Sparkle & Shine Baby Shower

December, where have you gone? Is time flying or is it just me? This baby shower was just last week, but it feels like it's been months and months since I hosted it. Valery and her first baby girl were showered with heaps of love and glitter last Sunday. The theme was "Sparkle & Shine...A Baby Girl is Next in Line". Gosh. I'm all about rhymes... at all times;) Ha! But seriously, it's been a huge blessing seeing Valery grow into motherhood. I met her when her and her husband, Paul, were only dating. I remember we went to In & Out after church and I was sold after she put a couple of packets of pepper in her ketchup. Who does that? Apparently, I do that now too because it's delicious! (Try it!)

I better get back to the baby shower because all this In & Out talk is distracting... Yes! The baby shower was a good one if I say so myself. I'm proud of how everything turned out. So many times I have a vision of how I want something to be, only to fall miserably short. I attribute this to planning. I've been preparing for months, making little things here and there. Everything was handmade (except the cake) and most things were made with materials from the Dollar Store and a can of gold spray paint (okay, 3 cans). I'm all about budget-friendly fun, guys! Plus, I love crafting, it's therapeutic and gives me something to do while Lovey studies endlessly. (Not even complaining...)

Here are some pictures of the decor...

Congratulations DoCampos! May the Lord continue to bless your growing family :)

Want to see pictures from another friend's baby shower? YES | NO

Le Weekend

I had thee best weekend! What did I do? Spontaneous trip to San Diego? Nope. Disneyland adventure extravaganza? Nah. (Although that would've been magical!) I actually just stayed home (for the most part) and did nothing. Okay, not nothing.  I organized my crafts/scrapbook suitcase thing. It looks like a small carryon. You know the kind. Anywho. I cleaned that... And I completed an illustration I started a few months back. FINALLY! I feel like such a responsible adult whenever I complete a project. Especially one that was left half-done for so long.

It's been a while since I've illustrated by hand using actual pencils. Mostly I've been drawing digital doodles on my iPad (as you may have seen on Facebook), so it was nice to hold the weight of a drawing tool and not my stylus. If I messed up, I felt it more. Does that make sense? I couldn't just click "Undo" like on the drawing app. I had to pick up an eraser and use some elbow grease. It meant more... I really feel there's a metaphor to be explored here, but maybe I'll come back to it later (story of my life)...You know what it was? The flowers. Doodling in the shadow of a pretty bouquet of roses from my garden made everything feel more inspiring. More real. Yeah. That's it :)

Speaking of arts and crafts, would you like to see what I've been DIYing lately? YES | NO

PS. You know what else makes me feel like a responsible adult and contributing member of society? Finishing a tube of chapstick/lipbalm. Go figure.

Craftiness

Do you ever look through your hard drive and rediscover pictures of things you started, but never quite finished? I do. All. The. Time. I like to start projects, and then move on to other projects before I complete anything. I chase inspiration in a haphazard way, leaving trails of unfinished projects behind. The main destination of these half-completed fancies? My hard drive and under my bed.

However lately I've been singing a different tune. I'm actually undertaking projects and finishing them. Quite shocking I dare say! My poor husband-- Lovey comes home and finds my latest creation and simply smiles. What a patient man.  (P.S. You know what makes him the opposite of smiley? Spray painting his favorite brown owl figurine white. Just sayin'.) Anyway. I wanted to share some of my latest projects. From flower crowns to fruit-infused water and banana "ice cream". You gotta chase the inspiration when it comes, right?

Top to Bottom, Left to Right: Dollar Store Crafts///Peony Flower Crown///Accessory Display///Chalk Art///Pillow made from T-Shirt///Dining Table Tray///Dairy-Free Chocolate Banana "Ice Cream"///Raspberry Infused Water///Mango-Watermelon Water///Coffee Table Tray///Hand painted Wooden Initials///Spray-paint collection.

PS. Would you like to read a post about an inspiring woman? YES | MAYBE NEXT TIME

Wedding: Tom & Melissa

It's funny how life turns out. I remember being 13 and talking to Melissa (who I've known since 5th grade) about how we both wanted to get married at 24 when we were "finally adults and had seen the world..." As if you could plan such things... Thankfully, things didn't turn out the way we envisioned. They turned out better. Last weekend, my lovely friend married her beloved in an intimate ceremony overlooking sand and sea.

Everything was simply GORGEOUS! Especially the bride! Actually, both Tom and Melissa were radiant on their special day. And their felicity was only matched and magnified by their family's happiness (I've been reading Jane Austen lately, can you tell?) Truly, a feeling of love blanketed the venue. You could feel it and see it... even to the last detail. Here are some images I captured as a guest and witness of this happy day...

Congratulations Tom & Melissa Caldwell! Wishing you happiness, love, and success in your every endeavor! God bless you both!


PS. See Tom & Melissa's Save the Date video here.

PPS. Want to see more of Melissa? (Of course you do!)

PPPS. Not as many wedding pictures as I'd hoped because I was having major eye irritation. You can kind of see it in the picture above. Boo!

Tea Time

Tea time is quite commonplace at our place. On lazy weekends of course... Especially if it's raining. I'm hoping for some Fall weather this next week. I simply need cooler weather because I've recently purchased some Harney & Sons pumpkin spice tea that smells DELICIOUS!

Do you like tea? Or not really?

A Proverb

Good morning friends! Just a friendly reminder for you today...

How is your Fall coming along thus far?

Wedding: Miriam & Alejo

Photographing weddings is beyond stressful, but also one of the most rewarding things that can happen to a photographer. You really can't take a single break because chances are you'll miss something magical. Yet it's a whole different ballgame when you're simply invited to attend a wedding as a guest. It's one of my favorite things in life really.

My BEAUTIFUL friend, Miriam, married this past Sunday in San Clemente, CA. The locale was perfect, as was the bride, the family, her dress, all the food, flowers, weather, kids, etc. (I could be here all day.) But that's not really what made it unforgettable...Let me explain.

I met Miriam via some tragic events in her life. She's lived through some heartbreaking things. Moments that could undo a person and cause one to lose faith in God. She's been shaken to the core through loss and sorrow, yet she's always had this unmistakable strength, poise, and peace about her. To see her beaming on her wedding day, in the arms of the man she loves, was good for my soul. A day I will never forget. I mean, just look how happy she is!

In the past, I've seen her choke back tears of pain, but today I saw her cry tears of joy...

Having seen her on opposite sides of the emotional spectrum, made me realize a few things. 1.) Life is tragic and beautiful. 2.) Life goes on. 3.) God is faithful  4.) God is with us even when we least expect it. And 5.) I love Prime Rib. (I'm kidding! But really.)

Miriam gave a beautiful speech during the reception that really struck and encouraged me...She said something to the effect that the Lord had brought many into her path throughout the years during bittersweet times...And each person she met on the road of life was a token of His presence. Whether she turned left or right at her reception, she was surrounded by family. We were all her family...Each face she looked upon, a reminder that God was with her through it all... Is that amazing or what?

Thank you so much for letting us be a part of your day! We wish you happiness and many blessings Miriam and Alejo!

Point N' Shoot

I've had a few people ask me whether or not I think they should invest in a dSLR. My answer is (of course) always yes. They're fun, not too pricey, and you can experiment with more freedom. However, I have one reservation. If you can't take a nice picture with a cheap point and shoot camera (or even your cell phone camera), it's probably best you hold off on shelling out the big bucks. At least until you practice a little more. Know what I mean? Besides, you can do so much with a $50 dollar point n' shoot... The following images were taken with a Kodak Easyshare.

Not bad for a $50 camera, right?

Crystal Cove Beach Cottages

I had the amazing privilege (and blessing) of staying at the Crystal Cove Cottages last summer.  It was INCREDIBLE! I highly recommend you try it some time! It's not as pricey as you'd imagine, but you do have to book in advance. I'm talking months. (Check their website, here.)

Anywho, my favorite part of our time there was waking up early and having the beach all to ourselves (actually myself since my husband wouldn't wake up for a 6AM stroll). It was breathtaking!

Did you catch a glimpse of the famous Beaches cottage?

PS. For another one of my highly recommend-recommendations, click here. (It's becoming a thing.)
PPS. Is it sad that I just now realized why the movie Beaches is titled as such? Wow! Delayed reaction over here :-/

Strawberry Mint Iced Green Tea

There's nothing I love more than putting berries in an iced, springy kind of drink. This concoction was inspired by my mint plant and the warmer temps we've been having lately.

1 Green tea bag
3 Strawberries, sliced
Mint sprigs
Ice
Sweetner of choice (I used Stevia)


Steep tea bag in boiling water for about 5 minutes.

In a tall glass, add mint sprigs, sliced strawberries, and ice.

Once tea has cooled add to ice. You can also add lemonade instead of sweetener... Or make this drink with lemonade if green tea is not your thing.

Enjoy!

Fullerton Arboretum

I LOVE the Fullerton Arboretum and it's a shame I discovered it after I graduated.  How could I have missed this glorious acreage of joy? Luckily, my husband and I made up for lost time... We absolutely love coming to this place! Have you been? If not, I highly recommend it. Entrance is free (donations accepted).

I should clarify. The Arboretum accepts donations. Not me. Well.. On second thought..
;)

A FRESH START

You would think that right now would be the worst possible time to redo my blog design and basically start this site over from scratch. Probably not the best midnight idea I've had. Midnight pho run? Yes. Genius! Midnight blog remodel? Nope. Not so much! But I've always been kind of impulsive and I was inspired tonight, so I just went for it.

Anywho, I want to redirect the focus around here. And I've been thinking a lot about the vision I have for this photography blog. Yes, I want to share my photoshoots as usual, but I also want to share more of my everyday captures too. Things that inspire me. Things that are pretty. Things I can eat up... Metaphorically speaking.

Like the image above. This was taken while on a day trip with my husband. It was in the middle of a  bustling parking lot. Potholes. Priuses. Puddles. Not very glamorous. And yet, as the sun was setting over this colorful canopy, all I could think about was how I wanted to stand there forever... Or at least take it home with me...

 Do you ever have those moments? Where the situation around you sort of stinks, but you can find something inspiring in the midst of it? Hopefully I can conjure up some of that tomorrow...Cause you know what's not going to be inspiring? Waking up to go to work in a few hours. Oh boy.



PS. No offense about the Prius part. I just needed to complete my alliteration ;)

Instagram Love

I love Instagram! If you aren't on there yet, then shame on you! It's fantastic and fun! Fantastically fun. Funnily fantastic!(Sorry...) I especially love to collage my IG images together... It's so telling of this particular season of my life...

Who knew I was such a fan of pink, and hearts, and post-its?

PS. Befriend me on Instagram! My username is: janettedaneshmand. So original, I know.