THE VAHER FAMILY

In 2011, I donated a photography session to a fundraising auction for Girls on the Run of Gaston County, which is an after-school program for 3rd through 8th grade girls. The program focuses on instilling self-esteem and strong values through health education, life skills development, mentoring relationships and physical training. I love the idea for this program and all the good it does in the home county where I grew up in North Carolina. (It is also run -- no pun intended -- by one of my "bonus" moms, who I think does great things for the community.) Fast forward to 2013: I finally got to meet and photograph the family that bid on my session! The Vaher family was so much fun to photograph, and I think we got some great images. Enjoy their smiles! : )

ROUNTREE PLANTATION GARDEN CENTER

I did a bridal session last week in Charlotte, North Carolina, and the bride really wanted to incorporate blooms into her session. Unfortunately, spring hadn't fully sprung yet and we had to think of an alternative to outside. Enter: Rountree Plantation. Y'all, this place is AWESOME... the employees were all so friendly and the flowers/planters/etc. were just SO gorgeous. They graciously let us use their space for some portraits, and I couldn't be more thankful. All you North Carolinians, hit up Rountree Plantation for all your gardening needs. Their selection and customer service is incredible! Below is a succulent display that I was practically drooling over. : )

Edited with VSCO.

SPRING 2013 MINI-SESSIONS

Last week, I partnered with the Rabbit's Nest of Rome to offer spring mini-sessions in their beautiful store. I was floored with the overwhelming turnout! I loved meeting and photographing all the kiddos. Thanks to everyone for coming out and sharing your gorgeous kids with me! Looking forward to doing it again in the future. Check out these sweet cheesers. : )

PET ADOPTION

Adopting animals is something very near and dear to my heart. If I could, I would adopt 20 animals (per month!) just to save them from euthanasia (and I know many folks who would do the same). But, it's just not possible. And there are so many dogs and cats that need help. October is the American Humane Association's Adopt-a-Dog Month. I'm going to try and help out the Floyd County Animal Control by photographing adoptable pets as much as my schedule will allow me. Right now, a lot of kittens are in need. If you know of anyone who can adopt in the area, please send them to the Floyd County Animal Control's adoptapet.com site HERE. Or, be inspired and find an animal to adopt in your area.

Below are a few kittens that caught my eye; and there are many more on the site from which to choose. I have to admit... I'm not even a cat person, but don't they just scream "take me home"?

*Thanks to Anna Routh Photography for the idea to help out these animals. Please adopt if you can!

GYMNOPEDIE

I love food & cooking almost as much as I love photography. The hubs and I have been going to food school at Gymnopedie this past month. Kate Lord - friend and awesome photographer (you rock!) - gave us the cooking series as a wedding gift. Gymnopedie serves vegetarian fare and is truly a gem of a place that is tucked away north of downtown Athens. The chef & owner Sarah Dunning uses innovative and DELICIOUS ways to cook with local ingredients. AND she has an awesome Kiwi accent. ; ) We had the best time at food school, and I wanted to briefly share our experience with everyone and encourage my fellow Athenians to try it. : )

Chef Sarah explains how to properly dress a salad during our "cozy salads & comfort food" session.

We used lots of herbs & produce throughout the series, which is great not only for your health but also improving your knife skills. : )

Sarah offers a wine list to pair with the dishes she serves at the restaurant, and we got to sample some during our sessions. : )

Umm YES I had to post a photo of the hubs in his uber-manly apron. ; ) Love him.

Prepping the vegan mac & cheese and dressing the salad...

Our finished products (clockwise): quinoa-olive salad with roasted white asparagus and haricot verts, vegan macaroni & cheese, green tomato tapenade (for garnish on the quinoa salad), & Moroccan carrot salad. ALL were delicious and relatively easy to make. Give food school a go. It's fun, educational and supports small, local businesses (great for our community and great for our Earth!). : )