I’m a bit hesitant to post these. It’s always difficult to put yourself out there, especially if you’re unsure of yourself or if you’re attempting something that’s uncharted territory. I can post things about design and home decor because I live and breathe it everyday. I know it may not be perfect, but at least I know I’m somewhat decent at it. Photography is a completely different story. I’ve been immersing myself in photography for a year or so now (blog stalking, studying, etc), but have yet to try my hand at actually shooting people. Enter Sarah and Matt.
Sarah and Matt are good friends and neighbors that recently got engaged. I soon as I heard this news, I put my fears aside and asked them if they would mind playing models for me in exchange for some free engagement pictures. Luckily for me they obliged and we headed out to some spots I had scoped out around Charlotte and played around for an hour. I had no idea what I was doing, but I figured you have to start somewhere, right?
My first attempt at a photo shoot worked out just about perfectly. It was an overcast day, so I wasn’t trying to figure out how to avoid blaring sunlight at 4:00 in the afternoon. I shot everything manually to really try and challenge myself, though (yay me!). That meant about 60 good images out of 200 something, but hey, I’m a newbie. Oh, and all of us were pretty nervous since we were in a totally new situation – but luckily, nervous laughter looks like real laughter. :)


I found this super sketchy abandoned storage/warehouse near my office that had some pretty fall leaves and just the right amount of rust to create some interest. Matt informed us that the pretty leaves were actually poison ivy. Whoops. They were troopers though and ran with it, despite the risk of itchy skin.
Aren’t they photogenic? I honestly don’t know how photographers get people to look fantastic in pictures, since I am guilty of closing my eyes in 90% of pictures taken of me. Luckily, these two were naturals so I didn’t have to prompt them to look awesome. Score.

Some things I learned in my first photo shoot: posing people is hard, overcast days rule, I love my 50mm 1.8, and I really want a wide-angle lens to get some different perspectives. I also made them a little custom CD for all of the images I took. I’m such a nerd, but I love doing stuff like this, especially when it’s a little humourous with their butts on the back of the case.

Thoughts? Comments? I know I have a handful of photogs out there that read my blog, so I’d love some constructive criticism. You can keep comments like “Audrey, you stink. Quit trying to be like us” to a minimum, though, for my poor little ego’s sake. Gracias. :)
The highlight of our trip was eating at
We also made an after dinner stop at a favorite ATL spot,
I fulfilled a little secret fantasy of mine when we stayed at the Westin in downtown. This John Portman structure has always had me drooling, so I was pleased as punch to actually be a guest here. The exterior glass elevator and revolving restaurant were closed for repairs (boo) but the soaring lobby had me at hello. ::close your ears now if you don’t want to hear a bit of gushing:: I had a wonderful time with my hubby and I just want to tell him how much I love and appreciate him everyday. Happy anniversary, Scottie. :) Here’s to many more years (and fun trips) in the future!
If anything, it made for a good photo op. Hope everyone has a wonderful and safe Halloween!
Even one of my
There are even tutorials online to create your very own
… or creating a chevron 
1. Transform a Corner. First off, I have to address the new look to my beloved Real Simple. In the editor’s note, that I’ve featured
2. Money Conversations Everyone Should Have. I lean more toward dunce than doyen when it comes to finances, but Real Simple is always there to lead me in the right direction. This article lists some awkward, but necessary, conversations that we should all think about having when it comes to our finances. Talking with your spouse about who pays what and where your investments are allocated are just some of the issues this article brings up. It also touches on approaching your parents on their nest eggs (and if it’s enough to keep them afloat in the future) and sharing the responsibility with your children on saving for college. Each scenario is broken out by why it’s important, when to talk about it and how – a perfect little list to guide me through the uncharted territory of financial land.
3. The Hectic Holiday Handbook. Nevermind the incredible Thanksgiving recipes that are in this issue (seriously, there is drool all over my issue; not a pretty site) RS also included this handy dandy guide to the holiday season. One of the things I love about Real Simple is their vast array of seemingly useless knowledge that they throw at you, and this article is no exception. Did you know that miniature quiches are one of the worst things you can eat at a buffet spread? And that an opened can of cranberry sauce is good for up to two weeks? Or that you should splurge on club soda and bourbon, and but can skimp on gin and vodka when stocking a bar? Now that RS has given me tons of knowledge like this, I can keep this in the bank and pull them out at any time to sound like a smarty. And what’s better than sounding like a smarty pants? Not much else in my book. Thanks Real Simple, for making me look good.
The rules:
6. I never in a thousand years thought I would be a designer. I always enjoyed crafts and such, but I was a big time math and science geek. I actually enjoyed calculus class, for goodness sake. That’s until I took a drafting class my junior year of high school and fell in love with drafting. I’ve even won an award for my impeccable drafting skills (shared too much? you betcha). That love of drafting, my history of drawing floorplans in sidewalk chalk as a little girl, and the yearn the do something different from my doctor filled family led me to design.
Oh baby! Scott and I spent last weekend in Florida (yet again) to celebrate my brother’s 30th birthday. Unfortunately for my brother, he’s not an adorable 3 month old, so I didn’t happen to get any pictures of him. But I did get some of my new little nephew, Henry, that I will of COURSE post all over the web while I make gooshy baby noises. Let me forewarn you – this post has absolutely nothing to do with home improvement or creative junk. I’m not even going to try to tie this into something home related – I’m just putting that out there. :) This is purely for the joy of sharing a cute baby for you nice readers to feast your eyes on!
As you know, I’m wild about all things photography, so I tried my best to get some good pictures of the babe with my 50mm 1.8 lens. I almost managed a sun flair in this one, which I was super excited about! Nerdy? You betcha.
Since my nephew was 6 weeks early, he’s just starting to get the hang of holding his head up and cracking a smile. It’s so fun to see how much a little person can change over the matter of months. Next time I see him, he’ll be writing prose and smoking a distinguished pipe or something. Stay tuned for the next round of Henry pictures in the future!
So, I may be the last person in the blogosphere to write about this new online magazine, but I felt it was my due diligence to share the love with my readers that aren’t seasoned blog stalkers like myself. In the absence of such great magazines like Domino, etc., a little bud has emerged on the internet that almost makes everything better.
Shelter magazines prove as such a great resource for ideas and inspiration, and I can’t get over the loads of great interiors in this inaugural issue. Can we get an amen for this office above (with the cute pooch, of course)?
Or this lovely gray dining room with those insane Chippendale style chairs? I’m not a huge red fan, but I’d down those suckers in a hot minute. As of now, Lonny is free for the lookin’, so go
These wheat and ribbon centerpieces were the perfect addition to our wedding reception, but they could easily be incorporated into your own home. Heck, my aunt-in-law swiped the leftovers from our wedding and still uses them as decoration to this day. My mom whipped these up with a few simple items: a
Now, I’m sure most of you don’t have 25 dining tables to adorn with these little lovelies, but if you do happen to throw a holiday party, a few of these centerpieces will really dress up your card tables to give the whole room some fall goodness. Plus, this centerpiece is simple and understated, and will leave lots of room on your table for the most important part of entertaining – food. Yumm. Any easy fall decorations you’re dying to share? Obviously I need some ideas!
Take for instance, figuring out how much money you spend where. 



