I always enjoy my trips to California. This time I brought my camera and had some fun with it. My awesome hosts (Evis and Jeff) from AWESOMETOWN took such great care of me. We did all kinds of fun stuff… here’s a peek into my lovely week in California. My favorite memories from the trip:

• Lunch at Lucques in Melrose Place
• Best iced mocha ever – at Intelligentsia
• Awesome finds at hipster shops on Abbot Kinney
• Taking random photos with Evis all over LA, inside shops, on the pier, on the beach….
• Getting sand between my toes at Santa Monica and walking on the pier
• Lovely 4th of July celebration with good friends
• Photo session in Filmore, then Santa Paula
• Overdosing on In-N-Out and Yum Yum donuts
• Seeing ol’ friends
• Smelling the air in Newhall. Yes – there is a distinctness to it and i’ve missed it.

Thank you everyone who came out and spent time with me. You know who you are.

Last Sunday the Bean family and I went to the U. S. Botanic Garden in DC for their Christmas photos. I’ve been friends with the Beans for many years and have always been blessed by their friendship. This session was special because I had the chance to play with Alex and spend a little more time with Andrew the latest addition to their family.

What an absolutely loving family. I had such a great  and relaxing time with them. While editing their photos seeing the smiles of Alex (their 3 1/2 yr old) would just make me smile – he is the cutest thing and very photogenic which always helps

Here are some of my favorites from their session. Enjoy!

Week 2 of the South Beach diet hasn’t been easy but here are two of the dishes i’ve enjoyed.

Left: Rainbow trout stuffed with crab meat (from Wegmans) + spinach arugula salad with sauteed onions, mushrooms and sweet tomatoes.
Right: Turkey Lettuce Wrap Tacos with Chiles, Cumin, Cilantro, Lime and Tomato-Avocado Salsa (recipe) This was exceptionally delicious!

Here are some of my favorites from Anne & Michael’s wedding, October 17, 2009. The wedding was in Winchester, Virignia.
Anne and Mike, thank you so much for giving me the honor of sharing at your wedding in such a special way.

Congratulations Mr and Mrs Hunter!