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.

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.

I heart Shannon Curtis.

A little less than a year ago at a Ernie Halter show I made a new friend and fell love with her amazing songs and lyrics. Shannon Curtis is not only super talented but she is such a super sweetheart as well. It's not wonder her songs are so lovely, because Shannon Curtis is simply just that, lovely.

In less than a week's time, July 14th to be exact, Shannan's new EP "Why Don't You Stay?" will be released on Shannon's own Saint Cloud Records label ... and I could not be more excited for her. Her new EP, "Why Don't You Stay?," was produced by Charlie Peacock {Switchfoot, Sixpence None the Richer, Amy Grant}, and mixed by Joe Zook {One Republic, Modest Mouse, Katy Perry}. But that's not all the exciting news that's going on with Shannon this Summer.

Shannon is again packing up her little Jetta and touring this summer. So you ... YES YOU ... you better go out and catch one of her shows!!! She's even more lovely live, and if you see her give her a hug for me and tell her its from Ica!

I'm sad to say I'll be missing her one and only VA show this summer, but I'm spreading the news and hope some of you come out to see her. I'm certain you too will fall in love with her awesome music. Her songs are as sweet and gentle as forehead kisses, and who doesn't love a forehead kiss? Hehe.

Shannon, you are awesome!

Best wishes this summer!

-Ica: Rini & Faith

Buy, listen, read or watch

more Shannon Curtis

Topi

Early this morning my favorite green eyed Mexican in the whole world hopped on a plane to make her big move to Mexico. A lot of the last two weeks have been spend saying our goodbyes and reminiscing about both high school and middle school memories. I'm going to miss her like crazy.

I took this shot of her the other day, in her beautiful back yard, and in her own beautiful handmade creation. She is a fashion graduate and man ooh man is she good. She puts my dress making skills, or lack there of, to shame.

This Silk gown is only one of many of a fabulous creations. Here entire senior collection is to die for. I know exactly who is making my wedding gown :) hehehe.. anyways .. I'm serious gonna miss this girl.

Her and her freaking beautiful smile!

Hugs and kisses my dear! {Ps. Your dresses are amazing ..

I was about to steal it and bring it home with me!}

I'm going to miss my Topi!

Till I either visit Mexico City, or till she comes home to visit ..

I'll miss her terribly.

He Did it!

So, remember this guy, my awesome brother in Brooklyn?

Well, not only has he finished and graduated from his acting program from The NY Film Academy {a huge accomplishment itself}. Enrique also recently got accepted into a theater company there in NY!!! I could not be more proud of him and all that he's done. I'm so blessed call him my brother and friend and pray that the Lord continues to grow him and bless him richly.

To be frank, all Enrique's accomplishments are really my doing. Bwahaha. NOT! I'm totally kidding!!! But I do like to think I did helped him in a few little ways, being his sister and all. Besides prayer, encouragment and lots of love, one of the ways were taking his headshots for him. I'm pretty sure I didn't share to many shots of just him because I went crazy documenting my visit instead, but here was the winning shot. This picture above is the shot was what he used for his audition, and I'm thrilled and honored that along with his amazing acting skills and my photo of him .. Enrique got the job!

I miss you Enrique! And I could not be more happy for you and proud. Thank you for letting me apart of all of this, and for your awesome phone call just to say thanks for being there for you. You are truly awesome. And when you get big and famous one day .. you better NOT for about me k! Love you brother!

Day at the Carnival

Soo much has gone down in a week's time, More parties, and BBQ's and memories it will be awhile till I get caught up in sharing about all of the memories, but here's a recollection of last week's amazing Monday. Hope you all enjoyed your 4th of July weekend and happy Monday to you!!!!

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The best way to start the week is to go to the carnival.

Monday morning came around, and I worked on orders as usual. Then a knock at the door came a little bit after lunch. It was one of our favorite families, ready to have an adventure of a monday.

From a distance you could see the ferris wheel,

.. and the pretty lights

Then we finally entered.

For the day we had Gabby, Tim-Tim and little Ms. Mariah {+ pregos} to have fun and run around with. It was quite a fun and silly day.

We watched rides go up and down.

And met giants.

And even touched the sky. Well, almost.

We rode lots of rides ...

We rode them more than once.

{click on image to enlarge}

Sister dearest took a ride on the ferris wheel with fearless and ever sooo adorable Mariah.

As I took a ride with the not so fearless "kuya" Tim-tim.

The higher we got, the harder Tim-Tim squeezed my hand. But even at the top of the big ole wheel we were both all smiles!!! I love this boy.

Twas a lovely day to just hang with the people who make me smile.

Why so serious sister?

Kidding!

After a great time riding rides, it was time to eat.

Funnel cake, and cotton candy ... and deep fried oreos.

Of course you can't go out a drink while snacking on sweets so we all shared the greatest cup of homemade lemonade ever!!! No lie. They loved it as much as I did.

After a plethora of sugary goods the kids were unstoppable. hehe

Mama pregos over there had to do a little yelling

to get Mariah to calm down a little. LOL.

To much sugar could not be good for a bunch of kiddies, but totally appropriate for a day at the Carnival. We wore them down with a quick visit to the playground on the way back to the car so that the parents would have sleeping children all night. What a day with the kiddies, possibly my favorite day at any carnival thus far. I love summer days like this. PTL for carnivals.