Hurray Erin and Jon! This lovely and inspiring couple made some crazy decision along their way to let me be their wedding photographer…being it would be my first REAL wedding shoot as the main photographer, I was pretty nervous. I apologize to all my friends who have asked me to shoot their weddings in the …
What do you get when you combine, delectable smoked meats, fine whiskey, and a staff with awesome tattoos? Radiator Whiskey. If you’re a girl who loves her whiskey, but doesn’t always enjoy the company of dodgy drunks from the dive bar down the street, this is the place for you. If you’re a guy, don’t …
As Andrew likes to point out…I have a knack for finding restaurants as they’re opening. I just think that if you spend enough time in food industry…you’re bound to come across some gems. Since I’ve been “off-the grid” from the Seattle food scene for the past year, I was pretty ecstatic about this discovery. So …
Nothing will ever replace the spot in my heart from the good ol Handful days…but after befriending the lovely Bellingham-based band, Polecat, I can’t complain. Who doesn’t like hanging out with a bunch of awesome stomping musicians, ferry trippin’ and late night road adventures? I was lucky enough to hang out with the gang for …
Hot Cakes is one of those places I am constantly urging (but more like begging) people to go to. Without any explanation, other than IT’S JUST THAT GOOD. Don’t go thinking you’ll discover the latest and greatest thing though, Hot Cakes has gained plenty of recognition after being featured in many Seattle magazines and even …
As some of you know, I traditionally celebrate my birthday for a week. Sounds crazy I know, but really, it’s more of an excuse to plan fun events and see all my friends. This year, I decided to give a twist to one of my traditional events. Generally, I hold a bonfire at Golden Gardens …
Finally, the painstaking wait was over. I was finally out for a weekend with my favorite backpacking group. A year an a half passed before I could be reunited with Jamie, Kevin, and Bill out on the trail, but as soon as we were all packed into the car together, it felt like hardly any …
Time flies. Like crazy. When you’re having fun or when you’re getting old. Or both. Or you may suddenly you realize how old you are when you’re elementary school friend calls you up and asks if you can do a maternity shoot for her and her upcoming arrival. One week before her due date, Cailey …
My first backpacking trip without a guy to depend on! Even though it was a short trip, I’m still proud of myself. Because if I can do it…any girl can! Organized by my dear friend Monica and her friend Arriana, accompanied by my old high school friend Courtney, we had a crazy awesome time! While …
Nothing welcomes summer like a good hike topped off with a dive into an alpine lake. I had full intentions of swimming at the top of this hike, though, mother nature gave me a reality check, greeting me with a half frozen but GORGEOUS lake. Lake Twenty-Two is one of my favorite hikes because at …
After being away from the reason that made leaving so hard to begin with, reuniting with some of my closest friends has been WONDERFUL to say the least. It’s incredible how easy it was just to jump back into conversations with people (skyping and facebook make being away much easier). The look on my …
Some of you may not know, but I’ve been off the grid because I actually came home to Seattle earlier this month as a Mother’s Day surprise for my mom. I’ve managed to calculate my travels into a short list here for you: Days abroad: 396 Countries flown to: 5 (6 if you count flying back to …
Located in the Mount Hood National Forest in Oregon, Ramona Falls is the perfect day hike for anyone looking to get some exercise without major difficulty. The 7.1 mile loop trail remains flat for the most part, gaining 1000 feet in elevation, but there were a few tricky parts as the temporary bridge over the Sandy River …
It doesn’t surprise me at all that among the beautiful places Italy has to offer for a wine fair, that I would end up in the foothills of Mount Etna, Europe’s most active volcano. Located on the east coast of Sicily, 3,329 meters (10,922 feet) high, Etna is the largest active volcano in Italy. Because …
The idea of going home has left me feeling a bit out of sorts these days. When I first bought my flight back home, I was excited to tell my close friends and as soon as we started making plans on what to do when I came back, this deep feeling inside of me began …
If there is one thing that has made an irreplaceable impression on me during my travels, it is Corrado and Valeria. Without them, I may have never been able to embark on this incredible journey I’ve been so blessed to make. These two are exemplary examples of living with an open heart. I love them to death, and …
Another one to check off the list: Sicily. I have always dreamed of Sicily…there is something about the romanticism of the island that had always attracted me. There was something about reading about fishing boats, the Mediterranean Sea, and sun that made Brandon and I talk about running off to Sicily together…someday…maybe. Lisa and I had talked …
It’s a funny feeling when you’re reading through one of the most beautifully printed wine newspapers you’ve ever seen (Pietre Colorate), admiring the photojournalism and thinking, “Wow..I would LOVE to have one of my photos published in here…this paper is so beautiful!”…and when you turn to the last page, you recognize your own photo printed …
I have been looking forward to this time of year for a long time! San Michele, the area where La Distesa’s vineyards are have a peculiar feature about them. Every year, as Spring arrives, wild tulips bloom everywhere. I missed this phenomenon last year as I arrived the week after the tulips died off. It’s …
My Sicilian vacation can be summed up in three words: Food, Wine, Beach. From my experience, that’s all that matters there. Because when you’re not stuffing your face with food and wine, you’re swimming it off in the Mediterranean Sea. I was especially excited to dine in Sicily because it is where I have always …
Taormina After spending the morning swimming in Taormina, Giovanni, Lisa, and I went to explore the ancient greek theater of Taormina. This was quite a different experience. I went for my first Gonadola ride from the parking lot to reach the town. That was exciting and terrifying at the same time after Lisa told us …
After a crazy first day in Marsala, Giovanni and I opted for a much more relaxing morning. Instead of touring more vineyards, we went down the road for some sun and beach time. We swam in three different bodies of water that day, and unfortunately the morning started with the worst location of all (it …
After a quick flight after dinner, Team La Distesa finally made it into Trapani, Sicily. The landing was the worst one I’ve ever experienced, but for 10 euros you can’t complain (yeah Ryanair!). We met Corrado and Valeria’s friend, Nino Barraco, a winemaker in Marsala, picked up our rental cars and off to Marsala we …
Today marks my one year abroad. Finally something that has been number one on my bucket list can be checked off. And look at me…still going strong. Would stay abroad if I really wanted to, but to be honest, some time at home will be good for my heart as well. I’m one of those …
*Update: Well I didn’t make the cut…not surprisingly, but nonetheless dissapointing. I did watch most of the lucky 25 videos that did make it, and to be completely honest, they deserve it. Most of the videos are VERY well done, as well as the applicants being quite qualified! One guy was a finalist that Gordan …
