This Mermaid Fights Cancer

I am thankful for good health. I am thankful for the good health of my family and friends. In my opinion, the great difference, between being young and getting older, is the appreciation for health that allows you to move, breathe, and enjoy life without limitation. As much as I cringe to admit it, I recall vividly as a teenager behaving in ways that arrogantly showed the world I am fine taking my health for granted, because, hey, it sure feels like I'm gonna live foreverrrrr, whoo-hoo!
 
Ugh. If I could flag down a quick ride on a time machine, I absolutely would so I could shake myself out of that kind of immature thinking.
 
I had recently learned that co-worker's cancer had come back after a few years of remission, this time affecting her lungs. And at around the same time, I had learned of a family member who, miraculously, discovered her cancer had not come back after the doctors had done a thorough scan of her body. Though I've never gone through the experience as a cancer survivor, it would be foolish of me to ignore these stories that affect so many people around me, both close family and strangers alike.
 
My close friend, Celez, is doing her part in offering hope for leukemia and lymphoma warriors. I say warriors because in my mind, to be a warrior, implies strength and constant will to courageously fight. Celez's own mother is a breast cancer survivor and come October, she will be participating in a triathlon through Team in Training with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society to help raise funds for this organization.
 
Celez has a knack for saying things that forever stand out in my mind, even from the time we were in 7th grade and I barely could pronounce her unusual name. In her latest blog post, she writes about her experience in swim training:
 
"I'm lucky enough to be healthy and living a life I chose for myself. I'm choosing to make my body swim, bike, and run. However, there are so many people living with leukemia, lymphoma and other blood cancers who never choose to be sick. It's because I respect and admire all of those who are fighting through the toughest moments in their lives, do I just suck it up, get in the water and channel my inner mermaid."


I am proud of her and the so many others who willingly, actively, and unselfishly do their part for causes like this. If you feel led to donate or would like to follow along as my friend Celez channel's her inner mermaid for an awesome cause and trains for the triathalon in October, please visit Celez's Fundraising Page.

Happy Friday and thank you for your generous support. Go mermaids!!

The Blank Sign-In Sheet

Exhale. Inhale. Exhale. Inhale....inhale.

No wait, oops, I meant, exhale...Ok, just breathe. It'll be fine, right?

I sat in the parking lot of the beautiful Chabot Space & Science Center in Oakland, anxiously and excitedly waiting for a networking mixer I had been invited to by San Francisco-based event planner, Jane Hammond. As I'd mentioned in yesterday's post, I am extremely shy when it comes to meeting new people and it takes all the willpower I've got to not want to run the opposite direction and out the back door when it comes to these types of meetings.

I arrived 30 minutes early (can anyone say "super cool nerd status?!) and waited in my car for a few minutes before heading inside. I approached the sign-in sheet and tried not to look too nervous when I realized that I was not only the first one there but was also the first to sign in (Blank sign-in sheets are intimidating!), and pretty much had no one to talk to but the organizer, Erica Ota of EO Events and....the servers who were still busy preparing the hors d'oeuvres .  Eh, great. What do I do until everyone arrives? Eat all the appetizers?!? Wait are those brownie bites?

Fortunately for me, Erica was super friendly and welcoming and since I was tad early, I got a chance to explore the gorgeous venue which housed all things space and science. (Do you know how many layers are in an astronaut's space suit?? And they even have displays of vacummed packages of potatoes au gratin meant for dinner in space...who knew?!) Though I was nervous, I realized that if I was determined to just be friendly, smile, and just be my ol' self, the experience might just be worth it.

And. It. Was. Awesome.

I even ran into Ananda Shorey of Bliss Fotography, another talented photographer/industry peer who has helped me in so many ways. When I got the chance to meet Jane Hammond and her events manager, Naomi, their friendly and welcoming demeanor put me at immediate ease, and once again, I am so thankful for opportunities like this that encourage me to step out of my comfort zone, a place I sometimes get too stubborn to leave. Even more so, I am thankful to the industry peers at this event who extended a welcoming handshake and warm smile the newbie in the house.

Happy Thursday!

Oh, and this photo right here? It's an intricate display of just plain coolness that you can find at the Chabot Space and Science Center. If you ever happen to be in Oakland, I highly recommend stopping by. You won't be disappointed.

Lessons from Kona

Call me lame, but I hate leaving our four legged baby pup, Kona Bean, home alone for too long. I swear, her eyes communicate to me "No, please don't go, I'm scared, are you coming back, will I be ok!?!?"

And as I cuddle her before I leave, I always tell her not to be scared and that she'll be just fine.

Now, as I prepare to attend another networking meeting to meet talented event planners from all over the Bay Area, I find that I am telling myself, "Don't be scared, I'll be just fine..."

Sheesh. The things my dog can teaches me about courage and being brave and that yes -  I will be just fine.

Happy Wednesday!

Being You-nique

I think the hardest thing about being a photographer and making a successful business out of it isn't learning about all the buttons and functionalities of your camera. (Though it might be important to know which way the battery goes in.)

It isn't making a prettier picture than photographer A, B, C, he or she or they. And, I'll even venture to say, it isn't knowing all the Photoshop tools that somehow made your subject looked like they were relaxing on a pristine beach in Hawaii when in reality the photo was taken when the subject was hanging out near their backyard kiddie pool. Plastic rubber ducky in the background and all.

From my perspective, I think the hardest thing I've experienced so far about being a photographer and building a business out of it is being myself.

What do I mean by that?

I mean as in being comfortable enough to freely express to the world that my photography brand is built on a love for colors, fashion, and music. Being comfortable to openly showcase that the heart and soul of the photographer behind Heartbox Photography loves Italian and Japanese food, Toblerone chocolate, and at one time sported an embarrassing Bruce Lee-like haircut at 5 years old. That I continue to laugh a little too long (and, according to my husband, a little too loudly) long after the punch line has been told.

Being comfortable enough to say that I struggle as well as dream big. That I've failed, but I've also succeeded. That I love Canon prime lenses, natural lighting, and portrait photography. That I geek out at beautifully organized and color coded file folders.That deep down in my heart, I hope my call in life is to not only make a living from doing this, but that along the way my photography will also touch people and make a meaningful impact on this world. And that yes, indeed, I do struggle with a fear of failure.

I like to learn from others who have been in this business a long time and possess an immense amount of awesome talent. I like to try different things that will help move my photography business forward. And of course, I like learning different technical skills that will help improve how I use my photography tools. But even in the midst of all of this learning, I'm also being reminded to be unafraid to be "you-nique" in not only how I photograph, but also in the brand/image I establish, and the road I take to make it successfully.  I'm learning that this is tremendously, if not even more, important than trying to emulate how photographer A or B shoots, how they build their brand or how they market themselves or the paths they took to succeed.

I see the world differently. And I hope, that with every photoshoot and every decision I make that builds my brand and business, I showcase that "you-niqueness" in it's best light to the world.

If you're lucky enough to be different, don't ever change. - Taylor Swift


Happy Tuesday!

Ain't Love Grand?

This weekend, we had the privilege of witnessing two great friends tie the knot. And it never,ever fails - whether I'm attending a wedding as a guest or photographing one, I always have the urge to put down my camera, for just one second, and marvel, smile, and yes, even shed a tear of happiness witnessing two people celebrate the joining of their lives together.

Here's to new beginnings and eternal love. Ain't love grand?

Congratulations, Ray and Sarah! We love you guys.

Happy Monday!

Boxing, Photography, & Magic Pills

If there is one word that could sum up what I felt after attending the networking/class last night it would be challenged CHALLENGED. Like someone just told me to run to the top of the Empire State Building using the stairs-type challenged.

Did I mention I run at about 2 miles an hour?

I was scheduled to attend a networking/class meeting with other local photographers to hear Alexis Cuarezma speak about not only his experience, but also about different techniques he uses and philosophies he believes about the photography industry and business as a whole. As the sun slowly set on the building we all met in at 7 pm, I walked into the meeting room with a sense of anticipation, excitement, and my handy dandy notebook ready to take notes. (dang it, did I forget my highlighter?) The first thing that caught my eye were the displays of stunning photographs (can someone say, amazing?) displayed of various athletes - accomplished boxers to be more specific. 

Now, don't get me wrong. I am all about all things girly, artsy, and fashion, no doubt about it. But in addition to that, I also happen to really love boxing. As in, yes, I do indeed own all the Rocky DVDs and have watched them a million and 1 times - each. Yes, if I ever met Laila Ali person, I'd faint/high-five/ask her to autograph my arm and be my BFF. And oh, heck yes, I am absolutely proud of all that Manny Pacquiao has contributed to the sport as a person and as an athlete. But most of all I love boxing because it captures the fighting spirit mentality that I believe is important in a lot of things in life, not just sports.

Anyway, I took my seat, marveled at all the photos at the front of the room (I already mentally picked the photo I wanted to take home and hang up, if they did a giveaway!), and waited for the presentation to start. In the next hour and half, I found myself being challenged to learn more about lighting, technique, working with a subject, and pushing myself as a photographer overall. I got a chance to meet and speak to the organizers of the event, photographers Keith B. Dixon and Sheila Morgan Gibson as well as other local talented photographers and learn about their own experiences. Although doing all of this was scary and beyond my comfort zone, (almost snuck out the back door after the presentation was done...eh, chicken, much?!), I am thankful I chose to stick around and chat with others instead.

I'm slowly realizing that every photographer has their own school of thought, their own strengths and weaknesses, their own style that makes them unique and awesome at the art they create. I'm also realizing, now more than ever, that as a growing photographer I have a unique opportunity to translate what I create in my mind into a photo that might just touch the world forever. I won't lie, I'm afraid of the challenge, afraid of the possibility of failure, even afraid of the possible success, too, if that makes sense. There are days that I wish the journey was so much easier and that great results were as simple as swallowing a magic pill.

It's no coincidence I find this photo posted on Jasmine Star's Blog, today of all days.

But then again, I have a God whose hand steadies me in the midst of this hard journey, so, really, what do I have to be afraid of? Food for thought.

Happy Friday!

"It's supposed to be hard. If it wasn't hard, everyone would do it. The hard is what makes it great."
- Jimmy Dugan (Tom Hanks) in "A League of Their Own"

100 Miles-a-Minute

Many times along this journey so far, I find I am constantly reminding myself that big accomplishments require big steps, huge leaps of faith, and just being unafraid to dream big. Big Bertha/Costco-sized-bags-of-Skittles-big.

And within the big dreams and the big steps, I'm finding that there are lots of just as important little steps to take in my dream of creating a successful wedding & portrait photography business. I get super excited with every contact made in the wedding and event planning industry and love turning over even more stones only to reveal yet another possibility to be explored. And in the midst of it all, I also have to remind myself to slow down and not scare folks off with my 100 mile-a-minute babble of all things photography, lenses, and ohhhhh, lookit-that-photo-of-her-wedding-dress-did-you-see-her-hair-who-did-her-make-up-hi, I'm with-Heartbox Photography-so-nice-to-meet-you!

Tonight, I will be attending another networking event with other local wedding photographers in hopes to meet other like-minded peers ready to take the wedding & portrait industry by storm. I am actually very shy at these types of networking meetings (the snack & refreshment table can be sooooo fascinating), but at the same time, am proud to be facing this fear anyway for the sake of growing and being challenged. 

Business cards in hand? Check.
Ready to meet other peers and learn? Check.
100-mile-a-minute-babble ready to be slowed down? Eh....we'll see. =)

Let's do this!

Happy Thursday!

Tinkerbell Music for Pretzels

As I'd mentioned in Monday's post, it had been a bit of a rough past week. So much so that when my husband suggested we go get massages on Saturday, I readily agreed before he even finished his sentence. I was so happy to have an awaiting spa appointment you'd think he just suggested we eat Toblerone chocolate for breakfast. We don't get massages as often as we probably should and after this wonderful last visit, I am absolutely convinced spa appointments should be part of the household budget - like groceries and gas!

This would be my third visit to Watercorse Way Bathouse Spa -  it's simply fabulous and I highly recommend it. As soon as I walk in, I'm transported into a peaceful world of yummy sugar scrubs, soothing hot stones, vanilla scents, and all things calm and happy pappy. With a touch of flute-sounding music playing that I swear Tinkerbell herself is playing on the speakers. Really.

Between working out, sitting in front of a computer, hauling heavy camera gear at a recent wedding photoshoot, and yes, even prancing around in heels everyday, my muscles had somehow taken on the look and feel of a tightly knotted rope twisted like an Auntie Anne pretzel  - all sympotoms that called for massage therapy and Tinkerbell-like tunes.

My masseuse for the day, Babs, worked out all the kinks and it wasn't long before I felt like a relaxed noodle once again. So much so that when Babs woke me up and asked if I was feeling ok, I found myself answering her with a super intelligent sounding "Uuungggghhhh?"

If you are ever feeling a little too pretzel-like, definitely check out Watercorse Way Bathouse Spa. Between their choices of hot stones and sleep-inducing massages, you'll get back to feeling like a million bucks in no time - Tinkerbell music included.

Happy Wednesday!

Techy Tuesdays and Tips: Focal Points

I remember a time when I barely knew how to work my first Canon Digital SLR camera.

Google became my bestest friend forever everyday, I re-read the manual like it was a riveting New York Times bestseller story, and I threw out questions left and right to veteran photographers in hopes that someone can puh-leeeease tell me what the button/dial/thinga-ma-jiggy on my camera was for, because really, I don't get it and I swear the On/Off button keeps hiding from me.

Just as much as I love taking photographs, I also love helping answer questions from random folks, friends, and family who just enjoy the art of photography and who, like me at one time, also wondered about that certain camera function or that thingy-ma-jiggy-button. The opportunity to geek out and have someone willingly tolerate my squealing excitement and long-winded explanations of how cool a camera function is, in my little ol' world, priceless. And if there's one thing I've learned from other professionals who have helped me along the way, it's the importance of contributing something back, big or small.

That being said, here goes the first installment of Techy Tuedsays and Tips. (And yes, I absolutely played on the whole T for Tuesdays because I sometimes think I'm cool like that. Glasses, pocket protector,  and ear to ear smile to match.)

If you were anything like me when I was starting out with my digital SLR, I loved me some tack sharp photos, but always set the camera to have all the focal points light up like this:

When the focal points are all lit up like this, you camera will automatically select  and lock focus on whatever it wants to focus on. And while this may seem helpful at first, it's actually not, especially when you want a certain portion of the photo to be absolutely tack sharp.

Instead of allowing your camera to select the focal point for you, try manually selecting the focal point yourself (as per below), and then aiming it at the portion of the photograph you want absolute sharp focus on. In the example below, the center focus point is selected among the myriad of focal points you can choose from.

Whenever I am shooting portraits of people, I always select just one focal point, move my camera to compose the photo, and lock that focal point on the subject's eye, to ensure the absolute best results.

Happy Tuesday!

Ducking Life's Curveballs

This past week, an unexpected conflict found it's way into what was supposed to be a relaxing few days for both Justin and me. And thankfully, though not life threatening, it still managed to shake up life for us a bit in ways we did not see coming or were prepared for.

Life's curveballs are a funny thing. Yes, I absolutely believe that they're necessary for personal growth in life and all that, but man, oh, man, how they hurt if you don't know how to duck quickly enough. (And yes, you guessed it, I hated playing baseball in P.E. as a kid.)

As I wandered up through the aisles of a San Francisco Disney Store this past weekend with my husband and nephew, all I could think to myself was, "There isn't much I can do about it." And truly, as much as this control-freak hates to admit it, sometimes it is better that I can't fix things on my own. It would only mislead me to think that I am in control of all of life's curveballs...and we all know how much that isn't true.

As I mulled over the week's recent challenges while wandering through the Disney Store in downtown San Francisco, I noticed my eyes were constantly being drawn to all the glitter and bold colors that surrounded me. The stuffed animals of every Disney character known to man were all piled up high on a shelf to my right. The speakers graced my ears with a child-like and playful tune of an old Disney movie and racks of princess dresses adorned with twinkling sequence lined the perimeter of the sales floor.

I don't know if it was being surrounded by all the "happy" that Disney is or if I'd just eaten too much chocolate dessert earlier in the day, but it was in there in the midst of all things Mickey Mouse and Cinderella, I was reminded that while life had it's troubles and worries, it wasn't permanent. That while the inevitable curveballs can shake you up a little bit and make things really sad for a moment, they don't stop life and they sure as heck can't stop new dreams and chances for good from forming.

Two Worlds & Breakfast

My husband likes breakfast. Eh...no, wait. He LOOOOOOVES breakfast. As in, he will lie awake at night  describing in far too much detail, the wonderful breakfast of eggs and bacon that he has planned on the menu the minute the first light of dawn shows up.

I, on the other hand, am more of a lunch, dinner, EVERYTHING chocolate-and-random-snacks kind of a person. Breakfast to me was always just a the same ol' combination of eggs, bacon, and toast. Oatmeal, fruit, etc....the same ol' thing just varied up a bit. But show me the leftovers from last night's steak and potato dinner and I'll show you how fast I can re-heat everything, serve it on the table, and call it a REAL breakfast!

When we were dating, Justin once said that after watching me happily scarf down odd mixtures of salad, chocolate, and a side of string cheese (and then, call it breakfast), he's convinced I was born with some sort of garbage disposal like stomach because I never reacted badly to eating such combinations all my life.

Well, halleluuuyerrr, folks because this picture proves that you can have the best of both worlds! The normal breakfast eaters and the random, chocolate/snack eaters finally come together.

Some genius created this mix of pretzel sticks, yellow M&M's and white chocolate. God bless 'em.

Happy Friday!

Hot Mess to Bald Mess

I try  not to be picky, I really do. I know there are some things worth fussing over and some things that are just not important in the grand scheme of life.

But when Kona Bean came back from her grooming appointment looking like this, I was almost tempted to march back into the pet salon and give the groomer a new haircut myself for making my baby go from a hot mess look to a bald-mess, what-did-I-do-to-deserve-this-rat-look.

The up side? Hair does grow back and it doesn't change the fact that our Kona still has the sweetest heart around - rat look or not.

Happy Thursday!

The Fourth

When I think about it, it's amazing to say that we wake up in an environment that is not war-torn. It is amazing to say that though everyone is different and has opposing opinions, we are allowed to say it out loud. And it is amazing to say that there are still people in this world willing to sacrifice their life and time away from their own families in order to give us yet another peaceful day in this country.

I am honored to live in the United States and to be an American citizen. I am blessed to wake up, every day, in an imperfect, but peaceful environment. And, more than I can express, I am thankful for those men and women who make all this possible.

Happy Independence Day!

Pure Design Photoshoot. 2012.

Maybe it's because I'm a chic living in the midst of a world where self-worth and identity are constantly picked apart by the ideals of Hollywood. Maybe it's because I remember all too well what it was like to wander aimlessly through life looking for a solid identity of my own, a sense of wholeness to replace the mess of brokeness I carried around.

Whatever the reason is, I've always been drawn to causes and organizations whose goal and purpose was geared towards helping strengthen women.Whether intervening for domestic abuse victims or encouraging young women to use all their potential for great change in the world, I think makind a difference in the lives of women who need help is a great thing.

As I'd mentioned in a previous post, I had attended a fashion show called Pure Design a while back that was being held as a fundraiser for Transitions Global, an organization that provides aftercare programs for young girls rescued from sex trafficking. What caught my attention the most about this particular fundraiser was that it was comprised of a group of designers who took scraps of old table clothes, neckties, t-shirts (basically anything that would otherwise be perceived as useless trash) and used every single piece to create these beautiful designs of dresses, blouses - you name it, they made it. 

Their mission besides raising funds? To tell the world that God can take anything broken and make something beautful out of it, even after the world perceives it as useless. With young girls who are survivors of human trafficking, it takes so much to restore their stolen identity, but with the help of various organizations around the world like Transitions Global, it's being made possible.

Thank you to Kalani Germono of Kalani Style and Jenn Van Gundy for taking your creative talents and using them in the fight against human trafficking and the exploitation of women. To team up with both you and your models for this photoshoot was an honor.

Happy Tuesday!

To view the photos and video from this photoshoot, feel free to click here or simply scroll to view below. 

Murrieta's Well Livermore Wedding: Michael + Lorene

I think it's always important to be thankful for the big things and the small things. The available parking spot closest to Target. Sunshine-y weather on your day off. A good hair day with no frizz. The remnants of a Toblerone chocolate bar you forgot about in the kitchen cupboard. (Oooooh, my personal favorite.)

Even being thankful for learning experiences that take place outside of my comfort zone.

A few posts back, I mentioned that I had the opportunity to help shoot a wedding alongside Ananda Shorey of Bliss Fotography. And looking back at the photos, remembering how nervous and excited I was to have been given such an opportunity, still brings a smile to my face.

In the midst of the anxiety and running around trying to learn and absorb all I could from this experience, (and of course, trying to make sure I didn't drop my own camera, trip over my own feet, or get in anyone's way), I grew in ways that only happen when you're out in the field. As a photographer and as an artist, I got to dive right into a real experience outside way beyond my nice little comfort zone.


And for that, as I'd said, I am thankful.

Here's to being thankful for learning experiences. And for Toblerone chocolate bars. 

Happy Monday!

My Momma's Birthday

Today is my mom's birthday.

And while I was going to write a long and fancy, schmancy post about all the great things she's taught us (including how to make sure you use enough lotion on your feet...yes, she actually taught us this) and all the habits I inherited from her (I actually like LOVE disinfecting everything in my house and take the time to admire a shiny and clean kitchen sink), I scrapped that idea once I logged onto Facebook and saw this post from my little sister:

"My mother is a slim woman who has always taken good care of herself. So, in celebration of her birthday today, she informed me that for breakfast, she splurged and at three big potato wedges, and a donut. Oh yeah, and she sang happy birthday to herself before indulging. Lol, gotta love the woman."

And that, folks, just proves I also inherited my love for potatoes from my momma.

Happy Birthday, Mom! We love you.

Sweater Vests & Justin's Birthday

This is one of my favorite baby pictures of Justin. Mostly because he looks like a cute little potato head in a sweater vest and I think potatoes are pretty darn cool.


Today is his birthday and I'm pretty sure his Facebook page is covered in a sea of red tags of well wishes and greetings from family and friends.

Just last night, we were chatting about years that have gone by, our pasts as individuals and as a couple.  And as is true with most of us, life had it's ups and downs for him growing up. The good memories, the not- so-good memories, and the in-between memories. But what has remained constant has been God's loving hand on him, writing his story, so to speak. And as we celebrate and remember this day as the first day of his life 32 years ago, I am filled with gratitude for the man he is and the fact that I am blessed to call him my husband and friend.

My dear bubby, today we celebrate you. How you continue to be a strong leader to your friends and family because of your ability to follow and serve first. How you have that uncanny ability to remind others, especially me, by your actions to be generous and genuine with our time, money, and heart. How you somehow find something to laugh at in every situation with that nerdy sense of humor of yours. How your integrity shows in both your work life and personal life. How you love God and let it show without shame or hesitation. And yes, we can even to celebrate your love for cool sweater vests and the color brown today. 

This blog post isn't enough to say how much I love you and am thankful to be celebrating another year of your life today, but I hope it gives you some idea on how much your life means a lot to others and to me.

Happy, happy birthday, my Bubby!

Lost and Found

Finding things, especially after you had forgotten about them or thought you lost them, is fantabulous.

Like that five dollar bill you thought you'd lost- until you find it crumpled in the pocket of your jeans. Covered in a weird blue lint and smelling Tide fresh, but found, no less.

Or how about the time at the mall you thought you truly, this-is-for-real-this-time, I'm-not-kidding-oh-emmm-geee-I-can't-believe-it-I'm-going-to-have-to-call-the-police, lost your car to an evil car thief. Or the mall parking lot that eats Toyotas for snacks. After frantically dashing back and forth between other cars with shopping bags slamming against your legs (dang shoe sale!), you sigh relief as you miraculously find your car hiding behind the shadow of a monster truck whose name looks like it could be Big Bo.

Yes. I'll say it again.

Finding things you thought you lost or forgot about is, to the moon and back, fantabulous.

In light of finding things, I just recently found some photography files I thought I lost. A few months ago, I had the opportunity to help assist in shooting a wedding with Bliss Fotography at the beautiful Murrietta's Well in Livermore, California. The learning experience was an awesome one of which I was grateful to be a part of. And after looking through my hard drive, I discovered that I still had the files of the photos I had shot. Yay!! Somewhere in the busyness of sending them to the main photographer, and making sure they were backed up, etc., I had forgotten that I still had a copy for myself that the photographer had given me permission to post. And now that they are found, I can now post and share them. Gotta love these little surprises!

There are more to come, but here's a sneak preview from that wedding.

Happy Wednesday!

Life Conversations and Serendipity...in Vegas

This weekend, as I'd mentioned in a previous post, we spent time with family in Las Vegas as we celebrated the high school graduation of my husband's niece. Amidst the celebration and well wishes, we were able to find some down time to hang out and get some ice cream. HOLLER!  Because really, as my sister once eloquently put it, the Las Vegas zillion degree heat just makes you want want to rob an ice cream truck of it's inventory, for real.

On the air-conditioned car ride to get some bowls of sugar goodness/I'll-regret-this-later at the popular Serendipity, my husband, his two nieces, and I found the conversation steering itself towards the topic of boys, being an independent woman, relationships, and growing up. Dun-dun-dun.

I have to hand it to Justin. Being a guy and all you'd think he'd have suddenly fallen silent or changed the subject as the girl-talk filled the car ride. But no. I was actually more quiet this time (*gasp*), and let him do more of the talking About how important it was for a woman to be a whole person in her identity before diving into a relationship. About the importance of being strong and trusting God first before trusting the relationship. About growing up, learning, and yes, even letting go.

I may be wrong, but I think the reason why I fell a bit more silent in this specific conversation is because somewhere deep inside, I knew it was more important for these girls to hear such important advice from a man instead of a woman. A man they trusted had their best interest at heart, in the midst of a world full of men who might try to tell them otherwise. And I think this was important, because to be frank, if I had been given such advice as a young woman, maybe I wouldn't have made the mistakes I would have in my younger years. Either way, it was a blessing to be able to have this conversation with these girls, especially since one of them was just completing a major milestone in her life before entering college. I truly believe that a woman who knows who she is in God and lets it show in all the relationships she builds, all the accomplishments she achieves, and in how she lives her life in general - well, now, that is a force to reckon with, so watch out world!

Oh, and on a side note, I think we've found Kona Bean's Halloween costume this year.

Because, surely, she's got big dreams, too.

Happy Tuesday!

Spontaneity, Charm, and Adventure

For the past few months, my fragrance of choice has been Eau de Vaseline Aloe Lotion and Dove Soaps and while that was all fine and dandy (and did it's job making me acceptable in a crowded elevator and rank low on the stink-o-meter), it was lacking in the fun department and I was in the mood to have some fun. 

This weekend in Las Vegas visiting family allowed for some mall time my husband and nieces to shop for a new perfume. I'm an overanalyzer by nature and it always boiled down to: Me + 1 million counters of perfume options = walking away with samples to take home, sniff, and analyze some more. And the award goes to.... Mrs. Type A of Northern California!


The myriad of options I saw in the department store, all contained in it's fancy bottles and even fancier prices, had my nose swimming in clouds of flower scents, hints of vanilla, you name it. Some fragrances even reminded me that though I love cotton candy and bubble gum, there was no need to walk around smelling like a candy factory experiment gone terribly wrong.

As I'd suspected would happen, too much time went by and I walked away with only a few options sprayed onto a small strips of paper and husband with the beginnings of an itchy nose and allergies soon to follow from all the floral scents/vanilla scents/candy factory scents I sprayed into his face. We were approaching the bazillionth time I asked his opinion and hence, decided to call it a day and try another time.

But after a quick detour into a Banana Republic store on the way home, I'm happy to report that I unexpectedly found the perfect compliment to my Vaseline and Dove collection. 

According to this website, my new fragrance, Wildbloom, is "designed for spontaneous, charming, and adventurous women to who enjoy every moment of their day."


Eh....no pressure, right?! 


I love this new fragrance and yes, I'll admit it: the little leather flower on the bottle that Mr. Banana Republic decorated it with certainly helped sway my decision a little. Tiny. Bit. What can I say? I'm a sucker for details and accessories. Even on fancy schmancy perfume bottles.


In other news, I will have the opportunity this weekend to help photograph a wedding alongside Ananda Shorey of Bliss Fotography. I am very excited about this opportunity as it will be another chance to work alongside another professional and hone my skills even more as a photographer. It's always nerve-wracking, but at the same time the challenge is fun and I am looking forward to it! Whoo-hoo!

Here's to the spontaneity, charm, and adventure in you.


Happy Monday!