NEW YEAR

Hello there, long time no... see? Is see the word? Read? Whatever this is. I haven't made a post on this blog in quite a few months. To be honest, I simply lost interest in it. I lacked a motivation for posting, and my notebook full of ideas seemed pointless every time I would pick it up. I decided to try youtube for a while, and took my inspiration to that platform as I had found a community I loved there. I still have some interest in it, but at the moment I feel a bit disconnected from it. As a natural introvert, I find the most joy and comfort out of mediums like still photography and writing.

So, alas, here I am. This is a new year, and with it, comes new ideas and new passions. 2013 for me was an interesting one. There were many times where I felt stuck and lost - at least creatively. I had my ups and my downs personally and professionally, as many people do. This new year for me is a giant question mark. I will be graduating from college in five months time, which is both exhilarating and terrifying. I have so much work to do before then, and thinking about the work ahead of me after I receive my diploma gives me a mild heart attack. Not knowing what I plan to do with my life after I leave this place is probably the most stressful thing I've ever had to contemplate.

But on the other hand, it's the most exciting. It's easy to forget sometimes how lucky I am. Yes, this year will be a lot of work. Yes, it will be upsetting and stressful and confusing. But I have choices. I will have a degree in my hand before I even turn 22. I know with the state of the world as it is, with the unpromising state of our economy, and with the statistics of students getting jobs being as low as it is - especially in a major like mine - that I do not have an easy, or even promised, road ahead of me. But I do have a road ahead of me. I have choices and I have knowledge and I have support to follow the path that I choose to follow, or to create.

I'm not saying any of this to gloat or to brag about my life and the hand I've been dealt. I'm saying it to remind myself. And to remind any of you who might be in a similar crossroad in your life - whatever it may be. That no matter how rocky the future may appear in the distance, it can be far better than anything we have left behind. We have the power to make our own choices in this life. We have the power to choose happiness. So this year, I'm choosing happiness. I hope you do too.

Roadtrip South

I thought I would share just a few shots from my road trip this week I'm taking with my momma to Hilton Head, South Carolina and Savannah. I'm enjoying days on the beach and the mystical mossy oaks.


P.S. Yes, that is a TARDIS I found on the side of the road in South Carolina. I may have geeked out just a bit.

swoon // prints

I've been slightly obsessed with the website shoppe by scout mob lately, and have accumulated quite the wish list. I thought I would share with you some of my favorite prints! I'm changing up my wall art a bit in the apartment, so hopefully some of these will make their way up there.

1. Antlers and Axes  //  2. Damn Fine Day  //  3. Michigan Constellation  //  4. Solar System  //  5. Viva La Analog  //  6. Yellow Hibiscus Vintage Botanical  //  7. Iamsterdam Watercolor

independence day

 

Hello, everyone! I thought I would share with you some moments from my fourth of July celebrations at home this past week. We had some friends and family over for food and fireworks. We had vintage sodas, sangria, fresh corn on the cob, and a Tennessee Whiskey cake that was to die for. There was some rain at one point, but it worked out anyway.

I hope you all had lovely 4th's if you live in the states! (Although I hope you had a lovely one no matter what).

A Botanically Beautiful Wedding

A couple of weeks ago I had the pleasure of shooting Courtney & Jeremy's nature and art themed wedding in the heart of Columbus. The couple chose a gorgeous venue at the Cultural Arts Center, and art gallery and learning center. The ceremony was held in the open-air courtyard, and the reception following was indoors in the unique art gallery.

The decor was done out in gorgeous succulents, botanical baskets, and neutral florals. The reception included unique touches tying in with the artsy decor - including a paint-by-numbers style guest book.

I've put together a handful of my favorite moments from the day to share with you all. Thank you to Courtney & Jeremy and the rest of the wedding party for making this a truly enjoyable and unique wedding to capture! My best wishes go out to the both of you!

All photos copyright Shanon Wise Photography. 

** Also thank you thank you to my second shooter and good friend, Brittany for the help!

Outfit of the Day

Hello everyone! This past week, I've been trying to take some OOTDs to share with you guys. It was my birthday this past week, and I've been home jumping around to different events and places. 

Mountain Chic

I've been obsessed with this outfit lately. It's super cute and so comfy for anything from dinner out to running errands to grabbing some coffee.

Dress from H&M
Crossbody bag from Target

Boots from TJ Maxx

Sunglasses from Forever 21

Earrings and Fox ring from Forever 21

Quirky Cute

I threw this outfit together pretty quickly to head out to lunch with my boyfriend. Followed by some shopping and coffee, this was perfect and I even got a couple compliments on this new cat in space shirt, haha.

Cat Tank from Hot Topic

"Leather" Jacket from Target

Cutoff shorts thrifted

Boots from TJ Maxx

Crossbody bag from Target

Sunglasses from Forever 21

Hair Bow from Claire's 

Ring from Claire's

Nail color is Essie's "Eternal Optimist"

Hello everyone! I apologize that it's been a while since my last post. I've been rather busy with summer fun and some photo shoots. I recently shot a gorgeous Columbus wedding that I'm hoping to share with you soon!

Tonight, I thought I'd share with you guys one of my absolute favorite go-to recipes. It's vegetarian & vegan and nice and healthy - not to mention delicious even for a meat eater! (I have references if you don't believe me.) 

The original version of the recipe for this came from Colorado Vegan's blog (a pinterest find). Click here if you'd like to check that out!  

All you will need for this is:

Fresh or frozen green beans
Extra firm tofu
Tamari or Soy Sauce
Lime Juice
Black Pepper
Brown Sugar
Shallots (Optional)

1. Cut up tofu to desired size and shape.

2. Drain and squeeze out as much moisture as you can using paper towels.

3. Marinade tofu slices in desired sauce. I used a store bought tariyaki sauce, but anything in an Asian flavor will work. 

4. Place tofu on a baking sheet and bake at 350 degrees for 20-30 minutes, flipping once. (This isn't necessary, but I love the texture of baked tofu. If you don't have time for this, proceed to step 5).

5. Don't forget to snack on some edamame beans while you're waiting for your tofu!

6. Create your stir fry sauce by combining tamari sauce, black pepper, and lime juice.
7. Once tofu is done, fry over an oiled pan over medium heat. Remember to get both sides until they just start to brown slightly.
8. Lower heat a bit and add some of your tamari based sauce.
9. Add brown sugar, spoonfuls at a time, to your pan. Allow this to caramelize in the sauce and on the tofu.
10. Add cooked green beans to the pan (I used a microwave steamer bag as it saves time) and mix until everything is warm and coated.

Enjoy! I served mine with some brown rice and quinoa, but it would work equally as well with noodles or on its own.

Let me know if any of you guys try out this recipe, or have any of your own that you have shared recently! I hope everyone is having a lovely June!