Project 52 {Fail}

Photo by J. Mears

Sometimes, good things come to an end. That's the story of my somewhat ambitious Project 52. I started Project 52 in January to help me become more present in the day-to-day and enjoy what's in front of me. In a way, it was meant to help me relax as well. It did accomplish that, but I wasn't able to keep up with the photo inspirations. I got stuck on week 12, which as it turns out, ended up being the beginning of something new.

I'm closing the chapter on my 2012 Project 52. Perhaps I'll give it another go in 2013. Currently I have a new very important project to embrace, one that will last far beyond 52 weeks. And it is one endeavor which I will not quit halfway, that I can absolutely guarantee!

Project 52 {12}

As most of you know, I'm a big time planner and control freak, truth be told. I believe it's best to be super organized and prepared. But every now and then, no matter how much you prepare and plan, things just don't turn out how you thought they would or should. I've definitely learned that lesson in the past few years (i.e. adjusting to a new city, settling into a small apartment, finding a new job).

Realizing that I cannot be on top of everything all the time, I've opened up to the idea of luck and being slightly more free spirited. On my nightstand sits a lucky bamboo plant, miniature clay pig (a Chilean good luck charm) and orchid. All these little gifts were given to me by friends and family, a sweet reminder that even though some things are out of my hands, I'm always surrounded by love (and a bit of luck).

With that in mind, here's this week's installment of Project 52.

Photo By K. Mears

Check out my fellow Project 52 friends: Styleberry Blog, Wicked Kate and What We're Sayin.

Project 52 {11}

While most of the nation was enjoying above normal temperatures and sun, we had nothing but grey skies and rain all week long. In fact, it is raining at this very moment and will continue to all weekend here in San Francisco.

But I must admit that even though the rain can be inconvenient, it is much needed. The greenery can definitely use some water given the lack of rainfall this winter.

One thing that made this rainy week go by much easier is dressing for the occasion. The more you embrace the rain and stay prepared, the better. Keeping that in mind, here's the week's installment of Project 52.

Happy weekend!

Photo by K. Mears

Check out my fellow Project 52 friends: Styleberry Blog, Wicked Kate and What We're Sayin.

Project 52 {10}

It's been a rainy mess this week but last weekend it was nothing but blue skies and sun. It worked out great because we had some very dear friends from Michigan visiting and were able to show them the very best of the city under the sun. It's the inspiration for week 10's installment of Project 52.

Photo by K. Mears

Check out my fellow Project 52 friends: Styleberry Blog, Wicked Kate and What We're Sayin.

Project 52 {9}

I must admit, Jay and I tend to eat out a fair amount here in San Francisco. However, recently Jay has taken the reigns and started cooking at home more frequently during the work week. 

It's been fantastic! I have happily signed up for dishwasher duty in return for coming home to fresh meals like cheesy zucchini & mint risotto and orecchiette with broccoli, chili & pecorino. Jay is a big fan of the Jamie Oliver cooking apps which feature these dishes among some other great 20-minute meals. 

All this home cooking has inspired this week's Project 52 installment.

Thanks for keeping us healthy Jay!

Photo by K. Mears

Check out my fellow Project 52 friends: Styleberry Blog, Wicked Kate and What We're Sayin.

Project 52 {8}

Happy weekend friends!

I've had the pleasure of my mom's company all week. And although she's been on her own during the day while Jay and I are at work, she's been having fun exploring our neighborhood. She loves the liveliness of the city and that so many things are accessible just blocks away from the apartment.

She has especially been enjoying our fresh produce market steps away from our front door. It's one of the things I enjoy as well, so much so that it's led to this week's Project 52 installment.

Photo by K. Mears

Check out my fellow Project 52 friends: Styleberry Blog, Wicked Kate and What We're Sayin.

Project 52 {7}

I love my apartment. It's small but bright and airy. We get a lot of natural sunlight (even though San Francisco is known for foggy days). As much as there is to do outside in the bustling city, there are days that I just want to stay in because I truly love our living space.

Even though outside my window there's noise from people, cars and buses that go along with city living, my sunny bedroom feels like a bright cottage of peace and quiet. It's the love of my small space bedroom which led to this week's Project 52 installment.

Photo by K. Mears

Check out my fellow Project 52 friends: Styleberry Blog, Wicked Kate and What We're Sayin.

Project 52 {6}

When Jay and I lived in Michigan, we knew we were very lucky to be living in a neighborhood surrounded by many of our closest friends. It's just the way it happened to work out.

Many of us settled down in a handful of suburbs around the Detroit area, like Berkley or Royal Oak. We would get together often for a yoga class, a walk to our neighborhood ice cream shop or a cocktail after work. Sometimes our outings were planned but most often it was an impromptu phone call that triggered a fun meet up.

It's taken some time, but I feel like I'm beginning to cultivate similar friendships in San Francisco. There's definitely something to be said about friends you have history with (from grade school or college), but it's also really important to make new friends and begin new histories! It's this idea that led to this week's installment of Project 52, have a look!

Photo by K. Mears

Check out my fellow Project 52 friends: Styleberry Blog, Wicked Kate and What We're Sayin.

Project 52 {5}

Welcome February!

This week was full of moments that just felt right. We had a dear friend visiting from Michigan, so we took her to a few of our favorite spots, but also ended up discovering new ones. It reminded me of how much more there is to explore and experience here.

I've mentioned before that I've always wanted to live in San Francisco. I still find myself waking up in my apartment two years later, smiling that this is my home. With that in mind, I bring you my latest installment of Project 52.

Photo by K. Mears

Check out my fellow Project 52 friends: Styleberry Blog, Wicked Kate and What We're Sayin.

Project 52 {4}

Happy weekend friends!

January just doesn't seem to slow down! This week was a very hectic work week (two photo shoots plus day long media meetings). As much as I groan about being so busy, the truth is I quite enjoy it. 

One of my favorite parts of the day is the five to ten minutes before my train arrives in the morning. I grab a latte to go and have a moment to myself before starting my morning commute (I love living and working in San Francisco!) With that in mind, here's this week's installment!

Photo by K. Mears

Check out my fellow Project 52 friends: Styleberry Blog, Wicked Kate and What We're Sayin.

Project 52 {3}

Happy weekend friends!

I'm ready to put this week behind me, anyone else? Sometimes, it's best to just look forward, even if my participation in Project 52 stemmed from the idea of being present. I'm just going to let it go this one time. Onwards and upwards!

Because it's been a tough week, it was difficult to come up with an appropriate installment of Project 52 since my theme is "makes me happy." But I was able to look past my challenges and come up with something I feel is quite suitable. Have a look!

Photo by  K. Mears

There are many others around the blogosphere doing Project 52, here are a few you may want to check out: Styleberry Blog, Wicked Kate and What We're Sayin.

Project 52 {2}

Happy Friday friends!

Here's this week's installment of Project 52. My dear friend is visiting from Michigan this weekend and we had an amazing day enjoying the city. The best part was that she reminded me of the importance of long chats and laugh attacks! There's just something about friends that you've known since you were a kid.

There are many others around the blogosphere doing Project 52, here are a few you may want to check out: Styleberry Blog, Wicked Kate and What We're Sayin.

Photo by K & J Mears

New Year, New Project

I've been reflecting for awhile on starting a new project for 2012, so I was thrilled when I came across a great idea for a personal project on Styleberry Blog. It is called Project 52.

The premise of the project is that you select a theme and post a photo every week (plus small description) for the full 52 weeks of the year. Shawna, the author of Styleberry Blog, did her 2011 Project 52 on the theme of motherhood. She's a professional photographer so her images are really beautiful. In fact, she's going to put all of her images together to create a coffee table book. I think that's a fabulous idea and I definitely would love to do that as well!

For my Project 52, I've chosen the theme "makes me happy." It's so easy to get ahead of yourself and overlook the things that make you happy right in front of you in the moment. This project will give me a gentle reminder of all the things that are worth being thankful for right now, both small and large. I tend to hang on to the past and be in a rush for the future, but this year, I want to focus on being present! I think my project will be a great tool to help me achieve better balance and will be a fun collection to mark 2012.

So since this is the official first week of 2012, here's my first official installment of my Project 52 (I'm hoping my photography skills improve with time and practice). Hope you like it (also, check out Styleberry Blog's 2012 Project 52)!

Photo by K & J Mears