When your day's plans don't go as...planned

Just eat some gold fish crackers and everything will be fine!

Yesterday was a little nuts, there's no other way to put it.
I guess everything got done that needed to get done.
It just took 16 times as long to do it and all in a different order than anticipated.
But all ended well and I secretly gave myself a pat on the back for being so flexible.
Well, I guess now the secret's out.

While I like to consider myself to be a spontaneous kind of gal, I sometimes get a little stuck in my schedule.
You know, the one I write for myself in the mornings that include an hour by hour (okay let's be honest, some slots are down to the 15 minutes) timeline.
Is it still spontaneous if there's 'spontaneous time' on my calendar?

Anyways, it's something I'm working on - being more flexible with my agenda according to other people's needs - and yesterday I felt a lot of grace to be just that.
And when I finally made it home, it felt good to relax and munch a few goldfish crackers on the couch before heading out again.

How are you guys spontaneous?
Do you ever get stuck in your own agenda?

I'm off to play with hubby and brother today.
I'll take my camera just in case.
Happy Friday, friends!!

xoxo
Joy

Christmas In July

I went to Goodwill yesterday.
Ya know, to drop some stuff off in the donation line.
Went inside for a minute.
Ya know, just to browse.

Found this little collection of things.

$140 snow pants (in the coolest color, right?) for $9.99!!

I've never had legit snow clothes and have therefore never enjoyed playing in the snow.

But now  I have a pretty pair for when the temperatures drop.

I'm probably a little more excited about this than I should be...

Anyway, also found a couple books that might be fun to pass the time with.   

We'll see.

Two new wallets.

I know, I know. 

Unnecessary.

But one is perfect for my checkbook and the things I need while the other is from Fossil.

And, well, I really like Fossil.

I think my favorite little find was this date stamp.

Isn't it cute?

And do you see the date?

1948!

I can just imagine the receptionist that used this every day.

She probably had really cute glasses and always had her nails painted.

I bet you anything.

Have you found anything special this yard sale/thrifting season?

I should show you my other summer finds...

Let me round them up and I'll do that soon!!

xoxo

Joy

The Big 1-9

Happy Birthday, Jordan!

Today one of my little brothers turn 19.

He's one of those highly achieved kids that may only be 19 but kinda going on 25, ya know what I mean?

I'm really proud of who he is.

He really loves Jesus and is living a life that portrays that.

He's a hard worker and a go getter. 

There a lot in store for him and I'm proud to be his sis.

Love you, Jordan.

I think you're cool.

Thanks for being a good brother.

And a good friend.

And for missing me and Camillo so much that you had to move closer ;)

We like living in the same town as you.

Love youuu!!

xoxo

Sis

First Day New Week

Oh my goodness, where has the weekend gone?
It's already Monday night and while I had a GREAT sunny weekend,
I can't believe the week has started!

What did you guys do with your weekend?
It was soo warm and sunny here!
Saturday I babysat 8 kids for three hours (it was so fun!) and then shot a wedding that evening.
The ceremony was at a family lake house.
At sunset.
Perfection.
Can't wait to show you the photos of that one!

And (if you've been keeping track) yes, I'm in the post-production process of four weddings!
That's probably not much for a seasoned veteran in the photog biz but for this girl, it's crazy awesome!
I'm having the time of my life, lemme tell ya.

Oh, guess what I got to enjoy today?
A thunder and lightening storm!!
Yipee!
I love big storms so much.
That means I also took a cozy little nap.
30 minutes was all I needed and it was splendid!

Anyways, I had big plans for today's post but like I said, I barely realized the weekend was already over.
I'll show you something cool in the next few days!

Happy last week of July, friends!
Yeah, I said it.
Can you believe it?!

xoxo
Joy

Good Morning, Friday!

Hey guys!
Guess who came to play today?
The sunshine!
She even brought a little warmth, yahoo!

I've got great plans of crafting and sun soaking today.
It's going to be great!
Doesn't the sun make everything a little better?
I sure think so!

What are your plans for the day?
Do you have to work or has your weekend already begun?

xoxo
Joy

Inspired

As a photography enthusiast, a lot of my time is spent in post production.

There are literally thousands of photos to cull through after a wedding.

It takes a long while to choose only a few hundred of the best to touch up and then enhance with my own creative flair.

I love love LOVE working with photos, but after hours and hours of staring at the computer screen, I can sometimes lose my inspiration and drive.

When I hit that point, I take a break and peruse some of my favorite photographers blogs.

Each of them are amazing and I find a lot of inspiration from studying their work!

I think you'll really like them, too.

So here's a list of my faves - you should check 'em out!

Nichole Jordan Photography

Ryan Flynn Photography

Arrow & Apple

Bobbi  + Mike

One Love Photo

EE Photography

Hope you enjoy!

xoxo

Joy

Biscuit and Gravy. And Fried Chicken?

You know that thing we have about breakfast dates? 

Well, last week was a great week for those!

We tried Dahlia Workshop and were delightfully surprised.

The menu was small and at first I was a little apprehensive about that.

I ordered the biscuits and gravy with a fried egg and camillo got The Zach - fried chicken, egg, bacon, and gravy over a biscuit.

Um.

Fried chicken?

It was delicious!

My food was really great, too - totally hit the spot.

After breakfast we slowly sipped the rest of our coffee and let everything settle.

The nice lady behind the counter offered us a coconut cream puff, freshly made.

Why, thank you!

It was perfectly light and flaky, not too sweet - just right!

I'm glad we stumbled across this little place!

If you're ever in the mood for a tasty plate of biscuits and gravy, or feeling adventurous and want to try fried chicken for breakfast, check out Dahlia's.

You won't be disappointed!!

xoxo
Joy

Do These Glasses Make My Teeth Look Big?

I know what you're thinking..

'No, they don't make your teeth look big, but your nose is humungous!'

hahaha

Well, that's what I'm thinking so it's okay to laugh.

Contrary to popular belief, these are not my Grandpa's glasses.
They are my brother's.

And I think...well, okay they're growing on me.

Anyways...

I am taking a break from editing to just write you guys a little note.

I love getting lots of things checked off my To-Do list and that's what I've done today!

After a weekend away, I'm glad to be getting back on track!

Remember how I said I've got exciting news for you today?

Well, I've officially posted my first photography post on the new blog over here!

I feel really great about it and I hope you like it.

Well, go on...go check it out! 

I hope you guys are enjoying your summer!

What's the weather like where you are?

Ours is totally back and forth.

Sunny one day then rainy the next.

I don't mind though.

Must be why I live in the PNW...

xoxo

Joy

Drumroll Please

[source]

And the winners of the 80 custom handmade cards are...

Dallas of Sew Indie 

and 

Dani May!! 

Congrats to these two lovely ladies!

Please send me a note with your email addresses and we'll start brainstorming ideas for just the right cards for each of you!

Send to: happycandido[at]hotmail[dot]com

Thanks to everyone who participated!

Tomorrow I've got an exciting post for you so come back soon and say hello!!

xoxo

Joy

Off To The River

Gooooood Morning!
I'm just checking in before my family and I head into the Deschutes River for a little rafting adventure!
I tried to sign in yesterday but the internet was quite slow.
And after driving for almost 10 hours, I didn't have the patience to wait around for pages to load!

Anyways, I'll be back Monday to announce the winners of this giveaway so don't forget to put your entries in by midnight tonight (pacific time) !!
A few of you have already followed the secret clues...well done!

Have a great weekend - I'm off to enjoy the sun!!
xoxo
Joy

Giveaways and Secret Clues

I had so much fun making these business cards that I want to share some with you!!

This giveaway is for 80 custom made cards.

Each card is different from the last and all are hand embossed.

To Enter:

1] Follow this blog by clicking the Join This Site button over there on right of the page.

Don't forget to leave a comment letting me know you're following!

2] Leave a [separate] comment telling me what you  could use these cards for!

Don't need cards for business? I could make contact cards, gift tags, or mini thank you cards!  

There are TWO extra ways to enter...and the clue is in those photos up there.

Find it and gain two extra chances!

Tell all your friends because if we hit 50 followers, I'll throw in an extra special surprise gift!! :)

Giveaway ends Friday (7/15) and TWO winners will be picked at random Monday (7/19)

Good Luck!!

xoxo

Joy

Sunny Monday

Photo from Sara

This is me.

Double checking the lighting situation of a beautiful wedding I shot Saturday.

I know, my mad posing skills have all of you jealous. 

I cannot wait to show you the other shots we caught from Cody and Danielle's wedding.

Between theirs, Susan and Carl's, and Brynn and Andrew's, you guys are in for 3 sweeeet treats!!

Thanks again to Sara and Charlie for their awesomeness! 

Woah, that was a lot of linking..but click every one of 'em!

xoxo

Joy

Friday Favorites: Quality Time

Look at the sun!

It's in that picture, can you see it?

The other day Camillo was speaking my love language loud and clear.

We spent the whole afternoon together..quality time.

We took the scoot out and when I asked where we were going..

'I dunno, just riding.'

Um, that sounds great!

See, the thing about the scooter is that I get to sit behind Camillo and hold tight.

It's good snuggle time.

And we have this funny thing where we holler like Tarzan and then crack up laughing.

People look at us (or should I say towards us) like something's wrong.

It's sooo fun! 

Anyways, when we finally pulled over it was into Dick's Burgers parking lot.

We ate a burger (Camillo had 2!) and milkshake while we sat in the park and talked about heart stuff.

It was sooo lovely.

Then on the way home, we parked on campus and...

Drumroll please...

He took me for a walk!!

It must be the sun that's getting to him.

;)

   Quality time

   Scooter ride

   Burgers

   Milkshakes

   Sunny walk

+ Slurpees      

= One Happy Girl

What's something that makes you feel loved?

xoxo

Joy

Let's Talk About Skin. And Grapefruit.

[source]

I'm kind of a lover of grapefruit, what about you?

Imagine my excitement when I find this line of skin care!

A burst of grapefruit to wake me up after a good workout.

Now, I'll tell you that I haven't always been a face washer.

My skin was always pretty clear through high school and it seemed like if I did wash my 

face I'd break out!

Sensitive skin...awesome.

After high school came sweatier workouts and grown up stress.

And suddenly my skin wasn't so clear.

So what could I do?

Washing my face made trouble.

But not washing my face wasn't working anymore, either. 

I found grapefruit cleanser and couldn't resist!

Then, I learned about toner.

Toner helps close up pores after you've scrubbed them clean and wide open.

Without toner, your pores can collect dirt and oils that cause breakouts!

Get it?

So now, every morning after a hard workout (or a fun night of dancing) I refresh with my favorite grapefruit face wash and keep everything clear with a bit of toner.

And for a little extra pampering? 

I love to hydrate with grapefruit lotion!

It takes 5 extra minutes but that's enough to wake up and feel a little extra pretty.

And who doesn't love clear, smooth skin?

Do you guys have a certain routine for your skin each morning?

What is something you've added to that routine so that your morning is a bit more pampered?

xoxo

Joy 

______________________________________

Topic inspired by Gussy

Inspiration Workshop

Week 6

101st Post!

Woah, I didn't notice my counter reached the hundredth post yesterday..yahoo!
That's exciting.

Another something exciting?
These  cheesy 4th of July pictures!

    

We had a picnic lunch with a bit of hard lemonade.

Is it weird that I ate Chinese food on America's birthday?

Gosh, it sounded so delicious at the time.

But now I'm feeling remorseful for not having eaten a big greasy burger!

Or at least a hefty sandwich like Kristie and Camillo!

Oh well.

Anyways, we're finding that the SPU campus is the perfect picnic place.

There's never more than a handful of people there at any given time.

And today, the sprinklers had a few little boys running through them!

Adorable!!

Oh, and remember those weird pictures of Camillo's feet on my chest?

Well...this is what he and I were trying to do...

I have no idea what started these shenanigans..
It doesn't take much to entertain us!

But don't you remember doing this when you were a kid?

We're bringing it back, oooh yeah!

Please notice Kristie's  perfect from..and my laughing face!

The day was great and the night ended with fireworks over the water.

We could see them from our porch!

We are LOVING the sunny weather here in Seattle.

I even have tan lines already! 

What's the weather like where you live?

xoxo

Joy

Whatdya Do When...

You have tons  of work to do on the computer but the thought of sitting inside in the dark makes you want to cry like a little girl?

Take a pen and paper to the park!

I could NOT stand the idea of sitting on the computer during this gorgeous day.
And guess what? Since I'm self-employed I can skip computer work for an afternoon if I want to!
[did you see my arms cross and foot stomp? sorry, that got a little snobby..]

I packed a couple magazines, a book, my journal, scissors, and washi tape and walked my happy,
sun-dressed self to campus.
Enter perfectly sloped (for maximum sun exposure and comfort) green patch.

I spent two hours listening to Vampire Weekend and cutting pieces out of
magazines for an inspiration board.

It. Was. Bliss.
I'm feeling totally rejuvenated and inspired.
A couple hours to myself in the sun was just the vitamins I needed.
And I got a lot collected to get my new project going...
I can't wait to tell you about it but I can't say another word for just a couple more days!

Now I'm tucked inside and am ready to work.
Of course, the windows are open and the fan is prompting a cool breeze.
Sometimes, I girl just needs a late start to her work day!

I hope you guys enjoyed your 4th of July!
What did you do?
We hung out at the park doing semi-American things.
I'll give you a hint..

haha...More soon!

xoxo
Joy

Happy 4th!

Today is the last day of a great weekend.
I spent Saturday with my family and it was such a gorgeous day!

My mama loves working in her yard and when I saw her gardens, I was amazed!

All her plants and flowers were so healthy and vibrant!

It felt good to be away from the city and just tuck myself into nature.

Josiah got some baby rabbits since the last time I was there.

It's hard to tell yet but let's hope and pray their both the same gender!!

Aren't they cute?!

It was great to spend time with my mom and grandma!

We had a nice relaxing afternoon snoozing in the sun.

I also got to spend some time with my dad at lunch.

How do I not have any pictures of that?! :(

I fell asleep for a little while and woke up to find my mama had baked me cupcakes...

Thanks sooo much, Mom!!

Yesterday was another beautifully sunny day over here in Seattle.

We went to church and then spent the day relaxing at home with the windows open and a nice breeze.

Oh, and I got some ice cream!!

I've got high hopes for today.

Wouldn't it be fun to go on a picnic and maybe to the lake?

Husband is still sleeping, though, so we'll see what I can get out of him :)

I hope you guys have a great 4th of July!

What are you out and about doing today?

xoxo

Joy