Making my first business page.

When I made the decision to return to school for photography, I wasn't sure what I wanted to do with the degree. All I was sure of was I wanted a know more about the art and to become a better photographer for myself. But as friends ask me to be second shooters for weddings or help out at family shoots, I begin to see myself actually doing it -- actually becoming a photographer. You're probably like 'Duh. You're in school for it. Why wouldn't you?' Becoming a professional photographer was never my goal. It was something that fell under the category of a "Dream Job." Kinda like, when I grow up I want to be an astronaut. But this dream job of mine might actually be a reality.

Cause peeps, I just made a business Facebook page!

It took some courage and a lot help from my friend Mary to make it happen. I was terrified that it would look silly and no one would like it. Still don't have millions of likes ;) it but at least it's made! Baby steps.

I'm working on building a larger portfolio. If you're looking for pictures and you're in the area don't hesitate to shoot me an email. Because I'm trying to grow my portfolio all shoots would be complimentary. Thanks!

Here's to never growing up.

It hit me today that I'm a married woman. YUCK! I mean, heck, I love being married to M. He's totally the best part of my life. He adds such life to my world that I couldn't have experienced without marriage. But man, sometimes I hate being an adult haha. I've yet to stumble upon someone who actually enjoys paying bills and being responsible. Cause when I do I'll be sure to hand over mine with a big smile on my face :D

Seems like this week I haven't had a single moment of sit down for myself. It's been GO GO GO none stop. After almost having a mental break down I cleared my schedule for the rest of the day and sat my frumpy butt on the sofa and watched a cartoon. It was probably one of the most relaxing things I've done all year. It was an hour for myself that felt amazing. Thank you Tinkerbell for entertaining me and making me smile.

So here's to being kids at heart for the rest of our lives.

Zip Lining in a Rainforest

We were sure we weren't going to be able to get up the next morning after spending the entire day exploring Costa Rica just a few hours earlier. But knowing that we had zip lining in a Costa Rican rainforest to look forward to it was easy. 

Our start wasn't as early as our first day's. So we were able to enjoy a good breakfast before we were off. The drive was almost two hours to our destination, but the views were well worth it. It was like a movie scene everywhere we went. The entire country was just so breathtaking. 

We booked with the San Luis zip lining tour. They were rated to be the best in all of Costa Rica. Offering the most cables, best views, and of course - best bang for your buck! 

I had previously planned not to bring my camera. One, for obvious reasons. Two, sometimes cameras get in the way. Many times I notice I'm clicking away while my friends and family are all enjoying the company of each other or looking at a view that I can't completely appreciate through the lens. I still wanted to capture a few moments, so I remembered to bring my iPod touch for some great quality pics ;) The company also offered to take pictures and videos of us throughout the entire tour for only $25! We left with a disc with over 300 pictures and 20 videos. 

My little nifty iPod hard at work.

Not sure why I'm making a duck face when we were told to act tough.

About to swing out over the rainforest's canopy. There's a video of me doing it, but I shouted a few explicit words so I figured i shouldn't post that ;)

Just finished the tour!

Definitely another great day! When we arrived back at our resort we all showered and got ready for a nice family dinner out at a Peruvian restaurant. 

Mmmm!

Spring Break

I'm officially on my Spring Break! To be honest I thought it'd be a lot more fun. But you see Mitch and I have different Spring Breaks. So basically that means I'm home alone most days with our kiddos while he's off bringing home the bacon. 

But he took a "sick" day today to spend with me :) So our plans include sleeping in. Riding our boards. Going to the movies. Maybe even getting Sonic shakes! All-in-all it's going to be a pretty rad day.

Hope all you Spring Breakers are living it up!

Little reminders

After losing my father-in-law late last year, we knew this year wasn't going to be the same. We knew it was going to be hard. So together Mitch and I created a list of things that make us happy. Little reminders that we can still smile. Ways to remind us that we're in this together and I'm always here for him. Simple reminders that love triumphs death every time.

. . . Our pets.

// Lazy weekends. & weekdays too…

. . . Kuerig coffees.

// PDA.

. . . Old pictures from our high school days. Like these gems.

// Pretending to be Schmidt.

. . . Bad selfies.

// Fist bumps.

. . . Dancing in our underwear.

// Eating way too much kettle corn.

. . . Drinking way too much Moscato.

// Snuggling by the fire.

. . . Si-fi movies.

// Publix commercials. Like this precious one.

. . . One Direction on repeat.

// Taking the animals to see their Grandma.
. . . Sonic milkshakes.

// Saying foul words just because.

. . . Sleeping in together.

// Brushing each others teeth.
. . . Long boarding tandem style.
// Pillow fights.
. . . Sitting by the fire.
// Movie dates.

. . . Naming our future kiddos.
// Poo-Pourri

This stuff works magic!

The list goes on and on.
It's important to be reminded of the little things in life. Those little things shape
and mold all the bigger pieces that make our life whole.

Happy Friday my peeps!

Costa Rica Day Uno

I know I've been a terrible blogger and I didn't inform you that we planned a trip to Costa Rica. I apologize for that. When we decided that we were going (which was back in December) it was sort of spur of the moment and then before we knew it, it was time to go. With school, work, and sometimes a personal life, things kept us so busy that February 18th was already upon us. No complaints though. We were ready for a warm vacation, especially with all the snow we were hit with.

We arrived on a Tuesday night. So unfortunately we weren't able to do much of anything except ride to our resort and peep out the window at the sights. But Wednesday was filled with an all-day excursion. As a large group, we left at 6:30 in the morning where we were headed to a coffee plantation. We enjoyed authentic Costa Rican breakfast at the plantation's cafe. I'm pretty sure I could eat rice and beans for breakfast for the rest of my life. Oh and don't get me and Mitch started on their juice. Just know everything was so fresh and light. I could eat 24/7 and never feel overly full. 

Immediately afterwards we walked around the grounds where we were educated on how they plant and grow the coffee in Costa Rica. I'll be honest, I was really naive to it all. First I didn't know coffee beans grew on trees. Say what? Then I learned that coffee isn't naturally caffeinated! They send their coffee beans to Europe where they are infused with caffeine. It's all still sinking in for me. Mitch had to ask the tour guide if he was sure that was right haha. We just weren't ready to believe it I guess.

Baby coffee trees coming to life.

After washing the beans they lay them out in the sun to dry for two full days.

The ladies.

The Brotherton men.

After the coffee plantation, we were off to our next destination - Poas Volcano. This sucker is an active volcano. On the hike up to the top there were evacuation signs informing us how to exit if it were to erupt. I focused on the scenery and not the fact that underneath me was molten lava.

It was all so beautiful. Then our final destination for the day was by the La Paz river. There wew witnessed hundreds of butterflies come to life. We were in the middle of a hummingbird garden with the biggest and prettiest little birds I had ever seen. The river also had three gorgeous waterfalls throughout it. Everything was so lush and green, I was expecting it to be much warmer but the weather was perfect. At times I even needed a coat.

The views in Costa Rica are amazing. You can see the Rockies looking one way and look the other way and see the volcanos. Gorgeous hills everywhere you looked and everything was a vibrant green. 

Our first day was definitely one for the books. 

Lately

Lately it's all been about us mooping around the house, wishing we were back in Costa Rica. Oh yeah! We went to Costa Rica for a week in February. I didn't share that with you? Ooops. Well it was amazing. I'll share more about it in another post ;)

But lately we've been looking at the pictures and sharing with each other what our favorite part was. M's favorite was the day we spent at Jaco beach. That day was actually his birthday! We stumbled upon a local candy store where he got himself a birthday coffee mug filled with sweet treats and even made a goodie baggie with delicious Costa Rican taffy. Twas a fun day! I'm still struggling to figure out my single favorite thing about the trip because it was all amazing. 

Because we're home and NOT in Costa Rica, we've been struggling to get back into our "normal" routines. Lately I haven't stepped foot in the gym and it's showing... 

Lately I've also been on a serious coffee kick. I'm typically a tea gal but coffee has beens my saving grace this week. And I'm so glad I got that cute lil metal coffee mug from Costa Rica, cause every morning it reminds me of the zip lining, volcanos, the view from our room, the laughs the language barriers caused, the moments of beauty from the landscape, and the many more memories we created together.