Best Ever.

You know that scene in "Julie and Julia," when Julie has had a bad day and it cuts to her toasting bread in a butter-filled skillet while chopping up tomatoes? And then they eat it and love it.

Ever since I watched that scene, I have had an insatiable craving for Bruschetta. And I would always order it at restaurants, only to be less-than-satisfied. But then, the Pioneer Woman was an angel. And she posted a recipe for homemade Bruschetta on her website. And I died a little.





I didn't photograph the process because it's really quite basic. You mix the tomatoes, basil, balsamic vinegar, and sauteed garlic together. Let the flavors mingle with each other for about an hour or two. Then toast your bread in a pan of butter (this is not the most health-conscious meal, but definitely the most taste-conscious). You pile the mixture on top and just devour it. I ate way too much and ended up getting a stomach ache afterward. But I regret nothing.

The Obligation Monster

Have you noticed that most of the photos I post nowadays are from Instagram? That's because I never pick up my camera anymore. Ever.

I gave it a whirl and I ended up loathing it. A while back, I decided to turn my love of photography into a business. I absolutely loved bringing people joy by photographing them and their families. But I realized last week that ever since I started taking photos to make a little money, I rarely touch my camera for any other reason. And that realization left me with so much sadness. I remember not being able to wait to take my camera places so I could find beautiful scenes and moments to capture. And now I feel the opposite. I feel like it's an obligation and a job. And I can't let that happen. So I have decided to stop doing photo shoots, indefinitely. I miss loving photography. And while it was a pretty good idea for a business, it just wasn't for me.

This photo was taken the day I bought my Canon. Man, I had butterflies that day. I'm gonna get that back.



(the title references busybee lauren)

What's Been Up, Buttercup?

I got this cute little cactus family. It's at my parents' house right now because the light in their home is so much better than in my apartment. I can't wait to move (next month) and reunite. :)



I've been working out on a regular basis for about three months now (and eating healthier). And I'm feeling great.



I hadn't bought new shoes in a long time and decided to treat myself over the weekend. It was love at first sight. Wait, just kidding. It was... infatuation at first sight. I'm trying this new thing where I recognize that love is for people, not things. I think making the distinction will be quite beneficial (the idea came from the latest edition of REAL SIMPLE magazine).

Saint Louis

Last week, I took a whirlwind of a trip to St. Louis for the wedding of my best friend and former roommate, Amelia. Turns out I was the photographer as well as the hair and makeup artist. It was busy, but everything fell into place perfectly and the ceremony (at the Botanical Gardens) was beautiful. It snowed the night before, which made for a blizzard-cold walk to the building, but a gorgeous backdrop to the wedding itself. Once I'm finished editing the actual photos of the trip, I will post a few for your viewing pleasure.



The view from our hotel suite was unforgettable; the Arch was in our backyard! The night before the wedding, we gave the bride-to-be a spa experience complete with a mud mask and foot massage while we, the friends, played silly games with chocolate on our foreheads (bottom right). Over the next 24 hours, we had rehearsals and fondue parties (topped off with multiple games of pool). It was so much fun meeting so many new friends and seeing Amelia so happy! Congratulations, girl!


Before driving home, I just had to stop by the big city mall and visit none other than Anthropologie (along with a few other stores that we Springfieldians are still being deprived of). When I walked in, they had huge canvases lined against the walls as artists painted and drew. It was so fun to watch! I managed to make it home with a few treasures from the store, such as these Penguin book-cover postcards. I love looking through them and seeing so many familiar and unfamiliar titles that have been released through the decades!

Update via Instagram

1. One of my all-time favorite snacks!
2. Honeycombs- Cutest breakfast cereal ever?
3. Remember that ONE week that Target carried the amazing brand "Liberty for London" and then suddenly stopped? That week sucked. Hence my excitement when I found this L.F.L cookie jar at an antique mall last month for half the retail price! Score.
4. Wonderful and cute and so considerate! (This isn't some clever way of telling you I'm pregnant. I am definitely not pregnant. Sorry!)
5. Yummy chocolate bars with even yummier packaging.
6. I totally found this book on the "Top Craft Books" shelf at Barnes and Noble the other night. I could not stop giggling. I mean... really?