Smoky Mountains

Knoxville, TN

Lake Retba

Lake Retba, Sengal's pink lake changes color depending on the time of day varying from a light purple to a deep scarlet pink. "The strawberry color is produced by salt-loving organism Dunaliella salina. They produce a red pigment that absorbs and uses the energy of sunlight to create more energy, turning the water pink," (Michael Danson). The color is particularly visible during the dry season*.

Lake Retba's salt content is very high, as much as 40%, which is almost one and a half times higher than in the Dead Sea. Since the 70's', local residents have been mining the lake for its salt, which they use mainly to preserve fish. Waist-deep in water, the men scrape the bottom of the lake to harvest this universally useful mineral. The salt is then taken back to shore where its sectioned off into small mounds*.

*Lake Retba - Senegal's pink lake

Mother's day

Thank you mom for all you do!

<3 

Laser cut sushi rolls

As if sushi wasn't cute enough already- those little squares with bright colors smushed between a blanket of rice paired with the tiny soy sauce dishes and mini saki pitchers with chop sticks. Now look! A punch of laser-cut cherry blossoms, water drops and tortoise shell carved right into the Nori. As part of an effort to boost sales following the 2011 tsunami, I&S BBDO, a japanese ad agency, created intricate laser-cut designs for their client, Umino Seaweed. The designers, conveying a classic brand heritage and positive hope for the future, created patterns that signify happiness and long-life-right into the Nori! 

*FoodBeast

1. i spy koi 2. Georgia 3. Owen (4 mos) & I on St. Patty's day 4. Sleepy baby 5. Woodland cemetery     6. Grandma Jane & I. 7. Great magnet 8. Shamrock 9. Ray

sunday funday

1. Rayne, Georgia, & Canyon 2. this is why Goodwill is amazing; $2.99 for a black Hobo purse. Classic. 3. Stoppin by to have lunch w/ Grandpa. 4. Destiny. I think my feet will live in these. 5. Rayne turns 5. With Buzz. 6. Quick stand-in for Maggie.

just a lil somethin

it snowed

ballin on a budget

girls

"Girls do not dress for boys. They dress for themselves, and of course, each other. If girls dressed for boys, they'd just walk around naked at all times." -Betsy Johnson

"If there is ever a tomorrow where we're not together.. there is something you must remember. You are braver than you seem, and smarter than you think. But the most important thing is, if we're apart I'll always be with you." -Pooh

"I believe in being strong when everything seems to be going wrong. I believe that happy girls are the prettiest girls. I believe that tomorrow is another day and I believe in miracles." -Audrey Hepburn

"Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony." -Ghandi

Snow day

Every birthday/holiday I am constantly racking my brain for the most unique gift ideas because quite frankly, my parents have everything. Judging by my mother's reaction to the photos my brother and I had gotten done for a Christmas present a few years ago I figured that idea was a home run.

This year I scored a living social deal with a local photographer and got us a photo shoot. We were talking on our way to the shoot and came to the conclusion that it had been roughly 10 years since we've been photographed together! 

ikonix studio

Holidays

It didn't feel a bit like Christmas this year. 45+ degrees, not a cloud in the sky, and no snow in sight I spent the day in Waterloo Iowa with my family. Its been fun watching my cousins grow up.. they're so damn adorable. I am excited about the new year approaching: I turn 27!