While on my birthday getaway, Cliff and I treated ourselves to a couples massage. On a whim, we asked our massage therapist about fun things to do and see in the area, and she told us about some gardens in Pennsylvania. We thought they sounded nice and decided to give them a try... Little did we know that we would soon find ourselves in the country's premier botanical gardens!

I can't believe it. I turn 30 in just a few, short days. I'm told that being in your thirties is great, but I gotta be honest: I'm scared. I kinda feel like a real adult now... ahh!

Part of being an adult is making decisions for yourself. One thing I said I wanted to do more of in 2015 is take weekend getaways, and that's exactly what Cliff and I did to celebrate! We stayed at the Elk Forge Bed and Breakfast in Elkton, Maryland, and had a weekend completely devoted to... us. It was wonderful! Maybe being an adult isn't so bad after all ;)

Biggest congratulations to Shala Graham and the team at SW Creatives for celebrating their 10th anniversary! I couldn't have asked for a better start to the new year and am honored to have had the opportunity to photograph this amazing celebration!

2015 is off to a fabulous start! My first photo shoot of the year is complete, and I couldn't have asked for a better subject. I had the honor of photographing SW Creative's 10th Anniversary party! The celebration was held here in Silver Spring at the famed AFI, and featured hors d'oeuvres and a short film highlighting all of the great work SW Creatives has accomplished.

The design firm is owned and operated by Shala Graham and it caters to non-profits. In the last 10 years, SW Creatives has served more than 90 non-profits and completed almost $100,000 in pro bono work. Shala believes in giving back to the community, and that's what I love so much about her! 

Can't get enough? Don't worry. There's more coming soon!

Alright everyone--I'm writing this with a huge smile on my face. I got to see Dad in action with his new prosthetic while I was home over the holidays and let me tell you, he's doing better than ever! It's amazing to see him up and walking around! When he's wearing long pants and I can't actually see the prosthetic, I forget that he even has one! 

It’s not a huge secret that one of the photographers in our area who I really admire is Katie Nesbitt. I think she’s fabulous, and I’m so excited to call her my mentor!

Each year, Katie lists on her blog the goals she’s set for herself. She really puts herself out there, and I think that’s what I admire about her—she’s so brave and honest! It’s refreshing! This year, I thought I’d follow in her footsteps.

For the record, I consider myself to be a very goal-oriented person. I usually make mental lists of goals I’d like to accomplish, but rarely do I ever write them down. I have to say, it feels strangely empowering to actually write down all of the things that are floating around in my head!

PERSONAL

• Meet and make new friends. I'm to that point in life where making friends isn't always easy--and I know its not just me. People have written books about this stuff! One of my goals for this year (and beyond!) is to meet new people and make new, lasting friendships.

• Wear more makeup. I have makeup. I just don't wear it. For me, its mostly a matter of convenience. In the morning when I'm feeling rushed, it's so much easier to go without out. I've decided I want to try wearing more makeup for two reasons: first, it's something new. Second, I've always admired women (and men) who spend a little more time each day on their appearance. As long as I know it's something I want to do -- and not something I feel pressured to do -- I think I could make an effort to spruce up my face :)

• Play hooky! It might sound silly, but this is something I’ve always wanted to do! There are so many awesome amusement parks around here. Cliff and I have yet to visit any of them! I’d love to wake up one morning, call in sick to work, and hit the roller coasters! I'm hoping 2015 will be the year I actually follow through with this dream!

• Take more weekend getaways. I love traveling. In my book, traveling doesn't necessarily mean going on an exotic adventure (though, those are always fun)! Traveling can mean exploring your own backyard. Weekend getaways are the perfect way to do just that! Cliff and I love exploring new places, but given the craziness of 2014, we really weren't able to get out much. I'm hoping that will change this year. There are so many nearby places we still haven't seen, like Richmond, Virginia; Smith Island, Maryland; and Berkeley Springs and Seneca Rocks, West Virginia! 

• Be mindful of all the things I’m thankful for. I just love Thanksgiving. It's probably my favorite holiday. I love the idea of friends and loved ones coming together in celebration of the things they are thankful for and, personally, I don't think this is something we do enough. I have so much to be thankful for, including good health, a family who loves me, a beautiful place to live, wonderful clients, and the ability to pursue my dreams. I definitely want to try to acknowledge those things more often. Counting blessings and focusing on the positives in life is such an important thing to do!

PROFESSIONAL

• Grow and expand my marketing skills. For me, the biggest challenge of owning and operating my own business is getting my name out there. I'm on the introverted side by nature, so it feels strange to constantly talk about and sell myself--and my work. I'm hoping to break out of my shell this year by growing and expanding my marketing skills through workshops, blogs, books, and networking. 

• Learn to cater to moms. I'm not a mom and I actually don't ever plan on being one. But that doesn't mean I don't admire and appreciate everything moms do. They are truly modern-day super heroes, and they are the people who drive family photo sessions. Moms deserve to feel fabulous, and I want to be a person who can help make that happen!