Blog – Page 48 – Holly Whittlef

August 21, 2013 — Comments are off for this post.

MICHAEL

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I think the world has a funny way of leading you in unexpected directions and onto roads that for one reason or another, you are meant to traverse. Lately, I've had a wonderment of people asking me to take photographs for them. It's ungodly flattering. And, it's really fun! A lot of that can be attributed to Michael, a super sweet and funny high school senior (who also happens to be my friend's brother). I had the chance to shoot with him a few weeks ago, and let me tell you, this kid is going places.

We spent two hours walking around Madison and hitting up the best of the isthmus: the Capitol Square, State Street, Memorial Union and my favorite of all, the east side. We laughed a lot (they make for the best smiles, no?) while talking about music, college and all of his exciting plans. This of course made me nostalgic for my senior year, which was sadly more than 10 years ago.

Best of luck my dear Michael, may your senior yearbook photo be much better than mine.

Published by Holly Whittlef in Photography

August 19, 2013 — Comments are off for this post.

ESSENTIALS: BACK TO SCHOOL

It looks as though this September is going to be the last back to school of my life. With just one year of my graphic design program left, I have one more chance to rationalize a back-to-school shopping trip to make me look seriously fly on my first day of class. First impressions are everything. We learned this in elementary school with Hypercolor t-shirts, did we not?

As a soon-to-be graphic designer, I need my clothes to make me look hip (not to be confused with hip-ster) and like someone who knows something about good design. At the same time, I am working on paring down my wardrobe and investing in key pieces that are going to last. All of that means that I am saying goodbye to Forever 21 and hello to more nicer labels that cost a bit more but have closet longevity. Despite what they say, you can't actually dress like you're 21 forever.

This fall, I'm taking a serious look at filling my closet with chunky sweaters, high-waisted flare jeans (NEED), a pair of Frye boots, quirky jewelry, new specs, a long coat to keep my buns + legs warm when the cool Wisconsin weather hits and a mustard yellow dress. Because if you know me at all whatsoever, you know that mustard yellow is my signature color.

Now, if only my mom + dad would still pay for my 28-year-old back-to-school shopping spree, I might actually be able to buy some of this. Instead, I'm going to have to to pull out my old Hypercolor t-shirt for the first day of class after all.

Published by Holly Whittlef in essentials, fashion

August 13, 2013 — Comments are off for this post.

DOOR COUNTY, WI

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Two weeks ago, the manfriend and I returned home from a week-long trip up to Door County, WI. It was a much-needed vacation for us both and ended up being the perfect blend of activity + relaxation. That means walking + hiking was followed by guzzling cans of PBR and swimming was quickly accompanied with giant cones of ice cream. It was the loveliest.

The whole week made me realize that I need to take more vacations. There were no migraines or stress. No Facebooking or Tweeting. No obligations or commitments. Just time to spend with my favoritest person and eat good food, explore new places, enjoy being outdoors and be grateful for this earth. And time to plan our next vacation! California, we're coming for you in October.

If you've never been to Door County, I highly recommend it for a weekend or week-long getaway (especially to you, Midwesterners) and encourage you to visit Rock Island State Park. It's two ferry rides from Door County but well worth the trip for its turquoise waters + pristine white beaches.

Happy vacationing!

WHERE TO STAY

THORP HOUSE INN A lovely bed + breakfast in Fish Creek with a killer brunch.
PENINSULA STATE PARK A great campground with a public beach + lots of activity.
ROCK ISLAND STATE PARK Take a ferry from Washington Island to this gorgeous, remote + quiet island. Pack well, because it's carry-in only, and ask for site #13. It's the best.
HOLIDAY MUSIC MOTEL A retro fun hotel in Sturgeon Bay that's a great stop in or out of Door County.

WHERE TO EAT

WILD TOMATO Awesome pizza in Fish Creek. Order The Fun Guy (loaded with 'shrooms + garlic cream cheese) and wash it down with a local brew from the Door County Brewing Company.
NOT LICKED YET Best custard around. The Mr. Potato Head Sundae was my fave - vanilla custard with peanut butter, caramel, fresh whipped cream + crushed potato chips.
CAMPFIRE BREAKFAST BURRITOS + BANANA BOATS If you're camping, these recipes are easy + delicious.
TOWN HALL BAKERY + CAFE The cutest little gem in Jacksonport serving local, organic eats.
TRATTORIA DAL SANTO Surprisingly good Italian food in Sturgeon Bay. The fried ravioli was a favorite.

WHAT TO DO

EGG HARBOR, SISTER BAY + FISH CREEK / Browse the many towns + main streets.
PENINSULA STATE PARK BEACH Great public beach with expansive views of Lake Michigan.
EAGLE BLUFF LIGHTHOUSE + TOWER In Peninsula State Park, both offer can't miss views of Green Bay.
SEAQUIST ORCHARD FARM MARKET Our favorite roadside market with DIVINE cherry pie.
6 1/2 MILE HIKE AROUND ROCK ISLAND The best way to see Lake Michigan.
ROCK ISLAND LIGHTHOUSE Offering free views from the northern tip of Rock Island.

Published by Holly Whittlef in Photography, Travel

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