Wintering in the South

Hello everyone!

I can't believe it is already the last day of 2014. This year has been filled with adventures, surprises, and discovery. I am excited to share some of the photos I've been taking since my last post. Ever since I got my camera, I have spent this year trying to share my photos as much as possible. I have been so busy traveling and taking photographs that I now have an abundant amount of posts ready for the New Year!

I am currently in North Carolina and have been traveling in the area, so this post will be focused on some of the North Carolina landscapes and small towns I have visited. Although I love the change of scenery, I don’t believe the 27˚ weather or the winding mountain roads are my cup of tea! I have lived in Florida my entire life, and will probably be here until I retire. That being said, I would recommend traveling through the smoky mountains, they are quite beautiful.

Hope you enjoy! 

Blue Ridge, North Carolina

 

There is a lot of taxidermy in North Carolina!

Lake Hiwassee was just stunning!

One of my favorite stops on this trip was to the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina. It was built by the Vanderbilt family and was opened to friends and family in 1895! Located on over 8,000 acres of land, this beautiful piece of American history takes you back in time as you tour the estate. There are over 250 rooms and they have all the original furniture, paintings, and décor from the time it was built. My grandparents used to come and picnic on the lawns on the estate when they lived in Asheville. Unfortunately photography is not allowed inside the estate, but I got some stunning pictures of the views and surrounding areas!

Could you imagine having this view outside your window?

Wishing you all a safe and happy 2015!

Lo Jo

Do You Use Bloglovin?

If blogs and Pinterest could have a baby, Bloglovin would be it. It's just as easy to use and just as addictive. 

Follow my blog with Bloglovin!

Still working on my next post, but more Disney photos are on the way! 

What blogs do you like to follow on Bloglovin?



Happy Friday!

Lo Jo

Orchids, Roses, and Tulips, Oh My!

Flowers brighten up the room they’re in, provide fresh oxygen, and simply add a little color to your life! Last week I posted that a house is not a home without a pet, and I could make the same argument about flowers.

If you want to get technical, according to a research study conducted at Rutgers University, the presence of flowers increases your happiness and has a long-term positive effect on your mood. Participants in the study who had fresh flowers at home felt an increase in kindness and compassion, and the homes were even considered more welcoming too! I always keep orchids in my kitchen window and try to get freshly cut flowers as much as possible (even if it involves shamelessly hinting to my boyfriend as we pass the flower section at the grocery store)!

When I was little, my family planted all different kinds of roses in a range of colors in our front yard. Of all the rose bushes, the most eye-catching was the Peppermint Rose. I was always transfixed by the mixed red and white petals; it was unlike any flower I had ever seen before. All the same rose bushes are still in my parent's yard today, so after I got my new camera one of the first things I did was walk out into the garden and start taking photos of the roses we planted so many years ago.

Don't you just love this Peppermint Rose?

Tulips and orchids are my favorite flowers of all. Orchids for their unique contrasting designs, and tulips for their bright colors and clean lines. I always have a range of different orchids, and I have even been able to keep a couple alive for a few years. However, I absolutely love when the local grocery store starts selling freshly cut tulips! Tulip season is my favorite season!

Orchids up-close have a natural shimmer!

My boyfriend got me this orchid plant almost 3 years ago, and I kept it alive! 

What kind of flowers do you like to keep around your house?

See you soon!

Lo Jo

Pampered Pets

Animals have always been a huge part of my life. I worked at a pet store for over 6 years; it was my first job and it ended up being one of my favorites. I adored helping others discover their new furry friends! As I begin taking more photos, animals tend to be a common theme. 
I believe that pets provide a bond that is unlike any other. You are the center of their universe. Be sure to make their world as special as they make yours.

This is Daisy, she is the sweetest wiener dog (Dachshund) my brother and his girl friend recently adopted.

She's much faster than she looks!

Leo is my best friend's cat, he is just precious.

Finn is a pied-pearl cockatiel mix I've had for around 7 years.

Ava is the newest addition to our house, she's only about a year old.

Ava photo-bombing!

"Bat Bird"

Hope you enjoyed the photos!

Lo Jo

Tank War 2014

Welcome Friends!

I hope you all had a safe and Happy 4th! My family has many traditions, some silly and some heartwarming. Every year for the 4th of July we make home made ice cream, decorate cookie cakes, set off fireworks, and have an annual Tank War. Today I'd like to share a couple of these time honored traditions with you. 

What I'm about to share with you all may look shocking, but I promise no one has been hurt in the making of this production. My brother and I are not your typical fireworks consumers, we consider ourselves a set of pyro pros. Please, do not try this at home.

Snakes Emerging

So it begins, the annual Tank War

Notice the tank shooting straight into the air..

"Total Annihilation"

The left side has won! 

"The Wreckage" 

I have some fun photos playing with the exposure during the fireworks at night, but I'm saving those for another time! Be sure to check out my Fireworks at Disney World post from last week if you haven't already. Another tradition we have for this holiday is decorating cookie cakes, below is the cake I decorated this year.

Happy 4th of July from my family to yours!

Check back soon,

Lo Jo