Project 52: Week 38

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Aren't these candy corn cookies cute? When I ran across the recipe, I knew I wanted to make them this fall. I used whole wheat flour, like I usually do, so the colors aren't as bright, but more natural looking. I think they actually look quite nice that way. They're really easy to make, so I'll most likely be baking some more soon. The recipe can be found at Land O'Lakes.

Beach Vacation: Sunsets

We were only able see a few sunsets, since the sky was overcast most of the evenings. I was able to capture the ones we got, though. Enjoy!

Project 52: Week 35

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I did some baking on Wednesday and made these yummy coffee cake muffins. I've modified the recipe a bit, cutting down on the sugar and using plain yogurt instead of sour cream. Below is my modified recipe and long with a link to the original.

Original recipe from Martha Stewart

Muffins:

1 stick butter, softened

1 3/4 cups flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 cup plain yogurt

1/2 cup sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 eggs

Streusel Topping:

1/3 cup brown sugar, packed

1/3 cup flour

1/2 teaspoon salt

1teaspoon ground cinnamon

3-4 tablespoons butter, cut into small pieces


Directions:

1. Streussel Topping: Combine brown sugar, flour, salt, and cinnamon. Cut in the butter.

2. Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a muffin tin with cooking spray.

3. Combine together yogurt, butter, sugar, and vanilla until well mixed. Add the eggs and mix together. Add the flour, baking powder, and baking soda and stir just till combined.

4. Fill the muffin tins about 1/3 of the way with the batter, then sprinkle some of the streussel topping on top. Then add another 1/3 of batter on top, and sprinkle with streussel topping again.

5. Bake for about 25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. 

Renee: 2012 Senior

Renee and I have known each other since we moved into the same neighborhood, right across the street from each other, eleven years ago. Back then we had fun riding bikes together, playing in the playhouse in my backyard, baking chocolate chip cookies, and playing basketball together. Now she'll be graduating from high school this spring. My, how time flies!

Our first stop was the beach. There were very few people at the beach, only a couple of fishermen, which was perfect for us.

We woke up to dark, overcast skies that morning. However it wasn't long before the sun peaked out. I couldn't have asked for more beautiful weather!

Once we finished shooting at the beach, we headed to the town center near our house. I was able to capture some gorgeous portraits there.

Love her eyes!

This is one of my favorites.

Sadly there was no water running out of the fountain, but it still made for a beautiful photo.

Beach Vacation: Daniel's Birthday

We celebrated Daniel's birthday at the beach house, just like we did last year. He also chose the same kind of cake that he had last time as well, which was gluten-free chocolate cake. To make opening presents a bit more fun, we hid the gifts in different places around the house and had clues leading to each on. Daniel had lots of fun figuring out the clues and searching for his gifts.

We had a little trouble lighting the candles, hence the two lighters.

I love blowing out the candle shots.

Project 52: Week 33 & 34

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It's fun photographing little details and things that most people wouldn't give a second thought too. I liked the rust on this chain link fence, along with the golden light from the sunset, and thought it would make a fun photo.

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Yesterday morning I went out with my friend Renee to take her senior portraits. Here's a little preview of the shoot:

Beach Vacation: Enjoying the Beach

For our trip, we stayed at the same house that we rented last year. I really love that we can see the ocean from the big living room windows and watch the sunsets from there as well. The weather was a bit colder and windier than last year, so we didn't spend as much time outside. We woke up to fog every morning and overcast skies. Despite the not so enjoyable weather, we had a grand time.

“I have always loved the beach. The smell of the salty water, the wind in my face, the gentle roar of the waves all combine to create a sense of peace and calm.”
--Unknown

One of the first evenings, Daddy, Aunt Carol, Tiana, and I went for a walk along the water. We were all a bit chilly, when my dad found this log that was still on fire. So we decided huddle around it and warm up. Or at least pretend to... :)

Myself, Daddy, and Tiana. Aunt Carol took this shot.

“Our memories of the ocean will linger on, long after our footprints in the sand are gone.” 

--Unknown

One of the mornings I took a bunch of self-portraits.