Thankful List: Day 3

Day 3:

Handwritten-Thank You Cards

As a kid, I loved to write letters. The sea of stickers, pink stationary, and various pens that could make an ordinary letter burst with extraordinary awesomeness often held my attention for too long at the local Sanrio shop. Seeing a handwritten letter or card or note addressed to me from my childhood pen pals or cousins always sent me into an exciting world that always involved snail-mail surprises and 3 day delivery times.

In a world of digital communication, emails rapidly sent back and forth within seconds of each other, and mind-boggling speed, my favor for any personal communication still rests upon a good ol' note or card sent in the mail - complete with a stamp and a few dog-eared corners from it's journey to my mailbox. 

Nothing speaks appreciation more to me than a thank you card that was signed, sealed, and delivered with a smile. And for these simple gestures of kindness and reminders of a childhood love of snail mail and stamps, I am thankful.

Thankful List: Day 2

Day 2:
My Eyesight

I've worn glasses since I was in the sixth grade...and we won't talk about the fact that my first pair had pink lenses and were as thick as the pages of a small novel.The chalkboard (ahem, yes chalkboards are real) was a blur of homework assignments and grammar corrections for me, hence the necessary trip to the optometrist to get this resolved.

Though my glasses will forever serve as a reminder to me that I have inherited the-less-than-perfect vision from my mother's side of the family, they also symbolize that I have the gift of eye sight. That with a little bit of help, I got to see my niece's first smile as a rosy-cheeked infant years ago, got to witness the sparkle of a shooting star in the night sky at the time I needed to see proof from God that He was around during a rough time, to see the lines of a smile etched into every guests' face on my wedding day, to simply marvel at the multiple colors that surround me daily.

Yes - for my eyesight, I am thankful.

Thankful List: Day 1

I have no problem wanting things or adding things to a wish list. But hardly do I make a list of the things I am thankful for.

And it's never too late to start a things-to-be-thankful for list right? Right.

Day 1:
An Empty Wedding Ring Box

Whatever the outfit chosen for the day, my wedding ring is always a part of it. And this empty ring box that my husband and I have kept symbolizes to me that I'm walking around with a symbol of something special and treasured - and that my husband is walking around wearing that same symbol as well. And for that, I am thankful.

Chocolate Heaven and Puppy Dress Up

It is that time of October where all I can think about is the fact that there are Costco-sized bags of CHOCOLATE sitting at my kitchen counter at home. The fun I tend to have after a great workout session at the gym seems to pale in sad comparison to the sweet and lovely flavor of one good ol', American Kit-Kat bar. Or two. Or three.

My favorite part of Halloween is not only the endless supply of chocolatey heaven, but obviously, the puppy costumes!!! And this year definitely does not disappoint.

I moon-walked when I saw this.

This reminds me of something my parent's wouldn't let me watch when I was a kid. "Cause we are living in a material world, and I am a material girl! Yeooooww!"

Wax on. Wax off. That's how we do.

All it needs is the shoes. Gotta have those red shoes.

If I had known Kona Bean would be a part of my future, I would have made sure to pick this up for her during my visit to Tokyo.

Genius. Pure genius.

I. Love. This.

This warmed my heart and truly made me believe in my dreams even more. For real.

And this one just takes the cake...er, Kit-Kat.

Happy Thursday!

Promote-Her

It had been a loooong day at the office.

While most would relish in the fact that home awaits them after 5 PM, I was about to embark on what Google advised me would be a an hour and 15 min car ride to another meeting. But unlike the spreadsheets and reimbursements and meetings at my "day" job, this meeting had to do with helping out with an endeavor to set up a mentoring program with 3 other women as part of a larger networking group I joined earlier this year.

Though I was tired and trying hard not to fall out of my chair from exhaustion after the work day, I have to admit that the time around these proactive women was a good reminder that working with others is not only great for generating ideas but just for being reminded that everyone, new or seasoned business owners, need support and inspiration. There is something pretty neat about seeing women who are not only big on growing their businesses, but who are also big on supporting their favorite causes and charities and making health and wellness a priority.

Lots of ideas were discussed and a plan set in place for the launch of this mentoring program. I have never been a part of something like this before teaming so it will be very interesting learning along the way.

Happy Wednesday!

The Best of Both

As a child I liked LOOOOOVED me some Leggos.

As a grown woman, I like LOOOOVE me some great girlie shoes 24/7.

And now, I saw this and can now officially say it's been a good day.

Happy Friday, all!

Timeless Beauty Tips

For attractive lips, speak words of kindness.
For lovely eyes, seek out the good in people.
For a slim figure, share your food with the hungry.
For beautiful hair, let a child run their fingers through it once a day.
For poise, walk with the knowledge that you never walk alone.

                                                                -Sam Levenson

Happy Thursday!

Small Stones, Big Journey

There are some days that growing my photography business is just plain hard. And I don't necessarily mean it in a bad way, it's just that, like most humans, I always prefer the victory over the challenges that it took to get there, the chocolate cake over the vegetables, the island breeze of Hawaii over the getting up early to meet a flight/dealing with flight layovers in order to get to the islands in the first place. 

And because I am in the daily grind of continuing to build and push and persevere, I often forget to remember that this is normal, this is part of it, and that every day that I chip away at what seems like an iceberg is just as important as the day when the steps won't be as hard to take. I also often don't stop and ask myself what have I learned so far, what do I need to improve, and even, what have I been doing right that I can continue to do for the future? 

I recently took the time one afternoon to take a bit of a drive with Kona and ended up taking a stroll around the beautiful campus of Stanford University. I know first hand that just as photography is my dream, this prestigious university is another kid's dream. The steps they needed to take to get into this school were filled with just as much blood, sweat, and tears as my journey has been thus far with building a photography business.

I think it's important to have dreams and aspirations - I really do. It pushes and grows a person in a way that very few life experiences can. I also think it's important to take the time to be thankful for each uphill/battle step, to remember each fear that was overcome, and to celebrate even the smallest victories no matter how insignificant they seem. Because in the end, the smallest victories were still very much a part of a huge journey and you can't step to the next big stone in a river without stepping on smaller stones first.

So what have I learned so far in this journey? Here goes...

1. Saying no (politely, yet firmly) truly is liberating
2. Knowing the worth of your services helps with determining the direction you want to go and the client you want
3. Network, network, and network
4. Help and encourage other women business owners - they are in the same boat as me 
5. Do what you say you are going to do when you say you were going to do it
6. Write the big and small goals down with a timeline
7. Invest in educating yourself about your industry and never, ever, ever stop being willing to learn. The best in the industry are also humble students even after so many years.
8. Practice. Practice. And did I say practice?
9. Take what you have and run with it. The fancy camera equipment doesn't make anyone a good photographer but the willingness to push and learn and create does.
10. Do chip away at your goal even when you would rather peruse Facebook or eat ice cream. Again.
11. Take a minute hug your dog even if you're frantically editing photos, backing up images, emailing to inquiries, recording receipts and mileage. Many, many, many a time has Kona sat there watching intently, willing me to stop typing away at my laptop and throw her pink tennis ball down the hallway. 

Happy Wednesday!

Passing the Test

I would have passed way more tests in college had I known this that this was the best way to answer true and false questions.

And that is my random Thursday thought. =)

Happy Thursday!

Erika, 2013, Bay Area. Glamour Photo Session.

A few weeks ago, I previewed a shoot from the owner of Take A Break Massage Therapy, Erika Denney. Born and raised in San Jose, Erika is not only a business owner and shaking things up in her own career, but also a loving mom to a beautiful little girl named Labella.  

What I remember most about my own first meeting with Erika is that you can immediately see that she is a no-nonsense go-getter, full of life and a passion to not only build a successful business doing what she loved but exerting that same passion and energy into being the best mother as well. 

Erika, I am thankful to have met you. It is refreshing to be around your energy and conviction as it challenges to me to grow, to think outside of the box, and most importantly, to be unafraid to just go out and get it! It was an honor to photograph you and also learn a little more about who you are as a business owner, a mother, and as a person. Keep it up, girl - the world needs more women like you who are unafraid to shake things up. 

"I believe that every child deserves the best when it comes to their education as it is the foundation of their future."

"I admire people who are decisive and - I think too much sometimes!"

"If I were ever on a deserted island, I would absolutely have to have a lifetime supply of Carmex, my family and maybe something practical like a hatchet!"

"Playing sports showed me discipline and leadership - two attributes that have helped me accomplish so much in life." 

The one thing I say the most is "If you're not early, you're late! If you're on time, you're late!"

"My family has always given me love and support in everything I do."

"Everyone deserves to live the life they want. Don't be afraid to make changes in our life to get it - sometimes it takes a little hard work, but it will be worth it!"

Happy Tuesday!

Partying Past 25

It's been one heck of a week coming back from the high that is otherwise known as vacation. I thought I'd have a hard time adjusting back, but thankfully the adjustment has not been too bad. (I once fell asleep for 2 hours next to my suitcase  trying to unpack after a trip!)

From the flurry of activities throughout the week, scheduling photo shoots, editing photographs, meeting with friends, sifting through laundry that needs to somehow finds it's way back the dressers and closet, and wondering when the grocery shopping is going to get done (we need broccoli, I tell you!) - I think that list alone renders tonight a Friday night home. 

a.k.a. "I am well over 25 years old - 9 p.m. is my bedtime, kids."

Pajamas, an old blanket, and the company of the hubby, puppy, and and blissfully falling asleep to a Red Box movie playing on the television - here's to a Friday night party for those of us over 25 years old. 

Happy, Happy Friday!

*yawn*

Dentures, Guava Juice, and Truly Seeing

We'd just recently returned from a trip to Kauai. It's our favorite island in Hawaii and almost feels like a second home to us.  I sometimes wonder what it would be like to retire there, sipping cold glasses of guava juice even through our dentures, enjoying the season of our "old and grey" years of life together there.

There's nothing like the welcoming feeling the warm breeze of the islands gives you the minute you step off the plane. Along with our usual stops into our favorite eateries - Hamura's Saimin, Tip Top Motel Cafe, Kalaheo Cafe, just to name a few - our time was spent taking in the scenery around us, dodging a few tropical storms between the Poipu southside and Princeville northside of the island, and just basically slowing down for a bit.

I can never get enough of the well-known beauty that is Kauai. Amazingly, even beyond the sandy beaches, blues and whites of the powerful ocean, and golden sunrise, I smiled to see that indeed there was art everywhere if I stopped and took time to truly see.

Here's to always taking the time to truly see. Aloha, folks.

Happy Thursday!

Beach Cruising Memories

Sometimes, I really miss the sunny afternoon days of my childhood.

I grew up with two sisters, a huge backyard that could easily pass for a baseball field or roller skating rink, and a vivid imagination that made anything possible in the days of summer break and the fun of being a kid.

In addition to the Rainbow Brite lunch box, Saturday morning cartoons, and high-sugar colorful cereals acceptable for breakfast as a kid, one of the things I miss most is having a bike. The rippling tassels hanging off the handles, the wheel spokes sporting colorful beads that click-clacked a summer song with each turn, the breeze of happiness that flowed through the smiling faces of my sisters and me as we raced around our neighborhood - yeah, I miss having a bike.

Hence, I got a little curious about what a a sweet beach cruiser would run for these days and then came across this:

And all I could say was: "WHO WAS HIDING THIS FROM ME WHEN I WAS A KID?!?!"

Internet, I have found my new bike.

Happy Wednesday!

PREVIEW: Erika, 2013. Bay Area, Glamour Photo Session & Makeover

As I walked around the studio setting up the reflector boards, checking camera gear, adjusting the blinds that shielded the afternoon daylight through the windows and preparing for a photo shoot this past weekend, bits of a casual conversation floated in the air between the stylist and model but it was this sentence that resonated the most with me:

 "I just want to be a role model for my daughter."

Meet Erika, owner of Take A Break Massage Therapy. When I first met Erika, I could immediately tell she was a no-nonsense go-getter, the type of person who wasn't just all talk about the things she wanted in life but rather the person who filled her days pursuing them without hesitation or excuses. Her love for her daughter is also very apparent and the bright smile that illuminates Erika's face at the mention of her little one was one of the things I remembered most from our first conversation over coffee.

Here is just a little sneak peak into Erika's recent photo shoot - as always, there is definitely more so stay tuned!

Happy Tuesday!

Holli, 2013. Bay Area, Glamour Photo Session

She walked into the studio for her makeover and glamour photo shoot and I remember asking her a bit apprehensively: "So, will your boys be ok with the baby sitter for the afternoon while we have your photo shoot and makeover?" (I was actually starting to wonder if I was going to be the reason the baby sitter was going to have a tough afternoon with two boys looking for their mom!) But thankfully my fears were quickly re-assured by Holli's friendly smile and an enthusiastic reply of: "Oh, they'll be just fine!"

Meet the lovely Holli. Wife, a busy mom to two very active little boys, writer, and entrepreneur. 

A few weeks ago, I had the privilege of providing her with an afternoon filled with not only an in-studio glamour photo shoot and professional makeover and styling from the talented Angela LaFlamme, but a chance for her to take a break from her busy schedule.

It was a smile-filled afternoon being able to chat with Holli and learn more about her, her two young sons, being a wife, and yes, even chatting about some pretty awesome mineral-based mascara she brought along for the makeover! (Hey, we're women, when we chat, you can bet we chat about everything!) 

Holli, you were a joy to work with and absolutely rocked the photo shoot! Thank you for not only trusting me to photograph you, but for also just being a friendly face to connect with and get to know as a person. I hope that these photographs remind you every day that in the midst of being a busy mom, wife, and business woman, you are valued and awesome not because of the many hats you wear, not because of what was accomplished or missed on your to-do list, but simply because you are YOU.

And of course, here is a little more about Holli!

I am a freelance writer and I own a skincare business. I love helping people correct common skin conditions so they don’t have to feel self-conscience about their skin and can confidently put their best face forward! I truly love helping people, it makes my heart sing!

I am passionate about fitness and am an avid Crossfitter. I also enjoy spending time outdoors hiking and golfing. I have always been a sports fanatic. I enjoy watching professional football, and baseball as well!

My advice to other mom entrepreneurs is to remember that you can’t do it all, and that is ok! It doesn’t mean you are failing! We put so much pressure on ourselves to be perfect, but just remember that you are doing your best and that is all that matters! Just keep going and don’t quit! 

Happy Friday and have a fabulous weekend!

A Carb Night With Loving Friends

If there is one thing I appreciate, it's encouraging conversation with friends. Throw that in the mix with Italian food and a lot of laughter and the result is always a heart that feels a little lighter and a face that smiles a little more genuinely than before.

My husband and I shared a dinner with friends just like this the other night. There is something comforting about knowing that there are people in your corner with whom you can share the truth with about how life is really going, knowing that they will not only have an encouraging word to share, but will also keep you in their prayers because they really do care that much.

A night filled with an overload of carbs and the best Italian canolis are always worth it when it's shared with friends like that. For real.

Happy Thursday!

Mint-Chip Ice Cream and A Mighty Grace

These past few days have been a bit of a rough patch. And to even say that/type that aloud so that the whole Internet world can see is scary, but also maybe a little bit necessary. The world could use a little more honesty.

I don't know about you, but my default whenever life gets rough is to withdraw a little more, to self-protect. Which, in retrospect, is probably not the best thing to do since the very one I need to protect myself from is none other than - you guessed it - myself. The myriad of self-spoken lies are too believable without someone to intervene and point you to truth that can combat the poisonous hold of a lie you chose to believe about yourself and your self-worth. Depression is no joke, especially I think, when it comes to us women.

I had recently attended a service at my church this past Sunday that spoke into this very issue. I can't speak for everyone else, but for me, I find it's never a coincidence when a message ties so specifically and so scarily into detail the exact thing I am struggling with. It's annoying and liberating all the same. I like to think that God sat me down and had a good heart to heart talk with me, complete with a tissue for the tears and a cup of mint-chip ice cream he knew I would need. Hard to hear, but comforting all the same.

In exchange for my burden, He gives me rest. And the best part? Unlike even the best department store shoe sales, the best of Black Friday sales, the best clearance racks during the winter time, the trade doesn't cost me anything - only my willingness to give the burden away and instead receive an unconditional rest and grace.

Matthew 11:28 " Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and  you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

I hope this message encourages you today the way it encouraged me.

Happy Tuesday!

Glamour Photo Session, Bay Area. Hollman, 2013.

Enthusiasm and smiles. A girl-power kind of ambition. 

Meet the lovely Hollman Wong. 

I initially met Hollman at a women's business networking event and later sat down to chat at a local coffee shop to learn about her and her businesses.  One of the things I appreciate about Hollman is that while she is a driven businesswoman and entrepreneur, she's also the type of person who makes you feel like you just spent the afternoon chatting it up with your best girlfriends - complete with the laughter over the things women struggle with and the understanding that we gals, at the end of the day, just want to do something great in this world.  

As with every glamour photo shoot I do, it is my hope that the photographs along with the story behind each beautiful woman, help to influence other women in a meaningful way. Complete with a "girl power" fist bump to the air, of course. 

And now, over to Hollman...

Give us your “elevator speech” – a snapshot of who you are, what you do for a living, and how we should “know” you.

I am an Event Planner at heart.  I've been planning events since I was a kid.  I fell into the event marketing world in High Tech and toggled between that and planning weddings and celebratory events.    

I have always believed that, there is always something to celebrate.  Small touches can turn the most ordinary gathering into something very special and memorable.  I'm in a career transition at the moment.   I just finished my studies at the Institute of Integrative Nutrition and am a Certified Holistic Health Coach.  My mission is to help people figure out the right mix of whole and real foods to eat for their body so they can feel great in their favorite jeans!

Towards the end of my studies, I was working on creating a wellness Meetup group to share my knowledge and wouldn't you know it I came up with a whole new idea which incorporates wellness and getting things done.  I'm currently incubating the two ideas but the gist is that I'm creating a community where I connect action-challenged go getters with what they say they want to do!  

Who or what 3 things have helped shape you to be the woman you are today? Tell us about the path you took to get where you are today.

• Making mistakes and learning from them
• Speaking up over injustices and or crummy work that can affect the integrity of a project or the company
• When I started my first, "real" job out of college, a manager in my department told me to "take this time to learn - really learn.”  I have always remembered and followed this sage advice.

If you knew then what you know now, what would you tell your 18-year-old self? What advice would you give to other women in today’s world? 

• Ask more questions.  If you feel sick to your stomach about asking the question, all the more reason to ask the question. 
• Have the audacity to be who you really are regardless of what anyone tells you, what your family thinks or what you think society thinks. What matters the most is what you think of you.We can all mold ourselves into something else but  your authentic self is going to kick her way out for one reason or another very soon. 

There was a philosophy at a company I worked at. It made me laugh and frightened me at the same time but I loved the sentiment behind it: "It's better to beg for forgiveness than to ask for permission."

When things get tough, how do you keep yourself going?

After wallowing in self pity for a good 10 minutes, I write out everything that is bugging me and figure out a plan of attack.  I also have a Blue Me folder which is a collection of compliments written by friends, former managers, and clients that I read to cheer me up when my confidence has dropped.  

What leadership qualities do you most admire?

The ability to acknowledge a really messed up situation, then inspire the troops to keep going in spite of this.  Former NYC Mayor Giuliani is a beautiful example of this.  I was out of the country for six months when 9/11 happened but when I returned, I read and watched so much about him and his leadership for the people of NYC and frankly, for the whole country and found it incredibly inspiring. 

How do you get balance in your life?

What I have learned is that what I do on a daily basis matters much more than what I do once in a while. Hence, I have worked hard to create healthy habits that feeds any schedule I have.  I know what I need physically and mentally to feel my best so I protect these habits to the nth degree.   

If I can't make it to a 90 minute yoga class then I walk for 30 minutes. If I can't walk for 30 minutes, I have a 10 minute crunch and push up routine so I can get some kind of exercise that makes me feel powerful.  I also stay away from bad food which to me means processed and fast food.  If I'm not eating a sit down meal I whip up a black smoothie and eat a handful of nuts to fuel me up.  When I have these basics managed, I know I'm balanced.   

For a woman (or anyone starting their own business), what three things are most critical for them to be aware of?

• Understand why you're going into business. 
• Have a plan so you can gauge your progress.   
• Don't be all things to all people or you will drive yourself nuts and waste your time.

Why did you choose your career?

My career chose me.  I actually did not know event planning was a career.  I have a natural ability to organize details and it's very easy for me to meet and talk with people; put the two together and voila - event planner! Now I'm taking the very best pieces of me and creating a new career.  Watch out world!  

If you were stranded on a desert island, what three things would you want with you?

·       A note book and a blue medium point ball point pen because I must jot down thoughts and ideas.  (These are two things but they go together ;D )  

·       Neutrogena lip balm in fresh plum.  I am lip balm freak and must have one with me at all times!

·       My iPhone

What is your personal motto or mission statement?

Honor self, have fun, connect to spirit, make it cute, keep it real, no drama, and play fair. Don't preach, judge, or hurt any one's feelings. Take power naps, share your sweet treats, be in the moment, and enjoy it.

Besides your daily work, what are you passionate about? 

Nutrition from the inside out.  This not only means good quality whole and real food but good quality relationships and activities because these things feed our soul. What is the point of eating an organic diet if your personal relationships drain you and junk TV deadens your mind?

A special thanks to Portia Spencer  for her beautiful work on 

hair and make up!

Happy Thursday!

Birthday Operas

My youngest sister just recently celebrated a birthday. She pranced around her house singing "Happy Birthday" to herself in a loud, opera voice and excitedly anticipated getting her Baskin Robbins ice cream cake later on that day.

As her big sister and as a professional photographer, it is my duty to supply every post with an interesting photo to commemorate these events, to share a little bit of my world beyond the camera.

And of course, we all know that the best photos to display in public of your dear younger siblings are the ones where their hair looks like it's been fluffed up with a bicycle pump and they're backed up into a corner clinging, uh, a hairbrush??? (What is that thing??)

Here's to wishing more years of life, health, and blessings to my dorky, opera-singing little sister. Love you!

Happy Wednesday!

PREVIEW: Holli, 2013. Bay Area, Glamour Photo Session

It's a very, very tough thing to have to choose what your passion is versus what the majority of the crowd is doing. It sometimes feel equivalent to hiking uphill - in the wrong shoes, while everyone of your peers effortlessly jobs forward in not only the right shoes, but with all the fancy hiking gear to go along with it.  

Whenever I share with others that I am a photographer, a majority of them naturally think that I photograph weddings and families because, truth be told, a majority of photographers I am aware of are indeed wedding or family photographers. And though I am proud of the fact I have chosen to specialize in only glamour photography for the everyday woman, there are moments I get a bit shy about sharing this other people. In short, yes, I sometimes get insecure, wonder what they might think, and wonder to myself if I should be doing what the majority of the photography industry is doing. But, thankfully, that thinking only lasts for a split second and quickly fades away.

I specialize in makeovers and glamour photography for the everyday woman. The college gal, the busy mom with 3 kids who runs at 100 miles per hour daily, the grandmother who proudly bears bears the grey hairs and lines of years of wisdom, the girlfriends courageously conquering the world, the busy working woman. You get the picture. EVERY woman. No exceptions.

It might sound funny to some, but I dedicate my time to studying pages and pages of fashion magazines, learning various poses (and yes, even practicing them in front of the mirror) that is flattering for women of all shapes and sizes. This was the only way I could teach myself how to pose other women in their photographs. I coach women through the entire photo shoot. I study photos of styled hair, colors of eye shadow, the direction the wind is blowing a woman's hair in a magazine. I love the creative freedom that comes with styling a glamour photo session, a freedom that I don't feel when I used to photograph weddings.

You know what the best part is of glamour photography and working with women? Is seeing them smile at their photograph because you've just helped them see themselves in a way they maybe haven't in a long time. That right there? It makes the "uphill" all worth it in the end.

Here is a sneak peak in to the latest glamour photo session with an awesome woman named Holli. As always, there is more so stay tuned!

Happy Monday!

A special thanks to Angela LaFlamme of Flame Angel Design for her work on 

hair and make up!