My wish list!
Greetings, fellow shutterbugs, and welcome to the most wonderful time of the year! As the holiday season unfurls its magical tapestry, we find ourselves surrounded by opportunities to capture the essence of joy, love, and all things merry. In the spirit of sharing the excitement that comes with unwrapping creativity, I present to you a carefully curated Christmas wish list for photographers. Whether you're a seasoned pro or an aspiring artist, let's dive into a world of gear dreams, innovative gadgets, and must-haves that will elevate your craft to new heights. Get ready to add a touch of photographic enchantment to your festive season—because after all, what better way to celebrate the holidays than through the lens of boundless inspiration? Let the countdown to a photographer's dreamy Christmas begin! 📷🎄✨
Who doesn't love an instant camera! I have two lol but this one sorta looks like a reel 35mm film camera and I cant help but put it on my list!
FUJIFILM Instax Mini 90 Neo Classic Instant Film Camera
You NEED the film with that guy so add that as a stocking stuffer.
Fujifilm Instax Mini Instant Camera Film: 20 Shoots Total
Going to a photo store to get your sensor cleaned can be $$$ - with this kit you can do it yourself and save yourself some cash
Altura Photo Professional Cleaning Kit
Ok, I'm a fanny pack girly - so this is CLUTCH - pun fully intended.
https://kindlycamerabags.com/products/the-photographers-fanny-pack?variant=42101150777515
A must. Need I say more?
For an extra little something - add a new SD card too! you can NEVER have too many.
12 Slots Portable SD Micro SD Memory Card Case,
I have one of these and it's lasted me years. Sometimes you don't want to lug around your camera bag. You just want to drop your camera and extra battery in a cute tote and keep it moving.
As the festive lights twinkle and the air buzzes with the spirit of the season, I find myself immersed in the joy of sharing this Christmas wish list with you, fellow photography enthusiasts. May your holidays be adorned with the perfect blend of creativity and inspiration, whether you're unwrapping that dream camera or discovering new perspectives through a lens. From the click of the shutter to the warmth of shared moments, may your frames be filled with the magic of the holidays. Wishing you a Merry Christmas filled with captivating compositions, endless photo adventures, and the timeless beauty that only a photographer's heart can capture. Cheers to a season framed with love, laughter, and the pursuit of that perfect shot!
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Embarking on a journey through the fascinating world of camera gear is like entering a realm of endless possibilities, creativity, and boundless exploration. I vividly remember the time when I was an absolute newbie in this universe, completely clueless about terms like ISO, aperture, and shutter speed. If you're in the same boat, fear not! I've been right there with you, and let me tell you, the transformation from camera novice to gear aficionado is nothing short of magical. And yet - I still feel like there will ALWAYS be something to learn. Some see this as discouraging but in reality it is so EXCITING! technology changes every day and we should be thrilled to get to witness it.
My personal transformation began with a simple, yet powerful tool that you probably already have at your fingertips: YouTube. The plethora of video tutorials available on this platform is a treasure trove of knowledge, waiting for you to unlock its secrets. Pair that with blogs like the one you're reading now, and you've got yourself a formidable arsenal of information. But what really sets the stage for a successful photography journey is a supportive community. Thankfully, I had the privilege of having photographer friends who welcomed me with open arms, instead of gatekeeping the secrets of the craft.
And then, there's social media – a double-edged sword. It can be a rabbit hole of inspiration, a place where you can discover the works of talented photographers, and even get direct insights into their gear choices. Below you will find my current gear and you might be surprised as to how simple it really is. Some photographers lean heavily on the technical aspects, obsessing over pixel-perfect sharpness and mastering the intricacies of gear. On the flip side, there are those who are unapologetically artsy, focusing on mood, emotion, and storytelling through their images. The beauty of photography lies in its versatility, allowing room for both these approaches, and everything in between. There's no right or wrong way to capture the world through a lens. So, whether you're drawn to the technical details or you're an unabashed lover of the artistic, embrace your unique style, because in the end, it's your vision that makes your photographs truly special.
For Photography & Sometimes video: I mainly use my Sony A7iii. This is my ol’ faithful. (I dropped it this past summer so I might be needed an upgrade in the coming year or two but not until I definitely have to) I love mirrorless. I tried it mostly because I was hiking with my camera a lot and it was so much just carrying a heavy camera around with me along with everything else and my dog. It’s light and fast. It’s got great continuous focus and maybe it’s just me but the images just feel crisper. Oh! I also like that you can silence the shutter and the option to turn off the red light when you focus.
For travel - This one’s my new baby - The Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II
I LOVE this little point and shoot. It fits in my little fanny pack and the images come out so good. It’s use to lug around my maine camera on trips but now all I have to take is my point and shoot. It’s so worth it especially if your other hand is occupied with caring a suitcase, someone’s hand or a dog on a leash. Legit even fits in your pocket.
Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II Digital Camera
For GRWM and other reel related things - no secret here - my iPhone 14 Pro has been a very good options for this. Especially with phone editing apps - it’s so fast just to quickly cut things together and post right then and there.
Remember, the gear you choose should always align with your creative vision and the type of photography you're passionate about. Whether you're a street photographer, a landscape enthusiast, a portrait artist, or an all-around adventurer, there's a perfect combination of camera and lenses out there waiting for you. My journey has been a constant evolution, guided by experimentation and discovery, and it's a reminder that photography is about more than just the gear—it's about storytelling, emotions, and the love for the craft. So, don't be afraid to explore, learn, and adapt your gear to your ever-evolving needs. In the end, it's the images you create and the moments you capture that truly matter, regardless of the equipment you use. Happy shooting, my fellow photographers! 📷✨
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Let me introduce you to two badass, talented and beautiful people inside and out.
Meet Tracy!
We met a few years ago and i LOVE her energy. She can make anyone feel comfortable in front of the camera. I mean that! She's funny and energetic and will have you laughing the entire time. Let me let HER introduce herself to you!
"extroverted by nature and proficient at balloon arches. I love traveling (don't we all?) and fancy myself an OK writer." That's Tracy being modest IMO.
Here are a couple of snaps I took of her on this very fun girl's shoot.
Next up: Savannah!
"an eternal optimist, a lover of nature, and animals; " THERE IS NO LIE Savannah is all these things and more. If you google her name - you will immediately
be blown away by her photography. If you ever get to meet her in person, you will be immediately be blown away by her immense heart.
Love these photos I shot of her that day!
...and finally, it's an honor to not only know these two women as friends but also be able to collaborate with them in photography. Here are some of my favorites taken by them!
Also, How cute is my little "Mama" bracelet from The Little Words Project
Which by the way I have a discount code for you!
Use code: MIMIGABES for 15% off your purchase! and get someone you love words that mean something <3
https://littlewordsproject.com/
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I even got brave and tried my hand at Manual film photography. As you can see I could use some practice. But Practice i shall!
If you've followed my journey for a while, you've seen this beach before.
One of our favorites for the pier which we occasionally jump off from, the rocky lined ocean and the warm, calm waters.
On 35mm
On 35mm Film
On 35mm Film
We kept it simple and low key, staying around the area since we had two little bubs in tow. But honestly, our stay was so cozy and accommodating, it was the perfect place to eat, drink, chill on the rooftop or by the fire in the lobby.
This week - we do some lake living with Stonewall Kitchen.
Our To Do list goes a little like this :
1. Arrive
2. Taking it easy
Here is a little glimpse into our time on the water with everything you need to make it a perfect getaway.
Doormat: Estate Lake Life Doormat
We got here just in time to take in some views and watch the sun set. So we poured ourselves some beer in these fly fishing glasses and let the sun kiss our cheeks as it went down. Because tomorrow was a day full of sun, swim and our favorite lake life things.
Woke up on the second day refreshed and feeling all kinds of calm because the weather was perfect and the breeze felt amazing. Don't you love that feeling? So we decided to have coffee and breakfast outside.
We most definitely indulged with these super yummy dessert sauces on our waffles and of course some coffee to get us going!
(all linked above)
How cute is this puppy mug!?
Off to our favorite part! But of course Bella doesn't wait for us and jumps right in!
Is it really a day at the lake without S'mores? I think not. Stonewall kitchen has this adorable S'mores Stick set to get you on the right page ;)
Add to it a Maine platter and boom! Everything you need.
This visit sure would not have been complete without some of our favorites from Stonewall Kitchen.
My favorite was the dessert sauces we used in our waffles and Greg's favorite of course the beer glasses. Do you have a favorite item from Stonewall Kitchen?
]]>Here's a little bit about me and the kitchen: I hate it. the end LOL
Plus I don't have time for it.. Standing in there waiting for things to become edible. It's time consuming and boring. Am I right.
However, every now and then a little lightbulb turns on above my head and I make something yummy, fast and easy. Then I obsess over it for a few months and regret never sharing it with others. So here's to sharing more of these rare but yummy recipes (i find it funny even calling them that) in a series I like to call: "Easy Enough for Mimi"
Hey let me be corny, k! (no pun intended)
With that I bring you my new favorite summer smoothie made with Oakhurst Wild Blueberry Milk!
In your BULLET or BULLET - like contraption add:
- 1 sliced banana - or - 1/3 of one. depending how big ;)
- 3 cut up large strawberries
- A handful of Maine Wild Blueberries (they are smaller but sooo much tastier)
- Top if off with ice cubes - I just drop in enough tot get to the max line
- Pour in Oakhurst Wild Blueberry milk (to taste)
- Mix & enjoy!
See - easy haha of course some of the portions are to taste and add in as much or as little as you like. It's refreshing af and super tasty if you like blueberries (which who the heck doesn't?) Hope you try it and if you do let me know! I love getting your DMs <3
That said, I thought I’d start paying it forward and posting more about my life as a mom and the things that are really helping me get through.
The other day I was really struggling with my breast feeding journey. It’s really only been three weeks but the lack of sleep, still recovering from child birth, getting to know Eli’s wants and needs, still getting use to the cries and basically being overall clueless to this new motherhood thing.
From the beginning in the hospital I was feeding my baby and immediately pumping right after every feeding. This really helped me build my supply and after a week I went to my first Lactation appointment where my nurse told me to stop pumping after every feeding because I'm basically telling my body I have twins and I could run into problems like mastitis etc. Cool! Only pump when Greg is feeding Elias out of a bottle and if I feel I need some relief after a feeding. Great!
Welp, fast forward a few days and my supply dropped significantly. At the same time - Elias became a hungry little milk monster and began cluster feeding. Especially int he mornings. I felt... deflated (for lack of a better word) I couldn't keep up. Why did I stop pumping?? Now I don't produce enough for this little hungry man and I was completely freaking out. What do I do now? I know, I'll start pumping a few more times a day and maybe that will bring my supply back up. .Enough to satisfy my little guy. Right? Nope, my body was not working with me on this plan. But it worked before? What's going on? well, to be honest I don't know. But I can tell you a few things I was doing wrong. I was SO consumed with my newborn that I had forgotten pretty much all about myself. I forgot to Hydrate, I forgot to eat, I thought I could run on little rest and I was STRESSING OUT HARD. Sure I read that stress can really affect your supply but not me. No, I've worked on TV sets and in advertising.. Stress is in my veins it doesn't affect me like it affects others. Yeah.Right! I called my LC (lactation consultant) and she told me I was good for pumping a bit more again and that it should all be fine. As long as the baby is dirtying diapers, he is def getting enough. ::Sigh:: Relief! But what the heck is up with the pumping situation. I went from pumpung 3 - 4 oz to struggling to get .5 oz !?
I reached out and asked on my stories if any moms had taken anything to help with milk supply. Because as one mom put it. Breastfeeding is a mind f*ck.
Oh yes. it is.
and if you want to go into more about my current and very new experience shoot me a DM i’d be happy to vent haha
But a lot of moms offered some REALLY helpful advice and for that THANK YOU!!!
What popped up most were:
- HYDRATE! drink more water than you ever have before. Your milk is liquid so makes sense that taking in liquid only helps!
- EAT. A lot. Every time you breast feed your body burn hundreds of calories and you need to nourish your body as much as possible to help it continue producing food for your LO
- REST. Yes, i know its hard but take it from someone who is currently in the trenches. When it comes to choosing between dishes and sleep. Choose sleep. SERIOUSLY. Don’t even try to roll your eyes at this one lol It is AMAZING what a good hour nap can do for not only your physical but OMG your mental as well..
- these three things pretty much fall into the “fill your cup before anyone else’s MOTTO” Because it’s true. You can’t run a car on empty.
Biggest tip of all:
DON'T STRESS. WAY easier said than done I know. Someone even told me to put a sock over the bottles while I pump so I don't watch it and get more and more stressed as nothing come out. Here are some of the responses I got on my stories:
But one of the biggest food tips that was given is to eat lots of Oatmeal. Yeah, something I literally think I’ve eaten twice i my life is now something I eat every single morning since ….. and I love it!
Here’s the thing, the first batch I made was so bland I needed to get in there and make it my own. So here’s a little recipe that I’ve cooked up and really hits the spot.
- Equal parts Milk (any kids works), Old fashioned Oats and Water. For just myself - i do 1/2 a cup
- two dashes of salt
- two teaspoons of honey
- a few drops of vanilla extract
Simmer on low heat until the oats soak up all that moisture and WALLAH!
Once in the bowl I’ll add a bit more honey, some cinnamon and blueberries bc they are my favorite 😊
It’s honestly so yummy and easy to make that I actually don’t dread making it every morning. (I hate the kitchen) Idk if it’s my mind or it really is helping but this with a few other helpful hints has really helped me relax about breast feeding. Trusting my body to do it’s job has proven really helpful and Eli is happy, healthy and full which makes me very happy.
Oh yeah, the one that really helps with reducing stress the most. Do something for yourself every day. Even something small. For me, it's the showers and my skin care routine 1000% helps me relax more.
Also, Styling and Photographing of course. It's the thing that makes me feel MOST like myself.
I hope this helps someone who might be struggling a bit with breastfeeding. It’s a really hard task but you can do it! I’m learning every day what our amazing bodies are capable of and every day I’m learning that books, and consultants are great but your body and your baby will ultimately tell you how to do your job.
DISCLAIMER*
I wrote this post a few days after asking my instagram friends for advice and I started using that advice immediately. However, My supply although good for feeding is still low on the pumping side. I am pumping to start training my body to supply more for when I inevitably have to go back to work in 2.5 months. Again, It is still low.. Nothing magically changed overnight. But I am taking the no stress route seriously and continuing to pump 3 times a day. Putting in the work and knowing I have a bit of time. I will continue to update you guys whether here or on my instagram on my breast feeding journey and if you have any advice that you haven't seen on here yet, I welcome it!
Here are some of the things I've ordered as a result of the advice:
To help with Hydration:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01IT9NLHW/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_image_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Supplements:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00EI46XSM/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_image_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
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https://tracyorzelphotography.pixieset.com/
Make up by: Kari Cowperthwaite
https://www.styleseat.com/m/v/karicowperthwaite
Location: The Francis Hotel
Couple: Thorben & Sara
This past year Greg has taken advantage of the seasonal goodies Maine has to offer and created some pretty yummy dishes from them. I may have made a few but he's definitely the expert when it comes to the kitchen. I've just been having fun taking photos of them and of course eating them right after 😊
So I figured, I'm already sharing them on my instagram. Why not share his recipes as well. So here we are.
For our first one, I want to share Greg's delicious apple crumble!
A couple of weeks ago we went apple picking at Rocky Ridge Orchard in Bowdoin, ME
https://rockyridgeorchard.com/
A very wholesome orchard with lots of trees, space (COVID times) and some of the best apple cider donuts I've honestly ever tasted. No joke.
It's one of our traditions to go apple picking every year but of course the question always is. What to do with all the apples. So this year Greg made an apple crumble. He made a blueberry crumble this past summer with Fresh Maine Wild Blueberries and lets just say it was quite a hit so he went that route for Fall as well.
I'm actually not one for apple baked goods and I Loved it. I'm a big texture person and once I tried it I was hooked. It was the perfect consistency, the taste was amazing and the crispy part is always my favorite. If you've got some apples you need to do something simple with, I invite you to keep reading. Oh and if you end up making it, LET ME KNOW! post it on your stories and tag me @mimigabes it would make us so happy to see Greg inspired someone to make something in the kitchen. 😃
INGREDIENTS:
FOR BASE & CRUMBLE TOPPING:
1 stick unsalted butter (melted)
2 cups of flour (all purpose)
1/2 cup of golden sugar (you can also use white)
1/2 tsp baking powder
Pinch of salt
1 egg
1/3 cup cracked oats (rolled oats are fine too)
FOR FILLING:
6 - 7 apples - we used a combo of MACS, Cortlands, Golden delicious and Honey Crisp - We used what we had but normally a Granny Smith would be best. It was still tasty so if you need to use what you have too don't worry it will still be yummy!
1/4 cup of Corn Starch
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1/4 tsp clove
2 tbsp brown sugar
1/4 cup of bourbon
INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F
2. Grease an 8" square pan and line with baking/parchment paper with overhang (so it can be lifted out once cooked).
3. Mix together butter, flour, sugar, baking powder and salt until you can no longer see white bits of flour.
4. Add egg and mix.
5. Lightly press 2/3 of the mixture into the bottom of the pan.
6. Bake for 15 minutes until slightly golden, then remove and cool for 5 minutes.
7. Apple Filling: While the base is cooking, mix together Apple Filling ingredients in a bowl and let sit for about 30 mins - an hour.
8. Pour filling into pan with the bottom crust that has been cooling
CRUMBLE TOPPING:
1. Add oats into remaining crumble mixture. Mix with wooden spoon or fingers until oats are mostly incorporated into the dough. Here we added a few extra pinches of brown sugar for taste.
ASSEMBLY:
1. Spread Apple Filling on base, then use hands to crumble topping all over.
2. Bake for 30 - 35 minutes or until the top is deep golden.
3. Allow to cool before lifting from pan.
SERVE!
We had it with whipped cream and caramel sauce and it also goes great with ice cream .
Disclosure: Greg searched online for a recipe and used the following as his base. From there he altered and added some ingredients to put his own spin on it. So a big thanks to Nagi at https://www.recipetineats.com/
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It was getting a bit overwhelming and I wanted to focus on growing in photography with trying new forms of it. I think I did two portrait shoots in all of 2019. My editing style even changed a bit. I feel like I grew more into the art and loved it every day more and more. Lately I've been craving portrait shooting though. I started small and Sunday evening I took a stroll through Mackworth Island with the lovely and gracious Erica ( @widowofmagnolia ) for a mini shoot on the beach. It's been wonderfully warm in Maine lately and I took the opportunity to get some practice in. Of course, it took no time to get back into it. The light was perfect and the great conversation and beautiful images reminded of why I loved shooting portraits in the first place. I still want to balance my life when it comes to shooting different things but I definitely think I'll be doing more portraits this year. Here are some of my absolute favorites from our shoot this weekend.
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No, we are not crazy... well maybe just a little.
But I have to say I have really learned to love New England in the winter. The "off " season. You get trails, beaches and popular destinations all to yourself. We enjoyed some beautiful places with no crowds in sight.
One thing to keep in mind if you ever decide to take a trip up in the winter is that not every trail and part of the park is open. But to find maps to the roads and trails open in the winter head to https://www.nps.gov/acad/index.htm
You will also find weather updates in case of a storm, etc.
Here are a few snap shots from our time there
Seal Harbor Beach
Schooner Head Overlook
Bass Harbor head light
Jordan Pond
It was cold but so worth it. If you do go on these trails. I highly recommend bringing some snow shoes.
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Once you arrive, you hop on a little ferry and off you go! Into the mountains. I couldn't dream this place up. Rolling hills, beautiful crystal water and the freshest air I think I've ever inhaled. We stopped in the middle of the boat tour so our guide can play the trumpet and we can hear it echo it all around us. I mean....
I hope you all enjoyed this little series from my trip to Germany last month. There are a few more photos I haven't share but I'll be posting them in my "Travel" section on my main site. Thanks for stopping by!
Yes the Castles. Now, I took waaayyy too many photos in Germany and the majority of them were in the countryside. So I'm breaking these up into three mini blog posts because I just want to show you every little detail I captured.
First stop: Neuschwanstein Castle (linked)
This place was pretty amazing. It was home to a really interesting King who was into acting and operas and towards the end of his life spent most of his time in these beautiful mountains. Honestly his story sounds like something right out of Game of Thrones.
We didn't end up taking the tour inside but there were a ton of people and to be honest, the walk around the premises and views from the trails were beauty enough for me.
The drive was as beautiful as the destination.
Necklace: Khali fine jewelry
Shoes: Thursday's Boots
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My first Oktoberfest was a success and now I can't wait to go back. First of all, why are the germans keeping the fact that it's a whole fair a secret? I thought it was just tents full of beer and that was it. (Judging by all the DMs I got - so do a lot of people) There are tents full of beer - but there is also so much more! There are rides, fun houses, prizes, roller coasters, games and food. So. Much. Food.
I was overwhelmed. In the best way of course. If you are looking for a good time and a real culture shock. Get Oktoberfest on your list now.
Wearing a Dirndl is really fun 😊
... and then, the beer part came. I'm sure you can guess what happened next so I won't bore you with drunken photos of our time in the tent. But here are some semi decent photos of us enjoying life
Until next time Oktoberfest!
My lovely friend Shiela lived in Maine and worked with me for over a year. In that time we became really close. So when she moved back to Munich this past Spring, we made it a point to book flights to have me go visit her. I don't think I could have gone with anyone better. I landed in Munich at 9:25 AM after an eight hour flight in which I barely slept. But I wasn't going to let that stop me from hitting the ground running as soon as I got there. I was too excited to see the city. So we dropped off my luggage, changed my clothes to less airport-y clothes and off we went.
But first, Coffee.
::disclaimer:: A Colombian looking for coffee in a German city is a bit difficult lol They do not do "cups" of coffee. So cappuccinos it was from here on out.
(i know... poor me but thought I'd share that fun fact)
Our first stop on the day I landed: Cafe Trachtenvogl
Cute little retro- feely spot. Good coffee, yummy grilled cheeses! I had one and it was so good. To my surprise it had mustard inside. ::didn't hate it::
So we ate, had coffee and went off on our stroll. We stumbled upon Victuals Market a really cool farmer's Market right in the city. It had EVERYTHING. So many little shops and you can pretty much find whatever you want. Not to mention it's pretty background.
Did I mention they had the tiniest pineapples I've ever seen? sssssCute!
After walking around the market and admiring all the vendors, we kept it moving and finally reached Marienplatz. Now this place gets. packed. I mean I can't imagine why it wouldn't. It's a little plaza leading to all the big retailers in the area. And the buildings!
I could spend all day here admiring the buildings. So gothic. So detailed. Luckily I was with a local and she took me to St Peter's Church. Here you can pay 3 euros and climb the 300+ steps up to the tower for a view of the city like no other! Well, see for yourself!
Oh hai!
They call this guy - Neis Rathaus (New Town Hall) It hosts the city government including the city council offices of the mayors and a small portion part of the administration Could you imagine Parks and Rec taking place here?
Any who, Let's keep to moving. There's a lot to see! I swear we walked half the city that day so prepare for many more city snaps!
Oh yeah, every large building just looks like a Castle.
This street has a pretty awesome history. Known as Druckebergergasse 'shirkers alley' - it has golden tiles on the ground commemorating those locals who used this route to avoid the Feldherrnhalle, thereby avoiding the requirement to hail the guarded structure with a Nazi salute. It's called Viscardigasse (Wiki page linked)
We ended the walk in the Englischer Garten - It's kind of their version of Central Park. Right in the middle of the city a huge park with nature, cute bridges, a stream and surfers. Yup, surfers. See there's a spot in the stream that runs through the park with a permanent wave. Rumor has it these guys surf rain or shine, summer or winter.
:: Outfit Deets::
Jacket: Curator Maine
Jeans: Levi's
Booties: Thursday's Boots
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16 minutes away from Portland Downtown
about and hour around this tiny island trail
and little fairy homes along the way
(everything is linked at the bottom of this post)
Off we went!
Hello Beautiful! This tiny patch of earth was right next to the main island where we docked.
The rest of the day we were on foot. We immediately came across cute shacks. there are shops, places to eat and even an art gallery.
The homes there were very cute
Then, we encountered a real life shipwreck. Okay, it looks like a sailboat but still... it was cool!
After our hike through the cliffs we were quite hungry so we made our way back down to The Fish House. A small shack right on the beach. There is only outside seating but you cannot beat this view. The food? A-MAZING!
Lurker...
Shirt says it all...
So.... we saw a bald eagle! This guy was showing off too.
Day 2 had a lot more gloom for us but I absolutely loved it. It felt incredibly New England-y and made the day even more magical.
They boys were able to wake up early enough to join us on our last day and we were so excited to show them around the little island we had just fallen in love with the day before.
Our little hike led to this view!
We had to show them the shipwreck!
Location: Monhegan Island & Pemaquid Point, ME
"I like it here" shirt: Minka
Ferry: Hardy Boat Cruises
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I had never heard of Pemaquid Point but when I told Lacey about it - her eyes lit up with excitement. That's when I knew this was going to be a good weekend.
First I want to tell you all about where we stayed. Laughton House & Cottages is a quaint little space down the road from Pemaquid Beach. There are three small cabins in a very private space. When we arrived, our lovely host Pam gave us a warm welcome and showed us to our cabin. We immediately fell in love with the space. The vibe was perfect, the light was amazing, the bed was comfy and there was even a small fire pit outside and a hammock. It was the comfiest, loveliest stay and it's definitely on my list of places to return to.
Check us out - Our cabins were right in the bottom left corner of this drone shot! (where the three cars are parked by the road)
After we settled in, we headed STRAIGHT to the beach. (A literal 5 minute walk from our cabins) but you can also drive. They have a pretty large parking lot and I can't really see it being completely full. OMG this beach was nice! BEWARE there are a lot of seagulls. So look out for your food and don't leave any of it unattended. We learned that the hard way =D The sun was shinning and the sand was so soft. We stayed at the beach for hours and hours until we felt sun drunk (in the best way).
But the day was far from over!
We hung up our swim trunks and rallied for part II
Pemaquid Light House
We had to play tourists and do a bit of sightseeing. Right?
Commissioned by John Quincy Adams in 1827, this Maine lighthouse has the Fisherman’s Museum on the first floor in the Keepers House, and there is the possibility of renting the apartment on the second floor.
(woah!)
A very nice gentleman offered to take our photo. Hesitantly I let him. This is the only picture we have together on day 1. But to be honest, I'm not mad about it.
Fort William Henry
is a publicly owned historic property operated by the state of Maine near Pemaquid Beach in Bristol, ME. The site includes the reconstructed Fort William Henry, archaeological remains of 17th- and 18th-century village buildings and fortifications, and a museum with artifacts found on the site including musket balls, coins, pottery, and early hardware. (and a-thank you very much Wiki)
Last stop... Dinner on the water
An absolute must! The view at sunset is amazing and the food was absolutely delicious. We were lucky enough to stop in a day when they had a live band playing. Got ourselves some fancy colorful drinks and enjoyed the evening. I'd say it was a successful first day!
When we got back - Pam told us that Monhegan Island ferry was a 5 minute drive away. This was a complete game changer! Stay tuned for my next post all about this beautiful little oasis an hour ferry ride from the Maine coast!
Stay: Laughton House & Cottages
Dress: DeLa Cruz Boutique
Restaurant: Contented Sole
Info from: visitmaine.com & Wikipedia.com
It was the perfect New England Day
Moody & Beautiful
Location: Willard Beach, South Portland
Sweater I'm wearing: DeLa Cruz Boutique
Necklace: Besos Jewelry by Amber
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I took way too many photos in Boston but I couldn't help it - It's a very photogenic city.
We woke up day 2 and hit the road in search for some Dim Sum - so China town it was! You think Boston is busy everywhere else .. that is until...
you hit up China town.
Dim Sum was the only thing in our agenda this day. To be honest, there is so much to do in Boston that it can be good to not have an itinerary. So after lunch we just walked around. We walked the entire day actually. From China town to the Boson Commons, from the commons to the seaport, Down by the waterfront to Quincy Market and from Quincy Market back to the North end. Needless to say - we slept like babies that night. Tired and very, very happy.
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Lucky for us, we live only 2.5 hours from one of our favorite little cities. So Boston for the weekend was a no-brainer.
We took the AMTRAK from Portland to Boston and omg - I might never drive to Boston again. It was so quick, there was a cafe with breakfast and coffee and outlets to plug in so I totally got some work in! Highly recommend taking the train and I will definitely do it again.
Next we checked into our hotel in East Cambridge which was a short UBER ride from the North Station. The Kimpton Marlowe is adorable, so comfortable and pet friendly!
Our first stop has been on my list for about a year now and it was worth the wait.
The Isabella Stewart Gardiner Museum is. a. MUST. when in Boston. We could have stayed there all day. I sort of wish we did. Multiple levels of beautiful art curated by this family and the courtyard! Absolute perfection. I am so happy we finally made it here and I just want to keep going back.
x
Did I mention their beautiful little green house? Oh yeah you can eat in the cutest cafe there too. It totally reminds me of something out of a Wes Anderson movie.
A short walk from the Museum (to our surprise) was Fenway park. We aren't huge sports fans (shocker i know) but we do love visiting important
parts of a city's history and let's face it, the history in this field can be felt the second you arrive.
We hopped around a couple of bars here :
1. Beerworks Brewing Co. - food + drink and an adorable photo booth!
2. Bleacher Bar -full bar under the bleachers at Fenway. It also has a chain link fence open to center field. I can't even imagine what
this bar is like on game days.
3. The Cheeky Monkey - I LOVED this place. It's the kind of bar that you can dress up for but has fun games like billiards, ping pong,
shuffle board etc. The bartenders are so friendly and super knowledgeable and they have a great blueberry beer
(i'm not a huge fan of fruity tasting beers but a *GOOD blueberry beer really gets me)
For dinner we hit up the North end and ate at the MOST delicious Italian restaurant:
I have ZERO photos of the food here because we were starving and it was just TOO GOOD. Delicious find & Authentic Italian experience. All I have is a pic of me in a state of a food coma. lol
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Here are some snaps from the trip and if you'd like to know where I stayed and where I ate and also what museum I visited - scroll all the way down to the bottom. <3 Thanks for stopping by
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If you are like me, then your mind goes blank when people ask you what you want for Christmas - I for one, always think it's helpful when people put together a list of what they want. I always ask Greg and my mom to give me a list of things they would like as gifts and I can choose form there. I mean hey, I'm a busy girl! They have always asked me to do the same. This year - my tribe has grown a bit and I went out searching for unique and cool gifts ideas for not only my family but of course my friends. I thought a lot of these were so cool that I saved them all and decided to share them with you! Because sometimes we just need a little help with gift ideas.
I realize there are a lot more categories for gift ideas but these are just the ones that applied to the people in my life. Hey, maybe some of these will take you down a fun rabbit hole of links and you end up at the perfect gift!
If you are REALLY like me, then you have one or more of the following types of people in your life.
-- Click on the photo to buy! --
* For your Boss Babes *
Because your coffee table looks lonely
Coffee Table Book
Coffee Table Book
Coffee Table Book
Empowered Women Empower Women Coffee Mug
Some Decor for the office
Women's March Art Print
Boss Babe - Rose Gold Foil Print
Boobs Throw Pillowbecause who doesn't like to lay on a nice pair
See it. Wear it.
Boobs Necklace wearable feminism
GRL PWR pocket Shirt
Boss Babe on the Go!
Strong Women Strong World Travel Mug
* For Self Care Enthusiast *
If you are in Portland, head on over to Health Resonates and get your loved one a gift certificate to the best wellness center in town!
Health ResonatesWellness - Beauty - Lifestyle
At home pampering essentials
AROMA OM® GOLD MARBLEUltrasonic diffusing is an easy, heat-free way to enjoy Saje diffuser blends.
Celebrate You Self-Care Set
Mad Hippie Advanced Skin carenatural skin care
Bonito Beauty ProductsBuy in sets
BEER SOAPyup. Beer. Soap
Beard Grooming & Trimming Kit
For healthy living & adventure!
NutriBullet Pro
ULTRA-LIGHT DOWN PACKABLE VESTSEE MY INSTAGRAM FOR GIVEAWAY DETAILS!
Vitamin SubscriptionThe most personalized gift card ever
AOOK Running Belt Zipper Design
CBD Oil: Everyday Secrets
* For the environmentalist *
(which we should all be)
From handmade fashion to re-usable essentials
Natural Bamboo Toothbrush
hand crafted jewelry
hand crafted pottery
Reusable Stainless Steel Straws
Zojirushi SM-KHE48AG Stainless Steel Mug
Help them do their part!
Solar Charger
Yimby Tumbler Composter
* The Creative *
As a creative myself, trust me - they'll thank you for these ;)
SanDisk 64GB Extreme PRO SDXC UHS-I Memory Card
Manfrotto PIXI Mini Table Top Tripod
FUJIFILM INSTAX Mini 90 Neo Classic Instant Camera
Paper tabletreMarkable Holiday Bundle
Polaroid Cube HD 1080p Lifestyle Action Video Camera
Touch Gloves
The Foodie
Chemex Classic Series, Pour-over Glass Coffeemaker
Click & Grow Smart Garden 3 Self Watering Indoor Garden
THE CHILLI COLLECTION
Bottle opener
Gifts from Stonewall Kitchen
Oil & Vinegar Babuska Cruet
Gemini Espresso Makerbut also, SO CUTE!
My Flavor Water Carafe
The Fashion Lover
Trends on Trends and some classic favorites of course!
Ana Wrap Mini SKIRTPERFECT FOR THE HOLIDAYS!
Kings Animal Print SkirtWork, Party, good for any occasion!
Madison Pull Over KnitCute winter cozies
Maria Layered Necklace - GoldTrendy accessories
Chelsea BootLatest shoe trend
DANIEL WELLINGTONHoliday gift sets
Falcon Sneaker
ADIDAS
x Atlantic-Pacific Cashmere Lined Leather Gloves
WANDLER
Anna leather belt bag
Reversible leather belt with Double G buckle
RUSLAN BAGINSKIY
embroidered Greek fishermans hat
iHome Vanity Mirror Speaker
FRANCES IN CLASSIC TORTOISE
Texting gloves in everyday cashmere
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]]>Said my uncle as we walked into Fort Tryon Park. A park in my old neighborhood of Washington Heights. It's become a bit of a thing lately... us taking walks in the neighborhood I grew up in whenever I visit NYC. He's the only one of us left there and I am grateful for that because it seems in the last few years SO many things in my life have changed.
It's always bittersweet going back. On one hand I am happy that it's doing better, building new spaces and businesses that will help the community.
Seeing where you grew up becoming a better version of itself. But on the other hand, coming back to what you feel is home and almost not recognizing it can be a bit sad. Looking for the pizza place you use to frequent after school, or that character walking down the street talking to himself LOL ( just me?) Washington Heights is not the NYC you see on TV ;p
Anyways, enough of the goosh. I love walking my old neighborhood, passing my first job and watching people still enjoying the parks near my high school. some things never change no matter what the place looks like.
That's my uncle =) I took this pic 5 seconds after he said that sentence. I just felt I had to!
My very first job was working in this pharmacy
On the flip side, I stayed with my mother in law in her home in Long Island and it is crazy to see the contrast of where I grew up and where my husband Greg grew up. We took a little trip to Old Westbury Gardens. The location of the Phipps Mansion. If you ever get the chance to go to such a place, take it. We took the tour and learned so much about how these people lived when they were there and it was fascinating!
This place was beautiful and was prepping for a wedding that day. Can you say dream?
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It was President's day weekend and my parents came up to visit. I've heard about Camden for a while now but I asked on my instagram for day trip suggestions and Camden was at the top of the list for pretty much everyone that wrote me. So before Friday rolled around I decided Camden would be the place. Then, it snowed all night into late morning the day we were supposed to go. I thought for sure, we weren't going. But Greg was not having it. He knew how much I wanted this day trip and made us all get dressed and rush out the door.
We stopped at the deli, got some breakfast sandwiches and drove the two hours up the coast. As soon as I saw the scenery I knew it was a good decision.
We got there and it was beautiful! I couldn't wait to hit the trail!
It was a slippery hike but we took our time and took in the scenes. There were a few other hikers here and there but it felt like we had the whole trail all to himself.
The top literally took our breath away. What a beauty!
<3
Bella was so happy to reach the top too! She led most of the way and made sure she knew where everyone was the whole time.
This is not Greg doing some cool mountain man stunt.... this is Greg recovering from his fall =p
We made it to the bottom and took a stroll on the lake.
After our hike we headed into town. We tried to walk around and we did manage to stop in some really cute shops but we were STARVING and luckily for us one of the shop owners told us where we could find some good sea food.
It didn't take much to convince us and so off we went to Waterfront. A very good restaurant right on the ... you guessed it! I ordered so much food Greg did not think I was going to eat it all but after that hike I consumed every last bit. Also, I was so hungry, there are no photos of this food because I just went in! But check out this view right from the restaurant!
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First of all :ssiiiiiigggghhhh:: the process of buying our first home is over and we are moving in. It takes a lot of organization, detective work and mental strength to buy a place but we got through it and the reward is - pure satisfaction. We are still in Portland, ME - in fact we only had to move seven minutes away. We truly do love it here so much and are so happy to have our very first permanent/ non renting/ all ours - little home. ::happy dance:: Now the fun really begins. I will be sharing little details in as we start really making it our own.
In the meantime, I thought I would share some of the biggest things I learned and wish I knew when going into this process.
1. Get pre approved! We contacted our real estate agent way before we knew absolutely anything about the process and what it would take. Luckily we had a really good agent on our side and he told us to immediately go to the bank and see what amount we get pre approved for. The reason for this - even if you are just starting to look - or aren't even looking to buy just want to see what is out there - is you might fall in love with something on your first outing. You found it and you can't even believe it happened so fast - you go to the bank and wait! It's way out of what you THOUGHT your price range was. ::Enter disappointment:: So yes - it's super important to get pre - approved before you start looking.
2. Make sure you get yourself a REALLY GOOD real estate agent. Do your research, listen to recommendations and interview different agents before you settle on one. We can't say enough good things about our agent. He was INCREDIBLE! He really listened to what we wanted and made us aware of a lot of different things we didn't even know. He always led us in the right direction and was super on top of paperwork and deadlines. He really looked out for our best interest and we are so grateful for his hard work.
3. Make sure you have important documents organized and ready to send in once you choose a lender. A lot of the stress for us was tracking down things like W2's, paystubs, 401k documents, etc. Sure we had it, but to be honest we weren't very organized when it came to filing it and keeping it all in the same place. We have learned our lesson.
4. If there is a first time home buyers class offered near you - TAKE IT! we did and I can't express enough how helpful and informative it was. We learned A LOT and would highly recommend it to everyone.
For us, buying a home was a BIG DEAL. It is important to take it seriously and keep organized. Make sure you have the right people on your side and things WILL work out.
The most important piece of advise I guess I could give is
KEEP CALM.
It is a very stressful process but there is a light at the end of the tunnel I promise!
I, by no means am an expert in any of this and of course every individual's experience is different. I just thought I would share some thoughts I would've liked someone would have shared with me in the beginning of all this.
]]>This year, I plan to dedicate a little bit more time to my blog, hopefully get to interact a lot more with you guys and share more about our life and adventures here. I want you to see us grow and our life change and I want to celebrate things with you too! Thank you guys for your support and making my social media and photography journey so fun. It means so much <3 I am excited to share more with you and hope you all enjoy following along.
So let's begin with a few of my favorite moments from our first year in Maine!
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Sweaters - Knit Turtleneck Sweater - style , Knit Turtleneck Sweater - color , Wish list Knit
Jeans - Skinny Jeans , All time favorites
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Here are some fun snaps from my last visit to NYC. My buddy Phil and I walked around the LES until we ended up on a street I had never seen before.(rare for me)
It looked like a movie set it was so stinkin' cute.
See bottom for outfit deets ;p
Sunglasses: Ray Ban
Top: ZARA
Jeans: Levi's 721
Shoes: ZARA
Watch: Daniel Wellington
Photographer: Phil Junor
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Also how cute is my bestie!
Top: Target
Jeans: Levi's 721
Shoes: ZARA
Watch: Daniel Wellington
Belt: FOREVER 21
Photographer: Davidson Miranda
]]>This past Saturday I decided to take a little day trip up to the cute little town of Hallowell! If you haven't been yet, you should definitely try to check it out. It's downtown is very small (about six blocks or so) but it's six blocks of adorable store fronts and two very good breweries with great food and live music. We got there around lunch time so grabbed a quick bite at The Liberal cup. After some yummy spinach artichoke dip and fish and chips we walked across the street to the Quarry Tap Room for a refreshing local brewed beer. If beer isn't your thing. There is still plenty to see and do. The town is right on the Kennebec River with a nice space full of chairs where you can sit and enjoy the view or just walk along the water. There are antique shops, an awesome candy store and a beautiful trail not to far away. This little town has so much charm. The perfect location for a beautiful Saturday afternoon.
Here are a few snaps from my Saturday in Hallowell
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Not only is this a memory I will cherish for the rest of my life I will also cherish who I spent it with. For my birthday adventure weekend I decided to bring along the three most important beings in my life. My mom, my hubby Greg and our dog Bella!
Acadia National Park was truly an amazing experience and the perfect location for my thirtieth birthday!
Oh! Quick reminder guys! I am still accepting donations to help with the shipping costs of all the food, clothes, shoes and supplies I am sending to Puerto Rico
Please don't forget about them they still need our help! There is still no electricity or water in A LOT of the island. My best friend Maria is one of the people still with none of this. So please if there is any way you can help whether donating to us to get this stuff down there or anywhere else you know of please help!
Here is the link to my GoFundMe page. We are almost at our goal! Help us get these supplies down to the people that need them!
https://www.gofundme.com/puerto-rico-shipping-costs-help
Bella was feeling on top of the world!
We stayed at the Cutest cottage my Hubby found on AirBNB it was right on the water and had so much space for Bella to run around!
On our way back down to Portland we decided to drive down the coast and make a quick stop in Rockland.
My mom showing off =p
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Model: Lacey - @laceymwilson
Blue Dress: Always Piper - @always_piper
This was my first time shooting a blogger and I had a blast in the process.
Yasmine was just getting over a cold and had been on a shoot for six hours before we met up. Yes, I said six hours. Not to mention it was about 45 degrees and very windy at our location. Yet, Yasmine was professional, polite and such a pleasure to shoot with. I had so much fun and loved the results of this collaboration. If all bloggers are like Yasmine then - bloggers Hit me up! 🤙
And go check out this lovely lady's blog for the feature and so much more!
http://rebbelle.com
Thanks Chelsea for a super fun shoot!
*Locations below
Locations:
Skillins Greenhouse Falmouth, ME
Tandem Coffee Roasters Portland, ME
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I got to meet and work with Grace in the middle of a snow storm this past weekend. She was a trooper! It was seriously coming down and Grace was right there with us rollin' with the punches. We ventured around the city a bit starting at the library, making our way down to Dobra Tea Shop then to the very awesome Bull Moose record store. All these locations were so fun and full credit goes to Sety Fu Photography for finding them! Being new to Portland is difficult sometimes because I am not use to living in a city I don't know every inch of. Luckily I had the guidance of Sety and every place we went to was perfection. This shoot was so much fun and hopefully is the beginning of many more like it in Maine.
Hope you like the photos!
Location: Dobra Tea. Portland, ME
Location: Bull Moose. Portland, ME
Hello and Happy Valentine's day!
This post was super spontaneous and I'll admit mostly for my close friends and fam to give them a quick update on our snowed in weekend. This is not a Valentine's day post. It just so happened to coincide so sorry =)
Anywho, here is a mini weekend recap since I pretty much had a 5 day weekend YIKES! Most of the time we were in our home keeping cozy because the snow outside was coming down hard. But we did manage to enjoy our last snow day yesterday and adventured to the park with Bella for some fun. The snow went up and over my knees! Even poor Bella was sinking. Luckily she has a little deer sprint in her (if you saw her Instagram story you know what I'm talking about ;p ) She LOVED every second of it. Greg wanted to take charge of the camera which is why he's not in here so I said sure honey and he documented a glimpse of our snow day in the park.
I haven't been blogging as much as I want to since we've been moving and settling into our new little apartment. But I thought that I would post something today since we just made ONE month in Portland! A lot of our friends and family have been asking to see the new apt so...In honor of this first milestone I am sharing an apartment preview! Not all our room are here because not all our room are clean =p Although we've come a long way with getting the place together we still have much to go. So here is a sneak peak.
The walls are bare and the furniture is minimum but I really wanted to take my time with decorating this home to our liking. One lesson we learned from our first place in Queens is that you can't rush it. Cliche I know, but it's sooooo true. It's hard to stop yourself from wanting to buy absolutely everything all at once and have everything set right away but you have to take your time. Trust me!
Our living room!
We kept our furniture for this room because well...if it ain't broke right! Also, this couch is soooo comfy. My mom was kind enough to give us this living room set 7 years ago and we still love it so there's no way we could get rid of it.
Bedroom!
Although 99.9% of everything in here we needed to purchase this time around (we HAD to graduate from a full to a queen), there are things we kept from our last place. Like our TV of course and this wonderful jewelry armoire Greg's mom gave me a few years ago. It might not match perfectly but I believe in keeping things that mean something.
I'm pretty sure Bella thinks this her HER new bed...
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Our movers came to pick up our furniture on Monday and well, they are still not here (grr) so we have no furniture, no TV, no internet... pretty much just our bed and a tiny monitor with an antenna to watch local channels. I am NOT complaining - I swear! Just wanted to paint a picture here. We are starting the adjustment process here. So far we have found a coffee shop with WI-FI which I am sitting in right now writing this post, a few pretty awesome grocery stores, an awesome breakfast spot and a nearby hiking trail!
We got here Monday night to a nice cool 8 degrees and we thought - well great. However, yesterday surprised us when we woke up to a beautiful sunny day. At around noon the temperature rose to a wonderful 55 degrees. Greg and I looked at each other and said...hike?... Hike! Yup people, we went for a hike. Now I am kicking myself because my camera is still packed up somewhere so I wasn't able to document this beautiful hike with anything other than my iPhone camera. So the quality isn't wonderful but anyone that knows me knows I just can't help myself. I needed to take the photos no matter what I had. It was just so beautiful. Of course my iPhone camera does not do this hike justice but I still wanted to share with you guys.
Greg made me a walking stick 😛
Oh hey!
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Queens, New York
In 2010 Greg and I went on a hunt for a place to live in together. Boy did we luck out. We found this awesome one bedroom apartment on the fifth floor of a walk up right in between LIC and Astoria. When we moved in, we were excited to explore our new neighborhood. Walking all over it checking out the restaurants, bars, pubs and of course, the beer gardens. We found out very quickly that Queens is awesome! The culture and diversity in this borough is none like I’ve ever experienced before; there is a little bit of EVERYTHING. Needless to say we have very much cherished and enjoyed our life here. We’ve had countless laughs, have had even more brunches. We adopted our first dog together, got engaged and then married; met some amazing people and brought people into the neighborhood.
We love Queens and are forever grateful for everything it has been to us.
Here's to Queens!
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"New Year - New Everything!"
2017 is going to be a year of a lot of firsts for us because Greg, Bella and I are moving! After 15 and a half years of living in New York City (for me - 11 for Greg) we have decided to pack up our life and head north. The Gabriels are re-locating to Portland, Maine! I know what you're thinking - It's so cold up there! Who cares! Portland is such a cool little city (even though it's the biggest city in Maine) with so much art, culture and yes, food to offer. If we don't try it now - will we ever?
Why?
Greg and I have been searching for years for a place to re-locate to. Nothing seemed right enough to commit to - until we went back to Maine in September for a quick anniversary trip. We visited Maine about 5 years ago but stayed in Old Orchard beach, hung out at Kennebunk Port and shopped at Freeport. In fact, I very clearly remember on our drive from Old Orchard beach to Freeport Greg mentioning Portland and how it's such a cool city and me thinking .... eh, let skip it this time. So when we went back up there in September I bit my tongue alright. Portland is AWESOME!
The food scene for one - Are you kidding me? Sea food is not the only game in town. Their restaurants are up to par with any of the ones I've been to in NYC. Greg is in the restaurant business and well it was sort of a no brainer for him.
But what would I do?
Well, it took me all of a couple of weeks to find a job up there. Can you believe it?! I couldn't.
We have been incredibly lucky in New York. Let's face it I grew up here.I lived and went to high school in Washington Heights, dormed in college in the Bronx and our first home together has been in Queens. We have always been surrounded by friends and family. Our life here is not bad and NYC will always - always be a huge chunk of my heart. But it's time to move on. Search for a different way of life. Don't get me wrong I will be coming back to feel that hustle and bustle rush of the city but I think that for now - we will explore something different and see what other places may have in store for us.
We are so excited and so terrified but we are ready for this new adventure together.
I was looking through archives of my photos last night and came across some pictures of our very first visit to Maine in 2011.
If you want to take a look at our most recent trip to Maine as well click here!
And a very healthy and Happy New Years to all!
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However, this year has been truly amazing for me when it came to my photography and I had the immense pleasure of working with so many amazing and beautiful people. I wanted to dedicate this blog post to all my wonderful clients of 2016. You guys truly made my year so much fun. You allowed me to put my passion into practice and for that I am so so grateful! You have NO idea how much it meant to me that you chose me to capture your special moments this year. A million gazillion times thank you thank you thank you!!!
When your friend says let's go shoot in the rain - you go shoot in the rain! This spontaneous shoot was such a success I am so happy with how the photos came out and it was so much fun! I've shot Kate a few times before and each time it's a blast and results in amazing images. This was my first time shooting in the rain but I guarantee it will not be my last. Hope you like them! =)
I've been trying to get Sarah in front of my camera for months! Because - well I mean - look at her! Our busy lives made us set a date about a month in advanced for a nice girly day of shooting and some yoga after. It was one of the funnest, most pleasant saturdays I've had! The shoot was so much fun. We went down to Gantry state park in Long Island City NY and kind of winged it. Oh boy did it work! I am so happy with how the portraits came out and I have to say for a non yoga girl - Her session was the most relaxing yoga sessions I think I have ever had. Thank you Sarah for such a fun and relaxing Saturday afternoon. =) Here are some of my absolute favorites from my shoot with Sarah. Hope you like them as much as I do.
I met up with these two love birds in a quaint little park in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. To be clear, Sandwiches is this couple's adorable puppy! He was scared of my camera at first but that did not stop him from being the cutest subject that day. We took a nice little stroll in the park and then they played a little catch which lets face it is so cute. Here are some of my favorites from this very fun engagement shoot.
Alright, can we take a second and talk about how adorable the Salon Family is! Jenn, Josh and their 3 year old son Chase met me across the street of the Guggenheim Museum in NYC on what has been one of the most beautiful fall days we have had so far. It was 60 degrees! It was the perfect day to walk in the park, enjoy good conversation, laugh and take some pictures. So that is exactly what we did. Thank you guys for letting me spend such a nice day in Central Park with you! Here are some of my favorites from last weekend's family shoot. Enjoy!
Did a little family portrait session over the weekend with the Craines and wanted to share some of my favorites. Their daughter Layla is so adorable and what a talker! She was so helpful during the shoot handing me my purse so I wouldn't forget it. Saying please and thank you. Most importantly having fun! I had so much fun with this family on a very cute location near a lake. Thank you for letting me share a beautiful fall afternoon with you guys!
If you know me ... you know Masiel. That's because we've been friend for 15 years. She was my maid of honor and one of the best people in my life. However, Masiel is stubborn and hates being in front of the camera. This past weekend I FINALLY got her in front of my lens and holy moly she is gorgg!! It started pouring about 5 seconds into our session so we only got a few shots. Once the rain stopped we ran to get some more before the sun set completely. Anyways, she refuses to look at this post because in her words she "hates looking at her face" =p but I think they came out beautiful. Hope you like them too!
This little family is extra special to me ... because they are mine! This past Saturday My bro and sis in law took my beautiful little niece for a nice stroll in the park near their home. The weather was PERFECT and the trees are FINALLY turning. It was the perfect day for a Fall mini Family portrait shoot. Here are some of my faves. Enjoy!
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This past weekend we took a little trip to Pennsylvania to visit some family. Before we got to their house we stumbled upon a small hiking trail and decided to take a detour =) Pennsylvania is so pretty! We walked up to the top of the trail and saw nothing but trees and land. The weather was so perfect too I was hiking in a tank top!
Even our little friend Kermit came out to say hi!
You can count on us to find a vineyard!
It's a lucky thing...having beautiful friends. I know Sarah from College but my husband Greg knows her for well...forever. I was lucky enough to take her and her husbands engagement photos and a month ago I brought up the idea of doing another mini shoot with her. Lucky for me - her response was "you read my mind!" So this past weekend we hopped in the car and took a drive to Jones Beach. The weather was perfect and we practically had the beach all to ourselves. We did so much catching up I feel like we were talking and laughing every second between shots. Here are a few of my absolute favorites from this past weekend's Beach shoot. Hope you like them!
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This past weekend we took a nice scenic drive up to Westchester for a tiny little pumpkin picking trip with my mom and step dad. Much like our last trip upstate, it was a lot of walking and picking heehee. We even found a little vineyard and a small christmas tree ... field? Did you know - Poison Ivy grows on christmas trees? I didn't ! thank goodness Greg was there to tell me not to touch! Here are a few of my favorite moments. hope you like them too =)
This is my mom's "I see an apple" pose =p
Every year the Gabriel Family hops in multiple cars and takes a scenic ride to upstate New York for our annual apple picking trip. We wake up early head to the same Diner for a hearty breakfast and head to the orchards to pick apples, get some yummy cinnamon sugar apple cider donuts and spend some good old quality time together. It's my favorite family event. Here are some of my favorite little moments of this year's trip.
Here are some of my favorite memories from our little weekend getaway.
I Honestly think Portland was made for Greg. Not only is it such a foodie city - it has so many shops he loves. He was going nuts !
Let me start by telling you how much fun this shoot was! Noemi is one of the absolute sweetest people I have ever had the pleasure of shooting. Not to mention drop dead gorgeous! We pretty much walked almost all of Prospect Park which was funny because neither one of us live in Brooklyn nor were familiar with the park at all. But we were able to find some pretty sweet shooting spots and somehow found our way to an icy vendor. Noemi was nice enough to treat me to a cherry icy (my favorite =p ) The day was great. Noemi is also a photographer and it was very cool shooting someone who knows what is going through my head as well. Loved talking to someone who has similar interests and I can really relate to. Thank you Noemi for such a fun shoot!
I got to hang out with an old friend this past weekend and it was so much fun. Stephanie and I have been friends since we were 14 years old. Although we don't get to spend much time together now, when we do it's as if no time has passed. Sunday afternoon I pick her up from work and we grabbed a bite to eat. Caught up and talked about out jobs, friends, families. Then we walked - what felt like 50 miles to me - and I say to her "ready to shoot?" She of course freaked out because she was in her work clothes and 100% make up free. Needless to say - she didn't need it. I want to get back into portrait work and I think a good friend was the perfect way to start. I love how the photos came out and although I was a little rusty it was a blast. Here are a few of my favorite shots from this past weekend. Hope you enjoy! M.G.
This past weekend was labor day weekend and Greg and I ... and about 15 other gals and guys road tripped it up to Vermont for the holiday. I had only been to Vermont once and of course, how could one not love VT. It is absolutely beautiful up there! And soooo peaceful. We had such a blast with all our friends and had such a fun, relaxing weekend we wish it was extended. But it's back to reality for us and most of NYC today. So I hope everyone has a nice easy week.
Here are just a few moments from our trip. I had so much fun I forgot to pull out my camera for most of the trip yikes! =p
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These two crazy kids are hitched! Not only did they allow me to capture their special day, I have been photographing this beautiful family for years so for me, it was extra special. The day seriously couldn't have been more perfect. The weather forecast had been saying it would down pour the entire day for a week and Nairobi and I had discussed how bad it would be. But we both decided that we would roll with the punches and do whatever we have to do. She even said rain or shone she will be outside in her dress. I love clients that are down for anything!
As soon as we arrived at the courthouse the rain that had been coming down since that morning completely stopped. When it came time for family photos the sun even came out and we saw some beautiful blue skies. The the newlyweds and I took some couple photos and I kid you not, as soon as we took the last shot it started pouring once again! It was like a brief wink and a smile from mother nature just for them.
Congratulations to the new Mr. & Mrs. I wish you both all the best in your marriage and I am so thankful to you two for letting me watch your family grow.
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We did so much but it didn't feel rushed at all which is the best type of trip in my opinion. We went to The children's Pool in La Jolla and watched the seals do absolutely nothing and it was amazing! lol really, those things are so darn cute I could not stop watching them. walked around for a little and did a bit of shopping. Checked out a brewery . Oh! one for the coolest parts was eating brunch and the Hotel del Coronado and strolling onto the beach from our table with our bellies fool of deliciousness and feeling like a little seal sun bathing on the sand. =p Brunch here is a must. Even just going to check out the hotel is a must. It's HUGE and so beautiful. Speaking of huge and beautiful we took a drive to Balboa park and honestly only got to see a fraction of it. But wow it was so pretty. We made it over to the cactus and rose garden before heading out. Very very cool.
We of course had to go on a hike and decided to check out Sunset Cliffs. WOW this place is beautiful. The ocean, the cliffs. I couldn't believe I was in the U.S.
All in all it was an amazing trip and getting to see my best friend made it even better. I highly recommend San Diego and feel like there is so much more to see and do. Hope you enjoy my pictures!
Today I will clean our cozy little apartment a bit. Then after that, I will buckle down in front of the computer and edit for a few hours. But first, Coffee. It is so easy to get lazy and just snuggle up for hours on a rainy saturdays like this one. What is your saturday ritual to get yourself going?
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It's also cool that a beautiful, quiet and white sand beach is never too far away. Islas del Rosario is about an hour speed boat ride out of the city. But let me tell you, it is absolutely worth it. We went on the boat with Gente del Mar who took us to their private beach on the island. We were pretty much the only ones there. It was the definition of R&R. Another beach we ventured to was Playa Blanca. Off of a local neighborhood of cheery and very friendly people. This beach felt more like a play all day beach. The water was clear and the perfect temperature, the waves were just enough to really have some fun in and there are little huts where the locals set up small bars for the urge for a cuba libre =) *Since this beach is a local's beach it was public and there are quite a few vendors around. I would suggest the hold off on buying anything until the very end of your trip here. So you are not bombarded.
Overall we had the best and most relaxing time on our week stay here. It really is such a beautiful and colorful place. I would go again and again and again if I could. The people are so cheery and warm and the food was phenomenal. If it's not on your travel bucket list it needs to be.
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Congratulations on Kathleen and Nick on their engagement. Wish you both the best in this exciting new chapter and happiness for all the years you share together. Check out the photos from their shoot below!
This past weekend was so beautiful ! We were so excited to spend the day at the park so we were really looking forward to shooting Kelly and Wellington at Fort Tryon Park in Washington Heights. They are the sweetest couple and are so filled with joy expecting their very first child, you could see it in the photos. This shoot was a lot of fun for us and it was so nice spending some time with this awesome couple.
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My sister is having a baby. A baby GIRL! I am so beyond the moon excited to be an aunt I can't hold it in any longer. We went to Central Park last week and took a bunch of adorable photos of her adorable baby bump. 4 more months to go and I can't wait to meet her!!
Christa and Charlie welcomed their baby boy in early August, and Greg and I got the honor of shooting them in July right before his arrival. On the beach on a bright summer day, this sweet and playful couple let us take their photos and capture them just having fun being themselves.
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Today was our annual apple picking day and boy was it a hot one. We went up to Lawrence Farms up in Newburgh, NY and picked away! This year was indeed very fruitful and we came home with not only a ton of apples, but grapes, corn and peppers too! Skies were blue trees are starting to turn and apples were yummy. Here are some photos from today's adventures.
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Today was a day full of sessions for me but luckily I was able to sneak away for an hour in the morning and an hour in the afternoon to Madison Square Park. Here I found an interesting exhibition they have going on by Orly Genger. It's named "Red, Yellow and Blue" and it's pretty cool! She took a lot, and I mean A LOT of rope (1.4 Million feet of it), covered it in 3,000 gallons of paint and somehow made them stand in waves across the park. Something you have to see for yourself, but here is a little preview!
And here's a photo of Shake Shack the emptiest I've ever seen it in the Spring!
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