Into the ocean

I'm just a normal boy who sank when I fell overboard. My ship would leave the country, but I'd rather swim ashore. Without a life vest I'd be stuck again, wish I was much more masculine, maybe then I could learn to swim, like 'fourteen miles away.' Now floating up and down, I spin, colliding into sound, likes whales beneath me diving down. I'm sinking to the bottom of my 'everything that freaks me out.' The light house beam has just run out, I'm cold as cold as cold can be. I want to swim away but don't know how. Sometimes it feels just like I'm falling in the ocean. -Into the Ocean, 'Blue October,.'



moody days go well with moody songs.

Christmas in a Jar

Inspiration from Deer Circus has led me to make a DIY snow globe.
You can read her post here.
It's the simplest cutest way to spruce up your home for Christmas.
Pun intended.

I got my tree, mini lights, snow, and fencing from Hobby Lobby.
The mason jar came from my momma's kitchen.

Happy Monday.

xo, Rach

Little brothers & Sweet friends

I've been having trouble getting into the holiday spirit. 

My little brother is coming up on his 1 year mission mark, which also means he's been gone for 1 year.
I'm missing him a lot lately. 

He was always the one setting up decorations with me, lighting the tree. 

He encourages the baking of holiday cookies, mostly so he can eat them all.  

This year it's just me and the parents and I'm coming to find Christmas just isn't as fun with out  Tys. 

Luckily I have a sweet friend named Arielle.

And her thoughtful heart gave me Christmas presents last week. 

She got me cozy socks and a wooden carved deer pen.  (I'm obsessed with both.)

Talking Christmas with her makes me way too happy. 

Basically she's the loveliest human.

I hope you all are having a pretty December.

xo, rach

Ivy Pearl

She was born at 5:30pm, weighing 9lbs 2oz, measuring 22 inches.
She has chubby cheeks and long wrinkly fingers.

Being an aunt is my favorite thing. 

make sure to like rachel mariesa photography to see other pictures of this sweet babe.

Modcloth's Uniquely You Challenge: Winterberry Tart Coat

Modcloth & Sincerely Peachy: Uniquely You Challenge by sincerelypeachyblog featuring flat shoes

This week I'm participating in Modcloth's uniquely you challenge featuring the Winterberry Tart Coat. 

The first time I saw this coat I could have passed out.

Maroon is sort of my thing.

I can't get enough of it, and those who see my day to outfits would confirm that statement.

Honestly, I'm not one to shy away from wearing Christmas colors every day of December, so I did not hesitate for one second to pair this coat with some green tights. And this cream dress (aka my kyrptonite.) from H&M has my drooling a bit. Oh and the t-strap flats that have been on my to buy list for way too long. It's a problem. This outfit, for me at last, is the right amount of festive and dressy for the many Christmas parties that need attending.

If you want to fall in love and treat yo self (or a friend, or yourself) don't hestitate to visit Modcloth.

Xo, Rach 

Kid knows whats up.

I'm sure many of you have seen Kid President and hear his wise words.
Here is his latest, 20 things we should say more often.

18, 11, 9, & 5 get the best of me.

You won't regret watching this. 

Relient k

So I have a favorite band called relient k. They are wonderful. 

They have brought me through sad days and happy ones. They are honest and melodic and fill me up. 

I finally got to see them live last night? It was amazing. I was smiling a mile wide. 

Every note played and lyric sung was just what I hoped. It's a small understatement to say that it did not help my obsession. 

The venue would not allow my canon so please enjoy my iPhone-ography.

I hope your weekend was as good as mine. 

Oh, thanks.

Thanksgiving is in ONE week.

Is that a real thing? I think not.
time is FLYING by. It's insane.
p.s. i made this free printable last year if you want one.

Anyways, I'm wildly excited. 

I love food, family time, and not working is good also.
Obviously a thankful heart is something we should always have.
But it's November is always a nice reminder.

I'm also just really excited to eat pie.
...k bye.

Etsy: 
Photo:

Who says November isn't for sidewalk chalk?

This morning has been widly delightful. I was lucky enough to babysit my nephew. He's the greatest child. 

We went to the park, and talked to dogs through fences. We made funny faces and sang songs. 

We used my gem shaped chalk that I was hoping would get it's use before next summer! I'm seriously obsessed with it. I found it tucked between men sweaters at target on sale for 2.50. We traced hands and drew houses and trees. I'm feeling pretty content. And very blessed. 

This November Saturday feels like summer. 

A year.

Time goes by wildly fast.
In the words of the great and musical Regina...
"Time is all around except inside my clock."

I can hardly believe the difference one year has made.
I've been thinking about it a lot lately.
Sometimes those thoughts leave me sad, longing, and a little heart broken.
But my ever progressing life makes me hopeful and excited to see where I will be in one year.

I'm trying hard to make sure it is a place I want to be.

The end of the year is one of my favorite times.
I'm so excited to end it well, and start the next year with my feet (I'll also settle for one foot) on the ground.

K night guys.

Things to fill a home.

I fell in love at the thrift store today.

There was this couch. 

A brown, velvet floral couch. 

I don't think anyone else would like it, but I love it.  

A vintage sewing machine.

A floral arm chair.

A homemade Christmas ornament.

I sighed, and melted, and wanted to take it all home.

But buying furniture isn't allowed when you live in your parents house.

One day I will have a husband and a home that I can buy pretty couches for.
(I  may be more excited for the couch than the husband.)
(I said that like I have one. ohhhh geeeezzzz.)  

Until then I'll be happy to take pictures.  

Happy Wednesday.

Standing on my soap box.

Religion is such a taboo.

I don't know that there is a bigger one. 

At least for me, my religion has helped me establish guidelines and morals for most topics of discussions. Most topics that many others feel very differently about.

I avoid talking religion with those not of my faith because I get nervous of stepping on toes, hurting feelings, or leading myself into a heated discussion. 

A big part of me is saying "Rach, don't even be scared. At the end of the day God loves you so much for sharing His love and thats all that matters" but another part of me is filled with all those nervous bugs.

I always hear stories of everyone else sharing their beliefs, ideals, and truths.

Beautiful, inspirational, empowering stories.
The real truth is I have been inhibiting myself from even having the opportunity to do the same. 

I realize I do not need to go preach on a street corner, but I need to do something. 

Maybe these little posts are enough? Regardless, missionary work is going on my list of priorities.

One day I'll find the words to express all my beliefs with all of you.
Until then, you can read more about my church here.

You won't regret it.

Have a good day,

Rachel 

p.s. this is the video that inspired this post
my little heart beats for these creative, out of the box missionaries. 

Polish & Perspectives

I got a new nail polish. Its a dark periwinkle purpley sorta thing.
its also glitter for days. I love it. So much. 

p.s. obviously this cold weather is already doing a number on my hands. 

There's been a lot of things lately that make me feel like I have a new perspective.
I'm gaining more respect for myself, and everything that I am.
My sensitivity, femininity (or lack thereof), sense of humor and general opinion.
Everyday I'm learning how to better care for myself.

I'm slowly but surely realizing what is most important, and what is worth sacrificing to get it.
I'm spending more of time obtaining goals and working towards being the person I'd like to be.
A photographer, designer, future wife and mom, a disciple.

I'm getting happier all the time.
I hope your week is going great.



P.s. I finally got around to creating an etsy shop; take a look

For the beauty of the earth

Today, like 100 other people in Utah, I went on a drive up the alpine loop.
I was geeking out. The wet air, foggy skies, and colorful trees. 

Seriously. It was beautiful. Left me wildly speechless. 

It was a great way to spend my Sunday.

A great way to fill my heart with gratitude for all the work that my Heavenly Father put in to give me a beautiful place to grow, learn, and love. 

"Yea, all things which come of the earth, in the season thereof, are made for the benefit and the use or man, both to please the eye and to gladden the heart;"

D&C 59:18

My heart is certainly gladdened. 

I don't know who MF and SF is, but I hope they stay in love forever. 

p.s. take a look at my photo blog: http://rachelmariesaphotography.blogspot.com/

Conference weekend

This past weekend was conference weekend.
A time when millions gather together and listen the words of a prophet.

I was lucky enough to go sing with my singles ward outside the conference center.
We sang hymn after hymn for 2 hours. My feet hurt, and my throat was sore.
But I also cried through half of it, because the spirit was so sweet.

I also got to attend the Saturday afternoon session.
There's so much I have to learn, and I'm widly excited to grow.

I also took a quick trip (seriously its a 4 minute drive) over to the draper temple. 

I'm a very lucky human. #blueskies4dayzzz

I hope you get a chance to read or listen to the words that were spoken.

Happy week friends.

Oh hey, long time no see.

It's almost been 2 months since I blogged. It feels like a life time.

I miss sharing my thoughts and connecting with blogger friends. 

So here I am to do just that. 

I'll be quick for today. Update you on all things Rachel.

I'm jump starting my life. Trying hard to be productive and get things done.

Trying hard to fill my days with things that will help me become the girl I'd like to be.

I've started doing photography on my own.
I'm working on starting an etsy print shop. 

I'm going back to school in the spring to major in visual arts and communications with an emphasis in photography.

Oh and...
I have a niece due in December, and a new dog.
(i'm super excited about both of those things)

I'm just so excited for things to be taking steps forward.

I've felt at a standstill for a really long time, and that is just not very fulfilling.

I'm a happy camper.

I'll talk to you soon, promise. :)

seriously love him. 

I'll probably just type words occasionally.

I fail at blogging.

I've gotten really busy lately.
I'm working 40 hour weeks at an office.
Developing new relationships.
& Learning more about myself and the person I'd like to be. (harder than you think)

Sometimes I find myself saying
"rach remember when you started a craft blog and now you suck at it"
and then I feel guilty.
& blogging is just something that I do not want to feel guilty about.

So I'm lowering your expectations if they have not already been lowered.
I probably won't be crafty often. I probably won't post designs.

I'll probably just type words occasionally.

"I hope no one's too disappointed."  She said sarcastically.




Sorry, see you around sometime.

Love, Rachel

July she will fly and give no warning to her flight

It's literally August.

I can't believe it. 

Life is fast, faster than I'd like to be.

I'm having trouble catching up.

Hopefully I do. 

Despite the fact of being behind,

I'm thoroughly enjoying life.

I feel lucky for a number of reasons.

In the words of relient k

Happy August

I am the worst at photo a day challenges.

I started a photo a day challenge.

The first 5 days were cake.
and then I've slacked for like the past 7. 

Its way harder than I expected.

But I thought I'd share some instas. (photo challenge, and not.)
Following me would be a fun time, My link is on the side. 

 

 

 

 

Have you ever done a photo a day challenge? Successful or no? 

Loves ya. Happy wednesday friends.