Inspired by Sue Bryce | Photography With Soul

For the first time in what feels like the longest time I have not been in any type of schooling. Since I have been free of required learning, I have had the opportunities to explore things that truely spark my curiosity and pursue how to perfect my passions. I am a true believer that once you stop learning you stop growing. 

Through my hunt for knowledge and new techniques, I have been able to find educators that have opened my eyes who teach in my own fields of interest. 

A Photographer/ Educator I follow who truly inspires me is Sue Bryce. She is a portrait photographer who specializes in contemporary portraits. Her portraits are stunning but what really takes me breathe away is Sue's raging passion for her art. Starting out working from her grange in New Zealand to her own studio in Los Angeles, she now travels to teach others how to take control of their business.

I have been blessed listening to her speak through various YouTube videos, facebook live chats, Creative Live courses, and following her progress through social media. She has taught me through conviction and certainty, I can take control of what I want for my business. She inspires me by living her words and showing me through her own work ethic. If you need some personal inspiration, I highly recommend to listen to her wisdom.

(Some inspiration for your Monday <3)

Twilight | Looking Back at Past Loves

I never knew what having a true best friend was until I meet Katrina. Seemingly the most confident girl I had ever met, she is the kind of person I know would have my back in any conflict. Some of my favorite memories are of us sending each other letters in the mail (in late middle school early high school, neither of us were cool enough or could afford a car), watching Ghibli movies in her perpetually cold basement,  and getting into the vampire craze that hit the nation in our early teens- Twilight. 
A huge thing that attracts me as a reader is the cover art. At the west st paul library one day, a black book with a red apple caught my eye and after reading about half way in, I just raved about it and Katrina was soon to follow. As new moon and eclipse came out , I remember just the two of us sitting on her bed, backs against the wall of her moderately small room the only sound that could be heard is the pages being turned until we were done with the the chapter to analyze what we just read. Then both of us sitting in the sun on top of the garage roof outside her window with the dreams and hopes of what our "dream man" would be. With someone like Edward Cullen to come paired to, it was easy to think about how it would turn out.  We even got all our books signed by Stephanie Meyer at a local Borders.

Now ten years later, Katrina and i have decided to reread those books that were prominent in our growing up. So much has changed since the last time we read these books- marriages, diplomas, states, jobs, babies, families. But one thing that stayed in tact was our friendship  and I am so grateful for that everyday.

5 Traditions I Enjoyed Sharing With My Spouse | Married Life | Personal

My husband and I's one year anniversary is coming up in 2 months! I cannot believe how quickly our first year flew by! Looking back I was so excited to have my husband experience family traditions that I had grown up loving. There are so many more as well by these are my top 5!

1)  Sunday Lunches - My family growing up always has been a huge pasta clan. This being a big influence, my father's post church meal craving is always spaghetti with juicy meatballs drenched in gooey cheese. Marcus enjoys eating, so this tradition he took to with no problem. The only thing he found a little bit odd was our choice of beverage that we paired our meal with. Apparently Milk and spaghetti is not common to most people...

Stillwater Fourth of July Firework Show.

2) Fourth of July - Most of my favorite traditions have something to do with holidays and starting us off is the Fourth of July.This was the first year I took Marcus on a relaxing day on my dad's boat. At the end of the day, we were cuddled up together, rocking with the waves, and enjoying the evening with the only lights being the fireworks breaking in the night sky. Marcus really enjoyed being laid back all day on the St. Croix.

Pinecones at a christmas tree farm in WI.

3) Christmas - Another Holiday, the whole christmas season has always made me nostalgic. It reached its peak in college, when christmas music started playing from my laptop as early as October. Marcus is a firm believer that no christmas music should be played before Black Friday. We are still working out our difference on this particular issue. This family tradition was the one Marcus and I did not fully see eye to eye on.  He grew up opening presents on Christmas Day; I grew up opening presents on Christmas Eve. We compromised with Team Waits opening gifts on Christmas Eve, and our new family, Team Sanchez, opening gifts Christmas morning. With two days of opening presents I had to admit, it was a win win.

Candyland Sign from Downtown St. Paul.

4) Candyland - As a St. Paul native, my father would take us to Candyland almost after ever downtown YMCA visit. Although it was a little counter productive, it was something me and my siblings always looked forward to. I have really enjoyed sharing this tradition with my husband, when  we will go  on dates downtown. We still remained like kids in the candy store every time we go. Our Candy go-to's - Black and Red Raspberries for me and Chocolate Turtles for him. If you have not been, this is a Minnesota Must!

Lazy Sunday at the Como Conservatory in the Sunken Gardens

5) Como Conservatory - This by far is my favorite tradition that I shared with my husband. Every year my family would venture over to Como Zoo and Conservatory. Some days it was because it was too cold to do anything outside and others was just to help us get out of the house on a lazy Sunday. As a family we enjoyed walking through and basking in the plant life and flowers they have there. Marcus and I both enjoy these strolls through the conservatory. And it will always be special to us, because that it where we became husband and wife. <3

Honorable Mention : Minnesota State Fair! - this is such a fun date with my husband. We grabbed a disposable camera and took pictures all day and ate a lot of food! Food favorites: Me - Apple Cider Freezy (Agricultural Building) Hubby: Sweet Martha's Cookies.

What are traditions you guys love to share with your partner??