Foods I have come to LOVE. Nanny always said....

....try everything once, you might be surprised how much you like it!!! She was SO wise. 

Li hing mui is salty dried plum. It can be found in Hawaiian and Asian markets. It has a strong, distinctive flavor, and is often said to be an acquired taste, as it has a combination of sweet, sour, and salty taste. It has also been described as tart, and even tangy. ..It's used as a powder as well - for rims of martini glasses and on top of Shave Ice, and used as a flavor also for Shave Ice (Which is where I fell in love with it!!!)

Mochi (Japanese: ) is a Japanese rice cake made of glutinous rice pounded into paste and molded into shape. In Japan it is traditionally made in a ceremony called mochitsuki. I get this on top of my Shave Ice. It is wonderful! They make it several different ways too but I like it plain. Crazy chewy texture. 

Ahi - These tuna reach about 300 pounds in weight. They feature a pale pink flesh that is relatively mild. Also called "Yellowfin tuna." I never used to be able to eat fish raw. I LOVE it now. Ahi Poke is such a yummy meal.

Caviar is the processed, salted roe of certain species of fish, most notably the sturgeon (black caviar) and the salmon (red caviar). It is commercially marketed worldwide as a delicacy and is eaten as a garnish or a spread; for example, with hors d'œuvres. The California roll is a maki-zushi (roll), a kind of sushi roll, usually made inside-out, containing cucumber, crab meat or imitation crab stick ...I never liked sushi or caviar before - EVER. Now I could eat it every day. I only like caviar on California Rolls and on Calamari, crazy chewy texture but I like it! 

Someday I would like to meet...

(FB Picture) 

...My cousin Talia's Baby thats due in June!!! Well, I know she gets first dibs...hah but I just am excited to meet this little one. I got to hold her first born, Maggie, in the hospital days after she was born. Now she is two years old and seems just as darling as ever.

(FB Picture - Brooks and Payton)

....and my cousin Kara's second baby Brooks Ro. He has to be getting close to a year old! I have never met the little guy.

What suits my fancy :)

I LOVE the top two images and the kitchen on the bottom! (Love the yellow!!)

In the movie "Love Happens" is the CUTEST Flower shop ever with

 decorations I would love to fill my house with. So cute. 

So cute and coastal don't you think?!

Totally digging this. 

LOVE all the bright colors. Makes me happy. 

Happy Saturday :)

A Little Change, Just Because.

Ok Guys, we have almost been in Maui for a year and a half. CRAZY! Seriously didn't think I would last this long, and quite honestly - about a year ago I wasn't lasting. Chris and I have grown immensely both individually and separately. A year ago I wasn't really living in Maui and I definitely wasn't loving Maui. All I could think of was what I was missing in Washington, the events, holidays and my loved ones milestones etc. I was so blinded with sadness and self pity and was not aware of the fun and beauty that I was missing. I don't know when it clicked but somewhere from fall to spring this just became an incredible adventure. This became a life. I was me again. I became happy and satisfied and excited. The Lord totally opened my heart to this place. I had such a bitter, (sadly racist) awful take on Maui. When people asked me about moving here - I didn't suggest it - and probably crushed what could have been a marvelous time for them. Now, it's becoming more and more a home. For this I am happy. I longed to not feel the way I was, it definitely was not pleasing to God. Right now, I am happy. I am grateful for this opportunity. I am thankful for how the Lord has taken care of us every step of the way. I am excited for what he has for us in the coming years. I am so grateful for my family and friends encouragement, love, prayers and support. I have a husband that is desperately in Love with me and I with him. I have a home that we share. We have food on our table every meal. We have jobs that also provide us with insurance. We have transportation. We have the ocean at our doorstep. We are able to pay our bills. Ahh, how Great is our God. I think I am finally over the home-sick hump. I have learned to leave and cleave. Friends..Ahh I have done such a great deal of learning. I am finally starting to make friends! Yes, people!!! I have friends here! It's taken a while but I do. Ileta, Sasha, Lauren and Lacy are all friends that I enjoy being around at work or in town Lahaina, we may not do much but they are great and I think they love me too. Ileta has been such a blessing to me - we have had many girl dates. I just met this gal the other day, Cindy! She goes to church in Kihei and we are going to meet up for coffee or a walk soon! I am hoping that we hit it off right away. I long for a friend that shares with me the same Love of the Lord. The same religion. I need that encouragement, and have someone that shares the same passions and can enjoy life doing the silliest of things. Chris has made some friends too with people he works near - he might go to a fight next month. I am hopeful. Yall should know, I have a BEST FRIEND!!! His name is Chris Evans. I get to sleep by his side and wake to his beautiful face. He is always there. He is my constant. I love him to death. Jobs...Chris is ROCKING his job. He is amazing. He has made goal 5 months in a row. He makes his goals in sales weekly as well. He is a great manager, encouraging and kind. A big wig was in town and he was super nervous... she was soo impressed with the numbers and met Chris. Later she said to his boss, "Clone him!" and basically that she was impressed. This is a big deal, for whatever reason that we need to transfer - This gal will do it for him in a heartbeat. He is on her good side! My job is ya know - it's fun, it's happy and has a lot of darling things, I get to make coffee and have customers that don't get coffee if I'm not there (makes me feel good :) ) I serve gelato and enjoy myself.  I like it, I have some issues with the management - but I don't always have to work with them. If you see my previous blog you will see that I have big plans for making myself visible as a photographer. I am ready! Although those jobs are just fine and dandy right now my favorite job has been learning to be a better house-wife. I know this sounds super cheesy but I LOVE trying new recipes for Chris, I LOVE baking (it's the one thing I feel as if I NEVER screw up..) and I have been feeling more confident as I have been spending less time on the computer - cleaning and taking pride in our cottage by taking care of it. Transportation...We are now a one car family - as in we don't live walking/biking distance to work. I kinda like it, cause I get more of Chris. I kinda don't like it cause it's more gas and worse for the environment...but I think I'll live :) Cottage...We moved!!! We live at 3882 Mahinahina, Lahaina, Hi, 96761. It's darling, more spacious and cool. Chris and I have been doing a bit of walking lately. We walk to the beach just 10 minutes from our home, and we walk to our new favorite coffee spot "Bad Ass Coffee Co."(excuse the name.) Also across from another beach park 10 minutes from the house. I am a little frustrated. The people who moved in behind us are pot smokers (which is against the house rules), so the other day the smell was wafting in through the windows and made me queazy. I went to talk to them and let them know that I didn't want to call the landlord - but I can't handle the smell. Frustrated because I didn't want to be on a bad foot with them...having just moved in ourselves. So I am hoping this isn't a problem. We have a deck around the house that I am hoping to find some cute comfy chairs for and a small table. Ah, so fun! We will see. Church...We think we are going to try Kumalani chapel again...well see. Vacations...In July we are going to DISNEYLAND!!!!! YAY!!! Only 4 days - 2 travel..but I am stoaked!!! Just the two of us. Then in November we are trying to come home for a visit. I am going to try and stay longer and still not positive if Chris can come. We are coming home to see SARAH ESCHBACHS BABY!!!! AH Baby Calvin Jacob. And hopefully Cousin Kierstin's baby #2 will be born then. Also I want to see cousin Talia's baby #2. I can't wait to see Cousin Molly. I'm sure we will go to Zuanich together and have a cousin girlie night. Most of all, I am desperate for my Mother. (you too Dad and brothers) but mostly Mom. AHH! Just thinking about it I have chills and tears in my ducts. I am hoping mom and dad Evans can come to WA to meet us with Tyler. Family together again. Ahh bliss. So We don't have tickets for Nov. yet so it is not solid but fingers crossed. We are hoping maybe next year or the year after that we can go to Florida to Visit Petreeeee!! I miss that brother too. Movies...Have you seen it's complicated? It's soo cute. CAn you BELIEVE IT?!?!?! ....My sister Ava and I met Apollo Ono (the olympic speed skater from Seattle) across oceans within 3 weeks of each-other. He remembered me when She mentioned it. HOW RANdom!? I made him a shave ice and Ava met him at Fashion week. Projects...I have been collecting shells with holes. I want to learn to make jewelry with plated gold bracelets and earrings. I need a lesson, a gun thing to connect the wire, and a drill. I have canvas' that I want to paint on with oil, a sea series (for a future child's room.) I have been crocheting...I am making afgans, baby hats, washcloths, and I want to make a beach-bag, and a slouch beanie, and hair bands. I am scrapbooking. I am also reading - LOTS. Chris' projects have been things with the house, as well as plants! He LOVES our plants. He has been watering them and taking care of them. So cute. Family...THe in-laws are LOVING colorado. It's the perfect fit for them so it seems. My parents just a few days ago are officially moved out of the 356 S. Park ST. (Sniff, Sob) So many memories, may you new owners be filled with as many good memories as we had in that long house. They are staying with Grandma and Grandpa (THANK YOU!!!) and are waiting to be approved for the house they are trying to buy. Dad is working at Western, he is happy. Peter is in St. Augustine Florida. He is happy - so much more than Alabama. Caleb and Ava just moved to Seattle -(don't know whats up in their lives, they are soo busy.) Michael is a freaking rock-star. He has an album out - an R&B Artist? I think..Sorry if im wrong. He is working with plants. I think he is still cooking for Bobs. Tyler is working away and still toying with the culinary arts program (Michael just got in..will be starting in the fall)  So there you have it. An update on our lives. For right now, this is our home. We don't have plans to stay or go. We are just living life day to day, and it's magnificent (except for tues and fri when the garbage man comes... haha.) OH MAN! Life gotta love it. Oh - and Tigger is great. ABusive and loving as always. I think he loves the new place, lots of air flow and windows. Peace and Much Aloha. 

Um So I take Pictures :)

I am first and foremost a Professional Portrait Photographer. I may love to be a barista and serve Gelato but that is not my passion or career. Most of you were my clients in Bellingham, WA. After the drastic change and move to Maui, it has taken me quite a while to open to others and share with them what I really do. Just recently I have been able to really enjoy living in Maui. I have been able to settle and get comfortable with my surroundings. So being happy with life, i have my drive to do what I do best once again. I have several plans and exciting changes for Katherine Beth Photography!! I am excited to put myself out there and begin to profit from this gift. So stay tuned!!! 

A little history on me and my camera...:) I have been taking pictures seriously ever since my Grampie gave me his Canon AE1 with several lens' and an off camera flash. I was my High Schools photographer for practically everything. Through that I got offered to take senior portraits for classmates and then families and so on. I interned with Samuel Gardner, a professional photographer, for just over a year, all the while doing my own thing. Back then I was Katz Photography. I took several courses at the Community College to take in as much information as I could. I was literally a sponge. SOO Hungry to know more and more.  After high school I got a job with Yary Photography (then Artiem, now all separate Photographers) as an individual Photographer. While working with them, my business flourished. I was becoming quite known just by word of mouth. So I quit Yary to be on my own. I have a Canon 30D and 10D now and an off camera flash. I am going to bring back my big lights from WA to HI in November. I am all about relaxing, chill, fun, comfortable and just natural. Every one of my Clients (I believe) have had a blast and so have I, capturing milestones in their lives - I feel so privileged to be a part of that. I have a website with the images taken in WA. http://katherinebeth.com/ Check it out!! About a year or two of shoots after shoots, I moved to Maui with my hubby for an adventure. This adventure (mom I know you don't want to hear this) has become a life. So, in my life, I am a Photographer! So I want to start shouting it on the roof tops and get my name out there! 

HELP ME! Most people book shoots with a photographer who is recommended highly by a friend, family, neighbor, co-worker etc. It's all word of mouth. If you are my client or just like my work and know someone visiting Maui, PRETTY PLEASE let them know how great it would to capture their time in paradise! I so would greatly appreciate it! Thanks so much, and I hope you enjoy looking at some of the images I have take her in Maui!!! :) 

(My Mother and Father for their 29yr Anniversary, first time in Maui!)

(Locals Mark and Jamie with Baby D!)

(Locals Lacy and Josh - Maternity Shoot!)

(Cousin Maghan and Roy on their Honeymoon!!)

(Friends From Church at SBCC in WA Kristine and Brett Thomas!)

(Locals - Baby Taylor, Josh and Lacy!!!)

Have a nice Day! Aloha! 

Me and My God.

"A Woman and Her God" is a book by Beth Moore (one of my Favorite Authors) that I got the other day. We don't go to church as much as I would like and I am not surrounded by believers like I was in Bellingham, so I was Craving spiritual food/instruction. I have done two studies by Beth Moore and have been so encouraged, she is so real and I totally get her. So I found this. I have only read 26 pages and yet it has totally hit home. She starts with Deut 7:7-8 - which talks about how "it was because the Lord loved you". The first thing I just really needed to hear. Then she writes Psalm 63 and focuses on "Oh God you are my God." She talks about this intimate moment that enables you to say this phrase. This moment that you may have had with God that shows your relationship as personal and tender. I was getting excited (because everything was totally just word after word what i needed to read) I thought, "oh!! I have had that moment! I feel as if I can say Oh God you are my God, I feel as if God and I are tight enough where I can claim his as mine!" She moves and and speaks about being satisfied in the Lord and only Him. (Beth Moore) "Our Cravings are a good indication of what a lie is. To crave something outside of God and never feel like we have enough is a deluded heart misleading us. If there is anything your clinging to except the love of God, I pray you'll redirect your vision to the one and only God. Remember, what you are holding onto will betray you every time if it isn't from God." I have totally been hungry, craving and filling the void with everything but Him. Again, the BEST reminder for me today. Psalm 90:14 - "Satisfy us in the morning with you unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days" I need to wake up every morning - I need to cut out some of my desired sleep to spend time with my Lord. I want to wake up and spend time in his word. Every morning, I should be starting my day like this. Food that satisfies, this will fill me up the way I need to be full. By being more in the word and time spent in prayer the Lord will reveal to me the way Im living, the changes I should make, the ways I can bless others etc. He has soo much to show me, and I am soo excited for this. OK! Last thing I'm going to share with you tonight! (Beth Moore) " One thing that is so incredible about allowing our Father to meet our needs first thing in the day is that if our husband or friend showers us with love later on, our cup overflows. But it's not their job to initially meet the needs of our soul. Therefore, they enjoy the delight  (and so do we) of causing this wonderful over-flow. And what a difference that makes! OK! A SERIOUS issue I have....Expecting SOOO much of others, and guess what?!?! I am ALWAYS bummed and disappointed and unsatisfied, and sad that they can NEVER follow through. Granted Never is a strong word, but they are not God so of course they are going to let me down. (SOO wish I had this like 2 yrs or more ago, I would have totally loved not having the grief and pain that was soo unnecessary! and unfair to others cause they can't help not being what I want them to be! hah. opps :) ) It is not the job of my friends, my sister, my brothers, my family to meet my needs, It is the LORDS. So! My task! To begin each morning in His word, filling my cup with His decrees. When I am blessed by others, then I will feel EXTRA!!! Blessed!! Isn't that just wonderful?!? Ah, thank you Beth, but most of all THANK you Lord for bringing this book to me at this time of life when I needed it most. And I am soo excited to Get to know you once again, for I feel it's been a while...

Our Home.

This is our home! We have that whole upper level. Plus Deck.

Apple Bananas!!! So many trees outside our house! 

Our Plumeria Tree!

Chris' 25th Birthday!!! :)

So May 23rd was Chris' 25th birthday!!! It was a very relaxing, very peaceful day. We both were able to get the day off. We slept in and had a nice breakfast. We chilled and watched tv for a bit. We put Tigger on his leash and let him roam outside. He was so funny! He was actually kinda scared, though the wind was howling. Off to the beach to see if it was going to be a nice day for it, turned out it wasn't - very rainy and windy off and on...So we headed back home after an hour there. We had lunch and watched "Failure to Launch" together. The house got pretty hot so we went to go watch the sunset! Then home for talipia, rice, cooked carrots and cupcakes. Chris opened his gifts all throughout the day. We had a fun day just being together. He didn't want to answer calls, he just wanted to be with me. He was very happy, tender and sweet. I love this man soo much. I am so blessed he is my husband. I am soo blessed to know him and have him in my life.

My Nanny Made this Candle Holder. :)

Happy Birthday Honey! Cheers to you and a million more birthdays!!!