Holly + Kyle | Engagement

Like I mentioned in this post, our Seattle trip a couple weekends ago originated because I scheduled two engagement shoots in Sea Town, the first of which was of Holly and Kyle! Holly and I both played volleyball at Whitworth, although we never got to play together. We actually became good friends when I was coaching her senior season at Whitworth! Holly is a total anomaly to me -- on one hand, she is one of the most naturally athletic, crazy competitive people I know; on the other hand, she is a total girly girl and LOVES pink! In all seriousness, Holly is one of the sweetest girls you will ever meet and is genuinely beautiful inside and out.

It was actually during Holly's senior volleyball season when she met Kyle, who played football for Whitworth. I remember numerous bus trips and late nights in hotel rooms during the season when Holly would gush about the new cute boy in her life. :) It was so much fun to be a small part of the beginning of Holly and Kyle's relationship and then be able to take their engagement photos! Kyle and Holly moved over to Bellevue a couple years ago because Kyle is coaching football over there. Because they wanted their engagement photos to reflect their daily lives, how they spend their time together, and who they are as a couple, we did the shoot in and around their neighborhood, which is a first for me! They have these lush, gorgeous trails near their home (which is where Kyle proposed to Holly) and a nearby park they frequent with their dog, Titan. This shoot was personal, simple, and very much a reflection of this couple, which I love!

Without further ado, here are some Flat 4 favorites of Holly and Kyle...



We are so excited to be able to attend and enjoy Holly and Kyle's wedding in July! :) And here's to hoping they'll be moving back to Spokane soon...

Sea Town

I think for the most part, I am a pretty simple person. The little things in life -- think Zac Brown Band's Chicken Fried -- leave me pretty darn content. But I have to admit, there is something completely alluring about a big city that seriously quenches my soul...
 I think it's the sensory overload that gets me. The frenetic sounds of organized chaos, the smell of the exhaust from buses and the subways, constantly being surrounded by the rush of hundreds of people you will never see again... Sometimes I think I was supposed to live smack dab in the middle of all of that in another life. It's not every day, but sometimes I ache for that energy and excitement of a big city.

At least a couple times a year, Jord and I make a road trip to Seattle to get our fix. Do not ask me how it happens, but we always seem to pick the perfect sunny weekend to end up in Sea Town (which, let's be honest, is not a common occurrence considering the city is cloudy 226 days a year!) I had scheduled two engagement shoots in Seattle for the same weekend, so we decided to each take a day off work and make a long weekend of it.
 I can pretty much sum up our whole trip in five words: shopping, friends, family, sun, and photography. We got to spend time with so many people we love and it was exactly what we needed. And yes, Urban Outfitters does fit in to my category of "people we love" even though it's not a person. Don't judge. ;)  Okay, so one of my goals (besides not getting kicked out of Anthropologie for asking to live there) was to take pictures of us and our friends. I think I got about a C- in that department. So if you're not pictured and we saw you over the weekend in Seattle, please don't take it personally. Just blame it on my lack of memory and effort to pull out my big camera and make you pose for a picture -- yes, I realize I'm a photographer and this should come naturally. I have no witty comment or explanation for why this doesn't happen.


One of my favorite things to do in Seattle is to walk around Pike's Place Market, even if I don't buy anything. I don't feel like my Seattle trips are complete unless I've walked through the Market from start to finish, usually with a Starbucks drink in hand. Only this time, we decided to stop at a little outdoor cafe overlooking the water after our market trip; just me, my love, cold beers, some appetizers, and the sunshine. Now that, my friends, is perfection.
 On our last day in Sea Town, we did a morning engagement shoot on a ferry to BainBridge Island -- how fun is that?! The weather was gorgeous, the couple was smokin' hot and super fun, and we got to explore Bainbridge Island, which is the cutest little marine town you've ever seen. Oh, and we ate the most scrumptious French Toast which was actually voted the Best French Toast in the Northwest by Rachel Ray. Try not to be jealous...  Thank you, Seattle, for completely fulfilling your role and big city void in my life. You were good to us and we will be back again soon.

Flat 4 Video Interview

As a preferred vendor for Apple Brides, we were approached to have a video interview done about Jordan and I and this little business of ours, Flat 4 Photography & Photo Booth. I was a little hesitant at first because I am usually really awkward and uncomfortable in front of a video camera, but we decided we were all in and we went for it! And let's be honest, Jordan is a big fan of being on camera and would probably have a 24-hour reality TV show of himself if he could. ;)

The video was created from start to finish by Megan and Rob of Rogue Heart Media, who are not only an awesome duo but who are extremely talented, fresh, and super professional! Seriously, if you ever need a video team for any reason (wedding, business, personal use, etc.), you must check them out... and while you're at it, go like them on Facebook. :) 

We really had no idea what to expect and we were absolutely floored by the outcome. Although there were, of course, a few choice comments from Jordan and I after we first watched the video: "Wow, I need a tan!"... "Do I really sound like that in real life?"... "The camera adds 10 pounds, right?" I guess everyone is their own best critic! 

Thank you so much Apple Brides and Rogue Heart Media! Now go check out the awesome video featuring yours truly...

The Story of Flat 4 Photography & Photo Booth from Rogue Heart Media on Vimeo.

Birthdays, Belly Bands, Bones, and Black Beans

Judging by the title of this post, you've probably already figured out that it's going to be one of those random, off the wall posts. And there are a lot of B's in the title. Don't be scared...

Birthdays.

I turned 27 about a week ago. It was the first year someone asked me how old I was going to be and I actually couldn't remember. I'm pretty sure the "I don't know" answer is only acceptable if you're under the age of two and can't really form words anyway or if you're over a (ahem) certain age. I remember my parents always answering that way when asked how old they were or were going to be, and I secretly thought they were either lying or trying to be funny. I mean, come on, who doesn't know how old they are?! Apparently you join this elite group on your 27th birthday...

This was also the first year where I didn't want to have a big to-do. Jordan and I had purchased a fabulous Groupon deal for a one-night stay at the Montvale Hotel downtown (I'm really not a secret spokesperson for Groupon -- swear!), so we decided my birthday was a good enough excuse to use it. We had a fabulous night out with a dinner at Catacombs, followed by lunch at The Elk with my family the next day. It was lovely and just what I needed. And I think the best part of doing birthdays this way is you get to extend the one-day celebration into a week-long string of lunches, drink dates, and dinners with close friends. Who said you don't get wiser by the time you're 27... or was it 26?

Belly Bands and Bones.

Life has thrown me a lot of circumstances lately where I'm left asking myself, "Why am I the least bit surprised by this??" You know, circumstances that most logical human beings would foresee in their future so the emotion of surprise is simply not warranted. Here is one, well actually two of those situations...



If you're still with me and haven't exited out of our blog, you're probably pondering a nice, little, three-letter acronym in your head right about now...

WTF? or WTH? Whatever floats your boat.

My thoughts exactly.

To put it bluntly, our youngest dog, Max, is kicking our ass. Plain and simple. I have never met a dog as smart as this guy is, but who would be giving us the finger about 75 percent of the time if he was physically capable of doing so. His latest phase of puppyhood (although I'm not sure you can call a dog who's 1.5 years old a puppy) has consisted of "marking" in our house. The dog is fully potty-trained, yet his instincts are telling him to mark what he thinks belongs to him. The last straw? Apparently he thinks I belong to him. Twice. Once in my Ugg boots. Okay, they're fake Uggs, but still... Something had to be done, and so a dog diaper (aka "Belly Band") actually appeared on our credit card statement a couple weeks ago. You can only imagine Jordan's excitement about that...

And the bone was purchased in the same trip to PetCo, and I simply couldn't resist showing you physical evidence of what Max can do in two months. TWO MONTHS, before and after. The picture of the bones is pretty much a direct correlation to our house, pre-Max and post-Max. Did I mention this dog is only about 23 pounds?

Oh, and as a side note, the Belly Band did not work. Max: 92. Jordan & Whitney: 0.

Black Beans (Pizza, That Is.)

Let me preface this by saying I am a big, fat copycat. My friend, Amy, posted this recipe for Black Bean Pizza on her blog about a month ago. Not only was it delicious, it also met all my requirements for sharing it with other people. Mostly, it was a recipe I could handle without sweating and swearing. Although, I have to admit, Jord helped. ;) And we both LOVED it.



Please take a stab at which picture is stolen from Amy's blog of her pizza and which one is mine...? I'll give you a hint: my pizza is ugly. Nevertheless, it still tasted good! By the way, do anyone else's cooking creations never turn out half as good-looking as the cookbook picture? Or is that just me? Okay, maybe don't answer that...

BLACK BEAN PIZZA RECIPE

Crust
Dissolve:
*2 teaspoons yeast in 1 c. warm water (let soften a few minutes)
Add:
*1 teaspoon sugar
*1 teaspoon salt
*2 Tablespoons oil
*2 cups white flour
*1/2 c. whole wheat flour
Knead a few minutes, then rest a short time (about 15 minutes). Roll out and bake @ 425 degrees for five minutes before adding the sauce & toppings.

Sauce
In food processor or blender combine:
*one can black beans, rinsed and drained
*3 Tablespoons olive oil
*2 Tablespoons chopped, fresh cilantro (or more!)
*1 teaspoon cumin
*1 teaspoon hot red pepper sauce
*1/2 teaspoon minced garlic

Spread bean mixture on pre-baked pizza crust. Add the following toppings:
*small can sliced olives, drained
*1/2 c. or more diced red bell pepper
*1/4 c. sliced green onions
*8 oz. jack/cheddar blend cheese

Bake at 425 degrees for 7-12 more minutes. Serve with sour cream and salsa!


Thanks, Amy, for the great recipe! We are actually making it tonight for the second time. Yum. :)

Slight Change Of Plans...

I've been meaning to write this post for a while but I was waiting until I had more solid details to share. Well, the solid details still aren't able to be shared but I'm writing it anyway...

So, remember this post? The one where I sounded so confident and self-assured in my perfect little plan? The one titled Third Time's A Charm? Well, it turns out that was just a big, fat pump-fake. It turns out fourth time's a charm. And really, it turns out God has a sense of humor that doesn't always align with mine. At least not in the heat of the moment.

After I wrote the post about going back to school to get my Masters in Teaching, I was approached with an amazing volleyball coaching opportunity at the high school level. Unfortunately, I can't really discuss the details until all of the technicalities are sorted through (not that it's really that top secret or anything.) I was completely stoked about the possibility of coaching, partly because I really enjoy coaching volleyball but also due in part to the idea of getting a foot in the door for a teaching job once I'm done with school! Don't get me wrong, I'm not dumb enough to think that having a coaching position will automatically get me a teaching job, but in this economy I truly think every little bit of a connection helps.

To make sure my bases were covered, I met with the contact at Whitworth... you know, just to double-check coaching would be doable with my school schedule and what not. Truly thinking there would be no issues and giving myself a silent pat-on-the-back for being so responsible and considerate to bring the situation up at all, I awaited my "yes, of course, no problem" answer.

I didn't get it.

To make a long story short, he said "no" and there were a few reasons why. To make another long story short, I was pissed and didn't like his answer.

In true pissed-off-Whitney style, I walked out of his office, sat in my car for about 10 minutes, drove back to work, and emailed Gonzaga. The cool part? They were amazing and completely willing to work with my coaching situation. I think his exact words were, "That's life. Things come up and you make it work. And not to mention you're an adult and can make the decision whether or not you want to do both." Thankfully this conversation took place over the phone because I probably would've kissed him.

Don't you just love people who get it?

Anyway... The last couple months of my life have consisted of jumping through about a million hoops, doing paperwork, emailing a million people, and making a ton of phone calls. There is finally a spec of light at the end of the tunnel. It's faint, but it's there. And I'm excited to say that I'm going to be a Bulldog!

The irony of the picture above is that I tried on this shirt at Old Navy and texted Jordan this picture about two weeks before the whole thing with Whitworth came crashing down. Just for the record, I am not one of those girls who texts my husband pictures of myself on a regular basis -- this was actually the first time that's ever happened! I'm sure he was really turned on by the hat line on my forehead and my greasy hair...

So there it is. My plans have changed, yet again. I know this may not sound like a big, earth-shattering change and if I was honest with myself, I'd probably agree that it's not a huge deal. I think it was just one more (and hopefully one LAST) big curve-ball and, well, it threw me off. And it made life complicated. And it made me question this plan, again. But the weight of everything is beginning to lift and I am feeling like maybe I was supposed to be at Gonzaga all along.

I'll keep you posted on the coaching details as they come, but for now, GO ZAGS! :)

Changes

I have been absent from the blog lately. I know. I could bore you with a list of legitimate excuses, but whatever. You get it. And if you don't? Well, maybe we shouldn't be friends. ;)

We are revamping our blog to make it better. There are reasons behind this, I promise. I'm really not that into myself to need a bigger and better blog without a purpose. :) More to come on that. Anyway, please be patient because there will be some changes (and probably some trial and error) to occur in the next couple weeks.

Until we get a real, cool post up, here is something pretty to look at...

A Few Fantastic Finds

This might be the most random post to hit our blog, so fasten your seatbelts...

I hate January. I apologize for the bluntness of that comment or if your birthday is in January. It's just a dreary, depressing, nothing-to-look-forward-to month for me. Christmas is over. There's a strange pressure of starting a new year. Spring is still far away. It's STILL cold. I could go on and on but I will stop there and move on to a few things I discovered over the last month that I just couldn't help but share and made January suck less. :)

And it's February now. Praise the Lord!

Discovery #1: Crockpot Lasagna

I have become completely consumed and obsessed with crockpot and casserole recipes lately. It's partly due to the fact that I get home at 6:30PM, which doesn't leave any time to actually cook a meal (other than Mac & Cheese, chili out of a can, or eggs and toast, which to most people don't qualify as "cooked meals" anyway.) But let's be honest, it's also due in part to me just wanting pure, good ol' comfort food during this gray season. :) I have found numerous recipes that my three-year-old nephew could probably make successfully -- they are that easy -- but that are also GOOD! We made this one and it turned out awesome... and who the heck knew you could make lasagna in a crockpot?! Not this girl!

1 lb. ground beef

29 oz. can tomato sauce

8 oz. package lasagna noodles, uncooked

4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

1 1/2 cups cottage cheese

1. Spray the interior of the cooker with non-stick cooking spray.

2. Brown the ground beef in a large non-stick skillet (add seasoning if desired.) Drain off drippings.

3. Stir in tomato sauce. Mix well.

4. Spread 1/4 of the meat sauce on the bottom of the slow cooker.

5. Arrange 1/3 of the uncooked noodles over the sauce. You can break them up to fit better.

6. Combine the cheeses in a bowl. Spoon 1/3 of the cheese over the noodles.

7. Repeat these layers twice.

8. Top with remaining sauce.

9. Cover and cook on low for 4 hours.

BOOM! Done! Easy peasy! Yummmmmmyy.....

Discovery #2: The King's Speech

We don't go see movies in the theater very often since it's so expensive, but every once in a while there will be a flick that sparks my curiosity enough to bite the bullet. I planned our date night this week and made dinner and went and saw The King's Speech. Brilliant, I tell you! When a movie can combine history, culture, and humor with an interesting story line and phenomenal acting, I am an instant fan. There are too many movies out there lately where you feel dumber after watching them and it feels like you just wasted two hours of your life -- so annoying, right?! If you need a great movie to watch or a date night to plan, welp, here you go!

Discovery #3: Unconventional Ways to Save Money

I am not a huge coupon queen, although I wish I was better at it. I know people who are crazy about it and save hundreds (and even thousands) of dollars. Maybe one day I'll get there...

This one is kind of cheating because I discovered this a few months ago, but if you have not yet heard of Groupon, I suggest you look into it and sign up! Here is the rundown: you get a daily email with a local deal of up to 90% off a product or service, you can either purchase it or delete it, and that's it. I end up deleting them more often than not, but I have purchased quite a few that were just too good to pass up. Examples:

• I spent $25 to get $50 to Nordstrom Rack.
• I spent $12 to get $25 at Fringe & Fray (vintage clothing store).
• I spent $5 to get $10 to Kalico Kitchen.

You get the idea...

And another quick discovery I made was finding discounts/coupons for monthly prescriptions, completely unrelated to Groupon. I can't take credit for this one -- my Mom told me about it because I was whining about how much my birth control (sorry it that's too much information, but whatever) costs me each month. Even with insurance, I pay $50 every month. It's a conspiracy, I tell you!

I digress...

By simply typing "NuvaRing Coupon" into Google, I found a legitimate $15 off coupon through the first website that came up. So every month I am now paying $35 instead of $50. Not earth-shattering, but still better than nothing! My Mom got one prescription down from $50 to zero each month.

Discovery #4: Another Great Blog to Read

I am really weird when it comes to my daily routine. Almost every single morning I will check my email and then check the list of all the blogs I keep up with and read new entries if I have time. Most of the blogs I read are authored by people I know, but some aren't. I think this totally freaks my husband out. "Why are you reading about someone's life when you don't even know them? Isn't that creepy?" Well, baby, in sickness and in health, right?! :)

I randomly came across a blog called Enjoying The Small Things which is written by a gal down in Florida with two little girls. Her second daughter is a year old and was born with Down Syndrome. Kelle, the author of the blog, is so real and genuine with her story and her day-to-day life... it's so inspiring to hear someone be that open and honest and REAL about being a mom. And let's be honest, we've all asked ourselves and talked about it with our spouses: What if you had a child with Down Syndrome? Or special needs? How would you deal? Or another fun question: Are you a horrible person if you want to know beforehand whether or not your unborn baby has any of these issues? Kelle wrote the most unbelievable birth story of her second daughter -- read it here -- that actually brought me to tears. TEARS, people. Unbelievable. So unbelievable, in fact, it made me think about wanting to be a mom someday. If you know me at all, that is a monumental statement.

I am a sucker for a blog with excellent photographs, but an even bigger sucker for a blog with real, talented writing. Kelle's blog has both. And seeing that the blog is close to reaching 7 million views, I'm pretty sure I'm not alone in this new obsession. If you need something beautifully authentic to read and view (or you're just bored at work), you must check out this blog.

If you managed to make it through the random vomit-of-thoughts I just had, well, good for you. That is one fine accomplishment! I promise my next post will have some structure and meaning to it. I've just been feeling like life is much more enjoyable lately when I find a great deal, a thought-provoking movie, an inspiring read, or an easy recipe that doesn't taste like feet. So I thought I'd share those glimpses of sunshine in case February is to you as January was to me. :)