i n • p u r s u i t

When I started So Much Pretty, I was hoping that it would encourage me to dress more creatively. And by that I mean, pushing my boundaries and dressing outside of my comfort zone. Today, I did just that. The dress and boots are brand new purchases. The dress isn't my style. It's got that elastic-y, scrunch-y waist ( not my style) and a pattern that I might not have normally gone for. But....it also had Hello Kitty all over it. And it was on clearance for $10.48. Um, yes please!  These boots are not  my style. I have never even wanted anything but calf length books. And pretty  calf length boots. So why am I all of a sudden trying on black combat boots that aren't even on sale? I don't know. I even wore the boots out once, walking gently with the tags tucked in, because I wasn't sure I'd want to keep them. But one wear had me convinced. I love  these boots! I've worn them three days in a row. First day, I wore them just under jeans, jus...

[ source ] The Shutterbuds are a local group of photographer girlfriends and last night, I invited everyone over to my place. Bring an appetizer or a drink, I had said. And boy, did they every. Lots of yummy foods: gourmet cheeses, homemade salsa, smoked salmon crostini, and delicious cheesecakes! All the between bites of food, we chatted about everything from photography to boob jobs to where we go to church.   Yes, sometimes you just need to hang out with a bunch of girlfriends. :)

[ source ] Mike is away from home and it's the longest we've been apart since getting married. And, I'm so thankful for technology and the ability to chat on Facebook or to do a Google hangout in the evenings. It almost  makes it feel like he's not away.

Happy Halloween! I helped the kids pick out pumpkins today and I grabbed one of my own. I haven't carved a pumpkin since I was a kid, but hey, why not? I want to be able to display it for more than just tonight, so I did a sugar skull because tomorrow is the Day of the Dead. It was really hard and took me a couple hours...but isn't it so cool? Other Halloween happenings: Bella running around dressed like a bumble bee Luminaries to attract trick-or-treaters (got about eight) Listening to Halloween Party Radio on Pandora

Most original costume idea ever. Asian (well, half-asian) girl dresses as Hello Kitty for Halloween. ^_^ Hello Bella is less than thrilled. Oh, and just for the record, the above photo is my face AFTER some serious dancing! What? My first time using Revlon ColorStay and I think I'm in love. Other face makeup: ELF Mineral Infused Primer, ELF HD powder, ELF Mist & Set. What can I say? I really wanted my makeup to stay put! This is my face before dancing. Looks about the same except my whiskers aren't smudged. My face wasn't that white. It's just the flash reflecting off the makeup. My costume consisted of: Hello Kitty headband from Hot Topic ($9.50 but I got it half off) Taylor Swift for L.E.I. dress. (A gift from Mary who found it at Goodwill.) White longsleeve GAP favorite tee (These really are my favorite tees. I have six in different styles.) White patterned tights Ked lookalikes from Target. (These are my dancing shoes.) ...

In the past month, this is how people have found my blog: Okay, most of them make sense. Everyone is OBSESSED with the Giraffe Cam (1&4). Makeup & clothes are always big hits (3, 5, 7 & 8).  Count it all joy is a popular phrase (2). I have no idea who on Earth does a Google search for "seagulls pooping." But, it turns out that, if you do, you'll find this image: As for the cats? I don't get that and couldn't even attempt to explain it! 

Woohoo! Guess who got the Influenster Beauty Blogger VoxBox ! I was super excited to be picked for a second VoxBox from Influenster . And, actually, I'm pretty thrilled about everything that came in the box! I did a first impressions video just to show you what was inside. Some other recipients got a few things that I didn't get, but I can't complain! Influenster  does not pay me to leave reviews. I do not pay them to get a box of goodies. Here's how it works, they give you free stuff; you tell them how you like the free stuff. I have FIVE invites to Influenster , so if you are interested in your own VoxBox leave a comment!  p.s. More in depth reviews to come!

[ source ] So, I was thinking just now that I know I need a blog post that is more than some silly picture or a cute pair of earrings I saw at a craft fair. But there is so much to say and, at the same time, nothing at all to say. Business has been good. God has seriously been blessing our businesses. Supergreen much more so than Tiffany Anne Photography, but since Mike is the breadwinner, I'm okay with that. Last year, I did two weddings as the primary (FREE) photographer and had three (paid) second shootings jobs. So far this year, I've got 17 that I've done or will do here in the next few weeks (8 primary, 8 second photographer, 1 photographer's assistant). That's a big leap from last year and I'm thrilled and grateful. I'm also seriously addicted to learning. I've got a two-inch binder that is chock full of "books" that I've purchased online (you get a PDF that you have to print off). The books are spendy, but so worth it. I...

Oh, also, be expecting more of this. I was just approved for the Influenster Beauty Blogger VoxBox. (YAY!) So, I'll be posted a lot about that when it comes it. I'm sure I will be posting something of substance soon. :)