Just sharing some fun facts about myself. Enjoy!

11. I love Saturday mornings.
Saturday mornings are undoubtedly my favorite time of the week. I love getting up early, making myself a good cup of coffee and just relaxing. It's my me time. I find it incredibly rejuvenating. For just a few hours, there's no schedule I have to keep and nothing that I have to do, so I often spend a lot of that time reading, listening to music or just thinking.

12. Seasons are my favorite time of year.
Yeah, that's right. I said seasons. Technically, fall is my favorite time of year, but I love all of the seasons. I love the feelings I associate with each one, and the anticipation that comes as one season transitions into the next.

13. Growing up, I lived next door to an Olympic gold medalist.
Jim Hartung! Check him out!

14. I love Shirley Temples!
I'm not ashamed of it, either. Even when I'm not acting as a DD, I still order this drink. It's that sweet, sweet grenadine. I just can't get enough!

15. Carnival rides -- oh, yeah!
I absolutely adore carnival rides. I can't help myself. They leave me smiling so much that my cheeks hurt, but all I want is more! There's just something special about being flipped around at night, among flashing lights, cotton candy and funnel cakes in a contraption that may nor may not be completely safe. Oh, and the best part? My favorite rides are those that most people hate--ya'know, the super spinny ones that leave you feeling sick and dizzy. Bring on the tilt-a-whirl!

I just love my neighborhood. 

For those who don't already know, I live in Silver Spring, Maryland. Some call it up-and-coming; some say that whole unincorporated thing is weird. To me, it's just home.

For me, what makes this place so special is the amazing community of people who help make Silver Spring what it is: a hidden gem of all things unique. This is a place where rural meets urban and urban meets suburban. Business ventures collide with recreational opportunities, bringing together the best cultures from every walk of life. 

One of the places to experience Silver Spring at it's finest is at the Fenton Street Market. Usually open outdoors April through October, FSM decided to do things a little different this year to celebrate the holidays... er #Holidaze. Now through the end of the year, the market is holding an indoor pop-up at the Pyramid Atlantic Art Center here in Silver Spring.

Cliff and I were invited to the pop-up's grand opening party, and we had a blast! Just like Silver Spring, we found ourselves surrounded by artists, families, good food, and fun. 

Here's a taste of what you might see if you stop by--and I strongly suggest you do. The #Holidaze pop-up is the perfect place to support local artists and find a unique gift for that someone special in your life.

So, here's the deal. I'm probably the last photographer in the world to sign up for Instagram, but after a little prodding from Amina Ahmad and Katie Nesbitt, I finally created an account. I'm learning it's a TON of fun! I only wish I would have done it sooner.

If you're a regular reader of this blog, I'm hoping you'll follow me on Instagram, too. If you're looking to get to know me better, it might just be the perfect platform. I'll be posting lots of behind-the-scenes photos and other fun things from my life. Louie included. #catsofinstagram #heregoesnothing

Here's a few fun grams to get you started!

Let's face it. We all have that someone special in our lives who is difficult to buy gifts for. For me, it's my mom. She’s someone who prefers “experiences” over gifts. Finding something perfect--which in my book, is something meaningful--can sometimes be a challenge.

There are few things more meaningful than spending quality time with loved ones, and making memories that will last for years to come. That’s why I’ve decided to offer gift certificates. They’re the perfect gift for someone who is looking to give more than just a present.

By giving the gift of custom photography, you’re giving:

• The experience of having a professional photograph you, your pet, or your family in a location of your choice;
• Customized art that can’t be found anywhere else; and
• The option to purchase prints—a symbol of the past, present, and future.

Gift certificates to jhPhotography are customizable and can be tailored to any person, family, or occasion. Certificates of any amount can be used towards a photo session or any product, including digital files, prints, and canvases. The best part? Your generous gift will never go out of style!

Between now and Friday December 5, when you purchase $100 in gift certificates to jhPhotogaphay, you’ll receive an additional $25 as my gift to you.