Long Drives in the Autumn

My school is about seven hours away from my home on Long Island.  Now some people aren't a fan of long road trips, but I have loved them since I was young.  My family moved a lot when I was young so we got to experience day long car trips across country and now I love driving and going lots of places!  In fact today I was accepted to a study abroad program for six months! Which is kind of exciting :P I'm not sure if it's going to work out but I guess whatever is meant to be will work itself out, right? Fingers crossed :)
Anyways, my school is upstate in New York and the east coast has a pretty rocking fall.  Its my second favorite season after spring.  So these are a few pictures I took from my seven hour trip back to school after my fall break. And of course I was that crazy girl pulling to the side of the thruway to take pictures of the trees... despite that it was a pretty awesome drive.

October is almost over!  November is nearly upon us! I'm going to my state park this weekend so hopefully there will be some pictures up from that soon!

BYE :)
Kristen

Fall Again

A year is a long time.  But it was needed in order to find myself again after starting this new chapter of my life.  This past year has brought a lot of ups and downs and along the way I forgot a few things that I really enjoyed doing -- one major thing being photography. I remembered my blog a few weeks back and took maybe an hour or so just reading through my posts.  It made me really happy.   Here are the most recent pictures from my fall break.  And if I am the only one who reads my blog, that is totally okay.  I will enjoy having a photo diary to look back on :)

See you next year ;)
Haha just kidding.

Kristen

Hey there friends :)

So I know everything has been crazy.  Work/school, family, friends...just basically life right?  Right.  I feel ya.  I totally understand where you are coming from.  That's probably why you are on the computer now isn't it?  ;)

You see, with everything that has happened I still think I am so blessed, because no matter how crazy things get in my life I always have people there who are willing to stand right beside me and hold me up.  Just remember that when things get tough, there are people willing to help.  And there are people who truly care for you.  You may not think that, but there are.  And they will go to the ends of the earth to help you or show you that they are always thinking of you.  So on those really crazy days just remember that you are not alone, and there will always be people standing there right beside you.  Even if you don't see them at first.

Hang in there, and have a wonderful day.  And hey!  Monday is basically over.

Love,

Kristen

20 Things You Might Not Know About Me

I was tagged by the lovely Eva over on Chumani Photography to do the 20 things you might not know about me.  It was probably a good thing too because I really needed a kick to get started again.  But that's another blog post ;)

Lets get started!

Question 1: How tall are you?

Well, I am technically 5'7 and three quarters.  But that is pain to say to everyone...so normally I give an over explained answer and then say I just refer to myself as 5'8.  It's a complicated process.  Well... I complicate it.

Question 2: Do you have a hidden talent? If so, what?

I like to sing but I don't know if I am particularly good at it... and I don't sing in front of people so, I guess it's sort of a hidden talent! 

Question 3: What’s your biggest blog-related pet peeve?

When you can't find anything.  You first get onto a blog and then all of this stuff- ads, other posts, pictures, etc.- just bombard you.  I like a very clean and simple blog...which I am still working on...

Question 4: What’s your biggest non-blog related pet peeve?

It's kind of bad because I have a few...but I think the biggest one is chewing with your mouth open.  With anything. Gum. Food. It just really bothers me.  

Question 5: What’s your favorite song?

I don't really have a favorite song.  I generally have a wide taste of music that I like: pop, country, songs from the 20's/40's/80's etc., show tunes...it really just depends on the song.  I will not, however, listen to rap.  I don't know why, I just don't find it entertaining.

Question 6: What’s your favorite Etsy shop that isn’t yours?

Well, I actually don't have my own Etsy shop, but I really love Juniper Tree Skin Care. The products are superb, and I cannot speak highly enough of them.  

Question 7: What’s your favorite way to spend your free time when you’re alone?

I normally spend time watching TV and I know that's not the best thing but if I have the time I really like to sit down and relax and watch Once Upon A Time (Um Frozen is coming this weekend?!) or The Office (a new favorite of mine).  If I am not watching TV, I normally will write or read.  My current book I am reading is The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern.  I'm only on page 158, but it great so far.

Question 8: What’s your favorite junk food?

Goldfish.  Without a doubt.  I could live off of goldfish.

Question 9: Do you have a pet or pets? If so, what kind and what are their names?

I have three cats now: Mickey, Kady, and our new edition Gatsby!  I miss them so much :(

Question 10: What are your number one favorite nonfiction and fiction books?

My favorite book since I was maybe thirteen/fourteen is the Song of the Sparrow by Lisa Ann Sandell.  It is beautifully written and so unique.  I know it's bad, but I don't read nonfiction.  The last nonfiction book I read was The Bone Woman by Clea Koff during this summer.

Question 11: What’s your favorite beauty product?

I literally just got it this weekend, but my new rose colored lipstick from Sephora has to be my new favorite.  Normally I don't go for much except mascara, but sometimes you need a little bit of color.  It helps with long days and makes you feel great.

Question 12: When were you last embarrassed? What happened?

Well, fun fact for you, I am actually very awkward.  Now I know what you must be thinking, "Wow Kristen, there's no way you can be awkward because you are super cool and awesome!" And while that last part is true, the awkward part is basically my whole life summed up into one word.  My last embarrassing encounter actually just happened as my roommate was leaving my room. (Background info: she had been gone the weekend while I was sick with a cold.  It worked out well because I was up so late coughing and sniffling I would've felt so bad if I had gotten her sick.  But it was parents weekend, so she was out instead) 

K: "It was actually probably good because I was sick most of the weekend, so you avoided that!"

M: "Aw well I hope you feel better! I'll see ya later Kristen!" (leaving)

K: "Okay you too!" (smacks head because I am a dork)

End Scene

But this stuff actually happens all the time.  

Question 13: If you could only drink one beverage (besides water) for the rest of your life, what would it be?

100% Tea.  I adore tea.

Question 14: What’s your favorite movie?

Ferris Buellers Day Off, The Goonies, Horton Hears a Who, The Lorax, Pride and Prejudice, The Secret Life of Walter Mitty...Oh there are so many more I love.

Question 15: What were you in high school: prom queen, nerd, cheerleader, jock, valedictorian, band geek, loner, artist, prep?

Um well my friends and I were basically the coolest people who made their own group and rocked it.  We made scavenger hunts in the library and played Charades in our free periods. So whatever term you use to describe that... that's what I was ;).

Question 16: If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you live?

Some place where I can recreate scenes from Pride and Prejudice, is really sunny, and I can live with horses. So...whatever that place is called.

Question 17: PC or Mac?

I recently just got a Mac, and although it was a strange transition I don't think I will be using another PC for a long time.

Question 18: Last romantic gesture from a crush, date, boy/girlfriend, spouse?

When I was twelve a cute boy told his mom (who then told my mom) that he thought I had pretty eyes and lets just say that still makes my day now and then.

...Oh what you wanted to know about now?  Like at eighteen?

Well if you refer back to question 12 that pretty much explains my love life.

Question 19: Favorite celebrity?

Keira Knightly 

Question 20: What blogger do you secretly want be best friends with?

I don't remember how I found her blog but Allix Ruby.  She is an amazing photographer, a phenomenal writer (she hooked me when she started her H O M E is wherever I'm with you series on her blog), and she is basically just the coolest person I have ever virtually "met".  I highly suggest checking out her website.  You will not be disappointed.

Woo! You made it to the end!! Congratulations!! Virtual gold star for you!! This challenge was super fun and now it is my job to pass the fun along to two other bloggers I would love to see complete this challenge.  I nominate Claire C Photography and Tiffany Marie Photography. Here are your instructions:

1. Copy and paste the questions below and then answer and turn them into a blog post. Or, record a video answering these questions and upload it to your blog post.
2. At the bottom of your post, tag anywhere from 2-10 bloggers you want to see answer these questions. (I also suggest hitting up your tagged people via social media just to let them know you tagged them to do this tag challenge.) 
3. Use the title: 20 Things You Might Not Know About Me Blog Tag. Once you’ve hit publish, leave a comment below with the link to your post. 
4. Use the hashtag #20ThingsBlogTag when sharing on social media so we can all find your awesome posts! 

Question 1: How tall are you?
Question 2: Do you have a hidden talent? If so, what?
Question 3: What’s your biggest blog-related pet peeve?
Question 4: What’s your biggest non-blog related pet peeve?
Question 5: What’s your favorite song?
Question 6: What’s your favorite Etsy shop that isn’t yours?
Question 7: What’s your favorite way to spend your free time when you’re alone?
Question 8: What’s your favorite junk food?
Question 9: Do you have a pet or pets? If so, what kind and what are their names?
Question 10: What are your number one favorite nonfiction and fiction books?
Question 11: What’s your favorite beauty product?
Question 12: When were you last embarrassed? What happened?
Question 13: If you could only drink one beverage (besides water) for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Question 14: What’s your favorite movie?
Question 15: What were you in high school: prom queen, nerd, cheerleader, jock, valedictorian, band geek, loner, artist, prep?
Question 16: If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you live?
Question 17: PC or Mac?
Question 18: Last romantic gesture from a crush, date, boy/girlfriend, spouse?
Question 19: Favorite celebrity?
Question 20: What blogger do you secretly want be best friends with?

Good luck!! :)

Love ya lots~

Kristen

Let's Begin in March...

Because that is when I first fell off the face of the planet it seems.

There was a lot happening in March and I (honestly) only thought that it would take a month to get everything back together again.  

Have you ever felt like your life was just derailing?  And there was no way to get it back on track?

That's pretty much how I felt those couple of months.  It just felt like I kept trying to balance more and more activities and subjects and homework and tests and papers and friends....it just got out of control.  

BUT. I don't regret any of it.  In fact it helped me grow as an individual.  It made me sort through my priorities and realize what was truly important.  

So let's begin in March.  

{MARCH}

March was the month of leprechauns, and gold, and rainbows no one can ever find the ending to.  It was also the month of hope for childhood cancer.  My friend Claire (recently just started her own blog! Check it out here) had started hosting the St. Baldrick's fundraiser with her mom last year.  I had photographed the whole event and had taken over a thousand pictures!  This year we were both able to photograph the event and I think was even better than the year before!

If you do not know what St. Baldricks is, it is an event where people sign up to shave their heads to support the funding for childhood cancer research.  It is both a humbling and moving experience to photograph and be a part of.  Here are some shots from this year.

Overall it was a fantastic experience to participate in and although I myself did not shave my head, other brave souls, like this amazing woman above, did.  Makes you really think about what you are doing for others and how important you actually can be in this process.  I think this event raised over $20,000.  Talk about devoted participants!
Have a lovely day today :)
~Kristen~

Reappearing...(again)

Hi again.

I have a lot of hobbies. 

Too many actually.

I like to bake, but only cupcakes.

I love to dance, but mainly tap and ballet.

I am a pretty creative person (I think at least ;D) and sometimes it can be hard to find things that continually interest me.  I get distracted fairly easy.  

    You see, blogging was something I was inspired to do by my friend Eva. She is the proud owner of Juniper Tree Skincare products and her own photography blog Chumani Photography.  When we met we were the perfect match.  At age eleven I believe (Eva correct me if I am wrong :D) we were in the same ballet class.  We made up crazy dances in front of the mirror when we were both early to dance, and it continues to be one of my fondest memories of us together, making faces and doing silly moves.  We were both very much alike.  And still to this day I think we are, although we live rather far away from each other.

   She has this endless abundance of creativity and she is always inspired and doing new things.  She made blogging look so fun, I just had to try it. And try I did. 

    As I said earlier, I get distracted.  I have things that take away from my creativity.  I do love to take pictures.  It's one of my favorite pass times.  However, it is also time consuming. My camera can usually be found on my shoulder, but my pictures go unseen.  I forget.  I'm lazy.  I am a huuuuugggeee procrastinator.  I am also a perfectionist.  Those qualities don't tend to mix very well and then it leads me to do other things,  to forget about what I originally created, something I loved doing.  It gets away from me.  But I am always thinking about it.

I was thinking about it the other day.  And today. How I always seem to do this.  The same patterns emerge and I leave my blog hanging.  I am trying my best to be consistent with my homework and not procrastinate as often.  But it's a hard task to accomplish.  

Senior year has been....something.  And to be quite honest, I am not sure how to sum it all up.

I have been on a few crazy adventures this year. And a lot of them include the people I love to be around. 

And I realized that none of the people I love have ever been featured on my blog! Well that's to change.  I have some editing to do.  And a lot of homework.  But in three weeks I will be a high school graduate, and the whole summer to work on this little project of mine.  

Happy Tuesday everyone :)

Photo A Day Challenge - Day Sixteen

With my grandpa owning his own automotive business, and my mom working there, as a child I grew up around a lot of different cars and tools.  I used to love to go to visit "the shop" as we refer to it, because there was always something exciting going on.  That place holds some of my fondest memories, and still to this day continues to create more.
My grandpa swears by Snap-On tools.  99.9% of his messy toolbox is filled with them, like this picture here.  I thought it was a little different than the snow and ice continuing to fall here.  Speaking of which, I hear we are supposed to get more?!
Goodness, I really want spring to come soon.

Lots of Love~
Kristen

Photo A Day Challenge - Day Fifteen

See that little droplet? I must have taken at least ten pictures trying to catch the icicle melting :D

Lots of Love~
Kristen

Photo A Day Challenge - Day Fourteen

Something is sneaking around in the snow...
Kinda leaves a cool effect though :P

Lots of Love~
Kristen

Photo A Day Challenge - Day Thirteen

Shine bright like a lantern!  Okay well that's definitely not how the song goes...but lets be honest the sun flare against the lamp?  How come I didn't see this earlier?

Lots of Love~
Kristen

Photo A Day Challenge - Day Twelve

 Life, much like photography, is all about perspective.

Lots of Love~
Kristen

Photo A Day Challenge - Day Eleven

Lots of Love~
Kristen

Photo A Day Challenge - Day Ten

Now I am not always one to post pictures of food (though I may have had posts like that in the past :D) lets be perfectly honest here.  Pancakes are ALWAYS a good idea!  Who doesn't love a good pancake?  These were filled with strawberries and chocolate chips-- uh yeah I am getting hungry just thinking about it!

Lots of Love~
Kristen

Photo A Day Challenge - Day Nine

I had a bit of an oops moment this morning....
So Blogger has this "Scheduling" feature where you can schedule when to publish your posts.  I had done this because I knew that I would forget and it would just be easier to schedule posts to appear everyday.  Well it was going swell until it decided it didn't want to work anymore!  And I went on my phone to check my blog to see that it had only posted till day 8 of the Photo a Day Challenge! So I am so sorry about that.  I will make up for all the posts that weren't published. Anyways, I am getting back into the groove of things, so I will be sure to manually put up all the photos from now on!  And the Photo A Day Challenge will continue!!  Ahhhhhh blogging problemos........

Lots of Love~
Kristen

Photo A Day Challenge - Day Eight

Lots of Love~
Kristen

Photo A Day Challenge - Day Seven

I just can't wait till Spring!

Lots of Love~
Kristen

Photo A Day Challenge - Day Six

I think with all this cold weather I think today would be perfect for some early spring action.  I took this picture a while ago, but never posted it.  I hope it all reminds you of the warm weather headed to us soon!  Keep warm!

Lots of Love~
Kristen

Photo A Day Challenge - Day Five

I have often talked about the Nutcracker but I haven't shown any pictures!  Although this is from a while ago, I wanted to use one of the pictures of my tutu as the photo of the day today.  This was my tutu from the Flowers scene :)  It was my absolute favorite thing to wear ever!  So gorgeous.

Lots of Love~
Kristen

Photo A Day Challenge- Day Four

Lately it's been a little snowy here.  And by a little I mean A LOT!  Haha, this weekend alone we are expected to get two feet of snow!  Goodness.  I love the snow, but I love the spring even more!  I think all this snow, and the difficulty it brings us only makes us appreciate the spring more when it comes.  But for now, we will have to learn to love the snow whether we want to or not.  Either way, more is coming! :O

Lots of Wintry Love,
Kristen

Photo a Day Challenge - Day Three

Is it a terrible thing to say that I love all the gray in this photo?  If there is a beautiful gray, I am pretty sure it is in this photo.  Many people complain of the gray that winter brings, but if only they could find the beautiful of the gray I am sure they wouldn't complain as much.

Lots of Love~
Kristen