The Nelson's New Years Eve Wedding!

I've been anticipating my best friend Lindsey's wedding for a long time now. She's the last of my close friends from high school to get married and after the bridal shower and bachelorette party I was getting excited to spend New Years Eve celebrating the couple and with all of my good friends. The day didn't disappoint, it was gorgeous from start to finish and we had a blast ringing in the New Year with everyone.

I was a bridesmaid, and of course they had a fabulous photographer, so I just grabbed a few iphone shots throughout the day...

















The perfect way to end 2013 and begin 2014. Congrats Lindsey and Jeff! We're so happy for you both and are so glad we were able to help celebrate your big day.

This year I will...

I don't really make New Years Resolutions, but I do like to think about changes I'd like to make in my life. Things I want to stop doing and things I'd like to do more often. I try to do this every month and keep re-evaluating all year long, since it's a fresh year I wanted to share my current goals.

This year (month) I will...

...work on my cooking skills. I can bake with the best of them, but Dave usually does the cooking. 

I have a few dishes I'm proud of, but I'm working on mastering a few more things in the kitchen.

...make reading a priority. I love to read, but lately it's taken a backseat to pretty much everything
else I've had going on. This month should be a bit slower though, and I intend to enjoy lots of books!

...print (and hang) more pictures. As a photographer, you'd think I'd have this down, buuuut I don't.
I love getting pictures printed and finding the perfect frames for them, so I can't wait to make an order soon.

Obviously my goals are simple, but I believe in taking babysteps in life. You'll never change your ways in one big leap! So, what are you working on in this new month?

Follow along: Bloglovin' // Photography // Instagram // Facebook // Twitter

December Sponsor Intro!

I love getting to share other sites, shops, and businesses with you all and today I have three lovely ladies to talk about. I asked them all to share their best tips on staying motivated during the busy holiday season, because I know I could use some motivation every now and then!

First up is Tracey, the owner of Becoming Jewelry. It's a gorgeous handmade shop full of the prettiest accessories around. You can see a few of her pieces in action here and here. I also bought my Mom this necklace, and she wears it every day. :)

Tip ≫≫ I work a lot during the holiday season! I stay motivated by setting production goals and then rewarding myself with little Christmas season treats, like a stop at Starbucks for a Peppermint Hot Chocolate.

Website // Blog // Facebook

Next up is Jennie from Iron Tree Candle, whose Cranberry Fig candle she sent me (that smells like Christmas!) has been burning every day...in fact, it is right now! It smells fantastic and really makes it feel like Christmas in my "office" (AKA my parents basement, for 9 more days) as I'm editing 24/7 these days.



Tip ≫≫ I remind myself to focus on what inspires me about this time of year. I love the beauty, joy and creativity that come with the holiday season, so I try to slow down and enjoy it, instead of getting caught up in the hectic pace of things!

Shop // Instagram // Facebook

And last, but not least, is Daina from New York State of Mind. Her pictures of NYC make me want to hop on a plane and join her on walks around the city! If you haven't discovered her site/instagram yet, you're really missing out on some major wanderlust...

Tip ≫≫ The holidays are one of my absolute favorite times of year! To stay grounded during the holiday season I try to remind myself often that while gift giving is nice, it is not what the season is all about. When I think back on my favorite holiday memories none of them include the gifts I gave or received. Instead, they are about things like pajama game nights with my family, tubing in my hometown in Minnesota, ice skating on my parents' pond, and decorating Christmas cookies. I try to plan fun activities with both my boyfriend (I look forward to our 12 Dates of Christmas tradition every year!) and my family throughout the month of December and focus less on searching for lots of gifts.

Website // Instagram // Facebook

Now go show these ladies some love on their sites!

Favorite Fall Recipes.

Fall is the best time to bake and cook, thanks to the temps cooling down and making us want to spend a bit more time inside (and not feeling like we're going to melt when we turn on the oven). Plus, the recipes we tend to make in the Fall are always my favorites, how could you not love a time where it's socially acceptable to throw some pumpkin in all of your recipes and comfort food is beginning to make a comeback.

I've shared a lot of Fall recipes since I've been writing in this space, so today I thought I'd compile a few of my favorites, enjoy!

Crockpot Pumpkin Latte 

Black Bean and Rice Soup

Whole Wheat Pumpkin Muffins

Mushroom Dip

Whole Wheat Date Bread

Halloween Chili