Happy Faces Through My Photography Lens

As I am getting serious in learning about photography; last Saturday my good friend Lourdes, her daughter 'Sasha' and I met at Columbus Circle, Central Park West, New York to do some photography. 

It was very easy to set up this meeting. It started out of a conversation FB inbox between Lourdes and I when I asked if she and Sasha would like to be my models to photograph. I needed to practice what I have learned from a private photography lesson a few weeks a go. She immediately said 'yes'. So we set  up the place and time which we both agreed to do the shooting in Central Park, Manhattan, New York.

I was so excited that finally I get to use my camera like a real pro. Well.. even as a beginner.

I told Lourdes that I would make a little flower tiara for Sasha. And I already have an adult tiara for her.

Sasha is a happy kid. Immediately as we walked in deeper into the park, she saw the play ground and she ran to it and said 'follow me' with her little voice. There were a big sand box with swings and other playing stations like climbing the rope, climbing rocks and sliding. And there were many other kids too. I was trying to take picture of her but she moves a lot. And that is what I like about taking picture of kids; you do not need to tell her to pose. I just took pictures of her in her natural environment; after all it did not matter if she is looking at my camera or not. I love the natural expressions of children.

Basically we were watching the kids playing. I shot some other kids too. I can't tell you how happy I was amongst kids. They are the most  fascinating young human being especially when they were playing with one and another. They are so innocent that they can just interact with each other without talking. And after a few minutes one ran away and do other thing.

Sometimes I saw Sasha just stared at other kids playing while I was taking her pictures. She completely ignored me. I was wondering what is she thinking about. And other times; she giggles and laugh all by herself. That is how innocent they are.

Then her mother said it is time for her to rest that we should go and sit on the grass. She just nodded and followed us to the grass area where Lourdes put a blanket on the ground.  Lourdes started to take out some snacks and drinks for her and I started to shoot them.

Sasha is doing her ballet move and trying to stand on her toe.

This is my favorite picture of Lourdes and Sasha. This picture touched my heart because I can feel how happy Lourdes is carrying her baby daughter. Look at her right eye pupil; I managed to capture her happiness through her eyes; so clear and shines.

This is another of my favorite picture.  I have learned either from youtube, pinterest or from a teacher in photography class that when taking picture of people you must put the focus point between their eyes. This photo has everything that photography  should be; the right lighting, the right composition, the right color contrast between her jacket and the background. Thus I managed to capture her emotion. I just love this picture. She is so adorable.

Here is another one. This boy was camera ready. I have other pictures of him smiling while looking at the camera. This one is the best picture of him.

Taking pictures of Lourdes and Sasha was so much fun and very easy.  They are the most natural models I know. They were laughing and playing with each other most of the time; which was so lovely to see and to shoot for me.

I hope you like those pictures too.

Happy Wednesday Everyone, and

thank you for stopping by!

~~~oo00oo~~~

{Oct. 10, 2013}
You probably wondering why am I doing a double posts on this specific post. The reason being is that I am learning photography as I go a long. It can be from my own experiences or from reading professional photographer's blog. For these pictures of Lourdes and her daughter Shasha I want to show you what I have learned recently and adapted to those pictures. It can be a small simple trick but definitely improved my photography skills and therefore improved the quality of the pictures.

 MONDAY
 Piggy in Polka Dots {Party In Polka Dots} by Shelley
Pursuit of Functional Home by Judy
Twelve O Eight {Inspiration Monday} by Tanya
Lines Across {Monday Funday} by Rachel
Sumo's Sweet Stuff by Sumo
It's So Very Cheri {It's Party Time}
Homemaker On A Dime  {Creative Blogger Party & Hop} by SJ
Creative Mondays by Claire
Colours Dekor {Colors Dekor..The Weekly Story} by Patricia
The Dedicated House {Make It Pretty Monday} by Kathryn
Home Coming {The DIY'ers}

TUESDAY
My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia by Kristin
The Blackberry Vine {Tuesday To Do Party)
Lady Bug Blessings {Handmade Tuesday} by Kristen
Not Just A Housewife {Show Me What Ya Got} by Stacy
Cup Cakes And Crinoline {Project Inspired} by Mary Beth 
Our Delightful Home {Show Me What You Got} by Mrs. Delightful
A stroll Thru Life {Inspire Me Tuesday} by Marty

WEDNESDAY
The Blissful Bee {Work It Wednesday} by Amy
The NY Melrose Family {Whimsy Wednesday}
Savvy Southern Style {Wow Us Wednesday} by Kim
Raegun Ramblings

The Trendy Tree House {Create and Share} by Tara
Clean And Scentsible {Inspiration Exchange} by Jenn
Lil' Luna 
Green Willow Pond {What We Accomplished Wednesday} by Deborah
Creations by Kara
The 36th Avenue {The 36th Party} by Desiree

THURSDAY
52 Mantels {Thursday Are Your Days} by Emily
2 Yellow Birds Decor  {Thrusday Temptation} by Jill 
The Charm of Home {Home Sweet Home} by Shery
 Creating an Artful Home by Jen
French Country Cottage 
My Romantic Home {Show and Tell Friday) by Cindy
Chic on a Shoe String Decorating {Flaunt It Friday} by Kate
Liz Marie Blog {Inspire Me Please} by Liz
One Artsy Mama {Shine on Friday} by Amy
The Grant Life {The Life of the Party} by Kelley
Saving 4 Six (Welcome To Think Tank Thursday) by Carrie 
Made to be a Momma {Homemade by You} by Katie 
The Shabby Creek Cottage {Transformation Thursday} by Gina
A Glimpse Inside by Allison

FRIDAY
Dear Creatives {Inspiration Spotlight} by Theresa
If It's Not Baroque {Week End Creativity Round Up} by Lauren
The Dedicated House {Anything Blue Friday} by Kathryn 
A night Owl {Create and Inspire} by Kimberly
Craftberry Bush  {The Inspiration Gallery} by Lucy
Happy Hour Project {Happy Hour Friday} by Adrienne
Diana Rambles {Pin Me Linky Party} by Diana
Truly Lovely {Fancy This Friday} by Kassy and Kayli
Finding Fabulous {Frugalicious Friday} 
504 Main {Tickled Pink} by Holly 
A Stylish Interior (Stylish Friday Finds} by Karen
Little Inspiration {Create & Inspire} by Kimberly and Angie 

SATURDAY

Suburbs Mama {Suburbs Mama Sunday} by Rita
Nifty Thrifty Things {Nifty Thrifty Sunday} by Vanessa
Flamingo Toes {Think Pink Sunday} by Bev
Pink When {DIY Sunday Showcase} by Jennifer
I Heart Nap Time {Sundae Scoop}
Twigg Studios  {Sunday Show Off} by Aimee
Crafts A la Mode 

GIVEAWAY (2 Tier Elegant White Raised Edge Cake Stand) CLOSED

Hello,

I am giving a way this lovely 2 tier elegant White Raised Edge Cake Stand to a one lucky winner.

Here are the rules.

1.  Please follow me through   Facebook, or  Twitter, or  Google Friend Connect, G+, and Pinterest 

2. Please give a comment about what do you think about this cake stand and why do you want them.

 3. Please be 18 years or older!

4. For US & Canada residents only !

Giveaway will start September 11th, 2013 at 12:30 pm, EST and will end September 25th, 2013 at 12:30 pm EST.

1 winner will be chosen. A real email address  required and will not be made public or used for other purposes.

 The winner will be contacted the same day through email and must reply with home address within 4 days. Failure to reply after 4 days; I will draw another winner.

Best of luck !

Sweet & Lovely Water Color Perfume

I have been enjoying painting using water color lately. And not until I got this lovely perfume as a present from my husband 'Steven' that painting a bottle of perfume came into my mind. 

I love how the painting turned out to be and I think it would be lovely to display  sitting amongst lipsticks and pretty make up items on a pretty make up table.

Thank you so much for stopping by!

 MONDAY
 Piggy in Polka Dots {Party In Polka Dots} by Shelley
Pursuit of Functional Home by Judy
Twelve O Eight {Inspiration Monday} by Tanya
Lines Across {Monday Funday} by Rachel
Sumo's Sweet Stuff by Sumo
It's So Very Chery {It's Party Time}
Homemaker On A Dime  {Creative Blogger Party & Hop} by SJ
Creative Mondays by Claire
Colours Dekor {Colors Dekor..The Weekly Story} by Patricia
The Dedicated House {Make It Pretty Monday} by Kathryn

TUESDAY
My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia by Kristin
The Blackberry Vine {Tuesday To Do Party)
Lady Bug Blessings {Handmade Tuesday} by Kristen
Not Just A Housewife {Show Me What Ya Got} by Stacy
Cup Cakes And Crinoline {Project Inspired} by Mary Beth 
Our Delightful Home {Show Me What You Got} by Mrs. Delightful
A stroll Thru Life {Inspire Me Tuesday} by Marty

WEDNESDAY
The Blissful Bee {Work It Wednesday} by Amy
The NY Melrose Family {Whimsy Wednesday}
Savvy Southern Style {Wow Us Wednesday} by Kim
Raegun Ramblings
The Shady Porch {Rock N Share} by D
The Trendy Tree House 
Clean And Scentsible {Inspiration Exchange} by Jenn
Lil' Luna 
Green Willow Pond {What We Accomplished Wednesday} by Deborah
Creations by Kara
The 36th Avenue {The 36th Party} by Desiree

THURSDAY
52 Mantels 
2 Yellow Birds Decor  {Thrusday Temptation} by Jill 
The Charm of Home {Home Sweet Home} by Shery
 Creating an Artful Home by Jen
French Country Cottage 
My Romantic Home {Show and Tell Friday) by Cindy
Chic on a Shoe String Decorating {Flaunt It Friday} by Kate
Liz Marie Blog {Inspire Me Please} by Liz
One Artsy Mama {Shine on Friday} by Amy
The Grant Life {The Life of the Party} by Kelley
Saving 4 Six (Welcome To Think Tank Thursday) by Carrie 
Made to be a Momma {Homemade by You} by Katie 
The Shabby Creek Cottage {Transformation Thursday} by Gina
A Glimpse Inside by Allison

FRIDAY
Dear Creatives {Inspiration Spotlight} by Theresa
If It's Not Baroque {Week End Creativity Round Up} by Lauren
The Dedicated House {Anything Blue Friday} by Kathryn 
A night Owl {Create and Inspire} by Kimberly
Craftberry Bush  {The Inspiration Gallery} by Lucy
Happy Hour Project {Happy Hour Friday} by Adrienne
Diana Rambles {Pin Me Linky Party} by Diana
Truly Lovely {Fancy This Friday} by Kassy and Kayli
Finding Fabulous {Frugalicious Friday} 
504 Main {Tickled Pink} by Holly 
A Stylish Interior (Stylish Friday Finds} by Karen

SATURDAY

Suburbs Mama {Suburbs Mama Sunday} by Rita
Nifty Thrifty Things {Nifty Thrifty Sunday} by Vanessa
Flamingo Toes {Think Pink Sunday} by Bev
Pink When {DIY Sunday Showcase} by Jennifer
I Heart Nap Time {Sundae Scoop}
Twigg Studios  {Sunday Show Off} by Aimee
Crafts A la Mode 

Sweet Savory Caramelized Onion Pizza

I tasted this delicious snack/appetizer pizza at a hotel restaurant in Miami a few years a go for the first time. I remember 'Steven'; my husband, my  in-law {Steven's parents} and me enjoyed this pizza snacking very  much that we ordered about 3 times in a row sitting at a hotel restaurant one afternoon.

I managed to copy it at home just by guessing what the ingredients was. And it was remarkably taste the same as  the one from that hotel restaurant in Miami. And since then it is our favorite before dinner snack.

 

::Recipe::

Sweet and Savory Caramelized Onion Pizza

~Medium size pita bread

~ 3 tbsp of olive oil 

~ 1/4 tsp brown sugar

~ pinch of salt

~  Balsamic vinegar (good brand)

~ 1 medium size sweet onion

~ 5 Black calamata olive, chopped roughly

~ Gorgonzola cheese

~ Generous amount of pine nuts

1. Turn on oven to broil and put pita bread for about 2 or 3 minutes. 2. Cut onion to thin slices. 3. Heat olive oil and sautee onion for about 10 to 15 minutes until dark golden brown. Remove. 4. On the same pan (do not wash)  and under lowest heat  pour about 3 to 4 tbsp of balsamic vinegar, and stir. 5. Pour about 1 tsp olive oil and stir. Put brown sugar and salt. Do not let it burn just warm it. Remove and pour in a small bowl. 6. Take pita bread from the oven and arrange cooked onion on the top. 7. Spread chopped calamata olives. 8. Spread pine nuts. 9. Using spoon, sprinkle with the vinegratte on the top. 10. Sprinkle with gorgonzola cheese. Serve. 

Note; you can make your own pizza crust, I am sure it will taste even better. I never tried making pizza crust from scratch before so I am using pita bread instead. And oh, you can put pancetta or bits and pieces of bacon would taste so yummy!

~~oo00oo~~

Good luck Everyone!

 MONDAY
 Piggy in Polka Dots {Party In Polka Dots} by Shelley
Pursuit of Functional Home by Judy
Twelve O Eight {Inspiration Monday} by Tanya
Lines Across {Monday Funday} by Rachel
Sumo's Sweet Stuff by Sumo
It's So Very Chery {It's Party Time}
Homemaker On A Dime  {Creative Blogger Party & Hop} by SJ
Creative Mondays by Claire
Colours Dekor {Colors Dekor..The Weekly Story} by Patricia
The Dedicated House {Make It Pretty Monday} by Kathryn

TUESDAY
My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia by Kristin
The Blackberry Vine {Tuesday To Do Party)
Lady Bug Blessings {Handmade Tuesday} by Kristen
Not Just A Housewife {Show Me What Ya Got} by Stacy
Cup Cakes And Crinoline {Project Inspired} by Mary Beth 
Our Delightful Home {Show Me What You Got} by Mrs. Delightful
A stroll Thru Life {Inspire Me Tuesday} by Marty

WEDNESDAY
The Blissful Bee {Work It Wednesday} by Amy
The NY Melrose Family {Whimsy Wednesday}
Savvy Southern Style {Wow Us Wednesday} by Kim
Raegun Ramblings
The Shady Porch {Rock N Share} by D
The Trendy Tree House 
Clean And Scentsible {Inspiration Exchange} by Jenn
Lil' Luna 
Green Willow Pond {What We Accomplished Wednesday} by Deborah
Creations by Kara
The 36th Avenue {The 36th Party} by Desiree

THURSDAY
52 Mantels 
2 Yellow Birds Decor  {Thrusday Temptation} by Jill 
The Charm of Home {Home Sweet Home} by Shery
 Creating an Artful Home by Jen
French Country Cottage 
My Romantic Home {Show and Tell Friday) by Cindy
Chic on a Shoe String Decorating {Flaunt It Friday} by Kate
Liz Marie Blog {Inspire Me Please} by Liz
One Artsy Mama {Shine On Friday} by Amy
The Grant Life {The Life of the Party} by Kelley
Saving 4 Six (Welcome To Think Tank Thursday) by Carrie  
Made to be a Momma {Homemade by You} by Katie 
The Shabby Creek Cottage {Transformation Thursday} by Gina 
A Glimpse Inside by Allison

FRIDAY
Dear Creatives {Inspiration Spotlight} by Theresa
If It's Not Baroque {Week End Creativity Round Up} by Lauren
Anything Blue Friday 
A night Owl {Create and Inspire} by Kimberly
Craftberry Bush {The Inspiration Gallery} by Lucy
Happy Hour Project {Happy Hour Friday} by Adrienne
Diana Rambles {Pin Me Linky Party} by Diana
Truly Lovely {Fancy This Friday} by Kassy and Kayli
Finding Fabulous {Frugalicious Friday} 
504 Main {Tickled Pink} by Holly 
A Stylish Interior {Stylish Friday Finds} by Karen


SATURDAY

Suburbs Mama {Suburbs Mama Sunday} by Rita
Nifty Thrifty Things {Nifty Thrifty Sunday} by Vanessa
Flamingo Toes {Think Pink Sunday} by Bev
Pink When {DIY Sunday Showcase} by Jennifer
I Heart Nap Time {Sundae Scoop}
Twigg Studios  {Sunday Show Off} by Aimee
Crafts A la Mode 

Meditation Journal/Collage September 2013

This month's journal/collage is about the 'purple or lilac' color. The calmness of the color synonymous with what I am going to talk about a little here. It is about a book I am reading now called 'Wherever You Go There You Are, by Jon Kabat-Zinn'. It is about meditation is the art of paying attention, of listening to your heart. I have only read a few pages and to be honest it is a little abstract for me to understand. We often associates 'mediation' is a form of practice to seek peaceful and calm mind. This is not that kind of meditation the book is talking about. This meditation can be practiced anytime, anywhere, standing up or sitting down. It is the awareness of being present. In fact that is what it is, not 'doing' but 'being.' It is a short moment of practice to let go of the past and future and simply just being present and in this moment.

From time to time I allow myself reading a spiritual book similar to this one. And I only read a book once every couple of months or so, but that one time I do need the kind of book that can improve or lift up my being or if not reminding and letting  me know that there is a practice on how to be a better, peaceful and happier person. This is something that I need to read repeatedly from time to time or else I can easily forget.

Although you do not read this book or do not know anything about it at all; I am going to copy the quotes that might be an inspiration to you.

I exist as I am that is enough,

If no other in the world be aware I sit content,

And if each and all be aware I sit content.

One world is aware, and by far the largest to me, and that

is myself.

And whether I come to my own today or in ten thousand

or ten million years,

I can cheerfully take it now, or with equal cheerfulness,

I can wait.

~Walt Whitman, Leaves of Grass~

'Once the realization is accepted that eve between the closest human beings infinite distances continue to exist, a wonderful living side by side can grow up, if they succeed in loving the distance between them which makes it possible for each to see the whole against the sky.

~Rainer Maria Rilke, Letters~

'Do you have the patience to wait
 till your mud settles and the water is clear?
Can you remain unmoving
till the right action arises by itself?'
Lao-Tzu, Tao-te-Ching

 
The heavy is the root of the light.

The unmoved is the source of all movement

Thus the Master travels all day

without leaving home.

However splendid the views,

she stays serenely in herself. 

Why should the lord of the country

flit about like a fool?

If you let yourself be blown to and fro,

you lose touch with your root.

If you let restlessness move you,

you lose touch with who you are.

~Lao-Tzu, Tao-te-Ching`

'Direct your eye right inward, and you'll find

A thousand regions in your mind

Yet undiscovered. Travel them and be

Expert in home-cosmography.

~Thoreau, Walden~

~~~oo00oo~~~

Thank you so much for reading!

 MONDAY
 Piggy in Polka Dots {Party In Polka Dots} by Shelley
Pursuit of Functional Home by Judy
Twelve O Eight {Inspiration Monday} by Tanya
Lines Across {Monday Funday} by Rachel
Sumo's Sweet Stuff by Sumo
It's So Very Chery {It's Party Time}
Homemaker On A Dime  {Creative Blogger Party & Hop} by SJ
Creative Mondays by Claire
Colours Dekor {Colors Dekor..The Weekly Story} by Patricia
The Dedicated House {Make It Pretty Monday} by Kathryn

TUESDAY
My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia by Kristin
The Blackberry Vine {Tuesday To Do Party)
Lady Bug Blessings {Handmade Tuesday} by Kristen
Not Just A Housewife {Show Me What Ya Got} by Stacy
Cup Cakes And Crinoline {Project Inspired} by Mary Beth 
Our Delightful Home {Show Me What You Got} by Mrs. Delightful
A stroll Thru Life {Inspire Me Tuesday} by Marty

WEDNESDAY
The Blissful Bee {Work It Wednesday} by Amy
The NY Melrose Family {Whimsy Wednesday}
Savvy Southern Style {Wow Us Wednesday} by Kim
Raegun Ramblings
The Shady Porch {Rock N Share} by D
The Trendy Tree House 
Clean And Scentsible {Inspiration Exchange} by Jenn
Lil' Luna 
Green Willow Pond {What We Accomplished Wednesday} by Deborah
Creations by Kara
The 36th Avenue {The 36th Party} by Desiree


ThurSDAY
52 Mantels 
2 Yellow Birds Decor  {Thrusday Temptation} by Jill 
The Charm of Home {Home Sweet Home} by Shery
 Creating an Artful Home by Jen
French Country Cottage 
My Romantic Home {Show and Tell Friday) by Cindy
Chic on a Shoe String Decorating {Flaunt It Friday} by Kate
Liz Marie Blog {Inspire Me Please} by Liz
One Artsy Mama {Shine on Friday} by Amy
The Grant Life {The Life of the Party} by Kelley
Saving 4 Six {Welcome to Think Tank Thursday} by Carrie
Made to be a Momma {Homemade by You} by Katie 
The Shabby Creek Cottage {Transformation Thursday} by Gina
A Glimpse Inside by Allison 

FRIDAY
Dear Creatives {Inspiration Spotlight} by Theresa
If It's Not Baroque {Week End Creativity Round Up} by Lauren
Anything Blue Friday 
A night Owl {Create and Inspire} by Kimberly
Craftberry Bush  {The Inspiration Gallery} by Lucy
Happy Hour Project {Happy Hour Friday} by Adrienne
Diana Rambles {Pin Me Linky Party} by Diana
Truly Lovely {Fancy This Friday} by Kassy and Kayli
Finding Fabulous {Frugalicious Friday}
504 Main {Tickled Pink} by Holly

SATURDAY

Suburbs Mama {Suburbs Mama Sunday} by Rita
Nifty Thrifty Things {Nifty Thrifty Sunday} by Vanessa
Flamingo Toes {Think Pink Sunday} by Bev
Pink When {DIY Sunday Showcase} by Jennifer
I Heart Nap Time {Sundae Scoop}
Twigg Studios  {Sunday Show Off} by Aimee
Crafts A la Mode 

Blogging And Making Friends A Long The Way

I must say that blogging  has been a positive outlet for me physically and mentally. Through blogging I can express myself in an artistic and crafty way but more than that I made friends with other bloggers. It just happened naturally when you connect with someone through blogging. Don't you think!

I considered all of my followers are my friends and supporters. And I would do the same to them. 

Yesterday I received this beautiful napkin rings that I won through a Giveaway contest.

I was blown away by the beauty of the packaging. I can tell that the person who wrapped the gifts was wrapping them with extra care and gave a lot of thought and detail on it. The person is Deborah from Green Willow Pond. I was even more excited when opened the package to have seen the beautiful napkin rings that Deborah made for me.

 

"Thank you so much for the lovely gifts, Deborah!

I am grateful that I have been blogging this far. So far; blogging has been fun for me.  And I am excited to see where this blog will take me in the future. I am imagining only positive things will happen in my life while blogging. And can't wait to share my story, craft DIY, recipe, etc. with you.

Thank you so much for your support and following me.

Hope you had a fantastic week end! 

Thank you for reading!

Saturday Afternoon At Old Westbury Gardens

Although I love fashion very much; I must admit that I am not confidence to pose in front of camera any more. But there is a small part of me telling I should just enjoy it while I can and just go for it. So here I am.

Old Westbury Gardens situated in Long Island. I regretted that I did not come here during this spring and summer time to take pictures of the surrounding beauty of the once home and estate of heir to US Steel fortune John S. Phipps and his family. {More; here.}

It is now a museum and open to public. The sprawling landscape and gardens are just beautiful. This time I did not see many flowers because it is the end of summer and coming into fall and winter. Next year I promise myself that I would come here often start in spring where flowers starts to bloom.

I am now into photography. And I start to enjoy taking pictures of people especially young kids. Here I wanted to experiment taking pictures of people {or 'me' I should say} outdoor and using natural light. I always want to learn new things on how to use the camera so I can take beautiful photography. I found it is quite challenging right now but I believe and with so many sources to learn out there like youtube, pinterest and yes you can enroll to a class too; one day I can take better and beautiful photos.

Here, I asked my husband Steven to take these pictures. He is one of those people with camera in their hands and just point and shoot type of photographer. So I directed him a lot in this photo shoot session at Old Westbury Gardens.  And as you can imagine it was hard, because I ran a round with my high heels back and forth. {I did have another pair of comfortable shoes with me.} These are not the best photos but they are good enough for now.

What I am  wearing;

- Top; random from Marshall, here

- Pants; thrifted from Goodwill

- Hat; from Lord and Taylor, here

- Shoes; Christian Louboutin Pigalle, here

- Bag; Marc Jacobs satchel, here

~~~oo00oo~~~

Thank you so much for looking and have a beautiful Sunday Everyone!

Plane Pretty
 Style Elixir 
Perfectly Coutured 
The Life of The Party
Creative Monday 
Suburbs Mama {What We Wore} by Rita