a thank you note a day

Being someone who is an enthusiast, it's no surprise that most of my google hits were [almost anything] related to photography. That made it possible to have a [growing] list of photographers/huge crushes photography blogs that I enjoy [A LOT]. However, lately, I have been spending the same amount online stalking appreciating writers. Or just about any blog whose writing I find intellectually entertaining.

With that being said, I decided to feature 'writing' blogs, as an addition to the usual stuff I do, i.e. to feature photography blogs. These will be those who will make it to my daily reads, those who I will feel deep love and share connection with.

Here's to my commitment to write two posts a day: one to feature a photographer, and another to feature a writer. Because...
It's unfair not to share these geniuses to the world. Or this virtual world, at least.

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THXTHXTHX: A thank you note a day

From the blog:

"There’s always something to be thankful for. From the important things like Songs You’re Embarrassed to Like, and Heavy Eyelids that Tell You When You Need to Sleep, to friends and family, love and loneliness, light and darkness, Leah Dieterich sets out to acknowledge them all. thxthxthx is her daily exercise in gratitude.

Leah is currently a creative director and writer at an advertising agency, and her work has been featured in Archive, the One Show, the Effies and more. Her short film Prioritaire, about a series of confessional letters that form a relationship of sorts, was an official selection at the AFI Dallas Film Festival among others. She is proud to have a story in the new book Cassette From my Ex: Stories and Soundtracks of Lost Loves, which was published in Oct 2009 by St. Martin’s Press. She lives and works in Los Angeles."

Isn't it a relief to say thank you to someone [or even something] you feel like you owe [even the tiniest bit of] your everyday to? That they, in their own way, have helped you survive life? Have told you to 'keep calm and carry on'?

THXTHXTHX is all about that, and more. It shares to the world the joy of being grateful. It has this certain warmth that will make you smile, despite the bad day you are [hopefully not] having. Leah's thank you notes will make you stop and take note of and be appreciative of the little joys in life. Like what it did to me. To this cup of coffee, in particular.

heather españa and her woodland creatures

Picking out from different (whimsical) themes¹, surprisingly woodland has stuck to me like gum. [Bec I can't stop thinking about it] I had spent a good five days with Google, Pinterest, and HWTM. And somewhere between these geniuses, I got directed to this.

Heather España is an insanely talented photographer from Portland, Oregon, who shoots with delight and imagination. She brings out the essence of people, and puts so much joy and warmth in their pictures. One can be a photographer with hard work and cameras, but... To be the photographer that she is, it takes a lot deeper than that. She makes it seem natural, thanks to this God-given gift.

Her portfolio is beyond amazing, but what got me was her Woodland Creatures photo shoot. This series got good looking models, insane make-up, and a great crew and set; but Heather, being 'Heather', made it look even more out of this world. The shoot was whimsical, like living in a fantasy; truly a dream come true. All photos seemed impossibly alive and just... surreal. I felt the magic in this series, and hopefully it will bring the same effect to you.

So here goes the magic that is Heather España.






















Also, the crew of awesomely talented human beings, that made this photo shoot possible.

Art Director: Rachel Morell
Assistant Art Director: Jordan Shreeve
Photographer: Heather España
Production Assistants: Andrew Watson, Stephanie Grosse
Wardrobe Design by: Rachel Morell
Prop Creation & Styling by: Rachel Morell, Heather España, Bob Dexter, and Andrew Watson
Model: Sadie Olson [Deer], Krista Ray [Rabbit], Kaela Tanner [Fox]
Make-up: Rachel Morell [Deer], Andrew Watson [Rabbit], Stephanie Grosse [Fox]

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¹ Planning the Christening of Elle was such fun. Though I got no normal sleep during those months, it was still worth it in the end. But now that that's done, it doesn't mean that's the last of planning for this party mom. With Elle being 4 months old young, I am starting to plan her first birthday as early as now, to get and enjoy eight months of prep. (Yay!)

shabby chic food label printables (FREE)

the Christening of Kayla Chayylielle: a shabby chic celebration

These we used as food labels for our drinks and dessert table.









//Loving these? Hit my mail♥

ALSO!!! TO ALL MOMS OUT THERE, I'm selling:

1. flower crowns as a set for only PHP300. My daughter and I were wearing matching crowns of peach roses that day.
2. materials for "MAKE A HEADBAND" station for only PHP500. All these are included: elastics, fabric flowers, lace, and other stuff, along with Crown Bond, glue gun, and glue stick!
3. my daughter's Christening gowns for PHP800 each.
4. photobooth props for only PHP200.
5. blue checkered cloth, pink tulle, and blue denim cloth with gold glitters for only PHP150. Perfect for bow ties!

Truth Thursday: I See You

1. You blurted it out. It was something about work. Something happened. And this time, you just, you exhaled it with... I can't really tell. Was that fear? I answered seconds after hearing you. Which is not normal. Not for me, at least. I have always regarded myself as someone who overreacts. But not this time.

I saw you. Your face, your reaction. Your eyes were straight to where we're headed. You smiled very weakly. You told me what happened but you weren't just telling a story. You were feeling it. It affected you. Not in a good way.

I saw you. You wanted me to say something. I did nothing.

2. He exhaled. He was thinking about everything. I knew it. It was in his nature. To stress himself and think up to tiny bit of everything. I hated that part of him. I wished he care less for people. It was too much for his own good. He's not young anymore. Truth is, he's been under the weather lately. His doctor [not a good one, but is who he can afford] told him it was arthritis. Then, diabetes. We fear that there is more, if not worse.

I saw him. He sacrificed huge for all of us. He gave his whole life and being. Everything. It made him weak. He was barely holding on. I think, to my promise, the most.

I saw him. Old and weak. I had closed my eyes.

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Written for Truth Thursdays.
* Two [someone]s. One story. Them I love most. Them I disappoint, constantly.

the Christening of Kayla Chayylielle, a.k.a Elle Belle

| Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss it, you will land among the stars.

I prepped an event for the Belle; one that is worthy of Pinterest repins.
I was so ready to submit and get featured in Hostess with the Mostess and Baby and Breakfast. I doubt that now.
It was a good event. It shoulda been great. Perfect.
I aimed for the moon. We had stars that day.

Don't get me wrong, I was disappointed but I still love it.
Bec I we had put so much effort. (we spent 7 months prepping and stuff)
Bec of the many DIY stuff I did for the event. (I made flower crowns and bow ties and a 'Make a Headband' station, and a lot of other nice little things)
Bec we had 5 cakes and a lot of cupcakes, and sugar cookies (which are leftovers from the party).
Bec oreo cheesecake cupcake is still the best! (which is one of the best moments of that day)
AND! Bec of this amazing photographer we had that day. (to prove that, here is a sneak peek)



More in the next posts.