du pras

The little things are the big things

This morning I had breakfast with my old art teacher who I haven’t seen in years and was reminded of all the little things that make life beautiful. Here are some random details from the past week that I appreciate:

Polaroid of me & my best friend from highschool clipped onto my lampshade for the moment.

Re-organized all of my notecards/envelopes into a wooden box because they were scattered all over my room in random places! I’m going to start writing letters more frequently- who wants to be my pen pal? :)

My nana’s cous cous is to die for, seriously.

I randomly bought some tulips to bring spring feelings into my newly decorated room, plus this bottle of wine was too cute to pass up.

I am IN LOVE with my new cuff bracelet, it makes me feel like Wonder Woman :) from my boutique, and this is my friend Ruben’s dog Teddy!

A sneak preview from Marina & Ruben’s wedding, even though I was a ball of nerves it went VERY well! Such a beautiful couple and wedding, I can’t wait to finish editing their photos over spring break next week.

Expect a fashion post in the next few days :)

Writing with light

A few months ago I was hired to shoot my very first wedding- and time has flown because it’s this Friday! I’m a mixture of excitement and nerves, but I’m confident I’ll get beautiful images. I bought my very first lens for my Canon T3i this morning- a 50mm f/1.4 that I am absolutely in love with and can’t wait to play around with on my day off tomorrow.

Here’s a self portrait I shot yesterday while taking photos in my lace dress.

I also finished the book Sophie’s World which my friend Ryan gave to me for Christmas. While it’s not one of my ALL TIME favorites I did enjoy reading it and learned a lot. This book is fiction and non-fiction simultaneously. Ryan said his philosophy teacher had assigned it to the class which makes sense- it’s packed with information and mini philosophy lessons. I would recommend it to anyone who is interested in learning various philosophical concepts but finds it difficult to read textbooks.

Now I’m onto The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo, which so far is already MUCH more interesting than the movie (which I loved). Hope everyone has a fabulous Tuesday.

Let the tanning begin

My most recent shopping trip has sent me home with three white lace pieces, including this gorgeous romantic dress that I’ll wear if I get asked on any dates this summer. I love the sleeves and neckline, plus the fit is perfect. Dress is Guess brand, belt is from Macy’s.

My Michael Kors heels never get any love so I let them see the sunshine today.

I haven’t bought anything Roxy brand since highschool but this boxy crop top was too gorgeous to pass up. Perfume bottle necklce is from H&M.

My weekend in Capitola was amazing, my best friend and I took a detour to Sonora for the night to stay with a friend and consume entirely too much gin. The next morning we headed to the beach and met up with some friends from Gilroy for a relaxing day soaking up the sun. I tried Pizza My Heart for the first time and will definitely be re-creating the pesto pizza I had. Delicious!

book review

A friend had suggested The Hunger Games to me quite a while ago, but it wasn’t until the recent talk about the movie release that I finally ordered it via Amazon. I haven’t finished it yet but I was just dying to post about it.

I love the story plot- I’m a sucker for theoretical societies (Brave New World by Aldous Huxley and 1984 by George Orwell are two of my favorite books) which is exactly what The Hunger Games is about- A time when North America is composed of 12 districts all under the strict government of Panem. I won’t go too far into the plot since I know all of you are going to go out and read this…right? ;)

The only problem I have with it is the actual writing structure. This book is easily at a 2nd grade comprehension level, if not lower, and I’m over halfway done with it in less than two days. I guess that’s what makes books like this and Twilight have such a mass appeal, but as long as it’s encouraging people to read I guess I’m not complaining.

I’m excited to read the second two in the trilogy, and to see the movie which hits theatres March 23rd. You can watch the movie trailer Here.  (Which I’m waiting to watch…I don’t want to start thinking differently about how the characters or setting look before I’m done!)

art hoppin 3/1

Last night was Art Hop, an event that happens twice a month in different areas of Fresno where Art Galleries stay open late, and you “hop” from gallery to gallery. There’s often wine and snacks, live music, and from time to time some fire dancing involved.

My favorite studio is Mullins Studio located in Downtown. This studio has at least 20 rooms where different artists rent out rooms to both work in and showcase their pieces. The variety of styles and techniques makes for an interesting evening, wandering in and out of different rooms.

Julia Woli Scott is by far one of my favorite artists in Fresno and is definitely worth checking out. Her work is stunning.

I liked these pieces also and regret not taking note of the artist.

I happened to run into this lovely lady who will be tutoring me on wedding photography soon. Check her work out Here

I have this whole weekend off of work which almost never happens, so I’m taking advantage of it and hitting the road to meet up with an old friend for a weekend at the beach in Capitola. Is it just me or is it insane that it’s March already?!

tribal

beauty essentials

I try to keep my beauty routine pretty simple, but here are the products I’ve developed a long-term relationship with..

1. Lancome Hypnose Mascara in Black
2. Chanel Poudre Universelle Libre in Translucent 1
3. Clinique Even Better foundation in 03 Ivory
4. Clinique Even Better Clinical dark spot corrector
5. Benefit Erase Paste in Medium
6. Laura Mercier Peach Mosaic Shimmer Bloc
7. Kenra Volume Spray
8. Lancome Artliner in Noir
9. Smashbox Brow Tech in Taupe/Soft Brown

This week I modeled a few vintage looks for Abuel In The Golden Age and I’m excited to see the final edits. I also got my hands dirty with that clay and ended up with this:

I wanted to visualize the idea that left-brained people tend to have more hopeless romantic tendencies. Now I’m trying to decide whether or not I want to paint it.

Post Valentines Post

Even on years when I’m single, Valentines Day remains one of my favorite holidays. I decided to give in to a spontaneous whim today and get a heart shaped ear piercing to keep the cheerful vibe with me, well into summer.

The process was more painful than I expected, but still not too bad.

Waiting to get pierced. I went to Stay True Tattoo and was pleased with my experience.

Other random things I’m digging- This little guy who’s been chilling on my finger lately.

And these adorable glasses that form a heart shape, purchased at a yard sale for a dollar.

Inspired by the movie The Vow (which I loved), I went out and bought some Clay to sculpt with. I haven’t played with clay in over five years so this should be rather interesting.

What did you all do for Valentines day? XO 

le début

These are some of my favorite recent purchases, all from the boutique I work at Ooh La La.

I love this statement necklace, with a white off the shoulder cotton tee and my dark wash Hudsons (Beth baby boot).



Friendship bracelets for myself & my best, Nick Estrada.



This clutch makes me never want to set my stuff down!

Since I’m not working much this week, my goals are to finish the book I am reading (Sophie’s World), hit the gym atleast 3 times, and cook a legitimate dinner for a friend (Haven’t decided who this lucky friend will be yet!) I hope everyone has a relaxing Sunday & enjoys the Superbowl.