five minutes with Samantha Lena

About 3 years ago, I worked and studied in Madrid with a group of students from Cuse. Amongst these new friends, I met this awesome, quirky and fun-loving girl, Sam! Unfortunately, I couldn't interview her in person since we live on opposite sides of the States. But I am so excited to share with you a little bit about her and showcase some of her amazing photographs!
What camera do you use?
I use a Canon EOS 7D, but for more causal shooting I use a Sony NEX-5R.
What are your favorite things to photograph?
I really love to photograph nature and urban environments, but I also like to set up portraits where I have more control over artistic features.
What are your goals as a student and photographer?
I originally applied to Newhouse (School of Public Communications) at Syracuse for photojournalism, but quickly switched into film. I plan on trying to include photography while I can but not make it my main focus. My goal is to implement some positive changes to mass media while continuing a social justice education.
What do you like to do besides photography?
I really enjoy both skiing and traveling but rarely do so at the same time. I grew up skiing at Mount Snow in Vermont and was a member of the Syracuse Ski Team for two years. Last semester I studied in London where I was able to travel to Turkey, Ireland, Belgium, France and Germany. Spending time abroad has really had an influence on my photography and on my own personal growth. 
What inspires you?
I'm inspired by moments. There are times where I'm driving in my car and I see something out the window and have to pull over to get the picture. I see in pictures. I've always wanted to be behind the camera, even as a kid in my parents home videos I'm asking to be behind the lens. Taking pictures has always been what I do. I think photography is tricky with truth, and truth is something I think is always worth exploring.
See more and follow her work here!!

Sun's Out, Board's Out!

Sun's out fun's out! When scrolling through this post, you'll realize that I don't skate. I don't know how to skate and I am kind of terrified of stepping on a skateboard. hahaha! But the sun was out, and it just felt like a beautiful day to wear my new comma snapback, a big splash of plaid, jeans shorts and boots. 
Check out this awesome handmade snapback and get your own from comma !

photos by: justfeng

#GalavantingSouls

A few weeks ago, a few of us photographers decided to head west to Santa Monica on a windy night to explore and take photos. It was so much fun and so interesting to see everyone's perspective through the lens! Here are just a few of my favorites from @abadimage, @justfeng and I. More from other photographers soon!

See more of Jino's work here! ---> www.abadimage.com
See more of Feng's work here! --> www.justfeng.com
See my work here! --> www.courtneyyeh.com

If you ever feel like galavanting, please feel free to let me know! I am always down. :)

DIY: Hand Painted Cloth Napkins

Some of my kitchenware inspirations come from Etsy, West Elm, and Fancy. And I stumbled upon some super cute napkin designs for entertaining. But since I don't do that very often, I decided to come up with a super easy way to make them on my own!

All you need is...
Cloth Napkins (I bought mine from Target RE Pack of 10)
Martha Stewart Multi-Surface Paint (Joann's)
Masking Tape (or this kind which is better)
Paint brush
and something to cover your table with (newspaper.. etc)

For these napkins, I've decided to use the Metallic color. 
With the masking tape, create any shape you want with and press in the inner sides so the pain doesn't leak. Then paint!

I decided not to put too much paint on it because I like the washed out look :)
For the circle pattern, I used an almost done Chapstick that I was ready to throw away and dipped it into the paint.
Since I used fabric paint, these napkins are washing machine friendly! Wash them once before using. Enjoy!!

Mudslide Cupcakes


Need to bring a yummy dessert to a party? Or you just love the taste of Kahlua, coffee and Baileys and would all of that in a cupcake? We've invited Rachel | @rmmoorer to come and make some awesome chocolatey boozy cupcakes! Give it a try and let us know what you think!

 Watch this video and learn to make them!
Servings: approximately 24 cupcakes

Cupcake Ingredients
3 eggs, separated and at room temperature
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
1 cup light brown sugar, packed
2 and 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
3/4 cup strong cold coffee
3/4 cup Kahlua

 Kahlua Buttercream
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
2 cups (or more, if needed) powdered sugar
3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
4 tablespoons Kahlua
3 tablespoons hot coffee

Bailey’s buttercream
16 tablespoons (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
3 cups powdered sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
4 tablespoons Bailey’s Irish Cream
4 ounces Hershey's Dark Chocolate

How to make them
1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees, and place cups in the cupcake pan. 
2. In a large bowl, combine the butter and brown sugar and mix on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 1 minute.
3.  Add the 3 eggs and granulated sugar. Mix till smooth.
4. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, cocoa, and baking soda.
5. Add the flour mixture, coffee, and Kahlua alternately until mixture is thick.
6. Fill each prepared cupcake liner about two-thirds full.
7. Bake the cupcakes for 20-25 minutes. Let cool completely.
8. Bailey's Icing: In a bowl, combine the butter and powdered sugar until smooth. Add the vanilla extract and Bailey’s Irish Cream, mixing well until combined. Add more sugar if needed. Set aside.
9. Kahlua Icing:  In another bowl, combine the butter and powdered sugar until smooth. Add the cocoa powder, Kahlua, and coffee, adding more powdered sugar if necessary.
10. Put half of each type of icing into a piping bag and ice the cupcakes when they are cooled. Garnish them with dark chocolate.

 This recipe was adopted from curvy carrot.
Check out her other awesome recipes!!