My Favorite Olympic Moment

I'm so sad that the Olympics are almost over. As a former gymnast, I live for the Olympic gymnastics competitions (only a slight exaggeration) and this year was SO GREAT! If you have no idea what I'm talking about, you must be living under a rock. :) I'm addicted to anything Fab Five (or is it Fierce Five? I'm confused ...)—videos, pictures, spoofs, etc.—but I think my absolute favorite moment was when Aly Raisman put her team gold medal around her coach's neck after the medal ceremony. Seriously. Melt my heart. I only wish I could have been that mature and thoughtful at 18.

I love these moments you know are real because they're so quiet and unassuming. More than any gymnastics routine, interview and appearance, this simple gesture stood out to me. These are the moments I strive to capture when I'm shooting weddings or portrait sessions. The in between stuff that means just as much as, if not more than, the headliner stuff.

[Insert super awkward transition here ...]

Have you seen the video of McKayla Maroney teaching Jenna Bush Hager how to Dougie? No? Well, here it is. Just because it's hilarious. And it's Friday and I can.

And one more funny for your Friday, the 21 Best Doppelgängers of the 2012 London Olympics, courtesy of buzzfeed.com. Ohhhhh my. So funny. Can't ... stop ... laughing. Happy Friday everyone! :)

My Favorite Things: July 2012

1. The Olympics, especially gymnastics. It's no secret that I'm obsessed with gymnastics, so obviously I'm giddy right about now. I'm all caught up on the drama that's already unfolded (seriously, some rules suck), and I'm so ready for the competitions still to come. I'll be glued to the TV all week.

2. Clementines. I've been super busy the last month and just grab food wherever I can. Mostly that means quick carbs, but luckily we have a box of clementines that have been my go-to snack. They don't take any prep and are healthy. Win-win.

3. "Foxy" by Megan Miller. Love the color and the bottle. :) It's a little bit bluish-gray, and the only thing I've worn the last month.

4. My Vera Bradley duffel bag. I've actually never been a huge Vera Bradley fan, but this bag is perfect for traveling. It's a fairly big duffel (even though it's called "small"), but it still works as a carry-on when you fly. Plus you can just throw it in the wash, which is kind of important after dragging it across the country.

My Favorite Things: June 2012

1. My new office light. Can you believe that Nathan made this mason jar chandelier?? Maybe you can if you saw all the amazing stuff he did in our master bedroom. Obviously, I’m a huge fan of mason jars, so this light—the first big thing we’ve done in my office—fits my style perfectly. Click here to learn how he made it.

2. Off Balance by Dominique Moceanu. In 1996, my friends and I used to “play Olympics.” We were all obsessed with the Magnificent Seven, and I loved Dominique Moceanu most of all. So I was excited when I saw that Dominique published a new book. I’m only a couple chapters in and already I’m transported back to my childhood.

3. Birthday cupcakes. Nathan made me (side note: Do I say “Nathan made me … ” way too much? Maybe that's a hint I need to do some more around the house) ice cream cone cupcakes for my birthday. Cupcakes? Good. Ice cream cones? Good. Sprinkles? Good. What’s not to like here?

4. Zero-gravity lounger. This chair? It’s so comfy. I’ve only ever had those cheap plastic lounge chairs and this thing is waaaay better. I think I may go take a nap …

5. Anthro birthday coupon. Do I post about Anthropologie every, single favorite things? I think so. That’s OK because I love it. And that’s why I was stoked when a birthday discount showed up in the mail. I have a hard time paying full price for a lot of stuff in that store, so this was a good excuse to peruse and not feel quite so guilty picking up a thing or two.

My Favorite Things: May 2012

1. Real Simple. I haven't had a lot of time to read this month. Actually, if I'm being completely honest, I'm still kind of grieving over the end of The Hunger Games so I'm taking my time picking up another book. Sad, but true. So, in place of books this month, I've been catching up on all my unread Real Simples. I love this magazine! I feel more put together and organized just reading the articles. A good cup of tea while reading doesn't hurt either. :) 2. My running shoes. Oh how I love getting outside to work out these days! I probably work out BETTER when I'm inside doing Insanity, but I would much rather go for a run around the neighborhood and be in the sun.

3. Aperture. Thanks to a recommendation from a photographer friend, I have cut my photo editing time in half with this program! I.love.it. What was I doing four months ago?! Such quick culling and post processing, and the best part is that I can batch process a set of similar photos. LOVE!

4. Big flower blooms. I'm digging the big bloom bouquets that are in style right now. There's something so romantic and feminine about those whimsical petals. I need to get some for our house!

5. Anthropologie coasters. My office is still pretty bare, but I did invest in some pretty, coral coasters for my desk. These things are solid and don't slide around at all, plus they come in a bunch of fun colors.