Late night ramblings

Let it be known that Jeff and I spent 30 minutes in the candy aisle deciding between sour gummy worms vs starburst for me, and sour watermelons vs every other sour candy for Jeff. Two young [scantily clad] 13 year old girls came walking up the aisle and showed us up, darting straight for the sour air head minis in less than 30 seconds. We were shocked at their quick decision, and even more shocked their parents let them leave the house. We don't buy candy often, like maybe 3x a year, so this was a big decision for us ;)

Also, Jeff learned how to fishtail braid my hair...sort of.

And there's a picture of Redding. There isn't a lot in Redding, but there was a pretty wedding that we were invited to DJ for so we gladly accepted. No, I'm not a wedding photographer and a DJ...it was an iPod clicking, makes an actual DJ cringe because you didn't hire a real DJ kind of a gig. We were with friends and it was fun. However, now that Jeff and I have taken on this great feet [is that the correct spelling in this case? let's go with it] we're considering the DJ meets Photographer, duo-team: Nicole Dianne and DJ Mute. DJ Mute, because Jeff is quiet.......see what we did there?

Stream of Consciousness

Starting blog posts has never been my strong point, I feel like the intros are always a bit awkward and clumsily put together, so I'll dive in. 

These last couple of months have been a fair competition of bad and good, exhaustion followed by reward and stressful situations squashed down by moments of humble understanding. I've felt God speak clearly to the notion that He>I time and time again. It's a wonderful realization when you understand there is One greater than you and I who sets the world in order. I tried controlling a lot of circumstances this Summer, and I'm still finding my place in that battle with God. But I rest in knowing His plans out-do mine 100% of the time. 

I'm usually a Summer kind of gal, I thrive on the sunny days, cool nights and BBQs with friends. But I'm also big on "new seasons, new months, new years" and the idea that a fresh slate accompanies each. I need that new slate right now, I want to throw control in God's hands from the start and thrive because I've done it His way and not mine. The approaching slate? Pumpkin spice lattes, homey scented candles, big sweaters, and the promise of the Holidays. Fall, I covet your grand appearance. 

So, Summer...

There have been a lot of happy things among the crazy so far. 

Things like greenery in my home, and blue skies every day. 

A trip to Tahoe with my sweet family

to include: a family reunion, daily beach trips, a dinner on the lake, lots of games, hiking Eagle Rock with my love, great food, a fancy night spent by an outdoor fire pit and delicious drinks, and a walk through the cutest local nursery. Because it's not a trip until I've satisfied the 60 year old lady in me by perusing the aisles of perennials.

Summer AAA baseball games at our local team's stadium.

My brother works for the local team and often gives our family tickets to go see them play. I've grown up going to these games but it amps up the fun when I see my little brother running around on the field. I've yet to catch a free t-shirt from the "t-shirt launch gun" he shoots out at the audience. Hmmph ;)

A night at the State Fair with one of my best friends.

I was invited by a friend to join her at the state fair last week and it was so great. The best part? All she wanted to do was look at animals and go to exhibits just like me. Rides are fun at permanent parks, not 14 day pop-up fairs...I'm not trying to sign my life away for 30 seconds of "spin you upside-down, jerk you in circles until you throw-up" fun. Oh, and her sister worked in the animal nursery with all the little babies so that was super fun to see as well!

A ton of photography work and also new succulents. 

Photography has picked up SO much these last couple of months, it's incredible to see God pouring out His blessings on this business He allowed me to have. I've worked harder on this than anything in my life and I'm finally seeing the fruits of my labor. However, I don't want to get caught up in myself and thinking I'm awesome so I'll just throw it out there again that God is the awesome one who gave me the coolest stinking job ever, and I'm forever grateful. 

Also, succulents...they are cool. I love them and I will never have enough.

A couple images from my first ever styled session!

My wedding season begins on August 17th...I'm nervous, excited, and feeling oh so very blessed.

life lately

A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of second shooting with one of my good friends Samantha Jovan Photography. We got to shoot at this GORGEOUS location and the pictures turned out amazing.

Front view of our wedding day playground. Flowers from a wonderful friend, for my birthday :)

Tiffany's earrings from my hubby for my birthday. He's a keeper. I love them and wear them every day!

One of the MOST thoughtful gifts I've ever been given. Each item in here had purpose and I just can't believe how much thought and love was put into this little package :) I am beyond blessed with cool people in my life.

Newest obsession thanks to my MIL. I really can't get enough. Late night chick flick. Safe Haven is not for the faint of heart though, I'll admit I had my share of sweaty palms. I'm a wuss.

The gallery wall is coming together slowly but surely. I haven't forgot about Pt. 2...it's in the making :)

my life in 250 words

I am a believer in Jesus Christ to the depth of my soul. I love art, reading, music and decorating. I grew up in Northern California where I still live today. I've been to 5 schools, I've played soccer, basketball, and volleyball. I was only good at volleyball. I've been a cheerleader & dancer at some point in my life…but don’t speak often of those days. I have one little brother and two amazing parents. I got married in 2010 and my husband deployed to Iraq for our entire first year of marriage. I lived in Virginia for 2 months and planned my wedding in 4. We have moved 6x in two years of marriage. I graduated from college in 2011 with a degree in Communication Studies and an emphasis in International/Intercultural Communication. Since then I've pursued my own photography business and supply the coffee drinkers of America with copious amounts of caffeine…in other words I’m a barista at Starbucks.

I LOVE buying new planners at the start of each new year, I make lots of lists but rarely stick to them, I try to be organized but fail miserably, I love dark sodas, I hate spicy foods, I drink a lot of coffee…but mostly b/c it’s free, I am obsessed with my dog, I take way too many instagram pictures, I don’t understand twitter, I journal, I don’t cook often or well, I burn candles daily, I will never leave California.

Oh, and I make a mean caramel macchiato. 

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250 friends....word count it! ;) 

link up with Jenni here and share your life in 250 words! 

life lately and other things

These past couple of weeks have been nothing short of crazy! I can't complain though, I'd much rather have the constant flow of busy than the boring dullness of lazy. So here's a few random updates in the life of Nicole, if you care to know :)

For starters, I've become part of this huge network of uh-maze-ing photographer friends. For the last 2 months or so, I've had weekly coffee or lunch dates with multiple ladies, I've been connected with and met up with 3 different local groups, and I've had a Skype date with a photog friend from out of state. I felt so alone in this industry just a year ago. But today, some of my absolutely favorite people have become industry colleagues. What an awesome feeling. To say I'm beyond thankful for these different groups of friends is a huge understatement. I feel incredibly blessed and just so humbled that I have been accepted among these creatives. It has only increased my desire to pursue this journey of owning a business even further. And not only that, I want so badly to help others along in the industry with the little bit knowledge I have recently acquired! This industry is about helping each other and encouraging each other and I've come to know that more fully as of late. It's really awesome to be part of.

....and how about I say "industry" one more time? :)


industry.

[latte art from a sweet friend]

I've grown so much in the Lord over this past year as well. Our church is one of the most amazing places I have ever been to. I want to know more, feel more, be part of more, help more...I just can't get enough of all things Jesus these days. So forgive my Jesus thumping heart for always wanting to discuss theology and other religions, but I'm really not sorry :) The Easter service at my church was phenomenal this year. There's a video recording of it floating around vimeo and I've probably watched it 15x. The Holy Spirit was IN that room transforming lives with all of his angels, no doubt :)

Not only have I been busy meeting up with photographer friends and working many hours at the good ol' Bux, but [jumping back to photo mode] I've been going through a restart of my personal business. With that restart is coming some huge changes that I announced on facebook last week...the main one being, a NAME CHANGE! I am SO excited for this name change, as I feel it will represent me as a whole instead of just my photography... droppin' hints ;)

Also, look out for another installment from the Nicole's coming this week! We're putting together some fun things for your beauty routine so check back on Thursday for that!

Turbo has taken to our new place quite well if you couldn't tell ;) Could he BE any cuter?

Since Father's Day is on the horizon, you might want to start considering what you'll be doing for your big guy! Mom's are easy to get for, so that's why I suggest thinking ahead for dad/husband.. I know my dad is always THE hardest to buy for, so that's why I was so excited when I found this mustache decal on etsy. I found the jar at Ikea and meshed the two together. Voila, present for el daddio! I made this for his birthday, but it would make the perfect Father's Day gift as well. He's already filled it up with change and sent me a picture of it in use :)

If you haven't seen it yet, please watch this video put out by Dove. It is incredible and spoke volumes to me. Us women, we are SO hard on ourselves and it hurts my heart every day. So many of my friends are consumed with their looks, bodies, what men think of them etc, and all that really does is hurt you even more. Please know, you are far more beautiful than you think you are <3 nbsp="">

to watch more on this go here

Feel beautiful in your own skin today, because you are so very precious!

life lately & some news (i'm not with child)

chai with good friends // this book at anthropologie is on my "to buy" list // mid-century dresser that Jeff didn't think we needed tear // we went back in time to winter for one day [we've already moved on to Spring in Cali] // good book.. green tea lemonade..and great company at Starbucks // family kisses before daddy goes to work.

I have news! We are moving again.

This will be our 6th move in our first 2.5 years of marriage. I know what you're thinking...we are beyond nuts. You're probably right, but each move has had significance in our individual lives and marriage as a whole. Yes, I'm going that deep with houses we've lived in. We're still pretty young and learning to navigate our way through life as a married couple. It's challenging, scary, fun and most of all it's rewarding. The rewarding part, really? Yea, it's rewarding because Jeff and I are learning how to do life together and make decisions together. Let me tell you...it's an absolute REWARD when a married couple can agree on big things in life. I'm certain that this move will be our last for at least a few years...as is Jeff, reward.

I have mixed emotions over it, but honestly I'm more happy than not. I wrote about some stuff that happened when we first moved to this house here. Since that first weekend we have been questioning a lot of things. Namely, should we have ever moved here? To say we never should have moved here is silly because clearly God had a plan and He's using this as a stepping stone to our next place in life. However, there are an overwhelming amount of reasons why we're moving. The bottom line is that we shouldn't be living here and we feel that it's been confirmed in more ways than one. Though we're excited for the next step in our lives, we do feel strongly the 7 months we've lived in this house were nothing short of God's perfect plan for this time of our lives.  We matured in different areas that never would have been addressed had we not experienced this home. So, we've listened to our hearts and have faith that it's in our best interest to leave our little 1940's home and venture back to apartment life.

Bring on the noisy neighbors and upstairs inconveniences! Just kidding, I'm so excited to be above ground again.

life lately via instagram

latte art by a friend | flower mart in the city with ms. michaela noelle :) | hobby lobby sale knobs, be still my heart | found my old paint supplies, be still my creative heart | gorg sunset after saturday night church | silly pictures on our anniversary dinner

life is sweet. i have a job, i have a husband, i have creativity and art, i have my health, i have so much love, i have the cutest pup, i have a loving family, i have photography, i have books to read, i have a stellar church, i have a bible..that i can read whenever i want, i have tv..woot!, i have clothes, i have a house.....sometimes reminding ourselves of all that we are blessed with is necessary :)

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in other news i have a few features to share with you all! i was featured on michaela's blog last week sharing what i love and don't love, check that post out here!

AND

one of my dear friends kyla featured me on her blog today, here!