I asked fellow blogger Kaytee Lauren to be featured here at my blog. And she was so sweet and answered a few questions about her blog and lifestyle. Please read and get to know this lovely and super talented lady!
1) Tell us a little about yourself!
Hmm, this is a tough question to start with! What about me? I am a 22 (almost 23) year old wife + photographer + baker + blogger. I have a one-eyed cat, a diva of a pup (but I love him), and I love donuts! Donuts and off-beat music like beastie boys. My relationship with God is my number one priority in life, next to that is my husband.
2)What inspired you to create your blog? What do you love most about it?
I actually don't know what inspired me to create a blog! I created my first blog in 2008 after high school, and I don't really know the reason behind it. I guess I just wanted to share my recipes and inspiration through blogging. I've always been told I was a good baker, so I guess I felt I had something to share! I switched to Blogger from Wordpress in 2011 after I got married to expand my community. What I love most about blogging in general is the community! I love the people I meet and the friendships that are formed. A dream come true for me would be to meet all of the bloggers I have met through blogging at one big conference one day. What I love specifically about my blog is that it's my creative outlet. I thrive on creativity, and my blog is basically one big notepad for me. I also love looking back on the past years and months, just like an online diary or journal, except with pictures.
3) How would you describe your fashion style? Where do you find inspiration?
I'm not sure I would even call my style fashion. I'm not very outgoing with my style, I love incredibly simple pieces. I could wear black leggings and a stripped shirt everyday if that were possible. I do love feeling somewhat creative in my style, which is why I try to put outfits together at all. It's just another form of creativity. I get my inspiration from Pinterest, duh, but more specifically I try to use the Hayley Morgan system with her No Brainer Wardrobe ebook. I don't always feel like going out and finding new pieces, so I try to get creative within my own wardrobe and pull out pieces I have never worn or don't necessarily wear all the time.
4) Spring is here! Anything on your wishlist for this season?
Funny you asked! I was just looking at some things online today that I want so badly and decided to make a blog post about summer wishlist items, coming soon! A few things that would be on my list are: high-rise bathing suit and a few new maxi dresses.
5) Do you have any daily reads, favorite blogs or magazines?
I try to catch up on my Google Reader list once a week for my favorite blogs, but on a daily basis, I just try to keep up with everyone via Instagram and Pinterest. That's how I stay in the know!
6) I know you work on photography (something we have in common =D) how and when did you start? Tell us a bit about you style as
a photographer!
This will actually be the first time I have officially ever answered this question. My close friends know most of the story, but often times how I got started is just a little fuzzy and it looks like I just jumped onto the photo bandwagon that seems to be coming through every town. Growing up my mom and dad took photos of literally EVERYTHING. Half of our storage space in the basement consisted of JUST photos, it was ridiculous. My dad specifically loved cameras. He bought me all of my cameras growing up, and helped me prepare for photography class in high school. I still remember shopping with my dad for my first Canon 35mm required for class. When I took the class, I remember developing film in the dark room and dreaming about having a dark room in my future dream home to work in as a hobby. I always wanted to buy myself a nice digital Canon one day, but I never considered photography a career. Through high school I always loved taking photos, but didn't have that dream camera, so it fell to the wayside except the occasional Kodak moment, and I mean literally Kodak, because that's what I had through high school- a point in shoot Kodak. Once Joel and I got married, we had a load of wedding money, so I thought why not? Why not buy my dream camera now. If not, will I ever? So we did it! We got online, did our research, and I got a great deal for my brand new digital camera. After taking some photos and working with people, I began to realize the importantance of a photo. When all is said and done, the photos we take are the only thing we have left except our memories. After my dad passed away, the photos he took were the only thing I had left to remember him by. After a year of practicing and figuring out who I am as a photographer, the rest became history. I quit my job of being a nanny after 4 years, and I am now a full-time photographer trying to make her way! This is all I have, so I have to push myself and make it work, even through my shy-ness. I couldn't imagine doing anything else. For my style, I think it takes a while for every photographer to figure that out. I love clear photos with bold crisp colors, so that's what I'm training myself to produce, still working on it!
7) One of the things I love the most of your blog are the yummy recipes!! Can you tell us a bit on how your love for cooking started? What's your favorite recipe (if you have one*)
Baking for me started when I was 13. I got a very tiny cookbook from a book fair at my school. It was so small that it could fit into the palm of your hand. I tried a chocolate chip cookie recipe from the book, and everyone loved them, so I felt like maybe I had a new hobby. Over the years, I became known for my peanut butter chocolate chip cookies and my cupcakes. Now that I'm a bit more experienced in baking, I try to expand my knowledge and bake to more difficult things. This keeps my creative mine always functioning, and keeps my family well-fed and happy too! My favorite recipe is probably my brownie recipe. It's not actually mine, although I adjusted it to fit my needs better, I got the original recipe from Honey & Jam who got the recipe from Smitten Kitchen.
8) You are young and married (like me* =D) tell us about your hubby?
My husband is great! He waited his whole life for the one he would marry and didn't date. How many guys can say that these days?We knew right away we were the ones for each other, and we got married within a year of when we started dating.
9) Most recent book read.
I am actually currently reading Sons of Encouragement by Francine Rivers. I am not very far into it, but I'm sure it will be great because it's about the important men of God in the Bible!
10) What song you have on replay constantly?
I actually listen to Christian music majority of the time, but when I'm in the car I turn on Mumford & Sons or classics like Bille Holiday or Frank Sinatra.
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