Day 9...Dear Mother Nature, are you okay?

Since this Thirty Day Blog Challenge started, I've been carrying my camera around with me everywhere (well, with the exception of that one day).

Today when I got off of work I looked up at the sky and saw some beautiful clouds. I wanted to snap a photo because the sun was shining through the clouds. Like you could literally see the sun rays against the clouds. But I couldn't take the photo because I was driving.

Once I got home I checked out the sky from our backyard. I didn't see the sun rays, but I still liked what I saw, so I quickly grabbed my camera and took this.

I seriously was all set on posting just this one photo because that was the "rules" to this "no rules" challenge. But then this happened...

Thank you, Mother Nature for giving me something beautiful to capture and for everyone to enjoy :)

Day 8...Late night shopping

Haha...just kidding! Actually, we did go to DKNY for my husband. And I was able to score some new flats (not black) at Famous Footwear. I can snap a photo of those and post them up tomorrow. :)

Day 7...A little pampering

This whole weekend my mom asked me to take her to get her haircut. Today, I finally did. The first two places we went to were closed because it was Labor Day. However, we finally found a place that was open, Supercuts.

Now, today I was a wee bit lazy and didn't feel like lugging my camera around, so I snapped photos with my iPhone instead. 

She's going to kick my butt if she ever finds out that I posted these photos. Sorry mom.... :) I like her new haircut and she does too! She even told the lady that cut her hair "I'll see you in December!" Lol... oh mom...

Day 6...Happy Birthday

Today's my nephew's birthday. I wanted to do something nice and different for him. Today...I tried something from Pinterest. :)

It didn't quite look like the photo that was pinned, but it certainly was a good try. And all the kids LOVED it! They were sooooo excited when we sang Happy Birthday and cut it open. I wonder if it'll have the same magic if it were made with all vegetables. Hmmm....

I also did something else I've been wanting to try for a while now, a homemade DIY photo booth. I literally didn't plan to do this today. It was just one of those moments where I was feeling like I wanted to try it and what better day to do it than his birthday.

So since it was literally last minute, there wasn't much decoration or props to use. But I must say, my first try seemed pretty successful! The kids had fun with this too!

That's the birthday boy being silly of course.

Happy birthday Melo!!! I'll love you always :)

Day 5...A little detour

Whenever I'm out I never travel light, one heavy purse and ALWAYS two bodyguards. 

Today, after an early afternoon spent in Concord/Walnut Creek with the family, Troy and I continued the day running a few more errands. 

He insisted, or rather begged, to check out the train. How could I say no to a little boy who loves his trains?

Day 4...Inner and outer beauty

Last weekend I attended a workshop, a boudoir workshop hosted by the lovely and talented Tammy Nguyen Le of Kissed by Tammy. Tammy is a local wedding and boudoir photographer based out of Sacramento, but she's actually moving soon. Like really soon. So when she emailed me about her workshop, I couldn't say no.

The day started with introductions and what we hoped to get out of the workshop. We then made our way upstairs to begin the workshop. I was excited because the last time I shot a boudoir session was back in January and the day didn't really play to my favor (it was pouring rain outside!) I was also looking forward to her knowledge of the things that happen outside of photographing a client.

After about an hour (I think...) of lecture time, we began shooting. What I loved about Tammy's workshop was she included a hair and makeup stylist (Ashley Grinnell) and an experienced model (Katie Roan) to photograph.

Here are the beautiful photos I took...

I absolutely LOVE this next photo. Katie, you ARE hot :)

Fierce!!!

This is one of my all-time favorites :)

Tammy, thank you SOOO much for hosting this workshop! You are such a doll and I love how you share your knowledge to help us out! Your work is fantastic and I'm so glad that I was able to work with you. I wish you much success at your next location and I really hope we can get together next time you're up here.

Oh....and for those of you who are on the Thirty Day Photo/Blog Challenge, don't worry. I didn't cheat (even though there aren't any rules) :) Here's my photo for the day:

I wanted to blog about my boudoir photos, so I decided to photograph something that tied into boudoir. Pearls, and/or any accessories in general, are great items to have when doing a boudoir session. Not only does it complete your wardrobe and help you feel beautiful, it's also a great item to have so that your hands have something to play with.

Stay tuned for future boudoir specials!!!

Day 3...Picture day practice

I'm totally still on a Sue Bryce high. :)

As I thought of what I would photograph today for my blog, an idea came to mind. Why not use my eldest niece? Early this morning she posted a photo of herself (on her Instagram) looking all glammed up for school with her freshly curled hair. So I thought, I better snap a photo of her while her hair was still all curly. I yelled at her to put a shirt on (yeah, I yelled because apparently she didn't hear me the first and second times I asked her to put a shirt on. Sheesh!)

Once she was done, I busted out the mini fan and an old Hilary Duff promo poster board that worked well as my reflector :) I stuck her in another corner of the living room and she gave me this...

My partner in crime is growing up! I may poke fun at her sometimes, but she's beautiful. Don't you think?

Here's another one I took of her.

I love the flowing hair. :)

Tomorrow (or today as you're reading this on the 31st) is her picture day. If only they allowed students to have a pose like the one above.

Good luck on picture day baby girl!! :)