Lunar New Year

This year the Lunar New Year has me reflecting on 4 Lunar New Year’s ago. My husband and I were living in the Uptown area of Chicago. We attended our first Lunar New Year parade days before setting off on our first jaunt in the Eastern hemisphere. Here’s a glimpse of our time in China & Thailand.

Travel Stories: St. Louis, MO

Brian and I took a road trip to St. Louis. Here are pics.

Travel Stories: Dubuque, IA

Back in June, my husband and I packed our bags to head to Dubuque, IA for the weekend. As with most of our Midwest travel, this journey was family focused. Brian's cousin Zach was marrying his college girlfriend Emma at Loras College, their alma mater. Brian was to perform a reading in the ceremony.

To our surprise, we both really enjoyed Dubuque. The bed & breakfast where we stayed was in a historic part of the city and steps away from downtown. Check out our summer fun and consider taking a weekend trip to Dubuque.

The bed & breakfast where we stayed

Our room

Brian rehearsing his reading for the wedding

Rehearsal dinner

Overlooking downtown Dubuque

Wedding ready

A quick stop in Galena, IL on our way home

Travel Stories: Oshkosh, WI

After a cool 3 hour drive from Chicago, we made it to Brian’s cousin’s house in Oshkosh, WI. It was Memorial Day weekend and technically our first anniversary. We decided to spend the weekend with Ashley (Brian’s cousin) and her husband Jeff. Practically newlyweds themselves, they just purchased their first home, where Brian and I hadn’t yet been.

We made it! Let's drink!

Upon arrival, we were greeted with enthusiasm and a plethora of drink options.

After a tour of the house and some strong cocktails we turned our attention to this chest of Grandma’s.

It was full of vintage clothes & accessories from Grandma’s life. She wore this blue dress to her daughter’s wedding.

Some of the clothes had notes attached stating their significance.

We tried some on.

And threw away others. Like these pajamas. Uncle Glen died in them. Gross.

There was this incredible kimono. Sadly, it did not have a note attached.

Then we went out on the town to scope the local scene. Brian kept it classy.

Jeff & Brian

Ashley’s friend Erin met up with us.

Then we went to another bar. This one had a beer garden and the best ambient lighting for my Sony camera.

We took a lot of pictures.

The next morning.

Ashley & Sophie.

Lunch on the water, because you know, Wisconsin.

Sadly, my beautiful, new Sony digital camera got knocked off the table at this restaurant. It is not currently working. I don’t want to talk about it.

We stopped at a greenhouse thinking it would have a variety of plants for great prices (because we’re from Chicago).

It did not, but we got some great pics… with our iphones… sigh…

The local dog park is weird.

Hit up a local shop. Bought some wine, for the label of course.

Downtown Oshkosh.

Sushi restaurant.

Comical downtown window display.

After dinner drinks.

And dessert.

I used to live on Wilson and like this tile.

The night ended with a game of Trivial Pursuit.

Got McDonald’s breakfast on our way back to the city. They gave me a free coffee! It deserved a photo.

We had to hit up an antique shop before we left.

more like Memorial Day Weekend, May 25-27, 2018

Travel Photography: Macau, China

May 11, 2018 EDIT:

The original contents of this post have been removed so they can be added to a zine I'm creating! The zine will cover our 9 day adventure through China & Thailand. It will include long prose and a multitude of photographs. If you would like a copy of the zine comment with your email address below. Until then, here are a few photos taken on our Asian adventure.  

Travel Photography: Eugene, Oregon

Last month, I went to Eugene, Oregon, to see my one and only sister graduate from University of Oregon with TWO master's degrees. It was a very immersive experience as I followed Lindsay everywhere. We partied non-stop in true Eugene fashion. My parents were there, you'll see several pictures of them in this post. Take a look at a week in Eugene, Oregon!

Travel Photography: Los Angeles, CA

Shots from my last two trips to LA. Featuring SoCal classics: Venice beach, the griffith observatory, botanical gardens, the super bloom! Check it out!

Road to Hana

The Road to Hana is a trek in Maui known for its gorgeous scenery. There is no other landscape like it on the mainland. I was fortunate enough to take this journey a year ago and would be remiss if these photographs were not shared. You must see this in your lifetime.

Until you make the trek for yourself, you can take the journey with me. Enjoy!

"It's not about the destination, it's about the journey."

Travel Photography: Mexico

Spent last week in gorgeous Cabo San Lucas with the family. I had the opportunity to shoot some stellar landscapes and night shots. Check it out!

The Road to Hancock County

I spent this past weekend down at 'the farm,' as we call it in my family. 'The farm' is the farm my mom grew up on in Hancock County, most of her family still lives down there. I was there to celebrate my cousin Mary's bridal shower. The drive from my apartment in Chicago to Hancock County is about 5 hours. In that time I got to know 2 new podcasts: The Candid Frame & Tips from the Top Floor. These photography podcasts made great travel companions on my solo drive. They were interesting, not too long and most important, inspired me to get out and shoot. Take a look at what I saw: