When I’m not writing, you’ll find me…

Traveling – My home away from home is Stockholm, where I have the pleasure to visit often, thanks to Securitas’ HQ in the city ♥ But before my love for Swedish summers and Christmas smörgåsbords, I was bit by the travel bug on my honeymoon in Paris with my husband, Mike. That adventure sparked what would eventually become “Traveling Twogether” – our couples travel blog and passion project. Though traveling for pleasure has taken a bit of a back seat in recent years, I’m grateful for the many opportunities I have to travel for business in my role on the Group Communications team at Securitas.

Photographing everyyyything – For as long as I can remember, I’ve been fascinated by photography. It was one of my favorite things to do with my dad growing up – grabbing my hand-me-down Pentax 35mm or an old Coolpix and setting out on an adventure to capture the beauty of the moment. I think about those days fondly, and can almost feel the ache in my stomach even today from laughing so hard – especially from the time we tried, without success, to photograph falling leaves for what must’ve been an hour! I still use photography today as a way to connect with the people I love. And yes, I may or may not (but definitely do) collect photos and memories like a pack rat. I refuse to admit how many photos are on my phone/iCloud. (Scroll down to see some of my favorite travel photos I’ve captured!)

Crafting – I enjoy a new craft almost as much as I enjoy exploring a new city. When my hands are busy, my mind quiets – and that’s when I feel most creative. I tend to pick up a new craft hobby (read: obsession) every year. In recent years, I’ve dabbled in woodburning, watercolor painting, broken-plate mosaics, clay and resin art. Crafting also happens to check two of my love languages: gift giving and acts of service. I’m often making things for friends and family as a way to show my love – one handmade piece at a time.

Because I love documenting my interests (see “pack rat” above), I have a few Instagram accounts where I try my best to show and share. The travelgram I run with my husband is @travtwogether and you can see some of my crafts at @emilystudio.gifts.