Senior Session: Cade

 Had a great time shooting this Senior session! Cade is graduating from Chapin High School and attending the University of South Carolina in the Fall!

 Contact me today if you are or know someone who is graduating! 

Hanging Herb Garden: DIY

Hanging Herb Garden

If you are like me, you have limited space in your kitchen. Luckily, I have this beautiful bay window with great lighting. I love having fresh herbs around the house so what better way to make use of the glorious light. I am a fan of mason jars and love the blue ones so that is what I went with. 

I carefully planted the herbs and let them get happy in the window sill for a few days

I then bought hooks to drill into the wall. Well, when I went to do this I realized the bay window frame is larger than I thought and metal. This might be rookie news to some of you but hey I just found this out. I returned the hardware and opted for some adhesive hooks that hold 3-5 pounds. (cheaper and easier anyway)

I bought some wire and wrapped it around the jars with a little loop for hanging. 

Hung the adhesive hooks, and then the jars and below is the finished product!

I am very happy with the result. The visual aspect in the kitchen is really nice yet still easy to get to, and the whole project was fairly easy!  

Try it yourself! 

Parsley

 Dill

 Basil

 Thyme

Easy, Tasty & Healthy: Vegetarian Quinoa Chili

There is something about freshly grated cheddar cheese and a hot bowl of chili that sets the tone for contentment. This meal is naturally accompanied by a warm piece of Cornbread, at least in my mind.

My dear friend Amy introduced me to cooking in many ways and also this recipe.

She found it on the amazing Pinterest, made it, brought leftovers to work one day and let me have a taste. It was probably some of the best Chili I had ever tasted. Bursting with flavor, veggies and such a warm, comforting delight. Thanks Amy! 

Of course I pinned the recipe, and finally, over a year later made it for my family.

It was just as good as I remember. Amazing! 

I served mine with Honey Cornbread Muffins on the side, and topped the Chili with cheddar cheese, avocado and a spot of plain greek yogurt. 

This is a healthy meal as well, packed with protein and will leave your family with a full warm belly! 

Below is a link to the recipe! 

Enjoy!

http://damndelicious.net/2013/10/16/quinoa-chili/?crlt.pid=camp.wmtaXVPb2wva

Lifestyle Photography Session: The Whizzes

 The Whisennant Family: Lifestyle Session

This was such a fun, relaxed, intimate session in which the clients brought me into their home while they were enjoying their Saturday morning routine of cooking breakfast and enjoying good ole family fun!

I am thrilled with the results of this concept! The images reflect "the little things in life" and profound love between siblings and family.  Blakely sure did not want to go unnoticed and stole the show! I really enjoyed spending this time with this beautiful family! 

Being a fan of cooking and food, I believe its an important part of life and is the perfect set for family interaction. 

Please book your session with me today and lets get beautiful images of your family in your natural surroundings, making them more personal and dear to your heart! 803-622.2987

TODDLER APPROVED: Baked Salmon, Herb and Butter Rice and Avocado, Corn Salad

Yum Yum!

My son loves rice. I use Rice-A-Roni, Herb & Butter Blend because the boys love it and who can argue with that!

Follow the box directions (approx 30 mins)

Bi-Lo actually has decent cuts of Salmon for not too expensive... Publix does as well. 

All you need is a lemon, tin foil, some herbs, garlic (minced) and butter!

Preheat oven to 365 degrees.

In a sauce pan, melt butter and mix minced garlic (use just a pinch) and herbs of your choosing. ( I used thyme, basil, salt & pepper)

In the meantime ready a foil packet for salmon. (coat with non-stick spray, lay salmon fillets on top... top salmon with lemon slices)

Pour melted butter mixture over salmon and close foil packet.

Place in oven for 15-20 mins. 

Make a salad...

I chose to use avocado, corn, grape tomatoes and fresh greens! 

I am a mixer, I like to mix everything on my plate into one bite every time. This was perfect for that. The salad tasted good with the rice, the rice tasted good with the salmon, everything tasted great together and I loved it. 

P.S. If you get a late night craving... eating the leftover salad with avocado is just as filling as a grilled cheese but way better for your body. Just saying! 

TODDLER APPROVED: Zesty & Light Shrimp Scampi

Oh man, Ashton couldn't get this one in his mouth fast enough! You know its a good meal when you have to grab the camera for photographs of your child digging in!

This is an easy, 30 minute, light & delicious yummy yummy in my tummy!

Ingredients:

2 Tbsp unsalted butter

1 lb of Shrimp, peeled and de-veined

1/4 cup white wine

1/2 tsp Red Pepper Flakes

3 cloves Minced Garlic

Salt & Pepper to taste

Fresh Lemon juice

1 Tsp Lemon zest

8 oz Linguine (I used whole wheat, whatever linguine you choose will be great)

1 Tsp Fresh chopped Parsley

1/2 cup parmesan cheese

Directions:

Prepare Linguine according to package

Set aside

Over medium high heat, melt butter

Add shrimp, red pepper flakes and minced garlic

Let cook for 3-5 minutes or until shrimp has turned pink

Add white wine and bring to a simmer (I used Pinot Grigio) for a moment or two

Add lemon juice, zest, the pasta and parmesan cheese

Mix well and serve. Top with fresh parsley

Sooooo delish! Enjoy!

TODDLER APPROVED: Honey Garlic Pork Chop...Sauteed Zucchini & Sweet Potato Frites

Easy, Tasty & Healthy: 

Pork Chops are one of my favorites... so easy to prepare and easy to accompany!

Keep it simple and enjoy!

Ingredients:

Pick up some boneless pork chops (Or bone-in if you wish)

Salt & Pepper to taste

2 Tbsp Honey

1 Clove Minced Garlic

1 or 2 Zucchinis - cut into nice round pieces

1 Sweet Potato

3 Tbsp Olive Oil

1 Tbsp Cinnamon

Herbs of your choosing

Directions:

Pork Chops:

Marinate Pork Chops in Honey, Salt & Pepper, and Minced Garlic. (4 hours if able)

Pan sear at medium high heat with 1 tsp of Olive Oil for approx. 7 mins on each side.

Zucchini: .

Sautee with 1 tsp of Olive Oil, Butter and herbs of your choosing until tender.

Sweet Potato Frites:

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. 

Cut Sweet Potatoes into strips. 

Place in zip lock bag with Olive oil and Cinnamon. Close bag and toss until coated.

Place on baking sheet and bake for 30-45 mins. 

I hope you enjoy this recipe... Its always a winner in my household!