redheaded ramblings

Baby Macsen

2012-01-14T12:45:00.000-08:00

My friend Jessica just welcomed a new baby boy into her family. I had the opportunity to meet Macsen and photograph the family a little before Christmas. Such a sweet baby!

Nick & Miranda Engaged

2012-01-02T11:22:00.000-08:00

Nick proposed by placing the engagement ring as the "o" in "love" while the two were playing Scrabble one night. Cute!

Andrew, Katy & Rosie

2012-01-02T11:20:00.000-08:00

Several months ago I had the chance to visit with one of my best friends from High School and finally meet/photograph her darling family. I don't usually photograph families or active toddlers (let alone in rainy Seattle weather) so it was an adventure for me. :)

p.s. Katy writes a witty and moving blog documenting her escapades as a mom. Read it here.

Emily's Seniors - Part II

2011-11-04T17:20:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the long wait! Regular followers know that "coming soon" generally ends up meaning check back in a month...I wish it were not the case, but life is just so busy!

See part I here

After School Snack

2011-10-12T21:55:00.000-07:00

Today Mary and I split the best after school snack - a chocolate mousse in a chocolate cup topped with fresh fruit. It was delicious! As is the lens I am renting. It has been added to my wish list. :)

Emily's Seniors - Part I

2011-10-09T20:29:00.000-07:00

While we were in Idaho last month I finally got to take Emily's senior photos. She has already completed a semester at BYU so it was about time! Look for the second half soon.

Update: Part II here

A Little Taste of Fall: Pumpkin Granola

2011-09-25T19:48:00.000-07:00

Fall has arrived in Utah! I am frequently playing the heat in the morning/AC on the drive home game, the leaves are changing color and road construction is at full power. :) To celebrate my favorite season I thought I would share a delicious new recipe. Enjoy!

Pumpkin Granola
Makes about 16 cups

10 cups rolled oats
2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1 1/2 tsp. salt
1 1/2 cup brown sugar
1 cup pumpkin puree
1/2 cup applesauce
1/2 cup maple syrup *
2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cup raisins
1 cup chopped pecans

Preheat the oven to 325° F. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or tinfoil and set aside.

In a large bowl combine all ingredients. Mix well. Oats should be moist and evenly coated. Spread the mixture evenly between the two prepared baking sheets.

Bake for 20 minutes. Remove pans from the oven, stir and rotate pans to opposite racks. Bake for an additional 20-25 minutes or until the granola is golden and crisp. Let cool completely. Store in an airtight container.

Serve with milk, yogurt or enjoy it by the handful.

Adapted from Two Peas and Their Pod

* I am spoiled and used some of the Grade A New Hampshire Maple Syrup Brett sent us for Christmas, but I am sure regular pancake syrup would work too.

Emily's Seniors Coming Soon

2011-09-22T19:03:00.000-07:00

Union Station 40's Shoot

2011-09-16T20:20:00.000-07:00

In July, my friend Heidi invited me to shoot alongside her during a 40's inspired photo shoot. We rented out Union Station in Ogden for the afternoon and transported it back in time.

View more of my images here. See Heidi's here.

Photography: Adrian Parkinson. Hair & Makeup: Alex Crabtree and Stephanie Simmons. Wardrobe & Prop Styling: Heidi Simmons. Models: Amber Ferrin, Heather Morely, Jessica Russell, Kami Coleman, Katie Russell, Lindsay Russell, Tonya Ferrin. Location: Union Station.

Brittany & Brandon Engaged

2011-07-09T13:04:00.000-07:00

I had such a fun time photographing these two at Liberty Park. They are so cute together and I am very excited for them in their upcoming marriage. Congratulations Brittany and Brandon!

Brittany & Brandon Teaser

2011-07-02T16:01:00.000-07:00

More of this cute couple coming soon.

Monica's Seniors

2011-05-21T15:53:00.000-07:00

Breakfast Interrupted

2011-05-20T17:34:00.000-07:00

BSS | Breakfast Interrupted from Bruton Stroube Studios on Vimeo.

LOVE this!! Click here to see behind the scenes footage.

Inside-out carrot cake

2011-04-30T10:37:00.000-07:00

I found an online recipe for inside-out carrot cake muffins right before Easter. I though the idea was genius! Since I love this pumpkin recipe so much, I was sure that the recipe would become a favorite. However, after following the poorly written recipe (which yielded dry not-worth-the-calories muffins) I decided to combine two loved recipes into my own version. Below is the tasty result.

Carrot Cake:

2 cups flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
2 tsp cinnamon
1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
4 eggs
2 cups sugar
3 cups grated carrot

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix dry ingredients. Cream oil, eggs, sugar together, combine with dry mixture. Stir in grated carrots.

Filling:

1 package (8 ounce) cream cheese, at room temperature

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1 Tbs all-purpose flour

1 large egg

Mix together filling ingredients. Grease tart pans or muffin tins. Fill pans 1/4 way with cake mixture, layer another 1/4 filling on top, finish with 1/4 more carrot cake on top of filling. Bake 25-35 minutes.

P.S. Jeanelle thanks for the recipes! :) The filling is from your pumpkin bread. I am not sure on the carrot cake portion, but Anna thought it was yours as well.

More Chicks

2011-04-26T20:47:00.000-07:00

Could not resist posting this photo from the Easter shoot. Love his facial expression. Chicks are exciting!

Happy Easter!

2011-04-23T22:18:00.000-07:00

Anna's Best Day Ever

2011-03-27T21:36:00.000-07:00

Many of you may know that after months of saving, I finally got my new camera. It's such a step up from my old one and in short, IT'S AMAZING!! To celebrate, I recruited Anna to help me test it out. Those of you who know Anna will probably remember that whenever something good happens to her (even if it's just finding a dirty penny face down on the sidewalk) she proclaims that it is, "the best day ever!" I thought this would make a fun theme and so we spent the day doing all of Anna's favorite things...or really, I just tried spiffy camera settings and bought the kid a cupcake.

After choosing a pair of shoes from her collection and giving Zach a squeeze goodbye, we were off to The Sweet Tooth Fairy for a treat.

Next was shopping.

(Whoops only Zach was suppose to see that...)

And lastly we met up with Zach at the Laundromat.

Thanks again Annabelle!

You are what you eat...so eat something cute!

2011-03-16T21:06:00.000-07:00

Photos from "Anna's best day ever" coming soon.

Anna & Zach's Wedding

2011-02-19T12:12:00.000-08:00

Just posted a few of Anna & Zach's wedding photos here.

R&R BBQ

2011-02-16T20:12:00.000-08:00

This weekend I went to a photo meet up with some old friends from SLCC. At the event R&R BBQ made an entire competition BBQ spread for us to photograph and then enjoy. It was fun to see everyone and the food was delicious!

State of the State

2011-02-10T19:01:00.000-08:00

Two weeks ago I had the opportunity to photograph the state of the state dinner at the Utah State Capital. It was a wonderful experience and I look forward to photographing there again soon. Thank you Jackie for inviting me to come!

Tumblr

2011-01-29T11:50:00.000-08:00

For months I have kept a "inspiration" tumblr blog to catalog clever ideas. I thought I would share it with you today. Follow it here.

Edit: I have decided to switch over to Pinterest. Follow me here & let me know if you would like an invite.

Elyse

2011-01-15T08:19:00.000-08:00

Elyse is a music major at BYU who contacted me right before Christmas. We had a good time shooting images on campus for her senior recital. Such a nice and beautiful girl! I hope all goes well for her!

Meyer Lemon Meringue

2011-01-11T18:21:00.000-08:00

My friend Elissa and I tried out Les Madeleines this weekend and loved it. Everything was so beautiful and delicious!

Now that I am more settled in at work, it’s time to start spending more of my spare time on photography. I will be working once again with the Salt Lake Community College Culinary Institute and additionally plan to dedicate my Saturday mornings to personal photo assignments. This means that you should be seeing more frequent updates on here. Wish me luck!

Baby it's Cold Outside

2010-12-30T19:51:00.000-08:00

During Thanksgiving break I had the opportunity to relax with my family in Rockland Idaho. While there, I took some formals of Anna & Zach. It was about 20 degrees outside. Anna was a real trooper in her short sleeved wedding dress...especially when Mom insisted she take off her boots!

Simmons Family

2010-12-24T10:10:00.000-08:00

So if you haven't noticed already, I am sort of a binge blogger. I get busy and then when I finally have the time to blog I have a queue of projects ready to share. Look for several more posts to come...

These images are of our friends from church. Heidi, a fellow photographer came up with the idea to trade Christmas card photos. I thought this was a marvelous plan. Aaron on the other hand was not overly excited. :) Below is their final Christmas card and a few other images from the shoot. I will be posting the images Heidi took of us on our other blog soon.

This is Cecily's monkey face. Much to her mother's distress she made this face in almost all the photographs. Interestingly enough, it seems this was a one day face. Heidi says she has not made it again since. Hahaha! I think she is darling!

edit: I posted Heidi's images of us here

Melanie & Collin

2010-12-24T08:55:00.000-08:00

Melanie is one of my oldest and dearest friends. We grew up only one house away and spent hours shopping, attending plays, eating great food, and above all probably giggling. I am so happy for her and Collin!

SLCC Continuing Education

2010-12-23T19:02:00.000-08:00

The past month has been busy for me at work. Our new 2011 Continuing Education catalog went to press and our new website was launched. Both of which are HUGE projects that I headed off. I am so relieved to be done and excited to share them with you. Below is the cover of our new catalog which I shot. And you can visit the new website here.

Anna & Zach

2010-10-08T06:58:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the long post, but what can I say? My sister is cute!

CCPDI

2010-10-02T08:44:00.000-07:00

Earlier this summer, I had the opportunity to work with Salt Lake Community College's Child Care Professional Development Institute. In preparation for their annual conference, they wanted to feature some of their providers by including their photographs in upcoming marketing materials.

I got to travel to: Hyrum, Ogden, West Jordan, Provo, Price, and St. George taking pictures of darling children. Photographing "Circus Day" was one of my favorite shoots. More here.

Mom & Baby

2010-09-11T16:27:00.000-07:00

In July I had the opportunity to do a photo shoot for Rubberball. I was so nervous to be using unfamiliar models and equipment (including a Canon camera. I shoot Nikon) at their studio/on location. However, the shoot actually ended up going pretty well and I was offered a freelance position with the company. Below are a few images from the shoot. More can be found here.

Blackberry Cheesecake

2010-09-04T12:36:00.000-07:00

More posts coming very soon! I promise!!

Freshly Picked

2010-08-05T15:08:00.000-07:00

These are keeping me company while I edit today. I love wild sunflowers don't you?

Utah Art Festival

2010-07-31T15:47:00.000-07:00

I know this is long overdue, but I still want to showcase some of my favorite artists from Utah Arts Festival. Enjoy!

Shawn Ray Harris - 3D images

Owen Mortensen

Elisabeth Bunker

Juli Adams

Hanan Ingel, Erez Ephtein - authentic ancient coins incorporated into jewelry

Kristeen Lindorff - stippling

Jarrod Eastman

AIGA Salt Lake -"The Revinylize Project promotes and encourages social awareness with the power of creativity. By reclaiming local billboard material, the once giant images are transformed into smaller works of art in the form of unique vinyl bags and accessories."

Farmers Market & Chalk Festival

2010-07-01T13:09:00.000-07:00

I love living 15 minutes from downtown Salt Lake City and try to take advantage of many of the fun events that are held there. Within the past two weeks I have visited the Downtown SLC Farmers Market, enjoyed the Chalk Art Festival, as well as Utah Arts Fest. Although the images below are little more than snap shots, I thought it would be fun to share some favorites.

P.s. I will be featuring work from some of my favorite Utah Arts Fest artists soon.

Nicholas

2010-06-15T20:38:00.000-07:00

Green Thumb

2010-06-15T13:52:00.000-07:00

Today I am attempting to catch up on old shoots. Once I am done I can move on to new photo projects! YAY! Wish me luck.

SLCC Culinary Institute

2010-06-05T11:56:00.000-07:00

During spring semester I had the wonderful opportunity of working with Salt Lake Community College's Culinary Institute.

Each time I would arrive to set up just as the students were "plating up." Once I had my lights and background set, I would join them in the kitchen where the four teams were putting the finishing touches on their dishes. They would then line their food up on a giant table in the middle where their professor could evaluate their work. As he walked by choosing the best presentations and portions to sample, I followed pulling the dishes I thought would photograph best.

The whole process was a great learning experience for me and really, very fun. Still, I would have to say my favorite part was definitely getting to sample the food. It was fabulous! Thank you again to Ricco and the kind students at SLCC!

p.s. I updated my flickr with some portraits assignments that I never got around to sharing on here

Good Morning

2010-05-29T09:25:00.000-07:00

I hope you all have a great Memorial Day weekend! I will be spending mine with family hiking in some of Utah's state parks. Can't wait!

Online Portfolio

2010-05-13T13:33:00.000-07:00

My website is finally up. Take a look: http://adrianmarie.com

Outdoorsy

2010-05-11T06:47:00.000-07:00

School is out and I finally have time to post some updates/start editing through pictures for the people who were kind enough to model for me. I am also working to get my website up and running. Wish me luck! :) For now here is a picture of Nick. Thanks again friend!

Too much love

2010-05-01T14:12:00.001-07:00

Editing pictures today and came across this one...I love it! That's one big hug!

Could this be spring?

2010-04-17T17:00:00.001-07:00

I don't certainly don't want to jinx things, but I think it may finally be spring... I know it's entirely possible that it could snow tomorrow, but today I am soaking this up! So far I have had a fabulous Saturday: a greenhouse photoshoot, a trip to the downtown library, lunch in Liberty Park, some fabulous flee market finds (pearls & teal hemstitched napkins!), a baptism, and now I am getting ready to go to a fashion show with my sister Anna.

Art Show

2010-04-07T11:08:00.001-07:00

Three of my images are currently on display in Salt Lake Community College's Student Art Show. Go take a look: April 5-16 • Monday through Friday • Noon to 6 PM in the Science & Industry Building Atrium • 4600 South Redwood Road • Salt Lake City, UT 84123

After the Break-Up

2010-04-06T10:26:00.000-07:00

Thank you again to my beautiful cousins for agreeing to help me out with this shoot! It was great fun having you to envision rain clouds and sad bunnies while eating ice cream for breakfast ;)

This is the last of the four previously mentioned shoots. I apologize for the delay. I have been extremely busy and overwhelmed lately. I can't believe that my last semester is almost over. I still have so many photo shoots to plan and carry out. Not to mention all of the previous images I need to edit through for my portfolio. I promise to eventually catch you all up. In the meantime, I could really use another spring break!!

More images here.

More Pancakes

2010-03-11T20:09:00.000-08:00

Last week I had an opportunity to photograph my friend Jessica and her darling little girl. Here are a few of my favorites. Thanks again Jess!

Spring Break!

2010-03-11T17:48:00.000-08:00

Spring break is finally here and I could not be happier! This next week I plan on: working, hanging the last of our frames, getting my hair cut, preparing for the student art show, and probably making these pancakes again. :)

Puppies!

2010-03-08T19:03:00.001-08:00

This image is the first of many shoots to be posted. Look for another three soon.

Environmental portraits

2010-03-02T19:11:00.000-08:00

I have been working on several environmental portraits lately for class. i.e. this image from Hi-Grade Meats. Last week we had a field trip to see Grant Heaton's studio and after passing the meat processing plant on our way, I decided it would be my next location. So I gave them a call and the next day Carly and I proceeded to have a great time touring the plant in our special white coats and hairnets. I found it all fascinating. Carly on the other hand, has since sworn off meat. :) More environmental images here.

Root Vegetables

2010-03-02T17:44:00.000-08:00

Photowalking Utah

2010-02-19T16:49:00.002-08:00

Since I don't think I can technically post what I have been working on in studio, I thought it would be fun to show you some studio shots from last Saturday's Photowalking Utah event. After reading about the group online, my friend, Jessica and I decided to give it a try, and I am so glad we did!

Photowalking Utah is a local photo group that has monthly events and welcomes photographers of all skill levels. The best part: there is no membership fee! It's just a bunch of people coming together to teach and learn about photography. How cool is that? Everyone was so friendly and willing to share! Not to mention the fun lighting setups and trampoline.

Ice cream

2010-02-11T08:04:00.000-08:00

This semester I am as usual, loving my classes. My Advanced Studies class is probably my favorite purely because, we get to set up our own shoots. As I mentioned in an earlier post, I will be focusing on food and lifestyle photography. This is a blast!

This past weekend a few of my photo buddies and I decided to go in on some rental equipment. One of the girls, Carly and I went to Farr Better Ice Cream in Ogden. Shooting on location with lights was certainly an experience. While a little stressful, I learned so much and feel the shoot went well. I think it helped that I had such fabulous models. Thanks again Natasha and Kenya!

I am not sure where my next shoot will be, although I do have a long list of ideas and plan at some point to collaborate with students from the Culinary Institute ( I have a meeting with the Program Director this next week). If you have any great ideas or want to model for me, let me know. :)

Squid Ink Pasta & Mousse

2010-01-26T20:12:00.000-08:00

After much thought, I have decided to move forward this semester with both food and lifestyle photography. I have lots to learn and am so excited!
Here is a little list of photographers I admire who already make their living doing this:

Alexandra Grablewski
Anna Williams
Con Poulos
Ericka McConnell
Mikkel Vang
Nicole Hill Gerulat
John Kernick

Cold Finals

2010-01-13T08:52:00.001-08:00

Here are a few photos from my Alternative Photography final. I used a combination of Lensbaby, Holga, and digital SLR.

Nick & Fernanda

2010-01-12T09:26:00.000-08:00

I am already missing Christmas break! It was so nice to get to catch up on some projects. One of which being these images. This was my 1st attempt at any sort of wedding photos and although they certainly are not anything stellar, it was a fun experience. Thank you again Jessica for inviting me to tag along!

One Wonderful Family

2010-01-09T09:11:00.000-08:00

This is the Johnson family, one of the biggest blessings in my life. If you were to spend a day with them you would feel welcome and loved. You would quickly recognize their great humor, humility, and hearts/hands full service. Since I have moved to Utah they have taken me in and become my second family. We have had so much fun together and they have taught me so much. I am excited for what lies ahead in our friendship.

Christmas at the Cabin

2010-01-06T15:25:00.000-08:00

A little Christmas recap. See more of our fun Idaho Christmas here on Flickr.

Mail

2009-12-16T14:46:00.000-08:00

Two wonderful things:
#1 The pomegranate made it in the mail to Elissa!!!! Everyone doubted, but triumph! Elissa got to try a pomegranate for the first time.

#2 My book made it here in time for my final! I thought I had ordered the book with plenty of time to spare and expected it to arrive on Friday or Saturday last week. Apparently I read the deadlines wrong. It was shipped on Friday or Saturday and expected to be delivered today; the same day as my final. I was so sure that it would arrive during or after my 12:00 final. I even called FedEx twice to see if I could come pick it up at the depo. Sadly that was not an option and I had come to grips with the fact that I would only be sharing a digital version in class. However, I guess my prayers worked because it arrived about 45 minutes before class!! Miracle of miracles! Seriously!

Caid & Chloe

2009-12-14T17:52:00.000-08:00

While I am certainly just a beginner at this whole child photography thing, it sure was fun to take pictures of these two!

Missing This

2009-12-14T17:14:00.000-08:00

Missing warm weather & the Downtown Farmers Market today.

P.s. Does anyone agree that this is #1 the creepiest logo/sign ever and #2 an interesting location choice?

Painted

2009-12-14T16:02:00.000-08:00

Holga negatives + Painting on the developer = too much fun!

Vandykes & Cyanotypes

2009-12-10T18:08:00.000-08:00

Had this handed back today for full points. :)
* Please ignore the poor scan quality.

Krappy Kamera

2009-12-10T17:47:00.001-08:00

In alternative we were assigned the "Krappy Kamera" project. Although I played with a Lensbaby and cell phone photography, my cross processed Holga 120 film won out. What better to photograph for a "krappy" assignment than "krappy" motels?

P.s. Today was my last day of classes and I had quite a few assignments handed back. Stay tuned for more.

Neighbors

2009-12-03T10:30:00.000-08:00

My Documentary Photography Book is finally done!!

*Please ignore the crop marks and such, these are just screen shots.
Feel free to click on them for an enlargement.

When deciding what to document for a photography class this semester, I started thinking about my apartment complex. All of the apartments are the exact same size and layout. They have the same light fixtures, paint color, and carpet. Yet, I imagined each apartment looking so different depending on who lived there. Factors such as culture, income, interests, and even time of year might prove to illustrate individuality housed within identical structures. Being new to the complex, I decide it was time to meet my neighbors and set out to document them.

Take a look:

Neighbors

By Adrian Parkinson

Book Preview

Christmas Treats

2009-12-01T17:45:00.000-08:00

Shot some more food for my digital final in Studio.

Window Light

2009-11-24T10:46:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago I took a Tabletop Photography class from Nicole Hill Gerulat and LOVED it! In the class we learned about lighting, styling, tools, etc. However, I think the thing that really hit me was that I could do this from home. I was shocked to learn that the majority of Nicole's tabletop images were shot using window light and a matte board as a backdrop.

Since then, I have been praying for a day when I could be home before the sun set. Well, finally I got my chance this past Sunday. Although these are certainly nothing to write home about, I had a lot of fun and can't wait to shoot more soon. I have a great desire to learn more about food photography. If any of you have contacts or suggestions of where to learn more, I would love to hear it.

Miranda

2009-11-22T20:51:00.000-08:00

Here are a few of my favorites from Miranda's senior shoot. I love this girl!! Could not have asked for a better sister-in-law!

Nick

2009-11-18T10:27:00.001-08:00

Nick was kind enough to be my model for a head and shoulders studio shot this week. Although this shot is not quite as good as some of the outtakes...

it got me a good grade.

"Okay, turn you head on more of a slant...Now, make a fist. Slowly ease it up underneath your chin. This is looking really good. Kay, hold still right there. Now, just imagine you're weightless, in the middle of the ocean, surrounded by tiny little seahorses. That was the one. I think that's gonna come out really nice." - Deb, Napoleon Dynamite

Monica

2009-11-13T16:53:00.000-08:00

For me, one of the many wonderful things about getting married has been gaining beautiful fresh faces to photograph - although I think my sisters are most excited about this. :)

Aaron's cousin Monica is definitely one of my favorite new relatives. She loves reading, theater, and music. So naturally, we get along quite nicely. Right before Aaron and I got married I had the opportunity to photograph her and five of her best friends. The girls had makeovers in honor of Monica's 16th birthday before proceeding to our little photo shoot. How fun is that? But really, how cute are these girls?!!

Pictorial Preview

2009-11-09T19:07:00.000-08:00

OK, this is the last update for today...well it's more of a teaser really. We are just finishing up our study of pictorialism in Alternative Photo. I loved making my own vandykes & cyanotypes and plan to make a few to just hang around our apartment as these will be put into book form. Can't wait to share the finished product.

Light Painting

2009-11-09T18:50:00.000-08:00

In complete contrast from the last set of images posted, here are a few abstracts from Aaron and my glow stick experiments.

Parking Services

2009-11-09T18:24:00.000-08:00

Today we had an editorial project due in Documentary Photography. Our assignment was to photograph parking at the college. While I started out like most students by taking pictures of the parking lot and even thinking I was getting creative with some long exposures, I ultimately decided to meet with parking services. I am so glad that I did. They were wonderful; taking me around campus, showing me all of their gear, and letting me see what goes on behind the scenes.

Not Enough Hours in the Day

2009-11-04T20:01:00.001-08:00

Fun stuff coming just as soon as I finish my never ending to do list...

Fall Semester Update

2009-10-30T18:38:00.000-07:00

I figured it was about time to update my blog with some of my recent school work. This semester I have four really fun classes:

Alternative Photography* - where we get to play with holgas, infrared film, pinholes, and you name it. Right now we are studying Pictorialism and making our own vandykes & cyanotypes. So fun!

Documentary Photography - in which I have chosen to document the tenets of my apartment complex to show that although the apartment layout and space is identical, each apartment is so different depending on who lives there. The final project will be complied into a book with side by side comparison photos.

Studio* - learning to use and love all light.

Independent study food photography course - reading lots of books and websites, taking Nicole's Tabletop Photography Class (on Thursday!) and hopefully working with a chef.

As you can imagine I am pretty busy and that's even before adding my three part-time jobs: one designing/marketing for SLCC’s Continuing Education, one working as a food demo person in grocery stores, fairs, and farmers markets, and one working out with a girl who has mental disabilities.

Despite the busyness, I promise to try to be better about sharing my projects. Enjoy!

* more images from these classes can be found here and here.

Eating Leftovers and Loving My Life

2009-10-29T17:55:00.000-07:00

Stephanie and I tried a new recipe last night and both decided it was a bit of heaven. You must try it for yourself!!

Williams-Sonoma Chicken & Artichoke Skillet Lasagna

1 Tbs. vegetable oil
3 boneless, skinless chicken thighs.
each 4 to 5 oz. (125 to 155g)
1 red onion, diced
2 red bell peppers, seeded and diced
2 tsp. kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes
1 jar (1 lb, 8 oz./684g) artichoke & lemon pasta sauce *
2 1/2 (75g) Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, grated
5 1/2 oz. (170g) fresh goat cheese, crumbled
8 dried lasagna noodles, cooked al dente
Chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley for garnish

*Williams-Sonoma supposedly sells this, but I could not find it on their site anywhere. It's possible that they do not sell it anymore. I picked up the recipe a few years back and forgot about it until I bought a lemon artichoke pesto at the farmers market - which is currently over and leaves me searching for a website or a location where I can buy more yummy pesto...I will try to report back.

Preheat an oven to 400°F (200°C).

In a large nonstick fry pan over high heat, warm the oil. Add the chicken and cook, turning over once, until browned on both sides, about 5 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate. Reduce the heat to medium and add the onion, bell peppers, salt , back pepper and red pepper flakes. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are soft and golden brown, about 15 minutes.

Return the chicken and any accumulated juices to the pan. Add half of the pasta sauce and 1/4 cup (60ml) water. Cover, bring to a simmer and cook until the chicken is cooked through, 13 to 15 minutes. Using 2 forks, shred the chicken into small chunks. Reserve 1/4 cup (90g) of the remaining pasta sauce and stir the rest of the sauce into the pan.

Transfer half of the chicken mixture to a small bowl. Spread the remaining mixture evenly on the bottom of the pan. Sprinkle one-third of the Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese on top, then sprinkle with one-third of the goat cheese. Cover with a single layer of 4 lasagna noodles. Repeat with the remaining chicken mixture, one-third of each of the cheeses and the remaining noodles. Spread the reserved 1/4 cup (90g) pasta sauce on top, making sure to coat the edges of the noodles to prevent them from drying out during baking. Sprinkle the remaining cheeses on top.

Cover the pan, transfer to the over and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the lid and continue baking for 15 minutes more. Let the lasagna stand for 15 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley, cut into 8 pieces and serve warm. Serves 8

p.s. we improvised a little to make this more affordable. i.e had no garnish, used chicken tenderloins, and just regular parmesan cheese. I can only imagine what the suggested $9 cheese would have made. Maybe some day. :)

** I e-mailed M.C.Rossi and they said you can find their pesto at the Good Earth stores, Emigration Market, and soon Winder Farms and Smiths.

Photo by Williams-Sonoma

Utah State Fair

2009-10-23T19:33:00.000-07:00

One of my three part-time jobs this semester is working to demo food for Chef Shamy. This particular day I was working at the fair with Utah's Own so Aaron and I decided it would be fun to wander around once I got off. We had a fun time looking at everything and especially enjoyed the alligator show as you can tell from the picture below.
P.s. I have created a new blog dedicated to Aaron and my adventures and intend on keeping this blog mainly to post design/photography related items.

Oregon Coast

2009-10-23T18:09:00.000-07:00

Sorry that I have been away for so long. I have just been extremely busy with school, work, and church, while trying to spend as much time with Aaron as possible. I finally loaded some pictures from our honeymoon on Flickr. I am hoping to get some of my class assignments and other photo projects loaded soon. No promises as to when, but I will be sure to post a link here.

Made Me Smile

2009-08-26T17:01:00.000-07:00

Just took a break from what I was working on and got sucked into Improv Everywhere. There are so many hilarious episodes. If you get a kick out of this one, try surprise wedding reception or Food Court Musical next and go from there. So clever and entertaining!

p.s. The wedding was wonderful :)

p.p.s. I will try to get some photos up soon. I promise!

Engagements

2009-07-15T22:50:00.000-07:00

Allison posted some of our engagement photos on her blog. I think they turned out great, so please go check them out. Also, while you are there take a look at the rest of her work. It's beautiful!

Hawaii

2009-07-11T12:06:00.000-07:00

Posting a few shots from our family trip to Hawaii. More on my Flickr account.

Cutest Man Ever!!

2009-07-10T16:54:00.000-07:00

Since Aaron is leaving tomorrow for diabetes camp - where he will be a counselor, he surprised me today with these. A rose and note for each day he will be gone! Can you say adorable? I can't wait to open my first note tomorrow! And yes, I did promise to only open one a day :)

Can't belive I am saying this, but...

2009-07-08T16:18:00.000-07:00

some days I miss winter weather. This morning was one of those flier delivery days where I had to run through everyone's sprinklers to stay cool - and that was at like 7:45!

Web Site Story

2009-07-08T09:13:00.000-07:00

About died laughing! LOVE this!!! Thanks again Nick.
P.S. You may need to click through so you can see the full video size. The embeding crops half of it out for some reason.

Luci's Flowers

2009-06-15T21:37:00.000-07:00

Someday I am going to have beds and beds of flowers like my friend Luci. I am sure you will all believe me when I say that these not only look beautiful, but smell divine!

twenties dinner party

2009-06-06T10:38:00.000-07:00

Fun murder mystery dinner last night. Pictures soon!