The Merino Family | Adventure Session

Sessions that really bring out my clients' personality and unique moments are definitely one of my favorites. This session was definitely that and The Merinos were so fun and easy to document. It was clear that moments really matter and their energy with each other was so evident.

Part 1: Hike
Part 2: Play in the mud
Part 3: Hugs and snuggles
Part 4: Frozen Yogurt & backyard fun

Thanks for letting me join your adventure, Merino Fam!

Soup for a cozy night in | Thai Sweet Potato

Ok, so I am mainly posting this because I tell everyone how delicious it is and then they say, "What is the recipe?" and I never respond because I made it up and it's hard to share. Well, it was inspired by a recipe I found but with some tweaks. I was looking for different flavors while doing our first Whole30. Don't let that scare you, it's awesome!

So, if you're ready for soup with a kick and lots of flavor that is hearty and fresh... here it is! Make a huge batch and reheat for easy leftovers.

Thai Curry Sweet Potato Soup

Ingredients:
Coconut milk - 1 Can
Chicken broth - 1 32 ounce box
Chicken thighs/breast - Lets say 2-3 lbs ( just buy a package from Sprouts)
Cilanto - 1/2 bushel
Sweet potato - 3 medium
Yellow/white Onion - 1
Curry powder
Chili powder
Garlic
Salt, Pepper


Let's do this:

1. Grab a big pot
2. Chop 1 onion and saute until tender in olive oil in a big pot (optional, add 1-2 garlic cloves).
3. Season with salt, pepper, curry powder, chili powder to taste (i use lots of curry powder for that yummy flavor).
4. Optional: Cook chicken (we prefer to grill but you can bake or stove top).
5. Once onions tender add 1 can coconut milk and 1 container chicken broth. I often add a little extra water, to make it go further.
6. Chop and add sweet potato (you can also add others like white potato, carrots, etc.).
7. Chop 1/4 bushel cilantro and add.
8. Let simmer until potatoes are tender.
9. Use an immersion blender (or pour into blender) to blend the soup until smooth. I leave it a little chunky.
10. Once chicken is cooked fully, chop and add to blended soup.
11. Top with avocado, fresh cilantro and lots of lime!

I am a fan of things that are forgiving.. not much measuring here. Just a pinch, a tad, a pour... Add your own spin on it and enjoy!

Enjoy! If you make it, I'd love to hear your thoughts.

*Ignore the pumpkin decor (these photos are from Fall). 

James + Shelby | In Home Session

I so loved doing this in home session with James & Shelby.

I love planning these sessions! I get to hear about my client's season of life, the simple moments they love and the unique aspects of life they want to preserve. I love what evolved. They are newlyweds (I guess that depends on what definition you have for newlywed). They bought their first home, renovated, established life rhythms together and recently became puppy parents. They really wanted to capture their home, afternoons on their patio and cuddles with their pup, Zooey.

These years full of new go by so fast and I love helping people preserve moments for decades to come!

These moments were definitely my favorite. Sometimes it is hard to just "be normal" when there's a camera. I asked them to reflect on a few things in marriage thus far (things they were surprised to learn about each other, their favorite moments and more). What resulted was funny, cute, special and totally them.

Thanks James & Shelby for sharing these sweet life moments with me!

My Word For 2017

I don't know how long this "Word of the Year" thing has been a thing but I've seen a lot of it lately. I didn't set out to come up with one, but I think one found me.

You know that gentle tug that happens when you need to grasp something? Or maybe it's a sucker punch to the face? I've had both. Lately I've had little nudges calling me towards a word - a concept. I've just noticed a need to invite a new process in. I am sure this is nothing new - it's a long time needed thing. It is reoccurring. Are you ready for it? It's a radical concept -

Gentleness

mild in temperament or behavior; kind or tender.



I know, your mind is blown.

I am still flushing this out but I know it is popping up for a reason and I know it will play out consistently in unique ways this year.

Learning to be:
Gentle with myself
Gentle with my husband
Gentle with my expectations

If you know me you probably know I am not the most "gentle" of humans. I get fired up about things, I feel passionately, I don't like to filter my words and I want justice to be had. I am hyper self aware and have always expected much of myself (and therefor others). My poor husband. I like my passionate, move to action spirit but I think a little balance is needed.


So yeah, G E N T L E N E S S.

It arrived and it's here to stay.

I bought a new devotional and the first day I opened to was about fun, free spirit, joy. Those things quickly diminish when there is something to resolve, something to do, a need for responsibility. Read: dishes before couch cuddles, conflict conversations before chatting about our days, lingering in hurt before forgiving.

So there it is. A few reasons I know the concept of gentle is a needed one.

Do you have a word for yourself?  

Are you gentle? Tell me your ways! 

Anyone else feel like Gentleness is their word?