Jessica + Luis | Los Angeles Maternity Photography

Finally getting around to getting caught up from my leave & that's when I realized I had not blogged my cousins maternity session! 

I was soo excited to document my cousin Jessica's maternity. The baby was due in two weeks so I kept asking her if she needed a break or to sit, but no. Jess was feeling slight contractions (totally normal) but looked so relaxed that anyone would have thought "oh she has a ways to go." Wrong, baby Enrico made his entrance into this world the very next day! Yes, you read that correctly - the very next day! That's the one thing about being pregnant, it's soo unpredictable you just have to be ready on any given moment.  

Enrico was born a healthy baby boy on October 28th 2011 weighing 6 lbs 10 oz., 20 1/2 inches long - love him to pieces!

Anyway, here are my favorites from the session...

Enrico, your parents had no idea you were coming the very next day, 

but they were ready to hold you already!

Jessica, you look so beautiful, definitely glowing!

tiny shoes for the little boy :)

Jessica, you & Luis are wonderful parents to Enrico... May God continue to bless your little family!
xo

DIY Friday | Old picture frame into amazing chalkboard!

Finally its Friday! I love Fridays because it leads up to the best days of the week :) Not only is it Friday, but can you believe it's MARCH already!? Where has time gone? Seriously. 


Anyway, if you know me, you know I love home decor & crafting. And now that I'm blessed to be a stay at home mommy (thanks to my hard-working hubs), I now have more time to be crafty (while Emma naps). For the past couple of years, photography has been my only outlet for this creative side, but now the passion has been revived :) Ever since I worked on my daughters baby shower, it reminded me how fun it was & quickly became intrigued all over again by all the different things you can make with the most random supplies! I also got into sewing (made baby girl some blankets - image below)  which I'm still learning. Since then, I've been wanting to launch this new DIY series, but due to lack of time & energy (because my bundle of joy keeps me pretty busy) this project had been delayed.

Anyway, who here has a Pintrest account? From the day I signed up, I haven't been able to get off! It's soo addicting... the ideas on there are ENDLESS! It's like a little piece of heaven to me because I love to customize EVERYTHING :)


So every Friday I want to share Do It Yourself projects that will hopefully inspire you to think outside of the box & maybe get your hands a little dirty. As my daughter gets older I plan to incorporate her help as well, which I totally encourage you to involve your kiddos too... Some projects may be easier than others, but always fun! Maybe not the process itself, but when you see your finished project you'll feel very accomplished!!


*** I promise that future post will not have such a long intro, promise ;)

Ever wanted a lovely chalkboard frame? I know I search & search many stores when looking for one for Emma's babyshower.. I wish I would have known about this! I had to settle for a not-so-nice one from Michaels :/ but it did the job! So I got this idea off of Pintrest & I wanted to share this quick & easy way to make a fabulous chalkboard! Yes, easy. Let's get started!

LIST OF SUPPLIES NEEDED:

1. Inexpensive picture frame (mine is an 8x10 I found at TJ Maxx)
2. Primer
3. Color spray paint of your choice
4. Chalkboard spray paint 
5. Antiquing glaze *optional*
6. paint brushes *optional*
7. Rag of disposable fabric *optional*

* TIP * - I suggest you purchase the paints & primer at a home improvement store like Home Depot, Lowe's or even Walmart because they are much more affordable than at craft stores - hey, every penny counts right? :)

Once you have your frame, remove the glass, backing & prepare your surface. Begin spraying with the primer first. Allow to dry. Then with the bottle of color, spray entire frame, I usually do two coats. While that is drying get the glass that came in the frame & spray it with your chalkboard paint. Again, allow to dry completely. When all is completely dry, I re-glued the backing with a hot glue gun. AND ta-daaa, you have your self a unique chalkboard!


***Next steps are totally optional

But because I'm into vintage stuff & I like my decor to look that way, I went an extra couple of steps to accomplish this... I used Valspar Antiquing glaze which you can get at your local Lowe's... At first, I thought paying $9 for this small bottle was alot, but a little goes a long way with this stuff!

* Note I'm no expert when it comes to using this stuff, but this is the method that has worked for me.
Once your paint is all dry on the frame, you get a dab of the glaze and begin brushing it on all over the frame. Directions say to allow to dry for at least 24 hours - I usually cannot wait that long, but just make sure it is really dry, I say a couple hours will do, then with the old rag begin to rub it off... If your paint is not dried well enough you can rub the paint right off! So be careful. 

Below is my finished product... what do you think? It can be used as a photography prop, party, home decor or whatever you like! I'll probably find a spot for mine around the house.

I would love to see if you go ahead and try out this project! Let me hear from you, don't be shy! :)

Have a wonderful weekend <3's

Miss Erin | Orange County Portraits

A couple weeks ago I had the opportunity to photograph lovely Erin...

Here are my favs :)

Alexis | High School Senior Portraits [PART 2]

Hello internet! Hope you all are having a wonderful week so far. Here is Part 2 of Alexis High School Senior session. We changed up the location & had some more fun... You can see Part 1 here. Enjoy!

If you would like to book your session contact me...  Cant wait to hear from you!

Happy Thursday!

Quote of the week | by Lowell Lundstrum

Dream big. Have you done that lately? With the new year and all most of us set new goals in order to improve ourselves. Does it mean we are not happy? Maybe. But as they say, there is always room for improvement. This doesn't just have to happen at the beginning of the year. We are always changing as well as our circumstances & environment around us. Doing this a couple times a year is a good idea.

FYI: Whenever I write, I first write to myself. I then analyze & decide if it can possibly help others. If it can encourage one person, I'm delighted! Then, I click "Publish". Just wanted you to know that.

(photo taken on one of my hikes with iphone)

Here are some simple steps to gear us in the right direction (year- around):

1. It's a matter of taking a step back, looking at how we spend our time, money & energy. And does the result of these equal to somehow improving my life? My way of thinking.. The way I treat those around me, etc...
2. Write your dreams down on paper. Good ol' paper! Post them somewhere visible to remind yourself constantly.
3. Take control of your life. Make the changes necessary as difficult as they may be.
4. Get inspired. Surround yourself with positive people.
5. Believe in yourself.
6. Work hard at making your dreams a reality, because remember - dreams dont work unless you do.

Friends, we must stop living mediocre lives. I'll be the first to admit there are things I can improve (better wife, mother, sister, friend, artist - this list can go on for days) just today by tweaking things here and there. Let's give people something good to talk about.

I'd love to hear from you. Comment below & share a goal, personal, school or business related. I truly believe in expressing goals not so much to keep each other accountable, but more like encouraging. Can't wait to hear from you!

And if you find this post useful don't forget to share it :)

Happy Tuesday <3's!