France Photography [j'adore paris]

In late 2004, I went on one of the most wonderful trips of my life. I went to Europe! I just bought my new Canon DSLR and I was giddy with excitement. Growing up in a small town, I only dreamt of traveling to far off places, but never imagined it would actually come true. I was lucky enough to find a man who has the same desire of traveling as I do. And so, we set off on our 2-week journey with some family and friends and had the time of our lives.

On the first leg of our trip, we explored Paris, the city of lights. This was during Christmas so there was an abundance of beautiful lights and decor surrounding the city. It was breathtaking.

Just a little background info, I studied French for 3 years and felt pretty confident that I could converse with the locals. Much to my dismay, I struggled trying to communicate with the parisians.. Some of them just laughed and spoke English to help me out. Was it that obvious that I am American? LOL.

Lately, I've had a lot of time for reflection and thought it would be fun to share some (a lot!) of images from our time in Paris. More images to come from our next stop in Rome!





Right below this bridge is where Princess Diana was killed :(



There's nothing like seeing the Eiffel Tower lit up at night.



Arc de Triomphe.













Inside the Louvre, they were really strict with their no camera policy while viewing the famous Mona Lisa, but I just couldn't resist. If you squint your eyes, you can see the painting in the background.







The Notre Dame cathedral was was so beautiful and a little eerie with all of the gargoyles hanging from above.







The image above is the inside of a McDonald's restaurant right near our hotel. I didn't see any greasy fries or burgers here. It was unlike any fast food restaurant.



The view from the top of the Eiffel Tower was gorgeous...and COLD!



And a few of John and I.

Daisy

New Children's Museum Photography [Childsplay]

04.04.09

I love being surprised.

I am not a morning person. In fact, I can be very cranky at times. So, when my sister calls me early yesterday morning to invite me to the New Children's Museum in San Diego, I kind of brush it aside, cut the conversation short and quickly fall back into slumber. After I was fully awake, I checked out the museum online and was actually excited about going. I usually make the same rounds of playgrounds, play rooms, bookstores etc. with Sophia, which can quickly become redundant and boring, so I was eager for a change.

As soon as we entered the museum, I was blown away by the magnitude, uniqueness and creativity that this place exuded. This museum was total eye candy and we had so much FUN! I highly recommend you bring your little kiddie(s) here for something a little different...







I can't believe Christian's already 10 months old! He is the sweetest little boy and I love his smile :)













Sophia's best friend, Emma, came along too!













There are like 20 rooms, all with quirky, cool little themes. This particular room casted shadows and silhouettes against the walls. It was fun playing with light.



I think my sister had a little too much fun.











The wall climbing / graffiti room.



I think I had almost as much fun as the kids. We will definitely be back to do more exploring.

Daisy

"Living within your means"

I learned this phrase early on in life. My single mother raised the four of us kids in a dinky apartment. I was taught to spend only what I could afford, which was next to nothing - hence why I'm so frugal to this day. Although we grew up with scarce money, we leaned on each other, our family, for love and support. I feel that family is the most important thing. My life is rich because of them.

I really believe that growing up in the environment that I did has kept me grounded and allowed me to be grateful for what I have. Every now and then I have to check myself and ask "am I living within my means?"

Last year around this time, John graduated law school. So, we decided to move to L.A. for four months so that he could train at a law firm. Instead of renting a short-term apartment, we bought a 30-year-old camper that fit perfectly on his 8-foot-bed truck. Although it was old as dirt, it was comfy and quaint. It was our home away from home. We slept, cooked, ate, watched movies and laughed inside our camper. We were essentially camping out in L.A. and although it wasn't always convenient, it was ours. It doesn't matter what your living situation is, if you have good family and friends by your side, you can make it through anything.

After the four months were up, we intended on selling the camper to an older married couple in Ramona. We learned that they owned a camper almost exactly like ours, but had lost it tragically in the notorious San Diego Wild Fires. John, out of the goodness of his heart, gave the camper to them for free. My heart just melted and I realized once again how fortunate I am to have in my life. Sometimes we don't necessarily benefit from our good deeds, but the happiness instilled in those received are far greater than any monetary gain.

Our beloved camper . . .











Daisy

Discover

I love walking, discovering, learning about the new and appreciating the old and not forgotten.







Daisy

PHO

A few weeks ago, I was introduced to this wonderful Vietnamese restaurant. They have the most delicious bowl of Pho and I can't get enough of it.

Here's what I order every time.





If anyone is up for a nice chat and a bowl of Pho, I'm your girl!

Daisy

seven months

I can't believe how fast time is flying. I feel like it was only yesterday that I found out I was expecting.

She's growing so much. I can't wait to meet her.

Here's a little "self-portrait / self-timer" impromptu session I had. Big thanks to my photog friend Lynnette Coalson for inspiring these images. She is expecting a little boy next month and I couldn't be more excited for her :)







Daisy