Coast to Cote: week 35

last week i didn't have enough time to post our weekly Coast to Cote. it was week 35 and without further ado, here is our baby...



Pang: A great little place called the Source just recently opened up in our town. It's a place in town to recycle, buy locally made goods and organic foods. Lacey came over during her break the other day and we went over to check it out. This little honey bottle and the logo caught both of our eyes. I couldn't get over how cute it was so I ended up making the purchase. It's a local honey from the next town over. We were both wondering why the color was much lighter than the other bottle sitting next to it. I finally Google'd it this morning and found out that it must have been harvested in the Spring time when bees collect nectar from flowers. Now I know why it was also in a smaller bottle. I love how Google can help in answer my life's questions. Thanks!

Lacey: So about a month ago I started volunteering at the animal shelter in Frederick and I would send pictures of the dogs to my dad. He kept giving me a hard time - saying I shouldn't send pictures because he is weak and will want one (duh, that's why I sent them) - but I really got his attention with the two weenie dogs that came into the shelter. I sent him links from Petfinder so he could read up about the dogs and even though those two weenies got adopted before Dad could make a move, it set off a craze in him to find one and before I knew it he was sending me links of dogs from Petfinder too. This dog - who was named Miss Sugar - was one I saw when we first started browsing Petfinder but then she dissapeared. She popped up again this week and when Dad found out she would be in the area he just had to go see her. And now she is ours! She has had a sad little life but we plan to change that. Miss Sugar - now Pocahontas (keeping with the Disney princess theme - we had an Ariel and a Jasmine previously) was a puppy mill mom. Before she had even reached the age of two she had already had 4 litters of puppies (incredible because she is soooo tiny). Once she got rescued from that unhappy situation she bounced from foster to foster and then was adopted by a family who brought her back. They had a hamster in the house that ran loose and Miss Sugar liked to terrorize it. Luckily for Miss Sugar my dad is a sucker for weenie dogs and now she's ours. She's super sweet and hopefully she will warm up to us all soon. She looks a little nervy huh?

Coast to Cote: week 34

Pang: I had another photo shoot with the Slough's for their fall family portraits over the weekend. The weather couldn't have been more perfect really. In between shots, Haiden stretched out his hands towards me as i snapped a quick photo. Kids are so cute!

Lacey: This past weekend I went to New York for the weekend with my old room-mate Brittney. We've done a bit of a traveling together and I feel like maybe we are getting better at balancing each other's moods and itineraries. Our activities for the weekend centered mostly around museums and food. The first day we went to the MET and checked out the Roman statues and the Egyptian exhibit. We ate at Candle 79 that night (which you must check out!) and were rewarded with amazing food, free drinks and Alicia Silverstone in the building! The second day we went to the Natural History Museum to see the butterfly exhibit (they were flying so close to my head, I was a little creeped out) and then that evening before jumping (or rather pushing and shoving our way) back onto the bus we stopped at Babycakes - an all vegan bakery around the corner from the bustop in Chinatown. Alicia Silverstone's book had tipped me off to this place as well and we were not at all dissapointed. The treats were great, Morrissey was playing and the girls were dressed as pin up 50's girls with their hair up in scarves and their lips painted red. 

Coast to Cote: week 33

Pang: Let's get nostalgic, shall we? I went over to my grandparents the other day with my new roommates and showed them around the property. We came upon the little swing that used to be a part of the old swing set we had growing up. For some reason it stuck around and was finally bolted down onto this tree branch. Now the little ones use it...well, some of us grown up grandchildren still us it to this day. Seeing it in this light brought back memories of my cousins and I using it in our tree houses, wrapping the chain around the tree branches...makes me wish I was a kid again.

Lacey: This past weekend I had the pleasure of photographing Heather and Josh's wedding reception. My arms were aching by the end of it but I actually had a blast watching everyone dance and have a good time and eat candy and cupcakes (they had a candy table set up and a million cupcakes instead of a cake). Now I just have lots of editing in front of me.

Coast to Cote: week 32

Pang: This week has been kinda blah for me. I’ve been stressing about my move, which turned out to be fine. Subsequently, I’m now stressed out about the unpacking process. I HAVE SO MUCH STUFF. Too much stuff for just one person some might say. I havent been feeling like myself lately, but luckily, I have some great friends and family. My new roommate Meghan gave me a smiley face cookie to brighten up my day.

Lacey: I managed to swindle Ryan into going to the pumpkin patch with me this past week. He wasn't super enthused and I ended up picking his pumpkin but I'm glad we went - even if we still haven't found the time to carve them or make pumpkin seeds.

Coast to Cote: week 31

i'm sorry this week is a little late. i've been getting caught up with packing and trying to move after work and things have slipped here and there. please forgive me.

 

Pang: Last week I stumbled upon a super easy recipe for mini pear pies. If you know me well, you know I love all things small, mini, tiny, you name it. I suddenly had the urge and so I went for it. It was SUPER easy cause I didn't manage to mess it up somehow. I did cheat a little and used store bought crust as our stomachs were telling us we didn't have time to wait.

Lacey: During the summer one thing I love to eat is pasta salads. For whatever reason, this summer, I didn't make ONE pasta salad. So I decided to do it the other day because I had some leftover pasta and kidney beans laying around. I threw in some tomatoes, avocado, shelled edamame and then topped it with balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and some italian dressing. I don't know why I waited so long!

Coast to Cote: week 30

 



Pang: I promise no more pottery/firing talk from this point on, but i couldn't help but choose this photo. I went back to the firing on the second night to try to get more shots and check out the pot luck (we all know I love food!). While stoking the fire on the first night, we didn't have to use too many precautions, but on the second night, on top of wearing gloves, when the fire reached it's highest temperature, we had to wear goggles (to protect our retinas), a face mask, and made sure our shirt/jackets were 100% cotton (if not, we risked catching on fire even if a little spark were to fly out). I got to help feed the fire and had to put on a cotton flannel shirt and felt an immense difference in the temperature of the fire. I felt like my face was going to melt off if I stood in front of the open kiln door any longer. When the fire is at this stage, the potteries in the kiln are almost at a liquid state (although they retain the shape). Joy's husband mentioned that if we were to poke a pot with a rod, it would go right through. They put out the fire around 1 am, but even with that, it takes four days for the pots to cure and become solid again. Tomorrow is the big unveiling where the kiln doors will be disassembled (they had to build it shut for the firing) and the pieces will be ready.

Lacey: This week on a lazy Saturday we went to Wonderbook in Frederick to rent some movies and peruse the books. I came across the children's book Nos Enfants by Anantole France. The book is sadly falling apart and was wrapped up in plastic but in fact, this is actually perfect because I have been looking for a falling apart book with awesome illustrations (this one was illustrated by MB de Monvel - who may just inspire another tattoo in the future because his little girl drawings are just my taste) because I would really loved to have framed storybook pages decorating my (future) apartment. These are especially perfect because they are in French and they are already literally detached from the spine. I have a really hard time bringing myself to rip or destroy a book - but if it's already falling apart its ok right? In any case I spent more than I usually would, but I'm super excited to see the finished product one day.

Coast to Cote: week 29

Pang: I was on assignment for a local newspaper on Monday to visit a couple of pottery studios. These two studios are a part of Over the Mountain Studio Tour. Our first stop was Sycamore Pottery, where I met Ren and Pam, and our second was Joy Bridy Pottery, where I met Joy who designed and built her own wood burning kiln. This shot (my favorite) was actually my last from the first stop. On my way out of the studio, Ren showed me their propane burning kiln that was situated on a trolley. The light seeped in so perfectly and I loved that Ren was perfectly included. 

Lacey:  At the Thai and Japanese restaurant where I work we have a new sushi chef. Communication with him can be frustrating at times, but one things for sure - people are loving his new rolls. Kazu, the owner, asked me to take some pictures for the website and for the menu. It's been a little frustrating taking pictures because they will only allow me to take pictures when people order the roll - and I'm also working as a server at the same time - but I'm hoping to get some good stuff out of it. Here is a shot from the first day - the dragon roll.

Coast to Cote: week 28

another week has gone by and the weather is getting colder...


Pang: In it's second year, Freedom's Run Marathon has attracted so many people that they had to close the registration. Over 2500 people (I don't actually know the number but this was what I was told by locals and business owners) flocked into our little town over the weekend and ran their hearts out. C's mom participated in the 5K for the first time so I was on full babysitting duty. She finished under her goal and we were all so very proud of her accomplishment. later in the morning C, his sister, and I ran in the 1 mile Fun Run aimed towards kids. He was so shy and didn't want to run at first, but we definitely finished the race looking like real marathoners.

Lacey: Im going to be completely honest with you all. I cheated. I didn't take this picture this week. In fact...I didn't take ANY pictures this week.  I was lazy and spent all my free time cooking or with my nose shoved in a book. Next week I will try to redeem myself.

Coast to Cote: week 27

Pang: Every year, Jefferson County holds a fall arts and crafts festival (Mountain Heritage Arts & Crafts Festival). There were lots of great handmade goods, like animal masks (photos later!) that I wish I could afford, but some really affordable things items too. I got a pair of vintage owl earrings as an early Christmas gift from Meghan. This was the bust displayed at that very booth, filled with vintage buttons!

Lacey: Gone are the days of tasteless terrible cookies. Ever since I have started making vegan cookies I have had no more problems with my cookies coming out too airy or too just blah. This week I made oatmeal chocolate chip cookies - and while they were not my all time favorite cookie (I love shortbread best!) they came out pretty well. I brought some over to Pang but she wasn't home so it was just me, Remy and some cookies. I saved one or two for her - just because Im a nice friend.

Coast to Cote: week 25

this week's Coast to Cote is rather dark in exposure.



Pang: As I mentioned in an earlier post, a couple friends and i headed to DC to see Best Coast. At one point during the show, Bethany Consentino (vocals) mentioned that her guitarist, Bobb Bruno, will be at the merch table. I yelled out and asked if he was for sale as Bob answered that he would only cost a mere $1...but alas, Bethany had the last words when she said he would be selling for $420. Obviously, I could not afford my very own Best Coast guitarist and I was defeated.

Lacey: Yesterday I did a photoshoot with Jeremy Litten as part of our Where Can't I Chant series. We went down to the National Harbor in Alexandria at sunset and the view was absolutely beautiful. I convinced Jeremy to hop a rail and get out onto this ledge to snap a few pictures and we both agreed it was worth the risk (the ledge was plenty big enough it was just a concern of security guards!).

Coast to Cote: week 24

and the beat goes on...

i hope you all have enjoyed our Coast to Cote collaborations. we've decided that it was time to bring it back. enjoy!



Lacey: Remy. Best Friends. Period.

Pang: On a photo shoot with DJ yesterday, i caught an effortless photograph of Gillian while she was balancing on the railroad tracks.

...AHEM! Remy's my best friend!

Coast to Cote: week 23

week 23 is here! sorry it's late, enjoy!



Pang: Last week, I took a mini vacation to Philadelphia to visit a friend. We checked out Eastern State Penetentiary and I thought it was a really cool/educational place. I felt like I learned a good bit there, but only came home with photographs and random weird facts. This picture was taken in one of the cells. This whole place was in slow decay and there seemed to be a lot of random things in the cells. Obviously, the one way sign didn't belong there, but when I saw it it gave me an really eerie feeling...some prisoners went in, but never got to come back out.

Lacey: This week I had the double treat of spending time with Katy (who lives in Seattle, so I dont see her often) and Empress Rainbow (who goes by Bow - pronounces boe) all in the same day!

Coast to Cote: week 22

Pang: This week is my last week with the kiddos until fall. It's the first time we will spend the summer apart in three years, and quite frankly, I am beside myself. Since yesterday was a gorgeous day, we took the opportunity to have a fancy tea party, grab lunch in town, took lots of pictures, and walked to the park (our favorite things to do together). Our last day together is rather gloomy (kind of like how I'm feeling at the moment) so we are watching movies (which we hardly do!), eating popcorn, and having a pizza party. Yay!

Lacey: This weekend I went to visit my grandparents on their little farm out in Poolsville, MD. It was nice to catch up with them and wander around the property with my brother for a bit. My grandfather has a bit of a hoarding "problem." He has piles and piles of old rusted metal scraps and wires and odd objects all over the place. I think it drive my grandmother a little crazy, but it makes for an interesting walk. Every time I would stop to photograph some pile of junk or some old box with a farm logo printed on it Garrett (my brother) would say to himself "I just don't understand you people, you photographers, and I never will."

Stay dry!!

Coast to Cote: week 21

this week, our pictures matched up because we had a girl's night at the Boonsboro carnival together (the town where i grew up). along with our other girlfriend(s), we played bingo (25 cents to play, 20 ways to win!) and "I Got It!" (think connect four with bouncy balls) and had a few 'treats.' i hope you enjoy!



Pang: After spending too much money and not winning a whole lot at the carnival, we decided it was time to make our rounds to take some photographs. I took this photograph of the Farris wheel, and was puzzled as to why it's reflection was showing up on the corner of the photograph, which I think looks like fireworks. Several pictures later I realized the light was bouncing off of the UV filter I had on my lens. An accidental effect that made for an interesting photograph for sure.

Lacey: Im home! I haven't been super productive since I got back - been too busy seeing friends and family and unpacking and getting settled. Our very own Pang of Coast to Cote invited me to go to the Boonsboro carnival this week to play a little Bingo and I happily agreed. A little country music and greasy food was just what I needed to feel back at home. Admittedly I didn't really miss those things - but I did miss spending time with my friends so it was a night well spent. PS...didn't win at Bingo.

Coast to Cote: week 20

it's week 20 and Lacey's back from France, yay! last night we got together with a couple of her other friends and had some yummy dinner. this week, our photographs coincidentally go together. i hope to enjoy our farm animal diptych.



Pang: I might have mentioned that there's a little farm at the down the street from where I work. My little buddy and I pass it everyday and we love to stop by and say hello to the owners and the farm animals (ie. ducks and chickens). The other day, Amy (the farm owner) took us to the chicken coup to visit with their latest addition, a little peep. It was super soft and cute and I couldn't resist snapping a quick photograph...it was one day old! I think I might have enjoyed seeing the fuzzy little thing more than my buddy did!

Lacey: While we were on vacation last week one of my favorite things we did was visit a cow farm. A cow farm for meat production (unfortch) but a cow farm all the same. I was so surprised by how curious the cows are, coming inches away from me to sniff my boots and lick my hand. These particular cows are Limousin cows (from Limoges)! Arent they pretty?

Coast to Cote: week 19

week 19 is a day late, but better late than never. please enjoy!



Pang: On Sunday, I had a photo shoot in Frederick. We took a few photographs in Baker Park and saw this adorable geese family in the water. Simone, the model I was working with, walked over to the water's edge as the whole family waddled right over to us. They got so close and right in the way. It was almost like they were saying "we're ready for our close ups now!"

Lacey: I had the most amazing weekend. Paula and I had the absolute fortune to be invited up to Northern France to stay with Xavier (who lives in the same building as me part of the week) and Catherine (his wife). This is a picture from the first day of our trip during our 6 hour drive up to Chateaubriant. Xavier catered to our every whim, pulling over several times so we could visit windmills, climb into sarcophaguses, and admire the nuclear silos. This was really the perfect way to close out my time in France.

click HERE to see it in a bigger size!

Coast to Cote: week 18

Coast to Cote, a project between two friends living across the Atlantic with one common love of photography. each week, we take a photograph (of anything, no theme involved) and put them side by side with a little bit of explanation as to why we chose the photo. some have been eerily similar and some are completely different...that's the fun of putting together this project. here's what we came up with this week:



Pang: I'm beginning to think that Spring is my favorite time of the year...not because the weather is gorgeous (cause it hasn't been at all), but because of all the pretty blossoms. Since I can't seem to grow anything, I love admiring other people's flowers. On a small farm down the street from where I work, there's always a field of poppies and peonies (peonies are just beginning to bloom) that I gravitate too this time of year. They look so gorgeous in bloom. The colors are beautiful and in I like the way the poppies sway back and forth when the wind blows, since their stems are so long. And when the leaves fall, the green grass is littered with pedals of coral...a sight to see...if you're into flowers and stuff.

Lacey: Spent the weekend in Barcelona. Amazing. If you ever get the chance to go here, DO IT! So I'm cheating a little bit this week and using three horizontal photographs as one vertical. I just couldn't resist sharing these. In the old city of Barcelona the tiny little streets are packed full of this amazing graffiti. My time here in France is almost over. This weekend I go to Brittney. Cross your fingers I get some sunshine and a nice pictures of my travels for next week.

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Lacey thinks i will love Barcelona since there's so much art. pretty soon she will be back in the states, so it literally won't be coast to cote, but i think we will still continue our journey/friendship through this project. i hope you continue to follow along as well.

Coast to Cote; week 17

hello! welcome to week 17 of our Coast to Cote project. i hope you are enjoying it thus far...i know i have!



Pang: The weather couldn't be more perfect today. My buddy and I took a blanket and our lunches and headed up to the monument and had ourselves a grand ol' picnic. While taking photographs of our fun day, I noticed a paper crane hanging from the tree we were sitting under. I love finding little random beauties like this.

Lacey: Same idea as last week really. Documenting the things I see on a regular basis that will remind me of home when I go back to old home. Im going to be seeing a good bit of this in the next few weeks. This is our train station - down on the .....what's the word in English for voie? I forget. Anyhow, Limoges has one of the prettiest train stations in France (its documented as such! but this isnt a picture of the pretty part) and I really love living so close to it. Next week I will hopefully have a travel picture for you - but its supposed to rain in Barcelona. Keep your fingers crossed for me!

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what i really love about this mash up are the yellow tones seen in both of the photos. my picture this week was taken by a new prime lens that i still have to get used to.

anyway, happy Cinco De Mayo!

Coast to Cote: Week 16

looks like our unofficial theme of week 16 were windows...



Pang: April showers bring May flowers...that has never been more true. It has rained cats and dogs for the past two days. We were even on a tornado watch on Sunday! We were at a cook out and most people migrated to the basement for safety. Anywho, rainy days are especially hard when it comes to babysitting. Nothing dampens your plans more, especially if there is no TV/movie involved. My poor little buddy was dying to be outdoors (although it doesn't look it in the photograph, it was pouring) and just sat there staring, looking super sorry. Poor thing.

Lacey: Im pretty much convinced now that the only way to learn a langauge is to live in a place where the language is spoken. I really really love it here in France and I have yet to get over the novelty that everything is written in French and all you hear on the street (for the most part) is French. I am going to miss this place so much - so I have been taking more pictures of everyday mundane things - just to have them to look back at one day.

Coast to Cote: week 15

week 15 is here!



Pang: Who doesn't love bubbles? There's something so magical about them...adults love them and kids can't get enough of them. Yesterday I felt like everywhere I turned, some one was blowing bubbles, so I couldn't help myself to a picture of them.

Lacey: Went for a long walk today for several reasons. 1. Its super nice out. 2. I wanted to do some scouting by the river because I'm taking pictures of Nadia and Yohan soon. 3. Ryan bought me jeans for Christmas and you would not believe how tight and stiff they are. He assures me the more I wear them the more they will loosen up. During the walk I came across this willow tree and decided to take a few pictures. I also decided to work on my smile face, because as Pang has so kindly pointed out, its usually too cheesy. Or just mean looking. What do you think? Needs more work huh?

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i think your smile is coming along. a little bit more practice and you'll ace it! have a great Wednesday everyone!