Jenelle Sewell » The Life

We Have a Surprise!

Jenelle — Thu, 06 Sep 2012 13:54:10 +0000

Guess what?????

Ben and I are thrilled to announce our newest addition making us a party of 5. Can’t wait to meet our little one in March!

Style, Parks & Lemon Treats

Jenelle — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 13:51:44 +0000

During my down time in the off-season, I have become somewhat intrigued by the art of shooting video. My first attempt at shooting and throwing together a short video was back in the beginning of March when Ben and I enjoyed brunch in the city (here). Since then, I’m trying to find even the smallest reason to take video. I feel like even the shortest video can say so much, thus, my videos below. After shooting a video with my sister (here), Ben commented on the style of shooting and said it’s very similar to Jake Davis’s Test Shots. I was somewhat flattered, although, knowing my amateur style is far, far from Jake’s. But, as for now, I’ll simply enjoy the process of learning. Here’s a small glimpse of Ben and myself:

Click here to view the embedded video.

Aside from photography, it has become the time of year to hibernate our winter clothing till next season. But as is always the case, living here on the east coast, that Mother Nature plays Indian-giver: Tuesday…70 degrees…Wednesday…85 degrees…Thursday…45 degrees. It’s unfortunate that we have to live in this uncertain state of being for a month or so, but until 90 degrees hits for three months, we will gladly take the mild weather that plays peek-a-boo. Lucky for us though, the weather has given us a few charming weekend days and we have taken full advantage. A few weekends ago, Ben and I walked the dogs, took a few bike rides, ate outside at a couple local restaurants and lounged on a blanket at Pier A Park along the Hudson River. As I lay there watching fellow ‘parkers’ play catch, read their books, and reviewing our perfect weekend in my head, I realized that wedding season is just around the corner and I better soak up every ounce of this as I can.

And lastly, I must confess, this past year I have been lacking in the “good wife who cooks for her husband every night” department. When I first moved up to Hoboken, I was unemployed and had many hours to myself while Ben was at work. Aside from taking care of a puppy, I truly enjoyed spending my time cooking and baking. And that’s how I started my blog. I’ve missed those days, so I decided to take some shots of a quick and easy dessert I threw together from our Powerfoods cookbook. It’s a lemon filled cream treat…and for those of you who are health conscious, it is just that. Just tofu, honey and lemon!

Have a great Wednesday!

xoxo,

jenelle

Summer Mornings & Sneak Peek

Jenelle — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 14:41:23 +0000

This morning, I opened up the front door and was welcomed by a breeze of cool wind. It wasn’t the type of breeze that makes you wrap your coat tighter around your body, but the kind that gives you hope that summertime is just around the corner. As I made my way down our front steps and my boots hit the sidewalk, the crisp morning smell immediately reminded me of summer vacations with my family.

With my trench coat belt tapping my legs with each stride, my mind took me back to mornings just like this – mornings that my eyes would open when I heard my dad rustling in our hotel room as he tried to get dressed in the darkness as not to disturb my mom, sister or me. But I always woke up. Not because he was making too much noise, but because the thought of grabbing a cup of coffee and sitting with my dad wherever our current vacation spot was sent a spark of excitement through me and there was no way I could go back to sleep. As he was just about to slip the hotel room key into his pocket, I quickly threw on jeans, a sweatshirt and flip-flops, put my hair into a ponytail that looks semi brushed and joined my dad as my mom and sister slept.

I’ll always remember one morning imparticular when we were vacationing on Martha’s Vineyard in May of 2006. Dawn had just broke when my dad and I sipped on our coffee as we sat on a bench along a rocking dock, watching the still ocean house dozens of sailboats with sleeping captains aboard. It was quiet. It was peaceful. And as I snuggled deeper into my sweatshirt, I was thankful. Its mornings like this that I will always love to remember and appreciate.

And here is a sneak peek from a shoot that I will be posting tomorrow…

Happy Thursday!

xoxo,

jenelle

Saturday with Ben

Jenelle — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 18:23:34 +0000

Every year around this time, Hoboken becomes the destination for many young adults that travel from all around the Tri-State area to join in the St. Patty’s Day festivities. Once upon a time, it was a celebration with friends and family to come together and watch a traditional parade on Washington Street. The Hoboken firemen squad and police force would join in and wear kilts and play bagpipes as they marched down the mile long street and children waved their four leaf clover flags in celebration. Now, sadly, this tradition has been warped into some kind of crazy fraternity party that takes place all over the streets of Hoboken. So, Ben and I have chosen every year on this day to escape our sweet town.

This past Saturday, we went into the city and enjoyed a relaxing afternoon eating brunch at Cafe Condesa and walking around the West Village. I also decided to take along my 7D and take some video shots. There is so much to see here and I’ve been negligent to archive our adventures, no matter if its big or small. Sometimes, its the everyday happenings that give you the greatest memories. And I am so lucky to have Ben to share them with.

Happy Monday!

Click here to view the embedded video.

Favorite shot of the day…

xoxo,

Jenelle

Sneak Peek & the 1940′s

Jenelle — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 15:15:56 +0000

You know those times in your life when you come across something that completely and utterly relaxes every muscle in your body? Its something that takes you by surprise, whether for a few seconds or an endless amount of time because you didn’t know it could have this affect on you. As you engulf this new found appreciation, you can’t help but be completely thankful but also, completely baffled. Baffled because it has been present all throughout your life but you are just now embracing it. Ladies and gents, I’m speaking of the beautiful and timeless vocals of 1940′s jazz and blues artists. The other day, my friend had the glorious Billie Holiday softly cascading from her computer’s speakers. As soon as her distinct voice hit my ears, I was immediately in a trance. My body untangled, so-to-speak, and all the cloudiness in my mind washed away. It literally felt like therapy for my mind. It was wonderful.

So, as I am writing this, I am taking in a sweet collaboration of sounds: a soft breath on a saxophone, a light stroke on a bass, a soft sweep of brushes across a snare drum, and the crisp vocals of the ever-wonderful, Billie. Drape the light and warming radio crackle over this enchanting ensemble and its as if I’m right there, in the 40′s.

I’ll leave you with this picture from a wedding I second shot back in September. More from this beautiful day to come. Happy Wednesday.

Friday Nights

Jenelle — Sat, 01 Oct 2011 13:32:04 +0000

A lot of friends call me an “old boring lady.” The reason for this somewhat factual characterization is because when it comes to Friday nights, I know exactly where I want to be and know exactly what I want to do. Now, this isn’t every Friday night, but it certainly is a common trend in our household. See, when I’m not traveling for shoots and weddings on Friday nights (which has been quite often this season), my ideal opening night into the weekend is just like one we had last night – Zip on down the 6 train around 5:30PM to Soho to meet Ben at his office as he packs up his things, walk with no haste in our step to a local pub for a happy hour special, laugh and recount funny hairstyles with friends as we sip our frosty beverages, call for pick-up at our favorite Italian restaurant, Trattoria Saporito in Hoboken, come home to be greeted with nothing but love and excitement by our furry children, slip into comfy clothes and chow down on delectable linguini and clams while watching Pan-Am.

Old, boring lady I may be, but when I have an old, boring man right alongside me, it makes it perfect. THIS is my favorite type of Friday night.

Have a great weekend!

81 Floors…81 Times Stronger

Jenelle — Sun, 11 Sep 2011 15:18:32 +0000

On any given day, it is quite normal to forget exactly what you were doing 10 years ago, let alone what you were doing a week ago. Days go on and things in the past slowly fade away. But on this day, I remember. I remember exactly where I was, where the people around me were, and the events that unfolded on this day, ten years ago.

I was in my Junior year of high school. 9 AM was my free bell. I was upstairs in my school’s choir room chatting my choir teacher, carefree really. Then one of my close family friends who was also a teacher there came bursting into the room, “He’s OK! He hasn’t left Atlanta, yet.” She was speaking of her husband who was a Delta pilot. I was confused. My choir teacher hugged her with great relief. And then she told me, “There’s been a terrorist attack.” As she explained the few details that the rest of the nation knew, it was hard for me to grasp. Knowing little about politics, wars and America’s enemies, it was hard for me to understand the undertaking that had just happened. Shortly after, our principal got on the loud speaker, said a prayer and we all stood to say the Pledge of Allegiance. Moments later, our entire student body made its way into the front parking lot of our school and we held hands around an unfolded American flag. I do believe we were let out of school early and it wasn’t until I got home and stood in our living room watching the television with my Mom that I knew what happened that day, 10 years ago. We will never forget what we were doing 10 years ago on September 11, 2001.

Today, 81 stories strong stands our new Freedom Tower. Each day, a new floor is added and each day our country grows stronger.

Our prayers and thoughts are with those that lost their loved ones…we will never forget.

This morning, Ben and I made our way to the water to see the Manhattan skyline…

I took the bottom photo. The upper photo, taken on September 11, 2001, is credited to CGPIX.

I’m thankful for so many blessings in my life…my family and my freedom being the top two.

Have a great day and don’t forget to remember…

100 Degrees

Jenelle — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 16:44:24 +0000

“How many crustaceans can one person eat?” A British man said to his lady friend as they passed by us. Ben and I looked at each other and smirked as we sat outside the restaurant resting our bellies. We had just finished our savage meal of All You Can Eat Crabs at FISH in the West Village. With mangled fingers and the smell of Old Bay still lingering on us, I couldn’t be happier. Even if it was 100 degrees outside.

Eating crabs in the summertime is a Sewell tradition. Growing up so close to the Chesapeake Bay, how could we not endulge? Every summer, we would take a long weekend and stay at a B&B in Annapolis, Maryland. Our main goal: eat as much crab as you possibly can in four days. Our favorite place to accomplish this task was Buddy’s Crabs and Ribs. We would spend all afternoon cracking crabs and then we made our way to the shops along the water. So, I figured it was about time to bring this tradition into my new family.

Happy Friday everyone!

I out ate Ben….I am very proud of this.

After lunch, I wanted to eat YOGO on a cone….Ben told me not to. But I did anyways. And I paid for it…..

Hot Air

Jenelle — Fri, 08 Jul 2011 16:06:07 +0000

You want us to do what?! I’m sorry, can you show us so we can better grasp what you’re asking us to do?

As the instructor sloughed off our solicitous expressions, he jumped up and swung himself sideways into the 800 pound basket that lay parallel to the ground. With his head dangling and his face turning as pink as a grapefruit, we asked if there was another way. Unfortunately not, he said with no remorse. As ten, weary passengers climbed into the basket, sideways, we kept telling each other that this was going to be worth it. Honestly, how many times in your life will you fly in a hot air balloon?

Earlier that afternoon, my mother-in-law was gracious enough to surprise my father-in-law with tickets up into the big blue for his birthday. Because of his unsettling fear of heights, you can imagine the qualms he had about this little adventure when she handed him the tickets two hours before take-off. Happy Birthday, Wally, we all said as we watched the wheels turning in his head, his eyes wide with distress. It was like watching an antelope on the Discovery Channel who was about to meet his untimely death from a merciless predator. He quickly digested the fact that in about 120 minutes, he would be taking a ride thousands of feet above land in a hot air balloon.

Laying sideways in a 10 person wicker basket, our white knuckled hands were clenched tightly to the handles as the balloon filled with firey air. Slowly, the balloon lifted and brought us upright. As the ground crew released the ascending basket, we glided up….and…..up. The beautiful landscape of Lancaster Pennsylvania slowly became a miniature countryside. As we reached three miles up, we shared space with passing clouds, something I could have never imagined would be, but because of family, this was possible. And of course, hot air.

The information brochure suggests wearing hats. I didn’t see the need beforehand. I now know why they suggest it.

Unfortunately, I took only a few pictures while we were up. I had niether a hand grip nor a neck strap. My fear of dropping my camera 200 stories is far too intense. The picture on the right was taken at the Lancaster Mud Sale, an Amish auction.

The only way I could capture us in the balloon is by shadow. You just have to trust we were in there.

It was hard to compensate the exposure for fog and sun. I wanted the rays of the sun breaking through the clouds and this was the best I could get before the anxiety of dropping my camera overtook me again.

As we were descending to land (which is horrifying in and of itself), we were followed by curious Amish families. It was amazing how intrigued they were by the act of riding in a balloon. They followed us on their bikes to our landing spot (which was determined ten seconds before we hit ground). Talk about stress!

Even the family pets came to visit us.

How could I be so lucky?

And a few shots from the Mud Sale we went to earlier that afternoon. I’ve never seen so much farm equipment before.

The balloon ride was provided by the wonderful and entertaining crew of the United States Hot Air Balloon Team. They fly internationally and I only hope one day we might be able to fly over the Alps with them! You have to wear oxygen masks!

Happy Friday!

An Island We Call “Home”

Jenelle — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 14:31:41 +0000

As the wheels touch down on the tarmac, my heart jumps and my lips involuntarily merge into an ear to ear smile. I think to myself, “this feeling will never get old.” The airplane door opens after what seems like eternity. My skin tingles from the Caribbean humidity as we walk down the mobile staircase that is pushed up against the airplane. With my cowboy hat snug on my head, we slip on our sunglasses and reach for the complimentary flavored rum that is offered as we exit the airport. As the flight attendent had said to Ben when he noticed Ben’s sudden change from a cardigan to a tank top, we were ready. Ready for a week…in our paradise on St. Thomas.

The journey that this island has given my family and I is one that I will always be thankful for. From having visited it for the first time in 2005 as a young college student, not knowing who I was or the direction life was going to take me, to eventually saying “I Do” here to my husband a year and a half ago. The memories are countless and for this, I am blessed. We just visited a week ago and I wanted to share a few shots. If you ever have the opportunity to visit, don’t hesitate to book your flight. There will be a small piece of your heart you’ll leave behind and because of this, you can always call it “home“.

Happy Thursday!

Every morning, I am the second one up and I quietly join my Dad on the balcony as the sun rises over St. John.

My Dad. Before anybody is up, he has his quiet time.

My man. So strong, so caring and so mine! Who’s a lucky girl?

We have a ritual of taking one early morning walk over to a beach that houses dozens of sailboats. This is when my Dad likes to discuss our goals and “where we want to be in five years.” I am blessed to have a father that cares so much.

Who doesn’t climb palm trees at 8AM?

Yep…that’s my husband.

Love you, Pops.