.a study in ranunculus

Two weeks ago, I assisted my boss at a wedding that had the most beautiful flower arrangements. The centerpieces featured all of my favorites- hydrangeas, ranunculus, and camellias. So before we left, I snatched one and brought it home to beautify and perfume my apartment. 

Since I did the study in camellias last week, I decided to continue the theme but with ranunculus. I photographed them first when they were perky and alive, and again once they had shriveled up. It's funny, I think I'm actually more partial to the shriveled up ones. I love the tan hue they take on. 

Here's what I saw of my stolen ranunculus:

Which do you like better?

Have a lovely day, friends!

Carolyn

.birth announcement

Y'all are gonna love me today. I'm about to start your week off in the best way possible.

Last week my two nieces came over to my apartment for a photoshoot for Elsie's birth announcement! It was great fun. I can't wait to someday show these to Addie and Elsie, and tell them about the one morning they came over to my tiny apartment and we laid on the floor by the window and took photos.

Here's what I saw last Friday morning:

Honestly, how could you not be in the best mood possible after looking at these sweet faces??

Have a great Monday, friends!

Carolyn

.have a great weekend!

What are your weekend plans? 

My dad is coming into town tonight, and tomorrow I have a wedding so I probably won't be doing much relaxing. But you totally should! Because it's the weekend, and you totally deserve it. 

Until Monday,

Carolyn

.not-so "professional" shots

A couple weeks ago, Emily and I decided we were going to take some "professional head shots" for our blogs. So we got all dressed and set out to one of the local parks. We both figured we'd find a pretty green area, pose for a few shots, and leave. 30 minutes tops.

One hour later, we were still at the park. Cranky and discouraged we had nothing to show for our efforts. It just wasn't our day. Feeling defeated we were about to call it a day, when we both spotted a side street with some beautiful leaves scattered on the ground.

So we gave it one more shot. And I'm so glad we did! These may not be the style of photos we were expecting to take, but they are definitely more fun.

Here's what I saw:

Have a great Thursday everyone!

Carolyn

.a study in camellias

My neighbors have a Camellia bush and occasionally I like to sneak over and clip some for my apartment. I think they are one of the most underrated flowers.

Have a wonderful Tuesday,
Carolyn

.welcome elsie

Friends, I have exciting news! On Wednesday of last week, I became an aunt to another precious little girl! (Remember the maternity photos I took of Amanda?) Eloise was born 7 lbs, 1 oz, and 20 inches long. 

I am so lucky to live nearby my brother and sister in law that I was able to arrive at the hospital right after Elsie was born. Here's what I saw a few minutes after the world welcomed Eloise Allen: 

Being an Aunt might be the greatest thing ever. I'm so excited to now have two sweet little girls to babysit, take to the park, and get ice cream with. 

For now,

Carolyn

.january finds

It's crazy how life moves on so quickly isn't it? Christmas parties and New Years celebrations were only a few short weeks ago, yet my life feels so far removed from that these days. Like I've already folded up my holiday spirit and tucked it away in a box marked Christmas- next to the the red velvet bows and stuffed snowmen. 

It's 80 degrees here in Florida. All analogies aside, I really have folded up my knit scarves and reluctantly tucked them in the back of my drawer. But yesterday, I took a walk (in my shorts and flip flops!) and discovered these tiny treasures outside my door. Little beacons of winter light, reminding me that it is only January 14, and life has plenty of hot cocoa and fuzzy socks left to enjoy in this winter season. 

Soak it up my friends. Don't let life pass you by too quickly. Stop and enjoy it. Look around. See the beauty that exists right outside your door.

Until next time,

Carolyn

.portland. stumptown coffee roasters

Fun fact about Portland: there are over 40 coffee roasters in the city alone. That kinda blows my mind. I guess when it rains, they pour. See what I did there. :)

Despite the many roasters, Stumptown Coffee Roasters rules the show. Originating in Portland, Stumptown has expanded to Seattle, New York, and Los Angeles. Oh, and not to mention the 4 storefronts in Portland alone. Almost every restaurant/bakery/ice cream shop/donut shop that I visited boasted "We proudly serve Stumptown coffee!"

Stumptown offers 20 (ish) roasts ranging from Honduras to Indonesia and even 10.5 oz bottles of cold brew. I tried the Ethiopia Duromina and it was pretty rad.

Here's what I saw one morning at Stumptown Coffee Roasters Belmont location:

 

Have a great weekend friends!

Carolyn

.holiday eats

A quick look into the fabulous holiday meals prepared and enjoyed by my family this Christmas season.

Merry Tuesday, my friends.

Carolyn