Four Things with Jessica

Today I'm excited to share with you another aspiring photographer, Jessica from Little Maple Leaf. While we've gotten the chance to talk photography, my "amen sista" moment was after our discussion on the outrageous fashion competition that we call the gym.  Jess is funny, passionate, resourceful, and I just adore her blog. When I asked her to contribute to this little series, this is what she said:

Hello, Live Beautifully readers! My name is Jessica and I blog over at Little Maple Leaf :) I take photos of nature, people, objects, food, my cat... anything that interests me at the time. The goal one day is to become professional enough to earn a living.

Picture taking aside, Jen asked me to contribute some things that I want, need, wear & read. As soon as she asked I couldn't wait to start coming up with things to share with all of you! Hope you enjoy:

1 // One thing I want is a new camera. I swoon over a beautiful DSLR camera and a macro lens (also wide angle & portrait)! As soon as I can buy myself one of these babies, it will be the next step in my photography career. Right now, I use a high quality Nikon point & shoot with manual settings. I always underestimate the power of this camera because it's not a "DSLR" but in all reality, it allows me to work that much harder to capture a gorgeous photo (because it's a lot harder to use the manual settings). So for now while I'm just starting out, this camera is perfect for me. Still doesn't mean I don't want a better one though, ha!

2 // One thing I need is a vacation!!!!  Hawaii would be beautiful, but at this point anywhere will do! New York City, Los Angeles, Vancouver, Dominican, Jamaica, a trip to the lake... Gosh. I just really need a vacation. I have a serious case of cabin fever. It's worse because I live in a basement. Figures.

3 // One thing to wear would be new work out clothes! Every time I go on the Victoria's Secret VSX Sport section on their website, I die a little. Their fitness clothing is so gorgeous and would allow me to look (keyword: look) like I totally mean business at the gym. In all seriousness, I've recently been super into fitness & exercise and this outfit would be perfect for a run outside (when it's warmer) or on the treadmill. All my workout clothes are from when I hated moving in general and barely ever went but now I go 3-4 times a week so I actually need better gear. Hmm, maybe this should be in the need section? We'll go with it.

3 // One thing to read would be Eat, Pray, Love. I'd be lying if I said this section was easy. I LOOOOOOVE to read. So when I saw this question, what was I to do? How could I pick just one book? I die over Harry Potter (typical), I'm loving the Game of Thrones series (inappropriate), and I also enjoy me some Something Borrowed & Something Blue (chick-lit). I wanted to pick something that was meaningful! So folks, I give you Eat, Pray Love. I'm sure most of you have read it, and if you have, let's talk. If you haven't read it, please, please, PUH-LEEEEASE, pick it up! Especially if you're looking to lighten up your life, find more happiness, get in touch with your spirituality, or swoon over a tall dark & handsome man.. this is SOOO your book. It actually took me so long to finish but that was because I tended to only pick it up when I was feeling sad or down. It always lifted my spirits and made me approach life so differently. I'm not lying when I say this book seriously changed my world for the better.

So tell me, do you see girls in crazy put together outfits at the gym, too? Where is your favorite place to buy new workout gear? I'm all for working out but can't help but feel out of place when a group of girls walks in wearing coordinating sneakers, leggings and a printed top.