My Winter Song

As I sit here typing I can see the snow gently falling outside my window. Everything is blanked in white, but still it's beauty pales in compassion to seeing my sister dressed in white, a bride to be. Stunning. Perfect. And happier than she's ever been.

Check back in a day or so and I'll have whole story of how my big sister found 'the dress', that's if I can manage to write it all out without stopping to cry ever 2 or three sentences.

Seeing white everywhere makes me soo sooo soo happy. I love winter and i looove my family too.

Yesterday was VA's Happy First Snow Day!


Happy Wintering to you.

Giving Thanks

It's no secret Thanksgiving is pretty much my favorite holiday ever! Don't get me wrong, I loooove Christmas, who doesn't. I just love that Thanksgiving is simply about being grateful and giving thanks for all God's goodness and His blessings.

I feel like everyone complains way tooo much about what they don't have or what they want or what they hate, we so easily forget our manners and we forget to show any sign of gratitude. And it seems like we're never content. But if we take one step back, and take a look at all the love and blessings we have in our lives, it all makes up for what we lack.

 I've got a million things to be thankful for, and a million people to give thanks for, here are just a few.

I'm so thankful for mi madre, 'Beauty is her name'. And the more I grow and the more I learn, the more I appreciate who she's been to me; a best friend, a confidant and a teacher. I hope I make her proud daily, and as cheesy as it sounds, I wouldn't be the person I am today if it weren't for her.

I'm thankful for my big sister who I'm sooooo grateful to see her happy and in love and blessed, because she deserves all of it. She's so self sacrificing, and hardworking, and so caring ... attributes I know she learned from my mama, and I'm sooooo proud of her.

This guy, I could not be more thankful for this guy ... who takes pictures like these:

Because he's just that awesome.

But seriously I'm soooo completely blessed and grateful to have Tim in my life.  Besides being my boyfriend, Tim's been the greatest, no the BEST friend I could ever ask for. He's been my biggest fan, and my encouragement, he's my heart.

And he takes me on some awesomely amazzzing date!

"You'da best" babe!!!

I'm sooo thankful for mi familia. Allllll of them. Not everyone understands the dynamic of my family, or how crazy silly we are or how different we all are, but when we're together it's perfect and we complete each other. As my familia is continuing to grow and I looove it!

I'm also thankful for love. If it weren't for love, I won't have the job that I have. The love of a husband and wife, the love of a family, platonic love, the love or parents, it's the reason why I'm even needed to take pictures. And I love love, there's nothing grater than love.

I'm also thankful for pictures. Yeah go figure right? But really, not just because they give me a career, but because moments like these are sooo fleeting they should be charished for ever.

I can go on an on, but the last on my list for now is salvation. I am forever grateful for God's amazing grace, because when I look at my life and how many times I've messed up and how sinful I am, I'm awestruck that He could love me so.

Happy Thanksgiving to you and "give thanks in all circumstances".

Jimmy Choo, I love you!

I'm a few days late in posting this ... but yup ... best combination ever!!!

Jimmy Choo for H&M

Let it in

Though I do love my rainy days, and my chilly autumn air ... nothing can replace sunshine.

Good Music rocks my world

Last night I went out with my big sister and her fiance {still a new word to all of us} and we watched one incredible show.

It was at Jammin Java, possibly the best venue around and the best show I've ever been to. It was soo good I think I had goosebumps the entire time. Ernie Halter and Melissa Polinar are simply genius and their use of lyrics and notes is soo amazing it could make you cry. It made want to never take my ability to hear forgranted, nor take my guitar or voice for granted though I'm not that great with either, music is music and it's wonderful.

Both their sets were amazing they honestly couldn't have picked better songs. Like this song, Lighthouse. It's one of my favorite Ernie Halter songs, and it's the last track his Starting Over album so sometimes I intentionally listen through the whole album just to get to this song. It was the perfect closer for their show and though I did take pictures, the music is way more important.

Enjoy the music.

Big Mistake

My cousin is hilarious and amazing. Diongzons rocks!!!

Tis the season for frilly frocks

I know I shouldn't even be window shopping right now, but I can't help but take a gander at some frilly frocks for this awesome season coming up. There will be parties galor in the coming weeks, birthday parties, anniversary parties, engagement parties, even a wedding right before the holidays, and I can't help but get excited. Here are a few frocks that totally stole my heart.

They have this 'look' about them that just grabs me and i love it.

If anything, sister is taking some awesome rock star sewing classes so maybe in a few weeks I'll be living with my very own seamstress, and she could hook me up! Wahooo! Kidding!!! Yeah right, sister's getting her wedding planning on ... maybe that's the reason why I have dresses on my mind. Happy fall and frill frocks to you!

Let us fall more in love with You

Week after week it's been a rollercoaster ride. I've practically been living out of my suitcase, packing and unpacking and repacking again, always on the move ... always on the go. I've been in serious need of some 'down time' and I finally got some. Instead of resting in bed and at home, I got to rest in the Lord and in His words, and fall more in love with Him as I went off to Fall Retreat with my Tim and Cru. I've never felt more rested and though there's tons more to share, I still have California adventures to blog about. PTL for awesome adventures and for rest.

These are my confessions ...

I freaking love this show.

West Coast Bound!!!

It's finally here! I'm soo excited, so really and so finished packing. It's been 2 years to long since I've seen the sunny shores of California and seen my dear dear friends. I know it will be an amazing week.

YAY!

Work it girl!!

I love Gina yes I do!!!

OK so she might kill me for posting this ... since this is only her dance team's practice ... but I gotta admit, I love my cousin Gina and ... boy can that girl work it!! It's no secret that I live vicariously through her when it comes to anything and everything dance. She's gotten sooo good and goodness now she's teaching her own team, what?? If you can't tell already shes the hottie front and center breaking it down and doing the counts. Sheesh ... makes me miss dancing that much more! Gin you make me so proud!!

Besides the crunch on the ground .. how does your Autumn sound?

 Here's how mine sounds.

Sing out to God, Sing hallelujah ...

... with all we are. We will worship You

Holy is Your Name. Holy is Your Name

Oh God

I've been overwhelmed by the goodness and graciousness of God lately, that all I can do is sing out. Saying the words Thank You will not ever suffice, worship is the best way I know how to show my gratitude and forever I will sing out.

He's never fails to hear my heart's cry, my needs, my dreams and my desires ... even if they take time in being answered, still He listens. He listens, then goes an extra mile turning all that I hoped and dreamed of into a beautiful reality, always blessing me beyond my own imagination.

Some time early this year, in a short but powerful conversation me and one of my sisters {Ate Rachelle} proclaimed God's goodness and said "God's gonna do big things year. For you, for me, and for all of us."

And because God never lets me down, and heard our hearts cry that night ... He showed up, and has since been doing big things for all of us. There are not enough letters on this keyboard for me to use to explain just how good God has been, and it would be nearly impossible to share every "big" thing God has done for me, and for the people I love this year without writing an entry the length of an entire Harry Potter book, and still the year is not over.

If you want to see for yourself just how good God's been to me check here or here ... because all of it was not accomplished on my own, only with God am I able to any of these things. And to be frank, I honestly don't think I deserve such favor, but that's why they call it amazing grace right?

The wonder of Your love
Will break the chains that bind us
The power of Your touch
Releases us to worship

Sing out to God Sing hallelujah
With all we are. We will worship You
Holy is Your Name. Holy is Your Name
Oh God

Dahil Sa Iyo

Romanced in tagalog by the best.

Love.

Vintage Beauties

Just a thought. These would be absolutely lovely in a wedding.

 

yellow gown  

 40's  Philadelpia gown 

  1940 wiggle gown

50's Aqua Dress

One.Year.

Woot Woot!!

This month marks my one year at Lady Foot Locker, a whole year since my first sale.

 I've gone through 3 different sets managers, about 6 pairs of new shoes for myself {heaven knows how many more shoe's I've bought for friends and the fam}, and a whole lot of sales.

Who knew I'd be good at retail? ... Surely not I.

Praise God for shoes, and for having a job {one of many}.

Now, how shall we celebrate?

Reminds me of my internship

Coz I feel like dancing knowing I don't have work today!!! Woot!

2.5 You & I

The last two & a half years has been nothing but amazing. 

This guy is my heart.

The Keiko Lynn

Mod Cloth + Keiko Lynn = The Perfect Dress

I haven't been blogging about inspiration, fashion, other blogs, or anything else for that matter but this definitely deserves it's own post. I've been following Keiko Lynn's blog since ... last year I think. And without fail I always leave her blog feeling inspired. Her outfits are just to tooo cute, and she really thinks outside of the box. Mod Cloth on the other hand, it's been about a 2 year infatuation for me. There is nothing but amazing products in their store and alot of my key winter pieces were inspired from their stuff. Now this dress ... mama mia .. it is divine! I've been wearing alot of blue dresses lately and how lovely would it be to add this to the collection? GORGE!

Best summer ever

I.am.horrible.at.blogging.here. ... when it's been the best summer ever. It hasn't be a perfect summer, nor have I had enough down time to enjoy the sunrays and actually stay tan, but it's been the best fohsho! I'm gonna go ahead and actually not use pictures for the first time in a long time {I'm surrounded by pictures all the time now a days ... it's refreshing just to use text for once}.

I don't know where time has gone. Did someone put me in a time machine and set it for August 25? Not that this particular date has any importance to me {besides a senior portrait photoshoot}. I just don't know where the entire months of June, July and August have gone. It feels like August just arrived, but sooner than we know September will be taking it's place.

June seemed so long ago, but I faintly remember waiting with anticipation for my summer adventures to begin, my cousin & her bff's arrival from London, a dream internship with Kristen Leigh, summer dates with my Timothy dearest, and a VA Beach family vacation in our favorite little beach house. And now all of them are gone.

I've been stretched much further than I'm use to all summer long and have even missed out on things I now realized I've taken for granted. It's like there's been no such thing as comfort zone for me this summer, but I wouldn't have it any other way. Praise God for crazy busy summer, and for His grace so amazing.

Here are a few things that have made
this summer the Best Summer Ever!

-A wet & rainy June brought Perrrrfect weather for July
-Best Friend Emem graduated from college & Became a Cru. Intern
-my cousin Travis John graduated highschool
-Baby Adrianna's Birth Day!!!
-amazing photography internship with Kristen Leigh
-double dates that could kick your butt they were soo good
-UP!
-Lunch dates with my highschool girlfriends {after a few long years apart}
-Road trip/best wedding date ever with Tim
-Lychee & Peaches Frozen Yogurt
-Breakfast with The Makepeace brothers & Hope,
then an intimate evening show that knocked my socks off.
-Listography night in DC with my favorite group of girls in the world
-Random trip to Six Flags
-Random summer dates with Timothy dearest
-My cousin Cristi & 'honorary cousin' Mahatma's vacation in the States.
-Family Vacation with all the cousins at VA beach
-A broken camera = reason for a new camera. New camera.
-A magazine feature in the Philippines for September Issue of Gaget
{more info. laters}
-Filling up my 2010 wedding season with weddings


......... the list can go on ...........

OOhh summer how I love thee.

Read.Set.... WEEKEND!!!

I won't lie, this song makes me giddy and all bubbly inside. Who doesn't love HSM3? Seriously!!! Thinking about the beach makes me feel the exact same way. I've been so overwhelmed lately, taking this vacation with mi familia is just what I need. Hello weekend & hello beach ... I've been waiting for you.

Praise the Lord for Family vacations!!!

Date with Elijah

My life has been insanely busy, though looking at my blog there is nothing here to show for it. Awhile back I got to spend so much time with my Godson. Morning rides to work holding his hand, and coming home to play with him were my favorite parts of the day. He's getting so big fast and his dance moves keep getting better and better.

Did I mention his faces are THEE best!

I also got to spend tons of time with Mama Javee. I love her soo much.

And beautiful Auntie Lily!

After lunch we took a stroll and Elijah was soo elated to find fountains to play in.


And of course Elijah just had to dance!

Mama and Elijah were not the only ones who got wet.. hehe.

It was such a good day, it was hard to part ways with the awesome fountains, but Elijah had his fill we headed home.

Later that day took a little Thrift Store visit to a shop my best friend found, and knew I'd love.

And ... it was adorable.

I loved everything about it and the decor was just gorg!

Happy to say, I got myself a awesome pair of diamond studs for $5, though we don't know if they are real or fake .. but either way they are lovely and I never take them off!

I love spending time with Elijah and my girlfriends. PTL for great company.

Love love love

Sooo good.

My Friends

Besides building my photography business and portfolio, my internship introduced me to 2 upcoming and amazing photographers, and gave me 3 new friends. Read more about them here.



Julia Mary from Minnesota.



Jessica Shae from Texas.






Kristen - super amazing - Leigh







These girls are all soo beautiful, hilarious and amazing photographers.
PTL for new friends.

Dancing with Elijah

I love my godson to pieces! Me and him played almost every day last week and every night danced our butts off! He's the one who held my hand on the way to my first day of my internship, and he's the one I got to celebrate with after my awesome week was over. Ok so Mama Jv and Auntie Lily were even more amazing for taking care of me all week {they even packing me lunches}, so thank you thank you thank you again girls! You are the best!

Amazing internship!!

I still can't believe my internship is now over and done. But I could not have been more blessed by the group of girls I got to work with and of course the awesome Kristen Leigh who took us under her wings for a week. There's so much to share but most of that will be posted up on my new blog: Ica Images go check it out, and leave some love what you're at it. Hope this silly little dance brighten's your day, and it was only a sliver of the fun that we had all week!

Please go check out the other interns, they are
amazing, beautiful and super super talented!
Jessica Shae
Julia Mary

Big News!!!

It's already Saturday and my week of interning with the fabulous Kristen Leigh has already ended. But I'm sure this is only the beginning to a amazing journey.

My new blog is official up, and I'll be updated about my internship and all my photography stuff on there. And no, don't worry .. I don't plan on closing off this blog any time soon, it'll just contain more personal stuff and inspiration {as originally intended}. So stick around, or head on over to my new blog, which ever you do thanks for stopping by and I heart you!!!

Amazing internship ... and only half way through.

This week is only half way over and

I feel like I've learned so so much already.

Not only have I learned sooo much about the business aspect of photography, my photography is definitely looking better too {I took this shot on our first night while on a shoot, this couple was too adorable}. Watching Kristen at work & and picking at her oh so wonderful brain has been nothing but amazing. As for the other interns, they are just super sweet and super super talented. I can't wait to start another wonderful day with them, and even spend the night at Kristen's. {Plus, her family rocks!} There's soo much more to be shared but that my dear friend is on its way! Happy Wednesday to you!

-The Filippino Intern .. hehe