I have always been fascinated by photography. I have spent countless hours studying photographs of people, while considering the angles, the lighting, and the editing the photographer used. I love the fact that photography has the amazing ability to transport us to a different time, or place with one single shot.
It was not until I started blogging that I decided to take photography more seriously. With camera in hand, I started experimenting with photographs of my apartment, of friends, and family. It was after experimenting in this way that I realized my passion for photography. I have no formal training or background in this field, but I realize that passion can open your eyes to the impossible, so not only did I invest in the proper equipment I also spent the necessary time to learn everything I could to enhance the skill it takes to be proficient with this passion.
I enjoy, and appreciate the opportunity to photograph bloggers, couples, influencers who make an impact in their profession, families, and also lifestyle type setting. I take an individual approach to each person I photograph. I make every effort to embrace and highlight the focus of what they are trying to convey to their audience with each session.
I look forward to working together and capturing the potential magnificence of your moments through my eyes and the lens of my camera.
So this entire outfit has been my uniform for the past few weeks. I have worn it in Dallas and now London, nearly everyday. I am sure my in-laws are wondering if I own anything else but when you are running around to different places, it is just so easy! I actually cut this sweater on the sides after I bought it too big and realized the $17 price tag was too good to send back. I love the way it turned out and wear it over t-shirts daily. It is the perfect layer on chilly days and adds the perfect “relaxed” touch to the look. I am all about comfort so don’t judge me if you see me in this outfit around town!
We all know I loved my old initials. I loved that MAS meant something different in every language and frankly, I loved the way the letters looked together. Having to say goodbye to my last name has been really hard. Far harder than I originally expected. I keep finding excuses as to why I can’t change it yet – I have flights in my maiden name, I don’t have time, ect. but to be honest, I am just struggling with it! I was always super attached to my name so when it came to giving it up, something that was a part of me for so long, it has been hard. I keep telling myself, “okay, tomorrow is the day I will start the process,” but then I never do. I realize it is something I need to do and want to do for my husband so I have decided when I get back from London, the process will start. Knowing how much I love MAS my bestie Molly told me about the new line of Sincerely Jules t-shirts and said I had to see the “MÁS” version. Sold! Not even a minute after seeing it I had already checked out.
I feel so badly having these feelings about changing my name but I am honored to take the name of my husbands family. It is just a bit hard to let go of something you identified with your entire life. Time to move on! At least I got a souvenir t-shirt out of it! Ha jk! Cheers!
Things To Do: Violet crown cinema is an awesome theater downtown or the very famous Alamo Drafthouse Outdoors: Hamilton pool (little outside austin) Barton Springs, Zilker park, run or bike around town lake, kayak on town lake, Mount Bonnell viewing platform or usually a little less crowded place to view lake austin: doesn’t have a name, From mopac south go 360 and past 360 bridge and it’s on the left..park and climb, boating on lake austin
Public — boutique hotel feel but less-than-boutique-hotel prices. Also has a great cozy bar/lounge, The Library, and their restaurant, The Pump Room, is one of my favorites in the city (there’s really something for everyone there and the atmosphere is lovely)
Thompson — you can’t go wrong with a Thompson hotel, plus ours is very new so there’s always something exciting going on
Radisson Blu — ideal if you’re coming in the summer…their roof deck / pool is unbelievable. I don’t even know of another hotel in Chicago that has an outdoor pool so to have one as nice as this is pretty awesome. Plus their restaurant, Filini, has some of the most delicious Italian food. Everything is imported and authentic — they even have a wheel of parmesan in the middle of the restaurant that they slice fresh and serve with bread before your meal.
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Eateries:
Tanta — I go out to eat a lot and I always have great food, but it’s rare where I literally freak out over something…and one of those freak outs was at Tanta. I’ve never had Peruvian food before (and that’s what this restaurant is all about) — everything is super fresh, really flavorful (also…great cocktails) and it’s just a good balance of a fun atmosphere with unbelievable food. Momotaro — another freak-out place (I actually just tried it for the first time a few weeks ago). It’s brand new from the Boka Group (one of the most well known restaurant groups here in Chicago) and their first venture into Asian food. You can get sushi, hot dishes from the grill, fresh seafood…all sorts of stuff, and it’s all SO DAMN TASTY. Farmhouse — I don’t go out to eat in large groups all that often, mostly because it’s a pain in the ass, but I’ve eaten at Farmhouse a few times in the last month with some larger groups, as they were super accommodating. Everything they serve is local and seasonal…and of course, delicious. Their servers are super friendly and attentive…and don’t you dare leave there without trying the cheese curds.
I feel like girls always want sushi so if you’re looking to get the best but with a no-fuss atmosphere, my favorites are Arami, Tanoshii (now with two locations!) and Kai Zan (it’s BYOB…don’t forget). —
Get Your Drink On: The Aviary — if you and your friends are adventurous and looking for something new when it comes to cocktails, you have to go to The Aviary. The drinks are like nothing you’ve ever seen…really a science experiment with everything you order.
Bar Deville — if you want the complete opposite of The Aviary, head to Bar Deville. Personally, I’m not all that into clubs and going out just to get wasted, but Bar Deville has beer in cans, they play great music and overall it’s just a really good time.
Three Dots and a Dash — I was skeptical to try this place at first because I wasn’t sure how an underground tiki bar would work in Chicago…but it’s really an experience. The drinks make you feel like you’re on a tropical vacation (although you’re technically in a basement) which is nice when it’s cold 9 months out of the year.
RM Champange Salon — this place is just super cozy and relaxing. I love their atmosphere. It’s pretty small on the inside but they have the perfect balance of comforting interior for the cold months and amazing backyard patio for the summer. You can chill here with a glass of champagne before or after dinner or you can stay here all night and enjoy a nice meal.
Scofflaw — some of the best cocktails I’ve ever had have been here. It’s in the Logan Square neighborhood which isn’t exactly where any of the hotels are, but it’s worth a trip if you’re looking for some ridiculously delicious drinks.
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Things To Do:
Spa– Bliss — if I ever want to treat myself to a spa day, I always go to Bliss. I just like how it’s more of a fun and playful feel, which is not something you find often with a spa. Plus their amenities are amazing — you get to use all of the awesome Bliss products, there’s a eucalyptus steam shower and my favorite…two-bite brownies in the waiting room 🙂
