Thursday, February 28, 2013

A very {Ally} weekend :)

So you might remember that I went to Colorado for a photography class last September...it was an amazing few weeks filled with awesome friends, over-priced food, and of course lots of pictures :)  I didn't know anyone going into the class, but was able to leave feeling like I'd known everyone for a lifetime.  One such amazing person was Ally (be sure to check out her photography blog!!), and even though oceans were between us for a few months, we kept in touch via Facebook chat.  Ever since Colorado, we've talked about getting together and SHE FINALLY CAME LAST WEEKEND!!!! :D :D :D  It was so much fun to explore Pittsburgh together...from the Strip District, to Phipps Conservatory, to mall hopping - we got it all covered!!  Now I'm already counting down the days until I get to go to New Hampshire and visit her...


(isn't she the cutest??!! :D)


The Strip District was our first stop on Saturday morning - we had a blast walking around and exploring all the shops!! (although I think I gained about 3 pounds with all the food we ate :P)



Yup - they're real.


Bacon and cheese!  My favorite ;)




My favorite store - Penzeys!!  This place has every spice you could possibly imagine..we had fun walking around and smelling all the flavors of the world :)




Oh yes....Kitchen Aid mixers!!  These are a few of my favorite things :D






We tried a gyro from a Mediterranean street vendor, and it was amazing!!  The picture really doesn't do it justice...slow roasted lamb meat with tomatoes, lettuce, and onion sauce...now I want to go back ;)


Our final stop was my absolute FAVORITE place ever :D  Normally I am not a doughnut fan, but this little hole-in-the-wall bakery makes mini doughnuts that are to. die. for. (I told you I gained about 3 pounds from this trip!! :D)




Another excursion we took was to Phipps Conservatory - this is one of my absolute favorite places to go, especially in the winter!  Not a whole lot was in bloom the day we went, but their orchid display was gorgeous...













(my favorite flower!)











These odd little white men are always exciting...










Oh Ally, it was so amazing to see you again!! (although I officially hate you for getting me addicted to shamrock shakes ;P)  Thanks so much for making this past weekend so special - I can't wait to see you again soon!!
Bex <3
PS I am ALWAYS looking to gain photo experience, so if you or someone you know would like a family session, senior portraits, etc, just drop me an email at simply.joyfully.his@gmail.com and we can set something up!