Congratulations to Not Just Cakes by Patty on their Grand Opening last Saturday! Tony and I dropped by their quaint little shop last week to say hello and thank them for the delicious birthday cupcakes in Dulce de Leche, Red Velvet, and Guava flavors with just-sweet-enough, cream cheese icing. Turns out, we were their first order. Some things are just meant to be… If you’re in the Sunset area, check them out in the same shopping center as the Sports Grill.
Today is my 31st birthday and I feel like the luckiest girl in the world. I’ve been surrounded by friends and family, all of whom have shared in making this day so very special. Today marks another year, another opportunity to make changes, mark progress, and set forth intentions for the year to come. Six years and two weeks ago today, I took a risk in leaving a secure job and set forth my intentions to seek more fulfilling employment in a more creative environment. Six years ago to the day, I received news that the job I sought was mine. Though that chapter is now over, it was one of the best risks I’ve ever taken, one of the most formative experiences of my professional adult life.
Today, yet again, I begin another chapter – I have finally taken a risk and made the decision to do what I love. Though I’m a little nervous (honestly, downright scared!) I guess I’ll take it as a sign that I tend to begin important life cycles on my birthday. I guess I’ll say a little prayer that I hope I can continue to consider this date not just a birthday but the mark of an anniversary to celebrate great things. And with that prayer, I send my praises and thanks for the amazing people who have surrounded me each and every year, day in and day out. I am ever grateful for so many fulfilled wishes.
It’s been a while since the last time I got a significant tattoo, which means I’d forgotten just how painful and exhausting they can be… But they’re also thrilling and beautiful if done by the right artist.
Maytee did a fantastic job with clean lines and beautiful shading (despite the shaking I was totally unaware of but that she politely pointed out at the end of our session). In this initial phase of what will most likely be a three session process, she added an ornate antique frame to my existing Mark Ryden piece. Following this piece, she will add two portraits from the work of Angelique Houtkamp.
Also, Tony was able to document a bit of my experience, so here’s a video of my decidedly goofy self getting a beautifully painful tattoo. Call me a masochist, but I can’t wait for the next!
Tony and I are headed to the beach tonight for a long overdue date night (with Romeo in tow, of course). The SoundScape Cinema Series is offering a selection of free family-friendly films on the lawn of the recently opened Frank Gehry-designed New World Symphony campus. Bring a blanket and some snacks to enjoy a cinematic evening under the stars at the ExoStage on the corner of 17th Street and Washington Ave.
SOUNDSCAPE CINEMA SERIES @ExoStage
April 13 – Moulin Rouge
April 20 – Big
April 27 – Casablanca
May 04 – North By Northwest
May 11 – Wall-E
May 18 – 2001 A Space Odyssey
May 25 – The Sound of Music
June 01 – Fantasia
June 08 – The Wizard of Oz
As we all know, the situation in Japan is heartbreakingly tragic. It’s been a month since the shocking series of events began to unfold and there is a dire need for relief in a country that is desperately trying to rebuild.
There are several different organizations that are currently accepting both tangible and monetary donations. If you’re trying to figure out how to help Japan, please read this list by the Huffington Post. You’ve heard the cliche, but it always rings true: Every little bit helps.
Sometimes all you need is a day with the girls to lift your spirits (and perhaps some other areas that may also need, ahem, a lift). I spent the day at the Terribly Girly studios yesterday with my friend, Nicole. This was her first time experiencing the hard work and production that goes into each of these sessions.
After a few hours in wardrobe, hair, and makeup, she asked if I could remember my first shoot and how I got started in the first place. Turns out, I was feeling a little low and decided to treat myself to something fun. It was around Christmas, I was living alone, feeling lonely, and coming out of a bad relationship that had left me with more than a few self-esteem issues. The minute I stepped into the TG studio, all that stuff was pushed out of my mind. The girls were friendly, confident, and encouraging – and SO talented!
Nine shoots later, I’m glad these women are keen on making a point about beauty and self-image. I may not be a cookie-cutter beauty, but they don’t seem to mind – and neither do I.
Here are a few behind-the-scenes shots from another wonderful day of playing dress-up:
I can hardly sit still today. This weekend is packed with colorful plans and I want to jump right in. My appointment with Maytee is only a few hours away and I honestly can’t contain my excitement about getting tattooed again. It’s been over 5 years since my last meaningful piece and these things are always cathartic for me. I’m only a little bummed that my little sister will have to sit this one out due to a nasty throat infection… but it only gives us an excuse to keep coming back .
Also, on Sunday I’ll be shooting with Miss Valentine and all the lovely ladies of Terribly Girly. I’m not quite sure what the end result will be, but at this point, I don’t even worry. I know they’re creative enough to come up with something interesting and fresh, so let’s just put on some eyeliner and see what happens.
Check back soon! I’ll be documenting everything. xo
I’m finding it hard to take my mind off pretty things today. Quite appropriately, ban.do just sent me an email about the arrival of their new signature scarf (100% silk – pics below). Enter code “sigscarf” through April 13th to get 15% off this adorable little wrap.
While you’re there, do some good by checking out their Hearts for Japan section, with proceeds going to relief efforts in Japan.
It’s been about two weeks since my sister’s fifteenth birthday and I’m just now catching my breath from the seemingly endless birthday festivities throughout the month of March and beyond. Though it wasn’t a large affair, it was certainly intimate and meaningful. The most important thing is that my sister will have some beautiful memories to share for a lifetime.
Many thanks to Dolores but you can call me Lolita…, Sweetness Bakeshop, Carlitos at Portfolio Salon, Kiera at MAC Nordstrom (Dadeland Mall), and my hubby for the beautiful invitations (and his endless patience throughout this whole process). Pics below. Enjoy!
Sometimes life calls you into action before you’re even aware of the action you’re taking. This is a quick note of encouragement for my fellow Aries and anyone else who may be feeling conflicted:
Some things happen without any apparent rhyme or reason and you need to accept that fact and not let situations over which you have no control worry you in any way. It’s life. It’s supposed to be fun…