Friday, February 17, 2017

26 Things

You guessed it, I'm 26. I think this is going to be one of the best years in my twenties + with that I would like to share 26 facts about myself!

1. As hard as it may be at times, I trust Gods plan for me and my faith has gotten me through a lot.

2. I have a degree in Psychology.

3. Bread + Potatoes are my weakness.

4. 4th of July + Christmas are a close tie for my favorite Holidays.

5. I love coffee + tea + water + wine + beer in that order :)

6. I am a HUGE thrifter. I plan on decorating my future home with all the treasures I find.

7. I have a tattoo on my left forearm. It says little cub in my 91 year old grandpas hand writing. I have had that name for 26 years because the day he met me I look like a bear cub with so much hair. Very meaningful + simple.

8. My first car was a 1997 Doge Caravan. Yes, I rocked it with full confidence and drove it all through high school and college.

9. I have a brother who is three years younger.

 10. I call my mom between 3-5 times a day.

 11. I love sunrises and sun sets.

12. I love being at the cabin in the summer time. The slow pace, burnt skin, boat rides, cold drinks and hours at the bonfire can not be beat.

 13. I am a country girl but love visiting the city.

 14. The country I would like to visit first over seas is Ireland. I am Irish and it just looks so beautiful there.

 15. I love sleep. I actually feel a little panic when I know I wont be getting a lot of sleep some nights.

16. I enjoy reading a lot and wish I made more time for it.

 17. I do not like wearing jeans. I like leggings in the winter + dresses in the summer.

 18. I do not watch TV except some shows but I'd rather have music on while doing things around the house.

 19. I am a very out going person. I love meeting new people and hearing their story.

 20. Volleyball was the sport I played all through my childhood into high school years.

 21. GO PACK GO. My heart is in both Minnesota and Wisconsin.

 22. I like wearing all lose clothing. NOTHING TIGHT.

 23. I love sending cards to my girlfriends + family. I think its a great way to show someone you love them. Plus, who doesn't love getting happy mail vs bills!

 24. I am surprised I have not mentioned this earlier, but I am a HUGE PLANNER. At times I know its too much and I need to relax.

 25. I still use a planner to write down all the activities + events. Something about physically writing it down and being able to flip to each month keeps me more organized than using my phone.

 26. TJ MAX + Target are my most favorite stores to shop. I almost never leave either with out a candle!

 Well, that wraps it up! I hope you learned something new + something that maybe surprised you too! It was not easy as I thought it would be HAHA

 XOXO,
 Johanna

Friday, February 10, 2017

Brave

Brave: Having or showing mental or moral strength to face danger, fear, or difficulty. Having or showing courage. - Marriam Webster 
Brave was my word I chose to ring in 2017 with. This year I have big plans for myself and that word fit me and my lifestyle best. I know its a bit late, but at the start of the year choose a word for yourself and when you encounter areas in your life where you may need a little push, remember why you chose it in the first place. 
My girlfriend snapped this photo of me while we were out in Colorado, see the mountains wayyy back there :) Well, when I saw this photo so many emotions came to me as a way to describe it: Lost, searching, finding, unknown, beginning, fulfilling, smiling, what if, confidence, comments & more. 
I purchased this camera about 3 years ago and just last summer is when I threw my hands up and started to dive in! But here is the real reason though, I was currently unemployed for a month in a half. That is not something I like to share, but its real and it happened to me. I had some pretty dark days and not so pretty moments, but with support + guidance I didn't let that situation define me and my path here on this earth. I chose to fill my heart and soul with something I love and learned how to use my camera. I often think of that time and it is a huge blessing, I gained confidence and before the end of the year I had 13 photo shoots lined up.  I could not be more grateful for the people who chose me to capture moments for them with photos. 
Coming back to the word Brave, that is what 2017 will be for me. To put myself out there, share my work, talent and dreams with the world. To not be afraid to fail + if I do to get right back up and try it again. I will never know the journey this could take me on unless I try! 
I encourage you all who are still searching to not give up. We all have a story of where we started or maybe some of you, like me are just starting. And like that we began, so cheers to the adventure ahead! 
XO,
Johanna 

Colorado Sleigh Bells


Breckenridge, CO is absolutely so beautiful! My girlfriend Lauren and I have been best friends since high school, so when she moved out there I knew I would be visiting often. She had the idea of visiting a mountain town, great idea! It was a beautiful winter day, as you can see. 

I found the sleigh ride to do as an activity since we all agreed not to ski. Those horses are sure beautiful. I have always thought those animals are the most beautiful and unique. The sleigh ride lasted about 40 mins but I could of sat there in awe for hours. 

Visit the mountains, spend money on experiences not things. It truly fills your soul in the best way. 

PS: I'm all about Pom Pom hats. This one I snagged off amazon :)

XO,
Johanna 

Thursday, February 9, 2017

Hello New Blog

Hello! My name is Johanna and I am the face behind this new adventure, With Grace + Bliss. I am a 20 something living in the wonderful midwest! I have a great love for photography + thrifting + fashion + a good cup of coffee + spending time with family + friends. I am a full believer that God has the best plan for me + that this life is too great to not celebrate daily. 
With this blog I hope you find inspiration, along with Grace and a whole lot of Bliss. You will meet the very important people in my life, follow along on the getaway weekends + trips I take!
I am still in the search of finding my place fully in this world, but trying my best to enjoy the ride with the bumps and uncertainty that come along with it. I will share with you my photo shoots, as I am starting to build my photography passion + fun lifestyle photos too!
I feel beyond blessed in this life. I have a wonderful family, the greatest friends and the most handsome guy. 
I hope you enjoy,
XO
Johanna