Following your dreams.

Lately I've been inspired by a video that's been circulating the internet. It's from Soulpancake and is titled "A Message From Kid President." You can watch it here:

I've also learned a lot from the Holstee Manifesto, which I discovered in July. It's not complicated, but it means a lot to me and many, many other people! I actually submitted my own story and it got published, which I didn't even know about until my man pointed it out a few weeks ago! You can view that here! 

Since following my dreams of going back to school for photography, I have learned so much and grown a lot. Let me just say, I freaking love photography. I don't remember what I did before I got my first camera! Which, by the way, is still tucked into my closet. My Dad keeps asking me if I'll sell it to him, but I just can't let go of my first baby. My most recent accomplishment was being flown out for a fashion photography gig this weekend by Samantha Patterson Designs! I'm so proud of my work and know that this is the beginning of the rest of my career. Here's a glimpse into what I did for most of the day on Monday!

By the way, you can view my online portfolios at www.audreyhirschl.4ormat.com and www.audreyannephotography.com. 

If you ever have any doubts about following your dreams, let them go. You never know where they will take you! 

"I would rather have a life of 'oh wells' than a life of 'what ifs.'"

xo

Vintage Teacup Candles

It's been awhile... oops! I'm going to work on posting more, but for now I thought I would go over how to make teacup candles! They're one of my favorite, most easiest crafts to make and they make amazing gifts and decorations for your home.

First, I started with vintage teacups. These are NOT easy to find in Flagstaff, mind you, so I had to venture down to Phoenix to find them. I found a few at Sweet Salvage, which I have blogged about here. They ranged in price from $1-$6 each!

First off, you need proper supplies. I got all of mine from Michaels, but there are also plenty of other crafty stores that sell candle making supplies. I bought:
- A block of wax (not pictured, because unfortunately I used all of my supplies)
- A few scent blocks (a pack of 4)
- A pack of wicks

And then I got an aluminum can from work. Yay recyling!

So here's how you do it:
1. Fill a pot about halfway with water and bring to a boil.
2. Put the block of wax in the tin can and then gently place in the boiling water. You may have to turn the heat down, but don't turn it down so much that it doesn't melt the wax!*
3. While the wax is melting, prepare your teacups (or any other container) by placing them on a sheet of aluminum foil. You don't want to be cleaning up wax off of your kitchen counters!
4. When the wax has finally melted, put one of the scent blocks in there to melt with it. Use a disposable coffee stirrer to stir it once it's melted.
5. Pour the wax (carefully) into the teacups. Make sure you leave some room at the top!
6. After a few minutes, put the wicks in the center of the teacups.
7. Wait for the wax to dry. I would definitely wait overnight just in case! You can let the remainder of your unpoured wax dry in the meantime - the beauty of wax is that you can remelt it whenever you want!
7. In the morning, you will probably see a little crater around where the wick is in the candle. This is completely normal! Repeat steps 1-5, filling in the gap. Then wait for your candles to dry again, and you will have your beautiful creation!

Here's mine, all finished :)

Have fun! This is one of my favorite crafts to do.


*This is EXTREMELY important! Always use a double-boiler to melt your wax. ALWAYS!!

xo

One of my New Year's resolutions was to take more pictures. Here goes nothing!

Zack learned how to shoot manual (a bit)... that was fun :)

I shot this at a local candy shop in Flagstaff during First Fridays!

xo

For Auld Lang Syne, My Dear

This year, I'm not even going to attempt making a resolution about going to the gym more. My New Year's resolutions are more about my mind and soul rather than body.

1. Be more positive.
2. Count your blessings.
3. Take one great photo a week.
4. Be more organized and less lazy.
5. Pay more attention to people.
6. Talk less; listen more.
7. Save money; acquire memories, not objects.

xo

Winter Break!

I had the most wonderful little break at home! I was in Phoenix for 10 days and loved every second of it. 

The first night was spent at a wonderful little place called Casey Moore's in Tempe. They had great beer, great music, and I was with great friends. 

My Mom, Zack's Mom, and Zack's Aunt went to this AMAZING little vintage shop called Sweet Salvage. They do a new theme and have new merchandise the third Thursday of every month. This month was themed French Flea Market, so obviously I was in heaven. I bought some tea cups to make candles with... you'll see later next month ;)

My friends and I have this tradition of making gingerbread houses every year before Christmas. We've done it for the past 5 years and has been one of my fondest memories. My friend Whitney's parents usually judge the houses, and mine was definitely judged "weirdest". What else could you expect from me, though? 

   

 Zack and I went to Cabela's, which is such a cool place! If you're outdoor-sy in any way, you have to go there. They even have a shooting game, which Zack whooped my butt at!

Zack seared us some AMAZING beef tenderloin for Christmas Eve dinner. It was so good, my mouth is watering just thinking about it! I'm so lucky to have such a great cook, since I don't. 

On one of the last nights, the girls and our Moms and I went to Postino in Phoenix! The Arcadia area, to be exact. That place has the most amazing bruschetta you will EVER taste. We stopped at La Grande Orange after, which is one of my favorite places!

 

My fun time in Phoenix ended with a birthday breakfast (for me!) at NCounter on Mill in Tempe with my girls. They put together a great little Anthropologie gift box for me, which I absolutely adored! Yes, that is a wedding book. No, I'm not engaged. Just weird. 

Whitney also gave us her official "Will You Be My Bridesmaid" gifts! Of course, I said yes! I'm a little obsessed with her wedding... and weddings in general. My poor boyfriend. 

 Last but not least, my parents took me out to dinner at Red Lobster for my birthday! I nommed on 1 and a half pounds of pure crab and finished every bite. Thanks Dad!

xo

Music, Sweet Music

"Without music, life would be a mistake."

Friedrich Nietzsche

xo

I just wanted to take some time today and write about what has made me happy lately. 

This guy. He treats me like a queen and I feel loved every second of every day. Putting up the Christmas tree with his family was so nice because it made me feel like part of the family (which they have made me feel since day one). For example, look at this cute stocking that his Mom got me a few years ago! It goes up every year and makes me so happy :)

Next, and I think that most Flagstaff-ians can agree with me, the weather here is AMAZING. I mean, I'm not crazy about the wind. But everything else has been wonderful this year! For example, this was my walk to work a few weeks ago. 

And this is my walk to work NOW! I love the crisp, chill air, and the snow especially. I'm so grateful for Flagstaff and the wonders of the four seasons :)

Love makes me happy. Also, Macy's. 

I am so happy that I am developing my photography skills further. I feel like I am growing as an artist every day and looking at my past work and how it has evolved. Here is a recent series of shots that I did for my dear friend Kelsey, who graduated last weekend! 

xo