2011: In a Nutshell

Wow...I can't even believe how much has happened this year. 

My 3 favorite things about 2011:

#1 Graduating from ASU!

#2 Moving into our first apartment together!

#3  Our wedding day!

I am so excited for 2012! Even though this year seems kind of epic (in the grand scheme of things), I am looking forward to settling down even more with Adam. Bring it on, 2012!

Let's just not make it as epic as 2011, okay? Thanks!

Hoping everyone has a happy, happy new year's eve! 

My $12 Corkboard

I found this gorgeous frame at Michael's for $6! It's an 18" x 30" frame on clearance!

I decided to make a corkboard for our living area that was a for sure upgrade compared to our one from Target. I bought foam board and adhesive cork board, and used my own measuring tape and box cutter to size the cork board properly to fit the frame. 

It was super simple & only took me 20 minutes to make!

I still don't understand how this frame was on clearance for $6! It's beautiful, well-crafted, and extremely detailed! I would highly recommend this project to anyone interested!

Christmas Eve Baking

This year my mom asked me to KISS (keep it simple & sweet). I fought every fiber in my body when she threw the cake mix into our shopping carriage as we walked down the aisle. When we got in the car, she said, "don't spend forever on them, since most people will just devour it and not appreciate it." This time of year, I feel, people should appreciate those special, homemade treats at Christmas parties. Rather than spending all afternoon (because realistically that's how long it is), I took about an hour making these cupcakes. I used the Betty Crocker "Chocolate Fudge" cake mix. I whipped up some cream cheese frosting, and shaved some pieces off from a giant Hershey's bar. They are rather cute looking, but I am already sort of regretting not making something by hand. 

Happy Birthday to Me! I'm Turning 23!

Alas, today is my 23rd birthday! Adam and I don't have any crazy plans this year, which is nice, considering Christmas Eve and Christmas will already have enough crazy. I wanted to post here for my birthday, but I didn't want to just say "well, it's my birthday so comment below and wish me a happy one." No, no! So here are some amusing photos of me as a child for your viewing enjoyment. Some of them are quite hilarious, and I can only hope (if and) when we have children, that they are even a little bit eccentric like me!

Featured Artist: Charmaine Olivia

Art Credit:

I cannot express how much I resonate with her illustrations! I am just so drawn to them and inspired by them, I decided I wanted to temporarily fill our eclectic apartment with her illustrations! I am especially drawn to the silhouettes she does, and Adam loves her "Antlers Silhouette II." I think he loves it because I put it inside of the moss covered frame I made and did a pictorial for here. We have the pirate silhouette in our bookshelf, amongst our favorite epic novels; we have the teapot silhouette in our kitchen above the sink, amongst the dispersed baking supplies and cookie cutters in the room.

Isn't this moss frame I made lovely? It wouldn't look even half as perfect if it weren't for this Charmaine Olivia print! But seriously, besides how incredibly talented she is: 

she's also freaking stunning (and a part-time model)! I also happen to follow her on Instagram, and this gal posts some pretty incredible photos on there, too! 

All of these photos (and more!) can be found on Charmaine Olivia's website. 

Love her work like me? You should support her on Facebook & Twitter!

Last Christmas

This time last year I was just embracing the start of my journey as a self-taught photographer. I brought my camera every place I went, and strived to find as many candid photo opportunities as I could. This year, I have found myself a completely different photographer, one who can already imagine a picture perfect moment before it even happens! I have spent this year learning and growing as an artist, and I have found myself being able to make money doing what I love so much--taking photos.

Even looking at these photos that I took last year, I can remember the 22 year-old woman behind the camera. She was nervous, curious, and excited; and yet, that woman never left (she's only getting started). Enjoy these Christmas themed photos from my portfolio from last year! All images are creative property of Cathy Lee Photography.

Share & enjoy--but please remember to give credit! 

Christmas Marshmallow Treats!

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