you capture this week?

Linking up with Aimee today!

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8.01.2014

photo walk

Oh hey, August!  Where did you  come from?  Why must you return every year with your back to school commercials that still depress me even though I haven't been in school for over 10 years?  Thanks. but not really. 

Anyway, to get back on topic.  How has everyone been?  I have missed all of y'all.  July has come and gone way too fast yet again, no?  I am glad to be back though.  I was not as productive as I had hoped I would be during my break - not at all surprised - but I am looking forward to getting back into the blogging groove.  I did make a blogging schedule of sorts so there is always that.  Hopefully it will help me through those days I feel unmotivated and uninspired.  Keeping my fingers crossed it will.

My Summer schedule has been little bit different than my school year schedule.  Since the Mom of the little girls I watch is a teacher, she does not need me as much over the Summer.  Which, yes, I am actually pretty bummed about it (if you ever met those girls you would see why in under 5 seconds.)  Anyway, to supplement, I have been watching their cousins on Mondays.  This past Monday, the other older cousin, HB, and I went on a little photo adventure around a little park before having to pick up brother from soccer camp.  The photos below were all taken by me, BUT I believe I have inspired a little photographer in HB.  I handed over my camera to her as we meandered our way back to the car to take some shots.  She came away with at least five good photos.  And she's only 7.  To say I am excited would be an understand.  Monday was not our last photo walk together.  I can promise you that.  




I have gotten out of the habit of taking photo walks on a regular basis.  Taylor reminded me of the rush I get when taking photos so I hope to be getting back out there again.
HAPPY FRIDAY!
Soooo, what have you been up to?
What have you photographed recently?

and because it's the weekend... 

6.27.2014

morning fog {find beauty friday}

I had a completely different idea for today's Find Beauty Friday post.  But then I was driving to work this morning and this happened.  Reason number 21673131864 why I love mornings.  You just never know what you are going to get. 
Happy Friday! 

What is your morning commute like?
Does it ever stop you in your tracks?
What are your plans for the last weekend in June (<--what)?


Linking up with Aimee and Whitney today!

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6.20.2014

tegan & sara {find beauty friday}

I have a bit of a confession to make today.  I enter giveaways on blogs.  I spend my Saturday mornings entering anything that someone is giving away that I deem worth my time, more than $25 and if it's something I would use.  It only takes me a few hours of my morning.  The husband works on Saturdays so it is not taking away from our time together.  That is what Sundays are for. phew, that felt good to get out. 

Anyway, about two weeks ago I got an email from Melyssa from The Nectar Collective letting me know I won the $130 to Amazon and $100 to Etsy giveaway she held on her blog.  I have won my fair share of these giveaways but it is always like Christmas morning when I get a notification saying that my time paid off.  Then while I was hanging out with my girlfriends, that same week, the husband sent me a message letting me know he won tickets to see Tegan & Sara through a local radio station WYEP.   The freebie gods were working in our favor. (he's not around to confirm it, but I think he played the lottery shortly after.) 


Despite WYEP forgetting to add us to their guest list, we had a great night in the city and listening to some live music.  Tegan & Sara put on one of hell of a show.  By far one of my favorite shows I have been to in a while.   

Do you enter giveaways?
If so, have you been lucky?
Are a Tegan & Sara fan?
Have you gone to any concerts lately?

and because my ears are still ringing (in a good way)...

Linking up with Aimee and Whitney today!
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6.13.2014

fields of gold {find beauty friday + lovely links}

Another field of wild flowers that I couldn't help but pull over to photograph.  I love the bright and Summery bokeh effect. (Anyone else think of Sting's 1993 hit Fields of Gold when you see this?  No?  Just me?)  

I did a lot of online reading this week so here are a few of my favorites...
1 // In an effort to discover more blogs to follow, I stumbled upon Humans of New York on Bloglovin's popular photography page.  It has now become my favorite daily read.  Do yourself a favor and check it out. You can thank me later. 

2 // As a former vegetarian now turned carnivore I found the Vegan vs Paleo article Sugar Free Glow shared really interesting.  Never really thought about how much these seemingly completely different dietary lifestyles are in fact actually pretty similar.  

3 // If you are need of a good Summer band to get into this year, Jamestown Revival is perfect.  Check out their YouTube channel for all of their beautiful videos.  They are currently on tour so make sure to check to see if they are visiting your city.  

4 // 10 useful tips for Instagram, more specifically #2.  We all have at least one person in our feed who is posting constantly but we hate to stop following in fear we may offend.  Here is how to end that pesky little problem.   

What are your favorite moments you captured this week?
Any good links you want to share?  I am always up for a good read.

because this song never gets old to me...
Mr. Brightside (Jacques Lu Cont's Thin White Duke mix) by The Killers on Grooveshark

Linking up with AimeeWhitney, and Amanda today!

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6.06.2014

plant life

It's only June but this is already our second visit to McConnell's Mill.  It is amazing how much greener it has gotten after just a month and a half.  During our 6 mile hike, what stood out to me the most were the different wild flowers and plant life that surrounded the trails.  If there weren't signs everywhere asking not to pick the flowers I would have taken a bundle home with me.  
I have 20 more photos to share with you all from our hike that will just have to wait for another time. So until then, I hope you have a wonderful weekend!  The husband and I are headed up to Cook's Forest for a night of camping and two days of more hikes and possible canoeing.  I just love everything about Summer!

Do you do a lot of hiking?
Where do you like to go?
What is your favorite thing to capture?

and because I can't help think of this song when I think of wild flowers...
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5.30.2014

catching up {+ FBF cohost}

I know I have been absent around here for the past 2 weeks.  Instead of blogging I have been watching The Good Wife, doing laundry, catching up on photos, and watching more of The Good Wife.  Anyway, I finally got around to uploading my photos from our trip to Asheville, NC over the long holiday weekend.  Below is one of my favorites I took while walking around the Asheville Botanical Gardens
The boys were sitting in the sun while I walked around to grab some shots.  There was a significant patch of these beautiful and brilliant flowers so I spent the next five minutes photographing them.  While I think most consider these little guys weeds, I find them to  be beautiful.  The green and bright yellow scream Spring.  I really like the bokeh affect of the different colors as well.  

What are some of your favorite moments you captured during the week?

Linking up with Aimee and Jess today.  



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5.16.2014

favorite commute

When I am a little early to see my girlfriends I like to take the scenic route.  The night before it stormed pretty good and as I was driving I noticed the fog hovering over the valleys.  I took my favorite scenic route and when I turned the bend and saw the Sun shining behind the trees I had to stop and capture her beauty.  Makes me feel as though I am lost in a fairy tale.  

I just wish it had been taken with a better quality camera (it was taken with my iphone).  This would be beautiful blown up onto a canvas, don't you think?  

How was your week?
What are your favorite moments you captured?
What camera do you use?

Linking up with Jess, Kayleigh, and Aimee today!



until next time
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5.09.2014

warmth

I spent last night hanging out with my favorite ginger boys while their parents went out.  This was the view from the backyard as I sipped on my water and they played in the sandbox.  I have been dreaming of warm afternoons and sun for what seems like years.  I am just so happy longer days are finally here.  Happy Friday!

What's your favorite thing about Summer?
What were your favorite moments of the week?

Linking up with Aimee and Jess today!


until next time
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