Dessert For Breakfast

When my husband asked me if I wanted to go to a Lakers game in Downtown LA this past week, I immediately said "Yes!" with excitement. What he didn't know was that I was probably more excited to go to the dessert place after than to actually watch the game.

You see... there's an amaaaazing bakery five minutes away from the stadium and if we're going to watch the game there...we might as well stop by. I've mentioned this place before when I had a hazelnut beignet and I was eager to return but this time to try their macarons.

Aren't those colors amazing? They're strawberry, violet infused with something I can't remember, rose, espresso, and pistachio.

I didn't eat them that same night. I ate them bright an early the next day while taking these photos, because dessert for breakfast is probably one of the best thing in the mornings. Oh, and with some caffeine too. :)

What about you, what is your choice of dessert for breakfast?

Pomegranate Season

So pomegranate season is in full effect. At first I didn't think much of it until our mom gave us one to take home. Then I thought it would be fun to take some photos before we eat one. However, I couldn't just have one pomegranate, I needed two (with the kind of photo I was envisioning...). So I made a quick run to Trader Joe's to pick up another one.

Of all the at-home-studio shoots that I've done, not surprisingly, this ended up being the messiest! At the end of the session, it was just a white poster board with lots of pom. juice (which at first resembled blood). 

Since most of these shoots occur in the patio, I hope my neighbors aren't worried at the sight of red-looking juice splattered everywhere.

Do you like pomegranates? Do you eat them raw or juice them first? Mix them with other dishes too?

Love for Lomography 03

Ohhh man, it's been a LONG time since I last posted prints developed from the Diana. I got these in the mail probably a month ago and I just got to scanning them in. A few favorites below...

Crystal Cove, CA

I experimented with an Ilford roll which is a highly contrasted black and white film. I really love the the stark contrasts in them and definitely plan to use it a lot more in the future. The only catch is that the photo lab charges 2x more for black and white film!

My lovely friend Randa at Crystal Cove

It's times like these when I question why I'm so passionate about photography because at the end of the day, it feels like it will only empty my pockets! But when I see my prints, it's feel so worth the energy and the time spent waiting for it to develop.




So I guess I'll just keep going at it but with more care and thoughtfulness in each photo. What about you? Do you use the Diana or any other film cameras? 

Love for Lomography - Part 1, Part 2

Q+A time

Jessica of COCO/MINGO nominated my blog for a Liebster Award and all I can say is, thank you! :) This little blog stemmed out of a need to have a creative outlet and I didn't realize I'd also find a supportive and encouraging community out of it!

Jessica asked us a few questions for her Q+A so here we go:

Favorite television show? Depending on my mood but regulars include Park and Rec, Newsroom, West Wing and sometimes New Girl

Describe your dream home: It would include plenty of natural light, a minimal aesthetic with a little artwork and lots of blank walls that are photo-ready :) (I just mentioned this to my husband and he said "you would describe that as your dream home so I guess I'm right on!)

Where do you live? Orange County, CA! Always 72 and sunny.

What’s your idea of a great adventure? It would involve lots of hiking, exploring, laughing, talking, and spontaneity!

Dream vacation/place to travel to: I would looove to do a "Round The World" trip. To name a few...I'm dying to go to Salar de Uyuni, hike up Machu Pichu and if I'm feeling ambitious Mt. Kiliminjaro! But as long as I'm traveling, I'm content.

Favorite recipe: This vegan white chocolate macademia nut cupcake recipe!

Spring/summer or fall/winter? Fall! :)

What’s your favorite sport? Cross Country and track (always!)

What are you inspired by? I'm inspired by minimalism, a sense of play, food arranged nicely and coffee

Top of your shopping wish-list? so so so many cameras! I actually have a camera wishlist that I'll be posting very soon and then some shoes.

What makes you happy? At the end of the day, the happiest is sharing good memories with family and friends.

My Q&A for the blogs I nominated:

1. What is the strangest movie you've ever seen and why?
2. If you could live in any fictional world, which would you live in?
3. Who/what are your current inspirations?
4. When you need a pick-me-up, what do you turn to? 
5. Your choice of caffeine:
6. Your go-to floral bouquet would include:
7. What does your ideal Saturday afternoon look like?
8. What is your blogging routine?
9. Your currently playlist:
10. You're happiest when...

I nominate these lovely blogs:

Life Etc.

Paper Pastries

Helena La Petite

Life Lately

Giulia Duch

Looking forward to getting to know you more! :) 

Morning Rituals

Like I mentioned in this post, morning rituals are still a little new to me. So far, I've been able to read, blog, cook, draw and of course take photos to document the process of me turning into an early bird! Side effects include extra cheerfulness, more optimism and more pastries!!!

Sometimes I wait for the sun to come out so I can take some still photos with sufficient lighting and sometimes I sip my coffee and catch up with a lot of branding/marketing/photography books before I'm off to work. There's still not enough time to do as much as I'd like but now I don't find myself saying "I just don't have time to do it."

What about you? Do you have any morning rituals you like doing to start your day?