Hi Sunshine

Sunshine is such an influential thing.  When I see the sun shine through the blinds in my apartment, I instantly get this urge to drop what I am doing and get outside.  Sometimes I just hop in my car and go out for lunch or coffee while other times I grab my camera and seek out photography inspiration.  

This past week has given us northeast Ohioans three days of beautiful warm sunshine, which is very rare in the middle of winter.  One of my favorite things to do in our area is explore the Cuyahoga Valley National Park and photograph anything and everything.  It's actually sort of funny to me the things I have grown to love to photograph.  Five years ago, I only really took pictures of friends and family at parties and holidays.  

Today, I tend to just be in the moment at those events and then grab my camera when I am heading outside for a walk or outdoor event.  

Why is that?!  I'm not really sure.  I guess I have developed a passion for photographing the little things that I typically overlook without my camera.  When I take a walk through the park with my camera, I notice things in a different way.  I notice all the shadows, the light rays that shine through the clouds and trees, the colors and textures.  I can zoom in on things I wouldn't normally be able to see and get down on the ground to photograph different points of view.  

Photographing outside leaves me incredibly inspired and refreshed.   

What are your favorite subjects to photograph?!  I would love to hear how you find inspiration through photography!

Five Favorites: Texture

I seem to always be attracted to items with texture.  Maybe it isn't even a texture I can feel, but one I can see.  I love pressed flowers, ruffles, pleats, lace, felt, feathers, buttons, and layers in the items I own, make or buy for the house.

Recently my love for texture has extended past home decor, clothing and accessories, and into the everyday things I see.  I am amazed by all of the natural texture around us.  Taking a walk with my camera is one of the ways I get easily inspired.

Five Favorites: Natural Texture

October Colors

October in the midwest is absolutely beautiful.  I {along with most others} would probably say this is my favorite month of the year.  Although I have always enjoyed this time of year, something about this October is a little more special.  

In addition to the traveling, two weddings and family time I have done already this October, I have enjoyed this season more here in our new city and home.  When I first heard about us moving to Cleveland, I was excited, but also a little like cleeeveland?!  Let me tell you friends, just south of Cleveland is actually pretty great in my opinion!  Between Akron and Cleveland there are two zoos, several metro parks, the Cuyahoga Valley National Park and a lot of outdoor places and festivals.  What does this mean?! LOTS of trees!  and hiking.  and biking. and farmers markets in the parks. outdoor concerts.  you get the idea?!  Right now they are covered with golden, orange and red leaves waiting to fall from the trees any day now.  It is simply beautiful to see against a light blue sky.  Our last town we lived in was very flat with no trees or anything exciting.  Although I didn't like our last area, I love that it has made me appreciate our new area so much more.  

Here are some photos of the beautiful fall colors I have seen the past week.

PS - None of these photos are saturated.  They were naturally this vibrant and beautiful in person.

LBF Photo Session With Christi Nicole Photography

Christi, from Christi Nicole Photography, held mini sessions a few weeks ago and brought with her a few Little Blue Feather hair accessories for the little girl's pictures.  The photos are too cute and I love seeing my accessories in action!  Christi is very talented and always looking for fun new photo sessions.  Check her out on facebook!

Purple headband in photo one: purchase here

Purple felt hydrangea hair clip: purchase here

Fabric button bobby pins: purchase here

Sold out of white felt

felt flower and feather hair clip: purchase here

custom order shirt

Argyle tie: purchase here

custom order headband

Outdoor Green Crafts For Children

I recently discovered the best children's summer crafting book!  Even though I do not have kids, I was still overly excited about the really cool summer crafts this book has to offer and thought I would share for all of you with little ones!  

Find it, Make it is a book with 35 craft projects for kids that include using materials they find in nature.  The book encourages you to spend the day at a park, beach, or outdoor play area of your choice and collect little things throughout the visit.  Find it, Make it then gives you 35 project ideas to use your rocks, weeds, grass, shells, sand, leaves, etc. to make awesome artwork!  It teaches your kids to be creative and environmentally friendly at the same time.  This book also gets you and your child out of the house, enjoying nature, crafting and spending quality time together.  

perfect :)

Available on amazon and at Barnes and Noble

Purchase Here!