Iowa Nice.

Until now, I have claimed myself as "Midwestern Nice." I'm re-branding as "Iowa Nice" from now on. 

In case you've wondered why I ramble about my home state, here's just a little taste. There some spicy language, so here is your NSFW warning.

PS- Remember this?

Christmas Photo Shoot take 2

How we spent our Christmas Eve. Taken after we finished these.

Christmas Photo Shoot

As a gift for his mother, who is preparing to move into a new home, Jake and I took some nice photos for her walls. Please note how nice my hair can look when I bother to do it, because you will probably not see it for another year or two.

Silhouette Gift

My boss, who you have noticed by now is a cute baby, also employs two of my friends here in Chicago as her parents. The parents have other bosses out in area hospitals where they're finishing their residencies, but we all know who they're really working for. 

For their holiday gift, I utilized my minimal Photoshop skills and turned a photo of The Boss into a silhouette portrait. Note the sweet hair-do, which was 100% natural and un-styled.

You can make one for yourself with this tutorial!

Happy 2012!

Did you get a chance to celebrate the new year just as you wanted? Whether or not you're a resolution type, January 1st makes for a wonderful opportunity to say good-bye to rough times and push the reset button. Or, in more optimistic cases, note the chance to maintain or improve upon a good year.

I had the fortune of spending my year transition in Iowa, with some of the most important people in my life. Sure, NYE in a big city is luxurious and exciting, but it is also expensive and a little lonely. My celebration in Iowa was my favorite New Year's Eve experience yet, full of loved ones, dancing, sequins, and a all-participated pajama party.

Resolutions aren't something I participate in, but I make a habit of creating motivating goals for myself at the onset of every cold season. This time around I hope to focus on building my creativity and MAKING MAKING MAKING, letting go of my homesickness and lapping up a social life while I'm here in Chicago, and hanging up my clean clothes.

Happy Holidays!

Biggest apologies for the recent radio silence. First, I was busy. Then, my internet broke down.  Excuses, excuses. I'll be back to posting regularly around the new year. There's already plenty I'm excited to share with you! Thank you for always being lovely, and I hope this next week treats you well. Don't let the holidays drag you down!

Until then, a silly photo from Christmas 2010. Our version of a Christmas portrait:

Photo by Liz Martin. Hair and makeup by Kelsey Smart (hey! you can see more of these on this website!). Spectacular Christmas tree at Fix Salon.

Whew holiday season is rough only blogging! I am currently updating from my new, first ever smart phone.

Here's a blue-pawed kitty, because no one likes a text-only post.