Winter in the Mountains

On Sunday Ryan and I decided that we wanted to take Winter/Christmas photographs, but there hasn't been any snow in the valley and it's been 40-50 degrees on average. It hasn't been feeling like Christmas outside this year except for the random spurts of Christmas lights we see. Anyways, we knew that if we went up to the mountains we would surely find snow and guess what - we did! It was so beautiful - exactly what I imagine when I think of a winter wonderland. The mountains were covered in white and there were pine trees everywhere, making it look like Christmas trees galore. 

We drove up to Snowbird, which was filled with skiers and snowboarders so we decided to head down to White Pine Trail and took the path that led to this cute bridge. Some people who were taking bridals came shortly after we got there and we decided to share the spot, but I seriously didn't want to leave, although exploring the rest of the trail was fun as well. I love pine trees covered in snow - it's my favorite winter scene. Looking back I wish I didn't wear a white top since I'm blending in with the snow, but oh well, you live and you learn. We also had to get Ryan a new suit last week since he was leaving on a business trip to Atlanta and didn't have one that fit. I was sad I didn't get to go with him, but I'm crossing my fingers I can go to his Washington DC trip since we'll already be out in New York City that week. We've been to NYC before, but only spent a day there so let me know if you have any must do or sees, as well as for DC.

Today we have a snow storm advisory all day until tomorrow evening so I'm hoping the valley is blanketed with snow and then I can go sledding. I bought some sleds from Target a month ago, but haven't been able to use them yet and I'm crossing my fingers I can go before I leave to Wisconsin. 

Anthropologie belts are my favorite.

This last week Ryan and I got dolled up and headed towards an area of the lake we've never been before to take some portraits. It's been a while since we've done this so I didn't realize how cold it was starting to get and how soon the sun went down, especially with how cloudy it was the other day. I got these red heels from Charlotte Russe the other week during Black Friday when I was shopping with my cousin, Shirley, and they're super cute but almost impossible to walk in for more than five minutes. I'm not sure I'll be pulling them out very much, but I was excited to get pictures of them. I always love taking portraits though because it gives me the chance to wear pieces in my wardrobe that I couldn't wear every day, like this pink skirt and Anthropologie belt. I think I'm addicted to their belts - I mean they're so beautiful! Besides that, Anthropologie for several reasons is one of those places I take my closest friends to wander through all of the wonders stored up in that room. It seriously holds many of my favorite memories. <3

 

Pre-Thanksgiving

This year we decided to head down to Fresno, CA for Thanksgiving to spend it with my relatives, but before doing so we stopped at the grocery store and bought some cornish hens, potatoes, and stuffing. We were going to have our own little pre-Thanksgiving dinner before heading out. I spent hours following recipes I found off of Pinterest and prayed for the best. The cornish hens turned out great even though I burnt the outside a tiny bit and the mash potatoes were probably the most American thing I've ever made in the kitchen. We finished all of this off with chocolate brownies and vanilla ice cream - it was delish! I enjoyed cooking the meal even though I was not thrilled about the clean up. I probably waited about a week before I looked at the dirty dishes filled sink. Can I just say I love the holidays? It's an amazing time of the year with great food and wonderful company. I especially love sharing these moments with Ryan. This week we are Christmas planning - it'll be filled with Christmas concerts, looking at lights, putting up Christmas decorations, baking, and traveling.