Recent Work

One of my favorite things about the photography program at the Art Institute is the portfolio class process. Over the course of 3 quarters, you show your work to peers and instructors, they give you honest feedback to find your strengths and weaknesses and help you build a portfolio of work that prepares you for graduation. Up until this class, the main focus of my photography, and my portfolio for that matter, was portraiture. But I recently shot some architecture and interiors for the Magnolia Hotel in Houston. Not only did I love it, but the response I got from my portfolio class was pretty encouraging.  I truly enjoy shooting people, and while that will remain my focus and passion, I have to say I'm pretty excited about exploring new areas of photography. 

Josh and Exy

A few weeks ago, one of Sev's good friends and his lovely fiancee visited us in Colorado. We were hiking up in Breckenridge close to sunset and with the beautiful light and the turning leaves, I decided we needed to take a few romantic portraits of the two of them. I can't wait for their wedding in Aruba in a few weeks! 

Asian Meatloaf and Dad's Mashed Potatoes

I made quite the meal last night, if I may say so. A MAN meal, as Sev called it. Pure meat and potatoes. But not just any meat, and definitely not just any potatoes. Anyone that knows me knows I would spend my last living meal devouring loads of my dad's famous mashed potatoes. His secret? Cream, salt and pepper, a little cream cheese and some sour cream. Not incredibly good for you, but oh so tasty and definitely worth a few extra miles on my run. To go with this amazing side (yes, I am one of those people who often plans sides before the entree, just like how I often pick my shoes before my outfit...) I decided to make a twist on a classic: Asian meatloaf. I followed a typical meatloaf recipe similar to this one, but instead of ketchup, I used teriyaki, and I added ginger, soy sauce, lemon juice and siracha (naturally). Pretty damn good. Kinda proud of myself on this one. Next time I won't be so shy with the siracha. It could've used a bit more. Always more heat.

 Ew. Touching raw meat. And egg. Least favorite part. 

Apologies for the pictures. Nothing to write home about, but hey, its a loaf of meat. How much can you expect?

Happy Birthday Mom!

I'd like to wish a very happy birthday to my beautiful, talented, warm-hearted, adorable, sweet, amazing mother. You truly are the shit. Period. Everyone that knows you is the better for it, myself included. I love you so, so much and I can't wait to celebrate with you.

Hope you like the "card" I made you.

Have a fabulous day!

xoxo,

Lib

A little inspiration for ya....

Or, perhaps, for me. I need it this week. Final projects, a 4 day corporate event photog job, a wedding Saturday and photoshop work up to my eyeballs have me stressed to the max. At least pinterest is always good for a smile. Now if only I was clever enough to come up with little sayings like this, print them on 16x20 canvases and sell them for an obscene amount to unsuspecting rich housewhives (who don't actually need any form of inspiration) maybe I wouldn't be so stressed. Hmmmmm....I think I smell a new business model? 

 How appropriate. 

And a drumroll for my personal fav.....

Wednesday Wishlist: Chevron

There's something very wonderfully simple and retro about a chevron print, particularly with home decor. I've been looking for ways of adding some to our new place. Here's a few things I have in mind. 

Chevron Boxes $48

iphone Case $40

Handmade Cuff $29

Chevron Pillow $75

Paper Napkins $2

ModCloth Top $40

Lately

Fun party nail 

Our new toy...I feel so, cool and urban and...dare I say it, hipster. 

An amazing lens mug from my sis in law


And I'm finally starting to toy with the idea of wedding planning. Here's a color scheme I'm loving right now: Black, White and Gold with a pop of color {via}

Fashion Shoot

I was recently blessed with the opportunity to work in the studio with the amazing Antoinette for a fashion shoot with the Ai Clothing Design Department. Photographing with a model like Antoinette is such an unreal experience. She just knows how to pose and move in front of the camera. Sedrique Olison, who has done the makeup for everyone from Erin Andrews to Michelle Obama to Oprah, came in to lend his talents for the hair and makeup. (I know, I know. Pinch me. This was truly a dream come true for a student like me.)  Here are a few of my favorite takes from the shoot. 

Wednesday Wishlist: Fall Beauty

A new season calls for a different skincare routine and fresh makeup. More moisture, more exfoliation, rich colors, and a desperate attempt to hold on to my summer tan. Here's whats on my list.

Too Faced Eye Shadow Palette $48

Neutrogena Sugar Body Scrub $12

Clinique Moisture Surge $37

Clarins Self Tanning Cream $42

Nars Lipstick in Scarlet Empress $24

The Body Shop Body Butter $19

Roasted Curry Cauliflower

The people who package curry apparently don't use it like I do. In my opinion, it should come in a container the size of Morton salt and be used just as liberally. Not sprinkled here and there like someone who's afraid of a little flavor. If you're gonna curry, either go big or don't curry at all, right? Who are these curry-haters anyway? Anyway, I try to use the spice every way I can, so I converted a recipe I've used for roasted chickpeas to work with cauliflower (which is definitely not something I use often). I'm always in the mood for savory snacks, and this one is waaaay healthier than my usual go to of chips and salsa, or triscuits and colby-jack cheese. 

Ingredients:
1 Head of Cauliflower
Drizzle of olive oil
A few good shakes of cayenne pepper, cumin, garlic powder and curry

Mix in a large bowl and roast at 400 degrees for about 30 minutes, until desired crunchiness is achieved. Longer, if you like the burnt pieces like me. As my niece would say, easy-peasy, lemon squeeze-y. 

Music Monday: Karmin

I'd like to give a shout-out to a fellow Nebraskan, Amy Heidemann, one half of the duo, Karmin, which she fronts with her adorable fiance Nick Noonan. I've been recently introduced to their music and I am totally in love. Its fresh and new and unlike anything else you hear right now. Plus Amy has this completely unique and fun, almost pin-up style about her that is completely herself, most easily seen in her signature "suicide roll" hairstyle. I can't wait to see whats in store for these two do in the future. 

In other news, Sev and I got locked out of our place last night. Me, I'm like oh great, we have to call a locksmith. Thats $100 and 2 hours of my life I'll never get back. Sev, on the other hand, walks a few blocks to the gay bar down the street, borrows an extension ladder, scales the side of our 3 story loft like Spider Man, jimmy riggs the screen in our window open and climbs in. All the while I'm trying to convince our neighbor and the pizza delivery guy that we aren't breaking in...errrr...we're breaking in but to our own house. It was quite comical. And i'm really glad I'm marrying him. You never know when you need a McGyver. 

Eli and Kelly

Simply adore this couple. They are so cute and so in love and soooo photogenic. Here are a few snaps from their wedding a few weeks ago...