{Local Life} Grange Fair

Ahhh, yes. Grange Fair.
And what is this Grange Fair, you ask?

Let me enlighten you... Grange Fair is a county fair. Sort of. It's like a county-fair-on-steroids. It's bigger and better and crazier and more unique than *your* county fair, I can guarantee. Grange Fair is a local --- maybe even a statewide-- phenomenon. It's famous for many things, but mostly for its unique tented encampments. These army-green tents are passed down through generations and the waiting list to get a tent is YEARS long.

The fact is: I'm not *really* from around here (born in Texas, y'all)... so I've never stayed in a Grange-Fair tent. Not sure I'd want to, actually... I have limited tolerance for large crowds + loud noises. And I have this strange idea that camping should be done somewhere that funnel cakes are not readily available. lol! But I usually visit the fair for one night. For a couple reasons!

#1 - Support my local 4-H friends!

Abbie is my good friend + also my second-shooter for weddings.. AND she really rocks out at raising sheep. Reserve Grand Champion 2010!

Aren't sheep a little weird-looking?

#2 Other cute animals. Cows + bunnies + kids in cages (goat kids, that is!). :)


#3 The fair exhibits & contests!

Some exhibits are kinda disturbing... take this one, for example.

And you know me, always checking out the photography contests. Interesting.


#4 Fair FOOD! Delicious & calorific food.. Mmmmmmmmm yummy!


#5. The evening lights & sights!


Finally and most importantly, I like Grange Fair because I like my friends... everything is more fun with a group of people I care about. So whether we're munching on deep-fried food together, and critiquing an amateur singing competition, or petting animals, or watching tractor pulls, or whatever-we-do... it's always fun with friends. :)

Until 2011...
See you at the Grange!

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{Local Life} Cool Beans Coffee & Tea

I hesitated to write about this place for a long while. Why? Because when it comes to quirky, adorable, local coffee shops.. they're few and far between. And when one particular coffee shop is tucked out-of-sight on the main street of my historical hometown, I'd hate to see it become a (insert name of addictive coffee corporate conglomerate here) clone. ;) No chance of that though.. So I'm gonna share!

Introducing:
Cool Beans Coffee & Tea



Ya know the Cheers theme-song?
"Where everybody knows your name..
And they're always glad you came..."
It's true.
Well, for me, it's half-true. I frequent Cool Beans infrequently... sooo, while the cool Cool Beans staff does *not* know my name... they always are glad that I came. :) I love friendly coffee people.

Cozy spots for conversation...

Supporting other local businesses. Like myself ;)

Signs that make me smile! :)

In case you didn't catch it... "the Knotty Knitters AND BRAD."
LOL!
I smile every time.

Oh yes, and did I mention that the coffee is good? And the fresh-baked goods are DElicious. I like it all...

Almond Joy is my favorite drink! Mmmmmhmmmm, yummy!
... And while I don't remember what day I consumed this scrumptious beverage, I do remember.. it was quite refreshing. :)

This is my recommendation! Go to Cool Beans. Eat, drink (coffee) and be merry!

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{Wedding} Michael & Leslie

When I first met Michael & Leslie, they described themselves as very "laid-back" and "casual" people. They wanted their wedding day to be a simple gathering at the bride's parents home, while surrounded just with a small group of friends & family. And I agree: this day fit Michael & Leslie perfectly. It was comfortable and casual and I loved it all...

As Leslie the bride prepared for the wedding day.. in her parents' room.. with parents and her brother coming in and out, we chatted about Michael & Leslie's love story. They met online (this is becoming the new-standard-of-meeting-people!). A twist in the story is that, at first, Leslie wasn't too interested, because Michael is a couple years younger than her. But they chatted and he always made her laugh. Leslie thought, "that must mean something!"

Oh, it meant something... It meant everything! :)

They met, they laughed, they loved and exactly one year later, they marry.
"When you know, you know."


First, we must meet the groom... Michael!



It's almost time!



Emotional moments during the ceremony...






Sooooo happy to be married!


And just because I adore little kids. :)



I LOVED that we had time for special Bride & Groom portraits at Penn State's new arboretum!

I love that they're always laughing.. :)






Their "first dance" :)

Congratulations, Michael & Leslie!



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